Vatican Service

After being whisked back to the Vatican by Plane, Father Certus had filled out all the paperwork to make Eric and Anna a Brother and Sister of the Church. Their defeat of a pureblood vampire at age 15 made everything very streamlined. Before long, they had been invited to attend a briefing for their first mission. They were accompanied by a bishop and several teenagers, many older than them, from the Order of Scanderbeg, who trained Battle-Priests to fight the enemies of God. Eric looked around the table.

At the head, Cardinal Austerus was the man in charge of The Church's militant wing. He had the ability to call upon Battle-Priests, Holy warriors and anything else he needed to protect the Catholic faith and its believers.

Next to him sat Bishop Espico, who they didn't not know much about, but would oversee the operation. They were tasked with escorting a group of scholars who were investigating ruins in South America. They would meet the scholars in Brazil, then acquire supplies and travel to the ruins by vehicle. Low risk, low importance. Eric was looking forward to doing his part for the faith, and seeing new places with Anna.

On the aeroplane, Anna fell asleep on him immediately, clutching onto Eric's arm. Eric looked down at Anna. Her dark curls framed her beautiful face, a button nose sitting in the middle, adorned by a smattering of freckles she had not quite grown out of. As she pressed against him, Eric was made immediately aware of how well she was blossoming into adulthood. They were both 15, but one does not meet many other Children when one is on the run for most of their life, and Eric could never remember his childhood. He was looking forward to spending some time with the other boys and girls from the Order his age.

As it turned out, the others were surprisingly raucous and diverse for children raised in a holy order in the Vatican. Mostly orphans, or people from distinguished warrior lines like Anna had supposedly been. Brother Adam was the oldest, he was 17, and had failed to graduate last year. He was strong, brave and charismatic, but incredibly stubborn and a bit bigheaded. Sister Bella and Brother Cadmus were both 16 but similarities ended there: Bella was mouthy and aggressive, whereas Cadmus was bookish and meek. Brothers Dieppe and Eboloski were 15, like Anna and Eric. As the youngest, they tended tended to follow whatever Brother Adam did. When the group were booked into their hostel, Bishop Espico disappeared off to 'greet the local believers', leaving the kids to do whatever they wanted.
"Hey, Sister Farkas" shouted Bella across the racket Dieppe, Eboloski and Adam were making "You wanna go somewhere quiet ah?" before dragging her upstairs, probably to extort more personal information from, which Anna told Eric she'd do a lot. Noticing the pair being split up, Brother Adam ambled over
"So, Hemmelige, you had a go on that girl of yours yet?"
"What?!" Eric burst out in shock
"The Vampire Slayer-ess, she's grown up man, and she's sweet on you, you need to get in there"
"Get in there? I am a member of The Church, I shall not partake in sin!" Eric new exactly what he was talking about, but there was no space for that in the Church, it was for unbelievers and sinners. Eric, like Anna, would remain Chaste.
"Oh Eric, how little you understand, come with me" he slung his arm round Eric's neck and steered him out of the hostel, Eboloski and Dieppe were following, giggling. "THIS, is what faith is. THIS, is what The Church does." Adam led Eric to the window of a dingy building, and inside was the sound of wet slaps and panting.

"Oh Father, Oh Father, Bless me!" screamed a woman, as Eric saw round the window frame, he saw a man standing upright behind the woman, plunging into her.
"Why have you brought me to a house of sin, Brother Adam?!" Eric hissed
"Ah, but it's not sin, Brother Eric, when you see who's doing it" he replied
The man finished with a loud groan, the woman let out a satisfied sigh and calmed her breathing. The man paid the woman before grabbing a bottle by the doorway and walked out, before seeing the boys.
"Boys!"
"Bishop Espico?"
"Ah, you're taking Brother Hemmelige out tonight?"
"His big night Father Espico, we're going to get him his first!"
"His first? You poor boy, here, let me help you"
"But Father, I am celibate"
"Yes, yes, we're all celibate, don't give into temptation and sin. But this is Love, Eric, God preaches about love all the time. In the bible. It's a great book Eric, you should read it."
"Father…"
"Come on Eric" Adam dragged him after the priest, giggling
"Estavos!" Bishop Espico called "Estavos!"
"Ah, Mr Espico, was Marcelaine to your liking? After another?"
"Another for my friend, Brother… Mr Hemmelige, it is his first time you know."
"A first, I have several girls who would be perfect... experienced…"
"I think we should have something…" Adam cut in, laughing "More special, Father, I think it is only fair Eric spends his first with another"
"I only have one, and she WON'T be cheap… An orphan, beautiful, young, found her the other day. Five thousand Real."
"My-my. My friend Estavos, we are men of god! I would bless your establishment myself if we could come to an agreement."
"I do not care for your fake fantasies Father, Five thousand, or get out of my brothel."
"Brother Adam, should one suffer the heathen, or the heretic?"
"No Father" said Adam, before laying out the brothel owner with a single punch.
"Dieppe, Eboloski, please prosthelytize our friend Estavos, Adam, make sure Hemmelige has a good time, I'd hate for him to miss out, then see if you'd like to visit one of Marcelaines friends, I'm just going to see how she is, and if she has any more of this lovley, lovley, lovley, lovley wine."

