The Chapel of Corpses
I couldn't help but smile and hum a tune to myself as I worked out in the garden on such a lovely day. The sun was at its peak, and the younger children ran and played their games, while some found a soft patch of grass to lie on and point out what certain clouds looked like. Many of the younger ones look up to me as their sort of 'older brother' as I am the youngest of the clerics in this small, peaceful town. A few weeks ago, I would be considered a member of their childish ranks, but I just gave my oath and am now a fully fledged cleric, though I have yet to do any priestly duties... The town where our temple is located is very small, and nothing ever happens around here. That is, until the frantic knocking of the large front door shattered my sense of peace. I stood up from my hunched position over the flower garden and wiping the sweat from my brow with my sleeve, I could see a man almost collapse onto the stone temple floor, as some of the elder clerics aided him to a seat as another fetched some water for the weary man. Many of the children peeked in from the open door on the side of the building, myself included. Force of habit I suppose, I was still getting used to the fact that I was at the same rank of the men in the room. “
Brother Jure!” One of the men shouted at me as he must have seen the glare off my recently shaven head. “
Y-Yes brother?” I stammered embarrassingly as I popped out from my hiding place. I stood at attention as I waited to be scolded, I was the type of person who was unable to hide their feelings by facial expressions. They could tell I felt bad about eavesdropping and was horribly embarrassed. At the young age of 17, I was the youngest cleric to be appointed, I was never quite sure why, nothing about me was special. Very common look, I wasnt large, or stong, or very good with words like many of the other brothers. When it came to any sort of interaction, my intentions were always transparent, and I always wanted to to my best to help, even if I were too weak or lacked the proper words. “
Come here at once, this man has a message for all the clerics.” He boldly stated, and turned his attention to the weary man. As I made my way over, I couldn't help but notice the state of the man, clearly exhausted, full of fear, also the fact that he was a cleric from a distant village who wore a messenger badge on his shoulder.
It took for what seemed to be hours for the man to finish drinking the water a fellow brother gave him, he must have been on the road for a while. “
Something... There's... You have to...” He began, still clearly distraut, face pace and soaked in sweat. “
Take deep breaths,” Father Baour said to him, “
Just be calm, what do you need from us?” he continued in a soothing tone, placing an understanding hand on the mans shoulder. After a few deep breaths, he finally seemed to have exited the state of hyperventilation. Taking one more deep breath he looked up, eyes full of dread at the father. “
There is something...” He began, not sure what to say, “
Something... Strange happening, our people believe it to be of an evil nature.” Father Baour looked intently, and simply nodded to show his support and belief in the man, giving him time to collect his thoughts. “
I am from the temple in the village of Erast, and as of late... Strange occurrences have been happening. Only when we were sure, they sent me, but we need to hurry!” Shouted the man, clearly overflowing with dread as his pale face drew ever closer to Father Barour, grabbing his collar and pulling him closer. “
Slow down son, there is time, Erast is only a weeks travel away, please tell us what sort of occurrences you have seen.” Father Baour insisted as he rested his hands on the mans who grip loosed and hands fell, supported by the Fathers. “
Well...” The messenger began, “
It started with our animals, you know, like chickens and goats. We found them one morning all dead, couldn't tell why... But then during some nightly services, we heard strange sounds from outside the temple, first like a wolf or something, but then it began to sound as if there was tapping on the glass windows, or scratching along the walls. Sometimes we even noticed some person staring blindly out the window and simply walk outside, without saying a word... As if they were under some spell or something... Its been days, and they haven't come back.” The clerics all looked at each-other, as if to put together a puzzle with a few missing pieces. “
The father is missing!” The messenger shouted at the clerics, startling them all, “
Hes been missing for almost a month!” Suddenly beginning to chuckle, in a slight hysterical sort of way, “
But me... I've seen him... Nobody believes me, but I see him some evenings, along the trees, looking over at me with his head turn a little...” The messenger tilted his head slightly sideways, as if to mimic the motion he was describing and began to laugh again, “
Ive even seen him late at night, walking along the town only to enter a house, and simply leave a few moments later, followed by whoever it was he visited...” Father Baours calm face suddenly became more stern and serious. “
These events,” he began, hand still resting on the mans shoulder as he sit in the pew, body shaking suppressed laughter, “
Began with the disappearance of your head father... Answer me this...” He asked the man, who raised his shaking head and looked deep into the eyes of our seemingly worried father, “
Do these things happen only at night?” The frightened man frantically nodded, holding a clutched fist up to his mouth, suppressing more insane laughter, sweat falling from his face and hair. “
He... One night... I saw him rip the arm off a man, as easily as if it were made of straw.” He said as his laughter erupted and became more and more insane. Father Baour stood up. “
Children!” He shouted to the children of the temple. The small clip clop of sandals on granite floor could be heard as the younger ones came to his call. “
Give this man a meal and prepare a bed for him, he is weary from his travel and deserves a safe place to rest his head.” Then turning to the man he said, “
Do not worry my son, everything will be okay, we can take care of this for you. Rest easy my friend.” The man began to laugh harder as he was lead away by the children who tug at his overcoat, “
