Afterborn

[Mystic_clown]

Afterborn
The Conflicting Soul

By Benjamin Kerr


Prologue

The first sensation he ever felt was a sharp shock through his body, causing him to jerk where he laid. He could then feel the tingling of the alchemical solutions running through his veins, like electricity, but it did not burn. His body was warm from the electric shock that ran through his system. His lungs hesitated for a moment, before drawing his first breath of the stangent air around him. Then the sounds flooded his ears, everything blending together into one disjointed symphony. His eyes slowly opened, his veiw blurred into an unrecognisable mess. As his ears began to differentiate between the different sounds, he heard a couple of voices speaking over the low hum of the machinery.

"It seems that last bolt was enough to start his systems," spoke an aged voice.

"It had better, after all the time and effort that was put into this." spoke a second, much younger sounding voice, "Your little creation had better prove to be more than just some over glorified zombie."

His eyes began to adjust, the images sharpening. The first he saw was the steel tesla coil directly above him, the light of the room reflecting from its smooth surface, the last of electrical energy arcing along it before disappearing. His eyes then slowly shifted to the two figures standing over him, speaking over him as if they hadn't noticed he was awake. The figure to his right was a relatively aged gentleman, snow white hair cut short, his face lined with the years, but his electric blue eyes seemed like those of the youth. His thin figure was clad in a white coat, dirtied by numerous experiments. His hands, clad in black gloves, oddly enough seemed to be the cleanest part of his clothing, the black rubber gleaming in the light like new. The second figure was unidentifiable. Not because of his sight, but because his body was covered in cloaks and scarfs, in many shades of purple, green and ash. However, he could see a pair of sharp yellow eyes from underneath the brim of his tall black steeple hat. The elder man looked at the cloaked figure in shock and offense.

"Over glorified zombie!? This is no simple undead! This is a work of art! Stronger, faster, more durable, my creation can run rings around your simple animations!"

"We shall see Doctor," the cloaked man replied calmly, "But don't forget, your creation wouldn't be without my contribution."

It was at that point that he finally spoke. He had been silent this entire time, his voice soft and trembling, as if his throat was unsure how to speak.

"Where...?"

With that one word, the conversation between the two men fell silent, their eyes immediately falling onto him, as if they just noticed him for the first time. The scientist's face was a picture of amazement, while the surprise was less prevailent, but definately there, in the cloaked man's eyes.

"He...He can speak!?" the scientist leaned in, his eyes wide, and his lips stretching into a pleasant smile. The cloaked figure remained in place, staring down at him.

"Well," he spoke, a small hint of impression in his voice, "It seems your creation is worth some interest after all."

The scientist ignored him, immediately reaching underneath his body, "Come, let me help you up." His body seemed resistant at first before slowly moving, before finally sitting up on the steel table he had been laying. He could now get a good look at the room around him. Through strands of red hair, his eyes scoped out the room. Completely round, the walls and floor were built of dark stone blocks, the ceiling reaching up into the darkness. Machines and devices of unsual design and unknown intent, some giving a light glow that seemed almost unearthly. Numerous wooden work benches covered with loose pages and projects, lined the walls. A couple of oil lamps placed around the room provided the space with its dim illumination. The machines gave a low hum, in an almost soothing tone. Through an iron barred window, he could see the dark rolling clouds of the storm outside, occasionally lit up by an arc of lighting, and producing the low growl of thunder.

"Where...?" he repeated, partially to question, and partially to condition his mouth and throat to speech.

"I will explain in due time my boy," the scientist replied, pulling a small snort from the cloaked figure and replying with a sharp glare, "How do you feel?"

He was quiet for a moment, mismatched eyes taking in more of his surroundings before finally looking down onto himself. A pair of simple brown pants was all that covered him, leaving much of his body exposed. Throughout his body, he could see numerous seams over his flesh, acting as borders to the uneven colours of skin covering his body. However, just by looking at them, he could tell that these stitches were not just skin deep. He could feel these connections throughout his entire being, holding his body together from head to toe.

