Priest : Rise of Project Nyx

As they journeyed towards the Priest Academy, Kael's curiosity got the better of him. He turned to Zerah, his eyes filled with a deep longing. "Tell me about my mother," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "What was she like? What was her past?"

Zerah's expression softened, her eyes clouding with memories. "Your mother was an orphan, Kael," she began. "Her village was attacked by vampires, and she was taken captive by a female vampire from the powerful House of Drake."

Kael's eyes narrowed, his grip on the Blood Hound's reins tightening.

Zerah continued, her voice steady. "A priest came to the village, slaughtering all the vampires. But he was no ordinary priest. He was one of the greatest Priests of his time, hailing from a bloodline of powerful Priests."

Kael's ears perked up, his interest piqued.

Zerah's gaze seemed to drift into the past. "He adopted your mother as his own, taking her back to his hometown and training her to be the next Priestess. She was blessed by the Heavens, Kael, one of the few individuals chosen by the Heavenly Father himself."

Kael's eyes widened, his mind reeling with the implications.

But Zerah's expression turned somber, her voice laced with sadness. "However, the priest's past eventually caught up with him. The father of the female vampire he had killed was a powerful vampire, one who hailed from the esteemed House of Drake. He sought revenge, using his mastery of dark magic to overpower your grandfather and wipe out his hometown."

Kael's face twisted in horror, his eyes burning with anger.

Zerah's voice was barely above a whisper. "Your mother was evacuated, Kael, but she watched as her hometown was painted red, her friends and family staked and slaughtered. The trauma of that event stayed with her forever."

Zerah's eyes sparkled with memories as she began to recount her story. "I met your mother at the Priest Academy, Kael. We became fast friends, driven by a similar trauma and a deep-seated hatred for vampires. We were a powerful duo, feared by our enemies and respected by our peers."

A hint of sadness crept into Zerah's voice as she continued. "But everything changed during the Great War between the vampires and the creatures of the Night. The sky was pitch black, and the ground was watered with the blood of the innocent."

Zerah's gaze seemed to drift into the past, her eyes clouding with memories. "It was during that time that your mother met your father, Kael. He was the son of Vladimir Van Drake, the Head Leader of the vampires, and Mariana Drake, a vampire noblewoman."

Kael's eyes widened, his mind reeling with the implications.

Zerah's voice was filled with a deep reverence. "Your parents fell deeply in love, Kael. It's still a wonder to me how your father managed to get through to your mother. She was hot-headed, but kind... and fiercely independent." Zerah's lips curved into a gentle smile, and she laughed lightly, her eyes sparkling with memories. "I remember her fiery spirit, her unwavering conviction... and how your father's calm, gentle nature seemed to soothe her fiery soul."

Zerah's gaze refocused on Kael, her expression serious once more. "Your father, Vlad, didn't believe in violence and enslavement of humans. He saved your mother, Mariana, from being turned... and that's how their love story began."

Zerah's expression turned somber, her eyes clouding with a hint of sadness. "But, Kael, there's something you need to know. It was forbidden for Priests to fall in love with any of the creatures of the Night. The Night creatures, too, had their own laws and taboos against such relationships."

Kael's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the implications.

Zerah's voice was barely above a whisper. "Your parents, Kael, they broke that rule. They fell deeply in love, despite the danger and the taboo. And when you were born, they knew they had to flee, to protect you from those who would seek to harm you."

Kael's eyes widened, his heart pounding with excitement and curiosity.

Zerah's gaze seemed to drift into the past, her eyes clouding with memories. "I did my best to help them, Kael. I helped them fake their own deaths, to throw off those who would seek to find them. But it seems that things didn't go as perfectly as we had hoped."

Kael's eyes locked onto Zerah's, his mind racing with questions and doubts. What had gone wrong? Who had discovered their secret? And what did it mean for him, now that he was the target of both the Priests and the creatures of the Night?

Zerah's expression turned determined, her eyes burning with a fierce resolve. "I promise you, Kael, that we will figure out how they found your family and who was responsible. But in the meantime, you must follow the path that your mother would have wanted you to take, if you were ever discovered."

Kael's eyes locked onto Zerah's, his mind racing with curiosity. "What is it?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Zerah's gaze seemed to bore into Kael's soul, her voice filled with a deep conviction. "Mariana would have wanted you to protect those who cannot protect themselves, Kael. She would have wanted you to bring light to the world, to banish the evil that plagues it."