Safe?” He said, laughter sounding more like that of a madman as he was taken into the dining hall, “
No place is safe! We're All going to die!” his ramblings continued as his voice traveled into the distance. The Father nodded at two of the clerics motioning for them to follow the man, whereas not to scare the children. The bowed and made haste to the frantic messengers location. I was confused as to why I wasn't asked to go, but there I stood, with Father Baour and five other of the older clerics. He then nodded to brother Joseph, who was always intimidating to me as a child, due the large scar on the top of his head which gave his small rounded area of hair toward the back of his head followed by braided ponytail a silly looking hairline. He also had very muscular body almost as if bread for battle, like many of the stories I have heard of warriors. He was not born in the same land as made apparent by his darker skin, and more almond shaped eyes. He always had a bit of a scowl, I dont think he meant it, some people are just cursed with a resting face that looks angry, he was a good man who worked very hard keeping things running around the temple. Father Baour gave a simple nod to brother Gabriel as well, who hardly ever spoke and was often sent out of the church on tasks nobody was informed about. Gabriel was a very average sized man with fair, soft looking light colored hair that was slightly long, able to cover his eyes when not properly kept. He rarely removed his hands from the sleeves of his coat, in fact the only time I ever saw his hands was when I was reaching for a sack of flour in the pantry on the top shelf and the shelf I had climbed upon broke beneath my feet. I didnt even know he was there, I simply opened my eyes after the tumble to see my head caught by his boot, inches from the ground, broken shelf held up in one hand, and sack of flour in the other. It was a feat that amazes me to this day, and he simply shook his head as a sign 'not to worry about it.' The two men bowed in acceptance and swiftly made way to their rooms, and then the Father turned his attention to me. “
Prepare a torch, medical supplies, as well as one of these" he said, making a motion for me to turn around. There stood brother Gabriel, with a short, thick, polished sword.
“
Im sorry, what?” I said with a blank face. Father Baour turned to face the door and slowly walked toward it. “
I realize you have never held a weapon my son,” He said as he continued to the open doorway and stood looking to the sky, “
And I pray you never have to use it.” He said turning to face me. I simply stood there, completely lost as to what was going on around me. “
I-Im sorry father, Im very confused... What is happening?” I questioned as a bag was placed on my back. Im assuming it was either Brothers Gabriel or Joseph, I was simply to confused to care at that point really. “
Im afraid the temple of Erast may be in danger, simply as a precaution, I would like the three of you to check in on them." I stood between the two imposing clerics only able to raise an eyebrow. “
Woah, now father,” I said as I stepped forward to him, “
If something is dangerous why not take Michael? Or even Zealo? Surely they are more prepared for something like this than I am, I've never even blessed a newly married couple yet” I stated nervously. “
That is exactly why you are going” Said the father, causing my hands to drop and confusion flood my mind. “
You are going with two of the most experienced clerics this temple has to offer. Worry not, they will protect you. Perhaps you will learn something about yourself along the path as well. You have more potential than you realize, my son.” Brother Joseph hastened to the doorway, long black braided ponytail bouncing behind him, looking up to the sky and fully packed for our quick journey to the town. “
We dont have long, we wont beat sundown. We need to get there with the least amount of moons possible” he stated to the father, stone-faced and slightly worried. “
Go now, Father Baour demanded, “
Those people may be in grave danger, and I worry what may happen if they are left unprotected. Quickly, prepare the horses.” As those words were spoken, brother Joseph began to jog down the road toward the barn where the horses were kept. Suddenly I felt my backpack get slightly heavier as I turned to see the handle of a sword now sticking out as brother Gabriel tightened the straps and gave me a smile, followed by a pat on the back, as he too began his jog down the road. This was too much for me to take in, I stood frozen, slowly turning to the father. I had so many questions, so many excuses to not go, but before I had a chance, he spoke. “
The reason our temple was called upon in a time of danger is because of our members.” He told me as he walked up to me, something in his hand. “
Those are two of the strongest, bravest and most fierce members we have, you'll be okay. This is a learning experience for you.” He held out his hand. In it lie a very elaborate cross, made of sold silver, and a bright gem in the middle. All I could do is look up at him, mouth agape. “
Go now, before they leave you alone in the darkness of the night that claws upon us.” There was no arguing with him about this, his decision was made, and I began to quickly back-step out the door. “
Do me a favor?” I asked quickly before I turned around to catch up to my brothers. “
Pray for me!” I shouted as I broke out in an all out sprint to catch up, I had a fear of the dark sense I was a child, and I quickly rushed to the comfort of my two brothers and friends. “
I will my son...” Father Baour said under his breath, head down in prayer, “
I pray for the safety of you all...” The suddenly weary Father turned an sat in the pew, looking outward though the open doors. The remaining brother, who had no specific tasks to perform at this moment, walked up to the father confused, “
Why did you sent that young one?” He asked, almost at a point of anger, “
You know what this is, he has no experience, I doubt he even knows what it is that he may find there!” “
Faith” The father clearly stated without turning to face the concerned cleric, who was caught off guard, anger turning to confused interest. “
I've had visions of this youth ever sense he was a child. He will be fine.” Father Baour added, turning his face, with a smile to the brother behind him, “
This is his life's purpose.”
