THE REAPER
After a tough battle Marcus was sleeping peacefully in his bed. He was dreaming that he was at the entrance of a castle or so he thought. He remembered that he had already seen that castle and he was not dreaming, it was in a corner of his mind.
-Here we go again.- Marcus said.
He went up the stairs and entered the castle. It was not the first time he was in that place. The interior of the castle was beautiful, compared to what Grimwood and Alador Castle were. Marcus was walking around looking for anyone.
-Hello. Is anyone here?.- Marcus asked.
Suddenly he heard a voice coming from above. He lowered his head dodging a sword blow that came from his back. Luckily thanks to training with Alador; Marcus had good reflexes. The one who attacked Marcus was a pirate. The pirate kept trying to cut Marcus with his sword but he kept dodging all his attacks. Out of nowhere, charging at Marcus, another attacker appeared who tried to cut Marcus with his sword. This time it was a black knight. Marcus dodged his attacks, while the pirate stayed on the sidelines, letting the black knight take care of him. Marcus stepped back and suddenly a bullet grazed him above his head. He sought shelter using a table to protect himself from the shots. The shooter was a cowboy who had Marcus as his target. The shots stopped for a moment. Marcus peeked out to see what was happening and noticed someone was behind him. He turned around to see who it was and saw that it was a warlock aiming his crosshair at him. Marcus raised his hands in surrender.
-You let your guard down.- The warlock said.
The warlock lowered his crosshair and helped Marcus up.
-It's been a while since we've seen each other Alaric.- Marcus said.
-You should visit us more often. We are your spirits after all.- Alaric said.
The wizard and the other three were the spirits that lived inside Marcus. The ones that gave them the power to transform. They lived in this castle that is inside Marcus's soul.
-What was that about that time?.- Marcus asked.
-We were just testing you. So you don't get rusty.- The pirate answered.
-Why Captain Kidd?- Marcus asked.
-Because in your last battle you had problems. A warrior must always polish his combat skills.- The black knight answered.
-Ah, thanks Tristan (sarcasm), but in that battle I had to fight and protect my student at the same time.- Marcus said.
-Protecting a lady is a very noble thing but you can't do it alone.- The cowboy said.
-Hey, Dead Justice I...- Marcus said but was interrupted.
-Call me Will.- Will said
-You see if you remember correctly, the responsibility of fighting the possessed is mine and mine alone.- Marcus said.
It is true that Marcus was the only one with the power to do it and he felt that the responsibility was his, but they did not want him to carry it all alone.
-You don't have to be like that. In the previous battle your student proved to be more capable than you think.- Alaric said.
It is true that if it weren't for Sibella Marcus would not have told her but that was a situation that he was not going to let happen again.
-She's just a girl, I'm not going to let her fight those monsters.- Marcus said.
-I agree. Children should not get involved in battles.- Tristan said.
-But they are not ordinary children.- Captain Kidd said.
-Yes. They are monster girls. Imagine all the help they could give you if you gave them the chance.- Alaric said.
Marcus knew that his students were amazing and that if they were by his side they would make things easier for him, but that wasn't going to happen.
-No. This isn't just a responsibility, it's an atonement for my sins.- Marcus said.
The four of them knew that Marcus had some history with Argus and that he didn't like to talk about it.
-Gosh boy, are you still with that?.- Will asked.
-Okay, we won't insist any more. Just think about it.- Alaric said.
Marcus left the castle. His mind returned to his body that was on the bed in his room. He woke up from his dream and grabbed his head.
-Ah, that always gives me a migraine.- Marcus said.
Marcus thought about what the spirits said about not fighting alone. Having companions would be great to fight the possessed but those companions didn't have to be his students.
-Well, today begins a new day.- Marcus said.
Having said that he changed and went down to give his next class.
Meanwhile in Tirannica's lair.
-Mistress- Said the werewolf.
-Fenrir. Were you able to find someone?.- Tirannica asked.
-Yes mistress. I found the right person to get rid of that human.- Fenrir said.
Next to Fenrir came out a skeletal humanoid monster with armor. His head was dark blue and had the shape of a skull with spikes on top, green eyes, his armor was dark blue and had the shape of a skeleton's face that covered him from the shoulders to the waist, spikes on the shoulders, dark green skin, gauntlets on his hands and a scythe as a weapon.
-Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Reaper.- Reaper said.
