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A Turning

DicNoSoupcan
Jun 27th, 2016
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  1. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2. 1.
  3. ===================================================================================================================================================
  4. The church bell's signature chimes repeated itself thrice before the bell tolled eleven times. It was another still night in Limbous, the sky cloudless with the stars and painted galaxies in clear view. Summer was a beautiful time of year for the hilly town and its people worked and slept peacefully under the ever-looming bell tower of St. Jawkes. Its picturesque appearance starkly contrasted its bloody history of a century past. It was amazing how time almost made it appear as if nothing happened at all.
  5.  
  6. A large plot of land surrounded by a twisted, black iron fence bordered the edge of the evergreen forest of the Jes Woods. Large grass covered mounds jutted out of the grassy field, dotted with black and barren trees, decayed frames of wooden war machines, and the occasional memorial with bouquets of flowers. The Haven Burial Grounds were the final resting place for the casualties of the Demoss War of the previous century. Soldiers of Paradine and warriors of Infernis alike fell and were subsequently buried on these grounds. Their weapons of war taken to their graves and now act as magnets to the various grave robbers that skulked in the nearby forest.
  7.  
  8. To protect the dead from disturbance, the church hired a few of the town guards to act as the guardians of the grave site at night. A solitary guard walks along as a sentinel from evening till early morning. Only a hand full of guardians trade shifts between these lonely nights. One such guardian is Michael Sancti, faithful member of the church and insufferably lazy guardsman. It was his third month patrolling the grounds since his reassignment from guard duty at the entrance to town. Captain Solomon told him that it was an honour to be chosen to perform such a duty for the church, but Michael was more partial to stay at his post in the shade of the stables. However, since it was at the church's request he was obliged to comply. Everyone knows it was good to serve the church, and refusal would raise eyebrows and turn pious heads.
  9.  
  10. Michael trudged on through the night with a holstered sword and a rusty lantern keeping him company. The sound of crunching stones and the sounds of his breath and whistles were all he had to make conversation with. Three months of isolated patrols and no signs of trouble. Michael was thankful that this was the case, but he still longed for his favourite barrel to sit on in the shade of Mrs Icarus' stable, eating apples, and talking to anyone who came by.
  11.  
  12. A huge full moon hung in the sky; its glow illuminated the landscape and thinned the shadows. The light of the moon was enough to warrant calling the use of a lantern redundant. It was easy enough to see the details of the warped trees and Michael felt sick of his walk. He snuffed the flame of the lantern, clipped it to his belt, and began to take a leisurely stroll through the paths of the burial grounds. It wasn’t often to get a night with such visibility and brightness, but the fair night was easy to get engrossed in enjoying and thus made Michael a little bit more content. It was easy to follow the snaking white gravel paths as they trail off to the sparsely placed shrines and memorials. He strolled along to a small area surrounded by the large mounds, holding a small white stone and glass shrine.
  13.  
  14. The white shrine sat in front of a large rotted wooden beam that jutted from the ground like it’s reaching for freedom. Rusted braces from the beam lay littered about on the surrounding gravel, left alone at the fear of touching one could bring about a curse from the dead. The scene, however, made Michael fearfully alert. The white shrines always held a candle, lit with a blue flame behind the protection of glass, stamped with seals held by blue wax. The candle on this shrine was missing, the glass shattered and scattered, and seals torn with their wax peeling away.
  15. Michael lit his lantern with his flint then slowly approached the shrine. The sound of the grating rocks began to distort sharply in his ears, his stomach twisted, and his mind began to swim disorderly. His steps progressively turned to staggers and his eyes drifted as if in a trance. He looked at the sky, a menacing haze of dark purple drifted as threaded silk in front of the moon.
  16.  
  17. 'What's going on?' he thought to himself, shaking his head as he continued to walk forward.
  18.  
  19. His knees grew weaker with every step further towards; his symptoms steadily became more severe. The malevolent haze began to spread and swirled around him, fully covering the moon in its unnatural colour. The scene to his eyes was akin to that of a horrific nightmare that his morbid curiosity couldn’t let him leave from. With every step closer to the shrine, the temperature sharply dropped to that of the dead of winter. The feeling of being forcefully swayed by someone else’s hands disoriented him as his steps increasingly fell out of line. A stern push from behind brought him face to face with the broken shrine. In the reflection of the broken glass, he felt as though he was staring at something unwelcome and hostile. The multiple faces of his reflection stared back at him, and on by one began to smile sinisterly. Their eyes darkened, and then simultaneously cocked their heads as the sickly sounds of their necks all creaking pierced the air.
  20. Out of fear, he jumped backwards, falling over on his rear and quickly shuffling back to run away from his caricatures. With his stomach in knots and a mind with the clarity of pitch, he ran from the shrine and towards the guards’ cottage.
  21.  
  22. The bell chimes rang once, followed by four tolls of the bell. The morning was soon approaching, but it shouldn't have been. Michael was sure that the bell only rang for quarter to midnight before. With his thoughts in disarray, he figured that perhaps he simply lost track of time. However, there was a more pressing matter to attend to after sunrise. What he witnessed cannot be a good omen, and him bearing witness can’t lead to anything good if left outside the knowledge of the church. Also, a shrine in disrepair is an affront to Dios, and therefore must be mended immediately. Well, as immediate as can be once Michael wakes up after resting.
  23.  
  24. He trundled along to a small rustic log cottage nestled between two hills, separating the burial grounds from the rest of the town. He quickly took out an iron key ring from his pocket, fumbled to undo the lock, and hastily entered. The candles he lit before leaving on the table have all smouldered out in their holders, making the lantern the only source of light in the dark cottage. The shadows of the sparse furniture flickered as black geometric shapes along the walls
  25.  
  26. As he shuffled about with his key ring, desperately wanting to unlock the front door, he felt something malevolent skulking behind him. Behind him and out of sight, a humanoid shadow stood observing him. He frantically flicked through keys until he found the right one and with the speed of a startled mouse, he flew out of the cottage and quickly locked the door. With heavy breaths, he took a deep sigh of relief before he walked back towards town along the glinting cobblestone road.
  27.  
  28. As he walked away from the cottage, a cold wind blew over his shoulders carrying a dark whisper before it disappeared into the night. Michael turned around to look at the burial grounds. After the walk up the hillside road, he could see the vast amount of the sprawling, bumpy, and black finger dotted land he protects. Another gust gently caressed his body, carrying another whisper.
  29.  
  30. "...Defile..."
  31.  
  32. A shiver crawled down his spine. Michael quickly turned around nervously, desperate to rationalise and laugh off what he thought he heard. He continued to walk to town with the hope of having a good rest after all that's happened. He could have sworn he has seen that shrine in proper upkeep before, but right now isn't the best time to question memory if he can't even recall four missing hours.
  33. ===================================================================================================================================================
  34. 2.
  35. ===================================================================================================================================================
  36. Swirled mosaics of shades of black and the sounds of metal clanged and cracked were all that filled Michael’s dream that morning. A dream of nothing is normal and common to most, but such an ambiguous and striking dream would be the last thing he would pick between something and nothing. He recalled from one of Pastor Abel’s sermons. “Dreams are the windows to self-reflection of the soul, and the measure of our affinity to our lordly father. The nightmare should be feared and smitten from you with our lord Dios’ blessing. Never let them fester within, and if they persist, come to us to the house of our Lord and be cleansed of the taint that plagues you.” Such teachings were easy to follow with an obvious nightmare, but what of something like this?
  37.  
  38. Michael longed for a peaceful rest after last night's scare, but his slumber only brought a headache, sluggishness, and the memory of a dream he wished he hadn't dreamt. He tumbled out of his bed, dragging his sheets and blanket off with him. In his white tiled bathroom, he stepped into his shower stall. He inserted the red pyre-gem that was attached to a cord into a slot in on the stone face in front of him. The mechanisms inside let the water rush through the pipes, and the gem heated the metal. It was a pleasantly warm shower, but as he washed, he noticed he didn't take off his linen trousers.
  39.  
  40. After profuse grumbles of self-deprecation, he changed into a brown tunic and a pair of pale trousers. He walked down the red painted hallway from the bathroom and went downstairs to his kitchen. It was a humble brick laid room with everything you would need for a kitchen; an icebox, a counter with drawers and cupboards, a table with chairs, and a sink. His stomach growled and looked for food. In his wooden icebox were a fresh shank of pork, a bottle of milk, some fruits, vegetables, and a jar of his favourite strawberry jam. He pulled out a bread knife from a drawer, opened his breadbox, and pulled out a nice loaf of whole grain bread. After cutting a few slices he put down his knife and retrieved his jar of jam. Once back at the counter, he accidentally bumped into it and his knife fell to the stone floor. When it met the ground, the knife snapped from its handle and rattled on the floor. Michael's eye twitched in annoyance as he picked up the broken knife pieces.
  41.  
  42. 'There goes my good bread knife.' he thought to himself. 'Can anything else happen today?'
  43.  
  44. He put the broken cutlery on the counter, pulled out a butter knife from the drawer, and finished making a small jam sandwich. He crouched down to a cupboard and retrieved a cup to fill with some milk. With his sandwich on a plate and a cup of milk, he pulled up a wooden chair to his table, sat down, and began to eat. As he ate, a knocking came from his door.
  45.  
  46. "Michael! What are you doing in there?" a girl said through in the pauses of knocks.
  47.  
  48. Michael took the last bite of his sandwich, gulped his drink, and walked to the door with an air of indifference.
  49.  
  50. "You've been inside all day! Come on out you lazy-” Michael walked outside and the girl stopped yelling.
  51.  
  52. "Good morning Francisca," Michael said lazily. "how are you today?"
  53.  
  54. The small kobold girl looked at him with fuming irritation. Her mouth poised in an intense pout.
  55.  
  56. "Good morning?! Is that all you have to say for yourself?" she stood on the tips of her toes in an attempt to look imposing. "What is a guard good for if they're missing for half the day?"
  57.  
  58. "Half the day?" he looked at the sky. The sun was already halfway through its trek across the light blue sky.
  59.  
  60. "Shit. I'm that late?" he sank his head and covered it with his hand. "Solomon is gonna kill me..."
  61.  
  62. A grin started to worm its way out of Francisca's stern expression.
  63.  
  64. "Wait a minute..." he lifted his head back up. “I don't have work in the mornings anymore."
  65.  
  66. Francisca tumbled backwards in laughter, kicking up dust as she rolled about holding her chest.
  67.  
  68. "Ahahaha! I can't believe you finally fell for it!" she said, snorting in between her laughs.
  69.  
  70. Michael sighed and stepped outside, closed the door, and picked Francisca off the ground. "C'mon now, you're going to get your dress dirty. That wasn’t even that funny"
  71.  
  72. "It's fine. It's my work clothes anyway. And no way, that was gold!" she dusted herself off. "Anyway Michael, how are you?"
  73.  
  74. "Uh, I'm fine I guess. Feel a bit out of it, though."
  75.  
  76. "I can tell. You may be the type to snooze off a day of work, but you're not horribly dull."
  77.  
  78. "Horribly dull? As in I'm still dull?” he sighed in apathy. “Just had a bit of an uneasy night, nothing to worry about.” he turned his head to the sound of the ringing church bells. “Damn, I forgot. I need to go to the church to see Pastor Abel."
  79.  
  80. "Huh? Why?"
  81.  
  82. "Just some work related matters. By the way, can you get me a new bread knife from your store? I'll pay you when I get back."
  83.  
  84. Michael started to walk off down the street and towards the centre of town.
  85.  
  86. "Hey wait!" Francisca yelled before she ran after him. "Why do you knead a new bread knife?"
  87.  
  88. "Because my other one-" he stopped for a moment. "Did you just make a bread pun?"
  89.  
  90. "Don't be dumb Michael, is your hearing as crusty as your-" Michael conked her on the head. "Ow."
  91.  
  92. "My old one broke. If you could be such a good friend and save one for me at your shop, I'll be mighty grateful."
  93.  
  94. "Sure thing. By the way, are you sure you going to be okay?"
  95.  
  96. "Yeah yeah, I'll be fine. It was just a rough night."
  97.  
  98. "Well, okay. I'll see you later Michael."
  99.  
  100. Francisca waved goodbye and left Michael to continue on his way to the church. The white walled and red tiled roof town of Limbous in mid-day is always bustling and full of life. People walked and rushed about for chores and leisure. Various monster species intermingled with the human townsfolk. A lizard woman and man walked together holding each other’s hands. A lamia managed a produce stall and talked to a man and his family. An ogre helped a carpenter bring in lumber for work. A hakutaku teacher gave a lecture to a group of students by the town fountain, talking about the great eversea-gem the town was gifted by Cardinal Oceani. The monsters have existed in this land for as long as history was recorded. They shared the strife and trials of humans, through mud, blood, and prosperity. To see everyone carry on as normal, it was nice to see after last night's absurdity.
  101. ===================================================================================================================================================
  102. 3.
  103. ===================================================================================================================================================
  104. The dark red wooden doors of the church of St. Jawkes starkly contrasted the white-grey stone of the building. The doors stood welcomingly open and the sounds of organ pipes melodically left the church. As Michael walked inside he was greeted by the familiar sight of the stained-glass mural of Dios overseeing the wooden pews from behind the raised altar. Michael walked down the aisle and turned to a small out cove surrounded by a wooden engraved fence. Inside were a large organ and a man in a dark blue vestment with a gold sash who played the instrument masterfully.
  105.  
  106. "Still having fun with the organ, Abel? Five years and you still play that thing like you read the bible." Michael asked smugly.
  107.  
  108. The music stopped and he turned around in his chair. Bright cheer glowed from his face as he got up and walked to Michael.
  109.  
  110. "Practising an instrument is better than wetting a blade. Anyway, Michael my friend! How are you?" Abel said as he gave Michael a hug. "I assume your work is still going well? Would hate to see Solomon’s warnings actually come true. "
  111.  
  112. "Aheh, nice to know he has faith in me.”
  113.  
  114. “Don’t be silly, we all have faith in you. In the thirty or so guards that protect the town, everyone knows you.”
  115.  
  116. “For maybe reasons, I should really work on.”
  117.  
  118. “I wouldn’t worry. You’re doing your service commendably well and in turn pleasing lord Dios.”
  119.  
  120. “Abel, my work is one of the reasons why I’m here today.”
  121.  
  122. "Oh? Do tell." Abel started to walk towards his study.
  123.  
  124. Michael followed him. "Yeah, I found something out in Haven. I think it might be potentially important."
  125.  
  126. "If it is then go ahead and say it." Abel opened the door to his study and walked in. The room was well furnished with polished dark pine wood furniture. A sofa sat under a large window, and opposite that were a table and a wall spanning bookcase, filled to the brim with books and scrolls. On the far wall opposite the door sat Abel’s desk. Abel took a small scroll off the huge bookshelf. He placed it on the table and opened it to show a map of the burial grounds.
  127.  
  128. “Alright. What is it and where so we can take care of this quickly? I swear if some kids left junk in there again…”
  129.  
  130. "It’s one of the shrines out on the grounds.”
  131.  
  132. “Shrine? Surely you mean a memorial? Darn vandals desecrating the memories of the dead.”
  133.  
  134. “No, it was a shrine, the white stone ones with glass. I found one, broken with the candle gone and seals ripped.”
  135.  
  136. Abel froze with his face in silent horror. “Where is it?”
  137.  
  138. Michael walked over to the table and pointed on the map where it was. A fair walk from the cottage but not too far away, tucked in between a crescent of mounds.
  139.  
  140. "Thank you for telling me Michael. I will get the clergy and we'll take care of it quickly." he said, his cheery voice replaced with stern urgency.
  141.  
  142. "No problem, but uh, is there something wrong? You kinda froze up there." Michael said. “I know those shrines are important, but It looks like someone just did something heretical in front of you.”
  143.  
  144. “Someone may have just…” he said under his breath. “It's just an issue I have to take care of swiftly. Truly, I'm thankful you brought this to my attention, but I must go and get the clergy." He marked the map, rolled it up, and placed it under his arm before he quickly walked to the door. "I'll talk to you later Michael."
  145.  
  146. "H-Hey! Wait a second!" Michael yelled, but Abel already left. "Dangit..."
  147.  
  148. Michael walked out of the room and he closed the door. As he pulled the door handle to shut in place the latch became stuck in the workings of the handle. He tried to force the latch to come out by forcefully turning the door knob. With a tinny clang, the door knob snapped off and the latch remained stuck in the mechanism of the door handle. The door slowly swung open once again, leaving Michael standing there with the door knob in his hand. He sighed in exasperation, walked back in the room and left the door knob on the table, and left the church.
  149.  
  150. With his mood dampened by the thought of paying out of pocket for a broken door, he headed towards Francisca's general store opposite the fountain. He hoped that she saved him a nice new knife so he could make something nice when he returns home. Maybe he would get some nice cheeses or meats from the deli to make dinner with. The thought of a tasty dinner relaxed him somewhat, but it all still hinged if he got a new knife to cut bread with.
  151. ===================================================================================================================================================
  152. 4.
  153. ===================================================================================================================================================
  154. Sun shined through the slightly dusty window panes of Francisca's small store. Lining the red brick walls of the store were open wooden shelves holding tools, fabrics, and many other tidbits of assorted merchandise. It has been four years since inheriting the shop from her mother, and since then she has kept it as the town staple as it was known for. People say, “Always head to the Blaise store for anything you need.” Francisca has worked hard to maintain that legacy for the last few years. For the most part, she has, even with the merchants being as irregular as they are nowadays. She sat in her worn wooden chair that has been at the counter of the store for as long as she could remember. It was her mother’s favourite chair during work, and Francisca took it for herself since she didn’t want to throw it away.
  155.  
  156. She sat at her waxed and worn wood counter, fumbling with a table bell that she bought from a merchant a few months ago. Mid-day and yet business were slower than usual. Even after her lunch break and seeing Michael, she felt forlorn inside the shop. Her ears perked up at the sound of the door opening. She looked up and saw Michael walk in with a very unamused expression on his face.
  157.  
  158. "Michael! Hey, are you okay?" she asked.
  159.  
  160. "Fine. Just broke a door is all. Keeping my spree of bad luck rolling, nothing new." he said, rubbing his temple.
  161.  
  162. "You broke a door in the church?" she asked in shock. "How did you do that?"
  163.  
  164. "I forced the handle a bit too much and the entire thing just broke." he said as he walked up to the counter.
  165.  
  166. Francisca giggled as she sat down the bell she was fidgeting with. “Your luck is really not improving, isn’t it?”
  167.  
  168. "Not in the slightest, Franny. Not in the slightest." he said with a sigh as he leant on the counter.
  169.  
  170. "Must be a real bad day when you come in calling me Franny." she said as she leant over to grab something out of a shelf underneath her counter. "I hope this brightens up your day, though."
  171.  
  172. She placed a small wooden case on the counter and pushed it towards Michael. Michael picked it up, opened it, and grinned with relief. Inside was a pristine bread knife with an ivory handle, held in place with metal studs. He set down the case and gawked at the knife. Near the bottom of the blade was the insignia of the blacksmith who made it, a walnut on a bed of vines. It was unknown to Michael, but he figured it's safe to assume it's a respectable one if Francisca got it.
  173.  
  174. "I hope you like it, Michael. Found it in the back under a dusty table cloth." she said with a grin. "Must have been the last in a shipment of cutlery I got a long while ago. You’re real lucky that was still there, it’s a real nice bit of cutlery."
  175.  
  176. "That it is. So what's the damage, Francisca? Something this nice must be worth a bit." he looked to Francisca.
  177.  
  178. She tilted her head and pondered. "Hmm. Seeing as though you are having such a hard day, I figured a favour would be a good alternative to burning your coin purse." she grinned mischievously
  179.  
  180. "Well let's hear it. If I can get out of spending money I'll take it." he said eagerly with a smile.
  181.  
  182. Francisca got up from her seat and walked around to the back of her store, walking past shelves of stock and unsold items. She returned to the counter with a small blue decorative vase holding a large sunflower.
  183.  
  184. "When you go out to work on Sunday, can you take this to the wheel memorial?" she put the vase on the counter. "Just something for great grandad. It’s his birthday on Sunday and he always did love sunflowers."
  185.  
  186. “Really? Why, if you don’t mind me asking?”
  187.  
  188. “He always said that they brought luck and happiness. Heh, guess having one around you for a while might help bring both after a rotten day.” she giggled.
  189.  
  190. Michael moved to put the knife back in its box but dropped it. The knife ricocheted off the edge of the counter and sliced the palm of his right hand before it landed and settled on the floor. Michael winced and retracted his closed hand. He slowly opened it to see that a gash ran across his palm, blood seeping from the wound and trickling down his arm.
  191.  
  192. "Oh dear, how did you manage that?" Francisca said as she rummaged in the back of one of the shelves of her counter. She pulled out a small green sack with a white cross stitched into it. From it, she retrieved a roll of bandage, cotton pads, and a small bottle of thoroughly distilled spirits. "Come over here, let me handle that for you." she took Michael's hand. "Your luck must really be in the pits today. You should do a long prayer to Dios before you go to sleep tonight."
  193.  
  194. "That sounds like a-Ah that stings!" he cringed from the bite of the alcohol. "Yeah, that sounds like a plan. I was also planning to talk to Abel about something else as well, but he ran off before I could say more.”
  195.  
  196. “Really? Why?”
  197.  
  198. “Work stuff. A shrine needs repairs and such and he needed to take care of it quickly.”
  199.  
  200. “All work that Abel. He is either nose deep in scripture or playing that organ, there is no in-between with that man.” After cleaning the wound, Francisca placed a slightly alcohol-soaked cotton pad on the wound and wrapped his hand in the white bandage. "Oh well. I hope you get to see Abel soon and Dios answers your prayers. Remember, I’m always here if you need me.”
  201.  
  202. "You always are and I always take you up on it eventually." he put the knife carefully back in the case. Michael picked up the vase and the case before smiling at Francisca. "That is what childhood friends are for, right?"
  203.  
  204. Francisca's ears perked and her tail wagged fervently. "Aw, you know it." Michael patted her head and ruffled her ears. Instinctually she hopped out of her chair and into his hand. With closed eyes, she gave a smile as warm as sunrays and her tail wagged ever happily. "Stop it! You're being embarrassing, we're not kids!"
  205.  
  206. Michael laughed and slowly retracted his hand. "I know, but its old habits. I'll see you later."
  207.  
  208. "Alright you." she relaxed and slipped back into her chair. "Try to rest easy and don't forget the favour. I could have charged you a lot for that pretty bit of metal."
  209.  
  210. "Thanks for your mercy. See you soon." he walked out of the store with a wave goodbye. He started his stroll back through the white-walled streets of the town, his steps now filled with vigour as they met the shiny black cobblestone.
  211. ===================================================================================================================================================
  212. 5.
  213. ===================================================================================================================================================
  214. As Michael walked through town, he noticed an annoying itch coming from his cut palm. He refrained from trying to satiate his need to rub or scratch it and tried to enjoy his small walk in the sunny afternoon. Familiar faces pass by, old man Crowth, the Mercedes twins, Hyde and his Arachne wife Hilda; all knowing him as "that one guard that always sleeps on duty". He has happily served as a town guard for the last four years and was glad that the townsfolk held such a light-hearted attitude towards his laziness, even if Solomon didn’t. This might have been due to the town never being in any danger from outsiders for as long as he could remember.
  215.  
  216. Twenty-four years he has been alive, and only sixteen of those years he has been in the town. He walked past the town pub called The Malted Mint, people casually sat down at the outside tables as the bustle of the inside leaked into the street as muffled noise. Michael remembered the first time he met Francisca, it was in that very pub after all. After his parents moved to the town from the capital of Deinam, his father took him to the pub for a meal to celebrate the move in. After a fateful bump in and a few broken plates and glasses, he met a small six-year-old kobold girl trying to help her family run the pub by collecting dishes and glasses. After their parents became friendly neighbours, the two became fast friends and became the loveable pests of the neighbourhood.
  217.  
  218. He was happy to have Francisca as such a loyal friend, especially after the plague from years back. The thought of those soul-crushing times sent a shudder down his spine. After opening the door and walking in, he set the vase and case on his table. He took the knife out of its case and placed it in his cutlery drawer. The old snapped knife still laid on the side of the table, but he was at a loss at what to do with the pieces. He shrugged and put them back in the drawer as well, at least until he figures out a good use for them. Throwing away a still good blade seemed wasteful.
  219.  
  220. For the rest of the day, he laid in bed and read from a book he bought from a merchant that came to town some time ago. It was an account from a soldier from the Demoss War. The book was bound in old worn leather and held a strange scent of mud. From what he’s read so far, fighting in that war must have been a living nightmare. Clerics and soldiers fighting against what was described as wailing and moaning war machines, fuelled by the dark magics of the followers of Infernis. Infernis warriors clad in black with accents of shades of red and purple stormed the fields. Powerful mages summoned demons and horrific hell spawns to fight for them.
  221.  
  222. Such thoroughly twisted depictions scared Michael but also sprang morbid intrigue. To actually see and fight against such things, how terrifying would it be? Would his body freeze in horror, or would he fight on? What was the feeling of being in the presence of such strong magic? Would he himself succumb to their powers?
  223.  
  224. 'The hell? Why would I succumb? I'm stronger than that.' he thought to himself. ‘I may be laid back, but I am no weak-willed heretic.’
  225.  
  226. After hours of reading, night descended upon the town. He put the book on the shelf beside his bed and he prepared for rest. A quick snack of an apple from the icebox, a few minutes brushing his teeth, and a quick change into his woollen sleeping gown and he was ready for the night. As he walked back to his bedroom, he snagged his bandage in between the door and door frame. The bandage gave way, showing his palm once again. Michael looked at his hand in confusion. The cut had completely disappeared. Not even a scar remained.
  227.  
  228. 'I was sure that cut was deep enough to scar.' he thought to himself as he picked up the bandage that was lying strewn on the floor.
  229.  
  230. He looked at the cotton pad to see that only a minuscule amount of blood dried where his cut was. He sat down on his bed, bewildered at what could have possibly happened. Was the cut just not that deep? Perhaps the cut was kept closed enough to not let any more blood seep out. ‘Yeah. The cut was just sealed tightly. Yeah, that makes sense.’ he thought. ‘Francisca has tended to my wounds more times than I can count; she probably just did a good job of patching me up. Yeah.’
  231.  
  232. Relieved, confident that his reasoning is sound he turned to his window and looked out to the stars above. Slightly cloudy, but the stars still shined fiercely on the blanket of night. He gave a long prayer to Dios, asking for deliverance from his misfortune. After he finished, he blew out the candles in his room and laid down in his bed. An odd feeling of unease washed over Michael, but he ignored it and went to sleep with the hopes of better luck tomorrow.
  233. ===================================================================================================================================================
  234. 6.
  235. ===================================================================================================================================================
  236. Out on a muddy road winding between the pines of the Jes woods, a convoy of Paradine inquisitorial staff waded through the muck. The air was cold and damp from the rain and the horses struggled and strained to pull their waggons through the muddy trail as the staff complained to each other about the horrid weather. Their waggons were filled to the brim with confiscated books and artefacts, removed from a bandit camp that delved a bit too much into Infernis affairs for their own good. In turn, the inquisition burned and killed all who were associated with the branded evil, leaving nothing but charred bones in smouldering blue embers. Despite such thorough cleansing, the bandits have brought upon themselves something that demanded urgency to be dealt with.
  237.  
  238. Bound in blessed chains and confined in a holy restraint vest, a woman sat in the back of one of the waggons. Her face obscured by her long black hair, she sat motionlessly as the waggon rocked in its travel. Two Paradine acolytes overseeing her watched with caution, not sure on what to expect from the girl. The inquisitor warned about her being extremely dangerous, but it did just look like an ordinary woman.
  239.  
  240. "So how much longer till we get to Cadvis?" the acolyte asked, leaning forward in his chair and resting his weight on his spear.
  241.  
  242. "Shut up Wesley, we're not meant to talk in front of ‘her’." the other said with a mild snarl.
  243.  
  244. "Sorry, but I'm just getting weary of being near-" he said before the other acolyte interrupted.
  245.  
  246. "Do you want Cain to have us thrown in a cell?" he asked with anger. "If not, then shut up. I don't want to end up at the stake like she will probably be."
  247.  
  248. The woman lowered her head in defeat. She knew the fate that waited for her, and the guard only affirmed it. Once she was cornered by that inquisitor, the look of contempt in his eyes was all that she needed to see to judge her fate. With the lich now in hiding and the bandits either splintered off or dead, her unholy luck has run out.
  249.  
  250. The rain began to worsen into a downpour. The once somewhat audible patter of droplets now became a roar of a shower. The slow progress the convoy had gone to a desperate crawl. The horses reared and complained at the effort to travel through the waterlogged muddy trail. The downpour caused a mist to surround them, obscuring anything more than a few feet away. In response, the drivers quickly lit lanterns to shine the way.
  251.  
  252. Half an hour of slow progress through the trail passed, the guards and clerics became increasingly weary of the sound of intense rain. Everything was drowned out by the downpour, and it was a struggle for them to hear the person next to them. Off to the side of the trail, a driver noticed a shadow rush behind the foliage. He thought of it as nothing, probably being a deer. He continued to focus on keeping his horses on track.
  253.  
  254. Sounds of crunching twigs were occasionally heard through the driving rain. More shadows fobbed in and out of sight in the mist. The men's nerves were put to the breaking point. Finally, an odd whistle pierced the air. A thud followed. Then a horse fell to the ground lifeless. The line of waggons stopped in place and two acolytes from the front waggon stepped out to look. An arrow was lodged in the skull of their waggon's horse. Horns blared in echo from both sides of the trail, and then a hail of arrows pelted the sides of the convoy.
  255.  
  256. The two acolytes became pincushions from the cascade of arrows. The other horses along the convoy either died or became seriously injured in the hail. The rumble of running footsteps approached the convoy in haste from the mist. The acolytes and clerics quickly disembarked, ready to meet their aggressors. From the mist sprang a horde of bandits, ready to enact revenge for their comrades and boss.
  257.  
  258. The two sides fought furiously, but the bandits had the upper hand of surprise in the mist. When one fell, another took his place. From one of the middle waggons, a tall and imposing man draped in grey vestments stepped out. His face was burning with silent contempt and anger. The bandits would soon learn the mistake of interfering with a veteran inquisitor. With an inscribed silver sword and a hand full of blue flames, he marched out to meet those who dared to impose upon his holy work.
  259.  
  260. "Leave none alive! If they dare to intrude upon the work of his Lordship's holy inquisition, then they shall know the wrath of Saul Cain!" he yelled thunderously.
  261.  
  262. Waving his flame covered hand along his blade; it, in turn, burst into flames of bright blue. He walked towards a running bandit, his stride as deliberate and meaningful to match a man of his stature and mentality. Before the bandit had a chance to swing his blade, Cain sliced the man in two. Flames licked through as a line across his waist before his torso parted from his legs. Another leapt at Cain, but he simply lifted his hand towards the bandit and a torrent of flame consumed him. A charred skeleton fell at his feet, its skull crushed underneath Cain’s black leather boots as he walked to righteously slaughter the rest of the bandits.
  263. ===================================================================================================================================================
  264. 7.
  265. ===================================================================================================================================================
  266. During the commotion, two bandits snuck to the waggon holding the woman. Its two guarding acolytes now out in the fight in excuse to leave the eerie woman alone. The two peered inside, and then quickly hopped in. With hatchets in hand, they hacked at the wooden beams that the chains were bound to. The woman looked up, her hair parted to show her in a blindfold and cloth gag.
  267.  
  268. "Yeash, why do you think they did this to her?" the bandit asked.
  269.  
  270. "I dunno. The only people who might know where the boss and his mates. And they ain't around no more." the other said, ripping the chain from the wooden beams. "But I do know that she must be worth a lot to be held like a prize."
  271.  
  272. The woman turned her head to the bandit, listening intensely.
  273.  
  274. "I dunno. That other one he brought in a while ago seemed nice like."
  275.  
  276. "No way. Didn't you hear, she was one of those liches. Much sooner kill ya than look at ya."
  277.  
  278. "Hehe, if you knew what she was then no wonder those Paradine folk came at our door."
