Part IV : Beneath The Clouded Horizons

  Is there anything we could do?

  It's a question that's been weighing on the girl's mind, she clenched her wrist tightly as she leaned against the wall on Yui's room. The doctor and father chatters, though the sounds are muffled. The only thing that she can hear is her heartbeat hammering against her chest.

  Shortly after, the door opens followed by the doctor exiting the room passing by Weiss who's readying herself to enter.

  She turned around and walked towards the room. From the doorway, there father was sitting on the edge of the bed holding Yui's frail hand.

  "Weiss?" Father looks up upon noticing her presence.

  "How is she?" Her question full of anticipation

  Father glances at Yui and contemplates slightly gripping the edge of the bed. "She's.. not getting better." He forced his lips upward to reassure her. "We're doing what we can to help her."

  "You promise..?" She finds it difficult to stabilize her voice.

  He stops for a second, looking at Yui before glancing back, hesitating. But he gives his promise unwaveringly despite it all.

  "I promise."

  She finds herself letting out the breath she didn't even realize she's holding, a small hope filling the pit in her stomach.

  I can trust him.. I can... Father.. He'll never lie.

  He'll save her.

  Her eyes dart around before landing at the clock where it strikes two, the usual time for her blood draw.

  A stark reminder to her previous mood.

  "Ah, it's time for—"

  A thought occurred, her heartbeat quickens and her chest swells.

  Why didn't she think of that?

  How did it take so long for her to realize?

  "M-my blood..! We can save her with that, right!?" The words quickly spewed out of her mouth without any care, her eyes lighting up.

  "I'm not sure."

  The uncertainty struck the flames that lit up within her heart previously like cold water.

  Enough to make any words stop.

  "This is something Yui was born with, it'll get worse overtime. Your blood can be used as medicine for minor illness but—"

  Tears threatened to spill out at each word from Weiss' eyes. With her looking at him like that he wouldn't dare to continue.

  "But... It might buy more time for her." He added reluctantly.

  She quickly wiped her tears and smiled but there's a slight twitch on her lips.

  He lets out a sigh before adding "You don't need to get your blood drawn today, from now on you only need to do it once on mondays."

  The pupils of her eyes dilate. "What?"

  "Stay here with her. You're just a child, no need to worry."

  Her mouth opened to question the reason but nothing came out instead her shoulders relaxing and accepting the answer.

  I'm sure he has other plans.. I can trust him.

  Father stood up and walked towards the door before stopping by Weiss to ruffle her hair and muster a smile.

  Once father left the room, Weiss walked up to the bed where Yui resides.

  She's sleeping soundly, her breath weak.

  Weiss rested her hand on Yui's, the lack of warmth on her skin startled her but she squeezed firmly.

  An urge to call her name bubbles but it quickly shimmered down, not wanting to disturb her.

  Yui.

  As if her thoughts can be heard the slumbering girl opened her eyes slowly upon the call of her name.

  It took a moment for her vision to focus, squinting a bit at Weiss.

  "How are you feeling?" Weiss held her frail hand with both of her hands.

  "I'm fine, just tired."

  A noticeable frown appeared on Weiss' face at her response.

  Then her ears perked up before finding a vial in her pockets and shoving it on Yui.

  "Take this." Her words firm.

  At first Yui was surprised by it, but her composure quickly returned "No, I don't need it.."

  The blood red eyes shrunk at that, a look of confusion appeared "Wha—What do you mean?!"

  "I don't want you to keep doing this.." She fired back but her voice lacking the power.

  Weiss' voice trembled under the boiling emotion "Doing what? It will make you live longer..!"

  Hearing her voice tremble slightly Yui's voice shimmered gently with a hint of exhaustion.

  "You're forcing it."

  "I'm not forcing anything—it doesn't hurt at all..!" Her voice raised, insisting that she take it.

  Yui, almost startled by her unusual outbursts, gripped her hand slightly.

  Realizing the lack of composure, she forced the words down her throat blocking any more of the bubbling emotions.

  "Please... Take it."

  The thought lingered on Yui's mind but.. She already decided long ago.

  "I've accepted it.. it doesn't have to decide everything.." A quiet declaration, though her hand gripped tighter.

  Weiss looks down, her bangs obscuring her face, her grip tightens at Yui's hands before letting go.

  "Get some sleep."

  She got up and walked towards the door with weight on her shoulders, not even bothering to look back.