Eric was bundled into the room before he could comprehend what was happening.
"We're doing this for your own good Hemmelige, get on with it, and we'll let you out."
"You'll let me out now, you heretic!" Eric shouted
"Hemmelige…" Adam began
"Now you listen here Adam,,,"
"NO, you listen here Eric" Adam stated through the door, punctuating his words aggressively "If you don't fuck the slut in there, we'll get Anna over here, and you can EXPLAIN why you're in a room with a whore"
"She'll!"
"THEN we'll SHOW her."
"YOU!"
"THE GIRL ERIC, GOD, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU."

As Eric was about to shout back, a step came from behind him. In lamplight, Eric could just about make out a bed, cupboard and chest. But before he could examine the room some more, he caught sight of the girl holding the lamp. She was beautiful. The girl glowed in the light, silhouetted against the dark behind her, she had long, black hair, which flowed over her bare shoulders. She wore nothing but a thin bikini, no more than a trio of well placed triangles held on by thin straps. Trying to avoid her gaze, and to avoid gazing at her body, Eric looked down, his eyes travelling unwillingly down her slim legs.
"What can I do for you tonight sir?"
Eric looked up, "I'm sorry?"
"I am yours tonight, am I not? You have spoken to Estavos, and he has sold me."
"I…I have… to"
"What do you have to do sir?" the girl shivered "Me? I am ready for you, any time"
"Is this… what… he asked you to say?"
"He did, is it not to your liking? Would you like me to call you something else?"
"No, no, just Eric is fine. I'm Eric Hemmelige, I'm a Brother… of The Church"
"Ah, the older girls say they get quite a few of you, Mr Estavos can be very discrete"
"Oh..Well… Er, What's your name?"
"My name? Is it important?"
"I would like to know it, if you don't mind, they're going to make me, do things with you, otherwise…. they'll do them to… well… my sister. I do not wish to make you suffer in her place… but…"
"I understand. I wish I had a sister. My name is Zantina, I do not know my surname."
"I do not know my childhood, I just remembered my name before I met Anna"
"Then we must not keep you from her"
"You are willing?"
"You have been kind to me, Brother Eric Hemmelige, I will gladly exchange our first times." A tear appeared in her eye, which she blinked away, she led him to the bed, removed his robes, and pulled the sheets over them. She lay on top of him as they shared skin contact beneath the sheets.
"I suppose it is a poor time for it, but would you pray with me, Zantina?"
"I would love to Eric."
Eric said a short prayer, thanking God for watching over them, and to forgive them the coming sin.

After they both said Amen, Zantina turned and captured Eric's lips with her own, and ran her hands over his body. Eric had never been particularly muscular, but he possessed a wiry sort of strength, it was evident he wasn't weak. Zantina's skin was smooth, paler than Father Espico's weathered, Hispanic features, but darker than Anna's light tan.

She was beautiful.

She was soft.

She was enthusiastic.

-BREAK-

Now, finding a virgin in a brothel should have been a warning sign, Eric realised, on reflection. A place of debauchery and sin, harbouring a meek and tortured soul, happy to give up her virginity to a meek churchboy? Zantina turned out to be more than met the eyes. She had at first attempted to take over his mind, and enslave him, but his faith had saved him, and he thanked God for that. He prayed for Zantina's soul, she turned out to be pleasant, for a witch. Sam was no zealot when it came to magic, he had seen good people perform perfectly benign magic before.

She had apologised, afterwards

-FLASHBACK-

A light sheen covered his naked body in the dimly lit room; Eric turned to Zantina.

"So, a witch, huh?"
"…Yes" she was still trying to get her breath back
"Do you want to… er… talk about it?"
"Not really"

"Anything you want to apologise for?"

