The Corpse Eater

Year 1891: Month April

Tuesday Afternoon

Along the banks of the Mississippi river, where the willows grow and the white picket fences marked off each lush green garden of homes, the river flowed along with scatter boats about; amongst them a group of children from the catholic school St Teresa's on a field trip.

With them was a lone boy, white as snow with red eyes, stared into the waters below the boat. Michael was his name, his family considered his beautiful gift from heaven, an angel that walks the earth and very rare one indeed. Though Michael's life he has been living in fear.

Being an outcast he was an easy target for other children in the area. Everywhere he walked he hid close to his parent’s side, very shy and timid boy. Though there are days Michael comes home bruised and hurt, he wants it to stop and be like every other child.

Normal and not some freak of nature, his parents know he is taking a beating yet they say god will protect him no matter what. Michael looked at the water and out to the river bank it was then he was targeted by two of the bigger boys in his class.

Michael shivered he could feel his enemies had found him; he looked around wondering where his teacher was. He was at the back of the boat alone. "Well isn't it the ghost!" James said as he cracked his knuckles. James had his own gang of boys in his class who take pleasure pushing Michael around. Michael looked over his shoulder as the boys gather around him grinning and plotting what to do.

"Hi...could you please spare a day without me being hurt?" Michael said stuttering in fear. "No way!" James said it was then he along with another boy grabbed Michael “No please don't!!" he cries as he was pulled off the ground and then slung into the river waters below. The loud splash alerted near by girls who rushed over to see what cause it.

Michael didn't know how to swim as he floundered about in fear, "Help!" he cried spitting out water as he struggles to stay above water.

The girls watched as the boat drifted from Michael. James and the boys laughed and then the teacher had come up to see what the commotion was about. “Miss O'reily, Michael is in the water!” One girl cried pointing out to where Michael was foundering.

”Oh no! I must alert the captain to turn around!" she cried as she rushed away. Amongst the girls a red head gave a stern look at James and the boys who wandered away innocently.

She then looked out into the water. “I need to save him!!" she said as goes to the railing. “No!! Anima, don't!!!" Samantha cried holding her back. Anima watched as the boat took a sudden swing to the right as the captain turned the boat around. Anima shoved Samantha away before jumping into the water.

"Anima!!" Samantha cried as she watched her swim away. Miss O'reily rushed back down to the back of the boat to see Anima in the water. "No more!! Anima, come back!!" she yelled as the boat started sailing along side Anima. Anima looked at the ship in a fear of being crushed she swum a bit away.

Michael was under the surface; he had become tired and was now drowning into the darkness of the murky river waters. The white ghost being seen drifting deeper into the darkness, Michael was accepting his death well now knowing he will return to the heavens and be with god.

Above Anima was searching around wildly until a life preserver lasso her. “Hey!" she cried as she was pulled back towards the boat. Miss O'reily and the captain had stopped the boat, pulling Anima out of the waters.

The other children had gathered to watch Anima be fished out of the river.

“Miss O'reily, who's going to save Michael?!" Anima cried as she was brought back onto the boat.

“I don't know I can’t see him anywhere, it might be too late." Miss O'reily said hanging her head. “Miss O'reily, James and his gang did this to Michael!" Anima cried looking at the boys. “No, we didn't, he fell in. We tried to stop him but well he went!" James said smugly.

"Liar!" Anima cried as she stormed over to James but Miss O'reily pulled her back.

"We better pray for Michael's life." Miss O'reily said as she looked over the railing as one of the cabin crew had dove into the water and started searching around.

"Dear God, please bring back Michael, give us a miracle today," Miss O'reily said as she prayed.

The other children soon joined in a prayer for Michael’s sake. Below in the murky deep Michael's body was braced by the sunlight that struggled to pierce through the darkness.

Was this god bringing his soul to the heavens or was it someone coming down to save him? He was being lifted up to the surface again. The class and the captain waited and watched as the cabin boy soon surfaced with Michael's body in his arms.

“We found him, Miss O'reily though I don't know if he is alive.” The captain said as his cabin boy swum back to the boat and hauled the boy’s body onto the deck.

“I couldn't describe it how his body was floating back to the surface," The cabin boy said looking over Michael.

“We need to revive him!!" Miss O'reily panics as she keeps the class away from the scene. The cabin boy took Michael pulse and felt nothing; he looked at the captain who had a doubtful look on his face.

“Face it, he is gone to a better place," The captain said standing up.

“Let’s take the body inside and wrap him up in warm blanket." The cabin boy had a little more faith as he looked at Miss O'reily.

“I got a feeling that miracles can happen. Have faith." He said picking up Michael's body and bring him inside the boat.

Michael still lay cold and wet in the cabin boys arms though a small stirring of movement in his fingers. “Lay him down here." The captain said pointing to the make shift bed. The cabin boy gently placed the white ghost down and brought a blanket over him.

Miss O'reily was in tears as she dabs her eyes with a handkerchief. “Please Lord; take care of Michael if he has left this world..." She said quietly to herself.

The captain comforted the weeping teacher as he looked at his crew. “Miss O'reily, I think your prayer has been answered." The cabin boy held a twitching hand of Michael's. Miss O'reily moved over to them and started to see Michael move a bit.

“He is moving." She said as he Michael started to wake up. The cabin boy turned Michael onto his side before the choking on river water kicked in. Michael spat out onto the floor gasping to take in oxygen. His vision clouded as he didn't have his glasses on him anymore.