  Walking through the halls she crossed paths with Sister Dahlia who was holding a tray of food and hot tea with ease, a show of her years of experience. Sister's face lit up as she saw her.

  "Weiss!"

  Weiss only looked at her before her gaze wandered past her.

  "What's wrong..? Is this about Yui?" She asked her tone of worry.

  "No.. She's fine. I'm just tired." She looked back down and walked passed sister.

  "Alright.. Get some sleep okay?" Although, not entirely convinced she lets Weiss walked away.

  -

  Father kneels down in front of the figure that defines the church.

  His hands clasped, head bowing down.

  Quiet prayers escaped his lips.

  A moment of stillness.

  Before he lifted his gaze to meet the statue towering over him.

  "Please guide us." A small whisper before he ends his prayer.

  Before getting up to his knees, footsteps approach from behind him.

  "Father."

  The familiar voice calls him. He looks at the young man dressed in the church's outfit like his.

  "Will, what brings you here?"

  Will handed him a file father requested before hand. Father took it from his hand to examine it, looking at the files with intent.

  "We found two volunteers so far, we can bring them in the next few days." The young man spoke.

  "Very well, prepare the rooms."

  The man nodded and turns away to leave but his movements stopped suddenly before turning back, voice full of wary.

  "Are you sure about this? Increasing the vials like this... It'll draw attention."

  Father approached him and put his hand on his shoulder.

  "Will, what we're doing is to save people. I'm sure it what's right." His words too quick.

  "—Is it not his blessing?"

  "Yes, father." The man steeled his resolve though a sense of uncertainty can be seen in his eyes. Father catches that and reassured him.

  "It'll be fine."

  "I trust no one but you, father."

  How could he not when he owes everything to him?

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Father resigns, too familiar with those words.

  "Blindness and faithfulness is different." A gentle scold.

  A scoff escaped Will's mouth, his eyes glared at him.

  "I know—you're just doing what you believe in."

  "Then, let's begin."

  °

  The clock ticks forward,

  Flowers wither and die

  Sprouts grew and spread

  The waves resides.

  Many in the town had become familiarize with the concoction, many more come to worship in the church. Rumours spread like wildfire, the good and the bad.

  Most does not see Weiss' kind well while some worship them.

  Like ghosts few have encountered them. Although, uncommon few may be found in shady markets.

  The life within the church, remained unaffected by all of it.

  Weiss had her blood drawn less and less so she spent most of her time helping Sister Dahlia take care of Yui.

  Sister had been preparing some tea and herbal medicine upon a tray.

  "Can you take this to Yui, Weiss?"

  Weiss took the tray from her and walks towards the hallway.

  She tried to balance the tray with cautious steps, passing through the many rooms to reach Yui's room.

  The conversation they had from a few weeks ago still weigh on her, her steps heavier than usual.

  She pretended like nothing happened, there's already too much.

  Passing by the same stairway that led to that room, she saw someone unfamiliar.

  A boy slightly older than her, with black hair but most importantly the same characteristics as her.

  Those sharp long ears, blood red eyes and fangs. But, his skin is darker.

  A lamia.

  Her body froze upon seeing him.

  From where he was sitting on the floor he noticed the little girl stopping while holding a tray.

  "Another one, huh?"

  Weiss struggled to discern the tone.

  "You... Are a lamia?" Seeing the boy being the same as her caused a mixed of excitement and unease to well up.

  "Yes, I assumed you are too." His manner of speaking is odd to her, tinted with an unfamiliar accent. Perhaps not from around here.

  "Are you getting your blood drawn?" She asked her gaze moving to his wrist.

  He's suprised by her gaze and lowers his head before nodding.

  "That's great." A tone in between complete flatness and joy. Earning his attention.

  His eyes widening slightly and looking up at her.

  He slowly composes himself.

  "Whatever that father does, It doesn't concern me." His fists tightened slightly.

  "What? Isn't it reassuring that it's being used to save lives?" The answer puzzles her.

  "Personal pleasures, killing, saving lives, I don't care what it's being used for. As long as I get to live." A strained in his throat.

  She fails to responds, only managing a gulp.

  The boy continues to stare at her with subtle challenge in his gaze.

  The tray shakes slightly.

  "I have to go."

  She reminds herself of her original destination.

  Without any more distractions she continued towards Yui's room.

  The slow turn of the knob before the door finally opens.