-Your target is 5 monster girls. Bring them before me and disregard anyone who tries to prevent it.- Tirannica said.
-As I ordered.- Reaper said.
He bowed and left.
-What do you want those girls for, mistress?.- Fenrir asked.
-Those girls, despite being so young, are strong. If I eat them, I can recover much of my power and conquer the world. I can't wait to know what they will taste like.- Tirannica said, drooling.
Fenrir didn't mind that his mistress would devour humans, but he was bothered by the fact that she would devour monsters, much less children. However, thinking that it was all to have her ideal world calmed her conscience.
-In the meantime. Go get me more food!.- Said Tirannica.
-Ah...yes mistress. Right away.- Said Fenrir.
Back in Grimwood. Marcus and the girls were practicing yoga in the courtyard.
-That's it girls, stretch those thighs well.- Marcus said.
The girls were doing body stretches.
-This yoga thing is a little difficult.- Elsa said.
Elsa had problems with the exercises. When she lifted her foot above her head, she also lifted the one she used to support herself causing it to fall to the floor. Her thing was more lifting weights.
-Ummmm. You can do it.- Tanis said to herself.
Tanis was a little clumsy with yoga. Since she was the smallest of the group, it was hard for her to keep up with the others.
-Come on girls. It's not that hard.- Winnie said.
Winnie held on very well, she was a natural athlete.
-Alright girls, pay attention. With yoga we exercise both the mind and the body. Now watch and do this.- Marcus said.
Marcus separated his legs, grabbed his shoulders and put his head between his legs. The girls tried to imitate him.
-Like that master?- Phantom asked.
Ghost was doing very well in the pose. Since he was a ghost and didn't have a physical body, push-ups were easy for him.
-Am I doing it right, Master?.- Sibella asked.
Sibella was having fun doing the exercises. She liked being with her friends and her teacher.
While they continued practicing, Miss Grimwood came out of the school with Matches and carrying a tray with glasses of lemonade in her hands.
-Girls, come get some lemonade!.- Miss Grimwood said.
The girls ran to get a glass. They were thirsty from doing so much exercise. Marcus also went to get a glass.
-Thank you, Miss Grimwood.- Marcus said.
He took a sip from the glass. Next to Miss Grimwood he saw Matches.
-Hello, Matches.- Marcus said.
Matches simply ignored him and looked away. He had been in Grimwood for a few days but he was still a stranger to Matches. Miss Grimwood looked at her watch and saw that it was time for gym class to end and the next one to start.
-Girls, it's time for science class. Go inside.- Miss Grimwood said.
The girls started to go inside.
-Miss Grimwood while you are in your science class I am going to go shopping.- Marcus said.
Luckily for Marcus there was a supermarket a few kilometers from the school. The food that Mano made was not so bad but he liked to try real food from time to time.
-Haven't you been there before?.- Miss Grimwood asked.
-Ah, eh. It's just that the other time they had taken some things that I wanted, that's why I'm going again.- Marcus answered.
-Ok, don't be late.- Miss Grimwood said.
-I would also like Sibella to come with me to help me.- Marcus said.
Sibella heard what Marcus said and so did Winnie.
-What? You can't do it alone?.- Winnie asked.
-Winnie! I don't mind accompanying you, teacher.- Sibella said.
-Okay. I'll ask one of the girls to pass you the notes.- Miss Grimwood said.
Sibella went with Marcus; Miss Grimwood went inside and Winnie stood looking at the two at the door.
-Winnie, do you want me to get you something?- Marcus asked.
-No thanks. There's nothing in that human store that I like.- Winnie answered.
With that she went inside.
-What's wrong with her?- Marcus asked.
-That's how she is when she meets someone new.- Sibella answered.
When they got further away from the school Marcus took the moment to tell Sibella the truth.
-Sibella. We're not really going to the supermarket.- Marcus said.
-So where are we going?- Sibella asked.
-We're going to see Alador.- Marcus answered.
-The guy who works with my dad?- Sibella asked.
-Exactly- Marcus answered.
He took out his cell phone and called Alador.
-Hello Alador. Sibella and I are ready to see you.- Marcus said.
-Excellent. I will begin with the teleportation spell.- Alador said.
A magic circle surrounded Sibella and Marcus teleporting them to Alador's castle.
At the castle, Marcus and Sibella had already arrived.