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The leaves of the bush rustled as brother Joseph moved branches aside so we could see the small village church. It was a small building, nothing as exquisite as our temple, but the small town did its best and converted a barn into a temple many years ago, and its structure looked near the same, except with the addition of a new floor and cross atop the building. The sun had just set by time we made it to the town, not a soul in sight as we quickly made our way to the temple on the far side of town. Which made me feel slightly disappointed and afraid... I had made small iced cakes to hand out to the people of the town, but not once have I ever seen an entire town completely barren... “
No lights inside” He said to us, not turning his head as he stared intently at the small building in the distance. At that moment, he pulled back the sides of his long tan cloak revealing two large blades, which had a handle and a curved blade that followed the underside of his forearm shaped much like a letter 'f', the curve on the top being a cover for the knuckles and the handle placed rightly so. I had never seen anything like it before in all my years. He grabbed the handle of one and made a motion to brother Gabriel, who sat behind me, still not saying a word. He nodded in response and took me a few steps back away from brother Joseph. “
Light your torch and hold your weapon.” He clearly stated to me. I had never really pictured his voice sounding quite like that... Deep and authoritative, almost intimidating in tone alone. I always imagined it a bit more feminine and maybe a little mo- “
Now” he said in a harsh voice. “
Right sorry,” I said as nervously and clumsily struck the flint to light the torch as the illumination from the flame brightened up the area. I noticed that beneath brother Gabriel's cloak he had a long, coiled up whip with a bright silver blade at the end. He quickly reached down and grabbed the handle of the stubby sword and shoved it in my free hand. “
Stand between us so we can see everything and make sure you are not left alone.” Brother Joseph said in an authoritative tone as he drew his weapons and stood up slightly hunched over and began walking toward the building. Sweat began to bead down my forehead. “
Why do we all have weapons, what is going on?” I asked timidly. “
Could be nothing” Gabriel said, uncoiling his whip giving me a gentle nudge to follow Joseph, “
But could also be a vampire. Aim for the head or the heart” he continued, just as blankly as the first half of his sentence, no fear in his voice. I did as I was told and followed Joseph, Gabriel close behind, until it finally stuck me what he had said making me stop in my tracks, stand straight up like a dummy staring into the distance with a raised eyebrow,
“
Wait I'm sorry, what?”
Our small party of three began our way to the small building. Nighttime had completely fallen upon us . Our footsteps made a subtle crunching sound as we made way up the dirt road, Gabriel behind me, Joseph in front. They were both hunched down, listening intently and eyes seeming to pierce the darkness. Meanwhile, me in the middle with a torch, standing straight up, arms held close to my chest in a childish manor, quickly whipping around and looking at every small sound or motion in the trees. I was out of my element. I'm a cleric, not a hunter, I thought to myself as Joseph made his way to the large wooden doors. “
Light,” He ordered as I promptly skipped up behind him and gave him the light to see the door. What I saw, I will never forget. “
W-...What is that?...” I said, confused and trembling as my mind ran wild. “
Its blood, and thats a demonic relic symbol.” Gabriel dryly stated from behind. My eyes widened and I dropped the torch, causing me to quickly bend over to pick it up and frantically look into the darkness, fear completely overtaking me. The doors of the temple, which were very large in size, roughly fifteen to twenty feet in height, and a combined length of the same. I stepped back trembling and holding out the torch to get a better look. The light colored wood of the door was now stained with blood. It was a symbol that covered both doors, the ends were curved, much like a circle, but with a sharp turn equally on both sides, appearing to look like a letter 'M' only with the ends curved like a circle, and the pointed, lower section extending in length. As I looked closer, sweat soaking my cloak, I noticed it was applied recently as the blood was still wet and dripping, it was crudely applied. In some areas, you could see in fact that it was applied with a hand as fingers could be seen in some of the beginning and ending points. “
Would you stop that please” Gabriel said, quickly and firmly grasping my wrist which held the torch. “
There may be survivors, we need to make sure and then eliminate the damned creature” Joseph said in a hushed tone looking into the distance and sniffing at the air. At first it was to the side of the building, but as he sniffed, his nose led him to a gap in the door and he suddenly stopped. He turned to Gabriel with an intense glare, “
We're far too late.” He stated. Suddenly I heard the whip of Gabriel from behind me uncurl and snap lightly on the ground as Joseph made a few quick hopping motions and swiftly with a powerful blow, kicked open the front doors which made a horribly loud bang as well as creaking of old wooden doors, and just as before, the silence was overwhelming, leaving me and the two warriors standing in the open doorway of an empty church. Suddenly the smell caught my nose and I quickly covered it with my elbow. “
Good lord...” I said, voice quivering, “
What is that stench?” “
Corpses” Gabriel stated with his usual enthusiasm, extending out a cloth bandana to me. “
Whats this for?...” I asked as I slowly grabbed the cloth from his hand, and turning to Joseph as he had one of the same and began to tie it over his nose and mouth. “
Helps with the smell. Plus you dont want any blood getting in your mouth” He added. At this point, I just went along with whatever they instructed me to do at this point. Bandanna snugly tied on my face, I lifted the torch to get a view of the room. Unfortunately for my cowardly eyes, the temple was not as empty as we anticipated as the newly lit chapel reviled blood, body parts, and all sorts of unholy sights. These poor souls... What could have possibly done this?...
