Death Healer

“Do you know what it means to be Anointed?”

A pipe organ played in the background as [Cardinal] Atticus questioned the confused Lily inside the most majestic structure the Church had ever built—the Angelic Dome. Usually, entrance would be barred, save for special occasions. This, it appeared, was one of those.

[Cardinal] Atticus had spooked her to death. However, he had ultimately just brought her along for a walk, nothing more.

Or so he had said.

“No, Your Eminence,” Lily replied meekly as they strolled through the empty, grandiose basilica.

The man, however, did not provide an immediate reply; he just went and kept walking through the cavernous expanse of the Angelic Dome, their footsteps echoing off the marble and resonating through the sacred air.

Lit by the ethereal glow of countless [Light Orbs] reflecting on the colored glass windows and the many statues, frescos, and paintings, Lily felt an inexplicable calm in her heart as she stepped under the colossal arches.

“Look here, dear,” Atticus pointed to a towering statue of a woman, her face etched in eternal tranquility. Carved from what the young girl recognized to be a glittering moonstone, she seemed almost alive under the ethereal light. “Do you know what made her so special?”

“She was Anointed,” [Cardinal] Atticus spoke with a cryptic lull to his voice. “So few have been able to withstand His Blessings…”

Lily craned her neck, but the man, again, stopped mid-track without providing any further explanation.

“Saint Seraphina, the one who repealed the ancient Undead Plague with her divine Light Magic. Her soul was… troubled, Dear,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Like yours.”

Lily turned to the man who, despite her expectations, didn’t have a scolding frown nor any reproach on his face. He just looked at her with a hint of sadness.

“I—I don’t understand,” Lily replied.

“You are very young, Aurora; I don’t expect you to,” [Cardinal] Atticus sighed. “But today, you are only four years away from your Class. It’s… much less time than I would like. Now, come. There’s more I want to show you.”

The Cardinal then led Lily to the altar, and she felt her breath hitch as she looked up at the massive stained-glass window, taller than a five-story building, that stretched above them. The vibrant colors danced in the light, casting multi-colored shadows on the marble floor. The details depicted the divine creation as told by the Church — the start of everything – and the beauty left Lily awestruck.

“Dear, why did you hurt your friend?” [Cardina] Atticus suddenly asked.

Lily was stunned into silence by the question.

“You know my family keeps an eye on you. The young future-[Templar]’s hand broke under your attack.”

“He tried to strike—”

The [Cardinal] raised his hand, and that immediately silenced her.

“Your father is a peculiar man, but your own Shadows are rare in the Gens Claudia. They are, ironically, more common in our family,” Atticus suddenly lowered his voice, “His Holiness himself actually dealt with similar problems when he was younger.”

Lily felt pure repulsion at the thought of being compared to the [Pope] and his lineage.

The [Cardinal] straightened up and looked at the stained glass, basking in the multi-colored light for a few seconds before pointing at the row of cushioned seats behind the altar, “Let us talk, child.”

…

Lily had been expecting many things from this man requesting her presence, but a strange lesson had been the last of them.

“Child, you still don’t understand how important this war is for us. Especially, how important annihilating our enemies is.”

“Even the Angelic Dome is at stake,” [Cardinal] Atticus explained, “this building empowers all the healing in our territory. Once you unlock your Class, you will be able to review all its effects on our territory. His Holiness has made sure to continue the work of his predecessors, focusing on increasing the health and wealth of his subjects.” The [Cardinal] paused to let her soak in the gravity of their situation. “However, I can tell you that, after a fruitful conversation with His Holiness, we’ve come to an understanding of your talents.”

“My talents?”

“Yes, dear. Your talent for healing is… magnificent. But your talent for fighting… I would venture, does not fall much shorter.”

Lily’s ears perked up.

“So,” [Cardinal] Atticus stared deep into her eyes with a slick smile, “how would you like His Holiness to bestow the Holy Flame upon you?”