origin chapter 1

The taxi car speed along the lonely road in a slow and steady motion.

the road was silent.

inside the car, the time on the radio which was on but not playing says 9:11

the taxi driver. a fat man sat focused on the road. a cap on his head.

he seemed to be in this state and position.

thoughtless and unwavering.

at the back of the car seat was a young man dressed in black.

he stares out through the side window with disinterest in his eyes.

Nicklaus could hear from this distance.

the bustling ahead.

his home.

he hadn't been here for years. could no longer keep track of time. not that he couldn't count.

he didn't want to remember.

the memories still caused him heartaches. it

gave him chills and most of all rage.

the sign board hanging which signifies the entrance passed by.

"gale creek,your town of wonders" it said.

Nicklaus focused his gaze on the driver.

"speed it up."he commanded.

the driver obeyed as the taxi car increased it's speed ahead towards the town.

long trees stood defiantly in the dark. all in shadow like forms.

the moon was absent but little stars were visibly seen in the sky.

Nicklaus was still in the the back of the car.

he reasoned what had bought him back to his wreathed home town.

which only brought nightmare like memories he'd had to live through.

The forest had suddenly disappeared.

the taxi car was now speeding smoothly in a clear surrounding. even in the night,

Nicklaus could access his surrounding.

they had passed by the forest filled with trees.

the woods. as it is usually called.

a distant but clear memory of himself trolling this same woods flashed into his mind.

he focused on the buildings which were ahead. gas stations, motels, roads leading inside town.

just a little further. his family house would be amongst the buildings. he watched with a bleek expression on his face.

he didn't want to face his past now.

"find me a motel and stop." he said.

the taxi car pulled into a corner and parked.

the engine died down and a sound of jazz trumpet playing could be heard inside the motel.

Nicklaus observed the three story building made of brick and stone.

the bar. he needed a drink and a room then he would call it a day.

he stepped out from the taxi, holding on to his travelling bag.

"you can go now." he said to the driver without glancing at him.

the taxi car turned around and went the opposite direction.

the one it had followed upon it's entry.

Nicklaus walked straight toward the exit door.

he stood at the porch and remained still.

he listened for voices, footfalls, breaths,minds, emotions.

this place was lively. he could tell they were no deaths here.

at least, not yet.

he pushed the door open and slowly it went.

at the other side. there sat men in the bar drinking and smoking.

the bar tender was serving drinks.

he observed still.

the building which was made with bricks without and fresh wood within.

the stairs which led upstairs.

the musicians at the corner side jazzed and sang.

some of the crowd sang along.

it was a bit crowded.

he strode towards the bar and took a seat among the few wooden chairs in the bar.

some eyes followed as he sat there.

he could sense distrust among the minds that watched him but he didn't care. didn't mind.

he just wanted a drink and a place to sleep.

it had been long he'd been home.

after driving for close to 9 hours, he'd finally reached gale creek.

"how may I be of help? a female voice spoke.

Nicklaus dropped his bag and stared at the lady standing before him.

she had her eyes on him and so did the others. he noticed.

"I'll be getting a room and a bottle."

he said without hesitation.

"yes sir."

she smiled and went away.

he just needed a drink, especially since he couldn't go hunting here. unless he would have to kill everyone in the bar.

that would draw too much attention.

he didn't want that.

it had been long since he went wild like that.

those were times when his enemies were still at large.

still in search for his head.

then he didn't care to kill anyone who stood and defiled him.

over centuries of being alive. he'd learnt that only the powerful ones could do as they pleased.

they could get away with anything too. in his case, noting had gone wrong but then he knew that something was Coming again.

he could feel it.

"here's your bottle and key."said the lady who had attended to him.

he stood up and took them from her.

she smiled again, but this time shyly.

"that would be 50 dollars."

Nicklaus took out money from his pocket and handed it over to her.

"room 4,upstairs."

she added.

Nicklaus nodded and took his leave.

he passed by the group of drinkers and dancers.

past the musicians in their pulpit and then went up the stairs.

the corridor was large and space ful.

different rooms stood positioned in the space.

he strode toward the sign labeling room 4.

without further thought,he slide the key in and opened the door.

the room was big. a large bed and fan in the celling which moved slowly.

he dropped his bag and opened his drink .

the wine soothed his taste a little but this wasn't what he needed.

this was to while away time.

a soft knock landed on the door.

Nicklaus turned and stared at the door already aware of the numbers standing behind.

they were five hearts beating at once and he could hear them perfectly.

they all stood still.

the knock came again. in three bangs at the door.

he didn't want any trouble but it would seem that trouble wanted him.

the door banged open, suddenly a 5 men stormed in with weapons in their hands in their hands. knifes,still rods and even a gun.

"get down on your knees." one of them yelled as he came inside but then.

Nicklaus was no where to be found seen. he suddenly disappeared.

the men looked around, anxious and confused.

"where the hell is he ?

the one at the front asked.

his face had s scary looking scar attached to it.

"I thought you said this was his room?

he asked the others who were no less confused than himself.

the door which was formally open suddenly shut with a bang.

"this is my room." said Nicklaus who was already behind them.

"how can I help you boys? he asked with an evil grin on his face.

alex stood in the field with her bow and arrow focused at her target. a wooden circle which was shaped and made standing.

it was what the hunters used for practicing, especially ranged weapons.

she let the arrow go and ahead it went into the circled spot.

the fields was filled with grass, weeds and plant.

the wind flew by and it would seem that field was Dancing.

the moon light in the sky and the lantern shone brightly.