-Where are we?- Sibella asked.
-This is Alador's castle.- Marcus answered.
Sibella looked around the castle. She liked it, it reminded her of the place where she grew up. While Sibella was looking at the castle, Alador arrived next to his daughter.
-I see that you have already arrived.- Alador said.
Sibella saw the lich who was accompanied by a small undead girl. That was Alador, the guy her father told her about sometimes.
-Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Alador and this is my daughter Amelia.- Alador said.
-Hello- Amelia said.
-Hello Amelia.- Sibella said.
-And you must be Sibella, Dracula's daughter?.- Alador asked.
-Yes, I am Sibella.- Sibella answered.
-Very nice Sibella. I work with your father at the Transylvanian Society of Ghosts, Specters, and Retired Spirits." Alador said.
"He sometimes talks to me formally." Sibella said.
"Well, once we've introduced ourselves, didn't you have to talk to Sibella about something?" Marcus asked.
"Yeah, right. Sibella, please come with me this way. Marcus, you stay with Amelia." Alador said.
"Remember, Sibella, if you need me, call me." Marcus said.
"Okay." Sibella said.
Although Marcus trusted Alador, he thought Sibella would feel uncomfortable being with a person she had just met. When Sibella and Alador went to another room, Amelia, with a stuffed animal in her hand, pulled Marcus's clothes.
"Marcus, do you want to see my dolls?" Amelia asked.
"Sure. Let's see." Marcus answered.
Amelia took Marcus to her room to show him her dolls. While Sibella and Alador were in another room.
-There is something I want to show you.- Alador said.
Alador took Sibella to where his crystal ball was that he used to see everything. With his lich magic he made images start to appear in the crystal ball.
-What is that?.- Sibella asked.
-It's all your master has faced so far.- Alador answered.
The images of Marcus' previous battles were being projected. His fight with Camellia in the forest, the confrontation at the bank with those three monsters and all the others before that.
Sibella was amazed, to think that her master had faced all those creatures. They were not like the monsters she knew, these were different. She knew that her master had not told her everything after what happened in the forest. But if her master was fighting with those things and in case he met one again. She wanted to know what was going on.
-Mr. Alador, please tell me what is happening.- Sibella said.
-You see Sibella, these beings are called "Possessed"- Alador answered.
-"Possessed"?.- Sibella asked.
-That's what they call humans who are possessed by the spirits of monsters. Turning them into one.- Alador answered.
-How did all this happen?.- Sibella asked.
-It all started a year ago. A silly organization called "Argus" opened the doors of the underworld, causing the spirits of several monsters to escape and, what's worse, they released the spider queen.- Alador answered.
-"The spider queen"? In history class, they told us about someone with that name.- Sibella said.
-Every monster that is known has heard of the spider queen, either in our history books or in the horror stories that our parents told us as children. The spider queen is known to be the most evil monster in history.- Alador said.
Sibella couldn't believe that the spider queen really existed. She thought it was just a horror story that was told to children, but no, it was real. To think that his master not only fights against the possessed, but that one day he would have to fight against the spider queen alone.
-I wish I could do something to help.- Sibella said.
Alador paid attention to what Sibella said and looked at her.
-There is something- Alador said.
Meanwhile in Alador's daughter's room. Amelia was showing her stuffed animals to Marcus.
-And this one is called Belos. He is the lord of darkness.- Amelia said.
Amelia was showing Marcus the stuffed animal of a black goat, with red horns, wings and the symbol of a red pentagram on its chest.
-Very much liked.- Marcus said.
Marcus noticed that Amelia had a lot of stuffed animals in her room.
-You have a very big collection. You must have a lot of fun when your friends come over?.- Marcus said.
-No. I don't have any friends. I'm always with dad and my stuffed animals.- Amelia said.
Marcus didn't know that. He was always talking to Alador and he didn't know Amelia very well.
-Amelia. Do you ever leave the castle?.- Marcus asked.
-No. I only know this castle. I haven't gone to school either, I studied at home.- Amelia said.
Marcus wasn't one to criticize the way Alador should educate his daughter but he believed that children should be with other children and see the world.
-At the school where you work, are there a lot of girls?.- Amelia asked.
-Yes. I teach five girls.- Marcus answered.
-And what are they like?.- Amelia asked.