  279.  
  280. "Blame that mate of the boss who can't stay tight-lipped when in his cups. Now hurry up and break that other beam."
  281.  
  282. The other bandit finally chopped the beam enough to break it and pulled at the chain. The chains unravelled and clanged to the floor of the waggon, freeing the woman from their vice. One of the bandits picked up the woman and slung her over his shoulder. The two quickly hopped out of the waggon and saw a plume of blue flame blast by the right side of the waggon. The two quickly ran to the left and into the misty woods, away from the fight.
  283.  
  284. "What about our boys fighting those bible thumpers?" the bandit asked, his breaths ragged from the sprint.
  285.  
  286. "They'll be right. Focus on our arses first." the other said.
  287.  
  288. The two ran for as long as their legs and lungs were willing, delving deep into the woods. The bandits found themselves in a group of high green hills crowned with thick wild rose bushes. They walked to the lowest point where the hills met and took a rest. The two bandits sat and laid the woman down on her side. The two took swigs from their flasks and bites of cured deer jerky to calm down.
  289.  
  290. "So, what do now?" the bandit asked.
  291.  
  292. "Now, we gotta find a place to pass her off." the other bandit said, wiping sweat from his brow. "Need to stay away from those main trails and find a nearby town to steal a carriage. I think we'll be safe here for a short while, so I'll go take a quick look to see if there is a nearby village."
  293.  
  294. "Ain't' there a town that's meant to be south from our place?"
  295.  
  296. "Yeah. I was thinking of heading that way. Look after her while I go see if we're close to that town?"
  297.  
  298. "Yeah. The sooner we sell this broad on and get some money the better. No good will come from running from the inquisition like this."
  299.  
  300. The bandit left the hidden confines of the hills and walked south in search of the town, leaving behind his ally and payday. The remaining bandit sat and quickly grew board, making crude drawings in the dirt with a stick. The woman began to squirm, trying to get herself upright. She managed to shift herself onto her knees. The bandit took another look at the woman. The restraint vest she wore tightly wrapped around her curvaceous and well-endowed body. Lust stirred in the bandit, and he moved over to get a better look at her.
  301.  
  302. Even in binds, she emanated an aura of seductive charm that pulled at the curiosity of the bandit. The woman turned her head, following the bandit as he moved. She tried to talk but was muffled by the gag. The bandit cautiously moved over and removed her gag and blindfold. On the back of the blindfold, an odd glowing white symbol slowly faded away as the fabric fell to the ground. The bandit was confused but thought nothing of it once he heard her voice.
  303.  
  304. "Thank you for saving me," she said, her voice sultry and soft as velvet. "what could I ever do to repay you?"
  305.  
  306. The bandit blushed. "Ah jeez love, it was nothing."
  307.  
  308. "I heard your friend wanted to sell me away. Would you really do that to me?" she asked childishly.
  309.  
  310. "Well, I mean. It's just without boss around, we can't afford to keep you around." he said as he tried to break eye contact.
  311.  
  312. "But I can make it worth your while." she said while licking her lips. "But only if you get me out of these binds. I'm sure a friend of Ody will be just as capable of sating me as he was."
  313.  
  314. Her emerald green eyes pierced through the hapless bandit’s desires, and he now fumbled for his knife to cut her free. Once freed, she stretched her limber and subtle limbs and took the man in her embrace.
  315.  
  316. "Oh you look so cute," she whispered to him. "I'll be sure to have my fun with you for everything Ody put me through."
  317.  
  318. The bandit didn't care at what she said anymore and longed for her intimacy. She locked him in a kiss, opened up her vest, and lowered his trousers.
  319. ===================================================================================================================================================
  320. 8.
  321. ===================================================================================================================================================
  322. Twenty minutes passed and the bandit returned to the misty hills. Out on his trek to find a town, he managed to find one just beyond a black iron fence that stretched into the distance on his left and right. It was his and his friend's salvation from whatever holy wrath the inquisition had in store for them. As he walked up the hill and to the rose bush, he called out to his friend. No answer. He tried two more times and was still met with nothing but the sound of rain.
  323.  
  324. He thought to himself that perhaps his friend didn't hear him; this is a terrible downpour after all. As he reached the top of the hill and brushed past the bushes, dread laid on his shoulders as if something horrible has transpired. He thought this to be wild imagination and continued to push through. However, once through he came face to face with the reality of his sense.
  325.  
  326. Lying lifeless on the ground was his friend, his trousers around his knees and a perfect hole seared deep into his chest. The bandit rushed over and knelt at his side and was greeted with the foul odour of burnt flesh. That, added with the sight of the gaping black and red void that looks to have stopped at around his friend's heart caused him to vomit in disgust and horror. After wiping away whatever bile stuck to the corner of his mouth, he took the hatchet that was on his friend's body and stood up.
  327.  
  328. "Don't worry mate, I'll make sure you get your due! I swear it!" he cried out, trembling from anger. In all his turmoil, he failed to notice that the woman disappeared without a trace. He looked around and found a blue fabric by his friend's corpse. He picked it up and squeezed it with wrath. "Yeah. Yeah, I'll get her back for you mate. Don't you worry." He quickly left the hills and started to dart towards the town. If that woman was listening at all, that would be the first place to go, and he was sure he wasn't going to let her get away.
  329.  
  330. Meanwhile a fair distance away, the woman ran through the eerie maze of the mist-filled forest. As she ran, a dark grin persisted as she savoured the pleasure of gaining back some of her power and taking revenge on those who were responsible for her capture. Thinking of. revenge she remembered of the lich that was with the bandits. The lich has probably returned to her study, where ever that is, but the woman wanted to see her again to settle a dispute. However, her survival took precedent. As she travelled through the mystified forest, she felt something. She felt a presence, a very familiar and potentially friendly one. Plans danced in her head of what she will do once safe and free to recover more of her power. With confidence that she will find a haven soon, she traversed the woods with a flame of hope. All the while, a vengeful soul pursued her with a hell-bent intent on revenge.
  331. ===================================================================================================================================================
  332. 9.
  333. ===================================================================================================================================================
  334. The Sunday was a grey and dreary day. For the majority of it, rain poured non-stop, worsening into a downpour, and prevented most of the market stalls from opening. Not wanting to get wet or bother trying to find his umbrella, Michael decided to return to his bed and napped for the majority of the day. Every time he fell asleep since last night, the weird dream he had was replaced with shifting plumes of dark violet against a red moon suspended in dark. It was like what he saw two nights ago, however the looming crimson moon made the scene more insidious.
  335.  
  336. He knew he should really seek out Abel about this and stop making excuses to not see him. Besides, he still needs to pay for that door, and he doesn't want to appear as a vandal. As the evening came, the rain calmed down to a stop. The bell tower tolled for eight, and so he prepared for his shift. Putting on his chain mail and yellow guard vest, he then clipped his sword and lantern to his belt and left his house into the wet outdoors. After a short walk down the street, he remembered about the vase on his kitchen table. He ran back to his house and retrieved it before walking out again.
  337.  
  338. As he approached the old wood cottage, he felt conflicted. Dread crept on his shoulders as he approached, but morbid curiosity fuelled him through. As he entered the cottage, he did the usual procedure of lighting the candles on the table and locked the door behind him. Today, however, he did an added prayer of guidance. He felt off as he left the cottage to the grounds, but ignored it and began his patrol.
  339.  
  340. Out of curiosity, he followed the path to the worn shrine from earlier. He was happy to see that it was pristine again with its candle still lit and seals intact. An air of unease still floated about the site, but it was nowhere near as horrid as it was that night. With a contented sigh, he walked away and continued his patrol.
  341.  
  342. After an hour of walking around, staring at the black and twisted trees and old ruins, he walked towards the wheel memorial. Near the far end of the grounds touching the woods, he walked towards a large stone memorial in the shape of a cartwheel. It was a memorial made in memory of the soldiers who worked on the war machines during the war. Hundreds of names were etched in bronze tablets that surrounded the square base of the memorial. He placed the vase down at the foot of one of the tablets he knew had Francisca's great grandfather's name on. Thompson Blaise. He didn’t die in the war; he even lived long enough to see Francisca. However, his body was buried at Haven by the order from the church. They say that the magics from that war lingered on through the people who lived it, and it was best to have that magic returned to a safe resting place.
  343.  
  344. He stepped back and marvelled at the huge monument. As he walked away, mist crept in from the forest and rolled over everything. It wasn't thick, but it did hinder his vision slightly to not be able to see more than five or so metres away. Before he got too far from the memorial, an odd feeling sprang to mind, begging him to look behind. He turned around and peered into the milky grey mist that stretched ahead of him.
  345.  
  346. Something was coming from the mist, he could feel it. He put his hand on his sword, ready to draw at the sight of whatever came his way. He stood there and waited for what seemed like an hour without making a sound. In the silence of the night, he could hear faint footsteps coming towards him. He drew his sword and prepared himself.
  347.  
  348. The steps picked up the pace to a jog. They were very light, not making much of an echo other than light thumps. Out of the mist came a woman in an oddly ripped white vest, barefoot and with a right hand that looked like it bled profusely, she slowed her pace and a smile grew on her face.
  349.  
  350. "Erediv et oeduag sarbenet retafr!" she said enthusiastically.
  351.  
  352. Michael stood there with a raised brow. The language she spoke was paradoxical in tone, rough in pronunciation but smooth in flow. It peaked an interest in him, but he needed to do his work.
  353.  
  354. "Sorry? Ma'am are you okay? Townsfolk aren't meant to roam the grounds at night." Michael said calmly as he put away his sword.
  355.  
  356. "Y-You couldn't understand me?" she asked in surprise.
  357.  
  358. "Of course not, I never heard anyone speak like that before."
  359.  
  360. "O-Oh. Okay." she said awkwardly. "W-Well, can you help me? I have been lost in the woods for some time and I need a place to rest. My clothes are all tattered and my hand got injured. Will you save me?"
  361.  
  362. Her voice was bewitching and soft but fell on oddly deaf ears. Michael noticed the seductive form of the woman, the vestment closely gripping her figure. She gave an odd presence, very sensual and dark, but he shook off the feeling in favour of doing his job.
  363.  
  364. "If you came all this way, then sure, I'll help you." he said warmly with a welcoming smile. "But I need you to show me where you entered the grounds from. If you got in, then so can wild animals and grave robbers."
  365.  
  366. "Oh. Of course, j-just follow me." she said nervously as she turned around.
  367.  
  368. Michael followed her towards the old twisted iron fence. A small section of the fence appeared as it has been eaten or melted away. The gap was big enough for a person to duck through, even if the ends of the bars precariously pointed to the back of anyone or anything that climbed through.
  369.  
  370. "So it's a few minute walk behind the memorial." Michael said as he inspected the fence before pulling away. "Greeaat, another thing to report. C'mon, best to get you out of this damp cold."
  371.  
  372. The woman nodded and the two started to walk away, turning their backs to the eerie void of trees on the opposite side of the fence. Near the memorial, the sound of breaking twigs came from a mound to the right. They stopped and turned to look. A black tree just swayed in the breeze. Cautiously they continued, walking next to the memorial. The sound of running came from the quiet, followed by a grunt of effort. Michael checked over his shoulder to see that a man has thrown something. Whatever it was, it was thrown at the woman.
  373.  
  374. Instinct took over, and Michael dashed behind her. A heavy and wet thwack echoed, and Michael fell to his hands and knees, screaming in pain.
  375.  
  376. "You damned idiot. You got in the way of the bitch." the bandit said as he walked slowly forward. "You guards are a right stupid lot you know? Meddling in other people's affairs can get you hurt."
  377.  
  378. The woman looked at Michael and the bandit with a deadpan and unamused expression. The bandit looked back at her. To see the woman that killed his friend bare such an uncaring expression filled him with further rage.
  379.  
  380. "And you, you ungrateful cunt." he said as he walked closer.
  381.  
  382. Michael breaths were deep and heavy, his body trembling from the shock and pain. The sensation of a wet trickle poured down his sides and back.
  383.  
  384. "You think you can run off like that? After what you did to my brotha? Oh no, you little skank. I'll make sure your head rolls, and your tits stitched into a leather flask." he said as he stopped next to Michael. "So if you could kindly hand back my brotha’s axe, we can get this over with quicker."
  385.  
  386. The bandit wretched the hatchet from Michaels' back, spraying strings of blood to the ground and on the bronze and stone of the memorial. The pain coursed and webbed through his body, igniting something within him. Anger swallowed his thinking, and merciless instinct took over.
  387.  
  388. He grabbed his sword and quicker than a flash plunged it into the stomach of the bandit. The bandit froze from the sudden sickly feeling of a cold, metal object resting within him and the pain of it entering. Just as quickly as it entered, it left him. Viciously it was ripped out of his left side waist with a spray of blood.
  389.  
  390. He fell to his knees, clutching his bloodied side and stomach. Wet coughs carrying blood escaped his lips as he tried to talk. He fell forward, blood spilling on his legs and the ground below. He finally fell to the ground and with his last breath he was lifeless.
  391.  
  392. Michael weakly rose to his feet and slowly stowed his sword. He turned his head to the dead bandit. A feeling of deep spite ran through his mind; happy the man met the end he sowed. His face wracked with stress and pain, he started to shamble forwards towards the woman.
  393.  
  394. "Are...are you okay?" he asked, his breaths ragged and uneven.
  395.  
  396. The deadpan expression she held melted away to that intrigue. "I'm fine hero, but why did you do that?"
  397.  
  398. "Huh?" Michael cocked his head to meet her eye to eye. He could see the glimmer of green with the look of being engaged in the sight in front of her. ’Strange woman.’ he thought. He noticed his lantern feel next to the vase he placed earlier. He struggled to walk over, bent over, and picked it up. He began to walk back towards the woman and handed her his lantern.
  399.  
  400. "Can you hold this for a while?" he asked. "I'm a mess right now, and I can barely hold that with a good grip, let alone the added weight."
  401.  
  402. The woman nodded.
  403.  
  404. "Good. Now follow me." Michael walked along the trail with his rescuee in tow. Walking behind him, she gave a discerning look of confusion and interest. On Michael's back was a large bloody gash in his yellow guard uniform. Underneath that was an opening in his chain mail. Finally, underneath that was a rugged and broken scar.
  405. ===================================================================================================================================================
  406. 10.
  407. ===================================================================================================================================================
  408. The glow of the candles dimly lit the simple and rustic interior of the cottage. The back door slowly creaked open and two visitors entered. Michael hobbled over to the nearest chair and sat down as the woman locked the door behind them. As he caught his breath, he started to take off his guard uniform.
  409.  
  410. "What are you doing?" the woman asked as she hung the lantern from an overhanging beam.
  411.  
  412. "In the cupboard over there." Michael raised his arm and pointed to a wooden cupboard with two doors. "Inside should be a wooden box with a white cross on it. Can you get it for me?"
  413.  
  414. "Oh, um, sure?" she said before walking to the far end of the room. She opened the cupboard and retrieved a sizeable wooden box and placed it on the table.
  415.  
  416. Michael finished removing his gear and placed the chainmail and clothes on the table.
  417.  
  418. "Good. There should be a roll of cotton bandage, cotton pads, and a bottle of spirits in there." he said weakly. "Sorry to ask this, but could you help care for my wound?"
  419.  
  420. The woman raised her brow. "Your wound?"
  421.  
  422. "Well yeah. I did just take an axe to the back." he said. "If you can spare your kindness and help me, I'll be grateful."
  423.  
  424. The woman sighed and pulled out the bandage, pads, and bottle of alcohol. She walked behind Michael and saw that his back was spotless. No wound and the scars from earlier have all disappeared. She stood in confusion, wondering what do with no wound.
  425.  
  426. "I know it must look awful, but I beg of you to clean the wound." Michael said.
  427.  
  428. "Y-Yeah. No problem. No problem at all..." she said before dapping a pad with the alcohol. She wearily dabbed the part of his back she remembered the wound was, trying to fake cleaning it.
  429.  
  430. "I really must not be well, I can't even feel that." Michael said worryingly. "How bad is the wound?"
  431.  
  432. "The wound? Oh, uh, yeah the wound is fine. Not too deep, you can walk it off." she said as she started to take the bandage to wrap. "Hold up your arms if you can."
  433.  
  434. Michael complied. "Thank you. I'm truly thankful and in your debt for this. Hey, I never got your name."
  435.  
  436. "It's Esther." she said calmly. "And you are sure a strange one. Are you sure you haven't lost your memory somehow?"
  437.  
  438. "Huh? What do you mean by that?" Michael asked. "I have just as good a memory as anyone else."
  439.  
  440. "Just a question, your mannerisms are just odd." she said with a giggle. "And saying that I'm in your debt. I don't suppose that means I can call upon that?"
  441.  
  442. "I don't see why not? Tell me what you need, and when I get better I'll do my best to see to it." Michael said confidently despite his weak voice.
  443.  
  444. "I need a place to stay. I would feel better if someone who can look out for me was nearby." she finished wrapping the bandage and walked in front of Michael.
  445.  
  446. "What do you mean by that?" Michael asked as he rested his arms.
  447. Esther lowered herself to Michael's eye level. He stared into her green eyes as she stared in his blue. "I would love it if you could let me stay at yours for a bit. I'm sure I can brighten the mood and help you if you so desire." she said with seductive play.
  448.  
  449. Michael gave a weak laugh. "I already told you I'm in your debt, so spare the wooing. Sure, as long as you need to I'll share my roof."
  450.  
  451. Esther gave a smile and cocked her head cutely. "So what about you stuff?"
  452.  
  453. "I think I can carry my uniform and stuff back. Can you get my lantern?"
  454.  
  455. Esther giggled. "Sure thing hero. Let's hope for your sake there are no more men throwing axes around."
  456.  
  457. Michael gave a weak laugh as he got up to unlock the door. Once unlocked he walked back to pick up his chainmail and clothes off the table and left with Esther, happy that the both of them walked away with their lives. The mist finally started to dissipate and withdrew to the forest. The night air was damp and chilled, causing Michael to shiver. As he walked through town, he started to crave for the warmth of his bed. His body ached and his mind has lost its edge. With all of that, he forgot to figure out how Esther was going to sleep at his house.
  458. ===================================================================================================================================================
  459. 11.
  460. ===================================================================================================================================================
  461. In the black veil of space with a single red moon, a haze of violet drifted across like clouds in the void. From the huge imposing moon, a shadow came forth from the crimson light. It slowly flew closer, gradually gaining form and features as it approached. Wings of a bat, a tail with a spaded tip, and a body of a person. The shadowy figured came closer still, but the darkness bled into sight and faded to black.
  462.  
  463. Michael slowly awoke in his bed, feeling immensely refreshed and well rested. A well of energy was at his disposal and it felt like it was never ending. It was a welcome change of pace to the past few days of horrid and slow mornings. He sat up in his bed with an energetic smile on his face, hopped out of his covers, and stretched his arms and legs. 'Today is going to be a great day.' he thought as he yawned. 'I can feel it!'
  464.  
  465. "You feeling skippy today, hero?" a womanly voice said behind him.
  466.  
  467. Michael jumped in surprise, quickly turning around and backing into his dresser, knocking a few books over. "What are you doing there?!" he pointed at her. “What the hell are you doing in my bed?!”
  468.  
  469. "You told me to make myself at home. So I did just that." she giggled. "Besides, there is only one bed and it is big enough for two. Kinda. If it makes you feel any better you’re a great hot water bottle."
  470.  
  471. Michael stood there with a blush on his face. "You didn't do anything funny, did you?"
  472.  
  473. Esther laughed. "Is that really what you should be asking of innocent little me? Don't worry, if I wanted something I would be very direct. Trust me. And even still, it doesn’t look like you’re married, so it’s not like any harm would be done."
  474.  
  475. “You don’t know that!” Michael shuddered. "You sure are oddly forward for someone who came running in from the woods!"
  476.  
  477. Esther sat up, the covers slide off her breasts to show her soft unblemished skin. Michael promptly turned away, flustered and his face red. Esther began to laugh hysterically. "What are you doing? It's like you haven't seen a naked woman before."
  478.  
  479. "I didn't know you were in my bed naked! Seriously, what is with you?!" Michael asked nervously.
  480.  
  481. "Well then hero, what do you suppose I do? I'm not wearing those tattered and filthy things into bed. It would be rude to ruin such a clean and comfy bed." she said playfully.
  482.  
  483. "Well, I don't know! Just take a shower or something, I'll lend you some clothes!" he snapped back.
  484.  
  485. "A shower? Where? One would be lovely right about now."
  486.  
  487. "J-Just next door in the hall. Just put the pyre-gem in the socket of the wall, you can't miss it."
  488.  
  489. "Thank you, hero."
  490.  
  491. "And my name isn't hero, it's Michael."
  492.  
  493. She giggled. “Sure thing. I’ll do my best to remember my saviour’s name.”
  494.  
  495. Esther left the bed and waltzed out of the room as Michael avoided looking at her. Once she left the room and entered the bathroom, Michael took out some spare clothes he kept in his small wardrobe. A white and blue tunic and some linen trousers would do well until she is ready to leave.
  496.  
  497. He went downstairs to the kitchen and checked inside his icebox. After all the commotion of the last few days, he forgot to do grocery shopping. There was only enough jam left in the jar for maybe a sandwich and enough pork shank left to make a small stew with some vegetables. As much as he would love to subsist on apples, he knew that wasn’t a good idea. With a sigh, he took the jam, grabbed some bread and his knife. As he finished making the sandwich, knocks came from the door. Michael walked over and opened it.
  498.  
  499. "Wow. I'm surprised you answered the door without me having to yell." Francisca said in surprise. She noticed the bandage around his chest. "By Dios, what has happened to you?!" Francisca forced her way into his house, shoving past Michael.
  500.  
  501. "H-Hey! You can't just come in like that!" Michael said as he followed after closing the door.
  502.  
  503. "Like heck I'll let you talk your way out of blowing off an injury like that!" she said, standing up to him. "What happened?! I don't see you for an entire day and this happens! And weren't you supposed to go see Abel? For Dios’ sake Michael, what is going on?!"
  504.  
  505. "You can calm down with the yelling. Just a little incident on the jo-" Michael fell back into a chair and sank his face into his hands. He fully recollected the events of last night. "Dammit. How could I have been so carefree this morning? And what was I thinking last night?"
  506.  
  507. Francisca slowly approached him. "Uh, Michael, what happened? You're really worrying me."
  508.  
  509. Michael took a deep breath. "Last night on my rounds, two people got into Haven through the fence."
  510.  
  511. "Really?! Don't tell me they did that to you! How did you get away?"
  512.  
  513. "I was getting to that. A woman wandered in through a hole in the fence and she bumped into me. A few minutes after that, a bandit or something attacked us."
  514.  
  515. "So did you ward him off or-"
  516.  
  517. "I killed him."
  518.  
  519. The room went silent. Francisca stared with disbelief mounting on her face. The only sound that could be heard in the house was the running water of the upstairs’ shower. Francisca then chuckled nervously. "C'mon Michael, don't joke like that. I mean. I know you're a guard and you walk around with a sword, but you’re not the type to kill. I mean, c'mon, you’re THE lazy guard of the town. The guard that is always found snoozing on barrels with half eaten apples in his hand."
  520.  
  521. "Franny, when I decided I was going to be a guard I had to be fine with the fact I had to kill to protect others. I know this, and you know it too, it’s just something to deal with.” he leant forward in his seat. “Last night is the first time I ever had to come face to face with that fact, and I am not naïve enough to think I would never have to face it.”
  522.  
  523. “Michael…” Francisca was stunned with the maturity that he spoke.
  524.  
  525. “But what truly scares me is how I thought afterwards. Being injured by him and seeing him on the ground. I didn’t feel pity or even nothing. I just felt spite. Nothing but spite and the pleasure in knowing that I rid the world of a small blight.”
  526.  
  527. “M-Michael..?” her face was paralysed in horror and concern.
  528.  
  529. “What?”
  530.  
  531. Silence ruled the house once more, not even the shower from upstairs was heard. However, footsteps came from the stairs, and Esther walked into the kitchen. The two turned their eyes to her and both blushed immediately. Michael turned away while Francisca stared, her tail straightened and hairs standing on end. There stood Esther, naked and her body glistening with water as her black hair draped beautifully down her voluptuous body.
  532.  
  533. "Sorry, am I intruding on something?" Esther asked casually.
  534. ===================================================================================================================================================
  535. 12.
  536. ===================================================================================================================================================
  537. Francisca’s bottom lip quivered as she tried to talk. The sudden appearance of a naked woman in Michael’s house pulled her mind away from his last haunting words. "Wh-Wh-Wh-Who is that?!" Francisca pointed at her with a shaking arm.
  538.  
  539. "For Dios' sake Esther! What are you doing?!" Michael said.
  540.  
  541. "I don't know where you keep towels, and putting on clothes when wet seemed silly." Esther placed her hands on her hips. “Might as well come downstairs and ask.”
  542.  
  543. Michael caught a glimpse of her right hand. It was perfectly clean. "I-I see your right hand has cleaned up nicely."
  544.  
  545. "Oh? It was just a small cut that got a little out of hand. Just needed to be cleaned is all." Esther saw Francisca’s legs start to wobble. A dark and sexual grin spread on Esther’s face. "Enjoying the view puppy? If you prove to be a good dog, I'll give you a treat." she said in seductive playfulness.
  546.  
  547. "MICHAEL!"
  548.  
  549. "GOT IT!" Michael ran to Esther, took her hand, and rushed upstairs. Once upstairs, he pulled out a fresh towel from a cupboard, handed it to Esther, and quickly ran downstairs.
  550.  
  551. "Okay! That's settled." Michael walked back to his seat. Francisca sat in a chair, her legs twitched, and a blush still laid bright across her face. "Are you okay? You seem very fidgety."
  552.  
  553. "Shut up." she snapped back. "Why is she here?"
  554.  
  555. "Well, I owed her since she cared to my wound. Plus I don't think she is from around here so I'm letting her stay until she is back on her feet."
  556.  
  557. "You owe her after you killed a man to protect her?" Francisca leant forward in suspicion. "Michael, something is off about you. Are you sure you’re going to be okay, because what you said earlier definitely didn’t come from the Michael I know."
  558.  
  559. "Of course, I’ll be okay. It's just that the last few days have taken their toll on me. But I feel better today and I can get things done." he said confidently.
  560.  
  561. Esther walked downstairs, now dressed and her hair dried. The tunic loosely covered her and her curves filled the upper section of her trousers.
  562.  
  563. "Better now?" Esther asked teasingly.
  564.  
  565. "Much better." Michael reclined in his chair. "I made you some breakfast on the counter."
  566.  
  567. "Well aren’t you sweet, hero." Esther walked to the counter and picked up the plate with her breakfast. As she ate, she noticed Francisca staring intensely again. Michael and the small kobold were both looking at her, but one was just gazing at her direction while the other was infatuated with her sight. "Sheesh, you're an impatient pup. Would you like mistress to throw you a bone?"
  568.  
  569. Francisca jumped as if she felt a static shock. "D-Don't say things like that! That's incredibly insulting and vulgar!"
  570.  
  571. "Aww. Does doggy not like being teased?" Esther giggled. "If you let yourself wind up too much you'll break even faster, and it is a shame to see a fun thing like you break."
  572.  
  573. Her face flashed bright red before she quickly looked away. Michael laughed. "I didn't know you get flustered that easily."
  574.  
  575. "Sh-Shut it." she barked back.
  576.  
  577. Esther and Michael chuckled before he got up from his chair and started to walk towards the stairs.
  578.  
  579. "Where are you off?" Esther asked, taking the last bite of her food.
  580.  
  581. "Shower. Still need to get ready for the day." he said.
  582.  
  583. "Would you like me to help you in there? I can wash your back." Esther leant back on the counter with a sly smile.
  584.  
  585. Francisca turned to her with a distraught expression.
  586.  
  587. "Can you calm down with that? You're making Francisca uncomfortable and way too strung up for her own good." he continued up the stairs.
  588.  
  589. "I'll try!"
  590.  
  591. Once in the bathroom, Michael stripped and removed his bandage without thinking. After a quick shower, he quickly noticed that his back didn't hurt despite hot water just passed over his wound. He walked to his mirror, turned his back, and stared in disbelief. There was nothing. No wound. No scar. Nothing. It was just like with his hand injury from a few days past. There was no way to explain how this happened. He saw the blood, he felt himself bleed, and he felt the blade dig into his back. There was no way it could just disappear overnight so seamlessly.
  592.  
  593. With woolly thought plaguing him, he quickly dried himself and brushed his teeth in the sink. He reached for the small shelf next to his sink, only to realise he forgot to bring a change of clothes. He wrapped his towel around his waist and opened the door, only to be greeted with Esther waiting there with a change of clothes.
  594.  
  595. "You forgot these." she said kindly as she handed him the bundle of clothes.
  596.  
  597. Michael quickly grabbed them and closed the door. He changed in his brown tunic and white trousers and walked out to see Esther.
  598.  
  599. "You know, that little dog is really fun to toy with." she said mischievously.
  600.  
  601. "Oh by Dios, what have you done?" he asked as he walked down the stairs.
  602.  
  603. Esther followed him. "Nothing much. A few sugar coated words, a well-placed stroke of the face. She is really cute you know, I'm surprised you two aren’t a thing with how friendly you are."
  604.  
  605. "She's just an old friend, and what do you mean stroke of the face?" Michael walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table. It took a second for him to realise Francisca was missing. "Where's Francisca?"
  606.  
  607. "She left in quite a hurry. If I knew any better, she might be at home relieving herself."
  608.  
  609. Michael turned to her. "Okay, what is with you?! I have never met a woman as obscene as you!"
  610.  
  611. "Aww, hero, don't be so mean. I only mean to play for the time being.” she sat down in the chair next to him. “It’s not like I’m causing any harm, all I’ve done was tease a small pup into becoming too horny to cope."
  612.  
  613. Michael groaned in annoyance. Never has he met a single person as odd and unchaste as her. Regardless of the events of the morning, he was up and now ready, he knew it was time to get his day going. He quickly went upstairs, grabbed his coin purse off his dresser, and rushed back downstairs to put on his shoes.
  614.  
  615. "Where are you off too now?" Esther asked from her seat.
  616.  
  617. "I have chores to do." he said as he opened the door.
  618.  
  619. "Can I come with? I could do with some shoes."
  620.  
  621. "Do you not have any money?"
  622.  
  623. "No. I was, uh, robbed by bandits before I got lost in those woods. I could do with some way of getting income."
  624.  
  625. "Explains why one chased you, I guess.” he sighed. “I am going to regret this. Come along then."
  626.  
  627. "Mertarf sov oga saitarg."
  628.  
  629. "Yeah...what you said."
  630.  
  631. Esther merrily hopped out of her seat and walked outside with Michael. She followed him down the street and into the marketplace, turning the heads of all they walked by in the god fearing town.
  632. ===================================================================================================================================================
  633. 13.
  634. ===================================================================================================================================================
  635. The walk through town was as surreal as a fever dream to Michael. As he and Esther passed through town, guards dropped what they were doing to watch them pass, women both human and monster gossiped to each other, and children gawked at the sight of Esther, calling her pretty and other pleasantries. The cobbler was just as strange when Michael asked for a pair of boots for Esther. He was prepared to pay, but when she said kind words to the old man he gave her the boots as a gift. This kept happening at the produce stalls as well when they asked for vegetables or jams. Esther wooed the stall owner, and they walk away with gifts from the kind hearted or easily swayed, owners. After essentially robbing the stalls of their goods, they came to the centre of town. They walked by the fountain towards the church, but before they got any closer Esther stopped in her tracks.
  636.  
  637. "What are you doing?" Michael asked.
  638.  
  639. "I'm not going in there." Esther gave a bemused look.
  640.  
  641. "Why not? It's just a church."
  642.  
  643. "Exactly. I'm not going in a church. I don't like extreme masochism."
  644.  
  645. "What? Well, whatever. Francisca's store is right over there. Can you wait in there for me?"
  646.  
  647. "No problem. Don't take long; those places are bad for your health mertarf." Esther said before she walked off.
  648.  