Kael's eyes widened, his heart pounding with a sense of purpose. He felt a surge of determination, a sense of duty to follow in his mother's footsteps.

Zerah's expression softened, her eyes filled with a deep warmth. "You have a great destiny ahead of you, Kael. One that will require courage, strength, and sacrifice. But I will be here to guide you, to help you navigate the challenges that lie ahead."

Zerah's eyes seemed to gaze into the depths of time, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "The past has a way of coming back to haunt us, Kael," she said, her tone soft but laced with a deep wisdom. "Just because it's in the past doesn't mean it's forgotten. It lays dormant, waiting for fate to allow it to erupt or reveal itself once more."

Kael's gaze locked onto Zerah's, his mind racing with the implications. He thought about the prophecy, and how Zerah, his parents, and others had tried to cover it up, to make it seem like a hoax or a bluff. But despite their best efforts, the prophecy remained, a constant reminder of the destiny that lay before him.

Zerah's eyes seemed to bore into Kael's soul, her voice filled with a deep conviction. "The prophecy, Kael... it's still out there, waiting to be fulfilled. We tried to cover it up, to make it seem like a lie, but fate has a way of revealing itself, no matter how hard we try to hide it."

As they entered the village, Kael's eyes widened in admiration. The village was picturesque, with well-manicured gardens and charming cottages. Zerah led them to a large, impressive house, its walls adorned with intricate carvings and its roof tiled with warm, honey-colored stone.

"Whose house is this?" Kael asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

Zerah smiled, her eyes sparkling with pride. "This is the home of Village Chief Olrox. I saved his village from a vampire raid single-handedly. The villagers have always been grateful, and Olrox has become a close friend."

As they approached the house, the villagers greeted Zerah with warm smiles and welcoming waves. The guards at the entrance nodded respectfully, allowing them to pass.

Inside, the house was cozy and inviting, filled with the sweet scent of baking bread and the soft glow of candlelight. The decorations were elegant and refined, reflecting the Village Chief's taste.

The maids welcomed them, their faces smiling and their eyes shining with kindness. "Welcome, Priestess Zerah! We've been expecting you. Please, follow us."

They led them through the winding corridors, finally arriving at a serene garden filled with vibrant flowers and the soothing sound of a small fountain. Village Chief Olrox and his wife, Melinda, sat on a bench, surrounded by nature's tranquility.

Village Chief Olrox and his wife, Melinda, rose from their bench, their faces warm with genuine smiles. They welcomed Zerah, Kael, and his friends with open arms, their eyes sparkling with kindness.

"Ah, Zerah, it's been too long," Olrox said, his voice deep and resonant. "Please, allow me to introduce myself and my wife, Melinda."

Olrox and Melinda were dressed in elegant yet understated attire, their clothing reflecting their refined taste without being overly extravagant.

Zerah smiled, her eyes shining with warmth. "Olrox, Melinda, this is Kael and his friends. I found them at a burnt village that was attacked by... unwanted forces."

Melinda's expression turned concerned, her eyes locking onto Kael and his friends. "Oh, dear children, are you all right? That must have been a terrifying experience."

Kael and his friends nodded in unison, their voices filled with reassurance. "We're fine, thank you for asking."

As they spoke, Kael couldn't help but notice that Olrox and Melinda looked older, yet their faces still radiated a warm, youthful energy. Their age was evident, but it was clear that they had aged well, their wisdom and experience etched on their faces like fine lines on a well-loved book.

Zerah turned to Olrox, her eyes sparkling with a hint of request. "Olrox, I was wondering if I could ask a favor of you. Would it be possible for us to use the magic teleporter to transport us to Priest Academy? Kael and his friends are new recruits, and I'd like to ensure their safe arrival."

Melinda's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes narrowing slightly as she regarded Kael and his friends. "But, Zerah, won't Priest Academy be... hostile towards them?" She gestured towards Lyra and Tera, her eyes flicking towards Arin's younger brother, as well. "Two of the teens are vampires, and another young one is a vampire, as well."

Zerah's gaze met Melinda's, a hint of understanding passing between them.