Alex stared at her shot with a discontent look.

she knew she needed to become better at her aim. else she would never get to go out with the others to hunt.

unlike her.

her sister maria, who was a witch like their mother had Access to this privilege s of hunting with the others.

her mother was the leader of the witches in gale creek.

after the mass hunting of their kind by other creatures.

she had to take charge by retreating back to the swan mansion.

of which witches and hunters resided in unity.

this was possible only because of Luther Swan, the hunter who hunted these creatures.

even with the cost of his life.

he and mother had made an alliance of which still stood till date.

the only surviving family of the swan was Jonathan. his son.

a hunter and priest in the church.

Alex wanted to be more like him and he wanted very much to be like his father.

Alex didn't want him to end the way his father ended but the lad didn't care.

this was amongst things that annoyed her.

she didn't want any of the people she'd come to know to suddenly stop existing.

gone without a trace as is usually the case when their bodies are never recovered.

she wanted to be much useful,stronger,faster.

some how,her elder sister maria had attained all this with the aid of magic.

she was far better than her and she hated this.

Alex wasn't no witch like her sister but then she knew she wasn't going to back down and watch hands folded while everything gets taken.

she was going to show them her spirit.

she started re tracing her way back to the mansion.

which stood just a mile away.

the building was large, the land was even bigger with a huge wall and gates to protect them.

her mother had done more by enchanting the whole area with invisibility spell.

it cloaked everything and no one outside could tell if this place even existed.

as such, it was the best haven from supernatural creatures who existed solely to prey on the weak.

her mother had created enchanted weapons too.

govinee blades as they are usually called.

they are laced with ancient ashes from fallen witches.

It could kill these creatures.

only Hunters were armed with these weapon.

she wanted one but she wasn't qualified yet.

at least that was what he thinks. she thought.

Jonathan wasn't sure about letting her join their hunt.

"you're not strong enough." he would say.

"not yet."

"fool." she cursed under her breath as she made her way past the field and down toward the mansion.

the stairs were huge and long,it led toward the hall.

the candles were already being put off.

it was night time already.

some men passed her. they held up their lantern.

she walked by the lonely passage which was illuminated by lanterns which stood up at each successive pillars of the building.

she took the stairs which led her further into another room.

the church. before she'd reached the door,she already could hear the faint prayers coming from inside.

she opened the door and went in.

the door opened and she walked in.

the room was well lit.

with candles all hanging at each destinated spots.

the church was bot filled. only few people were present and they were all praying.

she wasn't here for that.

she strode past the chairs arranged in straight but separate lines.

the podium was empty. she could still imagine what it was like when he stood there to give lessons.

Jonathan did it with passion.

she frowned. he wasn't present. she took a bend towards the door by the left.

without waiting, she pushed the door open.

at the other side was Jonathan on his knees. hands folded.

he was holding onto his crucifix chain. in a posture of complete stillness and silence.

"Jonathan." she called in a low tone.

this was his sanctuary.

"we need to talk." she added as she walked close to him.

a big candle stood on his table.

papers were scattered on it. apparently, he'd been busy but with what?

she wondered.

as if reading her thoughts, Jonathan stood up on his feet, still clutching to his crucifix.

"Alex." he said

"you're not asleep yet?

he glimpsed at the clock on the wall.

"it's late."

"I can't sleep."

Jonathan made a sign for her to take a seat. she did.

"what are you writing? she asked, staring at the words.

it appeared to be calculations, numbers.

"it's an overview of our current numbers, food supplies, crops harvested."

"I thought I should inspect it before taking it to Adam."

she nodded with disinterest.

she yawned and sat back into the wooden arm chair.

"I see you have been practicing again." said Jonathan.

"I need to join you guys on your next hunt." she blurted out without waiting to let him continue further.

"I know you think am not ready but I am now."

Jonathan stood silent as the stared out through the window.

a full moon stood up in the sky.

Jonathan seemed to be lost in thought. it was as tho he was hypnotized for a second.

"hey." alex called.

"what are you thinking about?

Jonathan strolled from the window and took a seat next to her.

"we'll be going out tomorrow."

Alex eye brows inched up.

"what! she said surprised.

"what about me?

"I don't know, you're not included."

she frowned.

"we are to travel to Tampa, your mother needs us to accompany your sister to reclaim an object and support on her journey."

"I can't believe she'd never a word to me."

"maybe it's for the best."Jonathan sai

"that's bullshit,my sister gets to go right?

Jonathan kept quiet.

of course, she will while I'll be stuck up here in this cage." Alex snapped.

"I don't understand you." Jonathan said.

"you'll get to be safe, protected."

"and where does that get me?

Alex blurts out.

"I'll get to be safe while the others go out."

"what does that even mean?

"it's better than dying."

Jonathan added and stood up. his expression had suddenly darkened.

alex could tell. the moon light spread across the field. it was brighter now.

traces of moon light found its way into the room.

its light cast it self over Jonathan's figure.

he looked pale and sad underneath it.

his eyes were bleak in the dark.

"I just want you to be alright."

Alex looked up at him, unable to comprehend what was going on his head. she hadn't noticed this side of him

perhaps, this was a part of himself he'd kept hidden, stuffed away.

he was usually cheerful and would try to help out in anyway he could.

this_ it was something else. she sensed the pain in his voice.

it hurt her to see him sad.

"when will you guys be leaving?

Jonathan stared at her, taken aback.

"tomorrow." he said. his eyes asked the questions he wanted to ask.

"I'll be joining you." Alex said.

"you need me, don't you?

"I don't know." he said a bit tongue tied.

"it's not my place." he added while still staring at her in the eyes.

some how, she could connect to him without using words.

it was this ability they had developed upon meeting for the first time.

they felt each other, understood each other more.

it felt weird, she couldn't understand it.

"I don't think it's right for you to involve yourself."

he said.

Alex smiled sadly and nodded.

"be safe."

Alex stood up from the chair and strode outside through the door.

Jonathan returned back to staring at the window.

his gaze was fixed on the moon.