  Yui was sitting on the bed back against the wall.

  The color of her skin paler, the clothes that used to fit her drowns her form.

  "Yui, I brought tea."

  Yui looks up from the book she was reading.

  "Thanks." The usual sharpness and snark too weak to be noticed.

  Weiss caught a glimpse of the back of the book she was reading.

  The Little Prince.

  "You really like reading." An observation she finds endearing.

  "Just a bit." An understatement.

  Weiss sets the tray upon the table and pours the now cold tea to hand to Yui.

  "Drink this with the medicine."

  "It taste horrible." She scoffed.

  A sudden burst of annoyance filled Weiss' heart. An uncontrollable feeling.

  "Would you rather drink my blood?" She scoffed.

  A whiplash.

  "What?" An almost innocent question but it's enough to make the last thread snap.

  "How long are you going to be like this?!"

  Never once had she raised her voice against anyone.

  "You're not gonna take that or this—what do you want?!"

  Yui's voice straining against her frail body.

  "Why do you keep acting like this?"

  "Because I don't—I can't let you die..!"

  Weiss' heart raced, her face hot and wether she realized it or not her cheeks are wet.

  "I-I... Know that." Yui's hand struggle against the cup gripping it tightly.

  "THEN WHY?!" Weiss voice crack, the sound probably can be heard from the halls.

  "I never had a choice..! All my life I've been living with this! I can't—but I have to accept it!" Yui unable to contain the emotions that was swirling inside her burst out.

  Weiss walks closer to the bed, her steps quick and hard the force of it causing the wooden floorboards to shake.

  Thump!

  "Then let me help!" Her hand moves towards her own chest hitting it without realizing.

  It's hard to look at those eyes directly, the same eyes that look at her with fondness and innocence. Yui steeled herself forcing the tears to stay.

  There's not enough time left.

  "It doesn't matter, eventually I'll die. I can still choose how it ends! It's the only thing I have left!"

  Weiss shooked her head in disbelief "What are you even talking about?" Still there's part of her that's still trying to reason with her.

  "If I can still choose—I don't want you to be caught up in it!" Yui's not backing down.

  She felt her face burn and her chest tightened, unable to hold the growing frustration, Weiss yelled at her

  "That's stupid! You're just sick—"

  Plack!

  A hard object hits her suddenly as the now cold tea splashes against her hair and face. The coldness serves as to calm her burning emotions.

  The tea trails down her face, unable to fathom it she could only let out a bitter laugh at the situation.

  Yui's hand froze mid-air in shock of what she did. The anger quickly vanishes into guilt looking at Weiss that now looks akin to a wet cat.

  A chuckle devoid of any meaning escaped Weiss.

  Hearing the commotion from outside Dahlia pushed through the door to intervene.

  "Yui! What are you doing?!" She glanced at the state Weiss is at before turning to Yui.

  Before both of them could react Weiss had already ran outside.

  Her steps quick and frantic as she ran across the hallway passing through everyone before reaching the backyard.

  The door towards the yard that was usually lock is conveniently opened.

  She took a breath before entering it.

  The quiet of the outside provides a calming effect on the noises inside her head.

  The subtle creak of insects inhabiting the nature, the rays of the sun enveloping everything and the tall wall of bushes blocking her sight towards the outside.

  She made her way to the middle of the yard, feet grazing against the well kept grass, almost immediately she let herself fall on her back. The hair spread around on the grass.

  Her fingers digging subtly on the field.

  Letting her mind relax as her eyelids close.

  She takes the sounds of nature around her, her shoulders slowly losing it's tension.

  But, a disturbance entered her eardrums. Sounds of people chattering outside the yard.

  The curiosity got the better of her and without hesitating she set up a stool for her to step and looked beyond the bushes.

  She saw two figures, One is a young woman with blond hair, dawning a long black coat, her posture laid back but there's a sense of confidence as well. Behind her is a tall old man with gray hair showing his experience, his moustache and beard defining the shape of his face.

  Father can be seen greeting them, and starting a conversation. Although, it's too far for Weiss to hear their words clearly.

  After a few moments, father invited them inside the church through the front door. Curiosity getting the better of her, Weiss went back inside the church.

  Father's word now can be heard clearly as Weiss followed them and listening in, using the walls to hid herself.

  "It is an honor for both of you to come here. The church is forever indebted to your father."