"What...am I?" he murmured, his mouth slowly becoming used to speaking as his eyes turned to the scientist before him. The cloaked figure had moved to the back of the room, but still watched the exchange between the two.

"You..." the scientist trailed off as he fell into his thoughts, trying to pick what to say carefully, knowing how much his choice of words would effect his new creation. That single moment seemed to stretch into eternity before a smile spread across his old face, looking into his expectant eyes, like a caring father speaking to his child, "You, are Abel, and you are my greatest creation."

His greatest creation. Those words would remain with Abel for the year to come.

[Mystic_clown]

Chapter 1
Village in the Fog

Dense grey mist blanketed the surface of the water. The gentle rocking of the boat and the sounds of it sloshing against the hull were the only things that told Trinia that they were on water at all. She stood on the bow of the ship, dark brown eyes trying to pierce curtain of fog ahead to see their destination. The low creaking of the ship's frame, or the light fluttering of its mast were completely ignored by her. At the sound though of footsteps on the ship's timber deck did she turn her eyes away to see who was approaching her.

"Standing out in this mist will only lead to soaked clothes Trinia. Why not come inside where it's dry?" The man was about a head taller than her, his head square and his brown hair cut short and trimmed into a neat beard and mustache. His dress was a formal affair, a white shirt with a brown vest and matching pants. The brown overcoat that covered it all flapped lightly in the breeze.

"You can't be too careful Heinrich," she replied, glancing back out into the mist before them, "You've heard the rumours about this place. I just wish to be sure we arrive there safely."

Heinrich chuckled, placing a firm hand on her shoulder as he gave her a fatherly smile, "I appreciate your caution Trinia, I heard the rumours too. But I don't think we're in danger of being attacked by some sort of sea creature. If that were the case, the captain wouldn't have been so easily pursueded to give us passage."

Trinia nodded. She valued her mentor's wisdom over others, but the rumours about this place were the reason they were coming, and she wanted to be prepared incase those rumours proved to be more than true. Before another word could be spoken, the dull toll of a bell rang out over the water. Trinia and Heinrich looked out over the water. As the bell tolled in a slow, steady rythem, a small light burned through the mist, slowly followed by a black shape fading into view. As the boat drew closer, the shape revealed itself to be a lone dock, a single lantern hung from a post on the end to signal the ships. A large bell further back on the dock tolled, manned by a single dock hand, a thin, unassuming man who looked like he didn't sleep in days. Members of the crew began to file on board, preparing the ship for docking. Trinia and Heinrich watched as both crewmen and the dockhand worked to tie the ship off. The dock looked so old and flimsy Trinia wasn't sure if the thing would be able to support them. If Heinrich was having similar thoughts, it wasn't clear on his face. As soon as the gangplank was laid, the two newcomers stepped down onto the dock, the old wood creaking under their footsteps. Trinia immediately walked briskly down the dock onto the firm land, not really willing to stay on the dock longer than necassary. The rest of the crew seemed to have a similar idea, unloading their cargo and not letting it down until it was safely on dry land. Heinrich stayed back, slipping the captain a couple of gold pieces, payment for the journey.

"I don't know what you and your lady friend intend to do in a place like this," the captain muttered, weighing the gold before slipping it into his coat pocket, "But, eh, none of my concern. Whatever you do is your business."

Heinrich nodded, giving the captain a small smile. "Thank you very much friend."

