Ch. 1: The Priest Favorite

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Have you ever gazed upon the morning sun and wondered what it would feel like to burst into flames? Well, one young man knows that feeling all too well. His name is Nyght N. Night, a rather cheesy name that you can attribute to his well-meaning but imaginative parents. However, if the name alone doesn't evoke a hint of sympathy, perhaps his tragic origins will draw a tear from you. His very birth seemed to usher in death, as his mother tragically passed away during childbirth. Left to raise him alone, his father, a vampire, did his utmost to teach Nyght about emotions and love. But their time together was cruelly severed when a group of Hunters discovered his father's identity and condemned him to the fiery daylight. They attempted the same fate for Nyght, but the outcome was different – his eyes underwent a transformation, now a haunting shade of translucent purple.

Nyght's childhood was a turbulent journey, caught in a tug-of-war between the merciless Hunters Guild and church convents that promised to exorcise the darkness within him. Eventually, he found refuge under the care of the one Hunter he believed had a semblance of goodness left. But at this moment, Nyght's faith in this once-kind man wavered, all due to the conversation unfolding between them.

"You promised I could stay here forever!" Nyght's voice resonated with hurt and a tinge of betrayal.

"All children eventually depart for schooling," the priest retorted matter-of-factly. Nyght's glare intensified, his irises flickering like flames in the dimly lit chapel. "Whose brilliant idea was this, Father Trudon?" Nyght's words dripped with contempt. "Despite your doubts, Father Trudon genuinely cares for your well-being. If it were up to him, you'd remain within these bell tower walls indefinitely," the priest countered. Nyght scoffed, a hint of defiance in his voice. "Sounds like a story straight out of 'The Bells of Notre Dame.'" He flopped onto the cold stone floor. "So, what you're saying is... I have a choice?"

"You can choose to return here, or, with my blessing, the church is willing to facilitate your entry into the guild," the priest explained calmly. Nyght blinked, absorbing this unexpected offer. He was well aware of his unfavorable standing among the Hunters, yet a part of him had always yearned for their acceptance, even if it was their actions that had led to his father's demise.

"You'll attend both day and night classes. I've devised a flexible schedule for you," the priest continued, handing him a neatly written schedule.

"It's just for a year. If you find it disagreeable, you're free to return, and I won't press the matter further," Nyght let out a theatrical sigh. "Alright, fine. I'll give it a shot, but don't expect any promises from me," he grumbled as the priest vanished momentarily, returning with a handful of iron tab pills. Nyght wrinkled his nose but obediently swallowed them with water. "Steak for dinner?" the priest proposed.

"Are you trying to bribe me?" Nyght asked with a playful smile.

"Who, me?" The priest and the halfbreed shared a chuckle as they walked over to the priest's quarters to prepare a hearty meal.

The two enjoyed their meal in peaceful camaraderie, and Nyght savored his last few hours within the confines of the familiar chapel. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows within the stone walls, Nyght took the time to bid farewell to the nuns who had become a sort of extended family. He even assisted in setting up the altar for the upcoming communion service, arranging candles and polished silver with a sense of bittersweet nostalgia.

The chapel was suffused with a serene atmosphere as Nyght moved about, his heart heavy with a mixture of anticipation and sorrow. The flickering candlelight danced upon the ancient frescoes, lending an ethereal glow to the sacred space. Nyght's fingers brushed against the worn wooden pews, each one holding a memory of whispered prayers and quiet contemplation.

As the evening wore on, Nyght found himself standing before the statue of a benevolent-looking angel, its eyes cast downward as if in eternal prayer. He lingered, lost in thought, contemplating the path ahead. The weight of his decision pressed upon him, and he wondered whether he was making the right choice by venturing into the world beyond these hallowed walls.

The soft footsteps of Father Trudon approached from behind, and Nyght turned to meet the priest's reassuring gaze. "Are you ready, Nyght?" the priest inquired, his voice a steady anchor amidst the sea of Nyght's emotions.

Nyght offered a half-smile, his eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and uncertainty. "As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose."

Father Trudon laid a gentle hand on Nyght's shoulder, conveying support through the simple touch. "Remember, Nyght, this journey is a chance for you to discover your own strength and purpose. You have the potential to forge a path that's uniquely yours."

Nyght nodded, absorbing the priest's words like a soothing melody. "Thank you, Father. For everything."

The priest's smile was warm, carrying with it the weight of countless blessings. "It has been an honor to watch you grow, Nyght. Now, go and embrace the opportunities that await you. And remember, the chapel's doors will always be open to you, should you choose to return."

With a final embrace, Nyght left the chapel, his steps carrying him away from the familiar and into the uncharted territories of his future. As he ventured into the night, the moon cast a silvery glow upon his path, illuminating his way forward.

And so, Nyght N. Night embarked on a new chapter of his life, guided by the lessons of his past and the potential of his tomorrows. The stars above twinkled like distant beacons, hinting at the adventures, challenges, and friendships that lay ahead on his journey.

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