Long time no see! Uni has been quite a hassle lately, but I have finally found the time to properly edit this chapter!

So, no worries, this story keeps on going!

And I hope that you have fun either way! I'll see you around and hopefully sooner than last time :)


~6-2: Aquarius

While Alucard had descended into the abyss to find what was of Grant, the duo continued their march. There wasn't much sleep for either of them. Trevor was too eager, he would argue, not wishing to stop them on their mission while Sypha wold try to nap. The hunter wouldn't even listen to the priestess, he was quite a stubborn fellow on his own.
"I can see how you have traveled on your own most of the time...",. she would mutter in jest, throwing him a glance at which he couldn't help but let out a bit of a laugh.
"Yes, that was it, I guess." At least, that would sound nicer than being forced into exile and be an alien to current society. Trevor didn't add anything else to it anymore. He would rather indulge in being silly like this than ponder on his pitiful existence.

What did catch their attention though was how there was no enemy in sight on their path. Not that they necessarily needed one. It would be better to save their energy rather than having to deal with bats all the time. But it was expected at this point, they were getting closer and closer to Dracula's realm and no enemy right then.
Instead, they could make out the lights of the city were coming from houses rather than fires.
This was stranger even.
If there were any people at that point, how were they able to fight back the army of Lord Dracula? Did they have powerful magic on their side? Perhaps it was even a blind spot on the map for the demons somehow.
"Either that or they made a pact with the demon himself to be left alone...,. mumbled the priestess and pulled her staff closer to herself. At least, she spoke out what that two of them were thinking.
Suddenly, the lights coming from the city looked a lot less inviting.
The duo glanced at each other, wariness taking hold of them. "We should... Still investigate. If these happen to be survivors, we have a stronghold. If not... Well, I suppose that it is in our duty to find out what to do against it."
"Only the two of us?" Trevor frowned and crossed his arms. The idea of taking on an entire city of their own didn't sit quite right with him. After all, there was only so much that they could do.
"What? Is the almighty Belmont getting intimidated?" Sypha showed a bit of a smirk. She stemmed her hands to her hips and leaned over. "Also, what makes you think that I spoke about fighting them head on? Do you really think that I am this foolish to believe that we are strong enough to take down an entire city? I mean, I have trust in our powers, but I'm not an idiot."
Right then, Trevor almost looked offended by her words, his cheeks changed in color, too. "I... I never said any of these things." He was embarrassed at this point, to say the least. But that didn't mean that he would admit to it. "Besides, I could fight more than one person. I survived on my own for years."
The priestess tried not to laugh, he could see it in her expression. Indeed, he had sounded like a pouting child. Not that either of them were going to
point that out right then. There were other matters to attend and other plans to be made.

None of their suspicions were eased when they got closer.
The city was protected by high walls, though one could tell that the ground was falling once more.
It was the "Sunken City" for a reason.
The two of them could only see the lights of lanterns at the top of the walls now. At least, the color of the flames seemed to be of natural origin unlike the ones that the demons would use. When they drew close, it didn't take long for one of them to notice the duo on the ground.

"Ho, travelers!"
To their surprise, when they glanced up, they saw the face of a human. The expression wasn't torn or bore any sign of a curse. Not even the skin was pale like it would be of a vampire.
"What are you doing here at night? You must hold strength to arrive here! Either that or you are lucky!"
The cloaked man even managed to laugh a bit at it. Not that either Sypha or Trevor had a change in expression.
Yet, the priestess did take the chance to raise her voice. "We were, in fact, wondering how this is still standing in the mess of the Curse! Who are you and how did you defend yourself against the demons?" She wasn't attempting to hide any of her doubts, but the guard didn't seem to mind.
The guard opened his arms as if to gesture to the walls and the land before him. As he did so, the light of the lantern wandered to the side, half of his frame covered in shadow. "By the grace of the Lord, of course! Our devotion blessed us with protection! But this is no time to talk... Tell me, travelers, have you devoted your life to the Lord, too?" It sounded so simple to his ears.
Sypha would lie if she said that there wasn't something intimidating to these words. This pure belief and how he stood above them, convinced that he and his fellowship were blessed by God. She was used to more... Subtle demonstrations of faith.
Trevor was glad that the priestess was with him to do all the talking. He wasn't exactly skilled when it came to that, he figured. Thus, Sypha continued on: "What a great display of faith! It is great to hear that we have found fellow believers in this cursed landslide! If you must know, I am a priest and wandering monk myself. To be finally among others of my kin again is a sign that the Lord has not forsaken me and my companion!" And trying to sound convincing as well while attempting to win his favor.
It seemed like this answer had the guard overjoyed. They could hear him laugh once more. "Then let me welcome you in, fellow priest! We shall give you shelter in this horrible night!" Without waiting for an answer, the guard made his way through the stairways of the inner wall. The duo wasn't quite sure what to make of this situation and glanced at one another, sharing silent fears. They would have waited for their companions to catch up before entering, but who knew how long that would be. Perhaps, they would be allowed to ask the inhabitants if they could pick them up for a rest, too.
Even so, Trevor placed one hand on the Vampire Killer, always ready to strike if this happened to be some sort of trap. Then there was Sypha who attempted to not appear as hostile. Because, in the end, it was true that she hadn't encountered a holy man during their journey. Sure, they would remain cautious, but passing up the chance to meet another group of people would be just as foolish.

