Chapter 4: The Lakes

22th day; 23 days left

This was it. The Lakes' region, located at the south of the Plains, the last civilized region of the South before the Dark Swamp, an ancient place where the original Inquisitors and priests waged a war against a terrible demon, making of the place a living hell. Nobody could ever live there again, and a great part of the ancient southern people's culture was lost to time, except for the priesthood. The Inquisition was long gone by now. They were the last one to follow their ideals and to actually wield their weapon… They just revived the cult by themselves. In a way, they were the Inquisition now. They knew that the priests from the Temple never gave them the right to learn more than the basic Echoes, fearing that they would use these power for evil, and they had accepted it, saying that they would be coming back to learn more if they needed to, or had the time to. Sadly, when they heard about the rise of the Enchantress, they couldn't lose time to go back to the Temple and beg for the Scriptures.

They almost wanted to laugh. What happened was partly their fault. They weren't strong enough, but still rushed into battle, because they didn't wanted to give to the Enchantress the time to rise an another Order, as she always did by the past, according to the ancient books. They were always rushing nowadays, and that was the irony of his situation now that made them laugh. They promised themselves to catch a nice break once this problem was dealt with…

Night of the 30th day; 15 days left

The screams woke the Inquisitor up quickly. They had just decided to take a quick nap, trying their best to hide from sight and taking the long and dangerous path through the forest, the water and beasts being the main dangers… However, if people were in trouble because of a monster, it could be their fault! After all, the Enchantress never stopped sending them monsters in order to make them loose time. Every time they were able to win, but it cost them precious hours of daylight, so precious for a lone traveller. Clutching their Bellhammer, they quickly approached the origin of the screams…

The monster was huge, but they knew that it wasn't a Sentient, but it could have been the descendant of the one called the Chrome Spider. When they heard the screams of children and women, and saw that the men were unarmed, they rushed head on into battle. Taking off then diving on the spider's head, they planted their claw in it's eyes, or whatever squishy and fleshy part it actually was, and proceeded to bash it's head with their Bellhammer, each strike echoing in the forest. Their opponent managed to knock them off it's head, and the self-proclaimed Inquisitor immediately got up to it's feet, yelling to the others to run. They weren't able to hear their footsteps when they howled, feeling themselves becoming bloodthirsty. Their fist clenched around the hilt of the weapon, and they deflected the projectiles that were aimed at them, managing to send them back to the sender. The spider hissed and tried to close the distance, only to have one of it's big legs sliced like butter by the cursed limb. It tried to rise once more, but the Cursed One rose into the air and sent a powerful sound wave on it's shell, and then shattering it when they struck it with the silver weapon. In the end, the smaller beast had won, their outfit now wet with the translucid blood of the giant spider they fought to death.

They heard footsteps nearby. Quickly shaking the blood off their weapon, they ran away. They didn't wanted to be attacked or seen by anyone. Not like this. Fear could lead to a conflict, that they really didn't have the time time to deal with now. They were exhausted, dirty and just wanted to get done with it. They had once more slayed a giant monster, this time to save people… Smiling faintly at this, they were relieved that they didn't lost it at all and were still human inside.

"It seems that slaying other things truly brings you joy."

The Inquisitor didn't stopped to run when they heard the Enchantress' voice in their head once more. They were kind of used to it now, and as annoying and frustrating as it was, they had learnt to stay focused on what they were doing and saying, rather than giving their full attention to his enemy. But they would never admit that hearing a human voice and having a conversation was somehow soothing. After all, they spent so much time alone that they thought they could lose the use of their voice by staying silent all the time.

"Well, I'm just doing my duty as a slayer of heresies."

"Well, I should give you a little something to reward you for your kill. This was quite bold to rush like that into battle, barely awakened, to save these people you're trying so much to avoid."

"I trust that a part of you still approves that move. And after all, even if I'm no Knight, I also considers that my duty is to protect the ones that are defenseless. After all, I'm human, and to be human also means that we're able to feel compassion and that we would try to protect each other."

"I'd never believed that you could say such wise words for human standards. Or maybe you're just being a fool, like always."

"Heh. And that fool's hope and determination will prove to be your downfall."

The Enchantress' laugh disappeared from their head, but they continued to run and sometimes "fly" to avoid the ponds and traps, while escaping from the people they had just saved. They couldn't be seen like that. And since they were up now, why not make up for the time they lost by killing this spider and continue to move forward? After all, they still had to walk two days in order to reach the biggest lake of the region, the Mirall. And since they wouldn't be able to sail on it, they would have to take the long way. It was dangerous, since many beasts lurked into the shadows of the forest and many of them were drinking here. Moreover, their outfit would only highlight them as a potential meal… They only hoped that their own beastly appearance could save them. That was the only use they found to it now outside of battle.