"Whatever," the man shrugged and went back to ordering his crew, as Heinrich went down to rejoin his partner, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

"Sorry for the wait. Shall we?" The lithe young woman nodded, and without another word, the two began to head down the dirt road leading from the dock.An old horse and cart passed them, no doubt going to collect the cargo from the boat. The driver barely gave the two a glance as he past them. Trinia only eyed him briefly, as if making sure he wasn't a threat to them, but saw no danger with them. The mist was definately thinner than on the water, but the light blanket along the ground, along with the grey sky, still served to mute any colour around them, leaving a depressing, almost lifeless atmosphere to the land. After a few minutes of walking, the dirt road gave way to cobblestone, and and soon the lights of the town burned dimly through the grey, giving way to the shapes of the buildings thereafter. At largest, the buildings were two stories high, grey bricked and slat roofed. The buildings were tightly packed together, only seperated by cobble paved streets, a lantern hung from every second building, giving some light to the bare streets. Basically a standard fair for the towns Trinia and Heinrich had visited in the past, but the mist and the sky gave the town an oppresive atmosphere, like it seemed void of cheer, blanketed in mild meloncholy. There were few people out as well, men in long coats and women in plain dressed, walking slightly hunched over, as if the atmosphere was a weight on their backs. It seemed like they were suspicious or at least wary of the two newcomers, eyeing them before walking away, trying to hide their hurry to get away. Heinrich let out a saddened sigh, shaking his head.

"Such a sad place," he murmured, a simply, yet true, observation.

"Well, if what the rumours say are true, it's only natural for the people to be so burdened. I've never seen a place so gripped with fear," Trinia replied softly. Heinrich nodded, casting a saddened gaze to her.

"I don't think there is an 'if' anymore. Rumour alone does not cause such misery." Trinia nodded. Seeing such misery gave the woman a strong sense of determination. There was no standing by while people were silently suffering like this. The two continued to walk in silence through the sullen streets, Trinia more following Heinrich's lead, before the two came to what Heinrich had been searching for. The building was two stories tall, but definately wider than the houses and shops, surrounded on all sides by road. Light glowed from the windows as a wooden sign hung limply above the door. The Misty Loch. Heinrich gave Trinia a small nod which she returned. Standard fair really. When coming to a new town, always head for the inn first. Without a word, the two pushed open the double doors into the building.

Almost immediately as they entered, they could feel the warmth the common room gave. The room was sufficiently lit, and even though the oppression of the town still lingered, it was greatly reduced in here, almost to an afterthought. it was like this place was a haven for people to get away from their fears, like the dangers outside could not harm them here. Though the room was far from full, there were a decent amount of townsfolk here, nursing food and drink and a couple chatting to themselves in hushed, but otherwise relaxed tones. Many glanced over at the duo as they entered, but showed nothing of it before returning to their business. It was like simply entering the room removed any suspicion about them, like it made them one of the townsfolk already. Needless to say, such a place was welcome in Trinia's eyes, and Heinrich's. The two walked over to an empty table, taking a seat. It was only in this warmth that Trinia realised how damp her clothes had gotten in the mist, causing her to shake lightly from the cold. Heinrich chuckled, giving her a knowing smile that silently said "I told you so." Soon after they had seated, the innkeeper, a balding, portly man in a white shirt and brown vest, approached them.

"Well afternoon to you," he said with a jovial smile on his face. Trinia was a little surprised. It was noon? It was hard to tell the time of day in this place. "What brings you to our humble little village?" Guess it was natural for an innkeeper to know who was from the village and who wasn't. His cheerful mood seemed out of place in a town like this. Were they even in the same place anymore?

Heinrich returned the smile, nodding in a friendly manner. "A good afternoon to you my friend," he spoke, "My name is Heinrich Nolem, and this is my partner, Trinia Belsari," Partner. The word always seemed to surprise Trinia whenever Heinrich referred to her as such. Heinrich had been her mentor, teaching her and training her. Even though she had reached the point where Henrich considered her his partner, to her, he was always her mentor, and her his apprentice. The innkeeper smiled.

"A pleasure to meet you. The name's Mello Bialistock. But you didn't answer my question. What brings you here?"

Heinrich looked Mello in the eye before replying. "My partner and I," he answered in a low tone, "Are here regarding the rumours of evil over this village."