To their right, a door opened a tad. The guard peeked at them and held out his lantern to inspect the duo better. When they drew closer, he would return to smiling at them.
"Please... Follow me. I should drop you off quick, since I need to return to my post. The situation calls for caution after all, as you may understand..." He then opened the door wide and gestured for them to pass him. Another glance to each other, weighting their options.
They could either camp outside with taking turns in staying awake or have shelter where the wind couldn't reach them.
No cold, all walls around them with an intact roof, possibly. To have a bed again, an actual bed was tempting enough already.
So the decision wasn't too hard.

What awaited them beyond the walls was a sight that they could have never expected.
Indeed, the ground had sunken down, though far lower than what they could have made out from up above. There was actually quite a large hole in the earth with random bits of the ground sticking out of the walls. Supported by beams and stairs connecting the platforms, the people have built houses. Here and there, streams of water had burst from the sides where these waterfalls would end in a lake at the bottom. The streams, which they had passed before, must have found their way through the ground and into the valley to emerge in all sorts of places. From up there, they couldn't tell how many floors this city had, but the lights were many and the echo of the water hitting the lake was deafening.

"At the very bottom, we have a church where we go to pray and praise the Lord every morning!",. explained the guard, pride welling in his chest as he did so. His dark eyes showed a bit of awe for the priestess as well. "I am sure that it would be an honor for our priest if he was to conduct the next mass with you, Father!"
"Well, if he so wishes, then I am glad to assist. It would be an honor for me as well." Sypha kept her tone neutral, not trying to feign any excitement herself. It was up to the priest of this city if he would be ready to team up with someone else. Sypha had met enough priests herself to know that some were rather... Territorial of their church, to put it mildly.
Not that the guard seemed to be put off by that, he was delighted to hear that the priestess considered his idea. With that, he lead the way a couple of floors lower where they would find a building next to a couple of smaller huts.
This was, noticing quick as they entered, the inn of the city. There wasn't much life buzzing in the main hall, but that was to be expected. People didn't travel anymore during the Curse and the only ones that would enter were the local folk to meet up.
Not this night, however, as they found the living room empty and none of the tables occupied.
It was a sad sight to Trevor somehow. He was used to these places being filled to the brim with loud folk even if they were often wary of his presence.
Only the innkeeper, an old woman in her rocking chair, glanced up as the group entered. She didn't even bother to stand up and continued her knitting as if she was used to the guard visiting her.

"You picked up travelers? Are you sure that this is a good idea?" Her voice was raspy, always with a tint of disappointment behind every word.
The companions almost felt bad for being on the spot like this. Thinking that they are the threat, not the other way around as the duo initially thought. Yet, the guard wasn't persuaded by her tone. "Of course! They are traveling in the name of the Lord as well! This man right here is even a priest! I was thinking that they could head down in the morning to meet Father Hector, too!"
"Ever as excited as a child... I suppose that Father Hector will have to judge them in his own merit. Nothing that I could protest against anyway..." The elderly woman sighed and shook her head, never taking her eyes away from her work. She gestured towards a door by the counter. "Take the stairs and choose a room. You can guess that we don't have any guests around, so you pick your own room to stay in. First floor is what you want though, either rooms for one person or two. The rest is for larger groups and since the boy over there isn't staying..." Finally, she lifted her head. Her expression didn't speak of content. There was a rather scolding tone to her words when she added:. "He might as well return to his post before something unexpected happens." The guard flushed red out of embarrassment and nodded. With a sheepish smile, he faced the two of them and wished them a good night before heading out with quick steps.
When the door fell shut again, Trevor allowed himself to raise his voice. The innkeeper returned to knitting nonetheless. "Thank you, Ma'am... I guess, we will... Head to our room then. Good night."
"Yes, yes. You go to bed and whatnot. The night is long and cold in winter, so get some rest." Not that she seemed to be caring of them in particular, but there was enough in her to show some form of politeness. For her standards or this time of night, it was the best that she could conjure. With another couple of "thanks" from the duo, they made their way to the first floor.

