CODEX: Maledictus Pluviae Exitium, The priest’s last prayer

CodeX

"Singing the song of our praise, may the heaven hear our voices… as the land cries for purification, may the tears of heaven fall like a gentle rain — Aequa Nubila"

The sun is up and a gentle breeze of wind blows from the lake up to the cliff where the cathedral is standing. The people are dancing with a smile on their faces, lifting their hands and singing their songs of prayers. Warm and gentle, a sprinkling rain from the sky came down to the city of the lake, the town of Lumo. 

The town is named after the great Seraph of Lake Waters, Lumo, who blessed them with abundant water. As a form of gratitude the townspeople offer prayers every seventh day to the great seraph. They were led by a priest who’s been chosen by the Ministry of the Seraphs. The town is currently led by the Archbishop, Castiel Sacraqua.

“Thank you, Priest Castiel!” said the townspeople as they gave him goods as a form of Gratitude.

“It is my pleasure to serve the town and the great seraphs. There is no need to give such gifts. Instead, give it to the people who are in needs” Castiel politely rejects their gifts.

Other than leading prayers, Castiel is also helping the townspeople in their daily activities, especially activities around the lake. He was helping the fisherman when a young man was looking for him. 

“Priest Castiel, a young man is looking for you” one of the townspeople reported.

“Greetings Sir! My name is Gab, from the Ministry” said the young man nervously.

“ Ohh! You must be the acolyte that will be serving here. I’m priest Castiel, I'm very happy to meet you!” said Castiel as he extended his arms and hugged the young man. “Let’s go to the cathedral and let me introduce you to Priest Argo and the others.” Castiel continued.

Gab was warmly welcomed. He stayed in the dormroom and lived there to serve the Priests and the Cathedral as an Acolyte. “Thank you, Everyone! I’ll do my best!”

After a month of serving as an Acolyte, Lumo experienced a continuous drizzle.

“This drizzle seems to be off, this is different from priest Castiel’s Aequa Nubila. I wonder why? I better go see the priest now.” 

It's been five days already since it started raining in Lumo. This caused sadness in Gab side for his time to be with priest Castiel was reduced. 

“Priest Castiel? This is Gab, our meal is ready.” said Gab as he knocked on Castiel’s room. 

He was patiently waiting until he heard a loud sound, like something fell, inside the room. 

“Priest Castiel, are you okay?” asked Gab but there’s no answer. He was about to force himself in when Castiel slightly opened the door. 

“I’m sorry I didn't hear you, I'm okay. I just slipped, nothing to worry about. I’ll go there in a minute” then Castiel closed his door after he replied. 

Gab was surprised, this is the first time Castiel responded to him like that.

Gab was asked by Argo to deliver Holy waters to the Guild when he came across some fishermen and overheard their conversation. 

“It’s true, believe me! I’m not hallucinating! It’s a BetaDaemos!” one of the fishermen said.

“No way! Then this non-stop rain must be because of that cursed monster!” one of them added.

“We need to find it… and kill it!”

Gab suddenly regained his thoughts. Hearing the conversation, a sudden chilling sensation ran on his bones. He was frightened of what he heard. He rushed towards the town’s guild and asked for the guildmaster. When he arrived, there were unknown faces that caught his attention. Another group of people that made him feel uneasy.

“I’m Gab, an acolyte, I have something to give to the guildmaster as per priest Argo’s instruction.”

A lady wearing a skirt with the guild’s badge welcomed her. “Please take a seat, Mr. Melphor is currently entertaining some guests” said the guild receptionist. 

“Uhm… I saw the people in the hall, based on their badge symbol, they’re Fissure Chasers right?” asked Gab.

“ Yes, indeed. We actually don’t want any commotion so we let them stay in the hall. If the people saw them roaming outside, who knows how the people would react. Ohh here’s the Guildmaster.” said the receptionist. She introduced Gab to the guildmaster and explained his purpose.

“I’m sorry for making you wait. What can I offer to you? Coffee or perhaps beer?” said Melphor as he offered Gab a seat.

“No need for that Mr. Melphor. I’m only here to deliver the Holy Waters that you requested.” replied Gab.

“Aren’t you interested to know?” asked Melphor with a persuading smile.

“What do you mean sir?” Gab replied while avoiding Melphor’s gaze.

Melphor slowly walked towards Gab and whispered… “Anything, why did I request holy waters? the fissure chasers, Or perhaps … about the Priests that you serve.” 

After a while, Gab left the Guild and returned to the cathedral. He went to his room and lay on his bed. A lot of things ran wild in his mind. Why the fissure chasers staying in the guild? Why did he say they’re hunting a demon? Is it true that there’s a BetaDaemos wandering at Lumo? What does he mean by not all priests are holy? I don’t know what to do now. After his mind got tired of thinking, Gab fell asleep.

Gab woke up by the sound of knocking on his door. “Gab, are you up already?” 