I stood in the open doorway simply taking in all of the horror of the massacre before me, where as the other two clerics braved the darkness with no trouble. There were bodies of men, women and children, body parts... Blood... Oh God have mercy on their souls I said to myself, bowing in prayer as sweat began to fall from my brow. Suddenly Gabriel appeared before me, bladed whip fully extended before and making a figure eight motion on the floor, body rocking side to side, and his fair, light colored hair was now a mess which covered his eyes. I stood frozen as I gazed at the man I once saw as a man of peace look like a monster before me. “
...G...Gabe?... Buddy?... You okay?” I stumbled over my words as the lump in my throat proved to be quite the obstacle for them. He began to rock side to side faster and faster, making a larger sweeping motion with his whip which kept raising in speed, he lifted his head slightly and our eyes locked, his piercing though to my soul. I began to step backwards out of fear when the back end of my shoe hit something. At that moment, Joseph appeared beside Gabriel. Eyes fixed on me as well, with an expression of intensity and rage.
Hang on.
If they're both there... Then who... These words echoed in my mind as I felt the being behind me breath, causing its chest to bounce off of my back. I slowly began to turn my head. As I turned, I saw one of members of the temple standing behind me, looking down towards either my rear end, or his shoes. I made a sigh of relief, and took a step forward, using my thumb to point at the man behind me, “
Hey look!” I shouted with a tone of excitement, “
Its not all bad, look he seems okay!” “
Look again...” Brother Joseph grumbled as he extended his hand and motioned for me to walk toward him. With a goofy grin still plastered on my face, I turned around to get a full view of the man, who's front was made to look like a silhouette due to the bright moonlight behind him. I raised up my torch to see the husk of what used to be a man, and out of fear I dropped my torch on the ground. The man had no left arm, his skin was pale as the moon that glistened behind him, and as he raised his head, his eyes glowed a slight orange color as he began to breath heavily, sounding like a large dog or wolf.
Suddenly he let out a loud screeching, ungodly sound and began to sprint toward me. I stumbled backwards and tripped over what was probably the man – or I should say creatures dismembered arm. As I hit the ground I could only look up in horror as the creature began its full wild sprint toward me. Suddenly, I saw a shimmer of silver shine above my head. With a harsh snapping sound, suddenly the creatures leg was taken off, causing it to stumble and fall to the ground before me, arm still reaching. Again I heard a harsh snap as something was plunged into to feral things forehead, causing it to go silent for a moment, but still moving. I followed the of the mysterious object back to its wielder, Gabriel. He had used his whip to sever the creatures leg off, and somehow threw the small blade straight into the things head. But as I saw Gabriel, I noticed that Joseph was no longer there. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw tan cloth. Joseph had lept into the air above the monster and directing his curved blade that followed along his forearm, came down with a sickening chop, severing the creatures head from its miserable body. Gabriel quickly flicked his whip, removing the blade returning it to his hand. As Joseph stood up after his most violent feat, I stammered. “
Okay what the hell, I'm sorry!” I shouted, apologizing to the lord after I cursed, “
Was that damn, I'm sorry! Thing?!” Gabriel helped me stagger to my feet. “
A thrall,” Joseph stated plainly, “
A thrall was once a human, but after being hypnotized by a vampire, or fed off slightly without killing him, becomes a puppet to the master. We do in fact have a vampire problem” “
They dont stop at one either.” Stated Gabriel from behind me. My eyes were as wide as they could humanly be and began to adjust to the darkness of the room, as I peered into the darkness of the chapel, I noticed forms begin to rise from the ground and orange piercing eyes looking toward me. I let out a small peep and simply pointed into the darkness, stepping backward, away from those creatures, those Thralls.