“Huh...Miss..." He struggled to talk and see who was in front of him. “Oh Michael you're alive! It’s a miracle!" Miss O'reily said. From there a Michael's near death experience was cut short. Luckily he was able to live again, it was like god intended him to live for much longer. After the boat had returned to shore the kids were sent back to school, Michael was taken home tired, cold and wet.

His parents were informed of the incident and how lucky they are that Michael is still alive. Michael's family were very religious people, they tended church every Sunday and help out in the community through the church. His grandfather was a priest for years before he died. Though Michael was too young to remember his grandfather, he was a great priest that was pure and good hearted man.

That night Michael laid in bed dressed in his cotton pajamas and watches the lace curtain blow about in a light breeze. “I am alive... yet why must I endure this constant pain?” He thought as he sat up in his bed. He looked out the window at the stars.

“I wish I did go to heaven, I can’t bear anymore of this torment." He said to himself. The humidity was hanging about the summer night air Michael feeling very hot took his pajamas top off and laid on his bed looking over his pale skin, before he fell asleep.

The next morning dawns as he laid there shirtless on his bed. His mother had come into the see him baring a glass of water which was welcoming cool need to Michael's dry throat. " How are you feeling today?" His mother said as she handed the glass to him.

"I am very tired mother, can I stay home today please?" Michael said softly as he drinks the water. His mother looked at her son.

“Yes you can, since yesterday's event had hurt you terribly.” She said and kisses him on the forehead. “God is watching over you and he saved you from death.” She said.

Michael's mother was wonderful woman, though neither of his parents were albino at all. She have normal peach flesh with blue eyes and long wavy black hair. His father was blond hair with light brown eyes. They both loved their only child dearly considering he was almost never born. Another miracle was given to his family. His birth wasn't a pleasant one yet he made it alive and well. Michael soon handed the empty glass to his mother

“Thank you mother," He said with a small smile. “It's OK, I will try and do something about this bullying problem." Her mother said as she got to her feet.

Michael watched her walk away leaving him alone again. “Finally a day without being hurt, I better pray to god and thank him for bring me back," He said. He clasps his hands together and said a silent thank you pray before climbing out of bed.

The smell of breakfast was in the house as Michael wanders to the kitchen to see his mother cooking. His father was there at the table. His eyes saw half-naked Michael as he sat down “Mother said I can stay home today." he said with a smile.

“Yes but you got to face your fears. I know its terrible son to be picked on and hurt," He said. “Father, why can’t it just stop?" Michael said as he frowns. His father looked at his mother and then at their son.

“You know there was a man like you, Jesus was a different man yet he was welcomed by everyone. He also suffered a terrible death yet he rose up and he still lives." His father said.

“I know dad.” Michael said as he ate some toast.

Deep down Michael was feeling the strain of pain that was inflicted each day on him. Yet there was one other person who seemed to look past his odd appearance. Anima, she was younger than Michael yet always seemed to protect him from being hurt. She was a red head and much stronger in ways that Michael wasn't.

Anima's family was originally from France before they moved into the French Quarter in New Orleans. He befriended her; he could see that Anima cares about him a lot. Every time Anima was around, Michael felt safe. Michael sat at the table eating last of his breakfast it wasn't until there was a knock on the front door.

“Looks like we got visitors.” His mother said as she left the kitchen to answer the front door. Michael looked at his half-naked self and then at dad. “I’ll better get dressed, I guess.” He said with a quirky smile. His father watched him leave and walked into the hall before he pauses.

“Michael look who's here. It's Anima!" His mother smiled as Anima walked into the house as her eyes widened to see half-naked Michael. Michael freaked out and rushed into his room.

“Oh I didn't know how early it was, Mrs. Edwards," Anima said.

"I think you better wait until Michael comes out" his mother said. Anima sat down in a chair.

“Did you want anything?" Michael's mother asks.

“No, Mrs. Edwards. I’m fine thank you." she said politely. She giggled a little yet blushed after seeing Michael half naked.

Something about him was very alluring to her, remind her of a white rabbit timid, and shy yet very beautiful. Michael's' father soon came in to see Anima there waiting.

“You're here early today Anima," he said.

“I know Michael might want a friend to be with. So I’m here. My parents are OK with me coming over seeing him today." Anima said.

Soon Michael emerge from his room clothed and walked over to where Anima was "Hi Anima! Did you want to go outside and play?" Michael said shy-like. Anima smiles at him as she got up from the chair. For a thirteen year old she was slightly shorter than Michael who was fifteen.

"You two stay in the back yard, OK?" his father said. Michael guided Anima out the back door into the green garden.

"Michael, I want to tell you something, when you were drowning, I want you to know I went out there and tried to save you," Anima said as she sat down on the swing.

Michael went behind her and pauses, “You tried to save me, really?” he said as he started pushing Anima.

“Yes but I was fished out of the river," Anima said Michael looked at her.

“Anima, you really care about me, you're like the only friend I have." Michael said as he pushed her in the swing.

“Michael, yes, I care for you a lot, you're really an unique boy.” Anima said as she swung into the sky. Michael stepped away from the swing avoiding being hit. He felt a warm tingling feeling inside watching Anima swing on the swing.

He watched her red hair flow behind her, dress end flowing with the breeze. His heart was enchanted by her in everyday. Michael's father watched the pair in the yard as he sat down on the porch. Michael looked at his father who was smiling at him. Soon Anima slowed the swing down to a still swaying motion.