"Is there anything YOU want to apologise for?" she bit back, though smiling a little

Eric laughed, and smiled back "You did tease me quite a bit" there was a pause, as she thought for a moment, and have him a pensive look
"Just what ARE you, Eric Hemmelige?"
"Human."
"One hell of a human"
"I do my best"
She sighed. "…I wasn't lying though... I am a witch, and a whore." She looked sadly away. He came back to bed, and gestured for her to lie against his shoulder.
"You don't have to be... Take Mr Estavos' money, start anew. Use your powers and that brain of yours."
"I was always liked mathematics and clothes…"
"Set up a stall or a shop or something then, every tailor must start somewhere"

"...What about you?"
"I will continue with the Church. I have lost faith in them, but not in God, and we do his work."
"Such strong faith… and dedicated too. I'm jealous of the Lord" she gave him an sultry smile
Eric laughed "You shouldn't have slept with a Church boy then."
"A church MAN." She corrected, they both laughed. "You know, I think I'm going to miss you Eric."
"You have your whole life ahead of you now Zantina" He smiled at her, she smiled back "Here, take this." He handed her a chess piece from the bag which had materialised in his hand. "Something to remember me by." She took the piece from him. "Farewell, Zantina."
"Good luck, Eric" Zantina replied, as Eric left. She looked down at the mottled green and orange pawn in her hands. It was nice, almost warm. She looped a piece of string around it and hung it around her neck.

Where it would stay, she decided.

-END FLASHBACK-

Eric had struggled to make eye contact with Anna ever since. She kept asking if everything was alright, and he just stammered platitudes back at her. The older boys had also asked how his night was, though knowing just what he had been up to. Eric had barely been able to cover Anna's ears when one of the boys was about to explain to her what the 'groaning and screaming' was all about. He just wanted this expedition over. In his humble opinion, one night of excitement and supernatural encounters was enough for one trip.

Peruvian Mission

It took four days for the party to row up the Amazon. The members of the Order were strong, having been brought up with a martial lifestyle, to prepare for service to the church. Eric wasn't quite sure why he and Anna were here, but the experience might be good for them. They admired the scenery as they got deeper into the Amazon. Eventually they came to the foothills of the East Andes. The Order of Scanderbreg were ordered to prepare a camp and wait, whilst the Church experts would investigate the ruins they were here to examine.

On the first day, they cleared an area and built shelters.

On the second day, a palisade went up, and the boats were cleaned out.

On the third day, Bishop Espico began getting restless.

On the fourth day, he took Brothers Adam, Dieppe and Eboloski with him, as well as Eric.

"Come on, Vampire Slayer, leave your sweet little sister here, we'll see her when we all get back."
"I…I'll look after the c-c-camp Father" said Brother Cadmus
"See that you do, Brother Cadmus. We will be back within the day, the ruins are not far."

They began off down the track. All the Brothers had their weapons out. Eric clutched his machete and shield, both having been issued to him when they left Brazil. Adam clutched a great wood felling axe, as well as the sword on his hip. Dieppe had his sword drawn, and Eboloski handled a spear with practiced ease. Dieppe went down first, a toxic dart hit him in the neck. Father Espico insisted the experts would be able to treat it on the way back, so they left him on the trail.

They carried on up the trail, Eboloski fell into a pit trap. His screams could be heard, but he could not be seen, the hole was so deep. Father Espico insisted the experts had rope, they'd be back in a few hours. Eric swallowed hard.

Eventually, they came to the 'ruins'.

A great rockface met them, into it carved magnificent columns, ancient festivals, and, worryingly, symbols of a satanic origin.

"Heathens." Said Father Espico "Tread carefully, Brother Adam"
"Of course Father, just wait until they taste my axe!"
"Eric, check the entrance for traps"

Eric advanced carefully, then heard a shout from inside the temple "Father?" he called back
"I head it, are there any more traps?"
"No, Father"
"I will await you out here, to ensure the entrance does not close."
The boys looked at each other, then turned to the Bishop "Of course father"
"Go in God's name, boys, bring me those experts, we should get back to the city."

They entered the dark corridor.

-CHAPTER BREAK-

They were completely immersed in darkness quickly, their torches, flashlights and holy symbols could not penetrate it.
"Magical darkness." Said Brother Adam "Stay Close, Hemmelige"
Eric nodded, then realised they were in complete darkness "Sorry, of course."
Adam spat "Filthy Heathens" as they both heard ominous chanting, getting closer as they advanced. They eventually saw firelight, and the chanting was now very loud. They found a corridor to the left of an archway, and peered round.