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With shaking hands, I dropped my short, stubby weapon and fell to my knees and began doing what a cleric does best. I began to pray. I knelled with my head down and eyes closed, sweat cascading down my bald head. As I began to pray for the lords protection, asking him to keep the beings away from me and my friends, I heard the whistle of metal cutting though the air as well as the snap of a whip and sickening chops and thumps of what I can only assume would be body parts falling to the ground as my two brothers attacked the creatures, trying to free them from their cursed bodies. I clutched the Fathers silver cross tightly as I peeked as to the events unfolding before me. It was strange, seeing these two men I grew up with leaping around and attacking so many enemies without being touched, it was almost as if they had been though this before. Very few creatures remained, and I had noticed that the torch I had dropped was now fully extinguished. It was as if sound couldn't reach my ears for a moment. I sat in thought, why could that go out? It was soaked in oil and wrapped with multiple layers of cloth... the only way it could go out is if someone put it out. Suddenly I felt my hand being opened by another. I looked down to see a hand using its index finger and thumb to delicately pick up the cross in my hand. I looked up to see the Father of this temple who had gone missing months before. I felt relieved and let out a sigh, as well as a smile as I looked up at him. He looked down at me and smiled as well, but with one unpleasant addition; his smile was inhumanly large, extending from ear to ear, each tooth now appearing as long sharpened fangs. Cross in between his fingers, he averted his gaze to the holy symbol, exhaled quickly with a smirk and flicked the object through a nearby window, with amazing strength, just within those two fingers. The shattering glass brought the attention of my to companions as they looked over to see me kneeling on the floor, with a demonic father above me, showing his teeth in malicious laughter. Joseph stood in shock and stared at the two of us, while Gabriel quickly dispatched the remaining undead puppets.
“
Good evening my sons,” the frightening father stated, as his attention was drawn to the other two more warrior like clerics apart from the two of us. “
Can I help you with something?” he playfully asked as his eyes flashed a sudden crimson red color. I sat frozen, looking up at the man as my companions walked closer to us. I lowered my head and began to crawl away, only to have sharp claws from the hand above me firmly clutch my shoulder, digging into my flesh causing me to cry out in pain. It was obvious, I was his leverage in this situation. “
It was you.” Gabriel said walking to the far right of him, along the wall, causing the father to quickly, almost with inhuman speed turn his gaze to him, it looked like a blur it was so fast. He stood hunched over like some sort of animal, and smiled still flashing his fangs, as if he thought this was all some sort of game. It was clear that he was out of his mind with power. “
The animals, the missing members. You sold your soul for the promise of eternal life.” He boldly stated, extending his whip and beginning to twirl it about on the ground, preparing to strike. The priest raised his head in a deep, cackling laughter. Even the sound of that send shivers throughout my soul. This man was no longer himself, he was a monster. “
I suppose it was a bit drastic,” He said quickly and insanely stopping his laughter and switching to a more serious tone, keeping his tight grip on my shoulder. I could feel blood begin to drip from the wound. “
I was very ill, had months to live probably. But now,” He added, hellish smile relieving itself yet again as he extended his hand, examining it and then quickly clutching it into a fist, turning to Gabriel with his head at a cocked angel. “
I have all the time in the world.” Gabriel walked ever closer, still hugging the wall, “
You forsake the Lord, You forsake the cloth, you even forsook your own people.” He said, this time with a tone of anger. This was the first time in my life, I had ever seen a spark of emotion in the man. “Y
ou will have no more time on this earth. This is the last moon you will see.” He clearly and boldly stated as the motions of his whip raised in speed. Suddenly and with no warning, the claws that had burrowed their way almost down to the bone had raised me from the ground almost effortlessly by the father, causing me to scream out in pain yet again. “
Oh come now, you dont want you little brother here to join me in that now do you?” As he spoke, he raised his other had toward my throat, touching one of his sinister claws on it and pressing lightly, but still causing blood to begin to drip. I was beside myself, sweating, in tears, I didnt know what to do. “
Do you think you're faster than me?” Gabriel confidently asked the priest, causing his smile to curl downward in confusion. “
Try it” He said again, bending and the knees and snapping his whip as it swiftly moved along the ground, blade cutting at the ground at a frightening speed. The creature laughed, “
Of course im faster than you boy,” saying as he slowly dragged his talon along my throat, beginning to cut it. My eyes widened and I looked in fear, begging for help with my eyes at Gabriel who looked almost like a monster himself. Gabriel smiled. “
Probably,” he said, “
But are you faster than him?” The creature stopped its claws movement along my neck as he tried to figure out what he meant, just then, a flash of silver severed the hand that had me suspended and separated it from it wretched master, causing me to fall to the floor, as I fell, it was as if things moved in slow motion, I saw Joseph as he dove from the darkness behind the creature, freeing me as well as its arm, and roll along the floor and leap one more time, blades extended toward the creatures chest.