“You think I’m unique?” Michael said as he stood in front of Anima.

“Yes, you're a very beautiful boy,” She said blushing slightly. Michael's red eyes widened in surprise, Anima smiles at him.

“How are you two going?” Michael's' father said as he stood near the pair. Anima hid her red face and Michael looked away from his father.

“Is something wrong?" He said. Michael looked at his father.

"Nothing dad..." He said. His father looked at the pair and got a good idea of what's wrong. “Michael, do you like Anima?" He said with a smile. Michael mouth fell open as Anima was even more embarrassed.

“Dad, please...” Michael said awkwardly. “It's OK, son, I'll leave you two alone now. Just don't do anything wrong, OK?" he said as he walked back inside the house. Anima climbed off the swing.

“Well what do you wish to do now?" She said.

“You want to play tag?" Michael said with a smile.

“Sure, you're it!” Anima said tagging Michael and running off.

-------------------------------

Year 1898: Month July

Without a doubt Michael and Anima were in love, they were yet to explore it for themselves. Michael's parents want him to be a perfect good child yet do worry about him falling in love. They kept saying not to a close relationship without marriage.

Maybe it was the fear of something sinful happening to him or even worse. After a couple of years they left school. Michael was about 22 and Anima, 19, were becoming very close.

Yet seeing each other becoming difficult, whenever they met up for a date they took it slowly yet a kiss was becoming harder not to do. The first kiss soon lead to an endless chain of them until the day Anima was taken away.

Michael's only lover and friend was pulled away from him, her family wanted to go back to France and taking her with them. Anima tried to tell them she wanted to stay and she won’t leave Michael behind. Though they refused to leave her behind so Michael was alone again.

He turned to his family who could tell he was unhappy again. That rainy day Michael was at home in his room until his mother came in.

“Michael I know you’re sad, but cheer up you will find a new friend." She said.

Michael shot a look at her, “No, you don't understand. I loved her now she is pulled from my life." He said sternly.

“Now Michael, you could let go of her. She is gone." She said. The word 'gone' echoes in Michael's head seeing Anima fade away in his mind.

This is then he snapped, “Mother! I will never forget her, she meant the world to me. I pray she comes back to me so we can be together,” He said loudly as he stood up and left his room.

His father heard the outburst and confronted him. “Michael, you know you don't yell at your poor mother," He said.

Michael didn't care, “I lost the love of my life, I’m heartbroken because she is gone!" He said as he headed out the front door.

“Michael, come back inside!" his father said as he stepped onto the porch to see his son in the rain. His mother came to his father’s side as Michael stood in the rain.

“Dear, Michael is unhappy, he wants Anima back." she said.

“He should go find another girl to love," his father said.

“Maybe we should perhaps let him into become a priest," his mother suggested.

Michael stood away from his parents feeling sorrowful; the rain was the tears he would shed for his dear Anima. He turned to see his parents still standing on the porch too scared to come out and take him inside. This didn't deter him but soon he turned and headed back to the porch. “I guess you're right. I have to let go of her and move on... Where will I find something to fill my heart with?" He said looking into his mother's eyes.

“You should become a priest; make us both proud" his mother said. He knew that he had to keep his family happy though he feels a small need to rebel.

Being 22 to enter priesthood and serve at the church more was going to give him no romantic life at all. From there Michael decided to go through to become a priest and make his parents proud. Though now working constantly within the house of god seemed to become more of a marriage.

However Michael wasn't going to complain at all, yet settled into serving along side Priest Jacob Anderson II who worked at St Louis Cathedral in heart of the district. The church was surrounded by a beautiful garden and black iron fence with two oil lamps gracing the gates. The church also works for the orphanage where Michael spends time with young children who don't have families.

He was letting the life of priest hood flow inside himself and soon he forgot about his lover Anima. Jacob Anderson was a man dedicated to god and always some how give each Sunday mass an uplift in a way. Michael severed as altar boy at many masses soon he will become a priest like Jacob. Someday he will...

------------------------

Year 1905: Month July

Sunday morning

It was after mass at St Louis where Michael stood feeling proud about his success, he didn't feel regret at all about his good deeds and sin-less life. He was 29 now almost an older man, he stood and watched some of the mass tenders talk to the priest and leave the church grounds.

“Michael I’m so proud of you!" His mother cried as she and his father came over to him. Michael smiled a little as his mother gave him a hug. “You’re going to become like your grandfather, son. You're a wonderful preacher." his father said.

“Thank you father." he said in a dulled voice.

Soon his parents waved good-bye and left, he watched them blend into the leaving crowd, though it was there one red head woman was waiting at the gates. She was a rather busty lady with pale skin and blue eyes. She was looking at him through the fence with a small smile on her lips. Michael mind soon clicked and recognize the face and the woman.

It was Anima, Michael's' heart was pounding wildly as he drifted out of the gates and stood next to her. Anima turned as she looked at Michael.

“Oh Michael... it’s been so long!" she said hugging him tightly. Michael's arms held onto her.

"Anima, it's really you..." he whispered she looked at him.

“Yes... I’ll explain what happened... But I want to see you tonight," she said running a finger over his lips.

That sweet warmth of love was burning inside him yet it could conflict with his priesthood and life of celibacy.

”Michael..." Anima said as she fished into her bag and pulled out a small card and placed into his pocket.

"Tonight we will finally be together forever... Just come to the address on the card. Don't fret about the place I’m staying at ill explain it to you later," She said.