When he heard that it was priest Castiel, he quickly opened the door without a care of his appearance. His hair is still a mess, his shirt was wrinkled and some of the pillows are on the floor. 

Regardless of all that, he replied to Castiel with a big smile on his face. “Good morning Priest Castiel!” 

Castiel stopped for a while then gave him a soft laugh “Haha, Go fix yourself!, Let’s eat… uhm and if it’s okay let’s chat for a while.” 

Gab was embarrassed but at the same time he’s happy and worried. He’s happy that he’s given a chance to talk to Castiel but it’s the same reason he was worried.

“Gab, it’s been months only since we knew each other but I know you’re a good man. Please help me.” Castiel begged for him. His eyes are very worried and scared. Despite how much he controls himself, his hands are still shaking. The proper and collected figure that Gab knew is gone. 

“Uhm, can you please explain the situation to me, Priest Castiel. I know I'm not very reliable but I will try my best to help you.” replied Gab.

Castiel pauses for a while. Looked him straight to the eye then asked another question. “Do you believe that every living creature deserves to live, to be cared for, and receive love?”

After he asked this question, he told Gab to follow him to his room. 

“Markus, you can come out.” When he heard those words, Gab hoped that it was not what he was thinking. But as the closet slowly opened, he couldn't deny it anymore. An unequal body proportions, scales that covered the skin, an eye that no humans ever had and horns from a beast. The BetaDaemos that he heard in the rumor appeared in front of him. 

Gab refused to believe. Unaware of his action, he walked backwards and fell on his back. The young BetaDaemos was startled and hid back in the closet. Gab was shocked by the kid’s reaction but his terrified face can’t be hidden. He looked at Castiel but the priest couldn't look back. “Please, help me Gab. No, at least help him… please” said Castiel with his voice cracking.

“Why? Is it not because of them that we have these monsters appearing from some unknown dimensions? Why are you helping them? They will cause destruction in all lands!” Unable to control his emotion, Gab blurted all these words.

“It is just a mere legend Gab, there is no proof of that. The ministry and even the Fissure Chasers Council don’t have any direct statement that they were the cause.” replied Castiel.

“But it’s because of them that many people died. How can I help you knowing all these possible dangers that he might bring to us?” Gab argued.

“And what about them? Have we not killed their kind? Have we not caused destruction in their life?” said Castiel with his eyes full of conviction. “They are living creatures as well, just like us. Is it our right to take their freedom to live? Because of what? Speculations that weren't proven at all.” he added.

Gab was shut and he can’t even look Castiel in the eye. “I understand where your argument is coming from. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to argue with you Gab and I’m sorry for asking too much.” Castiel left After he said these words.

Three days have passed and the rain still continues. Gab and Castiel are quiet to each other and become less lively. Argo, who always works with ministry affairs, decided to let Castiel do the report as a change of pace. Castiel was worried but he needed to attend to his tasks as Archbishop. After a while, as Gab passed by Castiel's room,he saw that the room was open. Worried that the BetaDaemos might cause havoc while Castiel is away, he quickly opens the door, and to his surprise…Argo is inside.

“Priest Argo! What are you doing in Priest Castiel’s room?” asked Gab worriedly as he looked around the room.

“I’m just looking for a book that I used to borrow from him. I might have put an important document in between the pages.” Argo replied. “How about you?”

“Me? Priest Castiel told me that I can borrow some of his spell books in exchange for throwing his garbage and cleaning his room. Hehe” Gab answered nervously.

“I see, I, already see what I’m looking for so i’ll take my leave”

After Argo left the room, he quickly looked in all corners of the room for Markus. He saw Markus in a small compartment under the cabinet. The kid was shocked and instinctively covered himself when Gab asked him concernedly. 

“Did he see you?” 

Markus slowly uncovered himself and replied “Markus hide. No one see.” 

As he heard this response. He looked at Markus closely. What he saw was not a monster but a terrified kid. 

When Castiel returned, he rushed back to his room and what he saw surprised him. He saw Markus in the arms of Gab, both of them asleep. When Gab woke up, he looked at Castiel, then looked down. “I’m sorry. I think we have a problem.”

That night, Argo went to the townguild and looked for Melphor. 

“My suspicion is right. Castiel took custody of the monster” Argo reported to Melphor as he threw a piece of demon scale. 

“Then we should take action now before they escape. That cursed monster must be permanently removed from this world” said Melphor. He looked at the Fissure Chasers and added “Silver, are you not coming with us? Wouldn't it be better to get to the source of all this?”

A huge muscular man stood up and said “Our work is to kill all monsters that will emerge from the fissure, protect all civilians, then make sure to seal it. My team is not a fan of your baseless legends so go hunt yourselves.” Melphor was annoyed with the response of Silver, the captain of the Fissure Chasers who was sent to Lumo.

Castiel together with Gab and Markus was heading out of the cathedral when arrows were shot at them.

“Aqua wall” Castiel casted a water barrier that protected them from the arrows.