The room was nothing to talk about.
Two single beds in each corner by a window, a table by another wall and next to it a closet. It was as standard as it could get with its' wooden furniture and stains on the white walls. The duo preferred to concentrate on the moldy spots on the walls caused by the moist air of this city.
"There is something soothing to the sound of the waterfalls, isn't it?",. began Sypha when she placed down the equipment by one of the beds. Indeed, they could still hear the echo of the waterfalls. The muffled sound reaching them through the closed window.
Trevor scoffed at that and followed her example. His eyes were drawn to the outside from the sound alone.
"And we even got a lovely view, I guess." Staring at the side of the wall, wonderful. It was lit by the other houses and huts, the earth shimmering from all the water spraying around.
The priestess followed his gaze, then let out a bit of a laugh. She proceeded to take off her cloak and hung it in the closet.
"We should be happy already that we have an intact room for the night..." Then her smile died away and she hesitated in her movement. "I wonder if the other two are doing okay... Certainly, they deserve shelter just the same..."
The hunter joined her side and hung his own cloak. "Well, we can't say, can we? But we need to trust in them and their abilities if we wish to see them again." Then he would offer her a gentle smile and a pat to the shoulder. "They aren't easily killed, I am sure. It will only be a matter of time until they find their way here, too."
The Sunken City wasn't hard to find, being the only standing town in the area. Which reminded him that they should check the map again, so he went to fetch it and fold it open on the table. Sypha barely had time to thank the other and did so under her breath before she took place by the table, too.

"It looks like, we aren't far from Dracula's stronghold at all..."
Which only added to Sypha's suspicions about this city. Being so close and yet, the army of demons didn't take over? The defenses were massive, though the monsters weren't to be underestimated either.
Trevor frowned a bit at the sight of the map. "But it doesn't seem like we have a direct path into it... Look, on Sorin's map, the tower and bridge, which would lead to the Castle, aren't included. So either our previous map is old or his is mistaken." And really, the hunter could hope for the latter to be true. Having to navigate across the lake without being spotted was up to impossible.
Sypha shrugged at his words. These news weren't calming them down.
"Well... We have to see for ourselves then, I suppose. And if there is no tower, we can still ask Alucard about it. He would know where the entrances to the Castle would be." She returned his previous gesture by patting his back, hoping that it felt reassuring.
That much was true, Trevor had to admit and his tension loosened. With a low sigh, he folded together the maps and dropped them over the other equipment.
"We will have to think about this later, especially when the other two return to us. After all, we can't leave without them." Trevor let himself fall on the bed and kicked his boots off. Only then, he realized how stressful it was for his feet to have marched for days.
Sypha sat by the bed and got rid of her shoes in a calmer matter. Not that she cared about the hunter's way of doing things, they were in their own room.
"And the guard was so happy to hear that I could join the priest... Since we have to wait for some more, I might as well attempt to talk to him and see where it goes." She then laid on her side and took the blanket to cover herself up. It was pretty chilly at night, not even the room could completely cover them from the cold. At least, it wasn't as bad as it would have been outside. Plus, having an actual blanket, pillow and mattress was a blessing. Never would she have thought to miss the smell of hay filling from the mattress. Her eyes fell shut quick, the comforting warmth was tempting her already.
"Aheh, I will have to stay awake then, I think?" The priestess could hear how the other sat up once more. She shifted in place as if attempting to do the same, but remained where she was. "I know that you are... Just as suspicious about this city as I am. I don't want to take any risks, you know..." The ever worrisome hunter. He wasn't going to take the responsibility again to lose anyone of them due to his own inability.
"Are you... Are you sure?" One could barely hear Sypha anymore, though Trevor could already guess what she said. He scoffed at first and leaned back against the wall while he lessened the light of the lamp.
"You are falling asleep right in front of me. I don't think that you have any room to debate right now." Trevor had to keep from laughing, the priestess was so tired.
There wasn't any protest coming from her anymore, she had already drifted to sleep a second later. Trevor chuckled some more at the sight, but he couldn't blame her.
Everything has been exhausting, they deserved to rest. In fact, his own defenses dimmed as soon as he was by himself. The sound of the waterfalls filled his ears while the flame danced in the lamp, the light flickering on the wall.
How long has it been since they have had shelter like this? No wolves howling or monsters grunting. No wind that whistled through the dead trees and valleys.
A normal life wasn't something that was granted for Trevor in general. To have a house, to have a home to call his own. This was the closest that he got to this feeling ever since he was forced into exile. Just to be able to say, yes, this is where I could sleep in all night without stirring from every sound.
And that's what the hunter did. Not that he wished to fall asleep soon after, but all these sensations washed over him. His head dropped down, his eyes fell shut and he fell asleep, leaning against the wall.