“But, Anima..." Michael said looking at her.

“I know you're becoming a priest, but you're not one yet...so there is time," she said with a quick kiss on his cheek.

Michael blushed as he was burning up inside, Anima soon left his arms and walked away in a hurry. Father Jacob looked at the Michael and wondered if anything was going on. He ran a hand through his blackish gray hair and his green eyes kept focused on his young priest in waiting. Michael soon turned and looked at Father Jacob who was walking over to him.

“Father, I guess we better count the collection plates," Michael said with a small smile.

Father Jacob looked at him. “Michael, very soon you will be doing masses. I trust you remain pure,“ He said to him as he looked down the street.

”I was wondering father Jacob, did you ever had a woman in your life?" Michael said. Jacob looked at him.

”I did but she wasn't around so I had to choose god than her," he said as he turned to walk back into the church.

"Father, if I succumb to a old flame, that won't make me lesser than a follower of god will it?" Michael said. Father Jacob pauses in his walk and looked at Michael.

“Love is a wondrous thing, but it’s a sin to commit if you’re becoming a priest. You're tainting yourself and possibly betraying everything that we represent to the people," Father Jacob said.

Michael watched Jacob enter the church again, it was then his emotions were fighting over dominance inside him. Anima had come back, a chance to feel carefree and love her. Though if he denies his feelings he will be remaining pure heart for his priesthood.

But it’s been too long; he didn't know Anima going to show up out of the blue. He wonders how she got back or what she been doing all that time. Michael mind soon made its decision regardless that it will cost him everything he worked up too. It was all pending on his visit to see Anima.

Michael went inside the church to help Father Jacob out before leaving the church and headed home. By now Michael had his own small house to live in since he decided to move out of his parent’s home. It wasn't far from the church or the orphanage; it was a quaint place just for himself. The garden he tries his best to maintain though the ivy was growing all over the place. He enters his home and took his black jacket off and hung it on a hook.

“Anima... after all these years... oh my heart sings her name,” Michael said as he pulled the card out from his jacket pocket.

“Hmm, what is this place she is sending me to?" He said as he walked into his bedroom. “I wonder, after all this time she comes back. Why didn't she come back sooner?" He took his shirt off and search for some regular outfit to wear out to see Anima.

He knew it was going to be special considering that he hasn’t seen her in a long time. The ghost sat down on his bed with a soft smile remembering the some what happy moments he had with Anima. Yet his weary eyes fluttered closed and he was dreaming about their dates.

One of which was a picnic they had on the riverbank, yet he was too scared to go too close to the edge after his drowning incident. Ever since then Michael fears swimming in water, yet he was OK in a bathtub. It’s not as deep as the river was.

He sat there on the blanket with Anima close to his side, he never felt so comfortable with someone who wasn't judging or fearing his looks. Michael remember looking at her and running a hand through his soft red hair.

Her smile, those lips which soon reached his own and the pair lost within each other. Yet Michael's eyes fluttered open as he sat up. It had got darker outside as the sun was setting. He smiled to himself before getting up and leaving his house.

“I hope no sees me,” he said as he left his home and walked along the street. Michael kept his hat tilted so his face was showing to people walking by. The darkness had settled in over the French Quarter and some people were outside still.

After walking into the town area and followed the directions his walk lead him to the last place he wanted to be seen at. The brothel, Madame Roses place was the only prostitute male entertainment in the district. Michael couldn't believe that Anima lead him to a strip club. “No, this can’t be right," he said to himself as he looked around before entering the door. Inside the place was pretty loud and a busy, and woman were about taking men away to do various sexual things.

Michael was feeling ill as he looked around the place. An old woman approached him “Hello there, you seem a little lost." she said.

“Ummm I am wondering if Anima is here." Michael said. The old woman looked at him.

"Ah, Anima, yes she is, she told me about you. I'll take you to the room where she was," The old woman said as she walked away. Michael hurried after her hoping no one will recognize him.

“Madame, I'm wondering did Anima..." Michael stopped in mid-sentence as the old woman looked at him.

“What, you mean, work here? Yes, she's pretty new here yet a favorite gal among our clients," The woman said knocking on the door.

Michael was feeling more ill now; Anima was a prostitute and probably slept with other men for money. Michael was looking worried and started to back away.

“Miss Anima, Michael is here to see you," The lady said through the door. Anima was inside the room and heard Madame Rose knocking.

“OK, send him in." she said.

“You can go in now." the old lady said with a smile. Michael covered his face with his hat as he watched as the door opened.

“Don’t worry, she isn't going to do anything terrible to you." the old lady said pulled Michael into the room and closed the door.

Michael pulled his hat away from his pale flushed face. The room was dim light, rich reds, silks feathers patterns were about the place. Very luxurious room to do one thing in. Anima was dresses in some fancy garment that accent her cleavage, Michael seemed out of place.

“Anima, I can’t believe you’re..." Michael couldn't say the word as her eyes looked into his.

“I haven't slept with anyone, I used this to get away from France." Anima said.

“Oh Anima, I can’t believe you’re... a hooker." Michael said in disgust.

“Michael... I've been wanting to see you forever... Aren't you feeling the same way?" Anima said as she moved close him. Michael felt trapped yet he moved away from the door and into a chair. Anima turned to see him move away from her.

“I do love you... I did... I... I...” Michael said fanning his red face. Anima moved over to him and now he felt tense.