-They're great. We all get along very well. Although there is a girl named Winnie who doesn't like me very much yet, and there is also a little dragon who doesn't like me either.- Marcus answered.
-Do you think that... someday I can meet them?.- Amelia asked.
-Well I would have to talk to your dad but yes. You could come to Grimwood someday and you could even study there.- Marcus answered.
-Really? But I've never talked to other girls before, and if I don't know what to say to them?, what if they don't like me?.- Amelia asked.
-Don't worry. I'll introduce you to the girls. A while ago you met one of my students. Later I'll introduce her to you so you can get to know each other.- Marcus answered.
-Yes. When dad finishes giving her the spirit, I'd like to meet her.- Amelia said.
-Yes. When your dad finishes..., sorry what did you say?.- Marcus asked.
-My dad is going to take her so she can choose a spirit and have the same ones as you to help you.- Amelia said.
Marcus couldn't believe what he had just heard. Alador never told him he was going to do that when he asked him to bring her. Before, he had specified that he didn't want his students to have powers. After hearing that, he ran to where Sibella and Alador were.
Alador was taking Sibella to the library.
-Tell me Sibella. Do you know how Marcus has those powers?.- Alador asked.
-No. He didn't tell me.- Sibella answered.
-It's because Marcus has 4 monster spirits inside him.- Alador said.
-But didn't you say that when a spirit possesses a human, he becomes a monster?.- Sibella asked.
-Yes, but that depends on which spirit possesses you. There are good and evil monster spirits. Evil monster spirits choose evil humans to be their hosts.- Alador answered.
-Like the one who tried to kill us last time?.- Sibella asked.
-That's right. Good monster spirits choose people like Marcus to be their hosts, and instead of turning them into monsters they share their power with them.- Alador answered.
-Oh, fantastic! So now he has powers to fight crime and the forces of evil. I wish I had the same powers. So I could be his partner. We'd be the amazing duo.- Sibella said.
-And you can. Not the "fight crime and the forces of evil" part. But the part about having the same powers.- Alador said.
-How?.- Sibella asked.
-That's why I brought you here.- Alador answered.
They stopped in front of the library door.
-Behind this door are the spirits of five monsters and if one of them chooses you, you will gain great power.- Alador said.
Sibella was excited, thinking that she could have the same powers as her master made her happy. Although she already had vampire powers, she knew that they would not be enough against those monsters. In the last fight, she could only distract her so that Marcus could finish her off. If one of those monsters came for her friends, she wanted to have the strength to kick their asses. When she was about to open the door, her master arrived to stop her.
-Stop!.- Marcus shouted.
He had arrived just in time to stop his student. Angry, he approached the two.
-Sibella, go wait for me over there.- Marcus said.
-But I...- Sibella said.
-Now!.- Marcus ordered.
Sibella saw that her master was in a very bad mood, so she better obeyed him, leaving them alone.
-How dare you? What were you planning to do to her?.- Marcus asked.
-What did you think was going to happen when I asked you to bring her?.- Alador asked.
-I thought you were going to erase her memory of what happened yesterday with some spell or something.- Marcus answered.
-No. That's forbidden magic.- Marcus said.
-So why did you ask me to bring her? To give her a spirit?.- Marcus asked.
-I know you don't want to involve your students, but yesterday she was attacked by a possessed person, and if she had the same powers as you things would have gone better. Don't you want your students to have the power to defend themselves?.- Alador asked.
-It's not necessary for them to have the same power, that's what I'm here for, their teacher to protect them. I'm enough for myself.- Marcus answered.
Alador felt that this was going to be a long talk. Marcus didn't seem like he was going to change his mind.
Meanwhile at Grimwood School. The Reaper had arrived at the place where his targets were.
-So this is the place?.- The Reaper wondered.
Returning to Alador's castle. The crystal ball alarm had sounded. The crystal ball glows red and makes a noise when a possessed person appears. Marcus and Alador heard its noise, and went to see.
-It's a possessed person.- Alador said.
-Where?.- Marcus asked.
-It's in Grimwood!.- Alador answered.
-No, the girls!.- Marcus said.
Marcus knew he would have to hurry if he wanted to save his students.
-Send me there immediately!- Marcus said.
-Understood.- Alador said
-Don't tell Sibella that a possessed person appeared. Keep her here.- Marcus said.
-Okay. I just hope you can handle it yourself.- Alador said.
