The Bloodied Phantom{Chapter 1}

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Unlike humans, Angeliques, have magical powers that allow them to do seemly impossible tasks.

For instance, with just a flick of the wrist or the snap of a finger, you could create a monstrous fire; like Cypress. Take control of someone’s body; like Cypress. Or form a ferocious thunderstorm; like Cypress. Needless to say, Cypress was a one of a kind havoc wreaker.

But even Cypress’ havoc wreaking skills could not compare to Phantom’s older brother, Saint. The very same Saint that had been cast away to world called the Soul Covenant, which is hell, compared to the Spirit Sanctuary. His exile had occurred five years ago.

Saint had always been quiet and serious. Never really showing any kind of emotion towards anyone. It was on that night that everything changed. Phantom would never forget it. He remembered it just like it was yesterday. It was a cold and stormy night. The thunder shook the foundations of the castle. The lightning lit up the sky, and the rain pelted the ground like bullets. At the time Phantom was in his room reading a books about ghosts and spirits. Saint… well he didn’t know where he was at the time. Actually, Saint had been acting even stranger than his usual self. He would sneak off in the middle of the night; to god knows where. He had stopped communicating with anyone, and would sit alone in the dark with an expressionless look upon his face.

Phantom didn’t tell their parents because he had promised Saint that he wouldn’t. Still, something was going on with his brother. He just didn’t know what. While he was in his study he was called down to dinner.

“Where’s your brother?” his mother asked, as he sat down at the table.

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him all day.”

His mother walked over to the large beveled windows and looked out at the raging storm. The rain pelted into the glass with such force, he was sure it would shatter. Phantom looked towards his very worried mother. She was tall and slim, garbed in an elegant gown of fluid blue. She had a straight mane of cool black hair that contrasted her sharp sapphire blue eyes. A pale face that had the perfect angles and curves. She was indeed beautiful. Heaven; her name fit her perfectly from her beauty and care free nature.

“Where’s father?” Phantom asked trying to change the course of the conversation.

“He went into the village in search of your brother.” she said, looking towards her son.

Well, thought Phantom, So much for changing the course of the conversation.

" I'm sure he's alright. It's not like this is an unusual behavior of his."

"I really hope so." she said, sitting down at the table, alongside him.

They quietly ate dinner, listening to the thrumming of the rain against the window.

So much for a family dinner,he thought to himself.

It was quiet. Too quiet. Something was wrong. He just didn't know what. Just then, a loud boom resounded. Both jumped up from the table and ran into the foyer where they had heard the noise. The large double doors had been knocked from their hinges. It was strange because they had been bolted shut. Phantom couldn't believe who he saw. Standing in the doorway, drenched in rain and blood, was his brother, Saint. His eye were as red as the blood that stained his clothes. His breathing was ragged. What could have happened to him? Or for that matter, someone else?

"Saint... What happened to you?" their mother asked.

Worry was written all over her face. Phantom was shocked as well, and stood to the side of his mother. He didn't know for sure, but he knew that his brother had done something terrible.

At the time he just didn't know how terrible. He placed his book on the arm of chair. He looked at his cousin once more. How sad he must feel on account of his parents gruesome murder. Saint had been responsible for that. He'd killed them for reasons unknown. After the murder of Ralph and Willow Cruxnik, a trial was held at Lu Crux Borderion. A mystical realm where a persons' fate was chosen. In Saint's case it would be into exile to The Soul Covenant which was hell compared th The Spirit Sanctuary. Right before he was carried away, he said something that Phantom would never forget.

The final cut is not the deepest. There's a ray of hope in a place you'd least expect it.

Ever since that day he'd been trying to figure out what it could mean. But to avail.

"Hey. What are you reading?"

"Oh. A novel called Bloody Tears. It's about these two vampires who've known each other their entire lives and yet they can't stand one another. Only when a tragedy threatens to destroy their race do they come together. They fall in love and save their people from the plague."

"Righteous! Sounds good. Do you think I could borrow it when you're done?"

"No need. There's another copy on the bookshelf. Anyway, you know how I like to read. Nice and slow so that I may better understand the information that I'm consuming."

"Oh, right. You know I almost forget how much of a nerd you are." he said chuckling.

"You know, the term "nerd" is more of a compliment than it is an insult. You know that right?"

"How is that?"

"Because the term "nerd" as you put it, is an intelligent person, whose only outcast because he or she isn't clueless about the world around them. You know...Knowing things that really matter."

He rose from his seat and replaced his copy of the boook onto the shelf while retrieving the other for his cousin. He never really understood why the people with intelligance were always made fun of. It made no sense. Being smart should be praised not cast aside.

"Here." he said, throwing the book to his cousin. He caught it in one hand and began flipping through the pages.

"Thanks. Anyways, I didn't just come here for the book and enthralling conversation." he said sarcastically.

"Why did you come then?"

He took a deep breath and gave him a serious look.

"The mortal girl that you are to protect is having these recurring dreams."

"Recurring dreams? About what? Why is this even important?"

"Well, these dreams involve both you and Saint. That's why it'smportant. Your father thinks that these are no ordinary dreams. That they're a warning of some sort."

"Warning? What could Saint possibly do to her?"

"What couldn't Saint do to her? He has tremendous powers. I don't think being in a separate world can stop him from getting to her."

Phantom didn't know what to say or do. Could this mortal girl really be in some kind of danger?

But then again, he shouldn't question his father. It was his duty to protect her. And if that meant enetering the mortal world to keep an eye on her, then so be it. He was not about to fail.

"Come. Your father asks to see you before your departure."

They both exited the castle on their way to The Tower with a sinking feeling of the pit of their stomachs.