Melinda's eyes refocused on Kael, her gaze piercing as she sensed the anomaly that lay within him. "And then, of course, there's Kael," she said, her voice tinged with curiosity. "You're an anomaly, young one. Your soul is good, but I sense that your heart and mind are in different states. There's a turmoil within you, a conflict that will need to be resolved."

Kael's eyes met Melinda's, a sense of wonder and unease filling him. How did she know? What did she sense about him?

Zerah's eyes shone with a deep respect as she turned to Melinda. "Melinda is a Soul Master, one who has dedicated her life to healing and repairing souls, as well as guiding them to the afterlife. She is a valued ally to Priest Academy, and her wisdom and insight are beyond measure."

Kael and his friends exchanged awestruck glances, their minds reeling with the implications. A Soul Master? It sounded like a legendary title, one that commanded immense respect and reverence.

Olrox nodded thoughtfully, his eyes serious. "Very well, Zerah. You and the teens may use the teleporter to reach Priest Academy. However, I must warn you: it will not be easy. Enrolling the teens, especially the... unconventional ones," he glanced at Lyra and Arin's younger brother, "will be a challenge. Except, of course, for Arin and Tera."

Zerah's gaze met Olrox's, a hint of understanding passing between them. "Tera, as you know, is an anomaly, just like Kael. Her... unique nature may actually work in her favor."

Kael's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions. What did Olrox mean by "unconventional ones"? And what exactly made Tera an anomaly?

Kael's eyes met Olrox's, his expression respectful and inquiring. "Excuse me, Chief Olrox, but what do you mean?" he asked, his tone polite and curious.

Olrox's gaze was understanding, his expression serious. "Lyra, and Arin's little brother are vampires, Kael," he explained. "As creatures of the night, they may face certain... challenges in being accepted by the Priest Academy."

Kael's eyes widened, his mind racing with the implications.

Olrox's gaze shifted to Tera, his expression thoughtful. "Tera, on the other hand, is a unique case. Like you, Kael, she possesses magical abilities, but her magic is of the kind that vampires can use... blood magic."

Kael's eyes locked onto Tera, his mind reeling with surprise.

Olrox's voice was measured, his words chosen carefully. "However, despite her ability to wield blood magic, Tera's aura and appearance suggest that she is not a vampire. It's... puzzling, to say the least."

Melinda stepped forward, her eyes shining with warmth. "Do not worry, Olrox. I will help vouch for the children. As a Soul Master, my word carries weight. I will ensure that they are able to enroll at the Priest Academy without too much difficulty."

Kael's eyes met Melinda's, a sense of gratitude filling him. He knew that they still faced challenges ahead, but with Melinda's support, he felt a sense of hope that they might just be able to overcome them.

Kael's eyes widened in realization as he understood the implications of his friends' differences. He had known that they were unique, but he hadn't realized that it might be troubling for others.

Melinda's warm smile and gentle tone helped to soothe the children's concerns. "Remember, as long as your heart and soul are pure, and you have faith, you will be fine," she said. "You will do well, and you will make a difference."

Kael and his friends thanked Melinda, their voices filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Auntie Melinda," they said in unison, making her face light up with happiness.

Zerah nodded, her eyes shining with a hint of excitement. "It's time for us to go," she said. "Follow me."

She led them to a small shed on the outskirts of the village. Inside, a large magic circle glowed with a soft, ethereal light. The circle was inscribed with ancient languages, including Biblical script, and crystals levitated in a cross formation above it.

Zerah gestured for them to enter the centre of the circle. Olrox began to chant a short, rhythmic phrase, his voice low and soothing.

Melinda waved goodbye, her eyes shining with warmth. "I'll take care of your mounts," she said. "You'll be given new ones when you arrive at the academy. Come back and visit us soon."

As Olrox finished his chant, the magic circle flared to life, enveloping Kael and his friends in a warm, white light. The crystals spun rapidly around the circle, their facets glinting with an otherworldly energy.

The light grew brighter, and Kael felt himself being lifted off the ground. The world around him dissolved into a swirling vortex of color and sound.

When the light faded, Kael found himself standing in a grand, sprawling courtyard. Towering spires and Gothic architecture loomed above him, casting long shadows in the fading light.

Zerah smiled, her eyes shining with pride. "Welcome, Kael and friends, to Priest Academy."