The Sunken City only found him awake again in the morning, shifting on the mattress like a child. Somehow, Trevor had managed to lay down and be wrapped in his own blanket, the oil lantern on the ground. Perhaps he had stirred from his sleep a bit as the previous position that he had been in wasn't comfortable. Yet, as soon as the realization of having fallen asleep hit him, Trevor jolted up and glanced around. His gaze soon found the priestess that had already woken up and moved around in the room. Between her hands was a bowl of water, a wet cloth sticking out of it.
Sypha wasn't phased by his surprise and chuckled.
"Well? Did you have a good sleep for once?" Of course, they should have switched during the night, but neither of them could be bothered by that. She placed the bowl by the table.
"You didn't even hear the rooster... I guess, your body picked up what you denied it for so long."
"They have a rooster around?"
Not the most logical question to ask, but he woke up about a minute ago, so his mind wasn't exactly in the right place then. Sypha was amused by the question nonetheless.
"Seems like it."
The priestess had to admit, it had been a while since she had seen actual animals around. Other than the usual rats, though those were said to be linked to Lord Dracula as well. Most of nature, including the wildlife, was perishing and the ground grow unfruitful. "Anyway... Want to freshen up a bit? I have asked for a bowl and some water. The old lady was kind enough to bring me one, yet her words weren't quite as nice... Then again, I don't know what I have expected from her, really..." Something as in 'we have plenty of water and you are asking me?' and 'might as well help you out'. Even so, Sypha had received what she had asked for. Thus, she wasn't going to spend much time pondering about the innkeeper's words.
Trevor swung his legs out of bed and shuddered. The blanket had covered him quite well from the cold. Now the morning crept back underneath his skin no matter if he liked it or not.
"I suppose... It would be nice for a change to get some sweat and blood from my skin..." It would also help him checking on some bruises and what his cuts were doing. Not infecting, he hoped. Before the hunter could dwell for too long in the scenarios of infections, Sypha handed him the bowl.
"Well, then I'll see if I can get some breakfast from somewhere. The lovely lady will have to deal with me again, but I don't think that she minds our presence."
She would be paid anyway and she did have an inn for a reason. Hypocrisy was common, but the priestess always hoped that people would go beyond that. Trevor agreed to that with a nod as he had already shifted his focus on the next task. Again, he wasn't the most focused after having had an entire night for sleep.
Either that or he wasn't used to it anymore.

As Sypha had predicted, the innkeeper wasn't too happy to hear that her guests were now also hungry.
"We have still one functioning farm left, one level below us",. she would explain, "not that they have much, but they provide me with a few things sometimes. I guess, I can share. Father Hector wouldn't want to hear that I let you starve before meeting him for mass."
Oh right, the morning mass.
"We wouldn't want to be late for it either! When does it usually start?" In fact, Sypha was surprised that she didn't hear the church bells already. It would have been held around that time from what she was used to.
The innkeeper shuffled behind the bar to search for the items that she could hand over to her guests.
"When we can see the sun above us." The city was pretty low in the ground, so seeing the sun rise and set was out of the question. Yet, Sypha would have guessed that the light of the day would be enough to tell them that the night had ceased.
"That's not a 'morning mass' anymore, is it? Not that people here care much for it... The lake in the middle glistens at that time, that's what Father Hector took as a sign. The blessing of the Lord and all." She placed two plates on the bar, then two cups and a jar of water.
"Ah, so you hold masses at different times of the day? I haven't heard of such a thing before, but then again, I can see why you would follow it like this." Not exactly, but Sypha wasn't too keen on angering her. Despite her grumpy attitude, the old woman seemed to be devoted to God, too. It might not be the same intensity as it had been with the guard, but she wasn't going to see how far she could go. Besides, it wasn't smart to step on anyone's toes these days.