Before them stood a dozen hooded men, and in front of the small crowd was a raised dair, with the experts trussed up spread-eagled on large wooden frames. A man covered in blood red markings and unholy symbols egged the chanting group on.
"Well there's our experts." The experts were three balding white men, and a hispanic boy who must have been their valet. The chanting crescendoed, and the marked man thrust a dagger into the chest of one of the experts, who screamed as his still beating heart was removed.
"Good Gracious!" exclaimed Eric, Adam let out some choice swear words. "Is that not a Mesoamerican practice?"
"Might be a travelling heathen"
"He doesn't look Mesoamerican"
"Could be a Demon"
"Could be"
"They have been known to steal pagan customs and spread them. We must return and warn Bishop Espico."
"There is no need." Eric uttered, as a large grey golem walked straight past them, carrying the pummelled corpse of the Bishop.
"Monster…" A look of panic came over his face "We must get out of here"
"What about the Experts?"
Another scream came as the chanting crescendoed again.
"Well, there are one or two left now." The older boy pointed out "And what about your sister"
"She is safe."
"Eric?" came a familiar voice down the tunnel.
Eric and Adam were suddenly joined by Bella, Cadmus and Anna.
"I'm not ready to die." Said Adam
"I doubt anyone truly is" Eric started, there was another scream, and the tunnel they had come from sealed. No way back now. "There is one innocent in there, twelve heretics, and a demon priest. We have no way out, we must advance."
Adam looked at Eric. "I'm not about to be out-braved by a junior. Alright Hemmelige, for God and the Church."
"For God and the Church. May be bless this holy battle"
Cadmus swallowed, and set his wide face in a serious expression "I'm not gonna be left behind, not again."
Bella twisted the spear in her hands. "I guess this is where it ends."
"I'll see you at the pearly gates, Brothers and Sisters" Adam said
"May that time be delayed as long as possible." Eric replied.
He embraced Anna, and then Adam, Cadmus and Bella.
"I'm sorry I was awful to you all." Adam suddenly said
"So was I" said Bella "I was just jealous of how close you two were, and how clever you were" she gestured to Eric and Anna then Cadmus. Adam nodded too.

They stood assembled at the entrance to the chamber, then they charged.

They hacked through several of the worshipers quickly. These were unarmed civilians, so Eric and Adam gave them God's judgement, and cut them down. They tried to fight back, but Eric hid behind his shield, separating limbs from bodies with his machete as did Brother Cadmus. Brother Adam cut a bloody storm through the crowd with his axe, Bella kept the cultists at range, poking them with her spear until they died. Anna cast strong light magic which distracted many, allowing them to be cut down.

The five stood, panting, in a sea of bodies
"Demon! You will be slain in the name of God!"

The demon looked entertained "God? God? God is dead, you fools!"

"Nonsense!" brother Adam shouted "We will have none of your lies, if God was dead, we would not have survived until now!"
"So be it, Warriors. Golemo, crush!"
The stone golem stormed forwards, it's speed far quicker than one would expect from its size. The party scattered, and their weapons glanced off it as they jutted in and out of combat. It made an unearthly groan of anger, and started toward Bella, who stopped in shock
"Bella!" Adam called, as the golem's fist smashed her lithe body across the room, where it smashed into the wall. It then turned and charged down Cadmus, who tried to dodge to the side, the Golem smashed past him, catching his arm, which was ripped from it's socket.
"Anna, check Bella damn it! Eric, take the Demon!"

Eric broke combat and ran toward the Demon, who chuckled.
"A little church scion versus me? Don't be silly." The demon raised a hand calmly, and a magic circle appeared. Eric's weapons were torn violently from his hands, dislocating his shoulder. Eric screamed in pain. Another scream came from behind, and Eric heard Adam shout at Cadmus to respond. Another magic circle appeared on the Demon, and Eric's legs bent at odd angles. Pain seared through his body, tears leaked from the corners of his eyes. There was a shout and a squeal, then loud stomping. The golem held Brother Adam and Anna in a stony fist each. Both struggled, until Eric saw it squash them slightly, and both screamed.

"I don't need the boy"
"You Bastard!" shouted Adam, before his face contorted into a silent scream as his body was crushed, and unceremoniously dumped on the floor.
"No!" Eric called, as he crawled toward the Demon on his elbows.
"We'll save the virgin for a sacrifice later. Always useful to have one around"
Eric tried to summon magic like Anna and her mother had taught him. A small orange magic circle appeared, and spat out a small bolt, which shattered a small protective magic circle in front of the Devil and pierced the Demon's knee. He shouted in pain,
"You little prick!" he raised a hand to his knee, and healed it quickly, before raising the other hand at Eric. Several bolts like Eric's shot back at him, piercing his flesh easily. Eric fell back down.
"No! Eric!" Anna screamed, sobbing
"Not dead yet? You're a tenacious little thing. Maybe you'll survive long enough for me to sacrifice the last boy and this friend of yours. He gestured to the Hispanic boy still tied up, still looking on in shock.
"No, I think I'll just kill you and save her for later, four men will do for this ritual, would be a waste to kill a virgin just to torture you. So rare these days."
"You shan't have her!" shouted the Hispanic boy, who had untied himself whilst everything was going on, he leaped toward the Demon, who forced him hard back down to the floor magically.
"So much faith, for nothing" laughed the Demon "absolutely nothing." He stomped on Eric's arm as he walked over to the other boy. He formed a demonic sword in his hand, and thrust it down, but it was deflected by the boy who now stumbled up, wielding Eric's Machete. The two dueled for half a minute before the boy tripped over Eric. Eric meanwhile could barely feel any part of his body, he felt only pain, and a violent throbbing from his left shoulder, as he saw the Demon push a sword straight through the boy, his world went black.

