Chapter 59: Chapter 58: Planning for a Debut

“What do you mean it’s not dead!” The man in front of Marie shouted, banging his fist on the table.

Marie, the Hunter, sighed, pushing his fist away. “I mean I won’t be killing her.” She said. It was something of a relief, if she was being honest. Human-looking monsters were always emotionally taxing to kill, but even more than that…she felt like she couldn’t kill the girl.

The girl just had this air about her, and even when Marie had been about to shoot her, there was an odd sort of…confidence about her, like she wasn’t afraid of whatever Marie could do. Most monsters, even the tougher ones Marie had fought, showed at least some fear, but not this girl. And then, when those claws came out…

Marie shuddered a little as she recalled it. The girl had gone from unusual to terrifying in an instant. Marie had seen her share of nasty claws over her career, but those were something else; they made the claws of even a dire bear look like toothpicks. And the look in her eyes…Marie could tell the girl had more than one easy way to kill or disable her, and she was just trying to figure out what would draw the least attention.

“Why not!” The man cried, gesturing at the shell-shocked teenager to his side, the one who had confronted the girl back at the graduation. “It’s traumatized my girl, and the whole community lives in fear of it! This is your job, so do it!”

Marie shook her head. “No. My job is to deliver death to things that would break the order of the world, things that should not be. Whatever she is, that girl is not one of them.” Or, if she was, then she was breaking order that the gods wanted broken. Marie had never in her life felt the presence of Death as strong as she had on that girl, and the pastor had seemed to agree.

The man growled. “Fine. We’ll deal with it ourselves.” He stood up, but Marie laid a hand on his shoulder, stopping him from storming off.

“I wouldn’t, if I were you.” She said, giving him an even stare. “I wouldn’t be able to deal with her, and I’m the best in the business. Attempting to do so is just going to end with you getting hurt.”

The man grit his teeth. “What do we do, then? Just let it continue to terrorize the town?”

Marie shrugged. “To be honest, from what I’ve gathered, there’s no concrete evidence of her doing anything strange without being provoked, so my advice is to just not poke the bear. If she wanted to actually hurt people, she would have done so by now.”

“But, my congregation–”

“Is not under my purview.” Marie said, cutting him off. “The only reason I came is because I sensed a potential threat to the good people of this town, and I have decided that there is no threat. I did not come because the leader of some fundamentalist fringe movement wanted me to. My loyalties are to the gods and their church, and if you’re going to stir up fear in your congregation, that’s none of my business.

“The official stance of the church here is that there is nothing to be worried about, and I intend to follow their direction.” She turned to leave, paused, then turned back to the teenager. “You.” She said.

“Y-yes?” The girl squeaked.

“A word of warning, stop poking your head into other people’s business.” She said. “Life teaches that everyone has the right to choose what they believe and how to put that into practice. Death will judge them when She comes for them, there is no need to do so in this life. You’re only going to get yourself into trouble if you continue down this path.”

She paused, then continued. “I would also strongly recommend a careful examination of your beliefs. Are they something you believe, or something you believe because your father tells you to believe in them?”

The girl gave her a meek nod, but her father had other ideas. “Don’t speak to my daughter that way!” He exclaimed, outraged. “Why, I oughta…”

Marie gave him a glare. “I am merely repeating the words of the gods, if you have issue with that, then I would suggest reading the scriptures more closely. Furthermore, if your daughter chooses not to believe in your teachings after careful thought, that says more about your teachings than it does anything else.” She turned and strode out of the building, ignoring the protests of the man.

She got in her car and drove to the church. She was a few hours early, yes, but she wanted some time to meditate and prepare herself for the words of the goddess.

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Marie’s meditation was interrupted by a knock on her door. “Um, Marie?” A voice said. “It’s almost eleven.”

Marie opened the door to the private room she was in to find Pastor Faust outside, looking nervous. “Apologies for my rough treatment earlier.” Marie said. “I was truly under the belief that the girl was dangerous, I hope you can forgive me for questioning your judgement.”

“It’s fine.” Pastor Faust replied. “I understand. I have cleared the Holy Room, would you like me to lead you there?”

Marie nodded. “That would be much appreciated.”

The two walked in silence as they made their way to the Holy Room. Eventually, they reached the door, which Pastor Faust opened for Marie. “I will wait outside.” She said.

No. Marie jumped as Death’s voice rang out in her head, rooting deep into her subconscious and making it abundantly clear that it was Death speaking. It would be best if you hear this too.

“Yes, my goddess.” Pastor Faust replied, stepping into the Holy Room. Marie followed, and Pastor Faust shut the door behind them.

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Thank you for coming here. Death said. You had an encounter with one of my servants today, and, as a result, I have decided to give you new instructions.

Marie dropped to her knees. “I am at your command, my goddess.”

Great changes will be coming to this world, and this town is soon to become the focal point for them. Numerous strange events will occur, and, as some of my chosen servants, that girl and her family will be at the heart of most.

I need you to let these events happen, and to keep the rest of the Hunters satisfied that all is well here. I will contact the leadership, of course, but should a Hunter choose to come here anyway, I will need you to deal with them.

Do not engage in conflict with the girl or her family. They wield power far beyond what is normal for this world, and to fight them would only result in your ruin. Furthermore, they are to be considered as my instruments at all times. Should they ask you to do something, I expect you to do it without question.

And that is all. But, before I go, as thanks for your service, I will allow you one question. Ask, and I will answer should it be something mortals are allowed to know.

Marie pondered that for a moment. “Why choose me? Surely there are better Hunters for this job. I’m…not the best with people.”

There was a short pause. But you are strong. Though you may not be the best with people, you are someone they can look to for security in times of danger. That is why you were chosen.

“I…understand. Thank you, my goddess.”

And with that, the holy presence that had filled the room withdrew, leaving only Marie and Pastor Faust.

Marie slowly looked up at Pastor Faust. “Might I ask for a room? I’m afraid I’m suddenly in need of semi-permanent lodgings here.”

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Tess was getting ready for bed when she received a message from Death.

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