After Sypha had thanked the old woman for the few things that she was willing to share, she returned to the room where her and Trevor had breakfast. It was decided that they would make their way to the church and try to find Father Hector who seemed to be at the center. Perhaps he would have a clearer answer of what was going on around them.
"Yes, because a priest who seems to keep this entire city together has another answer than 'God did it'",. Trevor snarled while he was equipping his weapons. He wasn't going to leave those behind whether this was an hostile environment or not.
The priestess rolled her eyes. She had to give that point to him though, she didn't have high hopes either.
"Well, what better idea do you have? If he is the first person that everyone wants us to talk to, then we might as well do so. Once we have a better picture of this priest and what their main motivations are around here-"
"The motivation of not dying."
"Then we can plan on heading out to find the other two."
Sypha wasn't going to let herself be demotivated like that. And yes, the population had the motivation of not being fed to demons as their first choice.
But she wasn't going to comment on that. Trevor was on the fence already when it came to moving around a group of people. Of course, he wasn't too fond of larger groups when the country had decided that he wasn't welcome anymore.
Sypha looked him over and she allowed a bit of pity to show in her gaze. Though, the hunter did not quite catch that as he pulled his coat over and checked if he got everything. This wasn't the time to ask him about his thoughts and feelings of his former home country, so she averted her eyes.

The two of them still weren't comfortable with the common method of moving around this city. The ladders and bridges between platforms didn't seem too stable in general. It also didn't help that the constant echo of the waterfalls rang in their ears, reminding them that it was a long way down.
Their eyes did keep searching for the church that was at the bottom. Soon enough, it peeked through two platforms. The clock tower came into sight before the view was blocked again. Inhabitants passed them with curious glances, though none dared to raise their voice. Only a few actually greeted them with a nod when they would do it, but words weren't part of any sort of greeting. The hunter squared his shoulders and Sypha could see how he his defenses were pulled up further.
She glanced at him, placed a hand on his shoulder and mumbled: "We'll be fine."
And Sypha could only hope that she would be right.

Most of the inhabitants were located by the ground. People were working around the lake, carrying buckets to fill their containers. Others were going in and out the humble church. Not that the duo stopped in their tracks and climbed the stairs to the church, too.
Once more, simple decor was found inside, it was moist from the air and the cold crept between the pillars. By the altar stood a young man in long, rich robes who spoke to a couple that knelt next to him. His white hair was quite peculiar, considering how he could have easily been their age if not a tad younger. Only a few strands would stick around his face and out of the hat, though not much else could be seen.
The crest on the front of the robes drew almost as much attention to them as his hair. Two winged dragons, one black and the other white, tangled around the rays of the sun in the middle. Its' center showed a crescent moon and two stars.
When the couple had risen from the ground to leave him, the priest noticed their presence. The two of them glanced at one another before they approached him. His blue eyes pierced right through them as if he tried to figure out if they were a threat or not. The priest had lift his head a bit and an air of superiority could be sensed almost immediately.