"Do you wish for power, Eric?" Eric heard a voice, before him, he saw an enormous Green Dragon, with massive wounds, chunks missing from it's flesh. "I can give you power."
"For what"
"Your arm. Your shoulder is not nearly enough space for me."
"Take it, this body will not survive anyway, take what you want."
"You offer me, your whole body?"
"Sure."

There was a moment of silence, the dragon shuddered.
"So much space. I have healed you. The Midgard will always allow you to draw her power."
"Who are you?" Eric said
"You may call me Midgardsommir. Now save your friends."

"What is this?" The Demon examined Eric, who's wounds had healed "Is this your doing, girl? Healing this tenacious little fuck?"
"Tenacious…" Eric whimpered, he felt his strength return a little, feeling returned to his rent body.
"TERRAN GEAR" came a call from his shoulder, and a large pauldron materialised. It was a familiar deep green, and in the middle of it sat a silver-grey gem. Eric felt it's power thrum through him. He stood, and threw his fist into the back of the Demon's head, smashing him to the floor. What was this power?

The Demon quickly crawled a pace forward and stood, his sword still wet with the blood of the Valet. He charged forwards and took off Eric's arm just below the pauldron, before slashing it up, catching Eric across the face. Eric felt an odd feeling at the loss of his arm and eye, but no pain. He grabbed the Demon by the neck before it could call the golem in. It thrust the sword into Eric's side. Again Eric felt nothing, as he watched the life fade from the Demon's eyes. He dropped him, and heard the furious groan again. Eric picked his shield up and the monster's fist smashed it cleanly in half. He dropped half the shield then took the other half in both hands, and thrust it into the head of the Demon, splitting it open.

The golem roared and came apart into boulders as the magic supporting it disappeared. Eric looked down and saw his arm rematerialize, covered in deep green armour plates. He materialised the armour and a smaller pauldron over his right arm too, then imagined a helmet to cover his face. He suddenly realised he could see through his left eye. He banished the armour and prodded around it.

Eric's pouch appeared in his hand.

He fumbled around in it, and drew out a knight piece. It had a light drag toward the boy, who still bled from the horrific wound in his chest. The piece appeared to be drawn toward him, and when Eric touched it to him, it disappeared, the cavernous wound shut, and the boy took a sharp intake of breath. He panted violently
"Wha… wha…. What happened?" Eric suddenly remembered his sister, who was standing behind him in shock
"It's …. A mircacle! Two miracles! You'll be a saint, Eric!"
She drew him into a hug, he hugged her back
"We can't tell them.."
"Why?"
"Dragon, I have a dragon… in me"
Both of them made noises of shock
"They'll call in the slayers" Anna said in realisation
"No tolerance for evil creatures" said the boy "Don't worry, I'm not about to tell anyone, I owe you my life!"
"Eric, Eric Hemmelige, this is Anna Farkas."
"Eric Hemmelige" he kneeled in front of him "I, Sebastien Corteza, owe you my life, my sword is yours should you ever need it, I swear it in witness to God."
"What will you do now?"
"Whatever you ask, I am presumed dead."
"What would you want to do?"
Sebastien paused "I guess I'd like to travel, help out people, like you helped me. Spend some time away from the Church, you?"
"We must return to the Vatican, and tell them what happened here. If you do not wish to return to the church, go freely, Sebastien Corteza."
The boy nodded, and left, Eric picked Anna up and they walked back to the camp. An angel stood waiting, there was no mistaking the winged, haloed, glowing human for anything else. Before they could bless it's arrival, it spoke

"What happened here?"

Thracian Enthrallment

"You have performed well, for ones so young." Said Cardinal Austerus, "you have proven yourselves dedicated, pure, and skilled, first during that mess in Peru, then in Italy and Poland. We'll be assigning you to a new team, immediately."

"Cardinal, sir?" Eric questioned, scratching at the scar, an angry red line across his now older face, still bisecting his eye socket.

"Questions afterwards, Brother Hemmelige." Eric nodded in apology. He turned to Anna

"We have need of your experience" he turned back to Eric "and yours. You will be part of a new rapid-response group in the Balkans. We are assigning you a pair of trainee exorcists, one from England, one from France. Your first assignment will be to take down a roving vampire in Greece. We shall suffer not the beast, he has left his reserve, and his undeath is forfeit. Report back via prayer once complete"

"Of course, Cardinal, Sir." They both replied

"Come in!" he called out sternly. Two girls walked into the chamber, clad in long, white robes, hoods down, both with large boxes strapped over their shoulders. "These are Trainee Sisters Shidou and Balise. Your ship to Albania leaves this evening. May the lord bless your travels, and your mission. Amen."