  649. Michael entered the church with a hope of finding solace but was quickly suffocated with an overbearing tension on his body, his steps heavy as he walked up the aisle. People were sat in the pews next to him, reading their bibles intently and praying away whatever troubles they have. The muttered and whispered prayers grated on the blackboard of his mind, irritating and haunting him like a phantom pain. As he walked to the altar, he himself did a small prayer to Dios, asking for help. A horrid headache overcame him; his hearing became shot and his eyesight fuzzy. He looked up at the stained-glass mural; the colours he could swear formed a jagged scowl at him. Then the church bells rang out the time.
  650.  
  651. Four harsh chimes and eleven thunderous tolls filled his ears. Thirty-seven painful throbs pulsed in Michael's head as he dropped his groceries to clutch his head in pain. He staggered in the aftershock of the bells; gaining the attention of the faithful that had their prayers interrupted by what seemed like a madman having a fit. When he collapsed to the ground, his vision was nearly blinded and his eyes watered like mad.
  652.  
  653. He thought to himself in this torrent of pain; was this some kind of joke, or was it some kind of retribution for some past sin? Michael tried to grasp at explanations to his suffering but found none. As he knelt on the ground in torture, a hand touched his back. It seared like a brand. He jolted upwards and turned around. From what he could see, a figure in dark blue stood before him.
  654.  
  655. "Michael my friend, are you okay?" a muffled voice asked.
  656.  
  657. "No...I feel awful..." Michael replied in a frail voice.
  658.  
  659. "Follow me if you can." The blue figure started to walk down the aisle and out of the church. Michael weakly picked up his groceries and followed. As he left the church, his symptoms subsided, and once outside at the fountain, he was himself again. His eyesight corrected itself and he found himself standing in front of Abel.
  660.  
  661. "A-Abel?" Michael asked in surprise as he rubbed his eyes.
  662.  
  663. "Michael my friend, are you okay?" Abel's eyes were filled with deep concern. "You weren't at service yesterday, and then you come into the church and crumble to your feet. What is going on?"
  664.  
  665. "Abel..." Michael looked to the ground, scratching his head. "I...I’ve had a rough last few days."
  666.  
  667. "Rough? Rough enough to break my door handle?" Abel crossed his arms with a sly grin.
  668.  
  669. "I'll repay you in full, I've got some money he-" Abel raised his hand before Michael finished.
  670.  
  671. "Your problems first, friend, then we can discuss that." Abel said. "Come; let’s take a walk to the gardens."
  672.  
  673. Michael followed Abel to a small park filled with gardens by the side of the church. Townsfolk merrily walked and gawked at the colourful displays of flowers and the bushes cut into the shapes of angels. Abel took Michael to a stone park table and they sat down opposite each other.
  674.  
  675. "Now tell me, Michael, what has been troubling you?" Abel asked.
  676.  
  677. Michael sighed. "A lot Abel. A lot has been gnawing at me."
  678.  
  679. Michael explained roughly about the issues that have transpired; the odd encounter at the broken shrine, the dreams that followed, and the events of last night. Abel listened carefully and caringly, knowing that the whole ordeal from last night has shaken Michael to his core. The admittance of his feelings after killing the bandit worried Abel. He knew that the line of thinking Michael had wasn’t in character, and something must be dreadfully wrong. Something that hopefully, Dios could help resolve.
  680.  
  681. "And that's just about it." Michael said, finishing his ramble. "The woman is currently staying with me and the hole and body are near the wheel memorial. Anything you recommend about the dreams?"
  682.  
  683. "Sorry, this is just a lot to take in.” he breathed in deeply to clear his thoughts. “That depends. What happened inside the church? It's rare to see someone break down like that within a house of Dios."
  684.  
  685. "I don't know. I just started to pray and then I felt like I was being tortured."
  686.  
  687. Abel sat there, deep in thought. Where has he read before of people suffering from prayer? Quickly it donned on him. "Perhaps it is the Lord's way of taking the evils that you might have accrued from walking in Haven. That place may be held by sacred means, but that does not mean the ground itself is. Perhaps on that night you found the shrine, you brushed with the essences of past evils, and this is Dios’ way of now trying to cleanse you."
  688.  
  689. "But what of the dreams?" Michael asked worryingly.
  690.  
  691. "Side effects I would assume. I will try and read up on such things for you, unfortunately, I have my hands filled with the sudden visit of an inquisitor."
  692.  
  693. "An inquisitor? I thought they only worked back in the holy city of Cadvis to keep the bishops and cardinals on the straight and narrow."
  694.  
  695. "Some do, some go off and perform tasks in the name of the priest-king and the Lord. Our holy guest is one such man. He met a detour and is now recuperating here."
  696.  
  697. Michael sighed and got up from his seat. "So what do I do in the meantime?"
  698.  
  699. "Until I can fully give you advice, prayers of forgiveness would be a safe bet. But I would refrain from coming to the church if that were the reaction you had. You might scare the others and draw unneeded attention from our cautious and holy guest."
  700.  
  701. "Well, if that is what you recommend then fine, I trust your judgement. The last thing I need is a big guy from the church breathing down my neck."
  702.  
  703. "I promise to get back to you as quickly as I can. But today I have an audience with him that I must attend."
  704.  
  705. "Thank you. I'll see you later." Michael started to walk away.
  706.  
  707. "I almost forgot, what of the woman you spoke of? Are you sure she's okay to stay with you? I can give her refuge at the church." Abel said.
  708.  
  709. Michael turned around. "I don't think she'll fit in well there. Besides, she isn't fond of being near churches for some reason."
  710.  
  711. "Really? Strange. At any rate, I'll meet with you another time. May Dios help guide your way and fully cleanse you." Abel said with an assuring smile.
  712.  
  713. A shiver of sickening annoyance crawled up Michael’s spine, but he gave a grin and a wave back at Abel. He said his thanks again before walking out of the park. As he left the greenery of the gardens and walked in front of the church again, he felt a deep sense of wariness of the usually benevolent building. He knew that it was a safe and holy place, yet the feeling of harm he felt before might have set in a primal avoidance. With unsteady nerve, he walked away past the fountain and towards Francisca's store, dreading to think what Esther might be doing to tease her again.
  714. ===================================================================================================================================================
  715. 14.
  716. ===================================================================================================================================================
  717. Back and out of sight in the rear of the general store, Esther stood wickedly behind Francisca as she sat in her chair. Choppy pleasure filled gasps came from Francisca as Esther's hand caressed the helpless kobold's face, while the other groped her petite breasts and traced her dainty figure. Francisca's face was a vivid red, her eyes lulled and relaxed in sinful bliss from the touch of Esther's hands.
  718.  
  719. "I told you that I didn't mean any harm." Esther said gently. "See? You love this, don't you little puppy?" Esther continued her fun, letting two fingers to slip into the kobold's gasping mouth. Instinctually she started to lick and suck at the silky fingers that met her tongue. Francisca moaned in a cute and depraved manner, her eyes closed in reflex to the near heavenly feeling.
  720.  
  721. "You like that, huh?" Esther giggled softly. "I knew from looking at you that you were just high strung. You need relief from an expert, and just like I promised, I will help you get said relief." She removed her hand from Francisca's mouth and licked it herself. "You taste sweet. I hope your mouth isn't the only thing that's tasty." Esther snaked her hand down Francisca's body, grazing her stomach and inching towards her groin. "Your dress is in the way sweetie, can you please be a good pup and pull it up?"
  722.  
  723. Francisca nodded slowly as she reached to pull up her skirt above her waist. The bottom of her light blue panties was now dark, saturated with her essence that now leaked to the chair.
  724.  
  725. "Well aren't you an honest girl." Esther said playfully. "I reward honesty to good girls you know? Please, try and savour this, I know I will." She let out a dark giggle as her hand slid into Francisca's panties. Francisca’s hips bucked wildly as she moaned and gasped, a string of drool dropped from the corner of her mouth. Then the door opened.
  726.  
  727. "Francisca? Esther? Where are you two?" Michael called out. Esther pulled back her hand, the tips of her fingers glistening with wetness. She licked them clean with a smile, and whispered to Francisca. "I was right, you are sweet. Now pull yourself together, Michael is here."
  728.  
  729. Francisca's hips spasmed in aftershock as she sat while Esther walked to the front of the store. Esther waved at Michael with a glowing smile as she playfully walked behind the counter. "Hello again mertarf, enjoyed your time at the church?"
  730.  
  731. "I was just about to talk about that, and hey, where's Francisca? She isn't one to just disappear and leave someone she barely knows around her store." Michael said as he walked up to the counter, groceries in hand.
  732.  
  733. "Don't worry about her, she's just taking care of things in the back." she replied. "So, did you get your fill of torture or do you still crave more?"
  734.  
  735. Michael looked at Esther with unsmiling attention. "How did you know? Before I even went in you said you didn't want to follow because of 'masochism'. What do you know that I don't?"
  736.  
  737. Esther laughed. "Aw nothing, It's just that you have a familiar air to you is all."
  738.  
  739. "Familiar? Why? What about me is familiar?"
  740.  
  741. "...Ut, oicsen erev Dias rep..?" Esther crossed her arms; her face captivated in disbelief.
  742.  
  743. "And there you go talking in that language again. I know you know something, what has happened to me?" he asked inquisitively as he leant over the counter, staring fiercely into her eyes. Somewhere deep behind those green eyes of hers danced something profane and gorged in sin. A deep malevolence like of what he saw in the broken glass of the shrine.
  744. Michael quickly pulled away startled, then Esther giggled. "What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."
  745.  
  746. Michael shook his head to throw off the worrying sensation and then noticed Francisca shyly walking up to the counter. She meekly looked away towards the floor as she walked to the counter and next to Esther.
  747.  
  748. "Francisca? Are you okay?" Michael asked as he inched over to her.
  749.  
  750. "I-I'm fine. J-Just a little jumpy is all. How are you?" she said as she slowly looked up towards Michael, her cheeks pink and her eyelids fluttering.
  751.  
  752. "I'm good, was just talking to Esther. So any reason why you were back there while Esther was here?" Michael asked.
  753.  
  754. "I-I was just doing some inventory and since she was here I asked her to stay at the counter." she said.
  755.  
  756. "See? I can be very nice when you just give me a minute to know you better." Esther said to Michael with ladylike charm. Francisca tensed up and her ears perked.
  757.  
  758. "Riiight. So you two just became buddies after the mess that was this morning?" Michael asked sceptically.
  759.  
  760. "S-She can be very nice if you give her a chance." Francisca replied. "Anyway, Esther said you went to the church. Did you see Abel?"
  761.  
  762. Michael let out a small groan of frustration. "I did, but it only helped a bit. Abel reckons I just walked through some kind of 'evil essence' and that has been affecting me. He said to do more small prayers while he figures out something."
  763.  
  764. "Don't bother." Esther said plainly.
  765.  
  766. Michael and Francisca turned to Esther, perplexed by her suggestion. Ignoring the advice of a priest or pastor is unheard of to the faithful, especially when someone was experiencing something as troubling as Michael’s plight.
  767.  
  768. "Wait, what? What do you mean ‘don't bother’? I can safely assume you're not a devotee, but I am. Why on Earth should I heed that advice?" Michael asked unamusingly.
  769.  
  770. "If you like to keep up the energy you had today, I would suggest listening to me." Esther replied plainly. “Let nature take its course on this, trust me. You'll feel a lot better soon, I'll make sure of it." she gave a sly wink.
  771.  
  772. Michael's expression turned to aversion at what she said; her voice was unsettlingly insidious with its confidence. Michael stomached his senses that insisted something was amiss as he nervously looked over his shoulder towards the door. "That aside, I think it's time to head home."
  773.  
  774. "Really? You just got here Micheal." Francisca said with a pout.
  775.  
  776. "Well, I feel unappreciated, and after our little girly chat as well." Esther said teasingly.
  777.  
  778. "Th-That's not what I meant! I wouldn't mind hanging out with you again!" Francisca promptly covered her mouth.
  779.  
  780. Esther giggled as she slid over the counter and stood next to Michael. "I'll be sure to reward that honesty later. By the way, something fell off the shelf behind you over there."
  781.  
  782. Francisca quickly turned around and found a sewing kit on the floor. She walked and bent over to pick it up. Michael noticed a drying damp patch behind her drooped tail.
  783.  
  784. "Did you sit in some water Francisca?" Michael asked.
  785.  
  786. "Huh? What do you mean?"
  787.  
  788. "It's just that there is a wet patch on your butt."
  789.  
  790. Francisca immediately shot up and turned to hide her rear, her face crimson in embarrassment.
  791.  
  792. "I-I-I Just sat in some water!" she barked back. "Y-Y-You got things to do! Get out of here!"
  793.  
  794. Esther laughed hysterically as she tugged at Michael to go. "That's lying again pup, you're going to have to answer for that when I'm back. See you later puppy."
  795.  
  796. "I guess that's bye for now, so I'll see you later Francisca." Michael said as he followed Esther. "Come by my house tomorrow, I'll make some dinner."
  797.  
  798. "S-Sure! Bye!" Francisca said as she nodded furiously, hoping that they would leave quicker.
  799.  
  800. Michael opened the door and walked out as Esther blew a kiss back at Francisca. The two started to walk back home, still gaining attention as they passed through the streets. Michael walked with cautious contentment as Esther walked with a spring in her step. Slowly she felt herself becoming more energetic and empowered, especially after her fun with Francisca.
  801. ===================================================================================================================================================
  802. 15.
  803. ===================================================================================================================================================
  804. After the bandit ambush of yesterday, Cain's men sat around their makeshift camp on the outskirts of Limbous. They spent the day licking their wounds, checking their confiscated cargo for any thefts that could have occurred during the fracas. With many horses dead and a few injured, they spent the entirety of yesterday pulling the horseless waggons through the muck and rain of the forest trail. Most now laid exhausted, but luckily, thanks to Cain's strength and leadership they walked away with only a handful dead and injured.
  805.  
  806. Cain spent the day personally checking the waggons of their contents. All waggons holding reading materials and artefacts were in order, but the one he was most worried about laid in front of him. In the back of a waggon that two acolytes guarded before their deaths, the wooden interior laid in shambles and empty. Two wooden beams were splintered and crudely hacked at, while holy forged chains laid on the floor. His eyes narrowed like a hawk’s on prey. His one prisoner has escaped, and so did his calm. As he stepped out of the waggon with exaggerated force, he made his way back towards the centre of camp before one of his acolytes ran up to him.
  807.  
  808. "My lord, the Pastor of the town is here for you." the young man said panting.
  809.  
  810. Cain gave a low groan and glared at the acolyte. "Take me to him then, best we make our situation clear. What of the town mayor?"
  811.  
  812. "He, uh, he was in the town council hall. He told Acolyte Icar that he respected the inquisitorial authority, and will allow us to do what we must. Then he promptly ran home according to Acolyte Tessa."
  813.  
  814. Cain grumbled as he took off his hat to scratch his head, his somewhat long grey peppered hair swayed in the breeze. "Send Brother Wane and Sister Priar to 'question' and inspect the mayor's place of residency. Those who have nothing to hide shouldn't fear us. But for now, the pastor."
  815.  
  816. The acolyte led the grizzled inquisitor through the camp to a merry middle-aged man in blue vestments. The man bore a friendly smile, a smile that deeply annoyed Cain. How people can be so happy and carefree when that "thing" is free ate at him, but he knew he must remain silent for the safety of them all.
  817.  
  818. "Are you the inquisitor?" the man asked.
  819.  
  820. "I am." Cain replied. "I assume you are the pastor of this town's church?"
  821.  
  822. "That I am my lord, I am Pastor Abel Riosona." he said as he took a knee. “Lowly servant of our Lord Dios and caretaker of this town's church."
  823.  
  824. "You may rise. I am Inquisitor Saul Cain of his Lordship’s Holy Inquisition. Come, we'll talk in private. Acolyte, return to your duties."
  825.  
  826. The acolyte walked away as the two men went inside a large tent. Inside was a table with a map, a small wooden collapsible shelf to the sidelined with books, and near the back was a heavy wooden chest, bound and locked in chains. Cain walked behind the table and turned to Abel.
  827.  
  828. "Now then pastor, being an inquisitor requires me to be informed of anything about the town. I hope everything is in order and that I don't have to investigate much, I already have problems to take care of." Cain said unamusingly.
  829.  
  830. "Nothing I think that warrants attention." Abel said as he crossed his arms. "Everything has been rather normal lately."
  831.  
  832. "You said 'I think'." Cain snapped back.
  833.  
  834. "Huh?"
  835.  
  836. "You said 'I think'. That implies there might be something that is worth mentioning. If you please, pastor, don't waste my time. I have played that song and dance way too many times and I would appreciate it if you’d just be direct with me." Cain scowled at Abel.
  837.  
  838. "M-My apologies my lord. Recently, there has been a ruined shrine that was repaired."
  839.  
  840. Cain softened his expression back to a cold stare. "I know that this town is home to a burial site to a Demoss War battleground. So if the shrine was taken care of quickly, then nothing of significance should happen. Now Pastor Abel, was it taken care of quickly?"
  841.  
  842. "Yes my lord. As soon as it was reported by one of our burial guards, we hastily repaired and re-sanctified the shrine."
  843.  
  844. "Good. And what of the guard?"
  845.  
  846. "Well, he is suffering nightmares. As soon as you no longer need me I was planning to go back and read to find a solution to his problems. He’s a kind soul and a devoted follower of our Lord, so it is only right that I help him as soon as possible."
  847.  
  848. Cain sighed. "Sounds like minute soul-tainting. It shouldn't be a problem if taken care of. If that is all, then you may go ahead back to your studies for that guard. I'll summon you again if need be. May Dios guide you and your guard."
  849.  
  850. "Thank you, my lord, Dios guide you." Abel left the tent, leaving the mildly disgruntled Cain to think to himself.
  851.  
  852. Cain was always wary of burial towns ever since the early days of his career. Such places of sealed unholy magic were always hotspots of misfortune and heresy to the neighbouring people. With the prisoner on the loose, his suspicions for the town peaked. The ambient magics were a honey pot to any dark force that craved an edge, and so can be forged into an easy trap. However, organising anything as such would be difficult, especially with being unable to hide their presence.
  853.  
  854. As Cain looked over a map of the area, another acolyte entered the tent.
  855.  
  856. "What is it, acolyte?" Cain asked.
  857.  
  858. "My lord, a few of our brothers have heard whispers of a woman walking around town. She was described similarly to that of the woman we captured." the acolyte said.
  859.  
  860. "Send more of your brothers and sisters into the town to gather information. Anything suspicious must be reported to me, and keep utmost secrecy." Cain ordered the acolyte. "May the Lord cover your steps and hush your voices."
  861.  
  862. "Thank you, my lord, I will gather the others immediately." The acolyte said before leaving with urgency.
  863.  
  864. Cain took an old weathered book from the shelf and flicked through the yellowed pages. It was a book of notes he's made over the years to help narrow down causes and explanations in his investigations. He turned to a page he has read through recently to help with the bandits; it was written examples of signs of demonic presences. He leant on the table, took off his hat, and began to read his book in search of clues.
  865. ===================================================================================================================================================
  866. 16.
  867. ===================================================================================================================================================
  868. Michael's time at home with Esther was oddly peaceful in contrast with the morning. After a filling dinner of pork stew made from the shank in his ice box, he spent his evening reading the soldier’s book. As he read, Esther snooped around the house. She looked through the icebox that was now nicely stocked, his cupboards, his pantry, then finally into another room opposite the bathroom. The door was very stiff and took an effort to open, but after a hefty shove the door flung free. Esther walked into the dusty room; it was dark from facing away from the late evening sun. Lying around the room were a few empty shelves, a wardrobe, and a few small wooden crates covered in cloth. Esther coughed from the dust as her foot bumped into a crate.
  869.  
  870. She took off the cloth covering the crate to find an assortment of old small paintings, signed "M.S.". The quality differed from painting to painting, from crude child’s pictures to that of an experienced artist. That was the case until she found one piece. A family portrait of a tall man with dark brown hair, a blonde woman whose hair flowed to her waist, and a boy with light brown hair similar to Michael’s. All three stood in front what looked to be Michael’s house, the three bearing happy smiles. At the bottom, it was signed by M.S. and M.S., and below that a small message. “Happiest family in Limbous.”
  871.  
  872. Coming from the hallway behind her, footsteps approached until they stopped right behind her in the door frame.
  873.  
  874. "Having fun poking through my things?" Michael asked. “It is rude to just dive straight into a person’s belongings without their permission.”
  875.  
  876. Esther giggled and turned around to face him. "Just a bit bored and a little curious. What's with this room anyway, it is nowhere near as homey as the rest of the house. You keeping some secret that’s unbecoming of you?”
  877.  
  878. Michael groaned. "This room just belonged to my parents. I use it for storage now."
  879.  
  880. "Parents?" Esther said with intrigue. "And where are they now?"
  881.  
  882. Michael was silent for a moment, his face slightly sullen. "Gone. They have been gone for a while."
  883.  
  884. Esther read the atmosphere and his expression. "Sorry for your loss. I hope they passed peacefully."
  885.  
  886. Michael was silent still, his eyes sank to the floor, and Esther grew annoyed. "Tch. Look, I'm sure it was sad and all, but is it really all worth sulking over? It was long ago after all. C'mon, you can tell me a story about the town or whatever to take your mind off."
  887.  
  888. Michael walked by Esther and over to the crate. He picked up the painting with the two signatures and stared at it. Memories of his childhood came back to him, his time spent painting with his mother, Mary. They were much simpler times when all he had to worry was the next bout of yelling from Francisca for doing something stupid. The times of happily playing under the sun in the gardens next to the church, and eating apples that Francisca’s father grew. It was merry innocence back then, but even such happiness has to end eventually he thought. He put the picture back down in the crate and placed the cloth over it.
  889.  
  890. "So are you fine now?" Esther asked. "Or do you still need a moment to mope on the past like some mourner?
  891.  
  892. "Jeez, aren’t you venomous this evening?" he said as he turned to Esther. "What's with you?"
  893.  
  894. "It annoys me to see those who needlessly sulk over things that happened in the past. I'll give condolences on the event, but that sympathy fades quickly when you continue to brood. Just move on, it’s not that hard."
  895.  
  896. Her words stung, but they weren't wrong. It has been years since the plague, and he has used his parent's old bedroom as a dusty time capsule of sorts. Most things have been thrown out or sold away, but the paintings always remained. He has done his best at moving on, and to credit himself he believed he had. He didn't see a problem in keeping the paintings as mementoes, after all, they were things you couldn’t but a price on. Too many memories to part with. But perhaps the sulking was maybe a bit much he thought. Time and time he went into the room he was overcome with moody nostalgia. A longing for days long past and a happy family once again. A want for a caring mother and a kind but stern father to kick him into gear again.
  897.  
  898. With a forlorn sigh, Michael walked out of the room as Esther followed. He closed the door and the two walked downstairs.
  899.  
  900. "Hey Esther, do you have a family?" Michael asked.
  901.  
  902. "No." she replied. “Never had one.”
  903.  
  904. Michael felt something bitter in her words. Jealousy or irritation was masked behind her voice and made Michael feel sorry for her. He knew something has happened to her to make her feel like that, but he didn’t dare to ask.
  905.  
  906. The two walked back into the kitchen with a brooding heaviness in the air. Esther took a seat at the table while Michael prepared some raspberry cordial and grabbed two apples from the icebox. He placed a cup of cordial and an apple in front of Esther before he sat down with his.
  907.  
  908. "Now then, how about that story?" Michael said with a sly expression.
  909.  
  910. "O-Oh, that, well I, uh." Esther fidgeted in her seat. "It's not like you gotta. You managed to peel yourself away from your worries, and that's good enough right?"
  911.  
  912. "Hey, you're the one that got whiny about my feelings, and you did say you would listen to a story." Michael snapped back. "Now you are going to hold up your end of the deal and listen to a story. I even got you a snack for it as well, so you should be grateful that I'm treating you."
  913.  
  914. Esther went quiet and then giggled that quickly escalated into laughter. A bright smile spread on her face as she gasped for breath. "Oh my goodness, you really are starting to act more appropriate. I'm proud of you mertarf."
  915.  
  916. "What on Earth does that mean?" Michael asked. "You keep using that word, 'mertarf'. I know you can speak another language, what does that mean?"
  917.  
  918. "I wouldn't pay any mind to it; you may figure it out one day."
  919.  
  920. "Sure I will. Anyway, the story. Let me tell of how I met Francisca."
  921.  
  922. Esther reclined in her chair with a reluctant sigh, taking a sip of cordial and a bite of an apple. “It’s not like I have a choice. Go ahead, I'm listening."
  923.  
  924. Delight beamed from Michael as he started his tale from his childhood years, while Esther listened on, taking the occasional sip from her drink and bite from her apple. The evening of storytelling went into the early night, and Esther learned of how far back Michael and Francisca went. Their meeting, their plays, their mistakes, she unwantedly knew most of it now. Michael bored Esther with his energetic telling, and it soon drew time for rest.
  925.  
  926. After Esther accidentally used Michaels toothbrush, followed by a small argument of “How was I supposed to know?” Michael prepared for bed. He put on his nightgown and nestled into bed before being greeted by a sultry voice.
  927.  
  928. "You forgot the lights, Michael." Esther said before Michael rolled in bed to face her.
  929.  
  930. He quickly rolled out of bed in surprise and picked himself up off the floor. "I really should have expected that." he rubbed the back of his head. "Are you at least wearing something under there?"
  931.  
  932. Esther giggled. "Come back and find out. But don't forget to blow out the candles."
  933.  
  934. Michael warily blew out the candles on his dresser and slipped back underneath the covers. He made sure to be facing away from Esther, fearful to see what she might or might not be wearing under the sheets. With cautious unease, he closed his eyes and hoped for sleep to soon take him. However, the feeling of Esther hugging him took Michael by surprise, making him flinch.
  935.  
  936. "Calm down, I told you yesterday that you're a great hot water bottle." she said with a chuckle. She pulled herself close to Michael, and he finally got his answer to what Esther was wearing. He could feel her soft breasts pushing gently into his back while she intertwined her legs in his.
  937.  
  938. "Why am I letting you do this..?" Michael said under his breath.
  939.  
  940. "Because deep down you want me to do this." Esther whispered seductively. "You had the choice to stop me, yet you chose to let me embrace you. Don't think much of it, your friend didn't."
  941.  
  942. "Wait what do you mean by that last part?"
  943.  
  944. "Oh, nothing. Now just relax and sleep. You'll feel great when you wake up in the morning."
  945.  
  946. Michael was in paradoxical confusion. His mind didn't agree at all with what Esther said, and yet something else deep down was perfectly fine with her words. In fact, it yearned for her embrace and more. Cosy warmth he never known stirred within him; a sense of contentment that stemmed from his body. With the tender warmth of Esther behind him and his body in a state of relaxed bliss, he drifted off to sleep in peaceful ease.
  947. ===================================================================================================================================================
  948. 17.
  949. ===================================================================================================================================================
  950. The night in the inquisitorial camp was still with the few guarding acolytes making patrols. The men and women of the convoy slept soundly for the first time in the past week in their tents. Meanwhile, their leader finished reading through his notes and planning for his approaching hunt. Cain's weary eyes also became heavy from the long day of study, and with spotted yawns, he snuffed the lantern in the tent and walked to his private bunk. After a reading of a long prayer from his bible, he finally found rest in his cot.
  951.  
  952. A light breeze rolled through the camp, swaying the fabrics and tarps of the tents. It was peaceful, with the only light coming from the lanterns of the watchful sentinels of the camp. But away and out of sight, a shadow darted from stone wall to tree as it advanced towards the inquisitorial refuge. As quick as a fox it encroached upon the camp, being ever mindful to stay out of the sight and light of the guards. The shadow carefully skirted around some of the larger tents, then made its way to the group of parked waggons. The horses were asleep while two guards paced around the battle-scarred waggons. The shadow rushed around silently, even passing by a guard that stood mere inches away.
  953.  
  954. Like a wolf skulking prey, the shadow swiftly ducked into the back of a waggon. The floor of the inside of the waggon held two rows of old locked chests. The shadow was drawn near to one in particular, and with a small burst of pale lilac fire, the lock disintegrated. The shadow opened the chest to find it packed with old books. With the zeal of a feral animal scavenging, it tossed book after book aside. It dug into the chest until it found an old journal. Its cover rough and jagged and the pages irregular in shape; it reeked of burnt vegetation and death.
  955.  
  956. Keeping the journal close to its body, it bolted out of the waggon and carefully towards Cain's command tent. The shadow slipped in and combed the interior. One by one it looked through books on the small shelf, each irrelevant to its needs. Quickly it turned to the chained chest on the other side of the tent. It touched the wooden lid and a lick of blue fire spat at the shadow. In retaliation, the shadow formed another ball of lilac flame and pushed it into the chained lock of the chest. The chains quickly turned red hot and their links blew apart, sending flaming shrapnel around the tent with a bang.
  957.  
  958. The inquisitorial staff quickly awoke and rushed out of their tents in confusion. The shadow opened the chest and rummaged through its contents. Past a few ceremonial daggers and a desiccated ceremonial deer head laid another book. The book was loosely bound in iron wings with rough cracked leather covers. The shadow retrieved the book and lit another flame. The tent was beginning to burn from the metal shrapnel, and acolytes flocked to it like moths to a candle. Before a single acolyte stepped inside to see what the cause of the blaze was, the shadow burned a hole in the back of the tent and ran out. The shadow rushed passed an acolyte, and she got a look of the shadowy figure that sped by. A flash of black and pale white flew by her and rushed to the hills towards the forest. The acolyte stood confused but quickly turned to help her brothers and sisters in stopping the fire.
  959.  
  960. The shadow rushed back into the forest, and once a fair distance in slowed to a float. In its hands, it held the two deviously ominous books. A dainty female laugh echoed out as the shadow listlessly floated deeper into the woods, leaving the inquisition to speculate and wonder what has happened to bring chaos into the night.
  961. ===================================================================================================================================================
  962. 18.
  963. ===================================================================================================================================================
  964. The crimson rays no longer felt as insidious or ominous as their first encounter; it was now just part of the scenery to Michael. The figure now floated in place in the middle of the moon, its wings flapping rhythmically in the air. Michael's fears and ill feelings towards the space no longer existed, and he just felt as if he was just standing there. No longer partially out of body, but as if he was there, standing on a solid void of black looking out to the blood moon with a purple haze gracefully passing by. He managed to do something he didn't think he could, move. He took a step back, and out of curiosity waved at the figure in the sky. The figure waved back. He smiled, pleasantly surprised at the friendly gesture. Behind him, he felt an approaching force and carefully turned around. In the distance of the void in front of him was a flicker. The blue flicker of a distant flame. Michael tried to speak, but his mouth was sealed shut. No matter how hard he tried, the only noise that passed in that space was the sound of the light and fragile breeze.
  965.  
  966. He turned around to face the airborne figure again, its arm outstretched and curling its fingers, beckoning Michael. He took a step forward, followed by another. He walked closer towards the figure as it appeared to descend from its red halo. With every step, his sight faded more and more to black, until all sight disappeared again. To resist the encroaching darkness, he opened his eyes and found himself in his bed. He laid confused from the seamless transition of dream to day, his body not even burdened by the natural grog of awakening. Just like the previous day, no prayer and straight to sleep, followed by an energy filled rising. Michael moved his legs, only to find that they were still locked in Esther’s. He turned to face Esther, still blissfully asleep with a cute face of rested comfort.
  967.  
  968. Michael tried to untangle his legs from hers without much disruption, but he unintentionally unsettled and awakened her. Her eyes slowly opened like a newborn kitten’s as she looked towards Michael. She gave a small yawn and smiled. "Good morning Michael, have a nice rest?"
  969.  
  970. Despite clearly seeing her naked chest, all sense of embarrassment was absent in Michael. "I actually did. Did you?"
  971.  
  972. Esther lightly chuckled. "I did. Thank you. And it seems you are no longer flustered with my being here."
  973.  