The smile immediately washed away from Mello's face. The portly man looked around, checking to see if anyone else had heard. Nobody had noticed, focusing on their own business. The innkeeper turned back to the duo, before giving a silent gesture for them to follow.

"Come with me," he said in a hushed tone. Trinia gave Heinrich an uneasy looked. It seemed like the safety this place held seemed to disappear, at least for them. Heinrich's nod was all the reassurance she needed though as he stood up, the woman following suit. Mello led the two silently through the common room to a door at the back, leading them into private dining room for some of the more wealthy patrons, though judging by the look, it hadn't seen use in a long time. Mello closed the door behind him, checking one last time to see if anybody had noticed before turning to the two, suspicion in his eyes.

"Why are you here?" he asked, a hint of sharpness in his voice. It seemed whatever plagued this town made even this normally jovial man suspicious. Heinrich said not a word, but instead reached into his coat pocket. He pulled out a pendant made of flawless silver, resembling a sharp sun with a gleaming topaz in the center. As he held it up, Mello's eyes widened in recognition. He glanced at Trinia as she produced a similar symbol from her jacket.

"You...You're with the church? What was it you people were called?"

Heinrich smiled, giving a polite bow, "Hunter of the Seraph Sun, Heinrich Nolem," he gestured to Trinia, "Hunter of the Seraph Sun, Trinia Belsari, at your service." Trinia bowed along with Heinrich, as a look of relief washed over the innkeeper's face.

"Thank the sun," he sighed in relief, "Please, forgive my rudeness before. Just, with things the way they are, it's hard to trust anyone when they could be heretics or fiends." Heinrich nodded in understand, pulling up a seat and sitting down.

"It's perfectly understandable my good man. Now, why don't you tell us what exactly is going on?" Mello nodded and sat down opposite of Heinrich, while Trinia sat herself down to her partner's right. All sense of joviality was gone from Mello's face, replaced by a look of solemn weariness.

"This town, I swear, the fiends in that castle, snatching people up in the night, and this cursed fog," Mello sighed, looking up at the cieling, "I can't remember when we last saw the sun."

"Start at the beginning," Heinrich replied, "What castle?"

Mello looked back down at Heinrich. "It had all began five years ago. Before then, this village was a quiet, peaceful place. Plenty of merchant trade, plenty of strong crops, no different from any small town really. Baron Mercadelli took care of us. The castle belonged to him you see. Then, one day, he came..."

"He?" Trinia rose an eyebrow.

"A stranger. I didn't catch his name, but even from the start there was something, odd, about him. Like something wasn't right. He arrived in the village, weak, hungry, maybe that's why we didn't notice it when he first appeared. The Baron took him in. He was a kind, generous man our Baron was. Almost too kind for his own good. I don't know what happened then. Servants up at the castle began saying that he was telling the Baron things. Strange things. Unnatural things. The Baron wouldn't have it mind you. A good sun walking man he is. But his brother, that damned fool. That was another story. He began hanging onto that man's every word. For a man of science, the daft fool allowed himself to be swayed by his words so easily. This is what I was told mind you. Then, about a few months after he appeared, the Baron fell ill. Doctors and healers tried to help him, but not even the blessing of the sun could help him."

"Then it was no ordinary illness," Trinia pipped up, "The blessing of the sun could easily ease any regular disease."

"Indeed young lady, erm, Lady Belsari. Rumour spread that that man had something to do with it. Dark magic I think. The servants were saying he had some magic on him. I think he cursed the Baron when he wouldn't listen to him. But we couldn't prove anything. Even if the blessing didn't work, there was no sign of this curse. All we had was speculation, and the Baron's brother was able to cover for that man."

"So he was willing to betray his own brother?" Trinia spoke up. Heinrich gave her a look that told her to be quiet and allow Mellow to finish.