"Amen." They all echoed, and Cardinal Austerus left the Chamber.

"Shidou Irina" said a girl with bright purple eyes, and a happy expression. She stuck her hand out, Eric shook it, and introduced himself and Anna.
"Eric Hemmelige, this is my sister, Anna Farkas."
The other blonde, with intelligent blue eyes, introduced herself "Charlotte Balise"
"A pleasure, do you two know each other?"
"We interacted a leetle during training" Charlotte said, looking at Irina, then at Anna and Eric. "Seester?"
"I'm adopted" Eric smiled and chuckled slightly "The Farkases took me in before they were killed by vampires."
"My The Lord smite them all!" said Irina, Anna nodded, sombrely.

They all wandered down to the armoury, to get kitted out for vampire hunting. Anna peaked up,
"First thing" she started. "Stakes." She pushed several into a bandolier, as Eric did, and they passed them to the two exorcists. "Stakes, stakes and more stakes."
Anna picked up a crossbow "Vampires are fast, but you can usually get a shot or two off, and thralls are safer taken out from afar." The two exorcists nodded.
"I have my own" Charlotte patted her large case.
"I am a better swordsmistress than archer" Irina said
"You're up front with me then" Eric said, picking up a new shield with blessings on, and strapping it to his back. He clipped a sword of light to his belt. "Always take a second sword, I lost my weapon on my first mission, and had to fight off a golem with a shield." The girls nodded and took one each.
"It was very impressive." Anna said. "Armour will do you little use for vampires" she said seeing Eric eye a breastplate.
"Trenchcoats?" he questioned
"A good idea, I hear the Balkans suffer rainstorms at this time of year." Charlotte said
"We have our exorcist cloaks" Irina said
"Get another in a dark colour then, white will attract attention." Anna said
Eric nodded, and led them to the uniform racks. They all took dark brown overlayers. Eric and Anna took hats since their coats didn't have hoods. The reinforced trenchcoats were standard for vampire hunters, and Charlotte and Irina copied some of the blessings, wards and holy marks onto their new cloaks.
Eric wore a plain white shirt with black trousers and waistcoat underneath his coat, Anna found a white blouse, and a black corset and trousers which just fit her developing figure. The two nodded to each other. They took a tent and stove which Eric insisted on carrying, so Anna attached a heavy skillet to her much smaller pack. The group took a few more essentials and filed out to their transport.

They were an imposing sight as they left the Vatican. Two women in dark, hooded cloaks, followed by a pair in imposing trenchcoats and low slung hats.

The hunt was on.

Initially, their hunt went slowly as they adapted to life on the road. They went from village to village, making sure they visited both churches in inns for information. In a village in Macedonia they finally picked up the trail. A young girl had been taken in the night, after a mysterious individual came into town, he had been invited in, as was local custom to struggling travellers. First mistake.

Then they had let it be know the daughter was unwed, and untainted. Second mistake.

They had found her gone the next day, the man had disappeared. They were too upset and frightened to let anyone know. Third mistake.
"Don't worry Civilian, we'll find your daughter!" Irina's cheeriness really didn't help, but Eric hadn't been around to stop her, he was investigating the girl's room with Anna, who was examining the bed.
"Nothing." Eric sighed
"No cuddly toys"
"What?"
"No cuddly toys, all little girls have a cuddly toy."
"I had one." Said Charlotte from the doorway, "a cuddly bear."
"I had a cuddly snake!" Irina called
Eric of course knew Anna had had a cuddly lion when she was young, but it was lost in the vampire attack, as had all their belongings.
"It must have gone with her." Anna said
"Charlotte, what are you doing?" the blonde was looking through a telescope mounted on the top of her crossbow, out of the window.
"North."
"What?"
"That road goes straight north, the one with the stuffed bear in the ditch."
"Good spot, let's move" said Eric

They caught up with the Vampire at the Bulgarian border. He could not travel as fast as they could as it was already daytime. Irina had fought the girl, who was currently enthralled, whilst Eric and Anna fought the vampire. He transformed into a bat, but before he could fly away he was taken down by Charlotte's crossbow. They returned the girl, but heard reports of another vampire roving the Bulgarian hills. Irina was injured in their first brush with it, and Anna's rudimentary healing magic was of little use. They set up a camp discussed what to do.
"She's getting worse." Anna said, emerging from the tent "Add a little paprika Eric, and just stir it for a bit. I'll take over now." Eric and Charlotte were huddled around the skillet filled with meat and greens. Luckily, Anna was a fantastic cook, and they were often as cheery as Irina after mealtimes, even if only for a while. Charlotte prayed for guidance.
"I got a reply from ze Church" she said, sitting with them. "Zey are recalling Irina, some project fell srough, and she 'as been fast tracked for ze follow up." She turned to Eric "You are not going to like ze second bit."
"Go on."
"Zey are saying Anna Farkas should take an 'eeling course in Italy."
"That's fine, what will I be doing?"
"You and I are to finish what we are doing, find ze vampire scum"

They were all quiet for a while.