  974. Michael didn't know why he was no longer nervous to be in the same bed as a naked beauty, but he truly didn't care. It was instinctual to just play along, and even have the small hope of playing with. He stepped out of his bed, his room was filled with the soft light of the early morning sun. As he stretched his arm out, his eyes widened in fright. Along his arm were raised red geometric scratchings covering the length of his arm. He broke into a cold sweat and stood frozen in place.
  975.  
  976. "Michael? Are you okay?" Esther asked as she got out of bed. She walked over to his side and saw his arm. A sinister grin crept on her face as she walked to his other side. She pulled up his sleeve and saw the exact same markings. Michael looked on in horror as he quickly exposed his chest. The scratchings formed a mysterious flowing pattern with geometric intricacies all over his torso. He fell back on his bed in shock. His mind ran a mile a minute, grabbing at straws to explain what has happened to him. There was no way these scratches could come from Esther, she held her hands close when they awoke. No one could have come in during the night either.
  977.  
  978. With Michael on the verge of a mental breakdown, Esther climbed on the bed and propped him up to sit. She hugged him in a close embrace from behind, pressing her chest into his mark ridden back as Michael shivered from the stress.
  979.  
  980. "Calm down my dear mertarf, you have nothing to fear." she said bewitchingly. "There is no reason to be so afraid."
  981.  
  982. Tears welled in Michael's eyes, with every day something has to happen to shake his small world. All he wanted was to live humbly in a friendly town he grew to love, and even after tragedy he strived to keep his peace. He couldn't bear any more horrors or surprises.
  983.  
  984. "Why me?" he asked in a meek pathetic voice. "What have I done to deserve this? I'm faithful, I'm kind, and I do my best to help this town despite my faults. What have I done?" Michael sunk his face into his hands.
  985.  
  986. Esther leant over his shoulder and kissed his exposed cheek. Soothing warmth spread from the contact.
  987.  
  988. "Do you want me to help you end this?" Esther asked innocently.
  989.  
  990. Michael lifted up his face, a few tears escaping from the corner of his eyes. "How can you help? I'm better off waiting for Abel to tell me I'm cursed. There is no way this is work of Dios trying to help me. He has forsaken me."
  991.  
  992. "If that is the case, then why not save yourself? I can help." Esther said as she moved to sit on his lap. "I know a few things that could help in a time like this. If you promise to form a contract with me, I can help you become well again."
  993.  
  994. "But what of Abel?" Michael asked.
  995.  
  996. "You said it yourself; this is not of Dios' power. What good would a priest or pastor do in a time like this?"
  997.  
  998. Michael grew silent. He looked into Esther's eyes again. Still, a brilliant emerald and still was home to a dark flare. However, the flare no longer took him by surprise. In fact, it was welcoming and friendly. The lazy sexuality that exuded from her expression was deeply comforting, and Michael made his mind.
  999.  
  1000. "Alright. I'll take your help."
  1001.  
  1002. Esther giggled. "Tibebah sutcartnoc te mucet aem satseto muc. I will aid you in ridding yourself of your worries and inner pain, freeing you from shackles of debilitation. In return, you shall help me whenever possible. Do you accept me and this contract?"
  1003.  
  1004. Michael nodded.
  1005.  
  1006. Esther pricked his arm with her nail, drawing a small amount of blood on it before licking it. "Mine tse sutangis." She then drew in close for a kiss. Without much effort, Michael fell backwards on the bed as Esther passionately kissed him while dark glee flew through her mind. She pulled back with a gasp, brushing her dark hair out of her face. "Don't worry; I'll take good care of you as long as you do the same to me. And by the way, you're a pretty good kisser."
  1007.  
  1008. Michael laid on the bed with a blank mind, half unsure of what he has done or what he has agreed to. A dark force loomed over his being, but he felt oddly fine and safe in it, and a flame of hope that things will end well flickered in his heart.
  1009. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1010. 19.
  1011. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1012. Michael went along with his morning routine with an empty expression. The shower didn't fair him any better as he got a full few of the scratchings. The marks ran everywhere from his forearms and to his shins, leaving the only bare bits of his body be his face, hands, and feet. As he stared into the steamed mirror, he felt empty staring at his own image. The person he looked at wasn't the Michael Sancti of Limbous, but a scarred imitation that has begun to crumble under the weight of uncertainty. A mind that begins to function in paradox and contradiction isn't healthy for sanity, but Michael was apathetic to the thought. All he knew is that something was increasingly becoming more and more wrong and perverse with himself, and he was now willing to do anything to fix himself.
  1013.  
  1014. As he finished in the bathroom and changed into a blue tunic and brown trousers, he let Esther in before he went downstairs to the kitchen. In the fireplace of the kitchen, he heated a kettle of water as he grabbed an apple from the ice box. He didn't have the attention span or the urge to make anything remotely time intensive for breakfast, so simple fruit would suffice.
  1015.  
  1016. He sat in relative silence while he ate as Esther finished up in the shower. She walked downstairs in a loose fitting white short sleeved tunic and matching trousers. She carried a satisfied grin as she waltzed into the kitchen. "Feeling any better Michael? Did the shower take a little of the edge off?" she sat in the chair next to him. She noticed Michael's blank expression as he looked towards her. "I'll take that as a no."
  1017.  
  1018. Michael sighed and leant back in his chair. "What exactly am I doing? I just took up a stranger on an offer to help me with something probably damning."
  1019.  
  1020. Esther took his apple and took a bite out of it before handing it back. "Simply take the best option available to you. You are doing the pragmatic thing, nothing to be ashamed of."
  1021.  
  1022. "You say that..." Michael trailed off in thought before being interrupted by knocks on the door. He got up and walked to it, awaiting him on the other side was Abel with a small book in hand and bottle in the other.
  1023.  
  1024. "Good morning Michael my friend, I have some news for you." Abel said with a delighted smile. "I've spent most of last night reading through texts, and I might have found something to help you."
  1025.  
  1026. Michael was sceptical since the situation has now worsened, but yet still humoured Abel. After all, he spent time to find a solution quickly for Michael's benefit.
  1027.  
  1028. "Have you? Well, I'm relieved to hear that. Come in, I have the kettle on and I'll make you some tea." Michael said as he cleared the way for Abel to step inside.
  1029.  
  1030. As Abel walked in, he was greeted by Esther glaring at him with intense distrust.
  1031.  
  1032. "Ah, is this the woman you spoke of before?" Abel asked. "She's very fetching."
  1033.  
  1034. Esther got up from her chair and walked upstairs without a word.
  1035.  
  1036. "My, did I say something?" Abel asked nervously.
  1037.  
  1038. "No, you didn't." Michael said as he closed the door. "She's just a little funny sometimes. Anyway, what did you find?"
  1039.  
  1040. Abel walked over and took a seat at the table, setting his things down. "I found a passage telling of a way to clear a person of something called 'soul-tainting'. People afflicted suffer the same kind of symptoms as you do, and can be cured with a holy incantation."
  1041.  
  1042. Michael sat down next to him. "So an actual way to stop it all?" Michael asked eagerly. He was hopeful, thinking that maybe this will be the end to his worries. "Well, I don't see why we should waste time then, let's do it."
  1043.  
  1044. Abel smiled and nodded. "I knew you would say that. The quicker a guard is healthy the safer the town. Now, hold out your hand on the table, palm down."
  1045.  
  1046. Michael carefully extended his arm, trying not to show the marks on his arm. Abel opened his book to a passage he copied from whatever source he used in his research. From the bottle, he went the end of his index finger with its contents. It was a viscous substance, slightly tinged teal and smelled of a mishmash of botanical fragrances. With the liquid, he drew a sigil of Dios on the back of Michael's hand. Two circles, with one encompassing the other as a line broke from the centre of the inner to the edge of the outer. The liquid burned fiercely against Michael's skin, so he gritted his teeth trying to not show the pain.
  1047.  
  1048. Abel cleared his throat in preparation. "Let's begin. O' heavenly Lord that looks over us and guides us, we ask for your help. One of your sons has been bitten by the beast of evil and needs your aid to remove its blight. With your kindness, this faithful orator of your divinity wishes to conduit your love to care for this child. In your name, Dios, we seek purity."
  1049.  
  1050. The instant Abel finished the last word, the sigil lit up in a brilliant blue-tinted white. Abel looked on in amazement while Michael turned away gritting his teeth more harshly. The back of his hand screamed in pain as if it were set ablaze. The sensation of burning, however, came to be more than just a feeling. The liquid on his hand burst a light into a dark purple flame, the sickly sound of sizzling flesh popped and hissed from the fire. Michael jumped up from his seat, waving his hand in the air. The fire licked the bottom of his sleeve, quickly eating through the fabric and up his arm. In a panic, he ran to the sink and turned on the tap, submerging his hand in the stream of water. Quickly patting out the burnt remnants of his sleeve, he pulled his hand back from the water. The back of his hand was burned in the shape of the sigil, his skin red with off white webbing of skin peeling off from burst blisters.
  1051.  
  1052. His hand stung in the presence of the air, driving pins and needles of pain through his wounds. As Michael caught his breath, Abel looked on horrified. His study foretold of a light coming from the mark, and that will signal the end of the afflicted's worries. But this was never mentioned in the texts, and his surprise was heightened by the sight of his exposed arm. The marks covered up the length of his arm; raised, well defined, and red against his light skin. To Abel, the marks resembled characters from a language, a language he never thought of seeing associated with Michael. With haste, Abel grabbed the bottle and book then darted out of the house without a word. Once the door slammed shut, Michael looked to see an overturned chair where Abel was. The out of the window he could see Abel running off up the street, passing pedestrians who looked on in confusion.
  1053. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1054. 20.
  1055. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1056. "God dammit!" Michael yelled as he slammed the edge of the sink with his hands. "God dammit all!" He kicked the door of a cupboard, cracking it inwards with a loud bang.
  1057.  
  1058. Esther calmly walked downstairs, her arms behind her back as she looked to see Michael taking deep breaths by the sink.
  1059.  
  1060. "I take it his little 'help' didn't go over well?" Esther asked coolly.
  1061.  
  1062. Michael raised the back of his hand and showed it to Esther. "That 'help' did this to me! My one last hope of everything going right again and it burns me like a brand. What is the fucking point anymore if even a pastor can't help me?!"
  1063.  
  1064. Esther sighed and walked up to Michael before taking him in an embrace. "It's like you forgot about this morning, my dear mertarf. I'll take care of your problems, so long as you take care of me. Now let me see your hand."
  1065.  
  1066. Michael relaxed and let Esther take his wounded hand. Michael looked on in grim surprise as his wound began to mend itself in front of his eyes. Dead skin flaked and fell as the colouration of the skin returned to normal. In a matter of a few minutes, the burn disappeared without a scar, just like with all the other wounds before.
  1067.  
  1068. "What has happened to me?" Michael asked desperately. "I just want to know."
  1069.  
  1070. "I know you do." Esther whispered.
  1071.  
  1072. "This isn't normal! Nothing is normal anymore!"
  1073.  
  1074. "I know, I know."
  1075.  
  1076. "If you know then why won't you tell me?! Over the last few days, you act so sly and allude to things that I shouldn't concern myself with. If you want to help me, then why won't you say anything?"
  1077.  
  1078. Esther put a finger on his lips. "You have something that can teach you. That little book of yours can shed light on a few things."
  1079.  
  1080. Michael's eyes lit up. "You mean the soldier's journal? How did you-"
  1081.  
  1082. "I took a peak when you left the thing alone." she said. "Interesting stuff really, never read anything about the other side of that war. Always been 'oppressive priests this' or 'they tried to stop our fun that'. Truly a stupid conflict. Just a bunch of idiots fighting pious idiots."
  1083.  
  1084. Michael walked by Esther and up to his room. On his dresser on top of a stack of books was the journal. Sticking out of it was a white ribbon in the latter half of the book. He picked it up and sat on his bed as he opened it. He turned to the page with the ribbon and began to read. It was written some time into the war, two years since it began. The soldier started to write about an affliction that began to rip the ranks of the Paradine forces. Confusing and queer dreams plagued many of the soldiers' dreams, making them exhausted and lethargic once they awoke. The more and more he read, the more confused he became, then he saw the sketch.
  1085.  
  1086. At the start of an entry, there was a pencilled picture of someone’s arm. The arm bore markings, eerily similar to the kind that encompassed Michael's body. The entry went on to tell of how a soldier was pulled away by paladins once the marks were found, and that the soldier began to go insane. This happened with a handful of other men, and the phenomenon was later called Rune Clustering, and the afflicted called "the runies". The screaming of the runies soon became a daily occurrence in the camp he was stationed in and continued for as long as he wrote. While engrossed in reading, Michael managed to complete the book in his mad rush to find anything else relevant. However, all he managed to find were the regrets of a soldier fighting in a war he no longer believed in and even more uncertainty.
  1087.  
  1088. The evening slowly approached as he wasted away the day reading, and once he placed the book back on his dresser, he remembered what he said yesterday. He was having Francisca over for dinner that night, and he hasn't prepared anything yet. He put on a new tunic top, an old red one, then rushed down the stairs and was surprised by the sight in front of him. Esther was humming to herself as she chopped herbs and cut bread. The kitchen fireplace cracked with fire as a pot simmered with an aromatic onion soup.
  1089.  
  1090. Esther turned around from the counter and smiled. "Enjoyed your reading?"
  1091.  
  1092. Michael stood stunned. "This is...rather domestic of you. I didn't know you can cook."
  1093.  
  1094. Esther giggled. "There are a few things you don't know about me."
  1095.  
  1096. "I think that goes without saying..."
  1097.  
  1098. "And I remember yesterday you said you would have the pup over for dinner, so I took it upon myself to whip up something while you were preoccupied."
  1099.  
  1100. Michael walked over to the kitchen table with an expression of reluctant acceptance and sat down. He didn't feel like giving any more back talk, mostly in part of being mentally drained to do so. So he waited patiently as Esther cooked, taking in the pleasant smell of the simmering soup and silently waited for the eventual knocks on the door.
  1101. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1102. 21.
  1103. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1104. The mid-day evening came and so did the friendly knocks from the door. Esther retrieved three bowls from the cupboard then placed them on the table as Michael opened the door. On his doorstep was Francisca in a cute blue floral sundress and straw sunhat. She smiled as she looked up at Michael.
  1105.  
  1106. "Heyo Michael." she said enthusiastically, her tail merrily wagging behind her. "Thanks for inviting me over today. Been a busy day and I need a nice break."
  1107.  
  1108. "Yeah, a break, I could use one too..." Michael said wearily. "Come on in, we're having onion soup tonight."
  1109.  
  1110. Francisca walked in as Michael shut the door behind her. Francisca stood amazed, watching as Esther garnished three bowls of soup with bread and grated cheese.
  1111.  
  1112. "I-I didn't know you could cook?" the kobold said astonished.
  1113.  
  1114. Esther looked at her and laughed. "My hands are good for many things you know, not just for playing." She gave a frisky wink at the skittish girl.
  1115.  
  1116. Francisca gave a nervous smile back as she walked to a chair and hung her hat from its backrest. Michael took a seat and Esther began to serve the hot bowls of soup. Esther sat down next to Michael with her bowl and gave a contented sigh once in her chair. The soup emanated an aroma of finely simmered and cooked onions with the pleasant complement of beef and herbs. The topping of the soup was a nice blanket of cheese on top of a floating piece of bread. The meal looked delicious, and the three couldn't wait to dine upon it.
  1117.  
  1118. "Alright, let's give our thanks our Lor-" Francisca was quickly interrupted with Esther sighing.
  1119.  
  1120. "Can't we just go ahead and eat? If you want to thank someone, thank me." Esther said as she took up a spoon.
  1121.  
  1122. "B-But the-" Francisca muttered out before Michael piped up.
  1123.  
  1124. "You might as well listen to her. Thank her then eat. Thanks, Esty." Michael took a delicious spoonful of the soup.
  1125.  
  1126. Esther looked at him in pleasant surprise. "You've given me a nickname now?"
  1127.  
  1128. "You kept calling me mertarf, so I gotta call you something in turn you know." Michael said with a grin.
  1129.  
  1130. "You gave Michael a nickname? How? He hates people giving him nicknames." Francisca said quickly.
  1131.  
  1132. "Not so much a nickname and more of a name in itself," Esther explained, "besides, I didn't know he didn't like nicknames."
  1133.  
  1134. "He never really liked people calling him by a nickname since his mother die-oh..." Francisca caught herself a fraction too late. She looked away in visible shame for bringing up a grim topic unneededly. The room grew quiet with the only sound being from the snaps and pops of the fireplace.
  1135.  
  1136. Michael took another spoon full of the soup before he spoke again. "To be honest, I think it doesn't bother me as much anymore."
  1137.  
  1138. Esther raised an intrigued eyebrow as she ate, while Francisca sat mouth agape.
  1139.  
  1140. "R-Really?" Francisca looked deeply confused. "But those years ago when you first met Solomon and chewed him out! You yelled at your own boss!"
  1141.  
  1142. "I was an idiot back then that let the past cling on too tightly." Michael said as he laid down his spoon. "Franny, it has been years since our parents died. And it was only recently I got some sense kicked into me to let it go a bit."
  1143.  
  1144. Francisca stared at Michael, surprised by his response. Years ago when he first joined the guard, Captain Solomon called Michael "Mikey" in jest. However, Mikey was the name that his mother called him. Francisca heard from other guards about how Michael let loose a torrent of obscenities at his new boss, nearly costing him his new job. Thankfully, Solomon was kind enough to see through the anger and pain that was in his words, and only decided to give Michael disciplinary action by cleaning the guards’ quarters for his first day.
  1145.  
  1146. Michael caught Francisca gazing at him, and he, in turn, glimpsed into her eyes. Still, the light hazel as they always been. Ever friendly. Ever there for him. Very comforting. However, when Francisca looked into his, she started to turn away with unease, almost as if she saw something "off" in him.
  1147.  
  1148. "Franny, are you okay?" Michael asked.
  1149.  
  1150. "It's nothing, it's just. When have your eyes been speckled? They have always been clear blue." Francisca said.
  1151.  
  1152. "Speckled? Francisca, what are you on abou-" Michael was surprisingly interrupted by the small kobold.
  1153.  
  1154. "You have dots and streaks of red in them. Michael, I am absolutely sure you didn't have those before."
  1155.  
  1156. The room was quiet again, with the accompanying fire crackles and Esther taking spoon fulls of her soup, clanging the spoon against the bowl. "If you're not going to hurry up your soup will get cold. You don't want me to punish you for wasting my lovingly made food, do you?"
  1157.  
  1158. Francisca's ears perked up and she immediately wolfed down her soup. Esther smiled with cheerfulness as she and Michael continued to eat theirs. As they ate, the conversation turned back to that of current events in the town. Mrs Theresa took her students on a small outing to the nearby meadows, bug hunting the day away until a boy accidentally caught his mantis girl classmate. Hyde and his arachne daughter Hannah got themselves stuck in Hilda's base for her new quilt. Even the ogre Bridgitte snapped a piece of expensive lumber in half that her boss was planning to use. The three laughed at the innocent mishaps as Francisca told them. However, Michael went silent after the next piece of gossip Francisca had.
  1159.  
  1160. She walked past Abel who was shaking like a leaf in a strong gust. She talked about how he mumbled something about curses and ill omens as he walked to the church. Esther giggled up until the last bit of gossip, and then she turned deathly quiet with an expression of deep horror. Abel muttered about telling an Inquisitor. Both Michael and Esther sat in silence, with one with only a slight grasp of the situation and another who is all too familiar with what will transpire.
  1161.  
  1162. Francisca asked what was wrong, but was answered with Michael assuring her everything is fine, all the while Esther sat mortified. Michael and Francisca finished their meals, and with cautious goodbyes Francisca left for home. As Michael collected the bowls to wash up, he noticed Esther still had a fair bit left in hers.
  1163.  
  1164. "Are you going to finish that?" Michael asked jokingly. "It would be a waste for such good food to go uneaten."
  1165.  
  1166. "Now isn't the time for that." Esther said, her voice stony and shaken. "We have a much graver problem ahead of us."
  1167.  
  1168. "What do you mean?" Michael said as he put the two bowls in the sink. "Are you on about the inquisitor? I doubt Abel will actually talk to him."
  1169.  
  1170. "Iceac te itluts. Never assume the best in a situation like this."
  1171.  
  1172. "What are you on about? It's like you're insisting the inquisition will knock down my door..."
  1173.  
  1174. He stood in silence for a moment and let his mind turn on and think. Abel maybe a good friend, but he is still a Pastor first, and so by that, he is a huge problem.
  1175.  
  1176. 'Problem?' Michael thought. 'No no. This has just got to be a big misunderstanding...But still...'
  1177.  
  1178. He turned around to Esther. "So what do you suppose we do? Doing anything out of guilt or fear of the inquisition is heresy in itself."
  1179.  
  1180. "Michael, you make it sound like you have a say in the matter." Esther replied coldly as she looked towards him.
  1181.  
  1182. "Huh? What do you-"
  1183.  
  1184. "You are under contract. I shall help you cease your misery, and you shall help me whenever possible. You are bound to this, and by your soul, you are obliged to follow."
  1185.  
  1186. Michael looked into her eyes. They burned with a fierce and dark will, a will that oppressed and subjugated any that were unlucky enough to be in its gaze. However, this oppression didn't scare Michael but instead helped push his mind towards the unthinkable. His sense of self-preservation began to kick in, oddly linked with the well-being of Esther. With that, he made up his mind.
  1187.  
  1188. "Fine. I'll play along. Now, what must we do?"
  1189.  
  1190. Esther took a deep sigh of relief and quickly finished the last of her bowl before handing it to Michael. "I have a plan. It might be risky, but it’s the best thing we got to helping you and keeping me safe."
  1191.  
  1192. Michael put the bowl in the sink and leant on the counter. "Well alright then, have at it. What do we need to do?"
  1193.  
  1194. With a small hmph, she looked at Michael and grinned. "We need to find an old friend of mine. And you are going to help me find her."
  1195. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1196. 22.
  1197. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1198. Abel sat behind his desk, his elbows resting on the dark pine as he buried his face in his palms. The night has come, blanketing the world outside in its dark cloak. He usually was home at this time of night, but after witnessing that purple fire and markings on Michael's arm, he knew that sleep was impossible for him. The markings he saw were used as warnings to evils people should never meet. That rune like language was always known as a herald of ill omens, of hell, and to see it on Michael's flesh. Unthinkable.
  1199.  
  1200. He sat in silence for a long while, that was until there was a knock at the door. But the door flew open due to still having a broken door handle, showing Cain to be standing in the door frame.
  1201.  
  1202. "Do you normally sit in the dark, pastor?" Cain said as he walked into the room. With a snap of his fingers, flames sparked to life on the wicks of the candles in the room. "It's nearing eight and you're still here. I would figure any regular man would go to his house and rest."
  1203.  
  1204. "Well, I don't think lying in bed sleepless will do me any good, my lord." Abel said as he raised his head. "Do you require something of me inquisitor, I'm not feeling too well."
  1205.  
  1206. Cain took off his hat and placed it on the table to his right. "That is precisely why I am here tonight, Pastor Abel. I was informed that you ran through town today, mumbling to yourself with a grave expression. I was just wondering what that was about."
  1207.  
  1208. Abel broke out in a cold sweat. Cain approached with a raised brow upon a stern face. His stride was calculated and imposing with a cadence of confidence. Abel had an idea of what was going to happen. An inquisitor was going to inquire.
  1209.  
  1210. "My lord, please. I just had a long day is all. Nothing is wrong." Abel said.
  1211.  
  1212. Cain stopped in front of his desk. "Pastor Abel, do you remember the tale of Kel?"
  1213.  
  1214. Abel was surprised by the odd question. The tale of Kel was a common lesson to preach in service. Kel was a boy who was given a one of a kind sash by his seamstress mother. His mother warned to never give the sash to anyone, but he ignored her warning and gave the sash to an injured woman. Once it was returned to him, his life went asunder and he asked Saint Pluton for help. When Saint Pluton asked, "Have you committed a sin in the guise of good intention?" Kel replied with a no, and then he found his mother has died of illness. Abel knew this tale was used to teach that nothing erases a sin other than Dios' will, but he didn't follow what Cain was getting at
  1215.  
  1216. "Let me make this clear, Pastor Abel." Cain said as his eyes beamed at Abel. Abel shrank in his chair from the predator like stare. "You have already sinned this night. You lied to me. Now, this talk will end in one of three ways. One; I get what I need and I leave peacefully, leaving you to the mercy of our Lord. Two; you don't tell me, and your town pays for your disobedience. Or three; I do two and kill you now." Cain opened up his grey coat partially, showing his sword in its hilt. "What will it be Pastor?"
  1217.  
  1218. Abel felt like he wasn't even in his own body, but looking on to a nightmarish situation he could only dream of finding himself in. His mouth dried, his lower jaw shook, and his stomach anchored him to his seat. His eyes fidgeted as he looked at Cain, his visage stirred a deep fear that clawed at his mind. Cain grew impatient and began to reach for his sword. With a scared duck of his head, he caved.
  1219.  
  1220. "Fine! Fine! I'll tell you!" Abel cried out. "The guard, it was the guard! The purple fire and the markings, that's what scared me! Please don't do anything to hurt me, please!"
  1221.  
  1222. Cain inched over the table. "Which guard?"
  1223.  
  1224. "The one I wanted to help! Th-That one! The night guard!"
  1225.  
  1226. "What is his name?"
  1227.  
  1228. Abel began to completely fall apart from the fright and stress. His words became mumbled and colliding into inaudible blathers, with the sound "M" appearing frequently. Cain knew that the man was no longer useful in this state. He pulled away from the desk and started to walk out as Abel babbled on behind him. Wiping away tears from his eyes, Abel manage to ask one thing.
  1229.  
  1230. "Y-You won't d-draw blood in this town? R-Right?" He pathetically asked, his words still muddled with sobs.
  1231.  
  1232. "I promise I will spill no innocent’s blood." Cain replied. As he walked out of the room, he snapped his fingers again, stealing the life out of the flames of the candles. In the dark of the room, small weak sobs echoed in the air. Cain closed the door and left the white walled church along with the broken man inside.
  1233.  
  1234. As Cain walked down the dark street, he passed by two of his men that went to the town pub. They walked around the black cobblestone street, staggered and slurring speech. Cain's eyes twitched in irritation as he walked to the two slacking acolytes.
  1235.  
  1236. "And what in the Lord's name are you two doing out here?!" Cain yelled at the acolytes.
  1237.  
  1238. The two nearly fell to the ground in surprise before greeting Cain with open arms.
  1239.  
  1240. "Ey boss! Whatchu doin this time of night?" An acolyte said cheerfully.
  1241.  
  1242. "Shouldn't you be back at camp sleeping? Hehe." The other said jokingly.
  1243.  
  1244. Cain's looked upon the two in unparalleled disappointment and disdain. "You two. Camp. Now. If I don't see you back and ready to receive punishment, I will personally hunt you two down and throw you in a cage back in Cadvis. Do. You. Under. Stand?"
  1245.  
  1246. The two drunkards recoiled in shock and took a knee in latent response to his scolding. With a disgruntled hmph, Cain walked on into the night towards his camp. To see two of his own men in such a state in blind disobedience of his orders deeply angered him, and he swiftly ran ideas through his head on how to punish them appropriately.
  1247. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1248. 23.
  1249. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1250. Michael laid in bed, unwilling to move after the day’s events. It was his night for going on patrols in Haven, but he found it hard to muster any will to do his work. He left Esther to do her so called planning downstairs, but his day left him apathetic. He thought back to anything that his parents might have said in this situation, but all he drew was blank. This was nothing mundane. Nothing a "never give up" or handy moral can help guide through. Nothing that can truly help him break himself from this ill fate. Instead, he is forced to rely on the contract of a woman he barely knows and constantly prodding at him.
  1251.  
  1252. Michael thought hard on the last few days with Esther and all its strain and trials. At almost all times, she has been calm or flirty but never has Esther been so mortified around him. All due to hearing that the inquisitor was here, she became as jumpy as a mouse. Then another thought came to him. He was more than justified to be afraid of the inquisition, but why was Esther? Nothing added up, and he was still left in wonder to what is pulling at him. As he lied on the bed in sloth and frustration, Esther opened his door.
  1253.  
  1254. "Get your guard things on. You're heading out tonight." she said as she leant in the doorframe.
  1255.  
  1256. "Wait, really? But what of everything that happened earlier?" he asked as he sat up in bed. "Besides, that means I would be leaving you here, alone."
  1257.  
  1258. "Aw, you don't trust me to look over your house?" she said with a pout. "Anyway, we have more important things to take care of. We've got some leg work to do."
  1259.  
  1260. Michael scratched his head and sighed. "Look, Esther, I really should be getting to my post."
  1261.  
  1262. "Really? Cause you really look like you're making an effort to go to it." she snapped back sarcastically. "C'mon Michael, we really have to go. The more time we waste the more danger we're in."
  1263.  
  1264. Michael gave into her demands and got up from his bed. "So what exactly do you need me to do?"
  1265.  
  1266. "Just get your guard stuff on. We might be in for a long night."
  1267.  
  1268. Michael followed her instructions and put on his damaged uniform. The slash in the back of his uniform's fabrics was crusty in dried blood and tinged the yellow with a dark red-brown. After putting on his chain mail and clipping his sword to his belt, he made his way downstairs, following Ester as she made her way out of the door. Michael locked his door and turned back to Esther.
  1269.  
  1270. "Okay, you got me out here. What are you planning you have me do?" Michael asked warily.
  1271.  
  1272. "Follow me. We're taking a walk." Esther said merrily.
  1273.  
  1274. "A walk. You spend the last bit of the while pacing about my kitchen with a grave look on your face, and all you want to do is take a walk in the middle of the night while I have work to do?" Michael said.
  1275.  
  1276. Esther's smile vanished as she walked up to him, coming face to face. "Who is the one here who accepted my help?"
  1277.  
  1278. "Well, I , erm."
  1279.  
  1280. "That's what I thought. Now shut it and follow me, we're wasting moonlight."
  1281.  
  1282. Esther walked off towards the middle of town with Michael cautiously trailing her heels. After coming close to the centre of town, Esther quickly turned a corner and walked out of sight. Michael ran to see where she went off too, and up the street, he could see her talking to two men near The Malted Mint. The men were in armour and vestments that matched the colours of the church. White, blue, and gold. Michael safely assumed that he might have just found some inquisitorial acolytes. He could hear very drunk laughter and the giggles of womanly charm. Michael walked up the street towards the three, and Esther immediately ran up to him in tears.
  1283.  
  1284. "Guard! Guard! These men were ganging up on me!" Esther said behind her sobs before she threw herself into Michael's arms.
  1285.  
  1286. Michael recoiled in surprise. "Wait, wha-" Esther glared at him with vicious eyes screaming for him to play along.
  1287.  
  1288. "Wait wot?" one of the men asked, puzzled by Esther's actions. "We dindu nothin' guard!"
  1289.  
  1290. "Yeah! That girl started chattin' to us!" the other protested loudly. "We ain't done nothin'!"
  1291.  
  1292. Michael sighed. He knew what Esther just did. She just made him an accomplice of a con.
  1293.  
  1294. "Calm down miss, I'll make sure you're okay. You two, I don't recognise your faces, you two new to town or something?" Michael asked in his dutiful voice.
  1295.  
  1296. "Oh no..." one of the men said as he covered his face with his hand.
  1297.  
  1298. "Err. Sorry guard, but we're with the inquisition. We're only here as a stop for a few days."
  1299.  
  1300. "C'mon guard, we don't need this after the fire of last night."
  1301.  
  1302. "Fire?" Michael raised a brow.
  1303.  
  1304. "Yeah. Something came in and stole a bunch of books and burned a tent." the man said, scratching his head.
  1305.  
  1306. "Was freaky. One of the lasses said the thing floated and was black and white or something. Flew like a hawk on a mouse towards the woods." the other said with a belch.
  1307.  
  1308. Esther's face perked up before a wide grin crawled cheek to cheek. She patted at his chest urging him to get a move on.
  1309.  
  1310. "Well, it's best you two get back to your camp. I'll escort you there and make sure you don't do anything silly. Now let's go." Michael said commandingly.
  1311.  
