As the three-clergy got off the plane in Louisiana, they hurried and gathered what little luggage they had, got a rental car, and sped off to the plantation. On the way, the Cardinal was asking how Father Murray intended to stop the Blood Pope, and why, more abruptly, it became common practice to be in the company, not to mention using witches as partners in this battle.
Father Murray thought for a while, then answered. “Cardinal, we as clergy in the past have been very closed off to the world. It has always been our way or the highway, we as an institution have acted in a less than devout manner.”
“I don’t need a history lesson, Father I am well aware of the church's indiscretions over the centuries.” The Cardinal said smugly.
“That is true Cardinal you are aware, however, that knowledge has not seemed to stop you from being in your current predicament has it?” The Father said with a wry grin.
“Cardinal if I may,” Tobias said not really asking. “If fighting the evil one is church business only, then how is it that non-Catholics can bind these creatures if God’s favor was not working with them? When we do exorcisms we banish these impure spirits back to hell, now how, under the word of God and in Jesus’ name are they still able to come back time after time.”
“What is your point Father?” Interrupting, the cardinal said with disdain.
“Cardinal, these people can force them into boxes, they take sole control of them which is something we as the church have never done, and I believe…”
“I don’t care what you believe, Black Pope. You are acting in the same manner the Blood Pope is. You people are controlling the devils of this world, you are all the same.” The Cardinal snarled, now angry and demanding he be let out.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
“You were the one signed up with the Blood Pope to unleash the vile beings back into the world to run free, to control them to do your evil against those that would oppose your rules. You Sir are the reason we teamed up with the witches, it is because of what you have planned that we made pacts with the so-called enemy. You will sit there, and you will learn why we are doing this first hand.” Father Murray said now yelling.
“When we get to our destination, I think it fair that you partake in the training that is underway, you helped create this mess now you will help fix it,” Tobias said looking at the Cardinal with a quiet rage in his eyes.
For the next 40 minutes the car was silent, as they pulled into the driveway of the plantation the Cardinal became extremely nervous and started sweating profusely. The three get out and are met by Madame Vostik.
“Gabriella Vostik I would like to introduce you to Tobias Ratcliff, The Black Pope of the Jesuit Order, and Cardinal Xavier Clemente. Gentlemen this is Madame Gabriella Vostik voodoo queen, healer, and psychic medium she is training our two soldiers how to combat these spirits.”
After Father Murray made the introductions, the Cardinal murmured
“I have made yet another mistake.” He said under his breath.
“Pardon, Your Excellency?" Madame Vostik said, “I didn’t hear you clearly, it sounded like you said you have made another mistake?” The Cardinal ignored her question. “Let's go back to the barn and check in on our two sorcerers.” She said with a smile.
As the group rounded the corner they were met with a frightening scene, the last of the demons were being pushed into its box with loud screaming, items were being thrown about, and the barn rattling like a train had just passed by. Once the lid was shut all went dead silent, Jack and Percy high-fived each other and turned to face the group.
The pale complexion on the Cardinal's face struck Jack and he started to laugh, which got Percy giggling. They were a sight all dirty from the barn dust, scratches on their face and arms, and completely soaked with sweat. Father Murray, with a bewildered look, spoke. “My God, are you two ok, you look like you have been through a meat grinder”
Jack and Percy just smiled and hugged each other, “I think that is enough for today, let’s go back up to the house and get cleaned up and eat. Then we will do some meditation to help clean your spirit and mind.” Madame said beaming with pride for the job that her students accomplished.