“Michael...I haven't slept with anyone, I’m not a hooker." she said as she knelt down at his side.

Michael looked at her, “I can’t, you know that. I wish you came back early..." He said as he turned away.

“Michael... my parents took me away. It was hard to lose them. I came back for you and only you." she said holding his hand in hers.

“Please, I know you want this..." she said as she kiss his pale lips. He turned and looked at her feeling extremely hot now. His mind clouded and all he could desire to do is sleep with Anima for at least one night.

“Please I missed you... ever since I seen you, especially after that horrid drowning incident. That morning I came over saw you shirtless. I always wish to see more," she said.

Michael started to let his guard down, it didn't take long before Michael was shoved down on the bed and smothered in Anima's kisses, the heat was building up for them. He could tell that Anima would never sleep with anyone else.

She straddled Michael down on the bed.

"Are you ready..." She said.

“Yes, I've been waiting so long...” He said faintly. Anima kissed him again as she started unbuttoning his shirt.

"Oh how could they call this sinful?" Michael said feeling the air hit his pale flesh he let out a moan.

“Oh... Michael..." Anima whispered as she kissed his chest. He just laid trying to take it all in the best he could, his arms clawed at Anima's corset.

Anima kissed Michael's' neck as she pulled him up right.

“I can’t... believe... we are going to do this,” Michael sighed between breaths. Anima pulls Michael's shirt from his arms and tossed it away. Michael's hands worked at the laces on Anima's corset trying to get it off her.

"Oh... I wish I could... get this." Michael said a little frustrated, Anima kisses him so more before helping him with her outfit. Eventually most of the clothing between the pair lay on the floor.

The pair rolled about intertwined lost in ecstasy and love. Michael's mind was no longer thinking straight he was only thinking of Anima. Sweet moaning, sweat and the flesh was driving the Michael wild the pair continued until they couldn't do no more. The pair laid in bed for the rest of the night until the morning sun came flowing through the lace pattern curtains casting shape on the walls. Michael's eyes fluttered open as he turned onto his side to see Anima sleeping there.

“Morning..." Michael said kissing her on the cheek Anima soon woke up with a smile.

“Hi... that was wonderful, wasn't it?" She said. Michael soon sat up fully and realized what he had done.

“Oh... I better get out of here... I can’t afford Father Jacob to know where I been," Michael said jumping around of bed. His pale body catching the morning sun shine as he quickly got dressed. “Michael, will I see you again?" Anima said as he made a rush to the door.

“I don't know my dear," He said as he left the room closing the door behind him. Anima sat there in the empty room again.

“I hope so...at least we will see each other again," She said.

Michael rushed out of the brothel into the streets a little shabby looking. “Oh I hope no one sees me," He said as he rushed along the streets dodging people along the way. Michael looked around as he continued up the street taking a left turn and rushing into this cottage home. He shut the door quickly and tried to get his breath back.

“I made it home and not one person took notice," Michael said as his collapse on his bed.

“I better go take a shower, I hate this hot weather...” He said stumbling into bathroom. He started taking his clothes off before the telephone started ringing. The ghost moved towards the ringing phone and answers it.

“Hello..." Michael said as he could hear some rather heavy breathing through the receiver. “Michael...I know your dirty secrets...you have been very naughty, and you were sleeping with Anima..." The heavy deep voice said. Michael shivers at how cold it sounded, he couldn't tell who it was.

“How... do... you... know?" he said in a shaky voice.

“I saw you... I know you are keeping it hush... So no one will know you had broken your celibacy... This will cause a lot of disappointment in your family and Father Jacob's eyes," The voice said. Michael was freaking out trying to keep himself together as he continued to listen “Please... I don't know who you are but... don't you dare reveal my..." Michael stopped talking when the heard nothing on the receiver. The ghost was breathing in short bursts as he hung up the phone and slid down to the floor.

"Oh no... Someone...knows..." he said shaking voice as he pulled himself back onto his feet.

Michael moved into his bedroom before there was a loud knock on the front door. He froze in fear as he turned and looked towards the front door. There was another knock this time Michael decided to answer it. So he approached the door and opened it to see Father Jacob there. "Michael, I wondering why you haven't come to the church yet." He said.

Michael was trying to contain his fear after the strange phone call he received.

“I’m sorry Jacob; I was going to go and get changed and that. I slept in a bit today." Michael said with a smile.

“I’m just seeing if you are OK, you seem pale." Father Jacob said looking at him. Michael found that odd thing to say considering he is white as snow.

“Uh I hope that was a joke, you know I’m albino, I’m always pale." He said as he sat down.

“Did you want anything, Father Jacob?" he said trying to be more of a host to his guest.

“I’m fine Michael, I came here to talk to you about your work with me," he said sitting down.

“What about it?" Michael said looking a little worried.

“You have been serving my church for many years, yet I think you should be doing a service next Sunday morning." Jacob said.

Michael's' eyes widen as his mouth fell open in surprise. “You think I’m ready to do that, Father Jacob?" He said in shock. Father Jacob looked at him.

“I think you have proven yourself well, I can see, why not?" He said with a smile. Michael smiled back.

“Thank you so much, I hope to do my best next Sunday service, Father." Father Jacob smiled as he got up from his seat.

“I'll see you at the orphanage, Michael." He said as he left the house closing the door.

