It was another sunny day in the sweet town of Wyrmden. The town buzzed in steady rhythm, men toiled and provided for their families and women tended to the home and managed their rowdy children.
Sunshine chased away the dark and the wind freely flew through open windows. Able-bodied and ambitious adventurers ran about, frantically completing their requests. The local Church was not idle, their members and especially their priest, Father Brook, doing charity work and visiting the sick.
Today, a particular young boy was walking through the stone streets, appreciating the homely atmosphere and sights. Wearing a simple baggy brown tunic and shaggy boots of the same oak color, the silky black hair that reached the back of his neck and curled at the tips wildly and pale white skin made an interesting contrast.
More so, if anyone saw his empty pearl eyes.
And they did, many gave him stares and some few even gawked openly, not to mention the occasional mouthy child pointing and drawing more attention to his eerie appearance.
The boy, having died once and been stuck in the wilderness for most of his new life didn't have nor knew how to respond, so he didn't. He was lucky the children were scared, and even most of he adults, or else he'd been swarmed by now.
In this world, it seemed people liked to take less risks.
'Considering demons exist and actively look to possess the living, they were indeed playing smart.' The boy thought.
Today, the boy was awkwardly skulking around town, trying to enjoy the sights. He had insisted on seeing the sights of his new world and wished to take a stroll to get accustomed to the air.
Unfortunately, humanity seemed to be innately the same type of creature no matter how many of them roamed. They preferred to avoid the people who were different, and honestly he wouldn't blame them.
After getting at least another hour of rest, as per the instruction of the Church's resident physician, the boy stumbled out of bed and in front of a mirror.
It was uncanny, frankly. He looked like any other young child, with his common black hair and sickly physique, yet his incredibly pale skin and empty eyes just seemed off. At some point, you couldn't even tell skin from his sclera, if not for its brilliant glossy shine and his eyelashes.
Now that he was thinking about it, what if other people thought he was some abomination or a demon?
The Bishop had said they were unique, and that it was like his eyes could pierce through anyone who tried to peer through. He had a vague idea of what that meant.
On the topic of his recent savior, the man had made him an offer.
In fact, the reason he was out here was because of the offer. He had told the man that he wanted to think about it, before making such a big decision.
- - - - -
"Taken in?" I ask as I sat up from the bed, facing Bishop Georges properly this time.
"I am an exorcist. I will bring you under my tutelage." The Bishop explained, the words flowing out of his mouth in an extremely relaxed and professional manner.
"Exorcist?"
"The hidden arm —and dagger— of the Elysian Orthodoxy, we are tasked with eliminating heresy. "
Okay...
"Why me? I'm a child." I raise an eyebrow, was this guy trying to induct a child into an order of demon hunters?
"Because you had the courage to fight, to the death. It's commendable, the Church needs more brave hearts nowadays. Demons are... alien creatures, the mere sight of them moving can induce a mental breakdown and trigger heart attacks in most mortals."
"Why?"
"They do not belong here, and when they start acting with their warped rules in our world, it gets dangerous. That is why we banish them, send them back."
"Is that really all?" I didn't mean to be pretentious, but I wanted to see if he would at least show some sincerity, we seemed like similar people after all.
Georges looked into my bleak eyes, and I saw a miniscule hint of a smirk.
"Of course not. You are obviously favored by Elysium, if angels of all things were to offer assistance on their own volition."
As I listened, I could not refute his logic at all. He continued,
"The Church could never dare to ignore something like that. That alone would have forced my hand to recruit you, yet you must have some critical thinking and potential prowess to combat a gimmicky opponent like an imp, and survive and take the upper hand for so long against it."
At this point, the complete silence of the room coupled with Georges' reporting, serious style of talking, I could only focus and dwell on the man's words. I didn't want to be swindled, and I wanted to make sure I was actually valued.
A bit snake-like I admit, but this was an incredibly monumental decision. Stuck in an unfamiliar world, I wanted to clear the mist and confusion and see the path I was going to walk clearly.
"Imp?"
"Nasty creatures. They only seek to amuse themselves in the suffering in the others, dangerous thinking, but simple... predictable."
"They are demons?"
"They are. Even if many of them don't unilaterally lust after power and hide in the dark like others, nor do they posses as much power as the other variants, and as such are usually in the lower rung of the hierarchy."
'Lower rung...' Such a heartless monster was one of the weaker ones?
I think I understand why he seems keen to recruit me.
"Anyhow, you survived, and that's good, do not think about it further than that. You will just think yourself into a circle. Earlier, do you remember what I told you?"
Which part?
"That my eyes were a perfect reflection?"
"And only so, they do not shine a new color, your color, and neither is there a single stain in that reflection. People tend to see those in the world, through their pupils. Not you."
He said, once more exhibiting great interest in my condition. Was it really that unusual?
"Yet, it is clear as day that you've not much experience in combat. You are quick-thinking, logical, and have initiative, yet you have not gathered the same treasure trove of experience and wisdom I've seen people with faintly similar eyes possess."
"That..." I couldn't deny, not that I had any intent to.
"You are a blank slate. The Inquisition seeks out blank slates. We make demon hunting exorcists out of them." Bishop Georges said straightforwardly, with sincerity and honesty.
"..." I look on in silence, I have much on my mind right now.
"If you are thinking what's in it for you, then I'm sure I could help you achieve the retribution you seek." He breathed out, leaning back on his seat.
"Revenge?"
"Don't you want it? I could tell, it is not that hard to tell. I've met many men and women with similar motives, they all think the same, because they only think of one thing."
"I don't." Honestly speaking, I don't think I was thinking about it all of the time, not that I've had much chance to.
"You do. The way you try to see past everything, its like watching a blind man try to see, knocking over everything in their way, just focusing on their plight, and their destination."
"..." I look down at my thumbs, I guess he made a point. It's always been at the back of my mind, it seemed.
"You'll understand someday."
"Funny." I was sure he was right, and I'm gonna be hating myself in the future, but for now,
I'm not that old.
"And... the way you fight. Only people who have nothing to lose, with something to gain, looking for something, only people like you, fight with such desperate vigor."
"You seem to have me all figured out."
"I do not. That seems to be the problem, I have my work cut out for me."
"Can I-"
"Think about it? Of course. Go on a stroll, might help you figure things out." Bishop Georges said as he got up, and left the room.
What a guy.
- - - - -
Remembering the past conversation, I looked at the giant flowing river from a bridge, leaning on its stone railings that were a bit too tall for me.
I had decided to find a quieter place, as I didn't know how to react to their stares and felt a little uncomfortable. I was never much of a people person anyway.
I considered my options.
I could go out on my own from here, maybe struggling but at least I'd have the freedom to complete my mission at my own pace, or learn under the exorcist. Considering that I know nothing of this place, It really wouldn't be a good idea to just start wandering around.
I could gather information myself, but considering my appearance, I'd either be ignored, or much worse.
On the other hand, I was guaranteed a life of subservience under the Church, yet I would be taught, properly, and provided for.
Either way, this was a thorny path.
Unfortunate, but nothing can be done. No rest for the wicked, it seems.
"Have you made a decision?" I hear a voice behind me, and I admit I may have slightly jumped.