A disease. That's what they called it.
Father Azrael once told of the darkness beyond the Sanctuary. A lie told to all and constructed as truth. People knew but had no choice but to believe.
After all, Earth—now under a one world government was no short of a large network of dystopian societies. Persecution played its part. Christians fell under the cruel blade of the Law, and civilians, not wishing to lose their lives, kept silent about it.
But, demonic possession was a thing. A spiritual thing. And irrefutable evidence in support of the acclaimed fallacies of Christianity. It started out as tales, then myths, only to sharply rise to the level of proven demonic sightings and documented cases of possession.
The government's response? A disease.
Incurable disease, however.
What's worse? Once 'diagnosed' of demonic possession, the victim would be instantly executed.
They said it was a highly contagious disease, provided no support to their claims with the full knowledge that they didn't have to, and coined out a population control mechanism from a global dilemma.
You just can't afford to be possessed by one. If you did, the government would arrest and kill you.
It's as if they wanted more people to fall victim to their schemes.
As a result, everyone started to turn towards the Christians—lambs who were slaughtered each passing day. Yet, their numbers never seemed to dwindle. Their hideouts were nowhere to be found, and several attempts at sabotage only ended in failure.
But each day, lists of the dead were proclaimed for all to hear. In broadcasts, Christians on death row always made the headlines.
Daniel told me. His teacher, Father Tony, had died.
By execution.
"I.." I simply stuttered, suppressed by welling up worries, shock, and concerns. However, one emotion was most pronounced.
Empathy.
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"It's ok" He wore a half-convincing smile. "Good thing he doesn't have a family."
"How old was he?"
"28." He replied. "Quite young."
CLAP!
Daniel and I turned to look. Father Azrael was standing next to a portal.
"Let's not get into a depressing atmosphere now. Daniel, you can be my student. Joshua, you would excuse us later."
"..." Daniel nodded with his usual blank stare and walked towards the portal.
"Ok." I followed.
...
...
Liam was astonished at first, but his expression stretched into one of stupefaction.
"Doesn't that mean that we won't have to visit the Hall of Reflections?"
Father Thomas nodded, eyes fixed on his bible. "I got the report not long ago."
"It's funny how Joshua was involved in this. How did he survive against a third stage?" Liam asked.
"Must have been the Purger." Vivian answered, but there was keen interest in her gaze.
"What's more interesting is how Azrael gave the report. He said they fought it together." Father Thomas added.
"Well that changes everything.." Her eyes wandered, and a mysterious smile curled up her face.
But Liam was doubting. He rested on the chair, swinging his legs as he surveyed the much familiar and regular meeting room with their teacher.
"Maybe he's just saying it that way out of bias?" He inquired. "You know him. He speaks of Joshua every time like it's a medal of honour."
Vivian chuckled. "Good reasoning. Still, it's impressive that he participated. You can't ignore the fact that he doesn't have much experience, and the first thing that greets him is several stages ahead."
"Now that I remember.." Father Thomas commented. "Didn't he get a second stage manifestation in his first exorcism?"
"Oh?" Liam seemed surprised. But, Vivian's words made him rethink his opinion.
"Two irregularities. One kid.." he muttered. "I wanna meet him all the more."
"Ehh?" Vivian made a teasing sound. "So Joshua's got a fan now?"
"Oi." Liam had a deadpan face.
Father Thomas intervened immediately. "Don't bother him, Vivian. You know him and his desperation to meet someone better than Azrael.."
"Pfft!" Vivian covered her face, masking her expression. But, the trembling of her shoulders betrayed her motive.
"..desperation…" Liam echoed his words, still having his deadpan stare. "Wrong way to put it.."
Vivian continued to laugh. Both her and Father Thomas knew how both him and Azrael were childhood friends. Sure enough, such bonds came with promises and aspirations. One of them being their desire to become a greater Crusader than the other.
But, Azrael had grown to surpass him with a wide gap. He was a Warden, but not many Wardens thought of Azrael as an equal, considering how much younger he was, as well as the magnitude of his numerous achievements.
That was how great a Crusader he was.
For both the Exorcist and Missionary Path, climbing the ranks required contribution to the Sanctuary/Sanctum/Division. To scale up from an Initiate, for instance, one would need a credible amount of achievements (like playing a major role in defeating a mature second stage manifestation) in order to move up.
These judgments were made by the 21 Seats. And they had deemed Azrael as worthy enough to become a teacher.
On the other hand…
Liam had a plan. A simple one. If any of Azrael's students showed promise, he would find a way to steal him or her. Then, he would assume the role of a mentor, hone the student's abilities, and make him rank up under his tutelage. He believed this would entice the Cardinals to make him an official teacher.
Then, he could say he was equal to Azrael.
Liam wanted to steal Joshua. And it was too obvious under Father Thomas's experienced eyes. After all, Liam knew that Azrael was a terrible teacher. So why would Joshua refuse?
"He will refuse." Vivian suddenly said.
"Huh?"
Liam momentarily feared that she had read his mind, unknowing of how predictable his intent was.
Vivian tapped the side of her head with her index finger. "Think about it."
"They must have some sort of synergy." She explained. "None of his students have stuck with him for this long. Some failed, and others simply ditched him."
"...." Liam found logic in her words. Then his shoulders fell in a defeated slump.
"Ahh MAN!"
"Maybe next time." Vivian jested.
"Well…you're right." He finalised. "I would be blown away if I heard that Azrael got another student."
"What matters is who the student is."
"True."
If Azrael got an aspiring Crusader as a student, then it would be understandable since news of his first passing student had gone around. But if it was an already registered Crusader, well, it would be quite surprising.
Why?
For what reason would a Crusader willfully do that to him or herself?
…..
The two Crusaders did not know of Daniel.