"Greetings, travelers. It seems that the Lord has finally revealed to us that there are others out there who aren't tainted."
Father Hector folded his hands in front of him and gave a light bow. They returned it out of politeness. His words held nothing warm to them. Nothing about his posture or gaze showed any kind of welcome. In fact, his expression was frozen, unable to tell whatever he was thinking.
"What are your names, good guests? I suppose, I don't have to introduce myself as the villagers speak of me often enough."
It took them a second to be able to respond. Trevor held back and let the other talk. She was better at sounding friendly.
"Good morning, Father. The inhabitants of this city have wished for us to meet you ever since we arrived yesterday night."
Mentioning that they were let in last evening might be calming to hear rather than sneaking in. They weren't thieves or anything. "This is my companion Trevor, I am a priest myself and they call me Father Cypher. I am more than happy to find someone of my kin out here! Especially when these demons roam the countryside..."
Father Hector only nodded. For a moment, he didn't reply and looked them over. His eyes still held a cold shine, but at least, he seemed to have lowered some of his own defense.
"Indeed... It has been so long since I have seen another priest. I have never seen one of them make it this far, in fact." There was something akin to doubt on his features right then. Yet, there they were, so they couldn't lie about having survived when they were very much alive. "But the Lord seemed to have smiled upon you. It would be an honor if you would be able to assist me with the mass." Father Hector gestured to the backroom, only throwing a brief glance on Trevor. "Since the morning mass is about to start, I will conduct it by myself. Father Cypher, in the meantime, can get a look around the church and its' buildings to see what he could work with. I will soon join your side after mass is done. I am afraid that your companion won't be able to accompany you. I consider these grounds sacred and since you aren't part of our guild... Well... I would ask you to join the crowd. Once we are done with the preparations, Father Cypher will join your side again."
This plan didn't sit right with Trevor and he crossed his arms. It might as well be a trap and Sypha also looked uncomfortable with parting from the hunter. The idea that they wouldn't be able to look out for one another was making them uneasy, to say the least.
"I suppose, this is necessary?",. he asked and Father Hector let out a weary sigh. The hunter pressed his lips together and Sypha patted his shoulder with an apologetic smile
"You can get a bit of a look around for us then... I will meet you again as soon as I can."
"You will join the morning mass, I am guessing?" Father Hector sounded scolding enough for them to flinch at the sharp tone. "We are a community. I would think that you wish to join ours as well and it would be a shame if you wouldn't wish to be a part of the Lord's community."
Sypha glanced between them and squinted her eyes in confusion. "Join your community?"
"Yes, what other reason would you have? And there is nothing left to do outside when there are so many dangers." For the first time, there was something warming to him and his gestures. He placed both his hands on each of their shoulders and let out another sigh. "But here... Here, you are safe from whatever tries to reach you. It would be a shame if you were to leave and lose your lives after we had the luck to meet."
If they hadn't had their mission on their minds, they might have considered the offer.
Because, honestly, he was right.
There was nothing worth pursuing outside these walls other than finding another form of shelter which was up to impossible. Yet, their duty was to reach Dracula's Castle and get rid of the Curse. At least, that was the mission given to them by the Lord just the same. Not that Trevor was going to mention that right away.
"Lovely offer", he replied dryly and swallowed to get a hold of his voice. "Ever so kind of you, but-"
"Please, Father Hector, we wouldn't want to keep you from your mass!" Sypha looked at the hunter, imploring him with her gaze not to speak more. If they could take advantage of their welcome, they might as well without angering the most respected inhabitant of the city. Better not lie to him about staying or anger him by saying that it was nice, but also unsettling to be around him. Honestly, one could make them out to be the enemy real quick. That idea alone would have been reason enough to interrupt Trevor from talking. The hunter seemed to have understood this intention and gave a weak nod, too.
"Oh, how could I have forgotten? I wouldn't be so rude to take more of your time! I'll see you later then." He feigned innocence and forgetfulness and waved the priest off. Trevor gave a pat to Sypha's arm and showed a weak smile. Not that the hunter could get anywhere from the Sunken City unless he was going to leave Sypha behind. Though, that possibility didn't even cross his mind even if everything would turn on them. They have already been forced to split and to be on their own almost felt unnatural right then. But neither of them were children, so there was no protest coming from the duo when Father Hector lead the other to the chambers.

Once the door clicked shut behind them, Trevor was left alone in the humble hall. His eyes were immediately drawn to the lonely cross hanging by a few strings from the ceiling. It was massive, dark and looming. In the middle, he could spot the symbol from the priest's robes engraved in the wood. Trevor frowned at the sight, but went up to the altar nonetheless to get on his knees and pray. When he closed his eyes to let his mind dwell in prayer, the single bell resounded from the tower, indicating that mass was indeed about to start. Another few thoughts for the Lord, questions and thanks alike, before he got on his feet to join the crowd outside.