I hit the ground, causing severed arm to unlock its grasp on my shoulder and my eyes to shut instinctively upon impact, as I opened my eyes again, I saw Joseph frantically swinging both blades, unable to hit the creature who moved at a bewildering speed. It was as if each time you blinked he was in a different location. Suddenly a snap was heard and blood splattered along the far wall. Gabriel had seized his moment and sliced along the creatures cheek, causing him to stop moving and stare directly at the bladed whip wielding cleric. This was a stare of malice, and pure hatred. This moment of still gave Joseph the opening he was looking for, or so he thought. As he dove for the creatures chest yet again, a blinding movement caused Joseph to be thrown into a distant pew, weapons imbedded into the wall beside him, I looked over quickly, to see if he was alright, but when I looked over toward him, he was not alone. The vampire had already moved next to him and grabbed the top of his head, picking him up with his remaining arm before us as a display. Blood began to drip from where the claws had pierced his head. Joseph gritted his teeth and tried to clutch his hands into fists, but the blow from the creature had broken his hands. Suddenly one eye opened and looked at me. “
Dont... Loo-” His words were cut short as the vampire quickly and almost effortlessly squeezed Josephs head, causing it to burst and blood splatter all along the area. I simply sat there, mind blank and eyes beginning to blur as Josephs body fell to the floor and collapsed into a heap at the feet of the creature who licked at his hand which was covered with my friends blood, now looking at me. His gaze was like nothing I had ever felt before, I knew I was about to die, just as I gave up all hope, a foot firmly placed itself before me. I followed the familiar boots up to Gabriel, who stood, bravely beginning to twirl his whip again. His cloak was removed, allowing me to finally see more of his body. His arms were wrapped in scars, and it seemed as if this continued on to his back. Perhaps he wore his cloak so often afraid of what others would think... His movements with the weapon this time changed, with blinding speed, cracking down on the creatures cheek, causing it to wince and move at ungodly speed again. This had no effect on Gabriel, who snapped his whip, tearing flesh and cloth from the evil father. I saw something drip before me from my protectors face. He was crying, he was enraged, each snap of the whip and tear of the blade inflicting more and more damage to the creature. It was obvious how much this meant to him now. The snaps and cracks raised in intensity and volume as I sat with my eyes closed. Suddenly there was silence. I opened my eyes to see the creature had grabbed the end of the whip, and showing his damned teeth again, pulled quickly, causing Gabriel to be thrown though the window behind the wreathed thing. The silence was deafening as the two of us locked eyes yet again, the crimson red of his eyes, only looked more and more like jewels from hell with the deep gashes along his body and clothes giving him a much more frightening look. “
Now I have to” He gurgled. “
With the blood of the living, it grants me their life. Your blood will heal my wounds and allow me to live, cleric.” He stated, harshly stomping at the ground as he quickly made his way to me. I clawed at the ground behind me, trying to drag myself outside without breaking eye contact when I bumped into something again. This time I knew better than to look up. “
Ah dammit” I said in exhaustion as look of disappointment covered my face. Speaking of faces, as soon as that curse escaped my lips, a harsh slap struck my cheek. “
Watch your tongue.” a voice said from above me. I looked up to see a man, dressed in a long black coat, miscellaneous buckles and pieces of metal shining from the moonlight behind him. His long white hair flowed over most of his face and over his shoulders. “
Clerics don't curse” he added with a smile, that matched that of the fathers in its ungodly, fanged appearance as his eyes flashed a deep, blood red. Oh great, there's two now.
