Home visit

The town had organized a funeral for the 12 children and Sister Maria. The town folks offered their prayers and they hired the local priest to ensure the ceremony was smoothly done. Among the crowds that gathered for the service, there were 2 people dressed in white cloak. After offering some flowers at the altar of the deceased, the 2 strangers went to meet the mayor of the town.

In the abandoned Orphanage, James was absentmindedly stacking the pile of firewood in the fireplace. He lit it up to warm up the room. He stared at the flickering fire as his mind wandered to the children and Sister Maria. He could see images of them playing around and their smile and laughter but he could no longer hear the voice in his head.

The fire flickered and the wood crackled. The room was warm by the heat but it was cold from the void of the cheerful souls that used to fill up the Orphanage. James heard the door opening and he went to see who was at the door.

"Hello there, sorry for intruding, we did knock but nobody came to answer so we just open the door ourselves. We hope you don't mind. My name is Lydia and he is Steve. We are from the Holy Church of the Light and we are here for a mission. Would you mind talking to us, James Charter?" said Lydia.

She pulled down her hood to reveal her pony tail hair and her brilliant brown eyes. She had a mole beside her mouth and a smile that could warm any person's heart. Next to him, Steve, also pulled down his hood as an act of courtesy and he had a pony tail as well and his face had a full grown beard on it. He looked manly. The cloak they were wearing had a yellow star on it which was the symbol of the Holy Church of the Light.

"Come inside and have a seat. Let me brew some tea for the two of you," said James as he welcomed them.

These two guests were from the Holy Church of the Light. It was the largest church in the world and it was also the oldest church. It was also the church built during the War between Demons and Angels and it acted as a fortress to keep the demons at bay. James wondered what do they want to talk about.

Lydia and Steve took a seat at the long table as James gently poured some green tea in their cups. The two of them took a sip.

"Ah, this is nice," said Lydia. She brushed her caramel hair behind her ears and her eyes looked down at the cup.

"We are sorry about what happened," said Lydia. James looked at her and was wondering why is she feeling sorry about. It wasn't her fault.

"Just two days ago, we received instruction from the Church that a demon is lurking in this town. Hence, we were dispatch to came here to subdue it. However, it seems the demon knew that we were coming and quickly acted before we arrived," said Steve, the bulky guy.

"We are the Exorcists, a group of specialist demon slayer established by the Church and it is our duty to deal with lurking demons in the world," said Lydia.

James understood. He knew the reason for their apology. If only they have come sooner, the children and Sister Maria may still be alive. But he didn't blame them.

"It isn't your fault. There's no need to be sorry about it," said James. James did not want them to feel guilty.

"But…"

Steve shook his head, telling Lydia to just leave it.

"Well, you said that there is something you want to talk about. Is that all?" asked James.

"Actually, we heard from the mayor that the demon was killed by your hands. Do you know what does that mean?" asked Lydia.

Steve took another sip from the cup.

"Am I being charged for murder?" asked James.

"No, that's not it. A normal person cannot kill a demon that easily. We, the Exorcist, carry a special weapon that can penetrate the demon's body. You did not carry our weapon and yet and you were able to harm it and even kill it," explained the lady.

"Hmm, you are saying?" asked James.

"Whatever strength you possess, Steve and I saw potential in you and we would like you to join the Exorcists, to help us in our quest to protect the world from the threat of the demons and purge the demons away from the world," said Lydia.

"Ok. I'm ok with it. It's not like I have anywhere else to go," said James.

"Really?" Lydia did not expect James quick response.

"Yes, really. I am not joking," said James.

After the conversation, Lydia and Steve told James to meet them at the town's gate at 3 pm. After packing up his clothes, James went around the Orphanage to have a look for one last time. Then, he left without even looking back.

At the town's gate, the two of them were already there.

"You are here, let's go," said Lydia.

"It would be a two days walk from here before we reach the Church. I hope you are prepared for it," said Steve.

"Don't worry," said James. "I'm prepared."