"Oh no..." he said as he got up and went to his room. “I must confess my sins to God, maybe I'll feel better after I pray," He said kneeling down at his bed side. After his pray he had a shower before dressing into his priest clothes, grabbed an apple and left his home locking the door.

Meanwhile Anima had been up in the room for a while before her silence was interrupted by door knocking. She got up and answered it. “Hello Madame Rose." She said. “Anima..." Mrs. Rose said before she was shot in the back and dropped to the floor.

A man entered the room tall, dark, strong built with broad shoulders carrying a gun. “Anima, long time no see." He said in a dark deep voice. Anima knew who it was and backed away “How did you find me?" She said as she armed herself with an iron candle holder.

“It’s pretty obvious you wanted to come back here, your precious childhood lover Michael lives here," He said.

“But you were arrested, you killed my family!!" Anima cries as she was backed into a wall.

“I was for a while then they let me out for good behavior, you're very beautiful, Anima and you could do much better than Michael." he said.

Anima's mind was racing wondering how she could get away without having to fight the man. “You're right...I could do way better than Michael." Anima said putting the candle holder down. “What are you doing?" the man said pressing the gun into his forehead.

“I am a hooker. Do you want to sleep with me?" Anima said the best sultry voice she could. The man raised an eye brow at her.

"You think I wish to sleep with you?" He said.

“Well, let's make it a deal, if I sleep with you will you leave me alone." Anima said. The man looked at her with a small evil smile creeping along his face.

“OK. " He said putting his gun into his belt before pulling Anima close for a kiss.

James was enjoying the kissing as he felt her pushing him towards the bed. Anima tried to pull the gun from his belt during the kissing yet her hand was grabbed by the wrist and twisted. Anima looked at him as she pulls away it was then James head butted her unconscious. " Sleep tight," James said as he fling Anima over his shoulder and moved out of the room.

The old woman remained on the floor as he quickly placed Anima's body down. He then made a grab from a can of kerosene and started pouring it about the room before backing away. Anima moved a little as she watched James set fire to the room. “This ought to do the job." He said as the flames flourished in the room. He turned to see Anima on her feet armed with a vase. “You will never get away with this!!!" She said as she tries to hit James, but he kicked her against wall causing the vase to smash on the floor.

Anima struggles to get to her feet before she was struck down repeatedly and fell limp. The flames exploded into the hall way as James grabbed Anima and rushed down the hall past screaming women and men as they escape the blaze.

The explosion rang out into the streets sending a shattered windows raining down on the people outside. James rushed past the mob of crazy people as he throws Anima in the car jumped in car and rode away from the scene.

Meanwhile up near the church the St. Nicholas orphanage stands inside several children lived in happiness. The church contributes the money to them also pay visits to them. Michael was amongst the children in the yard, he watched them play around with a ball along with jump rope and tag.

He wondered what will be like if he had a child of his own, the life of being a father to his own child. Father Jacob was speaking to the owner of the orphanage as Michael watched from the yard. A smiled broke out on his pale face yet he was soon surrounded by some children looking at him.

“Are you a ghost?" One child said.

“No, I’m not a ghost." Michael replied as he stood up from the bench.

“Why are you so white?" another said. It was then Michael looked up to the sky and saw smoke. “Fire!" Michael yells which sent the kids screaming about. Father Jacob and the owner looked as the kids rushing around in fear along with Michael.

“Michael, what's going on?" Father Jacob said as some more of the orphanage runners came out to calm the children down.

“Fire, there's a fire, look at that smoke!" Michael said looking to the skies.

Father Jacob looked at him “Michael, you are scaring the children. The fire isn't here, now stop that." He said. Michael frowns and looks away.

“I’m sorry but I smell smoke...” He said calmly and walked inside the building. The kids soon realize there's no danger here and went back to playing. Father Jacob returned to talk to the owner, shaking his head.

“Michael, there's a phone call for you." The woman said as he entered the office.

“OK, thank you." He said as he waited for the woman to leave.

“Hello Michael...I have your precious Anima," The voice said. Michael gasps as he looked around the empty office room.

“How did you know where I was!" He said into the phone.

“Well, Anima tells me you’re a regular with the children at the orphanage," The voice said in a deep stern voice.

“Look don't you harm her! Where are you holding her!!" Michael said coldly into the receiver as the rage was fuming his fear mixed into it as he waited for a reply.

“Michael, if you wish to see Anima ever again... Come to old mill. Alone, if you're not alone she will die. One last thing, you must give up your priesthood. And come to the church, say you're a sinner amongst the good of the people." The voice said. The ghost quivers as he listened in.

“I will, but don't you harm my Anima.” Michael said. The voice laughs.

“Oh Michael, you’re so given in easily even if it means you are seen as the freak you are." It was then the call ended. Michael stood there listening to the beeping before gently placing the receiver down. Michael then made a dash out of the orphanage.

“How am I going to get there?" He said as he ran down the side walk past people. The smoke had sunk slow making it had to see in the haze. It was then the ghost stopped to see the commotion of people and fire trucks as the brothel was set a blaze.

“No!!!" he screamed as he rushed towards the scene yet stopped dead in his tracks.

" They aren't there, how am I going to get to the place?" he thought as he looked around

It was then he rushed over to a man in his car. "Excuse me, can I please borrow your car?" He pleas with him.

“Of course, but why?" The man said getting out of the driver seat. Michael looked at him.

"My friend was in that fire and have been rushed to hospital and I need to go see him!" He said jumping into the seat. The man handed the priest the keys and Michael started up the car and pulled away.