Eric spoke "We'll escort you to the port."

-BREAK-

It was a tearful separation from Anna, before Eric and Charlotte went back on the road. They didn't need to share a tent, as they slept in shifts, trying to get back on the trail of the Bulgarian vampire. Eric's cooking was nothing compared to Anna's, and Charlotte was a second daughter of a French noble. Cooking reminded him of Anna, and he missed her. He stared out over the valley, they had made camp at the edge of a wood atop a hill.
"You miss 'er zis much?" Charlotte asked him
"We've been together since we met."
"Zere is nuzzling more?"
"What do you mean?"
"Never mind, I do not mean to pry."

They were quiet until a figure approached them, Charlotte loaded her crossbow.
"May I enter your camp, travellers?"
"Who goes there?" Charlotte raised her crossbow whilst Eric sulked into tonight's soup.
"A fellow traveller, my name is Simeon." Said the man. He was middle aged, well tanned, but had bright, friendly eyes.
"Greetings Simeon, I am Charlotte, this is my companion Eric"
"Evening" Eric said, but didn't look up
"I thought I'd ask if I could share your camp, the sun is going down, and it is dangerous in the dark."
"Indeed, come, share our food, it is not much"
"Thank you."

They ate in silence

"This is very nice" said Simeon
"You go get some sleep" Charlotte said "I'm going to stay up a while"
"Wake me when you want to sleep" Eric said, whilst Simeon drew his cloak around himself, leaning against a tree root. Eric stared at the deep red sky changing to midnight blue as he drew the last piece of his bread around the pan to clean it.
"Goodnight then" Eric said, climbing into the tent. He heard the two talk quietly about the local area, Charlotte pressed him subtly for information.

"He is your husband?"
"Partner"
"What do you do for a living?"
"Zis and zat"
"What do you mean by partner then?"
"Nothing like zat, it ees professional. We fight togezzer."
"You fight vampires?"
"Sometimes"
"Are you any good?"
"'e is supposed to be."
"Is he?"
"'iz seester iz a famous 'untress, 'e is polite, but meeserable."
"Not great at fighting then?"
"'e could learn to get over it, eet is annoying"
"Would you say that you're particularly strong willed?"
"non, I just go along wiz 'im, I will be transferred once we 'ave produced no…"
"Why don't you just have a little rest, I have some friends looking for new companions. I'm going to have a chat to your partner"
Eric picked up a stake, the vampire was probably wearing a disguise, and now they were both in danger.
"Oh Eric…" Simeon poked into the tent, Eric thrust a stake into his heart.
"Hello Simeon, have you finished enthralling her?" he pushed Simeon out of the tent, the Vampire clutching at the stake. Eric drew a cross, Simeon flinched back. Eric stamped the stake, driving it fully into the vampire, who screamed and shattered into dust. He turned to Charlotte
"The mission is complete, you can go home." He spat. "I've got to do my seester's work for her, since she's not here."

He packed up the tent, and left her and her belongings by the fire, warding her with the last of his salt.

Eric walked north for a day, then made camp again. He cursed when he realised he had used the last of his salt to ward that ungrateful partner of his. She was probably on a boat to Rome by now.
"Good evening traveller, may I join your camp?"
"Not really in the mood for company, I'm afraid."
"May I sit by your fire for a while? The sun is going down, beasts haunt the night."
"It's alright now. I killed him."
"Simeon?"
"Yeah, you know him?"
"He was my creator, I must thank you"
"No problem"
"It is a shame that your partner disappeared on you."
"She didn't like me, thought I was weak, and useless"
"Are you?"
Eric turned to look at the pale face man, his long canines poking out over his lower lips, he went for a stake, but a magic circle appeared in the vampire's hand
"You did me a great favour killing Simeon, in return, maybe I'll save you for the games…"
Eric drew a stake and went for the vampire, but was unconcious before he could get there.

-BREAK-

Eric awoke to a vampiric grin.
"Your sacred gear would have made the games a little to easy for you, still, I've never eaten a dragon before. It's scent gave you away. Anyway, let's see what it's strength does for your pain tolerance…"
The vampire gestured to a selection of whips, knives and branding irons.
"I've got a lovely set of toys to play with after all."