"I don't think so," Mello continued, "The two were close. I think he was so enthralled by that fiend's words that he didn't think for a second he had a hand in it. Anyway, after a few weeks, the Baron, passed away..." he looked down with a mournful look on his face, "Rest that poor man's soul. After the funeral, all the Baron's estate and power went to his brother, the daft fool. That's when everything went downhill. That man still had him wrapped around his finger. Many of the servants disappeared and those who didn't fled. People began sighting fiends on the castle grounds, hearing all sort of horrific screams coming from within. Rumour had it that he was performing all sorts of unholy experiments in there, at that man's suggestion no doubt. Rumours spread wide. Soon nobody would come to this place. We're barely scrounging for trade for food. And this damn fog, it just fell over our town one day and has no let up. As if the damn thing's cutting us off from the rest of the world. But that's not even the worst of it."

"What could be worse than fiends and a madman performing experiments on people?" Trinia spoke up, before a glance from Heinrich silenced her. Mello began to tremble lightly.

"About a year ago, people began to disappear. Disappear from the town I mean. Before, anyone who disappeared were those who strayed too close to the castle. Anyone in the town was pretty safe. Now, nobody is. People are just being taken off the streets. People are saying some sort of fiend is coming down and taking them. Strong and fast. The town's never been so afraid. It's a miracle the people are able to relax in this inn. I do everything I can."

Before he could continue on, he was silenced by Trinia rising to her feet. Heinrich sent the woman a questioning looking, before the blonde answered before he could speak. "I should be out there Ma- Heinrich," she paused, catching and reminding herself she did not need to refer to him as Master Heinrich anymore, "If there is a fiend kidnapping people, than there's a chance it could be out there right now. It's our duty to ensure the safety of these people."

Mello's eyes widened at the thought of that monster being out and about right this moment. Heinrich however gave her a small smile and an approving nod. "An excellent suggestion Trinia. We both don't need to be here. I hope there's no need for it, but better you're there and its not, than it when you're not. I'll join you shortly." Trinia gave a small smile before her face resumed its professional determination. She turned and walked out of the room, leaving Heinrich and Mello alone. Noting the innkeeper's worried expression, an amused smile flashed across Heinrich's face, before being replaced by one of reassurance.

"Do not worry," he said, "She's more than capable of handling herself. You're in good hands," he leaned forward onto his elbows, "Now, about this castle you spoke of."

Mello blinked, before quickly recollecting his thoughts on the subject. "Oh yes, my apoligies. The castle is on the northern outskirts of the village, about a couple of miles out before you hit the main gate. It should be easy to reach by foot for you two. I'm afraid I can't really tell much else. Never been in there myself. But I know what lurks within. Fiends, monsters, horrors of the darkness that I don't want to even think about. Please, if you or Lady Belsari are planning on going in there, please be careful. I'm not doubting your skills Sir Nolem, but it would be atragedy if anything should happen to either of you."

Heinrich nodded. Not that he liked to toot his own horn, but a hunter perishing there would indeed be such. While he considered the lives lost there already no lesser than his own, the hunters were supposed to be champions of the Sun. If one was defeated by the darkness, it would crush the will of the people. The hunters brought hope, another reason for them to succeed.

"I assure you Mello, Trinia and I will not fail you. With the Sun shining on us, we will remove this evil from your village." The steeled determination on his eyes, and the strength of his voice were more than enough to convince the innkeeper, who gave a smile of relief.

"Thank you Sir Nolem. May the Sun shine down upon you." Heinrich smiled and rose to his feet, giving the innkeeper a light bow.

"Thank you for your kind words good sir. Now, if you must excuse me, I need to catch up with my partner. Can't let her have all the glory," he chuckled lightly before turning to the door. As his hand gripped the handle though, he paused, glancing back at Mello briefly.

"By the way, this fiend you mentioned. Do you happen to know what it might look like?" Something Trinia should have asked before she left earlier.