Meanwhile, Anima was tied up over large hole in the old mill floor, the murky river waters below. " Let me go!!" Anima yells as she looked at James.

“I really should have let you fall rather than wait," James said lighting up a cigarette started smoking.

“Why won't you just leave me and Michael alone!" Anima yells at him. James smirks and looks below.

“Oh look like we got our lunch guests," He said looking at the alligators swimming below. Anima looked down and panics it was then she looked towards the door of the mill. A man just entered arm with a metal bar it was Michael.

“Anima!" he cries looking at her hanging from the hook over alligators below.

It was then James turned casually and faced Michael. “Determined man, aren't you, Michael? You were such a wimp in the past, you wouldn't hurt a fly," James said as he moved towards Michael. “I don't care what you say to me, I have a higher power on my side." He said gripping the bar in his hands.

“You can’t hurt me at all" James said pulling his gun out and aiming it at Michael. He looked at the gun then his instincts kicked in.

“Let Anima go! I did what you wanted!!" Michael said as he started walking side ways around James.

“No, you haven't did yet, Michael, I want Father Jacob to know you're quitting priesthood and that you will admit you have a relationship with Anima!" James said keeping the gun still on Michael.

Anima looked at him as he was stumbling close to the rickety weak floor. The alligators could smell fresh meat above them as they try and bite Anima who hang above the water. “Michael!!" She squealed as Michael’s foot fell through rotten floor board causing rustling in the waters below. He tries to pull his foot out but was struck in the face by James. He ended up sprawling on the floor as James held him. “Prepare to die!" he said holding the gun near Michael's head.

“No! I’ll never die!!" He cries as he tries to throw James off him. James tried pulling the trigger which left Michael's right arm free to whack James in the head, which at least made him sit up holding his head in pain. Michael then jabs James in the chest and starts prying him off. The floor boards below them starting to give way.

“Michael, watch out!!!" Anima cries as she tries to stay far from the alligators snapping below her. Some were moving towards the men. Michael struggles to break out as he strikes again and pulls quickly out of the floor boards and moved onto solid ground.

“You’re going to pay!!" James spat as he grabs Michael and throws him against the wall.

“I will... with all the strength gods given me I'll take you down!" Michael said.

James grabs his gun and quickly moves from the weak floor. “Its time to say good-bye," He said as he tries his gun again. The ghost was hurt as he could feel a sharp splinter wedge in his foot causing him pain. Michael looked in fear at James who grabbed his gun and pointed it at him.

“Michael!" Anima screams as she watched, the alligators started crawling onto the solid floor growling and snapping. James turns around in fear to see them close to them.

“No!!" James scowled as he started trying to get his gun to fire; soon enough it did sent several shots at the alligators. Michael looked out the door to hear sirens coming wondering how the police found them.

James heard the noise too as he spied Michael trying to get away it was then...

BANG!

Michael had turned to face the door it was then he was struck down by a bullet into his chest. The ghost fallen to the ground. It was then James ran out of the mill to see the police waiting for him.

Anima screaming wildly inside the mill, James tried to run away yet was out numbered and told to get down on the ground. Some of the officer went in and fired off most of the alligators the best they could and pulled Anima to safety.

“Thank you... Is Michael OK?" She said in a scared voice. Some of the officers were dealing with Michael's body as Anima went over yet was held back.

“Is he OK?" She repeated, looking at the officer.

“Sorry, Madame, he is dead. That man shot got him in the heart." The officer said walking away.

Anima looked at Michael's body and started sobbing. “No... He can’t die!!" She cries.

"Get ambulance here, take the body away!" The officer said ordering some of his men. Anima knelt near Michael's body crying.

“ Please God... Don't take him away from me." She said. Soon the ambulance came to scene and Michael's body was placed on a stretcher and covered over. The cops handcuffed James and hauled him into the paddy wagon.

Anima walked over to the police officer. "Officer, how did you know where to find us?" She said. “We had a witness on the scene said he saw James going into this mill. James is wanted criminal who will go away for good." The officer said.

Anima just nodded and moved away from the officer over to the ambulance. “Madame, would you like a ride home?" The officer said.

“I don't have a home to go to." Anima said quietly.

Soon everyone had left the old mill, Anima took a ride back to town with the police and they offered to let her stay at hotel. That was painful, because neither Father Jacob nor Michael's parents knew about Michael's death. Anima spent most of the night crying in her bed, yet she took time and prays for Michael to come back or be sent to heaven safely.

“Michael, if you're here... Please, I love you so much...” She sobs to herself.

The next day came and the news spread, Michael's body was kept at the morgue. Father Jacob and his parents found out through the papers and were both very sad. The community was mourning the loss yet Father Jacob and his parents wondering why Michael went out to save this woman's life. Father Jacob was visited by Michael's parents at the church.

“Father Jacob, we must talk to you about our son's death," Mrs. Edwards said. “I really don't understand why Michael got involved in this?" Father Jacob said as he walked Mr. and Mrs. Edward's through to his office.

“Look Father Jacob, Michael knew Anima from his childhood," Mr. Edwards said.

“But I don't understand, Michael was at the orphanage, he smelt smoke from the burning Brothel." Father Jacob said. His parents looked at the priest.

”Michael and Anima were best friends before Anima was taken away." Mr. Edwards said.

"I did see him and her outside the church last Sunday. I had no idea they were old friends." Father Jacob said.