“As expected, from an Arcane Caster” said Melphor while clapping his hands. “We are not here to hurt you Priest Castiel. Just hand over that monster and everything will be at peace”

“Melphor, please, this kid is innocent. He is not what you think.” begged Castiel.

“If you continue on protecting that monster, the ministry will not accept you anymore Castiel” said Argo. “Our job is to help the people, Castiel, not the monsters,” he added.

“He’s no monster!” Gab shouted. “He’s just a… a kid, like we all used to be”

“This is going nowhere. If you will not surrender the monster, then will take it by force.” Melphor instructed the townspeople to charge.

“Waters that give life, Rains that cleanse the earth. Grant me your protection against corruption — Lacus sancti Cunas” Castiel cast a huge defensive cradle barrier that cancels out both physical and magical attacks. The barrier didn’t stop the townspeople from attacking them but none of them worked. Castiel keeps on convincing the townspeople that Markus is not dangerous when an arrow suddenly pierces through the barrier. 

“Watch out!” shouted Gab as he protected Castiel by blocking it with a sword. They were surprised that an attack went through the barrier knowing that it is a perfect defensive spell. They tried to look where the attack came from when they saw Argo equipped with his bow and arrow, enchanted with holy waters.

“Bwahahaha! I know you can’t hurt people Castiel. I know that you're using sacred spells that can only be countered with the same holy water as a catalyst.” said Melphor as he laughed.

“I’m sorry Priest Castiel… Please take Markus and go… Ardens Blade!” Gab enveloped his sword with fire and charged out of the barrier to knock down the people attacking them. “If Priest Castiel can’t hurt people, then don’t ever think I can’t”

Gab continues to fight the people to protect Castiel and Markus. Skilled with his sword, he never missed to block any arrow that’s about to pass through the barrier. Gab, with every swift swing of his sword, knocked down the people one by one. However, the number of enemies is greater than he can handle. Knowing that Priest Castiel will feel bad, he also keeps the damage he gives minimal and makes sure not to land a lethal attack, thanks to the rain that’s weakening his fire. Gab started to lose his composure as the fight continued. His movements became sluggish. His sword felt heavier as he began to catch some deep breaths.

“Go now! I’ll handle the r —”

At that moment, Castiel trembled on what he saw. A dagger pierced Gab's body. Melphor stabbed him. Unable to comprehend the situation, Castiel suddenly shot Melphor with a compressed water ball and was thrown. Castiel unconsciously dropped the barrier and was about to run towards Gab when an arrow passed beside him. When he looked back towards the direction of the arrow, he saw Markus, bleeding with an arrow on its chest. It was then followed by two more arrows. Castiel's mind went blank. His emotions burst out! He cried loudly and the rain started to pour heavier. The water from the rain formed a huge dome with them inside, then suddenly burst throwing all the people away from them. 

Castiel walked towards the Cathedral with Gab on his shoulder and Markus on his arms. He stopped in front of the altar, and started to cry, begging for the seraphs to heal them. He tried multiple times to heal them but his powers are not working because the wounds are imbued with holy water. 

“I have served you… for a very long time! Please I'm begging you ohh great primordials and seraphs.” 

Castiel kept on begging when the door of the cathedral opened. He didn’t give any care to the people, instead he unconsciously put a new barrier around them while he kept on begging for Gab and Markus to live.

The rain continues to pour heavily. The only noise that can be heard is the downpour of the water. The townspeople were about to attack them again when a huge crack in space appeared inside the cathedral, a Fissure. Several monsters emerge from the fissure causing rampage. The townspeople started to run away. They were about to get attacked when Silver’s crew, the Fissure Chasers, protected them and started killing the monsters.

Castiel, who is protected with a barrier, continues to shed tears. “Am I not worthy to call for your grace? Why? Why are you not answering me?” Castiel looked down, losing his faith. Gab regained consciousness and reached Castiel’s hand and held it tightly. As they looked at each other, Gab gave him a smile which made him cry even more. 

“I’m sorry Gab, I shouldn't have involved you with this!” Castiel continued to cry as he asked for Gab’s forgiveness.

“It’s okay, Priest Castiel. I really adored you when I first met you. Your love for all creatures really touched me. If it weren’t because of you, the hatred in me must have been still inside. So don’t worry, serving you is the best thing that happened in my life.” said Gab as he put his forehead on each other. 

The two started to chant in unison.

“Born with the power of Fire, with my burning passion and blinding light…”

“Born with the power of Water, with my deep ocean love and calming light…”

As the two continued to chant, the earth started to shake. The Rain heavily pours down even more.

“Let my wrath be calmed as i give up my life… for this punishment, is what the earth should have—”

“Let my wrath be calmed as i give up my life… for this punishment, is what the earth should have—”

The earth cracked and the cathedral seemed to fall down as the cliff where it was standing began to collapse through the lake.

“I pray that I can still serve you in the afterlife…” Gab whispered.

“--- Maledictus Pluviae exitium”