  1312. The two men grumbled as they walked by Michael and back to their camp. Esther left his embrace and tugged at his hand to follow the two men back. As they began to walk, the sounds of opening doors and footsteps echoed behind them. The two grew wary of the sudden noises, but they focused more on their current plan. They followed the two men out to a barely paved road to the out skirting lowland of the hilly area. In the distance, lights of lanterns can be seen dancing around a large campsite of tents and waggons. Esther pulled back on Michael to stop as the two men walked into the distance back to their sanctimonious refuge. As Michael stood with Esther at his side, he quickly realised he could see perfectly in the dark of night. Fine details of his surroundings were plain to see. The features of the surface of bricks in the weathered road walls, the trees in the distance could be individually counted, and even details of the camp such as the small individual tents and a block of parked waggons.
  1313.  
  1314. In the distance near the camp, he could see something give a dull dazzle. Something that somehow glinted grey in the washed out background of the night. Esther gave a small chuckle.
  1315.  
  1316. "I guess you can see that too." she said light-heartedly.
  1317.  
  1318. "What is that? And why can you see it?" Michael asked.
  1319.  
  1320. "That is our ticket to finding my old friend. And you can see it because we are much alike my dear mertarf." she said with a warm smile. "Now let's go and stay a good bit away from that camp. We don't want sober acolytes or paladins to notice us."
  1321.  
  1322. "Sure. Lead the way."
  1323.  
  1324. The two hopped over the fallen stone wall and walked over the hilly plain towards the forest, following the odd dazzle that snaked in the air. Michael tried to touch it, but his hand merely passed through the drifting glints. The maw of the forest came ever closer as the two followed the trail.
  1325.  
  1326. The two stopped before the edge of the dark forest and turned to each other.
  1327.  
  1328. "Okay, who or what exactly are we looking for? Why would they be out in the woods?" Michael asked with his arms crossed.
  1329.  
  1330. "She's a weirdo shut-in that only comes out when she really needs to. Damn bitch, I still owe her for that..." Esther started to trail off, biting on a knuckle in frustration.
  1331.  
  1332. "Stay with me here Esty. What are we looking for when following...whatever this is?"
  1333.  
  1334. "Sorry, sorry. Just a bit of pent up, uh, stress, yeah that works. Just a little pent up stress is all. Alright, Michael, all we have to do is follow this and we should find her hideout."
  1335.  
  1336. "Alright. But who are you talking about? You say old friend, but I'm getting the feeling that that isn't the case."
  1337.  
  1338. "Do you want the help or not?"
  1339.  
  1340. "Well, I-"
  1341.  
  1342. "Too bad. You don't get a say. You made a contract, and as I follow through on my side of the deal you must do yours. Now let's go."
  1343.  
  1344. Esther began to walk into the gnarled mouth of the forest and Michael quickly followed. The terrain of the forest was uneven and choppy with foliage choking out all clear lines of sight all around them. The dark and dangerously ambiguous scenery made Michael remembered of old tales his father used to tell of people wandering into woods at night, never to be seen again. He knew he should have been at least somewhat scared, yet he was perfectly calm in following Esther and that dazzle through the dark woods. Even if he could hear the sounds of brushed leaves and snapping twigs all around him.
  1345. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1346. 24.
  1347. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1348. Esther and Michael walked for what seemed like an hour, deep into the night veiled forest. The tall pines swayed in the breeze of the night while the sounds of nightly active forest sprang around them. As they continued their trek, they became more wary of being followed. Either it being paranoia or just suspicion, the two couldn’t shake the feeling of eyes stalking them from the brush. After the crossed over a log that spanned over a small creek, the crash of something falling into a bush came from behind. The two turned around, Michael with his hand on his sword, ready to draw, and Esther looking on to see the cause of the noise. Behind them was nothing. Nothing out of the ordinary for a forest in the night.
  1349.  
  1350. As they walked further in, they found themselves in a small flat grove with steep hills bordering it. The pines weren't nearly as dense as they were previously in the forest, and small white flours dotted the forest floor. The grey dazzle still snaked its way through the grove and through what looked like a small guard post ruin.
  1351.  
  1352. "This place looks really serene. Doesn't it?" Michael asked as he took a small rest, leaning against a tree.
  1353.  
  1354. "It really is. Reminds me of home." Esther said as she took a seat next to Michael.
  1355.  
  1356. "You have a home? I figured you were the vagabond type with how you act. Saying you need money but woo your way to get what you want. You are really an odd person."
  1357.  
  1358. "I can say the same to you. Kinda nice to see someone who was a stick in the mud in his ideology finally wise up and take a little action. Some hope for the world when necessity can outweigh religion."
  1359.  
  1360. Michael nervously chuckled. "I am still devout to my beliefs; I just want to go back to how things were."
  1361.  
  1362. "That may be true, but you yourself admitted you were committing heresy in doing anything out of guilt with the inquisition. If you were truly devout, you wouldn't have accepted my offer and do any of this." she replied as she rested her head against his leg.
  1363.  
  1364. "So you're saying that you know me more than I know myself?"
  1365.  
  1366. Esther giggled. Then he chuffed at the thought. "With everything that's happened, I guess that isn't too far off of the truth, huh? But you never tell me why. Why do you know all this? Why can you see that dull light like I can? Can even see fine in the dark as well? Are you just like me?"
  1367.  
  1368. "In a sense, we are. The problem right now is that you need to figure out for yourself what you are, and that will cease your worries."
  1369.  
  1370. "And yet for that, I must swear to protect you?"
  1371.  
  1372. "Fair trade. Besides, it was nice to sleep in a bed with relaxed comfort again. Even if you are a bit of a prude, it was nice to be with someone who at least tries to care for me."
  1373.  
  1374. "...Is this what you mean by you didn't have a family? No one cared for you?"
  1375.  
  1376. The two paused in their chatter. Then Esther spoke again. "I was hoping you forgot all about that. It was just something to say in the moment. You know how irritated that whole thing with your parents made me."
  1377.  
  1378. "Can you just answer a question of mine truthfully, just once?"
  1379.  
  1380. Esther was silent again, and then she rose to her feet and faced Michael. "You're asking me to be truthful? I have been nothing but."
  1381.  
  1382. "You haven't told a lie, but you aren't giving me an answer. Did no one really care for you?"
  1383.  
  1384. Esther's sly expression lessened to that of solemn emptiness. Her grin shrank to a slight and small frown, and her eyes avoided Michael's. She quickly grew angry and lashed out. "Stop trying to prod into pasts you have no right of knowing! I put it all behind and I'll be damned if I let someone pull me back through it all!"
  1385.  
  1386. "Esther wai-" Michael was quickly shut out by Esther's yelling.
  1387.  
  1388. "No! Fuck you!"
  1389.  
  1390. "Hey, look. I just want to know so I can help if I can."
  1391.  
  1392. "What good can you do?!"
  1393.  
  1394. "Well I dunno, I'm bound by your stupid contract to, and I quote, 'help you whenever possible'. You made me come to terms with my past life, then you have better do the damn same. Coming at me after making a saddening face like that? Like hell I'm letting you get away with hypocrisy!"
  1395.  
  1396. "What hypocrisy? I'm fine!"
  1397.  
  1398. "Bullshit! Snapping at someone for something like that is far and away from being 'fine'!"
  1399.  
  1400. "You insufferable mor-Argh! I can't even use that as an insult anymore!"
  1401.  
  1402. Esther turned her back to Michael and started to walk off.
  1403.  
  1404. "Where do you think you're going?" Michael asked as he opened his arms.
  1405.  
  1406. "Quickly ending this stupid contract. Hurry up and follow." Esther said harshly.
  1407.  
  1408. "So what? Are you just gonna run than face your problems? What happened to all the talk about 'hating people who brood'? Or did that not apply to you?"
  1409.  
  1410. "Just shut up!" Esther turned around to face Michael again. "You understand nothing!"
  1411.  
  1412. "Then tell me! I have my end of the deal to hold up as well!"
  1413.  
  1414. A loud familiar girly yell came from behind Michael.
  1415.  
  1416. "Esther! Behind you!"
  1417. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1418. 25.
  1419. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1420. Behind Esther, something huge and swift ran from the neighbouring hill. It darted straight for Esther, and just as quickly Michael rushed to her. With a lightening flash of steel, he drew his sword and passed Esther before clashing with the nails of a mighty claw. Michael stood face to face to a huge black dreadwolf. Its orange ravenous eyes gleamed in the sparse moonlight as it turned it sights to Michael. It snarled and barked with hostility as it pulled its paw back and swiped with its other. Michael dodged out of the attack, managing to catch and move Esther out of the way.
  1421.  
  1422. "Go hide!" Michael said as he put her down to her feet. "And don't come out till it's dead!"
  1423.  
  1424. Esther nodded as she swung behind a tree and some bushes, safely out of sight. Michael turned his sights back on the wolf that now charged at him. He ducked and rolled out of the way of its ponce, slowly backing up and away from Esther's hiding spot.
  1425.  
  1426. "C'mon big guy!" Michael yelled as she waved his sword. "You fight is here!"
  1427.  
  1428. The wolf snarled then howled again before it ran into full sprint towards Michael. Another lunge and Michael narrowly dodged it. The wolf circled around him slowly, looking for a chance to strike while growling intensely. Michael followed it in turn. The air was electric and heavy with the impending spilling of blood. Yet in the midst of staring down such a large and powerful beast, Michael kept his calm, in fact, a jolt of entertainment captivated his mind.
  1429.  
  1430. The beast lunged again, and Michael countered with a slash to its side. Its toughened hide only made it so the sword only drew a shallow cut along its abdomen. The beast wasted no time and charge again, going for Michael's legs. With reflexes he never known, he jumped and kicked off the wolf's back, taking another slash at its side and crisscrossing with the other wound. When he landed, Michael could feel his heart pounding as a dark grin etched its way across his face. Without hesitation, Michael took the initiative and rushed towards the beast, taking a swing at its neck. The blade was met with a thud as it buried into the hard as stone muscle of the wolf. He wrenched the sword free, its edge now painted in blood. The wolf recoiled and made distance between itself and Michael. Its eyes filled with feral rage as it roared at Michael before darting around.
  1431.  
  1432. It weaved in-between trees and bushes with the speed of a shadow fleeing light. Michael began to have trouble keeping up with its movements until in pounced from his left. Michael was taken by surprise, and with no time to dodge he swung at the beast. The blade embedded itself into the top of its right leg. As Michael was thrown to his back, the nails of the beast's right claw pierced his arm and dug into the dirt underneath. Pinned to the ground, Michael began to desperately kick at the wolf's body, screaming to no avail. The wolf lowered its snout to Michael, sniffing its pinned prey as Michael turned away in aversion to its rancid breath. The beast howled to the sky in victory and prepared to secure its kill. Michael closed his eyes and braced himself. Then the roar of fire burst forth, followed by the sickly sizzle of flesh. The beast froze in place, and then came the horrid sound of rending tissue, then a visceral squish.
  1433.  
  1434. The wolf became limp and fell to its side, pulling the nails out of Michael's arm as it hit the ground with a hearty thump. As Michael opened his eye's he saw Esther standing over him with an extended hand. He instinctually tried to move his right arm, but it refused to move. He then pulled over his left and took her hand, getting back onto his feet. Esther was panting and purple fire smothered her right hand. The fire quickly dissipated showing her hand soaked in blood with covered in what remained of a wolf's heart.
  1435.  
  1436. "Well, uh, you okay Michael?" Esther asked gingerly. "Your arm is pretty messed up from that fight. How badly does it hurt?"
  1437.  
  1438. Michael looked at his arm. He didn't even notice the pain from the four gaping wounds. "Funny, I don't even feel that. I guess my brain put pain on the back board for the time being. Good thing too, that looks like it hurts like a bitch."
  1439.  
  1440. Esther chuckled. "I guess that's a good thing. That looks mighty painful."
  1441.  
  1442. Michael eyed her right hand. "And I guess your hand has taken a beating as well. What was with those flames anyway?"
  1443.  
  1444. Esther raised her hand. "This isn't my blood." The flames enveloped her hand again. The bits of wolf heart burnt and fell off her hand as the blood boiled off her fingers. "It's nice to be able to clean my hand without water again. No weird after smell either."
  1445.  
  1446. "Esther, look. About before, but this?"
  1447.  
  1448. Esther sighed. "Let's keep going. I'll explain as much as I can in due time. I promise."
  1449.  
  1450. "No contract required?"
  1451.  
  1452. "Don't tempt me."
  1453.  
  1454. Michael smiled and Esther did the same.
  1455.  
  1456. Michael retrieved his sword from the wolf’s corpse before they walked through the grove towards the guard ruins. Esther nudged Michael. "Even if it was under contract. Thanks for that."
  1457.  
  1458. Michael scratched the back of his head with his good arm. "Even if it wasn't under that contract or whatever, I would still probably have done it. Do you not remember how we met?"
  1459.  
  1460. "I just figured that were you doing your job. That was rather extreme to fight a thing like that."
  1461.  
  1462. "Why would I let a friend get hurt like that?"
  1463.  
  1464. "A friend?" Esther laughed. "You would call me a friend even after that yelling competition?"
  1465.  
  1466. "In the end, you are still the only one helping me fully, so that counts as a friend in my book. And besides, if I didn't, would you still be standing here?"
  1467.  
  1468. Esther giggled. "I guess not hero. By the way, who cried out earlier? The voice sounded familiar"
  1469.  
  1470. "Not a clue. Think someone is following us?"
  1471.  
  1472. "If they are, they better be ready to face both of us." Esther took Michael's left arm in hers. "So let's hurry Michael. My old friend awaits."
  1473. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1474. 26.
  1475. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1476. The old stone outpost lied in weathered ruin. The wind whistled through the torn banners still attached to flag poles and leaves of the maple trees that dotted within the walls of the post. Vines crawled and covered on the fallen and broken stone walls. Strange plants grew all about on the vines and the bases of the trees. The two followed the dazzle to what look like an old heavy wooden door on the central tower with torches that still blazed to its sides. Michael looked to Esther in confusion.
  1477.  
  1478. "So what do we do?" Michael asked. "How will your friend react to seeing an injured man with closing holes in his arm?"
  1479.  
  1480. "Probably with the same surprise she will have to seeing me..." Esther said under her breath. "Man, I have no idea how to go about this."
  1481.  
  1482. "Just knock."
  1483.  
  1484. "Yeah, but..."
  1485.  
  1486. Michael moved his arm towards the door.
  1487.  
  1488. Esther's eyes widened. "H-Hey! Wait a sec!"
  1489.  
  1490. Before Michael's knuckles hit the worn wood, the door creaked open. The glow of candles and fire crept from the widening gap between the door and its stone frame. When the door fully opened, a woman in a closed black cloak and cowl greeted them. Her covers contrasted with the subtle lilac hue of the skin of her face, and her bright purple eyes widened in surprise of seeing the two.
  1491.  
  1492. "I was expecting an animal or something to be making so much noise. But this is not what I had in mind." she said annoyed. Her voice was high pitched and very innocuous compared to her baleful presence. "Now tell me. Why exactly should I not kill you for trespassing upon my home?"
  1493.  
  1494. Esther spoke up. "Sigilid em inimem non tsetop?"
  1495.  
  1496. The woman raised a brow. "Itceibus ibit mutnemirepxe na?"
  1497.  
  1498. Esther freed her arm from Michael's and placed it on her hip. "Mariuqer aut aitneics des. Tse sutrepxe mus non."
  1499.  
  1500. "Tse diuq?"
  1501.  
  1502. "Mue."
  1503.  
  1504. The woman set her eyes on Michael and noticed his wound. It was still grizzly with blood caked around the wound, but they showed signs of slowly healing. She raised her eyebrows in disbelief, but slowly pieced together the puzzle in her mind.
  1505.  
  1506. "I understand. No wonder I felt an odd and familiar presence." she said with a sigh. "I know better than to leave this unchecked. Fine. Enter." The woman turned around then Michael saw her feet. They were half a foot off the ground as the woman glided into the inside of her home.
  1507.  
  1508. Michael was confused by how she did that, and then Esther nudged him to follow. With cautious steps, he followed the woman inside. Walking past old iron candle stands, they walk into a large circular room with a sizable fireplace on the farthest wall that warmly roared and lit the room. Worn shelves housing bottles and bowls of plant parts lined the walls. Several tables were placed about as workstations with spirit burners, flasks, and other alchemical instruments placed upon them. Michael looked around in amazement as Esther followed in shy discomfort.
  1509.  
  1510. The woman faced them again as the door closed itself. "Okay then nomead, why are did you seek me out, and how?"
  1511.  
  1512. Esther warily chuckled to calm herself. "It isn't my first option to come to you. You know I would love to ravage you in many ways for some payback."
  1513.  
  1514. "Oh? Are you still mad about all that?" the woman asked.
  1515.  
  1516. "Oh, absolutely seething." Esther replied with a hushed snarl. "But now I have a new contract to fulfil, and it requires urgency."
  1517.  
  1518. The woman took a look at Michael again and then drifted next to him. A light purple arm brushed through the opening of her cloak and grabbed his injured arm. Michael flinched from the cold of her hand that was as heat sapping as a tombstone. The holes on his arm are now almost closed and flakes of dried blood fell from his skin. She looked up and down his arm and saw the markings on his skin, very pronounced now like raised lettering on a wood carving.
  1519.  
  1520. "Has he done anything extreme?" she asked in monotone. "Anything that is common for your kind to do?"
  1521.  
  1522. "Nope. He has been a good boy and managed to keep his wits about him." Esther said with a smug smile. “Probably thanks to me.”
  1523.  
  1524. Michael shook his head. "Wait what are you two talking about? And who or what are you?"
  1525.  
  1526. "Lazura." she replied promptly. "And if you must know, I am the lich of these woods. I hope for solitude to do my work, but I guess none of us get what we want in the end."
  1527.  
  1528. Michael looked at her confused. She looked like any other young woman bar the lilac skin. From his memory of stories of a lich living in the woods, it was supposed to be a soul eating and body rending monster of magic and bone. Yet here stood, or well, floated a delicate short woman.
  1529.  
  1530. "You seem puzzled. What is it?" Lazura asked.
  1531.  
  1532. "It's just. I thought the lich that lived out here was, you know, a terror of sorts." he said shyly. "Not, you know, you."
  1533.  
  1534. "Do I not meet your expectations of a monster? I am one you know." she replied. "Or have stories become so far-fetched that a woman like me is made out to be something akin to a fever induced nightmare? Give your countrymen a century to speculate and they come up with the most ridiculous stories. It’s almost like the fear from the war never left them."
  1535.  
  1536. Michael anxiously chuckled. “I dunno. That war was pretty grizzly.”
  1537.  
  1538. "Also, you haven't answered my question. How did you two find me?"
  1539.  
  1540. Esther piped up with an agitated tone. "We followed that mess of mana you left from the inquisition camp." Esther walked forwards towards her annoyed. "You're lucky that inquisitor can't see your stink, or else you would be dead right about now."
  1541.  
  1542. "I'm already dead."
  1543.  
  1544. "Shut up, bitch. You know what I meant."
  1545.  
  1546. Lazura moved away from Michael and face Esther. "So what will you have me do?"
  1547.  
  1548. "I want you to help me." Michael said.
  1549.  
  1550. Lazura turned around. "What do you mean by that?"
  1551.  
  1552. "Esther said that you can help me. For the last few days, my life has been flipped and turned on its head." Michael started to take off his uniform with his good arm. Once off and on the floor behind him, he lifted up his tunic to show his chest. "Then these things appeared all over me, and the dreams. I need to know what's happening and how to stop it. Please?"
  1553.  
  1554. "Stop it?" Lazura raised an eyebrow. "Stop what? What is there to stop?"
  1555.  
  1556. Esther quietly walked to the nearest wall and leant against it with a sigh.
  1557.  
  1558. "All of this." Michael said insistently. "My life is getting closer and closer to ruin as the days pass by. I have no idea what is happening and I'm relying on Esther to point me in the right direction. She led me here, saying that you might be able to help."
  1559.  
  1560. Lazura tilted her head to Esther. "Did you not tell him?"
  1561.  
  1562. "If I did, I would fear whatever kept him sane this long would snap. It is much better for him to do whatever here if he does go loopy." Esther said with a shrug. “It’s a much better alternative than letting him stay in town with our mutual fun wrecker probably in town.”
  1563.  
  1564. “Do you mean the inquisitor?” Lazura asked.
  1565.  
  1566. “Who else?” Esther said as she crossed her arms. “That town is just about akin to a death-trap to us now.”
  1567.  
  1568. “And you think my home is a better refuge?”
  1569.  
  1570. “Hey, he didn’t find you out here so I think that question answers itself.”
  1571.  
  1572. Michael broke into a cold sweat. "Wait. So now you are going to tell me what's happening? I had to be away from town for it?"
  1573.  
  1574. "And away from anyone you cared about." Esther added.
  1575.  
  1576. Michael laughed nervously. "You are starting to worry me. What's happening to me?"
  1577.  
  1578. "Happening? More like happened." Lazura said in emotionless calm. “You're of the same feather as her now.”
  1579.  
  1580. "What's that supposed to mean?" he asked surprised.
  1581.  
  1582. Esther tilted her head up towards the ceiling. "Remember when you asked me if I was just like you? I don't lie, we are more similar than you know."
  1583.  
  1584. Michael crossed his arms. "So wait, you went through the same thing I did? So you can definitely help me then. You got Lazura here, and I know you know what's going on. You came out fine, so tell me. What do I do?"
  1585.  
  1586. Lazura looked to a partially opened door nestled between two of her wooden shelves. A bushy brown tail flashed by the door frame before disappearing into the dark room. She curiously drifted towards it, knowing full well it should have been closed. "I'll let you two figure this out. Interpersonal squabbles don't concern me."
  1587.  
  1588. Esther groaned. "Are you seriously just walking off? What if-"
  1589.  
  1590. "Your problems don't overly affect me, so I'm going to do some quick pest control." Lazura said as she floated next to the door. "Your mess, your problem. I'll pick up the pieces." Lazura disappeared behind the old small wooden door.
  1591.  
  1592. "Oh...Fuck me..." Esther said as she covered her eyes in dread.
  1593.  
  1594. A quivering unsteady smile crept on Michael's face in apprehension to Lazura’s disinterest. He pointed a shaking finger to where Lazura just was and spoke in meek unease. "Wh-What does she mean by ‘pick up the pieces’? Esther?"
  1595.  
  1596. Esther got off the wall and walked towards Michael with a stricken expression then asked. "What do you know about hell?"
  1597. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1598. 27.
  1599. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1600. The crack and roar of the fire filled the air of the otherwise silent room. Michael stood in place with what felt like the weight of the world on his shoulders. His heart felt the strain of truth and belief tearing it apart, and his mind drifted in-between the words Esther spoke. Her question about his knowledge of hell seemed out of place, for, of course, everyone knew what it was. A place where sinners fell to and were tortured for their crimes against the Lord, Dios. However, the hell that Esther told him was nothing like that, or at least wasn't all just torture. Esther told of a vivid imagining of hell as she knew it. Nothing like the fire and brimstone of eternal damnation, but forests that skirt around impossibly huge black fortresses that kept the evils of the world. Other than the huge prisons, hell was described as a hedonist’s paradise.
  1601.  
  1602. Towns and cities of dark red brick, full of all desires that a mortal would want. Forever in a pleasure filled joy with other sinful souls and demons that curated and lived alongside them, all under a cloudless crimson sky dotted with brilliant yellow stars. Everything told was nothing like Michael was taught in church. It all seemed picturesque to a fantasy, even with the knowledge of demons roaming free.
  1603.  
  1604. Heaven and hell. One being a blissful existence of peace and harmony, and now the other being a chaotic realm of lustful fulfilment to those who are not wholly evil.
  1605.  
  1606. "I don't get it," Michael said sheepishly, "how do you know all this? I know you don't lie. You hide things, but you don't lie."
  1607.  
  1608. "Michael. Sometimes in life, you are given either a blessing or a curse purely by chance. Let me ask you. Have you heard Dias speak to you?" Esther asked.
  1609.  
  1610. "Dias? You mean Dios?"
  1611.  
  1612. "No. Dias. The black winged tyrant who watches the heathens and punishes the villainous. In contrast to the white winged king who guides the devout and rejects the heretics." Esther said as she looked to her hand. "Most demons are born as plumes of Dias' wings. Some are created." She placed her hand on Michael's shoulder. "However, both the souls that they carry are indistinguishable from each other. A demon birthed or made are the same. Both carry the will of Dias. Now I'll ask you again, has Dias spoken to you?"
  1613.  
  1614. Michael thought back on the last few days of anything speaking to him. His mind drew blank, the only people he has talked to were merchants and friends. But an echo of a memory did rattle. Before he met Esther, before the dreams, but after he came across that defiled shrine. Then it hit.
  1615.  
  1616. "Defile..." Michael muttered. "I remember a voice saying 'defile' long before I met you. I thought it was the wind, but I guess it wasn't if what you say is true...No, it can't be. It was just the wind, this is ridiculous."
  1617.  
  1618. Frustration boiled over Esther. "I am trying to piece this together for you as much as I can. Think. The voice. Your mind and body changing. You being able to see stray mana clearly in the dark. What does that mean?"
  1619.  
  1620. Michael grew silent. "Esther I don't..."
  1621.  
  1622. She let go of his shoulder, backing off and turning around. "Your dreams. The figure you saw against that red moon."
  1623.  
  1624. "Huh? How do you know-" Michael was quickly cut off.
  1625.  
  1626. "That was me, slowly guiding you to just give in."
  1627.  
  1628. Michael looked at her confused. "I don't get it. That fire on your hand, and knowing that lich. Are you some kind of mage or-"
  1629.  
  1630. Esther turned around, red with anger. "God dammit, why are you being so thick about it?! Of course I'm not a mage! I'm a demon! And so are you." Her irritation tapered off.
  1631.  
  1632. Michael's heart finally fell in twain from his conflicted feelings. The pressure on his shoulders lifted, but he now felt weightless, drifting in a tumbling room. Esther looked deep into Michael's eyes, and now she could see a dark flicker. She knew she has done it, she has cracked Michael's world apart and made a demon face itself.
  1633.  
  1634. "A demon..?" Michael muttered.
  1635.  
  1636. "Yes, Michael. A demon. A child of Dias."
  1637.  
  1638. "B-But you look nothing like a demon. How can I..?"
  1639.  
  1640. Esther sighed. "I think I have enough of my strength back to spread my wings again. I'll show you." She took a few steps back to keep some distance away from Michael, then snapped her fingers. A circle of bright purple flame towered forth as a shadow stood behind it. Slowly, bat-like wings grew from the shadow's back, along with outward curving horns protruding from its head. A thin tail with a spaded tip grew out and whisked about. The shadow was just like the figure in his dreams. The purple fire snuffed itself in an instant, and there stood a woman with slightly blue-tinged skin wearing provocative black leather garments that barely covered any skin. Her eyes a brilliant emerald against a black canvas, and deep within them, Michael knew who it was despite his disbelief.
  1641.  
  1642. "Esther?" Michael asked sheepishly.
  1643.  
  1644. She nodded. Then Michael collapsed to his knees. All hope for a simple end was lost. But yet he struggled. "S-Surely there is some way to undo this, right? Me, a demon? N-No way, I want to reach heaven one day. Lazura should know how to reverse this, right?"
  1645.  
  1646. Esther shook her head and then tears welled in Michael's eyes. "No. No no no. You're lying! There is no way this can be right! Enough of this bullshit! You must be lying, you're a demon!"
  1647.  
  1648. "Michael. You said-"
  1649.  
  1650. "To hell with what I said, this is what you said and done now! Never lie, I can't believe I bought that. What that bandit said when I first met you, the bloodied hand; by the Lord, you were just using me for refuge!"
  1651.  
  1652. "Well. That may be true but-"
  1653.  
  1654. "But nothing! Why on Earth should I trust anything you've ever said now?! Why should I trust a demon?!"
  1655.  
  1656. "So do you wish to meet an execution by the hands of the holy inquisition?"
  1657.  
  1658. "Like hell I will! Change me back!"
  1659.  
  1660. "Michael. Please-"
  1661.  
  1662. "Fucking do it! Change me back! Give me back my life! Fulfil your stupid contract and give me back my life!"
  1663.  
  1664. "Michael. I'm sorry. That wasn't the contract's agreement, and I can't, even if I tried."
  1665.  
  1666. Rage swept him in his frustration of helplessness. Again, he has no choice in the matter. No sway of his own fate and he slammed his fist into the stone floor. Then again, and again, with growing force. He regained strength in his right arm and then started to punch the ground in irregular beats in his tantrum. The nearby tables shook with every pound, and the abused stones of the floor cracked and splinted into dust and pebbles. Scattered at his knees were wet clumps of dust, held together with blood and tears.
  1667.  
  1668. His knuckles were bloody and skinned to the bone, but pain didn't flood his senses. The skin and tissue slowly grew back and disappeared without a scar, just like all before. He looked to his arm, now perfectly healed. He brought his fist back once more for a strike but was stopped by Esther getting on her knees and hugging him. His fist unclenched and his arm dropped limply to his side.
  1669.  
  1670. "Why?" Michael asked, sobbing into her shoulder. "I don't get it. What have I done?"
  1671.  
  1672. "As I said, sometimes this world gives blessings or curses by chance." Esther said caringly and sympathetically, seeing something of herself in Michael. "The best thing to do is move on. I may not be the best at practising what I preach, but you changed quicker than I did. Try and make me look like a hypocrite again if it makes you feel better."
  1673.  
  1674. "But my home. My friends. I can't just leave it all." he said as he looked into her eyes again. Esther looked back, his irises now a perfect bright red. "You can call me a demon all you want, but I'm still just a man inside. You're asking me to throw away too much."
  1675.  
  1676. "Move on. Just keep telling yourself to move on. That's all I've ever done." Esther said as she stroked his head. “It’s all we can ever do. A demon should never forget, but never remain in misery.”
  1677.  
  1678. The door unlocked and opened. Out from the doorway walked Francisca and Lazura hugging her from behind with tears still drying on her cheeks.
  1679.  
  1680. Michael looked and saw Francisca with a tender worried face. She broke free from Lazura's arms and ran to Michael's side before tackling him to the floor with a hug. He fell backwards as Francisca began to cry, speaking inaudible mutterings as she buried her head into his chest. Michael bit back his own sorrow and began to pat Francisca's head compassionately, holding her close to find comfort.
  1681. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1682. 28.
  1683. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1684. Even after an intense session of crying, Francisca still refused to let go from Michael who still pet and stroked her. He gingerly scratched behind her ears as she hiccuped from trying to calm down. Esther shifted to Michael's side and took both his and Francisca's hands in hers.
  1685.  
  1686. Esther gave an uneasy and fragile smile. "I guess you were the one following us." She meekly chuckled. "I'm sorry you heard all that. I guess it's not easy for a close friend like you to hear that he's not in the light anymore."
  1687.  
  1688. Francisca slowly eased herself away from Michael's chest, still sniffling and hiccuping. She looked at Esther with red, tear soaked puppy dog eyes. Esther eased in and took her off Michael and hugged the poor kobold herself. "Things will be okay. Keep your chin high Franny, everything will be fine."
  1689.  
  1690. With Francisca off of him, Michael rose to his feet with his knees slightly shaking. On a nearby table was a small mirror sitting next to some various potions in flasks. Michael picked it up and looked at his reflection. A feeling of blue understanding grasped him as he looked into his now bright red eyes. What he looked at was him now. No longer a man, a simple contented guard with a penchant to slack off when possible. But now a demon that didn't belong in the world of man. He faced what he was now, and with bitter reluctance, accepted it. There was no point running from the truth when it already shackled you to reality. No point in crying one more tear. No point brooding.
  1691.  
  1692. He set the mirror back on the table and he noticed Lazura picking ingredients off the shelves before setting them down on a table. A few bowls of coloured powders, a few small phials, and a jar with shredded roots were lined up on the workspace. Lazura wiped her cheeks before she started to methodically mix together ingredients. She slid off her cowl, letting her pale short hair spread its volume.
  1693.  
  1694. "What are you up to then?" Michael asked. "What happened to that 'pest control'?"
  1695.  