-WITCH TRANSFORMATION!.- Marcus shouted.
A light of energy surrounded Marcus' body turning him into his warlock form. Alador activated the transformation spell and sent Marcus to Grimwood, before it's too late.
In Grimwood. The Reaper was getting closer and closer to the school.
-I wonder if the boss will get angry if I play a little first?.- The Reaper wondered.
When the Reaper was already at the entrance, the two-headed shark that was in the well saw him and jumped to eat him. When the Reaper saw the shark, he cut it in two with his scythe, killing the shark. He was no match for him.
-Who would put a shark in a school?.- The Reaper asked himself.
When he was about to take another step, Marcus appeared from behind to stop him.
-You! Not one more step!.- Marcus said.
-Who are you?.- The Reaper asked.
-I am the gym teacher at this school.- Marcus answered.
Inside the school the girls were in their science class, they did not know what was happening outside. While she was in her class Winnie smelled a strange smell coming from outside.
-What is that smell?.- Winnie wondered.
Back outside Marcus was fighting with the Reaper.
-So you are that busybody I was told about?.- The Reaper asked.
The Reaper tried to cut Marcus with his scythe but he dodged the cuts. Marcus threw spells at him to keep his distance. The Reaper easily blocked Marcus's spells with his scythe.
-What have you come here to do?.- Marcus asked.
-I came for the girls who are in this school.- The Reaper answered.
Marcus' worst fear came true. The possessed knew about the girls and Ivan was after them. He was not going to allow those monsters to touch his students. So, he prepared to end the fight once and for all.
-TORNADO!.- Marcus shouted.
With his magic he summoned a tornado to throw at his opponent. The force of the tornado caught the Reaper, sending him flying through the air and causing him to fall to the ground.
Inside the school the girls heard the commotion coming from outside.
-What was that?.- Elsa asked.
-It's coming from outside.- Ghost answered.
The girls went outside to see what was happening.
-Wait girls. Don't go, it can be dangerous.- Miss Grimwood said.
Miss Grimwood followed the girls outside to keep them safe. Parties and Hand also heard the noise and went outside. When they went outside the first thing they saw was that the shark that was in the well was dead.
-Oh, my!.- Miss Grimwood said.
-Who did that?.- Winnie asked.
-Look over there.- Tanis said.
He pointed in the direction where those responsible were. They saw that there were two guys, one with a scythe lying on the ground and another who looked like a wizard standing.
-Who are they?.- Tanis asked.
-I don't know, but it seems like they're fighting.- Winnie said.
-Excuse me, gentlemen! This is a school! Can you go fight somewhere else, please?!.- Miss Grimwood said.
Marcus heard Miss Grimwood's voice and saw that she was with the girls. He hadn't finished defeating the possessed man yet, they weren't safe outside.
-Go back inside! It's not safe!.- Marcus said.
The girls and the director found the voice of that guy familiar. Marcus prepared to give the final blow to his opponent but when he turned to see the place where the possessed man had fallen, he saw that he was not there.
-Where is he?.- Marcus asked.
The Reaper appeared behind Marcus and slashed him in the back.
-Behind you!.- The Reaper said.
Marcus had been seriously hurt by the Reaper. He tried to stay standing with all his strength. The girls and the director were impressed to see how that horrible man cut the other guy.
In the castle, Alador was watching what was happening in his crystal ball.
-Marcus, hold on!.- Alador said.
Amelia also saw what was happening. Her friend was in trouble and she could only think of one person who could help him. So, she went to where Sibella was. Sibella was sitting on a couch, bored of waiting.
-What if I want to help him? I'm a big girl and I made my own decisions!.- Sibella said.
While Sibella was grumbling on the couch, Amelia came running to her.
-You have to help him!.- Amelia said.
-Calm down. What happened?.- Sibella asked.
-Mr. Marcus is fighting a possessed person where your school is.- Amelia answered.
-What?!.- Sibella asked.
-He's hurt and he's losing. Please help him.- Amelia said.
Her teacher and her friends were in danger. Sibella knew she could only do one thing to help him.
-Don't worry girl. I'll save Marcus.- Sibella said.
Sibella ran out at full speed to where Alador told her where she could get a spirit. Amelia placed her hopes in Sibella. With Marcus hurt and her friends in danger. Now it was Sibella's turn to be the heroine.
"Hold on. I'm on my way!" Sibella said.