35th day; 10 days left

The Mirall was truly a wonder. They might have spent several years of their life here, but each time they gazed at the pure, undisturbed surface of the water, they couldn't hold back their admiration. This was the kind of things they wanted to protect. If the balance between the forces of nature was disturbed, it always meant trouble. It was the same with Light and Darkness. If one side was perverted, it was their duty to put the things back in place, in order to maintain the balance. That was the "New Inquisition's" way.

A sheet of paper once again fell on their face, and the Inquisitor slightly grinned at the new "gift" of the Enchantress. The Echo of the Saint's might… The one who wrote this scripture possessed such a will, that even the biggest beasts could flinch when he rung his Bellhammer. Slowing their pace while reading, they memorized the runes and promised themselves to try it as soon as they could. When they tried it alone, it was just making a loud noise that silenced the nature around them for several minutes.

Well, if they wanted to calm an assembly, it could be useful.

39th day; 6 days left

The Inquisitor rung the Bellhammer slowly, letting the healing effect of the Holiness Echo last longer. They were using their claw and wings more these days because of the monsters' attacks, way numerous than before. Was the Enchantress scared that they were indeed able to fight against the Fate, and was trying to slow them down?

'Sorry, but I'm going to make it. And the next time we'll meet at the Tower, I'm going to be more powerful than ever!'

Barely looking at the monster rushing at them, they swung the hammer down, snapping it's neck. Turning around, they grabbed another one with their claw and slammed it on a tree, and continued their flurry of attacks. Most of the blows were absorbed by the Holy Armor Echo, and their Howl somehow gave them more strength and stamina. The adrenaline was rushing through their body, and they didn't felt themselves change even further during the fight. Their mind was focused on one thing: defeat the enemies. After all, if they didn't, who would? They didn't felt pain when spiked, ominous horns grew on their head, piercing the hat; and didn't felt their teeth turn into small fangs.

The Inquisitor strapped the weapon to their back, and just decided to take down the last monster of the pack, an enormous snake, with only their claw and wings. The fight was vicious, and the Cursed One leaped, slashed, but exhaustion quickly creeped up, and they had to take the weapon in hand once more. The snake hissed, and went for their head. The Echo of the Saint's Might stopped it, making it flinch for a second, but that was enough. A soundwave crashed onto it's skull, and another one followed. The Bellringer took off, the gust of wind keeping the snake on a defensive stance, then smashed their Bellhammer with all of their might on the snake's head, killing it on the spot.

"I can only admire your prowess with these new powers Bell… I wasn't wrong when I chose to curse you."

The Inquisitor was too exhausted to answer, leaning on their weapon for support. They blankly touched their horns, still shocked by what they just did. This was the biggest pack they ever fought, and it was the hardest fight they ever won. Their magic was out, and they would have to wait in order to recover some for at least being able to use the Holiness Echo. They might have won, but they didn't made it unscathed. Shaking the blood off their weapon, they slowly walked away, trying to find a place where they could rest, far from the victims of his rampage. When they finally found a place that seemed safe, they sat below the trees, between the roots and leaned their back against the trunk, closing their eyes. They could rest a little, right?

The Enchantress was disappointed concerning the lack of response coming from her distraction. She just let the last Scripture's page fall on their face like always, but this didn't woke them up.

41th day; 4 days left

The Inquisitor smiled. They were beginning to see traces of civilization, a sign that shown that they were almost done with their trip around the Mirall. The Temple and it's priests could finally free them from that curse before it was too late, and then, they could return to the Tower of Fate. The only problem would be to actually access to the Temple, their beastly appearance automatically making of them a target for the people. Hiding their wings could be possible if them folded them in the right way, but their horns were the problem now. If only they didn't lost time with this stupid incident in the plains and these packs of monsters! Now they had to travel by night, and since it was spring, daytime was getting longer. So they waited until the Moon rose in the sky, and only the noises of nature were present. Then they moved quickly into the empty streets, and the only night guards present only thought that it was a shadow, rushing through the village. They knew the place, and remembered the time when they spent nights at the library, trying to decipher the runic language and the various maps of the other regions.

They had 4 days left. 3 nights. And two villages to go through in order to reach the Temple. It would be tough, but it was possible. They could make it. They knew it. They would return to the Tower, and face the Enchantress once more.

