A/N: Thank you to my wonderful beta SIDLE77, I couldn't have written this without your help and guidance.
A/N 2: This is my first try at writing something that is quite AU. First try at writing something about supernatural creatures too =D. I hope you like it. Rated M for gore and... other content xD
Runaway - Prologue
The night air was cool and crisp, heavy mist descending over the desolate cemetery. The orange light from the street lamp was barely strong enough to penetrate the thick fog, but it illuminated the pathway into the Victorian church with an eerie glow. The small group of people wearing hooded cloaks stood at the entrance chatting quietly before being led into the building by a tall, rather frightening looking man. His eyes sparkled with a minute flicker of malevolence as he strolled through the hallway.
The crowd followed him into the church; those at the front of the queue slipped into the pews in an orderly fashion. One by one they sat down in their chosen positions, all awaiting the arrival of their leader. An instant hush fell over the group when the church's door opened with a loud creak that echoed off the old brick walls and fabulously restored stained glass. Another man entered the room wearing a bright red cloak, his face shielded by the hood. He walked to the alter and then to the pulpit. The man removed his hood and on his signal everyone else removed theirs.
A young man around eighteen years old sat in the first pew. He stared straight at his leader, showing a slight hint of fear. His forehead shone with a thin sheet of cold sweat and his eyes drifted from the pulpit to the floor and back again several times. He watched as the older man approached and then stopped right in front of him, extending his right hand. The younger man took it, stood, and slowly made his way to the pulpit.
"Comrades, tonight we are here for a very special reason. Tonight we are here to induct a new member. The youngest member of our dear family...please my son, step up."
The young man took several shaky steps forward. He faced the small audience, his lips curling into a nervous smile.
"Son, today you are a man. At eighteen years of age, it is your time to be sworn to your vow. We, as you know, have all sworn that at manhood, we will do all in our power to rid the world of these demons...to rid the world of the vampire." The crowd gasped at the word "Vampire" as if their leader had said the most horrendous word known to man.
He continued, "These evil, blood sucking creatures are not of this world. They need to be destroyed. They are the devil's helpers. They kill or recruit our sons, daughters, wives, sisters, brothers...they need to be stopped." The man's face contorted in anger, his voice laced with deadly venom as he raised his fist and smashed it against the polished wooden bible stand.
The crowd roared their approval. The teenager nodded his head in agreement.
"Son, do you agree to follow by our rule, that you shall do all in your power to eradicate the vampire species from our world no matter what?"
"I do."
"Do you promise that on the consequence of death...you will slaughter any vampire that approaches you? Do you vow to protect the world from these unholy monsters!?" he shouted, turning to face the crowd and then to stare directly into his subordinate's eyes.
"I do."
The boy's voice had raised as well, not to a threatening level however, but loud enough for everyone to know he was serious.
"With this pendant, you will be recognized as one of us, a vampire hunter...a protector of man." The older gentleman placed a necklace around the young man's neck. The pendant was silver, with a symbol of a wooden stake and crucifix depicted in the centre.
"I promise with my life, Thomas. I will never let any vampire live."
The crowd cheered, Thomas raised the young man's hand in glory.
The boy did not realize exactly what he had gotten himself in to.