  1696. "I don't harm cute things," she replied without taking her eyes off her work, "also, preparing for your so called 'help'."
  1697.  
  1698. "What do you mean by that?"
  1699.  
  1700. Esther carefully rose to her feet, supporting Francisca's to hers while she still clung to her body.
  1701.  
  1702. "You may be a demon, but you need to swear yourself to Dias." Esther said with light severity. "A stray dark soul wandering the world isn't going to last long, especially since you were a follower of Dios."
  1703.  
  1704. "Acute loss of sanity. Strong deviant urges. Uncontrollable demonic powers. All are common side effects for a demon outside of Dias' influence." Lazura said as she put a flask over a spirit burner's flame, the brown liquid inside slowly began to bubble. "No good of keeping a feral animal around, so it's best to have it domesticated."
  1705.  
  1706. Esther's eye twinged. "Nice choice of words. I'll remember that when I break you for helping a lowlife claim me as a prize."
  1707.  
  1708. "It was only so I could get some needed reading materials. I hold no ill will for you." Lazura replied coolly. "Besides. They got their comeuppance in the end for tangling in such affairs, and I got my things back without much hassle. Nothing was lost."
  1709.  
  1710. "Oh yes, dignity as a demon wasn't lost at all. Totally. It's not that I hate being used as a toy for some criminal boss when I could be back in hell relaxing." Esther said with a scowl.
  1711.  
  1712. "You're a fool for allowing your name and a sigil to exist in this mortal world. It was only a matter of time before you were probably called."
  1713.  
  1714. "I had no say in those things existing! If I could, I would happily erase them from this world!"
  1715.  
  1716. Francisca clenched harder to Esther. Esther quickly realised she startled her, and gently swayed as she refocused on comforting her, apologising profusely. Lazura scoffed at Esther's carelessness of her voice and methodically kept to her work.
  1717.  
  1718. Eventually, Francisca calmed down enough to leave Esther's comforting embrace. Her eyes still puffy and red from her tears, and breathing slightly ragged and uneven. Michael walked up to her, wary of how to talk to her after all she's heard. Her best friend, now something deeply unholy and dark.
  1719.  
  1720. "Franny? Are you holding up okay?" Michael asked softly.
  1721.  
  1722. Francisca looked nervously away from his eyes, visibly uncomfortable and unnerved.
  1723.  
  1724. "C'mon now Franny, it's still me here." Michael said.
  1725.  
  1726. "It's not that." Francisca said quietly. "It's just. What do I do with you? This isn't some scrape or cut that I can usually make better for you. Just. What do I do..?"
  1727.  
  1728. Lazura stopped in her paces, listening.
  1729.  
  1730. "Michael...I...I..." Francisca choked on her words. "I don't want to lose someone else dear to me!"
  1731.  
  1732. Tears welled in the young kobold's eyes once again, her breaths becoming shorter as tension coiled inside her. Esther walked to Michael's side as Lazura watched over intently with gloomy curiosity.
  1733.  
  1734. "How long has it been Michael?" she asked weakly. "How many years since our parents died?"
  1735.  
  1736. "Five." Michael said back. "It's been about five years since they've died."
  1737.  
  1738. "Now how long do you suppose I can go one with not only losing my family but my best friend as well?" she asked with a faltering voice on the verge of crying. "Michael, how much more must I go through? I'm just a simple girl with a simple life, I'm not made to go through anything like this..." She began to cry softly, her tears rolling off her cheeks and kissing the floor below.
  1739.  
  1740. Michael stood still. He had no words that could say to her that would make her feel better, or resolve her worries. It tore at him as well, knowing that he is now no longer safe for her to be around. He now endangered the town that he loved, and the people it held.
  1741.  
  1742. Esther walked behind her, and gently pushed her into Michael who caught her. Unlike before where she cried profusely and uncontrollably in rampant emotion, she tried to control herself, giving the odd deep breath and shudder in between shallow sobs. Esther too took the crying girl into her arms, trapping Francisca in between the two. Michael felt a cosy warmth. He had the same feelings as Francisca; the emptiness, the sadness, the loss of control on an aspect of your life. It was just like those years ago. However, having another person there to sympathise was welcoming, even if demonic. After a lengthy embrace, the two let go of the distressed girl.
  1743.  
  1744. "Franny..." Michael started to say but trailed off at a loss for words.
  1745.  
  1746. "I don't want to hear a word. I just don't..."
  1747.  
  1748. Lazura wiped the stray tears that laid on her cheek and lit a small luminous flame on her thumb. "Demons, follow me. Cute one, stay here."
  1749.  
  1750. Michael and Esther shrugged at the request but followed. They waved good-bye at Francisca as they followed the lich's pale light through a door and up a curving staircase. On the next floor, Lazura opened a door and walked into a dark room. She waved her hand and candle lights sparked to life around the room. The light showed to what remained of a sleeping quarters of the guardpost with a few single bed frames lined up against the wall. In the middle of the room was a makeshift bed, comprised of mismatched pillows and just as random blankets. The two entered the room and looked towards the bed.
  1751.  
  1752. "What's the deal with that weird bed?" Michael asked. "It looks like a child made it."
  1753.  
  1754. "Hmph. I was planning to do some preparations, and I would like it if I could do so without drama unfolding in front of me." Lazura said bitterly. "I'll take care of the cute one. You two stay out of the way."
  1755.  
  1756. "What do you mean 'take care of the cute one'?" Esther asked suspiciously. "That's my pup you're talking about."
  1757.  
  1758. "That 'pup' currently needs some time away from you two. Sleep the night if you must, I'll have things ready for you in the morning." Lazura started to walk out the door.
  1759.  
  1760. "What do you mean by that?" Michael asked.
  1761.  
  1762. "Preparing a baptism." Lazura replied as she left the room, closing the door behind her.
  1763.  
  1764. Michael stood bewildered as Esther ran to the bed and dived into it. Surprisingly, she rebound off the mass of stuffing and fabric, all the while giggling in delight. "C'mon Michael, take a seat or lie down on this thing. You're not gonna let me be in bed alone, are you?"
  1765. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1766. 29.
  1767. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1768. Michael laid down skittishly on the bed next to Esther. His feet free from the heaviness of his boots now moved and curled in exercise and distraction. Esther quietly laid next to him, not making remarks or teasing Michael, but just laid silent. A fog of empathy hung around the two, both now at a loss of what to do. So in turn, Esther began to speak.
  1769.  
  1770. "You know, you're taking the whole demon thing very well for a guy like yourself." Esther said musingly.
  1771.  
  1772. Michael turned over on the pile of pillows to Esther. "What do you mean by well? If you call all this well, I'd hate to see what you use as a baseline."
  1773.  
  1774. Esther rolled on her side. She looked at Michael's eyes and gave in to her feeling of safety. "Well, you are the first person in a while I could trust. Even if it is by contract. I guess there is no harm in telling you something about myself. We are alike after all."
  1775.  
  1776. "So you're going to talk about yourself now?" Michael asked as he furrowed his brow. "I thought you didn't want to since, you know, the yelling. Also off you go again about being similar. How much more similar can we be than being demons?"
  1777.  
  1778. "I might as well let you hold up your end of the contract and let you find out. I think I'm getting close to fulfilling my end of the deal, so I guess I can try something new."
  1779.  
  1780. "Something new? Like what?"
  1781.  
  1782. "Letting someone know what I am and was. And letting them know what it was like."
  1783.  
  1784. With a sly weary smile, she retold Michael of her life a century and a half ago passed. A girl left as an orphan on the streets of a large brick and mortar walled city. Her life was nothing but the thievery of foods and coins, all to keep herself alive in the bleak poverty-plagued slums of the city. This was all she knew till she came across a rich couple that offered her a job as a maid at their household. All was pleasant; she had a place to sleep comfortably and safe, she had honest money to her name, and she was the healthiest she has been her whole life. Even going so far to gloat that she was more beautiful than the rich man's wife.
  1785.  
  1786. This stretch of fortune only lasted for a short while, all to be stopped by one wicked night. As she slept, she was bound, gagged, then carted to the wine seller of the house by people in simple masques. Screaming, she was put on an altar surrounded by demonic ornaments and other men and women in bedrobes and masques. A man in a long-beaked masque and dark monk vestments preached behind her as the others chanted in turn. Markings around the floor and ornaments glowed as eerie violet phantom tendrils drifted about.
  1787.  
  1788. At the climax of the event, the robed men and women ditched their cloth covers, exposing themselves and partook of each other's loins. Esther winced as she recalled the ghastly vulgar memory, but continued through her disgust. When the long-beaked man ended his malignant sermon, a gaping maw of red starscape opened beneath the altar. The beaked man backed away, and the tendrils became more corporeal and circled around Esther. In a jagged burst of speed, they smothered her in a writhing heap.
  1789.  
  1790. Esther shut her eyes as pain filled branded memories burned their way back. The feeling of every inch of her body screaming in both unbridled torture and ecstasy. Her mind shattering, reforming, and splintering again over and over. The memory was told for only a second, yet she remembered the feeling lasting longer than she has existed. When the tendrils lifted, the men and women looked on and rejoiced as they looked on to the altar. An unholy existence wasn't ripped from hell, but was created by it. Birthed from a womb of carnal degeneracy and unholy magic. A succubus was created.
  1791.  
  1792. Michael held grim sympathies that dropped to the pits of his stomach. Betrayed and used by her saviours for some sick end.
  1793.  
  1794. "So...That is what you mean by alike." Micheal said mournfully. "But. I didn't get into a ritual or anything. All that happened is that one night I wandered near a defiled shrine and..." Michael wondered off in memory of the nightmare-like experience. Then it hit.
  1795.  
  1796. The violet tendrils. Very similar to that purple haze. The pain and pleasure she felt, was parallel to his sickness. Finally, her instant transformation was his days of misery.
  1797.  
  1798. "So that's what you meant by similar." Michael said.
  1799.  
  1800. "Pawns played into desire and, uh, what every drove you to turn." Esther said.
  1801.  
  1802. "I think curiosity is what got me. Should have ran when I had the chance." he said with a laugh. "Anyway, how did you get out of that cellar?"
  1803.  
  1804. "Dias had some mercy. I don't entirely remember, but I think after that I was ripped back into hell where I belong." she said, calmly reminiscing. "A hundred years or so of living there. Made a home for myself in the red city of Halula. Walked in the nearby crimson woods picking the petals of purple helmets. Really nice place, and I'll be happy to show you."
  1805.  
  1806. Michael rolled onto his back and stared at the worn stone ceiling. His face cold and thoughtful. "So I really am forced to go. To hell."
  1807.  
  1808. "I was scared myself when I first realised, but I wouldn't worry. You're a demon, you'll be treated with utmost respect by other demons and souls." Esther said as she placed a hand on his chest. Heat came from the touch, a very soothing and pleasant heat. "Besides. Demons respect those with strength anyway, it's just how our kind works."
  1809.  
  1810. "Our kind..." Michael said before rubbing his eyes. "I'm sorry. I don't think I'll ever be used to that. I still feel...human."
  1811.  
  1812. Esther playfully hopped up onto Michael, sitting on his waist. Her wings stretched and her tail listlessly swayed behind her.
  1813.  
  1814. "Exactly. You 'feel' human, but you are far from it now. A mortal wouldn't be able to control themselves with a charming succubus poised on top of them like this." Esther said playfully.
  1815.  
  1816. Michael smirked. "Or cope with one sleeping naked against their back for a few days."
  1817.  
  1818. "Prude or a demon. Which one is worse here?" she asked with a chuckle.
  1819.  
  1820. "Well one is a choice, the other was thrusted upon me." Michael said light-heartedly. "I guess the demon is worse here. I can even put up with your nonsense now to a point that I don't care what you do."
  1821.  
  1822. A flame of the challenge came from her eyes. "So you don't care what I do?"
  1823.  
  1824. "Nope. Not at all." Michael said plainly as he put his hands behind his head. "Nothing you do can phase me, I think."
  1825.  
  1826. With a quick flash of her hand, she reached behind her back and unbuttoned her leather vest. The teasing straps of leather fell to Michael's stomach, giving a full display of her large breasts.
  1827.  
  1828. "Nothing?" she asked.
  1829.  
  1830. Micheal shook his head. In turn, she unfastened a mass of overlapping leather strips that would count for a mini skirt. She threw it off the bed and continued to remove her stark black panties.
  1831.  
  1832. "Nothing?" she asked again.
  1833.  
  1834. "We're at the same point where we were back at my house. This is still nothing." he said with a grin.
  1835.  
  1836. "Then how about I add a little something else. Little pup Franny was nice for giving me back some energy, and sleeping near you was an added boost. But do you know what happens to the powers of two demons once they share with each other?"
  1837.  
  1838. "You're asking me. I can only imagine it does something strange."
  1839.  
  1840. "And you would be correct. Instead of just leeching off someone for power, two demons can generate it themselves. Do you want to know how they do that?"
  1841.  
  1842. "I have a feeling you're going to tell me. Probably by example, right?"
  1843.  
  1844. "You're damn right."
  1845.  
  1846. Esther bent down to kiss the pinned man. Their lips met, and their tongues danced around each other. They passionately continued for a few minutes till Esther pulled back.
  1847.  
  1848. "I wasn't kidding. You are a good kisser." she said slyly while licking her lips.
  1849.  
  1850. "I guess I should have taken your word for it the first time." he replied with a chuckle before he looked down towards his stomach. "Do you mind? I think this tunic is gonna have to last for a while, and you wetting it isn't going to help."
  1851.  
  1852. "Take it off then, you won't be needing it for a while. And don't worry about trousers either, they will most definitely not be needed."
  1853.  
  1854. Michael laughed. "You know, it just hit me. I think it's a good thing this is happening."
  1855.  
  1856. "What are you talking about?" Esther asked, laughing as well.
  1857.  
  1858. "I don't think a virgin demon will garner much respect."
  1859.  
  1860. "And a succubus that has gone without proper sex for a while is a very impatient one. Shut up and take off your clothes."
  1861. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1862. 30.
  1863. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1864. In the early hours of the sun-kissed morning, Captain Solomon took off for his daily patrols from the guard quarters. Before anything else, he made his way to the old guard's cottage at Haven to check if the appointed guard was on duty. Everything seemed normal, the door was locked as it should be and there was no need to put away a first aid kit this time around. However, there was one thing that deeply annoyed him. The candles of the old candle holder on the table were untouched. No one came in the previous night to light them as they did their rounds, and Solomon knew exactly who it was who shirked their responsibilities.
  1865.  
  1866. "Of course, it just has to be him..." Solomon said as he left and locked the door of the cottage.
  1867.  
  1868. He walked back through town with a slight scowl on his face. Early morning workers and people waved at Solomon as he passed by, but he quickly walked by, ready to give the slacking guard a verbal slaughter. As he walked to his house, he noticed a few people in white armour and clothes snooping around and talking to strangers on the street. He knew it was the inquisition, but right now duties were more important. At the doorstep to one of the white-walled terraced houses, he loudly knocked on the wooden door.
  1869.  
  1870. "MICHAEL! GET YOUR SORRY ASS DOWN HERE THIS INSTANT!" he yelled angerly.
  1871.  
  1872. The door gave open from the forceful knocks and swung into the kitchen.
  1873.  
  1874. "The idiot forgot to lock his door?" he asked himself. "Hey, Michael! Where are you?! you have a lot of explaining to do!"
  1875.  
  1876. Solomon stepped inside and began to look around. No one was to be seen in the downstairs kitchen, and even upstairs there was no one to be found in the rooms. Solomon walked back outside and closed the door, deeply confused.
  1877.  
  1878. ‘Where could that lazy fool go off to?' he thought to himself. 'Perhaps Ms Blaise's house.'
  1879.  
  1880. Solomon continued on his way around town, walking to another line of terraced houses, all the while a few of the white armoured people followed. He quickly came to the red painted door of Francisca's house, but after a few knocks and calling out, he was only met with silence. Confused, he decided it's best to go tell the pastor of Michael's negligence.
  1881.  
  1882. As he entered the old stone church, he felt an odd sense of dread that drenched the walls and air in the house of prayer.
  1883.  
  1884. "Abel? Are you around?" Solomon asked as he walked around.
  1885.  
  1886. The sound of something hitting the stone floor came from a nearby room. Solomon followed the sound to Abel's study, and inside he found the rattled pastor cleaning up a fallen shattered vase.
  1887.  
  1888. "Pastor Abel, are you okay?" Solomon asked carefully. "Did I scare you?"
  1889.  
  1890. Abel placed the shards of pottery on the table and faced Solomon, his face fatigued and weary of the day. "O-Oh. Good morning Solomon, how are you today?"
  1891.  
  1892. Solomon looked at him with great concern. He has never seen Abel in such a state before. "Abel, is there something wrong? You look horrible."
  1893.  
  1894. "N-No. I'm fine, just had a bad night's sleep is all." Abel said with a dismissing hand. "Anyway Solomon, what are you up to? Service doesn't start till much later."
  1895.  
  1896. Solomon tensely chuckled. "It's not that. I just came to tell you that Michael hasn't been at his post last night."
  1897.  
  1898. "What?" Abel asked in shock.
  1899.  
  1900. "Yeah. He didn't light the candles, so it's obvious he didn't come. Also, I stopped by his house, and he was nowhere to be seen. Even his friend Ms Blaise isn't home."
  1901.  
  1902. "Really? Was there not a woman in Michael's home?"
  1903.  
  1904. "Woman? What woman Abel? I didn't know he had a guest."
  1905.  
  1906. Footsteps echoed from behind as a tall imposing man walked into the room. Abel's blood ran cold as he gazed at the visitor.
  1907.  
  1908. "Woman, Pastor Riosona? What woman?" Cain asked with great severity.
  1909.  
  1910. Abel froze in place, unable to briefly speak.
  1911.  
  1912. "You. Who are you?" Cain asked as he pointed at Solomon.
  1913.  
  1914. "I'm Captain Solomon of the town guard. Is it safe to assume you are this 'inquisitor' I have heard about?" Solomon said with a discerning eye.
  1915.  
  1916. "Inquisitor Cain to you. Now leave us." Cain said demandingly.
  1917.  
  1918. Solomon warily complied and promptly left the room. Cain walked menacingly forward as Abel scrambled backwards and hitting his desk.
  1919.  
  1920. "What. Woman?" said Cain with a voice full of scorn. He quickly grabbed Abel by the top of his head, pulling his hair back and bending him over the table. Abel whimpered and stammered in fear as his legs lost strength, causing him to crash to the ground. Cain pulled out a few tufts of his hair as he fell, making him clutch his head in pain. Cain quickly drew his sword and brought it down on the desk, cracking and splintering the wood.
  1921.  
  1922. "What. Woman. Abel." Cain said, straining his gravelly voice.
  1923.  
  1924. "The one from the graveyard the other day! He came across a woman a few nights ago and took her into his care! Please, my lord, I know nothing else! Please please please!" Abel cried out in terror and desperation.
  1925.  
  1926. "You have had me waste valuable time by withholding information that I needed. Pastor Riosona, know this. When everything is said and done, you will be heading to Cadvis in a cage. But until then, you will help me make up for lost time." He wrenched the sword from the desk and knelt down to the quivering Abel. "What can I do to lure him out? What can I use that can help bring him and that woman out?"
  1927.  
  1928. "Please don't hurt me..." Abel said snivelling. "I'll do whatever you want, just please don't hurt me."
  1929.  
  1930. "Because of you, some excessive measures might have to be made. You're lucky I have a use for you and feeling so kind to just throw you in a cage." Abel said, now calm. "Now get up. I have matters to attend to." He arose and walked towards the door. "You remember how I promised you that I wouldn't spill any blood?"
  1931.  
  1932. Abel nervously nodded.
  1933.  
  1934. "Well. I don't think blood can be spilt once burnt. Now on your feet. Thanks to you I have a town to cleanse."
  1935.  
  1936. Abel weakly got onto his feet and followed Cain out of the church. From behind him, the glass mural shined in its prismatic and chromatic splendour, all the while Abel can feel burning disapproval from its rays.
  1937. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1938. 31.
  1939. ===================================================================================================================================================
  1940. Once again, Michael stood before the crimson moon in the violet fogged void. Standing in front of him was the winged figure from before, but no longer in shade, but visible to his sight. Light blue skin and odd leather strips making a vest and skirt. A womanly figure with the devilish features. It was Esther.
  1941.  
  1942. "Welcome to your dreamland, Michael. Took a bit for you to actually cement yourself here." she said with a smile.
  1943.  
  1944. Michael opened his mouth, surprised to find his voice. "My dreamland?" he asked.
  1945.  
  1946. "More specifically, the place that should have made you insane, but I stepped in. Staring at that moon like a wolf howling is not a good idea." she said, playfully berating him.
  1947.  
  1948. "Well, I didn't know it would do that. It just appeared after another weird as hell dream." he said defensively.
  1949.  
  1950. "Don't get so high-strung, you'll be fine soon enough. However..." she lifted her arm as she pointed to something behind Michael.
  1951.  
  1952. Michael turned around, and before him was a creeping inferno of blue. The flames of the fire waved and flicked into many gnashing maws, hungry for Michael.
  1953.  
  1954. "What the..?" Michael stepped back in fear.
  1955.  
  1956. "Exactly. My guess that is a premonition, but blue fire doesn't bode well." she said as she crossed her arms.
  1957.  
  1958. "Really? What does it mean?"
  1959.  
  1960. "I'm not sure. It's your subconscious, not mine. But I have seen blue fire before, and I don't want to meet what makes it again."
  1961.  
  1962. Michael faced Esther again, visibly worried. "Then what do I do?"
  1963.  
  1964. "We prepare to leave." Esther replied calmly. "After the bitchy corpse finishes her work and you offer yourself to Dias, we can return to where we belong. That fun we had gave me a lot of strength back, and I think I can get us there." she said as she jokingly flexed her arm.
  1965.  
  1966. Micheal looked to the fires again, then his vision began to bleed to black.
  1967.  
  1968. "See you back in the waking world. Hopefully this is the last time you see this place." Esther said softly as her voice echoed out of hearing.
  1969.  
  1970. Just like the other morning, Michael opened his eyes and was back in reality. No sluggishness from waking, and no separation of dream to day. Laid sprawled across the top of the messy bed was Michael, naked, and Esther laid on top of him just as bare, with her arms coiled around him and her head gently resting on his chest. Michael rubbed her lower back, making her quietly flinch before slowly opening her eyes.
  1971.  
  1972. "Good morning." Michael said with a smile.
  1973.  
  1974. Esther kissed him and smiled back. "Good morning to you too." she said with a giggle. "I think in all we only got an hour or so of sleep."
  1975.  
  1976. "Jeez. I think we might have overdone it, maybe just a bit? The pillows and blankets do smell rather heavily of us now..." Michael said with embarrassment.
  1977.  
  1978. "Not our problem." Esther shuffled off of Michael, allowing him to sit up as she sat legs crossed next to him. "We were given a bed, we only made good use of it. Besides, if I can't take my frustration out on her, having you was a good substitute. Nothing better than lavishly feasting on a virgin, demon or not."
  1979.  
  1980. Michael's face went slightly red. "Can you calm down with that virgin talk?"
  1981.  
  1982. "My bad." Esther chuckled. "But I will give you this, you were pretty good for a first timer. I guess being a demon now tapped into your inner animal."
  1983.  
  1984. Michael quickly got off the bed and searched around the floor for his clothes. He picked up his and Esther's, and the two quickly dressed.
  1985.  
  1986. "By the way, I was meaning to ask." Michael said as he did an arm stretch. "Where did you learn to do all that last night?"
  1987.  
  1988. "Over a hundred years in hell, dear." she said with a wink. "The greater succubi and demons there are excellent teachers, and they sure do love to make use of the newly turned or birthed."
  1989.  
  1990. Michael quickly thought of what that could have been like, letting his vivid imagination fill in the blanks. He slightly shuddered of the absolutely indecent imagery of several other women ganging up on Esther.
  1991.  
  1992. "What are you shuddering for? A demon shouldn't be repulsed by their own thoughts." Esther said with laughter. "C'mon, I think we should go see the corpse and the pup. Hopefully that Insufferable woman has gotten things ready for you."
  1993.  
  1994. "Okay, what is your deal with Lazura? You have been nothing but hostile to her." Michael asked.
  1995.  
  1996. Esther started to walk to the door past Michael. An air of searing hatred clung to her like a malignant cloud. "Anyone who has a hand in bringing me into this world unwanted earns my contempt. Sure, all she did was help the ritual along and it was Ody that brought and bound me. But with him dead now, and after personally killing another of his stupid men, she's lucky she has a purpose and I didn't take my frustrations out on her."
  1997.  
  1998. "Remind me to not get on your bad side..." Michael said with humorous unease. "But can you perhaps tone down on the killing? I would rather not spill any more blood if possible."
  1999.  
  2000. Esther laughed. "Someday you'll understand why a demon does what they do. But I'll give you a hint. Mortal morals don't apply to us."
  2001.  
  2002. "You say that, but even if I have to go to hell I'll maintain mine." Michael said adamantly.
  2003.  
  2004. "Sure you will. Give yourself a century, then get back to me on that." Esther said as she opened the door. "Now let's go."
  2005. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2006. 32.
  2007. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2008. In the first floor of the guard post, Lazura continued with her work throughout the night, brewing elaborate salves and potions for an oncoming ceremony. All the while she worked, Francisca fell asleep in her chair at a table with a blanket draped over her. From the door leading to the stairway, Michael and Esther entered, their steps full of energy. Lazura shushed them as they walked by Francisca's table.
  2009.  
  2010. "Don't wake her up. Let her get a bit more rest before we get to work." Lazura said with hushed words.
  2011.  
  2012. Esther and Michael nodded and walked over to her cluttered work desk. Progress seemed to have shuffled along since Lazura started with her alchemical fiddling of last night. Only a spirit burner heated a bronze cup with its contents boiling, releasing a pungent smell of burnt weeds and soil.
  2013.  
  2014. "As soon as this finishes boiling down, we can get started on the ritual." Lazura said as she stirred the cup with a glass rod. "Hopefully, that means you all get out of my hair quicker."
  2015.  
  2016. "Stop your griping corpse, you know as well as I that this is needed." Esther said back.
  2017.  
  2018. "Then I can safely assume you know how to do the correct incantation and diagram for the baptism?"
  2019.  
  2020. "Of course. I remember the one the demons back home did to me, so that will work just fine."
  2021.  
  2022. "Are you sure? Old demons in hell have a lot more power to toss about than a weakened succubus and a fledgeling unnamed demon that can go feral."
  2023.  
  2024. Michael anxiously looked to Esther. "Esty, you know what you're doing, right?"
  2025.  
  2026. She bit her index finger's knuckle, unsure herself.
  2027.  
  2028. "Esty, if you're not sure then wouldn't it be safer to accept Lazura's help?" Michael asked.
  2029.  
  2030. Esther groaned, annoyed at the thought of accepting more of Lazura's help.
  2031.  
  2032. "You phrase it as if I would be so careless to actually let her pride get in the way of safety." Lazura said. "That town was my home long ago, and I don't want a mess to be made of it."
  2033.  
  2034. "You lived in Limbous?" Michael asked surprised.
  2035.  
  2036. "I did. But after the war tainted many of us, I left for a life of study on how to halt the spread outside of religious help. Sad to say, I failed, and I became what you see now." She stopped stirring the cup and stared at the bubbling green concoction. "Magic can't be destroyed, only used or reformed. To me, death seemed like a better option than becoming potentially one of you. So I..." She paused and glanced towards one of the two books on her table, then stared at the old jagged black journal. She sighed and returned to stirring the cup. "I kept to my word. Anyway, the water is nearly boiled away. The powder will be ready for the sigil branding."
  2037.  
  2038. "You two still haven't explained fully what you are planning to do to me." Michael said. "'Sigil branding'? What on Earth is that?"
  2039.  
  2040. "Dias will give you a name, and that name is your sigil. That is what will tie you to Dias." Lazura said as she carefully took the cup off of its stand over the flame.
  2041.  
  2042. On a sheet of clean paper, she poured out white dust into a small pile. Quickly she grabbed a jar of bonemeal and a small phial of viscous fluid holding small black shavings inside.
  2043.  
  2044. "Shame I have to use one of these so soon. Succubus horn and essence are so hard to come by, and I would love to do experiments before using a whole phial." Lazura said disappointingly.
  2045.  
  2046. Esther's eye twinged, and she scowled at Lazura, "My body is not some fungus covered stump for you to plunder, bitch!"
  2047.  
  2048. Lazura quickly shushed at her yelling. "You'll wake the cute one! She spent all night helping me and she deserves all the rest she can get!" Lazura said, quietly scolding her.
  2049.  
  2050. A rustle of fabric followed by a small cutesy yawn came from the table. The blanket fell off to her side as she stretched her arms, rubbing her brown fur covered forearm and fingers. She hopped to her feet, stretching out her back as her tail straightened in turn.
  2051.  
  2052. She yawned as she turned around to the others. "Mornin'. Did you finish your stuff Lazura?"
  2053.  
  2054. Lazura nodded with a small smile.
  2055.  
  2056. "That's good." she said as she rubbed her eyes. "Mornin' you two. You both seem really chipper for being up early. How much sleep did you two get?"
  2057.  
  2058. Michael and Esther looked at each other and back to Francisca. "About an hour." they replied in unison.
  2059.  
  2060. "And yet you both don't feel tired at all?" Francisca asked in disbelief. "Crummy demons..."
  2061.  
  2062. "Don't feel too bad cute one. You have been more of a help them they have." Lazura said with a smile.
  2063.  
  2064. "What do you mean by that?" Esther asked aggravatedly.
  2065.  
  2066. "Don't act like I don't know." Lazura replied with her hands on her hips. "I went by the door to the bedroom last night. You two were as loud as cats in heat, and I daren't think of what you've done to my bed."
  2067.  
  2068. Esther scoffed, "Don't think I didn't even notice you were there. I could smell you from the other side of the door, and I'm not talking about your undead stink. Thirsty bitch."
  2069.  
  2070. "Guys!" Michael and Francisca yelled out together.
  2071.  
  2072. "Can you two not do a one up match on such a lewd thing?" Michael said.
  2073.  
  2074. "Yeah!..Wait. Michael, you and Esther had-" Francisca said before Esther interrupted.
  2075.  
  2076. "Yup. All night long." Esther said with devious pride. "But hey, I know you still have needs, pup. Maybe some day I'll let you join in on the excitement. That sounds fun, right?"
  2077.  
  2078. Francisca's face flushed bright red and her mouth shrivelled into a tight pout.
  2079.  
  2080. "Don't say such things to her! That's not suitable for something as adorable as her!" Lazura yelled in protest.
  2081.  
  2082. "Say what you want miss frigid, but she is a tasty treat. I know, I had a good sample of her." Esther said with a glare as she sensually licked a finger.
  2083.  
  2084. Esther and Lazura began to bicker ferociously as Francisca stood grossly embarrassed. Michael cautiously inched away from the cat fight and to Francisca's side.
  2085.  
  2086. "Uh, you okay Franny?" Michael asked carefully. "Do you, uh, need a minute?"
  2087.  
  2088. "Don't you 'Franny' me! I can't believe you. You really just went up and had sex with her?" Francisca said. "Are you just some kind of impulsive animal now or what? You barely know her!"
  2089.  
  2090. "Well, I, uh." Michael stuttered as he tried to explain himself. He truly could not give an explanation, since he truly did just rode with the moment.
  2091.  
  2092. "Shouldn't expect any better from a demon." she said bitterly.
  2093.  
  2094. "Okay, that was a little uncalled for. I had sex with her, sure, but why do you care?"
  2095.  
  2096. "Why do I care? It's not like I have been your friend for the longest time and cared for you. Oh no. Giving yourself up to the first woman offering is a great thing to do." Francisca said angerly.
  2097.  
  2098. "Francisca, I have to ask. Have you ever heard of a virgin demon?"
  2099.  
  2100. "You'd be better off being the first."
  2101.  
  2102. "You're mad at me. Aren't you?"
  2103.  
  2104. "Mad? No, of course not. Extremely disappointed? Oh very."
  2105.  