  The woman tensed up at the mention of her father. Jaw tightening before she forced out a nod.

  "Ah.. I'm sorry. His death was unfortunate." Father's tone turned solemn.

  They continue to walked through the hallways, their footsteps thumping against the wooden floor, the woman looks around the place. Noticing the many children making the place more lively. Father lead them to his office and Weiss followed suit. There he approached the desk to grab something from underneath it. He pulled out a bottle of alcohol after rummaging through it.

  "Care for a drink?" He asked as he popped open the cap.

  "Are you even allowed to drink, father?" The old man asked with a hint of sarcasm while resting his hand on the desk, feeling up the wood. The question drew a laugh from father.

  "Once in a while."

  He served two glasses for the guests and set them on the desk.

  The woman took a small sip, then moved the glass of booze in circle, stirring it slowly.

  "I've heard about many things about this church."

  A small pause.

  "Such as?"

  The old man slides a vial of concoction very familiar to father across the desk.

  "We've been meaning to ask about this."

  He gazed at the almost empty vial.

  "Ah... What about it?" His tone almost too casual.

  "What does it do..? And where does it come from?" The old man squinted his eyes at father's casual tone.

  Father doesn't answer immediately instead taking a long drawn out sip of the alcohol.. The bitter and cold taste, familiar and unfamiliar. Setting it down on the desk, he stated firmly.

  "Mr. Emir, Isn't it obvious? Through the flesh and blood of a lamia, Arvad provide us with this miracle. To save and heal people—"

  The woman's voice cutting through his resolve. She gripped the glass tighter.

  "Then tell me, the few who had died or gotten sicker due to it.. Is that part of their miracle?"

  Emir never seen her looked this bothered before. Normally she'd stay composed.

  "Frieda.."

  Father sighs, his eyebrows crunched up revealing the wrinkles that is the result of the conflicting thoughts that inhabited his mind.

  "Even miracles can't save everyone." He gritted his teeth.

  A particularly loose floorboard creaked when Weiss stepped to close to take a peek of what's happening.

  Everyone in the room turned their heads towards her. Frieda immediately recognize those characteristics.

  "A lamia. You're resorting to children..?!" Her head whipped back to him, her eyes now flared with anger. Slamming her hand on the table causing the glasses to ruttle.

  In a panic Weiss shouts—

  "N-no! I choose this.."

  Emir frowned, letting out a grumph.

  "You're just a kid—"

  "Because if I can help people—then I must!"

  A desperate plea for them to understand.. It's her choice..

  Right?

  "Listen kid..."

  "I'm Weiss.. ! I'm not a kid.." A childish tantrum, causing Emir to froze up. He's not used to dealing with a kid.

  Frieda clenched her fists tight, holding herself from just strangling father. Before just letting out a sigh, releasing the tension in her body.

  "I understand, Weiss... Let's go Emir."

  Frieda walked a bit too fast towards the exit, passing by Weiss. At first Emir looked clueless before deciding to follow her out.

  As both exited the church, the cloud obscured the sky and It's colour turning grey. Droplets of rain wet the dirt fields.

  "We have no choice, Emir."

  Emir held his hand out to feel the streaks of water that's slowly coming down more and more.

  "The Hunter's..? Are you sure?"

  "We can't do anything about it ourselves."

  The Hunter's Ordo - Nimrod

  The man wearing a Hunter's outfit sat upon his office, the feather pen gliding across a paper, it's ink staining the white while his finger tapped the table in a rhythm.

  His uniform dawned by gold accents and a badge on his chest signifying him as a member of one of the eight members of the Hunter's Ordo. A group appointed personally by The Pale Arbiter to realize his order.

  The one sitting right now is known as—

  Nimrod.

  A hunter that specialize in beasts or fiends affairs.

  A knock interrupted his work.

  "Come in."

  The man entered the room and handed a report to him.

  "We have a report of an unauthorized activity in a small town down south. A church that claims to act on Arvad's behalf."

  Nimrod observed the paper in his hand, his eyes gliding across the words and letters. His composure wavered slightly upon the word lamia, before quickly returning.

  "It's been a while."

  His subordinate looked puzzled at his comment but stayed quiet.

  "This must be dealt with immediately."

  His order responded with a nod.

  "Very well I'll call the—"

  Before he could finish his sentence, Nimrod had already put on his coat.

  "Five people is enough, we don't want to draw attention."

  A sigh,

  "I doubt that."