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A demonic creature before me, and another who just appeared behind me. One of my brothers is dead, and the other is... I dont know what happened to him. I simply sat on the blood stained wood floor as my head drooped to the ground, simply overwhelmed with the circumstances that were happening. “
Get up” the voice from behind me said, voice cold, eerie, and much deeper than I assumed. My head raised, as well as my eyebrow as I slowly gazed at the large man behind me, red eyes filling me with dread. Without saying another word, he curled his lip, and gave a motion with his head and shoulders as if questioning if I understood him. Completely lost, I looked forward at the evil father, whos eyes no longer were fixated at me, instead, he was locked with the stranger behind me, and though it was dark, I noticed that his regular playful evil expression turned to that of worry, and fear. I seized the moment and scurried to my feet, clutching my shoulder and stood in front of the stranger. I still didnt know if he was going to tear me apart and share me with the father, or simply eat me himself. As my mind ran frantically trying to make sense, his large hand began to slowly extend from his black coat, his hand covered in an elaborate polished metal gauntlet, finger tips pointed into claws. My eyes widened with dread as he moved his hand toward me, and out of fear and instinct, in quickly shut my eyes. Much to my surprise, the hand that I thought would end up violently crushing my head as easily as a tomato carefully set his hand on my good shoulder, and guided me to his side, and slightly behind him. My eyes opened as I now stood behind the second creature. Unable to speak, I began to stutter I stumbled with my own thoughts. “
Its alright young man,” the white haired demon said to me “
you are safe now.” Reaching into a small pouch somewhere on his person, he extended his closed hand toward me, eyes still locked with the frightened feral father. I held open my hands beneath the large metal gloves, and as it opened, the small silver cross Father Baour had given me before I left dropped into my hands. Before I could question it, the creature inside the darkness of the decrepit chapel screeched, “
You are unwelcome in this structure!” He frantically shouted at the white haired man, who stood just outside the doorway. “
What is the dog of the church doing here anyway?" I saw his head quickly bob up and down in a small chuckle. “
You disgust me. You dare call yourself a vampire. You lost power over this structure the moment you forsook the cloth, priest. The white haired man began to walk toward the father, leaving me standing outside. I saw a glisten of sweat begin to form on his wounded face. Taking a step back in fear, the father averted his gaze once again to me, a smile crept along his face. The stranger noticed. The wicked father bolted toward me once again showing off his inhuman abilities, it would take a normal human at least thirty to forty seconds to reach me where I was, but due to his vampirism, it would only take him seconds. Oh yeah, this is going to hurt I thought to myself as I blankly stared at the blur of the creature to lunged at me. Suddenly, mere feet from my face, the metal gauntlet was seen again, this time grasping the creature by the face, stopping him mid stride causing his legs to continue moving, swinging up toward me as the stranger quickly plunged his hand which clutched the head of the creature into the ground with a crash, breaking the wooden floor under its immense power.
As the impact from this powerful smashing attack caused the ground to break, I was bounced up into the air slightly. It was clear to me now, this stranger, this... other vampire was here to help me. He protected me just now. As my shoes clopped back to the floor, I noticed now weak I was as I fell to the ground, rolling down the dirt path me and my brothers walked up only a small while ago. I shook my head and looked up into the darkness of the open doors. I saw the two creatures locked in combat that was almost too fast for me to keep up with, it was clear that this new white haired stranger was far stronger, and the father was aware of this. His movements became purely defensive, as he must have thought of possible actions. Suddenly they both vanished deeper into the chapel. I heard the splintering of wood and shattering of glass as well as the the occasional thump and crash of a body being thrown to the floor or against the wall. I saw two piercing red glowing sets of eyes darting this way and that in the darkness. Suddenly I heard he sound of impalement, as if someone was stabbed and a loud thud echoed in the darkness. One set of eyes remained and turned to face me, walking out to join me. I smiled, this white haired man was a God-send, it was the most amazing thing I had ever been able to witness. As I rose to my feet, I locked eyes with the owner of the glowing eyes, and my mouth dropped; it was the father, limping toward me. “
That... Bastard...” he began as he stumbled toward me, leaving me frozen in fear, “
They sent a tough one... Those Temple Dogs... The Gods Devil..” Spitting blood to the side of him, he walked ever closer to me. I stepped back, and the father shook his head,
“Dont even bother running, you'll just die tired.” Suddenly, he was behind me, and grabbed me by my cloak, leaving my feet to dangle as I felt his breath on my neck. I heard an excited breath as he opened his mouth behind me, I turned my head to see his mouth wide open, jaw opening far wider than any human would be able to do, causing him to look much more like that of a snake than a man. As his fangs grew ever closer to my neck I closed my eyes in prayer, and braced for death. A deep guttural laugh could be heard from the darkness of the chapel, causing the father to close his mouth sightly and look in shock as the white haired stranger walked toward us, broken wood stuck in his chest. “
You missed,” he proclaimed with a smile as he pulled out the long piece of shattered wood from his chest, throwing it into the woods beside us. He pulled it out as easily as if he were removing a sock, or something of the sort, it was as if he felt no pain. I could feel the creature that now held me tense up in shock. “
Drop the boy and accept your fate. The High Temple has allowed me the power of jury, judge, and executioner.” He raised his head, white wavy hair messily covering most of his face, save for one piercing, red eye and unholy fanged smile. Dear lord, what are these things? My thoughts were halted as a quick toss in the air followed by a firm gasp on my throat left me unable to breathe. I began to sputter and grabbed the hand had griped my throat. “
This has nothing to do with you, let me leave and you can have the boy” proclaimed the father, voice full of dread and worry, as he battered once again for an extend life. The white haired man did not slow his walk, nor acknowledge the creatures request. Suddenly the grip tightened, almost collapsing my windpipe causing a strange sputter and cough sound to burst from my mouth. “
I'll kill him!” Shouted the father as he took a step back beginning to shake with fear, “
I'll take his head clean off!” The white haired man stopped a short distance from us, gazing downward slightly so the glow of his eyes were no longer visible. “
Is your soul prepared?” he asked. The father snorted in a cocky way, “
What are you talking ab-” “
Not you asshole, the boy” he said, interrupting the father, I opened my eyes to see him look at me. I knew what he meant, there was no way to get to the creature without ending my life. I gathered my courage and looked at the man, a gave a simple nod. He vanished, and I felt my body be pierced.