  2106. Michael sighed and crossed his arms, knowing well that today was going to be an exceptional handful.
  2107. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2108. 33.
  2109. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2110. After what could be described as an hour of obscenity spewing and monotoned dry wit-filled arguing passed, Esther and Lazura finally calmed down and refocused. The ritual powder Lazura slaved to prepare was ready for use, and along with her wicked book of magics she was ready to start the baptism. She retrieved a sharp clean dagger from a case she left on her work table and looked to Michael. He stared back, confused and wary of her.
  2111.  
  2112. "What is that for?" Michael asked nervously.
  2113.  
  2114. "For the ritual." Lazura plainly replied. "The first blade to taste the blood of a newly birthed demon is given in offering to Dias. How else will he know it's you who begs for a name?"
  2115.  
  2116. Michael shook his hesitantly thought on her words and agreed. He knew at this point that questioning the practices of such magics wasn't going to help ease the uncertainty but in fact made him even more worried.
  2117.  
  2118. "Just don't be overly painful about it. You don't need that much blood, right?" he asked skittishly.
  2119.  
  2120. Lazura nodded reassuringly, but Esther scratched her chin with her eyes closed, thinking. Her eyes then darted open to the pile of armour swept under a nearby table near broken floor stones.
  2121.  
  2122. "Dammit. I don't think that dagger will work, corpse." Esther said disappointingly.
  2123.  
  2124. Lazura recoiled in surprise. "What? What do you mean it won't work?"
  2125.  
  2126. "Well, Michael here took an axe to the back a while ago. So I don't think that dagger will count anymore." Esther explained.
  2127.  
  2128. Lazura angerly threw the dagger to the table, digging itself into the old wood table. "And where is this axe?" she asked, her voice on the edge of yelling.
  2129.  
  2130. "I dunno. Maybe still in the cemetery? Maybe taken away?" Esther said casually.
  2131.  
  2132. "Then how am I supposed to do this ritual then? Tell me that, you tasteless sow." Lazura said as she inched forward towards the succubus.
  2133.  
  2134. "Ease off you floating cadaver. I was only telling you." Esther snapped back.
  2135.  
  2136. Michael thought back on the night he got hit with the axe, but something else ate at him. He knew that the axe wasn't the only thing to have harmed him in the past few days. He looked to his palm, trying to think of what it was. Something much more mundane than an axe involved with nearly ending his life. A simple accident. A dropped knife. A cut across the palm.
  2137.  
  2138. "Wait. I don't think that axe is the first blade to make me bleed." Michael said as he rubbed his palm.
  2139.  
  2140. Both of the arguing women turned their heads to Michael, confused by what he meant.
  2141.  
  2142. "What?" they both replied in synch.
  2143.  
  2144. "If a blade that drew blood is what's needed, then I actually own the very thing back home." he said as he turned to Francisca, who was now sitting in a chair turned away. "Right Francisca?"
  2145.  
  2146. She waved an arm back dismissively with an uncaring small groan.
  2147.  
  2148. "Right...Well, I accidentally dropped a bread knife and it sliced my hand. If you need a blade that's the first to cut me, that would be it." Michael said assuringly.
  2149.  
  2150. Lazura calmed down and thought about it. She nodded and pulled the dagger out from the table and placed it back into its case. "Very well. Get the bread knife, and we can continue."
  2151.  
  2152. "As much as having something easily accessible is nice, getting it is still stupidly risky." Esther said with a sigh, placing her hands on her hips. "The inquisition is skulking about, and I would be easy to spot. They know what I look like in a weakened state and my current look screams 'please lynch me'."
  2153.  
  2154. Michael then remembered after the whole night of walking through the forest. He hasn't been to the guards' cottage to light the candles. Solomon would know that he didn't go that evening and that news would spread quickly, painting Michael as an easy suspect on top of his now red eyes.
  2155.  
  2156. "I don't think I can get it now either. The guards will know I wasn't on duty and that will point me out if anyone investigates."
  2157.  
  2158. "Then we are at an impasse." Lazura said.
  2159.  
  2160. The room went silent in sullen irritation. No one had an idea of what to do now with none of the options being open or relatively safe. Then Francisca got up from her seat.
  2161.  
  2162. "If you need that knife so bad, I can get it for you." Francisca said reluctantly. "They shouldn't bother me at all. And besides, the quicker to get it the quicker to send you off to where ever you're going."
  2163.  
  2164. Ester pouted. "Well that's a bit spiteful of you pup, are you really that upset?"
  2165.  
  2166. "Please don't speak to me..." Francisca muttered back spitefully.
  2167.  
  2168. "Ouch. I'm hurt." Esther said as she walked over to Francisca. "Do you need a bit of relief like before? I could use more of a top up." she said seductively.
  2169.  
  2170. She placed a hand on Francisca's shoulder, but the kobold quickly swatted her hand away before walking to the door.
  2171.  
  2172. "One of us should walk with you back through the woods." Michael said with concern. "Those dreadwolves might still be about."
  2173.  
  2174. "I'll be fine. Unlike you two I can keep quiet while walking through the woods." she said back.
  2175.  
  2176. Francisca walked to the old large wooden door and struggled to pull it open. The morning light crept through the growing crack from between the wall and creaking wood until the outside forest was fully visible. Before Francisca took a step outside, Lazura quickly glided to her side. She took Francisca's hand and drew a glowing symbol into her hand. Francisca recoiled in fright, but Lazura quickly petted her head to calm her.
  2177.  
  2178. "It's just something to ward off the beasts if they do come near." Lazura said sweetly. "Don't worry, nothing will harm you."
  2179.  
  2180. Francisca looked at her nervously, but shook off her fears and nodded with confidence. She walked through the door and out to the forest, leaving the others behind. As she walked off the door closed, and inside Lazura sighed. "You two have truly ran around with her feelings. Typical demons."
  2181.  
  2182. "What did I do?" Esther asked shocked. "I offered a hand."
  2183.  
  2184. "A hand you should have thought more carefully of placing." Lazura replied. "Not everything can be solved by your means, demon."
  2185.  
  2186. "What?"
  2187.  
  2188. "She has a point, Esther." Michael said. "She was upset, and what you said really didn't help much. Ahh, great. I really don't want to leave her upset like this. There has got to be something I can do or at least say to make her feel better."
  2189.  
  2190. Lazura floated over to a chair and took a seat. "You can mull over that as we wait for her return. Until then..." Lazura opened her hand, and a small ring of lilac fire spun in place.
  2191.  
  2192. In the middle of the ring, a picture formed in what looked liked a dark tinted mirror. Colours swirled and form shapes into a moving picture of a girl walking through the forest.
  2193.  
  2194. "Hope that she calms herself down during her peaceful stroll in the woods."
  2195. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2196. 34.
  2197. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2198. As Francisca traced her steps back through the morning dew coated forest floor, the early daylight gave the forest a golden glow in its thin carpet of mist. Over fallen trees and tiny creeks, the troubled kobold traversed as she quietly thought to herself. The last few days were definitely strange with Michael, but last night was the pinnacle of her worries. The very thought still haunted and echoed like a last word. "My best friend is a demon." Over a decade of fond and hard memories all ending abruptly and without much sense. Her friend that she stuck with through thick and thin, and cared for through his nigh incurable laziness that burdened his otherwise good heart. But even now, she is even in question of his heart.
  2199.  
  2200. Since his chilling remarks to killing a man, and now his careless indulgence, Francisca couldn't see a parallel between him of now and before. Everything was muddled. Why would he just accept a night with a demon at first chance instead of trying for someone who cared for him long before? Was she not as appealing as a succubus?
  2201.  
  2202. 'Am I really getting jealous of a succubus?' she thought to herself. 'Hanging around those two must be doing something to me. And her touch as well...' she shivered in disgust. 'Yet here I am, sticking my neck out for the both of them. And what do I get in return? A friend leaving me forever, or at least what I think is my friend...' Tears welled in her eyes as she hung her head low, slowly following the maze of trees out of their depths.
  2203.  
  2204. She continued on her melancholic hike through the woods, eventually escaping it's sea of green and to the rolling hills outside of Limbous. The sun is nearing midday, and out over the town plumes of thin smoke drifted above the red rooftops. Francisca looked on, confused and worried at what might have happened. A fire broke out over the town? Or was it bonfires? Unsure, Francisca warily walked over and through the hillside back into to town.
  2205.  
  2206. As she walked by the stables near the front of the town, she was shocked by the sight in front of her as a hot sear touched the bottom of her pawed feet. Where houses once stood lied ashes and chard frames, speckled with blue embers that glowed and dimmed as if breathing. As she passed a few houses like so, she worried for the owners, hoping that they were safe and unharmed. Passing through the unharmed section of town, it became scarily apparent of how empty the town's streets were. No one was out, all the windows shut with curtains drawn and a deathly silence with the staccato of distant crackles of fire.
  2207.  
  2208. Quickly she walked to Michael's home, untouched and the front door shut. With the front door unlocked, she opened it and walked inside. She walked to the cutlery drawer and pulled it out. Inside was the fancy bread knife she practically gave Michael, and beside it was the old broken blade and handle. She looked at it disgruntled, the old knife could have been easily repaired if the old pegs of the blade tang were knocked out of the old wood handle and get the local handyman to repair the blade. Then she remembered. That would be too much effort for Michael. She took the two blades out of the drawer, stashing the bone handled knife into a pocket on her dress, and picking up the other, planning to repair it later. As she closed the drawer and left the house, she was greeted by a familiar face walking down the road.
  2209.  
  2210. "Ms Blaise. What are you doing here?" Abel asked as he drew near.
  2211.  
  2212. Francisca relaxed, seeing him out grounded her back her hopes that things are fine.
  2213.  
  2214. "Hello Abel, how are you today?" Francisca asked as she waved.
  2215.  
  2216. "I'm, uh, doing okay child. But what are you doing here? Solomon was by your house this morning calling for you, but you didn't answer." Abel asked with concern.
  2217.  
  2218. "Oh. Uh, I was out on a stroll this morning." she replied. "Needed to clear my mind and such."
  2219.  
  2220. "Is that so, child? Why not take a walk with me, perhaps I can help?"
  2221.  
  2222. "Oh, that won't be necessary. I was just off out for another walk."
  2223.  
  2224. As Francisca turned around to walk off, a man and a woman in white clothes and armour stood before her, their hands ready to draw their swords. Abel sighed in disappointment. "I'm sorry Francisca, but you need to come with me."
  2225.  
  2226. Francisca stood motionless, terrified at what's happening. Abel lying to her and two armed people acted as threatening muscle. Her legs started to shiver in confused fright as she tried to speak, but no words came out. The woman behind her nudged her forward with her hand, and so Francisca followed Abel unwillingly up the stone street towards the church.
  2227. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2228. 35.
  2229. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2230. Never has walking up to the church doors ever brought such a sense of foreboding dread and fear in Francisca. She clenched on to the broken knife in her hand out of stress as she stood before the mouth of the church. The red doors were wide open, with two heavily armoured paladins guarding the entrance like marble statues. As she was escorted inside, more acolytes and paladins watched with judging gazes as she walked up the aisle towards a tall man in a grey, long-tailed coat. The man turned around from looking at the large colourful mural above the altar, then walked towards the newly arrived.
  2231.  
  2232. "I take it you had a good time away from your house Ms Blaise." Cain said without compassion in his voice. "Do you know why you're here today?"
  2233.  
  2234. Francisca stood scared stiff. Her mind screamed at her to run, but her legs were locked in place. She shakily shook her head at the question.
  2235.  
  2236. "Of course you do, otherwise, you would be confused other than terrified. Am I right?" Cain said as he began to walk towards Francisca.
  2237.  
  2238. Francisca's legs finally freed themselves, and she began to back away from Cain. After a few steps, she bumped back into the two acolytes. They quickly grabbed her arms to restrain her, all the while she struggled in vain, dropping the knife blade to the floor. Cain stood a few feet in front of her.
  2239.  
  2240. "Your friend Michael is currently at the top of people we wish to inquire today." he said with calm. "You know where he went. We would like to know where."
  2241.  
  2242. "I-I don't know what you're on about!" Francisca said back scared. "Let me go! I didn't do anything!"
  2243.  
  2244. "I'm afraid I can't let you do that." Cain replied. "You know something we don't, and for the safety of everyone I must know. Where is your friend?"
  2245.  
  2246. "I don't know what you want with them! Just let me go, I beg you!"
  2247.  
  2248. Cain sighed in disappointment. "It happens every time without fail. They say something they shouldn't and they dig themselves a deeper grave." Cain walked closer and grabbed her cheek. "Fear is an excellent key to hidden truths, and you just handed me one such key. Not only did you confirm you know where he is, but he has someone with him. Is that by chance a woman?"
  2249.  
  2250. Francisca stared back at his sharp eyes.
  2251.  
  2252. "It was. Ms Blaise, we can continue with this farce of an interrogation or you can make my work simpler. Where is Michael and the woman?" he asked as he took his hand off her chin.
  2253.  
  2254. "Why do you even want them?!" Francisca asked. "They have done nothing wrong!"
  2255.  
  2256. Cain groaned in boredom as he knelt down to pick up the broken knife. "Nothing wrong? As you very well know, one is an aberrant being that shouldn't be in this realm, and the other is someone who has succumbed to its power. You have helped these heretics, but I need you to find them, otherwise I would have killed you by now."
  2257.  
  2258. He caught a glimpse of her right palm. In the centre was a ring of pale discolourment, and Cain quickly pieced together what it was. The residual mark of an observation sigil.
  2259.  
  2260. "So, you are being watched. Well. That makes this all the easier." Cain said with cold slyness. "Whoever is watching this girl, I can guess you know exactly what kind of peril she's in. If you wish to see her free, then meet me in the Haven Burial Grounds at midnight. Otherwise, that ground shall be her grave." He turned around and walked back towards the altar while waving a hand. "Take her to camp and restrain her. We end this tonight."
  2261.  
  2262. As the two acolytes start to pull back, Francisca yelled back fervently. "What have they ever done to deserve this?! Why are you doing all this?!"
  2263.  
  2264. The two acolytes stopped as Cain turned around. "You don't seem to understand the gravity of the situation. An unholy being is free to walk the lands, and a man who is tainted by demonic powers is helping it. You still seem pure, even if misguided. Why would you allow such things to exist in this world?"
  2265.  
  2266. "But they didn't do anything!" Francisca cried back.
  2267.  
  2268. "Evil is never innocent. To conflate such nonsense shows that you need a stern reevaluation of your morals that that failure of a pastor has taught you. It matters not if they simply run or they actively try to sew chaos, all powers of Infernis must be quickly removed from the realm for the safety of all."
  2269.  
  2270. "Is that why so many houses have burned?"
  2271.  
  2272. "I have made entire towns disappear overnight to rid the taint. A holy blue inferno to rid the world of darkening corruption. That is what I fight Ms Blaise. Corruption. To let such things exist in this world to soil anything they touch is a danger that the faith cannot allow to happen."
  2273.  
  2274. "But I haven't even heard of major events involving such things anymore! This is insane!"
  2275.  
  2276. "Insane?" Cain asked as he walked slowly towards Francisca. "I'll tell you what's insane. People like you who are willing to excuse such abominations under the pretence of morality. Morals don't apply to those 'things'. They simply act on a will. Because of that, we had the war over a hundred years ago that cost countless lives. We won that war, pushed the corruption back, and have held it at bay ever since. Now to hear some naive girl tell me that the inherent nature of such beings should be overlooked in regards to our morals is disrespectful to those who died in the war and my own office of power."
  2277.  
  2278. Francisca bit back her tongue, wanting to shout her venom at him, but instead simply replied. "This isn't what the teachings of Dios have taught me. To kill those who have done nothing wrong."
  2279.  
  2280. "We are the will of Dios. We are his teachings in force." Cain stopped in front of Francisca once again, staring her down with his intense eyes. "To go against us is to go against Dios. To defy us is to defy Dios. To question us is to question Dios himself. Corruption is an affront to him, and we are the cleansing fire that sees his world unsullied." He looked to the two acolytes again. "Take her away. Be sure she is isolated, she is a walking eye and ear."
  2281.  
  2282. "Yes, my lord." the two said before walking away with their prisoner in tow.
  2283.  
  2284. As they left, Abel looked on as they passed by. He saw Francisca walk away with her head held low with a twisted grimace of depressed frustration. Once they were gone, Cain walked up to him again, hands behind his back and his chin held high.
  2285.  
  2286. "If this is the kind of defiance that is instilled in this town, then more will have to face the fires." Cain said plainly. "Know well Pastor Riosona, this is all your fault. Think back on your teachings, for I'll make sure you don't teach again."
  2287.  
  2288. Cain walked away and out of the church with his other acolytes and paladins, leaving Abel alone once again. He stood in place, unwanting to move from demoralisation zapping his energy. He looked towards the mural again, hoping to see some kind of sign from it. The image of Dios watching the land with hands splayed to help was always an inspiring sight. Then a thought passed through Abel.
  2289.  
  2290. 'Maybe that girl was right...'
  2291.  
  2292. With wary determination, he walked back to his study to grab a map and his lantern. He put both of them on the table, then laid down on the couch, reading his personal bible as he waited for midnight.
  2293. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2294. 36.
  2295. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2296. Outside the old and worn guardpost tower, Michael and Esther walked about the handmade botanical garden that was the entirety of the courtyard. Many varieties of mushrooms, flowers, and other plants like roots and vines dotted the courtyard into a vivid painting of spotted colours. Michael walked up to a tree and grabbed a thick low lying branch. He clenched his fist, and the branch splintered into pieces. He opened his hand, and the broken remains of the branch fell to the ground.
  2297.  
  2298. "Still trying to gauge your strength, huh?" Esther asked coyly. "I wouldn't bother right now. You're only gonna get stronger as time goes on."
  2299.  
  2300. "Esther," Michael said as he turned to her, "how much more am I going to change?"
  2301.  
  2302. "Can't say. All depends on what Dias deems you to be." Esther said. "I wouldn't worry too much about it. You're adopting the 'do whatever you want' mindset fairly well so I think you'll fit in with other demons just fine."
  2303.  
  2304. Michael's expression lessened. "I know there is no point in saying it now, but I do want to keep some of my ideals. Just doing whatever with no regard to anything. That isn't what I'm like."
  2305.  
  2306. Esther walked closer to him. "Oh really? Then what was last night?"
  2307.  
  2308. Michael remained quiet.
  2309.  
  2310. "You can't stop everything Michael." Esther said sympathetically. "You know full well this is ending one way."
  2311.  
  2312. "That may be true, but I at least want some part of me to remain. Something that I can fight to keep, rather than just lose it like everything else. I mean, who were you like before you turned?"
  2313.  
  2314. Esther blushed slightly, her bluish cheeks turning a flustered purple. "Well, I was just a simple woman since being poor. Bland as anyone else."
  2315.  
  2316. "Exactly, now look at you. You act completely different to that."
  2317.  
  2318. "Well, I don't see that as a problem. Honestly, I think I'm a lot better than I was back when I was human."
  2319.  
  2320. "But that's the problem. I like who I am." Michael looked at the broken tree limb. "I even made Francisca upset somehow."
  2321.  
  2322. Esther walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's just girl matters. Honestly, that might be a bit of both our faults there. Having a girl as a friend for that close for so long obviously has its tensions. I know you are feeling distraught about it, but she's your best friend right?"
  2323.  
  2324. "Well yeah."
  2325.  
  2326. "Then surely she can forgive you. Besides, it is gonna be the last time you see her."
  2327.  
  2328. "Yeah..."
  2329.  
  2330. Michael sighed and walked away from the tree and back to the centre of the courtyard. The late afternoon sun hung in the sky, showing it has been a fair while since Francisca left for town. As the two started to walk back to the guard tower, the door burst open with Lazura rushing out with a grave and panicked expression.
  2331.  
  2332. "Woah, what's wrong corpse? You look like you've seen a ghost." Esther said jokingly.
  2333.  
  2334. "Now is not the time for your inane prattling." Lazura said urgently. "The cute one, she's been taken."
  2335.  
  2336. Michael and Esther stood frozen with a shiver crawling down their backs.
  2337.  
  2338. "We can assume who's got her then." Esther said with a pained look. "Damned inquisition..."
  2339.  
  2340. Micheal ran past the two and back inside of the guard tower. He quickly put on his armour, clipped his sword to his belt, and rushed back out. He walked by the two as he started to make way to the forest. Esther quickly reached out to stop him.
  2341.  
  2342. "Where do you think you're going in such a hurry?" Esther asked in concern.
  2343.  
  2344. "Where do you think? I'm getting Franny." Michael replied sternly.
  2345.  
  2346. "So you're just gonna waltz into town like you are and expect those religious maniacs hand her back? Are you planning to get killed horribly?" Esther said scoldingly.
  2347.  
  2348. "And what do you recommend? Sit here and let them do Dios knows what to her?" he said as he pointed out to the forest. "I'm going. They are not harming her as long as I draw breath."
  2349.  
  2350. "Michael, think. You are walking into a mess with many acolytes, paladins, and a very pissed off inquisitor. You alone can't make it through that."
  2351.  
  2352. "Then I say again, what do you want me to do? You know what, no, I don't need a reason, I'm going to save her."
  2353.  
  2354. "You're crazy."
  2355.  
  2356. "Then I guess I am just becoming more demon like then." he said as he turned his back and took another step forward.
  2357.  
  2358. "Wait!" Lazura yelled. "Let me grab the needed materials, then I'll join you."
  2359.  
  2360. Esther sharply turned her head to Lazura. "What?! You can't be serious."
  2361.  
  2362. "That inquisitor knew that I was watching over her. He wants to meet at Haven at midnight, or else they'll kill her." Lazura explained. "Esther, no matter what happens, it ends tonight. Also, I do not wish harm upon the small one."
  2363.  
  2364. "B-But-" Esther stuttered before Michael interrupted.
  2365.  
  2366. "Remember our contract Esther. End my misery and I help you." he said coldly.
  2367.  
  2368. "Well yes, but-"
  2369.  
  2370. "If she dies, then that misery won't go away anytime soon and I won't be able to help you. If we save her, I'll be at peace of mind and we can be back in hell safe." He turned around to Esther. "I will hold up my end of the contract if you do yours, and right now, both our ends are tied in the fate of Franny."
  2371.  
  2372. Esther stared into his eyes. Past the ruby of his irises, an inferno raged within him. Esther knew these eyes. They were the eyes of a demon deeply scorned, and ready to lash at whatever crossed him. Esther giggled in pride and anticipation.
  2373.  
  2374. "Fine, fine. It's only fair a demon holds up a contract with another demon." Esther said as she crossed her arms with a slick smile. "But I don't like the idea of walking into an inquisitorial trap. I have already been on the end of one of those. Not pretty."
  2375.  
  2376. "Then I will get some materials." Lazura said as she floated backwards towards the guard tower. "Time is now of the essence, and we must be ready."
  2377.  
  2378. "You do know that this all sounds crazy right?" Esther said jokingly. "We are planning to fight the inquisition with a fledgeling, a lich, and I, a succubus, against a very mad inquisitor."
  2379.  
  2380. "You're a demon," Lazura said as she turned around, "you're all crazy." She quickly flew back inside the tower.
  2381.  
  2382. "Well, you're not wrong." Esther said with a shrug. She looked to Michael, and she saw him staring out into the forest. He bore calmed rage on his face.
  2383.  
  2384. "You know, if you feel angry-" Esther said before Michael chuffed.
  2385.  
  2386. "Now isn't the best time to give me the 'anger won't help you speech'." Michael said annoyed.
  2387.  
  2388. "What? No. I was gonna say if you feel angry, get angrier." Esther said as she put her hands on her hips. "Emotions fuel us, and the rage of a demon, no matter how young or old, is always a potent force. Just make sure you put it to good use."
  2389.  
  2390. "Get angrier?" Michael said with uncertainty. "I don't know how, but fine, I'll try."
  2391.  
  2392. "Shouldn't be too hard." Ester replied. "Just imagine it as your regular feelings, but just bumped up to an extreme."
  2393.  
  2394. Michael looked at her perplexed but deeply tried to understand her. He felt anger, but he was more concerned with Francisca's wellbeing than his own frustration. From the tower, Lazura rocketed from the closing door and next to Esther's side.
  2395.  
  2396. "I have what I need. We should hurry." Lazura said as she put on her cowl. "We could get there by sundown if we travelled at my pace. But I think we will be slowed due to him not being able to fly."
  2397.  
  2398. Esther's wings began to flap as her feet took off the ground.
  2399.  
  2400. "Well, that's just cheating." Michael said unamused.
  2401.  
  2402. "They aren't for show. Now let's go, even I am getting extremely fearful." Esther said with an unsteady grin.
  2403.  
  2404. "We go as fast as our slowest, so Michael you lead the way." Lazura said as she floated past Esther And towards Michael. She placed a hand on his shoulder and nodded, urging him to go.
  2405.  
  2406. Michael nodded, and after a deep breath he broke out into a sprint. He was surprised as he ran through the grove, the trees whooshed by him at blinding speed and the wind blared in his ears. He ran with an instinct that guided him over the terrain of the forest floor, jumping over fallen trees and his feet never once making a misstep. He was the wind that ran through the sunny woods. To his sides, he saw Esther and Lazura easily keeping up with him as they flew slightly above the ground. With daylight burning away, they rushed through the forest towards town, with Michael uncaring to the threat ahead but more than willing to face it.
  2407. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2408. 37.
  2409. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2410. The night fully descended upon the disrupted town, and outside of his study's window, Abel could see the waning crescent moon slightly obscured by a few thin passing clouds. With a deep sigh of resolution, he sat up from his couch, his legs weak and his head spinning. The bells rang for half past eleven, and now he knew that it's time to go forth with his decision.
  2411.  
  2412. With a feeling of hollowness, he lit the candles in the room, grabbed his old lantern from the table and set it on the ground, then went to his damaged desk. He knelt down to the floor underneath his desk and pulled up a wood panel. After putting the wood panel aside, he reached into the dark compartment and pulled out a long object wrapped in brown linen and string. He put the object on the table and began to un-knot the twine. Once free, he unwrapped the brown linen to show a sword stowed in its sheath. The scabbard was old, it's black lacquer finish cracked and shipped and the decorative leather strap was crinkled and dingy with stains.
  2413.  
  2414. Abel pulled the blade out of its worn scabbard. The edge of the blade was still reasonably sharp for being unused for many years. Abel hoped to not see the blade again. Despite leaving his profession as a sword for hire long ago in pursuit of religious enlightenment, he always kept the sword as a memento to his change. But now he feared he might be forced to use it again. Even worse still, against those much holier than himself. He set the sword down on his desk and took off his robe, draping it over the small table. He felt a chill without the extra layer of fabric over him, now standing in his trousers and short sleeved tunic. He rubbed his arms as he walked back to the desk, taking the old scabbard and strapping on it's attached belt. He picked up his lantern, lit it with a candle, and walked out of his study.
  2415.  
  2416. The main chamber of the church was dark and quiet, with only his footsteps echoing off the stone walls. The stain glass mural permitted a small amount of light through, slightly colouring the mural while not providing light to much else. Abel slowly walked over to the altar before stopping before the wooden podium. He took a knee and closed his eyes in prayer.
  2417.  
  2418. "My Lord who looks after all his children, please show me a sign I am doing the right thing." Abel said to himself. "I only want to do what is right, and what you deem to be right. I only want fairness and justice, and I wish to see an end to all of this." He paused for a moment, and his eyes closed harder. "Are, are things of the dark inherently evil? Is there good in shadow? Am I being heretical in my thoughts?"
  2419.  
  2420. Silenced settled in the main chamber again as he desperately hoped for an answer. Alas, nothing responded. He knelt there, with tears dripping down his cheeks and squeezing his knee as hard as he could. Then knocks came from the church doors. The light knocks faintly echoed back to the far end of the chamber, and Abel stood up and wiped his eyes with his arm. He walked over and opened the heavy old doors, and outside standing was a boy and a little arachne girl.
  2421.  
  2422. "Harrison? Hannah? What are you doing here?" Abel asked in surprise, his voice still recovering from his emotions. He then got a good look at their faces. Eyes red and themselves snivelling. Both his shirt and her dress were stained in tears and slightly tinged in soot. Abel quickly pieced together what happened. "Quickly. Inside."
  2423.  
  2424. The two children quietly shuffled inside as Abel closed the doors. Once inside, the two began to cry uncontrollably again. Abel quickly went to his knees and hugged the siblings, trying to ease and calm them.
  2425.  
  2426. "It's okay. You're safe here." He said gently. "If you can, can you tell me where your parents are?"
  2427.  
  2428. Hannah tried to talk through her bawling. "The people in white came and took mommy and daddy! All because they think they are bad people! They can't be bad people, they are our mommy and daddy!"
  2429.  
  2430. Her words stabbed at Abel's heart.
  2431.  
  2432. Harrison added to her. "They called mom and dad heretics because of the old statue mom had since she was young! I don't get it!"
  2433.  
  2434. "Old statue?" Abel asked. "What kind of old statue?"
  2435.  
  2436. "It was black and covered in weird drawings." Hannah said between her snivels. "Mommy had it forever and told us to never talk about it. Maybe you might know why. Mommy also gave me this pretty necklace and told me to keep it a secret."
  2437.  
  2438. "Hannah, mom and dad said to never tell about that." Harrison said as he wiped his eyes with his sleeve.
  2439.  
  2440. Abel let them go, and Hannah pulled out her necklace. It was a shiny pendant made of jet, with eerily familiar etchings inscribed into it with red paint.
  2441.  
  2442. "Mommy said it was a good luck stone that she got from her mommy." she said innocently through her hiccups of crying.
  2443.  
  2444. Abel slightly reeled in shock. It was the same kind of markings as that on Michael's arm.
  2445.  
  2446. "Pastor, please. Can you help us get mom and dad back?" Harrison asked.
  2447.  
  2448. Abel didn't know how to respond. He was staring at an obviously heretical artefact, and for a small child to be holding it, it was a death mark in the eyes of the inquisition.
  2449.  
  2450. "Y-Your parents didn't do anything funny at home, right?" Abel asked jitterily. "I know your family doesn't come here often outside of celebrations. But what do you do at home? Do you worship the lord Dios?"
  2451.  
  2452. "You mean Dias?" Harrison asked.
  2453.  
  2454. "Yeah. Mommy and daddy believed in something called Dias." Hannah. "And mommy and daddy always told us to follow what we want to do as long as we don't hurt anybody."
  2455.  
  2456. Abel was taken aback by her statement. "You were taught to just follow your wants as long as you don't hurt anyone?"
  2457.  
  2458. "Mommy and daddy said that that is the reason they met each other." Hannah said as she looked to the ground, slightly weeping. "I want them home...I want home back, and I want mommy and daddy back..."
  2459.  
  2460. "Me too..." Harrison said as he started to choke on his words.
  2461.  
  2462. 'So there are some that don't want to cause destruction?' Abel thought to himself. 'I guess I'll never know why they would choose the antithesis of Dios as their lord, but I never saw ill will from their family.' Abels' face grew sullen. 'Follow your desires without causing harm, or live your life in respect to the Lord and his children...'
  2463.  
  2464. "I guess it's just a choice then." Abel said as he stood up. "Come on little ones, follow me." Abel led the two children back into his study. With his sword, he cut his pastor vestment into one big piece of fabric. "You two can sleep here tonight in the candle light. Use the couch as a bed if you can, and my robe as a blanket."
  2465.  
  2466. The two children sheepishly climbed onto the couch and sat next to each other. Abel draped the blue fabric over the two and they wrapped it around themselves as best they could, with Hannah having trouble keeping her chitinous legs covered.
  2467.  
  2468. "I'll be going for a while." Abel said calmly. "Don't come out till sunrise."
  2469.  
  2470. "Where are you going?" Hannah asked.
  2471.  
  2472. "I don't know. But Dios gave me an answer, and I am already running late for my cue." Abel said as he walked towards the door. "Goodnight you two. May your Lord watch over you and your parents."
  2473.  
  2474. "Are you going to get mom and dad?" Harrison asked.
  2475.  
  2476. "Unfortunately, I can't. But don't lose hope. I don't think either of our Lords would want you to lose hope. Farewell." Abel said as he walked out the door.