-BREAK-

Charlotte was furious when she came to, see how she cared if she left him in this Godforsaken region. She then saw the circle of salt around her, her gear stowed neatly beside her. The pile of ash next to her. She remembered what she had said about him.
"He heard."
He must have, he was awake to kill the Vampire. Didn't it say it had friends? Eric wouldn't last long on his own. She followed his admirably well hidden trail, and saw the pale man approach his camp, Eric hadn't looked up, just like yesterday. He could probably spot one on sight, he had said last night they could wear disguises. She cursed herself for being so ignorant of his teachings. He was probably just as well trained as Anna, they had the same upbringing after all. Anna never spoke much outside of Vampire and cooking discussions. Maybe he just let her lead. She saw a magic circle form and the vampire disappeared into a cloud of smoke, Eric floated away.

"Merde."

-BREAK-

Charlotte examined what remained of Eric. He resembled a burnt, flayed mass of meat. He was barely recognisable aside from the bloody, sweaty mop of sandy hair.
"Eric?"
"Char…Lotte" he grunted "Why…. Here"
"Someone had to come and rescue you, why not your partner?"
"Pa-ner." He spat
"I am sorry I said what I said, Eric. You would 'ave easily spotted 'im, unlike me. I 'ave never 'ad anyone close like a seester. I did not understand 'ow you felt"
"And… you… do…. Now?"
"I'd… like to" she replied, honestly, she cut him down from his restraints. He fell on the ground, then looked up at her, his burning orange eyes looked into her deep blue. "Partners?"
He nodded "Partners"

She took in the state of his injuries again
"God almighty Eric, 'ow can you stand?"
He paused for a second. "It'll heal"
"Will eet?"
"Give me a minute" Charlotte noticed that he wasn't wearing a stitch of clothing, and quickly turned around to face the entrance. A few minutes when by, as she tried to erase the image from her mind. She wondered what he'd looked like before the horrific torture he had been put through. "Done" he said, she turned back round. Eric Hemmelige stood before her, in his naked glory, fully healed.
"'ow in ze name of God?"
"I heal."
"'ow?"
He chuckled "I'm tenacious."
"I do not suppose you 'ave got anyzing to cover your modesty?"
"I think you've seen it all by now, I'm not sure how much modesty I have left"
"Well.. ah…"
Eric chuckled "And I don't suppose you've got a spare set of clothes stashed away somewhere in that exorcist uniform?"
Charlotte patted the tight black unitard with an embarrassed look on her face "Not much storage space really" the uniform was designed for 'mobility and ease of blessing' said the designers. Eric looked over the long glossy black gloves and stockings, as well as the black unitard made of the same material. Mobility was certainly available. He wasn't sure what 'ease of blessing was', but he had an idea. He thanked the designers, before snapping his mind back to the situation at hand. Charlotte had gone bright pink.
"My apologies"
"I suppose eet makes us even"
Eric chuckled "Come on, let's get out of here, maybe we'll find my pack"
"Oh" Charlotte suddenly said "I found eet, it ees just out in ze corridor"
"Fantastic, let me get dressed."
"And what is going on here?" came a voice from outside
"Fuck." Eric muttered
"All made up now, before your demise?" asked the vampire, noticing neither of them being armed. Two magic circles appeared in his hands "Surrender now, and your rebirths will be quick"
Eric made eye contact with Charlotte, and she nodded. Eric charged him.

Beams of energy shot into Eric, punching through him, but he carried on charging
"What in…!" the vampire managed to get out, before Eric tackled him to the ground. Charlotte ran for her crossbow. The vampire went for Eric's neck, but bit into only scales. Eric lifted the Vampire up, and trapped his arms, he turned, and Charlotte launched a bolt into his heart.
"Good shot. Watch the corridor, I want to put some damn clothes on." Eric unpacked his spare shirt, trousers and boots "Shame about my coat"
"We'll get you another coat" Charlotte replied
"NO! LARS! KILL THEM SLAVES, KILL THEM" came a shout from the head of the hallway, a vampiress stood there, screaming at them.

A group of thralls came from behind her and charged down the hall. Eric looked to Charlotte, and sighed. Charlotte let out a giggle, and unclipped the light sword on her belt, throwing it to Eric.
"Lucky you told me to wear a spare isn't eet?"
"Aim to injure, these are thralls, we just need to kill the other vampires"
"You distract, I'll kill the bitch?"
"Why not, but the next one's mine."
"Sure thing partner."

They charged down the corridor, weapons raised.

Eric's pile of clothes lay neatly folded against the wall.

-BREAK-

"I'm glad they kept my coat and hat as trophies." Eric said cheerily, now fully dressed, and had liberated his overclothes from a mannequin in the hallway.
"Where now?"
"Well I heard they were fighting some Serbian Werewolves."
"Zere are no Werewolf 'avens in Serbia." Said Charlotte
Eric raised an eyebrow.
"Serbia it ees."