After my nod, the stranger burst forward at blinding speed, spearing clawed metal hand through my stomach, and though the chest of the one who held me captive. Blood was coughed over my shoulder by the creature who held me as his grip loosened and suddenly, the arm which had impaled us both was removed, causing me to collapse to the ground, look up at the father, I saw the white haired man holding him up by his throat in front of the full moon, I couldnt see colors, they seemed to be shadows or silhouettes. “
Your time has come,” the white haired vampire stated boldly as a demonic smile creeped along his face, “
And I am The Reaper.” In one swift moment, the vampire used his second hand and grabbed the upper jaw of the beast, and pulling almost effortlessly, tore the top of the forsaken fathers head off, and throwing it back into the dead church removing him from this world as his body dangled in the clutches of white hair, it became like ash, and blew away in the slight breeze, leaving him simply looking at his now empty hand. The creature stood for a moment, and turned his attention to me. “
I am sorry I had to do that my friend,” he said turning and beginning to kneel beside me “
The only way to the creatures heart was though you. We dont have much time left to speak im afraid. Can you still feel?” he asked. I felt myself beginning to fade, but the searing pain in my stomach was still very, very real. I nodded, as I had a hard time speaking. He smiled, “
Good. Pain is your friend, pain is your ally. Pain tells you when something has gone wrong. But do you know what the best thing about pain is? It tells you that you're not dead yet.” He looked back to the church and continued, “
Those creatures you saw as you entered, those thralls. They were drained of blood without consent, dying in fear as the vampiric curse consumed their body, causing them to be much like mindless puppets to the master who created them.” he explained to me. I made a face, as if to question why he was telling me this. “
Blood offered however,” he continued as he brushed his hair aside, “
Does something very different. If you offer your blood freely to a vampire, you become one yourself. A gift or a curse, it all depends upon those who receive it.” I understood what he was asking of me. “
Do you wish to die tonight, or do you wish to continue your work for your Lord and protect those who fear what bumps in the night?” I sat for a moment looking at the moon. I saw what happened to my brothers, the two strongest, and bravest men I had ever known, and even they were powerless against this creature. I couldn't allow this to happen to others, I wish to protect those from creatures of the night. I was nothing special, just a young cleric to afraid to fight and defend his brothers; his friends. I looked at the white haired man who was now inches from my face, smiling crazily. “
You wish to protect do you?” he said, it was as if he read my mind, “
I can give you that power, do you give yourself to the night to receive this?” I looked at him, gave a slight nod. With my acceptance, the creature looked at me simply said, “
They call me Erutrec. My true name is lost to time. What is your name.” “
J-Jure” I stated bravely, choking on blood and death. “
No longer shall you feel pain young Jure, You will be a weapon unlike any other but now I'm afraid, you must die.” Suddenly he raised his head, looking up to the moon and began to open his mouth, much like the priest, his mouth opened wider, and wider, it was frightening. His sharp fangs glistened in the moonlight, and suddenly, swiftly, they bore deeply into my neck. It hurt sharply at first, but after a moment or two, I began to feel warm, and my consciousness faded, and I faded into nothingness.
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I sat up swiftly in my bed at the temple, breathing in deeply and soaked in sweat I looked around my room and covered my face in disbelief. It was a dream... everything is fine. A small chuckle was heard from my armchair across the room, “
You wish,” said the voice. I raised my head to see Erutrec sitting in the armchair in the far side of my room my room sideways, one leg over the armrest while the other went down the center. He sat with head down and arms crossed, white hair draping over his face. I felt my neck, which was bandaged. It was real, I was bitten by a vampire... “
No worries, your fellow brother Gabriel is alright, I collected him after our arrangement and brought you both back here. He is being healed as we speak.” I looked out the window, it was night time again. “
How long have I been asleep?” I asked, still looking outside. “
Two days,” I got in response, "
And dead is a more accurate representation of what you were for these past few days by the way." my cloak was tossed at me which I somehow managed to catch without even thinking. I looked at the cloth in my hand and then looked up the the white haired vampire known as Erutrec who now stood in front of my doorway, arms still crossed. “
Come my friend, the night is young,” he stated with a flashing red gaze and demonicly fanged smile, “
There is much I have to teach you.”
This message was last edited by the player at 15:34, Sun 01 Mar 2015.