  2477.  
  2478. As he walked back to the main chamber, he looked back towards the dimly lit mural and gave a smile of solemn acceptance.
  2479.  
  2480. "Thank you, my Lord. Thank you for your answer." he whispered.
  2481.  
  2482. He left the church and closed its heavy red doors. The bells rang for quarter till midnight, and quickly he walked towards Haven. He didn't know what laid in store for him, but now he had a fixed sense of right and wrong that he's been desperately needing.
  2483. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2484. 38.
  2485. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2486. The trio finally found themselves at the end of the treeline of the forest and next to the gnarled black fence of Haven. In the distance, they could see faint trails of smoke over the town as it trails over the moon. Lazura felt unnerved at the sight as she held a clenched fist close to her chest. Esther stood and simply took in the sight while Michael's anger began to boil over him. Michael balled his hand into a fist as hard as he could, piercing his nails into his palm and causing it to bleed. Lazura quickly opened a viewing portal in between her hands. In the centre of the swirling lilac the moving image of Francisca being escorted in bonds by four acolytes and two paladins. In front of the group was the inquisitor, walking tall as his coattails blew back as he walked.
  2487.  
  2488. Esther got a glimpse of the imposing man through the portal, and a sharp shiver ran up her spine.
  2489.  
  2490. "Just has to be him..." she said with a sigh.
  2491.  
  2492. "Oh yes. Him." Lazura replied.
  2493.  
  2494. Michael snapped out of his trance and began to pay attention again. "Him?"
  2495.  
  2496. "The one who caught me and was sending me to my death." Esther replied. "The inquisitor called Cain."
  2497.  
  2498. "So how bad is that?" Michael asked hesitantly.
  2499.  
  2500. "Very." Esther replied. "That man is a walking funeral pyre."
  2501.  
  2502. "So that bad..." Michael said as he lowered his shoulders.
  2503.  
  2504. "Then I suggest we think of something as we make our way to them." Lazura said as she approached the fence. Holding her hand forward, a rippling purple circle with rotating sigils formed and glowed. In an instant, a portion of the fence melted into molten iron and splattered on the ground beneath. Grass and dust quickly burnt as the metal cooled from bright yellow red to a dull and black shaded red.
  2505.  
  2506. "You know this place Michael, I will make the view portal again and you will lead us." Lazura said.
  2507.  
  2508. "You're expecting me to know exactly where they are based off of obscured landmarks?" Michael asked doubtfully.
  2509.  
  2510. "C'mon, you can do it." Esther said enthusiastically. "Just put your memory to good use."
  2511.  
  2512. Michael grumbled as he uneagerly agreed to the plan. Lazura and Esther flew over the fence as Michael tip-toed over the still hot iron puddle on the ground. Once inside the grounds of Haven, Lazura drifted to his side and opened the portal again. In the distance over the top of a few acolytes' helmeted heads, a white circle could be seen out to the far right.
  2513.  
  2514. Michael's eyes widened in surprise. "That's lucky, I know exactly where that is."
  2515.  
  2516. Lazura and Esther's eyes glinted with hope as they watched Michael walk to the top of a hill.
  2517.  
  2518. "You can see the very same thing over there." he said as he pointed out to the distance. Away was the top of something rounded and white poking over the hills. "Yeah. They're near the Wheel Memorial. If we hurry, we can catch them there and...and..." Michael lowered his arm limply. "Exactly what do we do?"
  2519.  
  2520. A giggle came from Lazura. Esther and Michael turned to her, surprised at her displaying emotion other than apathy or seriousness.
  2521.  
  2522. "You two worry about the inquisitor. Leave the lackeys to me." she said with confidence in her eyes. "I will make sure the cute one is safe."
  2523.  
  2524. "Can you stop calling her that?" Michael asked. "Her name is Francisca."
  2525.  
  2526. "Just call her Franny." Esther added. "We do it all the time."
  2527.  
  2528. Lazura nodded. "Alright. I will make sure Franny is safe."
  2529.  
  2530. Michael smiled. "Thank you." He looked out towards the monument again. "Follow me."
  2531.  
  2532. Quickly the three set off towards the white structure with Michael leading them. Michael felt a forced calm take him. He knew full well he was livid, but he was at ease with that fact. The words that Esther spoke still rang in his mind as the three traversed the black tree spotted hills. "Get angrier." He didn't know how he would, but if anything has shown after the last few days, his expectations have been easily broken.
  2533. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2534. 39.
  2535. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2536. The cacophony of crunching gravel is all that was heard in the night air of Haven. Cain and his men marched done the white paths, snuggled between the mounds and hills towards a fork in the paths. They took an immediate left, walking away from the nearby white monument of the Wheel Memorial. As the continued down the path, they could see something jutting out from behind a few of the dead trees. As they continued down the trail, they ran into a figure standing in the way in front of a shrine, and behind him, a large beam was sticking out of the ground. Cain approached the figure, drawing one of his two swords in caution.
  2537.  
  2538. "Who goes there?" Cain asked commandingly. "You are interfering with inquisitorial business. Leave now, or be executed."
  2539.  
  2540. The figure sank its shoulders as it spoke. "I know that." Then it ran straight at the startled Cain.
  2541.  
  2542. Cain quickly raised his sword and blocked a strike. Being so close, he could see the features of the assailant. It was a middle-aged man with grey hair and a face as deprived of joy as a mourner's. It was stern in its conviction, but it was neither serious or confident.
  2543.  
  2544. "Abel?" Cain asked deeply shocked. "What in Dios' name are you doing?"
  2545.  
  2546. "What is right." he simply replied.
  2547.  
  2548. Cain pushed him back, and a few of his acolytes stepped forward, ready to help. Cain held back an open hand to halt them.
  2549.  
  2550. "No need for you all to assist," Cain said, "this fool earned his death by my hands. So you think you are doing what is right. Why?" He asked as he stared at Abel.
  2551.  
  2552. "Killing the innocent is not what Dios teaches." Abel said.
  2553.  
  2554. "Idiot. Did you not listen to what I told the kobold? The dark is never innocent." Cain said with a snarl.
  2555.  
  2556. "Then maybe neither is the light. Maybe it's the choices we make is what determines who is innocent or guilty."
  2557.  
  2558. "Do you not remember the past? What they have done to us all?"
  2559.  
  2560. "Of course, I remember. But maybe we aren't the only ones who learned from it. Perhaps not all under darkness wish to spread it."
  2561.  
  2562. "You truly have lost your way..." Cain readied for an attack. "The Lord ill needs a traitor to his words."
  2563.  
  2564. Abel gripped his sword tightly. "I can say the same to you, inquisitor."
  2565.  
  2566. Cain quickly ran towards Abel, taking a horizontal swing at his chest. Abel barely reacted in time to block it.
  2567.  
  2568. "So you are familiar with a blade." Cain said amusingly. "But I think your experience has dulled."
  2569.  
  2570. Cain quickly kneed Abel in the gut, causing him to cough loudly as he crumpled forward, dropping his sword to his side. As he coughed and dry heaved on the ground, Cain stepped forward and placed the blade gently on the back of Abel's neck.
  2571.  
  2572. "Any last words, heretic?" Cain coldly asked.
  2573.  
  2574. Abel remained silent as he closed his eyes, accepting what's to come.
  2575.  
  2576. "Very well."
  2577.  
  2578. Cain lifted his sword above Abel's neck.
  2579.  
  2580. "May Dios have mercy on your soul."
  2581.  
  2582. Cain brought down his sword. Midway between meeting Abel's neck, a scream came from the group of acolytes and paladins. Behind the acolytes was a cloaked figure, floating in mid-air with lilac fire flicking off the cloak and cowl. Two of the acolytes carefully approached it, their steps barely making a sound.
  2583.  
  2584. "I will give you all one warning. Release the girl, or perish." the figure said with an unfeeling, echoing voice.
  2585.  
  2586. The two paladins next to Francisca nudged closer to her, and the rest of the acolytes skittishly moved forward.
  2587.  
  2588. "We will not hand over a prisoner to you! Y-You evil cur!" an acolyte shouted.
  2589.  
  2590. There was a brief moment of silence before the figure spoke again.
  2591.  
  2592. "I am no cur. I do not plan to run. However, you all won't have a chance to do the same."
  2593.  
  2594. As the figure finished speaking, the lilac fire burst into an inferno. The cowl flew backwards to show two purple scorn filled eyes and short white hair blowing. The cloak spread open to show a small pale skinned woman in tatters. It was Lazura in all her vengeance.
  2595.  
  2596. The fire grew all around her and swallowed one of the acolytes. The acolyte screamed as he was incinerated alive, his white armour blackening from the flames. Francisca closed her eyes and ducked in fright as a paladin stepped forward, then opened a tome while extending his hand. As he read aloud, a ball of light formed from his open hand. Before he finished reading, something quickly dropped down upon him from above. He was thrown to his back, then a hearty thud came from his chest. He looked down and saw a flaming arm buried into his chest. The arm slowly came out of his torso and he saw it belonged to a woman with wings and horns. He quickly gave in to his injury, and the woman stood up from the paladin.
  2597.  
  2598. The other paladin quickly drew his blade to swing but was stopped by another sword that fiercely knocked it away. Then a stone breaking punch met his back, sending him reeling forwards to the ground. The three other acolytes looked around in fear, then ran to the hills in frenzied panic. Francisca was picked up to her feet as two familiar voices spoke to her.
  2599.  
  2600. "It's okay Franny, we're here." Michael said with care.
  2601.  
  2602. "Don't be afraid, we've got you." Esther said, equally calm.
  2603.  
  2604. Francisca opened her eyes and saw the two by her side. She quickly hugged Michael in tears, sobbing wildly. Michael gently petted her head as clapping came from the path.
  2605.  
  2606. "Well well well. The heretic and the abominations show themselves." Cain said mockingly. "So do you honestly think that you have a one up on me in terms of numbers?"
  2607.  
  2608. Michael caught a glance of what was at Cain's feet, then shouted in worry. "Abel!"
  2609.  
  2610. Abel only turned his head away. Cain kicked him again, making him curl up on the ground in pain.
  2611.  
  2612. "Bastard!" Michael yelled in anger.
  2613.  
  2614. "You are the only bastard here, Michael Sancti of Limbous." Cain replied. "You turned yourself away from the light of Dios willingly. Do you honestly think you all have a hope of evading justice?"
  2615.  
  2616. "Spare me this mockery of justice. All we want to do is leave."
  2617.  
  2618. "We want to leave? What do you mean by 'we'? What are you..?" Cain took a moment to think, then he realised. "You wish to go to hell with that thing." He slowly raised a hand. "Then let me send you with a carriage of fire."
  2619.  
  2620. As soon as he finished speaking, a torrent of blue flame rushed forth from his hand towards the three. Before the flames met, Lazura flew in between and willed a wall of lilac fire to block Cain's attack. Cain stopped the spray of flames, drew his silver sword while stowing his steel one, then waved his hand over the sword. Blue fire blanketed the metal, then he ran forward.
  2621.  
  2622. With his blade, he cut through the wall of fire and rushed towards Lazura. Before she could fully react, Cain slashed upwards on her torso. The sword tip parted her flesh and cauterised the wound, cutting through her tatters and grazing her cheek. She fell backwards with a cry of pain. Cain then swung at the nearest target, being Esther. As he swung, Michael near instantly brought his sword up to deflect the slash. The force behind Michael's arm made a loud clang from the two swords meeting.
  2623.  
  2624. Francisca fell backwards from shock, then Esther clenched a fist that quickly lit aflame. She threw a punch at Cain's ribs but was met with a stalwart palm. Blue flames struggled with the purple, but the blue quickly overpowered and crawled up Esther's arm. She fell back on the ground, screaming as her arm burned, rolling on the ground to put out the flames. Michael planted a strong kick to Cain's stomach, flinging him back. Cain coughed and groaned from the impact, but quickly composed himself again.
  2625.  
  2626. "No wonder you wish to go. You're just like them now." Cain said with a snarl.
  2627.  
  2628. "I don't want to cause harm to anyone else, all we want to do is leave!" Michael replied.
  2629.  
  2630. "It's too late for causing harm. Your allegiance to that demon has tainted this town, and we had to remove it."
  2631.  
  2632. A cough came from behind Cain. At the base of the white shrine surrounded by rusting braces, Abel propped himself up, grabbing at any leverage the shrine provided with the sword back in his hand.
  2633.  
  2634. "You removed nothing, but planted turmoil." Abel said weakly. "You cut down the innocent and placed fear in everyone. No one caused harm except for yourself."
  2635.  
  2636. Cain's eyes narrowed as he still stared at Michael. "Innocents die for the protection of others. Corruption can not spread."
  2637.  
  2638. "What if it wasn't even corruption, but people living reasonably by a choice?" Abel asked with strength returning to his voice. "What if then?"
  2639.  
  2640. Cain's eyes twinged as he quickly turned around and ran towards Abel. Michael's eyes widened in shock as he broke out into a sprint after him. Michael managed to pass Cain and stood in front of Abel. With a heavy swing of his sword, Cain's blade met Michael's. Michael held his blade with both hands, one at the grip and another along the sword. The hand holding the blade bled as the edge of the sword dug into his palm.
  2641.  
  2642. Abel looked on, shocked. "Michael, what are you..?"
  2643.  
  2644. Cain brought down his sword again, met with a hard clang and a snap. Michaels sword broke in two, throwing him off balance and backwards. Both him and Abel crashed into the shrine, breaking the glass and snuffing out the blue flame candle. Without hesitation, Cain prepared to bring down his sword again on Michael. However, Cain wasn't the only one who acted quickly.
  2645.  
  2646. Abel abruptly rose to his feet and hunched in front of Michael. Then came a wet thud and sizzling. Michael looked up and stared at Abel's face. Tortured in pain but still maintaining a grin. Cain's sword sliced into his shoulder and stopped near the top of his rib cage. Abel coughed, and blood travelled with it. With an annoyed groan, Cain wrenched Abel away, tossing him to the side behind him.
  2647.  
  2648. Michael instinctually got up and reached an arm out to him. "ABEL! NO!"
  2649.  
  2650. As he reached forward, Abel swung his sword fiercely upwards. The blade cleanly cut his left arm in two, and his hand and forearm flying back down the path. Michael screamed in pain before Cain kneed him and threw him back into the shrine. Before Michael could react further, Cain thrust his sword through his stomach, pinning him to the shrine. The wound burned as the sword rested inside him, making him scream loudly in pain. With the sword firmly kept in him, Cain leant forward, staring down Michael.
  2651.  
  2652. "Squirm, abomination. Your end is at hand." Cain said spitefully.
  2653.  
  2654. Michael stared back at him with burning rage, however, his strength left him as he laid with his back to the shrine. Cain held his open hand at Michael.
  2655.  
  2656. "Any last words?" Cain asked.
  2657.  
  2658. Michael snarled in anger.
  2659.  
  2660. "As expected of an abomination." Cain said with disappointment.
  2661.  
  2662. As flames began to spring from his hand, a loud deep rumble came from behind him. He quickly turned around and saw the three women. They were around Michael's arm that was surrounded by a pillar of violet. Francisca held a knife above the arm, then plunged it into the hand while Cain screamed in apprehension.
  2663.  
  2664. "NO!"
  2665. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2666. 40.
  2667. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2668. As Michael ran off after Cain, Francisca shivered uncontrollably in distress. The smell of burnt flesh, the site of dead men, she couldn't process any of it. However, the cries of Esther next to her pulled her back into reality. She quickly tore off a large strip off the skirt of her dress, folded it, and began to smother the flames on Esther's arm. With dogged persistence, the flames eventually died, showing her arm and hand to be horribly burnt.
  2669.  
  2670. Esther caught her breath as she shook from the pain, then she looked to Francisca with grateful eyes. "Thank you, Franny."
  2671.  
  2672. Francisca nodded, then turned her eyes towards Lazura, who laid motionless on the ground. She crawled over to her and saw the long cauterised scar that now ran up her torso. Luckily, it didn't look deep enough to do major harm. She quickly pulled her back over to Esther. Then Lazura slowly regained consciousness.
  2673.  
  2674. "You two...are alive?" Lazura asked with a frail voice.
  2675.  
  2676. "We all are." Esther said comfortingly. "But we need to get up, Michael is fighting that man alo-"
  2677.  
  2678. An earsplitting scream came from the far end of the path, and something flew through the air towards them. With a crash to the gravel, an arm slid over. An arm covered in runic markings, and the wound of the cut completely cauterised. Francisca covered her mouth in horror, but Lazura's eyes widened in realisation.
  2679.  
  2680. "Esther, we do it now." Lazura said quickly.
  2681.  
  2682. "Do what now? Michael just lost an ar-oh I get you. Yeah, that's a good plan." Esther said with a smirk.
  2683.  
  2684. Francisca looked on confused as the two shuffled around the arm. From a pouch in the lining of her cloak, Lazura took out the small sachet of white dust, a vile with horn shavings, and her black book. She quickly flicked through the pages of the black book and drew a weaving and curling diagram around the arm. She then dripped a few drops of the vile's contents on the arm before she looked to Francisca.
  2685.  
  2686. "Do you have the knife?" Lazura asked. "I know you got two from the house, but do you have the right one?"
  2687.  
  2688. Francisca nodded, then pulled the bone handled knife from her pouch.
  2689.  
  2690. "Good. We're ready to begin. Esther, recite this with me, The Right of The Name. "
  2691.  
  2692. Esther nodded with determination on her face.
  2693.  
  2694. Lazura and Esther took a deep breath, then began to recite, with Lazura reading from her book and Esther from memory.
  2695.  
  2696. "Sungid enimon mnmina erad isnigriv rutref murref enuygnas."
  2697.  
  2698. The white powder began to glow with strands of white ethereal energy lifting from the sigil. A low chimey hum emanated from the spot.
  2699.  
  2700. "Tipecca nemon reup et itnetep musroed..."
  2701.  
  2702. The white colouring turned to violet, and the strands quickly flew upwards in a column in the shape of the sigil.
  2703.  
  2704. "...murta mertap tivon ainmo iuq!"
  2705.  
  2706. The noise turned into a low rumble as the pillar solidified into a solid stream of light.
  2707.  
  2708. "Franny! Now!" Lazura and Esther yelled.
  2709.  
  2710. Francisca shakily held the knife and stared at the arm. Her breaths became increasingly unsteady, then she held the knife up high. Finally, she plunged it into the palm of the hand.
  2711.  
  2712. Everything went silent and the light disappeared for an eternal second, then the white sigil burned in bright crimson flames. The knife stuck in Michael's hand burned entirely out of existence, not leaving a trace of it behind as it became nothing. The wound in the hand healed completely, then the arm began to lift into the air in a blanket of flame. The limb flew back to Micheal, carrying with it a continuous plume of fire. Cain threw himself to the ground to avoid the fires that quickly encompassed Michael and his sword.
  2713.  
  2714. Around the broken shrine, a haze of violet leaked into the air without a source and gave way to the crimson fire. Then with violent urgency, the haze vortexed around and inward to the body of the flame, as the wind howled from the heavy air current. Cain looked on in horror at the violent display of the elements. In retaliation, he sent forth a blast of flame that was merely consumed by the bright red blaze. The already dark night appeared to darken further around the fires, creating an ominous contrast to the inferno.
  2715. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2716. 41.
  2717. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2718. Michael panicked as his sight was briefly covered by the raging red blanketing flames. He frantically took off his chainmail vest and tunic in an attempt to throw off the fires, but as soon as they left his possession, they burnt and melted away. Then he noticed, his left arm was reattached to his body. Where he was cut now had a circumventing gnarly scar around his arm. To further surprise, the markings on his body started to glow, move, change, and regroup. What was once curling became more rigid and deliberate, like the mortar between bricks of a wall. Forming what could be mistaken as lines of text that layered on top of each other, stacking up his arms. The markings on his chest moved into hexagonal fractals of text.
  2719.  
  2720. As he laid propped against the scorched shrine amazed, a deep, smooth voice boomed all around him. "To defile the world around you or to defile the self. What do you choose?"
  2721.  
  2722. Michael froze in fright, but quickly answered almost instinctively. "Myself!"
  2723.  
  2724. "'Myself.' He says." the voice replied mockingly. "Child, selfishness and selflessness are of the same coin. Most who are asked respond as if getting a blessing, but you responded as if receiving a curse. A simple question of one or the other, and you construed it towards yourself."
  2725.  
  2726. "But I-"
  2727.  
  2728. "Defile yourself so the world around you doesn't." the voice continued. "Many of my children would see that as greed, yet most mortals and his children would see that as a sacrifice. I know of who you are and what you have become, and I ask you, what do you see of this situation? What do you want to do?"
  2729.  
  2730. Michael sat in the silence with the roar of the fire. Then recalled Esther's words. "Life gives us blessings and curses, but it's up to us to make use of them. This entire situation is a curse, but right now it's a blessing to save my friends. If that means turning my back on Dios, then so be it. I'll give myself to you, Dias."
  2731.  
  2732. The voice gave a deep chuckle. "The world is changing, and having ones like you could be the key to letting some of my children roam the mortal realm free again." Dias said with sly optimism. "Rise my child."
  2733.  
  2734. Just as Dias commanded, Michael began to stand, despite the sword still lodged in his belly. Micheal placed a firm hand on the hilt and pulled. With a wet slick noise, he pulled the sword free and held it in his hand. The wound closed and formed a scar similar to that on his left arm. The silver of the sword tarnished to black, and the runes written along its sides gnarled and twisted into familiar red devilish text.
  2735.  
  2736. "Now my child, know who and what you are." Dias said warmly. "Sanctarius of caste Carreau, embrace your birth!"
  2737.  
  2738. As the voice stopped, the red flames snuffed themselves out. Standing tall was Michael with a stone-hearted look on his face. His hair now stark white, the whites of his eyes now black, and his irises glowing bright crimson. He stood like a malevolent statue looking over his surroundings, then his baleful eyes met Cain's.
  2739.  
  2740. Cain jumped to his feet, fearful yet alert. The figure that stood before him he knew was no longer human, but a being no longer of this world. He quickly raised both of his hands in front of him and let forth a blast of fire. As quickly as the fire came, Michael parted the flames effortlessly with a swipe of his sword, never taking his eyes off of Cain. Michael began to walk slowly towards him.
  2741.  
  2742. Cain drew his steel sword and cautiously waited for a chance to strike. Cain conjured a fireball in his hand and threw it, exploding into flames and stones on the ground in front of Michael. Quickly, he dashed to Michael's left side and lunged at him. Inches before his blade met Michael's naked ribs, a hand grabbed his blade. Cain stood stunned, his face frozen in surprise and fear. In an instant, Michael closed his hand and crushed the blade in his grip. The steel crumpled like paper in his grasp despite the edge cutting his palm and fingers. After making a firm grip on the blade, Michael yanked it from Cain's grasp, nearly pulling him alongside with his sword.
  2743.  
  2744. Once the sword was tossed aside Michael grabbed Cain by the collar and lifted him off his feet. Cain grabbed his arm and tried to set his arm aflame, but was quickly slammed into the ground. His back hit the gravelly floor with great force, knocking the wind out of his lungs and shaking stones off the ground. Before he could recover, a heavy wet pierce sounded out. Cain looked to his chest His sight began to shake as eyed the black blade now pierced through his chest. He moved his arm to reach for the blade, then Michael plunged the sword deeper, audibly piercing the ground underneath Cain. Cain yelled and recoiled to his back, blood now dripping from the corners of his mouth. He looked up at Michael with a scornful smile.
  2745.  
  2746. "Embarrassing." Cain said with slight remorse. "Not only do you take my badge of office, but you slay me with it. Absolutely embarrassing."
  2747.  
  2748. Michael snarled as he listened. "It was nothing more than a weapon."
  2749.  
  2750. Cain scoffed and coughed. "Shows what you know of us." he said, his breaths beginning to shallow and slow. "Today, a martyr joins the Lord."
  2751.  
  2752. "Then as well, a demon rises to power." Michael said.
  2753.  
  2754. "You threw away your humanity for this." Cain snapped weakly. "Despicable."
  2755.  
  2756. "Shows what you know of me." Michael said as roughly twisted and pulled out the sword. Cain yelled in anguish as it slowly slid out of his wound. "I didn't desire to become what I am, but I'll be damned if I let you harm my home any further."
  2757.  
  2758. Michael's eyes and Cain's met for the last time. Cain's were filled with angry remorse, while Michael's were filled with calm, boundless fury, silently piercing through Cain. With one last bloody cough, Cain lost all of his strength and his head slumped back. He eventually stopped breathing, and soon after, passed away with a scowl befitting him, frozen on his face.
  2759. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2760. 42.
  2761. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2762. Michael stood and stared up at the starry sky with a deep sigh of relief. His muscles finally relaxed as he felt weightless as he stood on the stone covered ground. His head tilted back to the ground, and there he saw Abel. Micheal's eyes widened as he cried out his name and ran towards him. He slid to his knees beside Abel, and his heart sunk into an abyss. Abel laid motionless on the ground, his eyes closed and a smile on his face. Michael shook with anger and sadness as a few stray tears fell to the ground and stained the white stones. He took a deep breath and gathered Abel's sword. and placed it in his hands over his chest before going back to his knees.
  2763.  
  2764. "I'm so sorry Abel." Michael said remorsefully. "I am so sorry things have ended up this way. You know if I could I would have had things end differently." Michael grit his teeth. "Rest in piece Abel. May your Lord welcome you with open arms."
  2765.  
  2766. Running up from behind him was Francisca, teary eyed and still shaken. She got onto her knees next to Michael.
  2767.  
  2768. "Dios no, Abel!" she cried with tears streaming off her face. "Abel..." She wept into her hands, her sobs loud full of sadness.
  2769.  
  2770. Michael hugged her to help comfort her. "He sacrificed himself to help us." Michael said gingerly. "He's in a better place now, don't worry. That is the smile of a man who knew he has done good before the end. No need to sulk for long, he died doing what he wanted, and for what he thought was right."
  2771.  
  2772. Esther and Lazura slowly walked to them, both weak in their strides. Esther sat next to Francisca and hugged her as well, telling her calming words of sympathy. Meanwhile, Lazura walked to the broken shrine. In front of the shrine burned into the white stones was a demonic marking. Lazura took her black book and turned to an empty page. With a frail wave of her hand, the mark was copied into the book in black. Then she quickly disturbed the stones to erase the marking. She walked back to the trio, Michael and Esther still consoling Francisca.
  2773.  
  2774. "I think it's time." Lazura said plainly.
  2775.  
  2776. Francisca's ears perked up and she looked to the lich. "Time for what?" she asked through her sobs.
  2777.  
  2778. "For those two to leave." Lazura replied.
  2779.  
  2780. Francisca looked at her in shock. "What?! Why?!"
  2781.  
  2782. "Because it's too dangerous for them to stay." Esther replied with a reluctant sigh. "Some of those acolytes ran for it. They will be back with more people, and I don't think Michael is one for a rebellious slaughter."
  2783.  
  2784. "It's for the best." Michael said. "Lazura, the inquisition will now know that Francisca was with us. I beg of you, can you make sure she is safe?"
  2785.  
  2786. Lazura nodded with a smile. "I will. You can entrust her care to me."
  2787.  
  2788. Michael and Esther smiled in relief. The two rose to their feet and helped Francisca to her's.
  2789.  
  2790. "What am I going to do? If what you said is the case, I can't go back home." Francisca said, still recovering from her crying.
  2791.  
  2792. "You will live with me for a time until I can get you somewhere safe." Lazura replied. "Don't worry, I'll make sure you can return to a normal life as soon as possible."
  2793.  
  2794. "Normal life?" Francisca asked in disbelief. "What normal life?! My friend is a demon, my other friend and pastor is dead, and I'm forced from my home!" she said as she began to cry again. "And to top it all off I'm losing my best friend! I'm losing the last thing I have to a family! After all, this time, I'll be alone!"
  2795.  
  2796. Lazura looked away as she took out her book and another vile of succubus horn. With what little of the powder she had left, she made another sigil on the ground before breaking the phial in its centre. She read off another incantation as she made a ball of fire in her hand. After she finished reciting, she slammed the fire into the sigil, and it all burst into flame. In the tower of flames, it reshaped itself into a rectangle with an odd reflective barrier in its frame.
  2797.  
  2798. "As I said, it's time. I can't keep it open for long." Lazura said.
  2799.  
  2800. "Rude. You could have given us more time." Esther replied with snide. "Or you could ask me to open it."
  2801.  
  2802. "I would like to get Franny out of here while it's still dark." Lazura said. "Besides, it would be much better for this to be done quickly than to drag it out."
  2803.  
  2804. Michael and Francisca looked at each other. Francisca's eyes were still the same as he remembered, soft and kind. Michael's eyes were another story. Baleful and bright with a fire of wickedness. However, a memory of humanity and friendship still resided behind the red and black.
  2805.  
  2806. "Franny. Before I go, I do want to say I'm sorry that I made you upset earlier." Michael said coyly.
  2807.  
  2808. "That doesn't matter now. Just. Just what am I meant to do with nothing?" Francisca asked.
  2809.  
  2810. "Your best." Michael replied. "Lazura will help you, you won't be at it alone."
  2811.  
  2812. Esther walked to Michael's side. "Franny, I know I'm not an angel. Hell, I'm the opposite of one. But you are a sweet girl, I know you will be fine."
  2813.  
  2814. "Th-Thank you. You aren't so bad either. Even if our first impressions weren't the best." Francisca replied.
  2815.  
  2816. "I beg to differ, they were fun." Esther said with a chuckle. "And you yourself are pretty fun. Still, can't believe how easily you caved into my words, you are just too innocent for your own good. Then again, no mortal can resist."
  2817.  
  2818. Francisca blushed.
  2819.  
  2820. Michael took Francisca in one last hug. "Franny, know this. You will always be my best friend. Time nor realm will never change that fact. For me and Abel, live out your life the best you can." Michael let her go and started to walk with Esther towards the portal. He turned around to face her one last time. "I'll miss you." he said with tears welling in his eyes. "Do your best Franny. Just do your best."
  2821.  
  2822. Him and Esther waved as they turned towards the portal.
  2823.  
  2824. "Michael! You do your best too! And Esther! You better take care of him!"
  2825.  
  2826. Esther and Michael looked over their shoulders and smiled, then they walked into the shimmering purple. As soon as they disappeared into it, the portal closed itself in a hiss of extinguished flame. Finally, they were gone.
  2827.  
  2828. Francisca looked at the spot where the door to hell once stood, filled with conflicting emotions. Happy that her friend is safe but sad to see him leave. In the end, she stood there standing with a smile, crying. Lazura took a deep breath of relief and looked at Francisca. She could feel her still heart break at the sight of the kobold standing there. She took in a deep breath to calm herself.
  2829.  
  2830. "We should head back to the forest." Lazura said while biting back tears. "The inquisition is still out there."
  2831.  
  2832. Francisca wiped her eyes with her arm. "I know. I guess we should go." she replied with a quivering voice.
  2833.  
  2834. Lazura walked by Francisca, taking her underarm as they walked down the white gravel path to the far end of Haven. By the hole in the black fence, Francisca took one last look at Limbous. The crescent moon passing over with the stars following. The plumes of smoke now gone. It all looked peaceful.
  2835.  
  2836. "So you grew up here too, right?" Francisca asked.
  2837.  
  2838. "I did." Lazura said. "Twenty-five years until I chose to leave. That bell tower used to make me feel so safe and part of something." Lazura put up her cowl. "But those are days long passed."
  2839.  
  2840. "I hope I find something like it again." Francisca said.
  2841.  
  2842. "Don't worry. I'll help you."
  2843.  
  2844. The two walked through the gap in the fence and into the forest. The moonlight beaming through the gaps in the canopy. Every now and then, Francisca looked back towards the town. She mourned for the loss of everything dear to her. She mourned for the years of history and attachment she now had to part with. But instead of crying, she held tight the fondness the town fostered, and with it, carried herself through want of self-pity and pushed forward. She knew that if the lazy guardsman of the town could do it, so could she.
  2845. ===================================================================================================================================================
  2846. Fin.
  2847. ===================================================================================================================================================
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