43th day; 2 days left

They were finally there. Standing before them was the Temple. They made it in time, to the place they called "home" before they began travelling. It was where they learnt about the Old Inquisition, and their weapons, where they found a purpose and ideals to drive them. They smiled, and knocked to the main door. There always was a priest watching if there was someone who was in need, even at night. They saw the door open, and entered the sacred place, muttering a prayer to the Gods, then turned to face the priest.

"This is… Quite an advanced state…"

"I know… I ran from The Tower of Fate to here in order to be cured. Can you… Do this, even in my current… State?"

The priest frowned at the sight of the Bellhammer.

"So you're the one who calls themselves the Inquisition."

"Inquisitor but… Yes."

"I suppose that it was the Enchantress herself that cursed you… Come with me to the back. I'm not able to cure you by myself."

The Bell Inquisitor followed the priest who opened the door of one of the healing chambers. There was several of these here, and they already had some occasions to visit those, especially when they messed with the wildlife during their "training". All of the priests knew of their existence, but no one actually knew something about them.

The group of priest was surprised by their sudden arrival, and most of the glares they earned were filled with fear and pity. One of them made them sit on a chair, and tried to take the weapon.

"I'm sorry but… I prefer to keep it if you don't mind."

"Hum… Yes, of course… Anyway, we need to see your chest. Would you open your robe please?"

The Inquisitor slowly undone the buttons, but without lowering the collar. The priests flinched, and one of them approached them, his fingers tracing the dilated black veins reaching the heart. The look of worry in his eyes increased, and asked for a needle, and turned back to the Inquisitor while he waited for the item.

"For how long have you been you cursed?"

"I… The Enchantress said that she had rewarded me with a delayed curse."

"How much time?"

"It… It's been 43 days…"

"The… The needle you requested…"

The priest took the items between his fingers and planted it in the Inquisitor's right arm. They clenched the Bellhammer harder when they felt the cold tool penetrate through the skin, and then be removed, dripping with black blood.

"Urk… I didn't know that I was already black…"

"The needle… The silver turned purple."

The look of the priests became heavier, and the Bell Inquisitor suddenly felt worry rise in their chest. Why these looks? They still had two days. They could still be cured, right? Their time wasn't up yet. So, why?

"Bell Inquisitor… We… We can't cure you… The curse already reached your heart and…"

"But why? I'm… I'm still human and sane… So why? I still have 2 days now…"

"Once you're tainted… If the veins reach the heart, it's over. The heart reaches everything and thus… Your whole body is now affected and… There's no more curse to lift. If you're still holding on now… It's because of the time you were given… And your willpower."

"But…"

"She told you that you had 45 days, but never told you before what. She didn't told you about in how much time the curse would infect your body."

"But… When?"

"We're sorry, but you have to leave this place."

"What? And what about killing me twice? Once for the Undeath and the second to free me?!"

The Bell Inquisitor had gotten up and closed their robe, hiding the markings of the curse. They clenched their weapon even tighter now, and behind their mask, they couldn't decide if they had to be surprised, angry or sad.

"A transformation curse with such a long time to twist the body, isn't one made to punish or make of you a mere monster…"

"Oh yes? AND WHAT DO I HAVE TO BE TURNED INTO MORE THAN A MONSTER?!"

Everything crashed down around them. They just wanted to do the right thing! Why was the Fate against them?! Couldn't the priests simply kill them so they wouldn't be burdened anymore and harm anyone? What was their role in this story now? Was that it? Was that all they could do? They refused to believe it. They made it this far, they couldn't afford to give up now on their humanity and sanity.

"She cursed you, not to become a powerful undead or a unique monster… She wants you to become a Sentient."

"SHE WANTS WHAT?! BUT I'M NOT EVEN A KNIGHT OR ANYTHING! I'M NOT EVEN WILLING TO DO ANYTHING FOR HER!"

"Please Inquisitor. Get out of the Temple. If you're losing it here, you might hurt more than you know, and we all know that it's not what you desire. Run into the Swamp… And maybe that she won't find you here. You still have a chance, not to stay human, but to stay free. You must believe us…"

"I… I think I can't trust you now but… Deep down I know that you're right. Very well then… Brothers, I bid you farewell. May the Yacht Gods guide your way."

"May they guide your way too Inquisitor. And good luck."

They stepped out of the Temple, and looked one last time at the Mirall. It might be the last time after all. The Dark Swamp was waiting for them, waiting for them to become one of it's abominations. It didn't mattered anymore. The only thing that was driving them now was their own despair. Dragging themselves further into the unknown, they didn't cared about the beasts attacking from all sides, and simply killed them without question. They screamed when the wings changed their shape, becoming the ones of dragon, and with their flesh dividing and finally getting a better shape to fly; but stayed silent when the tail sprouted from their back. When a larger beast attacked him, they didn't knew if they had to give up...

