Blood Moon And The Body Snatchers

Chapter 6: Ghoul School

Kao's eyes closed as he stepped through the portal, he couldn't tell if he had done it on purpose or not. When he opened his eyes he got his first look at the majesty of the academy. Tall gothic style arches hung malevolently over hundreds of windows which adorned the face of the building. Four tall steeples ended in points hundreds of feet above the ground. The school was eight stories high and as pristine as any manor one could ever hope to live in. it was made of solid brick, and stretched for a half a mile at least. There are certain things in life that create a feeling of belittlement, this is what kao felt that day, small.

"You didn't tell me the school was so..."

"Large?" jack cut in "ok first things first, kao. You're not really allowed in the school without being a member of the family."

"But, i am aren't i?" kao asked

"Yes, yes... but they don't know that yet kid. We've got to get you to Bruto's office before anyone sees you so i can explain what's going on."

"Bruto? Is he like, the principle?" kao asked

"Sure, kao. He's the freakin principle." jack said sarcastically "no kao he's the dean. Also, he's the founder and overseer of the ghouls. He is the authority of Hellenic society."

"Oh so he's the boss? How are we going to get to him without being spotted? Seems like a school this big could house a lot of people."

"Yes, but i feel like if you keep your head down and let me do the talking, we can probably make it there pretty smoothly." jack said

"Well im with you, lead the way."

Jack sprung forward into a quick pace which kao met. They walked up the cobblestone walkway that led to the front door of the establishment. Kao kept his head down, but couldn't help using his peripherals to notice details he hadn't before. Fountains, too many to count, with statues resembling beasts and heroes. Fire breathing reptiles and giants among men who showed no signs of fear.

"What's with the art?" kao asked as they walked

"They're not art kao, they're memorials. Each of these fountains represents a ghoul who died in battle. The monsters are the body snatchers who killed them."

"There's like 80 of em man! How many ghouls are there?" kao asked

"Four at a time, i feel like i told you that all ready. Anyway, the school trains young ghouls to take the place of those who fall. None last forever, kao." jack replied

"Well, what's the life expectance of a ghoul then?"

"I'd say most make it about 20 years or so. Some have made it as much as a hundred years as a functioning member of the ghoul team. But i wouldn't get my hopes up."

"Well that's reassuring" kao said

"Everyone's got to die sometime kid. You get two lives, you should be thankful. Most people only get one."

They reached the steps of the academy. Stone and strong, there were 30 steps that led up to a platform with two large oak doors leading into the building. Tall pillars lined the platform, resembling the roman Parthenon building. On the platform stood two huge beings, they looked human but both stood 10 feet tall and held spears that were at least 3 feet longer than they were tall. They began walking up the steps.

"Remember kao don't say a word" jack whispered

"Got it" kao replied

"Gor and Gar! I swear it seems like its been forever!" jack said to the tall men as they reached the platform.