Trevor was almost taken by surprise when he saw so many people gathered around the lake at once. All their heads had sunk down, eyes closed as they held to the hands of the ones next to them. There was a serenity to them, it almost felt unreal. The hunter kept back nonetheless, hoping to not draw any attention to himself. Trevor moved between the houses to get a better view, but to also be hidden from their sight. Along with the sound of the waterfalls, the bell resounded in the abyss while the wet mist of the crashing waters was hanging in the air.
It didn't take long until Father Hector exited the church and, with his arms open, he roamed to a rock that peeked out of the side of the lake. The priest didn't change his gesture when he reached the tip of the rock and with the last strike of the bell, he looked them over.
Father Hector didn't even have to say a word. The crowd around him began to chant in unison in a language that Trevor would identify as Latin. The singing almost overshadowed the waterfalls, echoing in the abyss of the Sunken City. Trevor shuddered at the sound, there was no feeling behind it, no heart. Only pure dedication as if they were turning into one being right then and there.
It was unsettling, to say the least.
Then, all of a sudden, something hit the water with a splash. Trevor spotted a bit of red in the middle and a few moments later, a body emerged from the surface, all limbs spread out.
"Give yourself into the hands of our Lord!"
Among the singing, Father Hector's voice boomed, loud and unbreakable, drunk from power. Another person jumped from a platform with a splash. No one seemed to be phased by this one bit. "Let Him save your soul! Let Him take you to the promised land for judgement will be upon you if you are to disobey!"
Finally, a change in movement. His right arm gestured to each of them, his eyes following his hand as if he was watching his herd like a shepherd. None of them even bat an eye when the next person had flung themselves into the waves. Strings of blood swirled in the water and dissolved while their bodies would pour out more blood. "But the Lord... The Lord requires sacrifice. To create life and to protect such, you have to offer such to show your love and devotion. To show Him, that you are worth saving after all."
For how long has this man planted such sick and twisted thoughts into the minds of these poor souls? Trevor could not believe that he was witnessing an human sacrifice right before his eyes! Yet, if he was to jump out right there to confront them, he would be overwhelmed.
Trevor backed away from the scene. He would need to find Sypha and tell her about what was happening. Just the idea that the priestess would join such a cult... To even consider that she would become part of this and become a sacrifice to whatever God they worshiped...
The hunter shuddered with disgust.
When he turned on his heel to escape the scene, he almost bumped into someone who had sneaked up behind him. Trevor recognized him as the guard from last night, though his friendly expression had made way for a blank stare. It was only focused on him for a second though before he turned to face the priest.
"Father Hector!", he called, his voice deprived from emotion, "this man, he is not joining the session!"
Whatever form of hostility had been hinted in his eyes before, Trevor could feel downright hatred upon him when the priest turned his head.
"Bring this heretic to me!" An order cold and sharp. The crowd turned in unison to face his direction, their gazes fixed on his form. A cold shiver ran down his spine, sudden dread taking hold of him. "For we must save his soul from corruption and lead him to our Lord!"
This was enough of a sign to escape.
Yet, the guard grasped his arm, the grip iron tight. Trevor attempted to pull free, but the other pulled him closer relentlessly. It was almost out of reflex, his other hand formed into a fist and it collided with the guard's face. His head was knocked to the side and the lip burst from the impact, but his hand wouldn't let go. Another punch to the jaw, putting more strength behind it and he could feel the bone crack. In the meantime, the crowd hastened towards them, not caring about those who tripped and fell, crushing limbs under their feet. Trevor cringed and threw another punch, the nose cracked and finally the grip loosened which he used to his advantage right away to escape.

First, he needed to get to Sypha.
They would need to flee this cursed place, whatever had happened to it. If there was a possibility to save these people, to break their maniac state, he would have followed it. But this attempt would be for nothing if he was to do so on his own only to fail and end up as sacrifice.
His hand was on his belt, ready to take the Vampire Killer, but his fingers wouldn't budge. Whenever Trevor gazed back, it was people that he saw, not monsters or demons, creations from Hell. Those men and women still held their soul within them, they were possessed by evil. The hunter could have fought them well, but he hesitated nonetheless.
Instead, Trevor focused his energy on getting away and fleeing into the church. In there, he could get through the other buildings connected to it and find the priestess. Luckily, the crowd was uncoordinated, making it somewhat easy for Trevor to flee.
"AFTER HIM, I SAID!"
Father Hector's voice boomed behind him and Trevor wouldn't dare to glance back. The order echoed in the chamber that he had entered and with strength, he swung the gates shut behind him. Dulled cries reached his ears, some limbs must have been crushed between the gates in that second.
Not that the hunter looked back, he couldn't. His feet were restless, his eyes staring forward to find the door through which Sypha had gone.

Dear God, Trevor begged in his thoughts, give us the strength to make it out of this hellhole alive.