And the monster died, disintegrated by an explosion of pure darkness. The half-Sentient was stronger, and still mutating. They howled more than they screamed, and rays of pure darkness were summoned around them, destroying any kind of lifeform. But why did they fought now? For what reason?

They shook their head. It didn't mattered now. The only reason that was keeping them going was the safety of others. They couldn't afford to finish their transformation too close to the humans, but they couldn't afford to die either, the wicked magic able to resurrect them as an Undead heresy.

45th day

The Inquisitor leaned against a rock and slowly slipped to the ground. They knew it was over now. They were far enough from the Temple and any kind of civilization, and soon, they wouldn't be able to hold back the beast in them. They would become a Sentient, and their mere presence could give birth to a new kind of monsters… Their lips quivered. They didn't want that. They weren't ready to accept their fate yet. What would happen now?

And for the first time during their journey, they cried. They felt their tears leaking from behind the metallic mask and roll on their cheeks, falling on the inside of the collar. Clutching their Bellhammer tightly, they felt the scales slowly growing on their skin, unable to stop it. The last Echo they learned, the devastating Holy Wave was useless now that they were fully turning into a monster. Even their own Despair had turned into a massive destruction weapon now. They gritted their teeth at the idea of letting go…

"Ah… Look at you now. You're powerful now… Doesn't that pleases you?"

The Bell Inquisitor looked at the Enchantress that had appeared before them. They didn't answer to her, and would never do it now. Floating above the ground, she slowly removed their hat, mask and collar; the half-Sentient unable to move and too focused on holding "themselves" back. They knew they could lash out now, but they couldn't win anyway, so there was no point in doing that, except giving her what she wanted. They looked at her, their eyes filled with a fierce determination. A determination to hold the beast back the longer they could, a determination to stay human, and alive.

"I won't… Give up so easily… Before my Fate…"

The Enchantress looked at their face, now uncovered. The person struggling before her eyes was still young, maybe in their late twenties or early thirties? Their skin was pale, surely a consequence of never exposing anything to the sunlight, and even if their face and hair were covered in sweat and dirt, they still looked pretty enough to seduce someone easily, like Propeller Knight. Pure silver eyes looked at her, so very human as their body kept on transforming, and as their horns continued to grow, piercing their unkempt and messy black hair.

"A Sentient, is what I desire at every Age. You were destined to become one, either by my hand or the hand of Fate. But don't worry…"

The wind briefly blew at the Inquisitor's face, and before they could even realize what was happening, their Bellhammer had been taken by the Enchantress as well as their hat, and they were chained, the upper part of their robe undone. They didn't knew where she had taken their most treasured items, but they shivered when she traced her finger against the black veins on their bare chest.

"Such power, but such a resistance… Well, it looks like I don't have any other choice now."

The light was dim, and when they turned their head, trying to not look at her, they saw that their arms were chained behind their back, and that they were in an enormous room, and it seemed to be underground when they smelled the faint fragrance of fresh dirt and humidity… They heard an another crack, and they knew that this was their only chance now.

They stopped struggling and let the beast take over, twisting the body, making it grow unnaturally and finally; roar. They weren't human anymore. They had become a Sentient.

The silver dragon stood before her, their red wings still folded and the veins on their chest pulsing with a bright purple light. Their mouth glowed for a moment, and then they fired their lasers. The cell became incandescent and purple, while the beast was trying to tear down the walls around it, and destroy the Enchantress with it.

Chains shot up around them, and suddenly, binded them. Their legs, tail, wings, horns and neck, nothing escaped the binding. An another chain muzzled them, and despite their fierce resistance, they were unable to free themselves. They pulled and protested, but what they earned was only pain. The chains were searing into his skin, burning.

"What a bad dog… But don't worry. I'm going to take care of everything."

They couldn't scream anymore. Their mouth was kept shut by the chains, as well as the rest of their body.

They could only cry now, mourning for their lost humanity and wicked Fate. They could only cry now, pain becoming a constant thing. They could only cry, for the lives they tried to protect, yet destroyed now.

They could only cry.

And that's it! I'm currently trying to write the story for after the fall of the Tower, but know that I won't try to publish anything if the story isn't finished. So that's why you're not going to have it now. Don't forget to leave a review or send me a pm, it can help me!

Thank you for reading this!