“We want a lovely funeral for our darling son, he is so pure, and he is a gift from god," Mrs. Edwards cries.

Father Jacob agrees and soon a Funeral for Michael Edwards was set. Most of the church tenders gather at St. Louis Cathedral, up the front an open casket where Michael's body laid for all to see. People shuffled past saying their good-byes. Amongst them Anima was, eventually she reached the casket and looked down at Michael. He seemed so peaceful and there was no sign of the wound to be seen.

Father Jacob waited until the people were seated; he looked at Anima who was by the coffin. He walked over to her.

“Anima, can you please sit down? The ceremony's going to start." He said.

“Father Jacob, I like to stay near him. Please!" she said. Father Jacob just nodded and went over to the middle of the church at the altar.

“Now, we gather here today to say good-bye to wonderful local man. Michael Edwards. He serviced St. Louis well along with the orphanage." Father Jacob said. Anima was looking down at her dead lover; the beauty was still there.

“Oh Michael, come back... Please..." Anima whispers close to his ear.

Anima couldn't resist him no more; she had to give him a good-bye kiss. So she leant forward and kisses Michael's lips, she felt warmth and softness along with twitching. Anima stood up and watched as Michael started to move a bit before Anima's eyes. She didn't want to alert the church of what was going on. Michael's eyes moved and his mouth opened breathing in air.

“Anima?" He whispers as his eyes opened and looked up at her.

”You're alive..." She said quietly before Michael raised his finger and pressed it against her lips. “Listen, we don't want anyone to know of our relationship. We have to keep it secret." He said. Anima slightly nodded it was then she stood up and moved away from the coffin to see everyone looking at her.

Anima stood there as Michael started to stir about in the coffin and rose to a sitting position. The crowd gasps as Michael looked around very much alive. “It's a miracle! He is alive!" His mother cries as she went over to the coffin. Father Jacob looked in awe as Michael was sitting up right looking around. The crowd swoon their chairs rushing towards the coffin where Michael sat.

"Oh Michael, you’re alive! You came back to us!" His father said as they try to stay close to him. “Please, people can you please give us space?" Father Jacob said as he tries to usher the people away.

“Father Jacob, mom, dad, Anima...” Michael said as he tries to get out of the coffin onto the ground. Michael's father opened the other door on the coffin and they helped Michael out onto the floor.

“But how did you come back?" Father Jacob said looking at him. “I was close to heaven gates, yet I was brought back cause I was needed more here," Michael said with a smile. Father Jacob turned to the swooning crowds.

“We have witness a miracle here today!" he cries. Michael, Anima and his parents started shuffling through the crowds trying to avoid the other people. They filed out of the church into the yard; Anima pulls Michael away from the mob.

“Michael, I'm so happy you’re alive. I have nowhere to stay," Anima said holding him close.

Michael smiles and ran a hand through her hair. “You can live at my house; at least we can be finally be together. I’m doing it because you have no where else to stay. So when anyone asks it’s out of good heart. Don't mention the relationship, OK?" Michael said. Anima smiles it was then the pair slipped away from the church together.

After they reached Michael's small home and closed the door, Michael pulls Anima in for a kiss. Anima pulls away looking at him. "Oh Michael...we can’t do this now after what happened," Anima said as Michael kisses her and pulls her to his room.

"Yes we will. I waited for long enough..." he said fling her onto the bed.

Anima could see something different about Michael, he wasn't a shy man anymore. He was very much wild, flamboyant, passionate man she could see that in his red eyes.

"I don't know what has happened to you, Michael, but you have changed." Anima said as she helped him with her dress.

"I know I can feel it..." He said taking his shirt off and tossing it aside. After fumbling about with buttons and occasional zipper the pair were under the covers of Michael's bed.

“Aww, Michael..." Anima cries as she pulled the blanket back for some air. It was then there was knock on the door which caused the pair to freeze.

“Oh, that better not be..." Michael didn't finish his sentence as he looks at Anima under him. “People... how did they find you?" Anima said as the door thumping continues.

"Dear, we will have to do this later..." He said as he flings the covers back revealing all.

“No. Shhh, Michael...They will go away if we act like we weren't here." Anima said.

He wished they did go away or else if they came in and saw them like this he will be in trouble, he broken his celibacy and possibly now lie through his teeth to Father Jacob, his parents and the church community.

The newpapers media must be having a field day off. Michael's miracles is pushing him into the media light. This is causing it harder for Michael to try and remain true to everyone who looks up at him.

“Michael, please just don’t answer the door," Anima pleas to him.

“I can’t do that, I must get dressed, you too dear." He said throwing her clothes at her.

Outside Michael's parents along with Father Jacob were waiting wondering what was going on. “Where is he?" His mother said looking through the windows.

“The curtains are closed I can’t see anything." She said. Soon the front door opens and Michael stood there.

“Hi, sorry about that I was busy but come in," He said with a friendly smile. Father Jacob and his parents came inside as he shuts the door.

“I hope no one else came with you, I don't want the media all over me," He said.

“The media seem to love a good story and they will feature Michael's miracles in there," His father said as they sat down.

Michael sat down. “It's true Father, this will be in the papers no matter what. Word spreads, you know," Michael said. Eventually Anima had appeared into the room.

“Hello Father Jacob and Michael's parents," She said.

“Anima, what are you doing here in Michael's house?" Father Jacob said looking at Anima.

“She has no where to stay so she's staying here with me,“ Michael said looking at them as he ran a hand through his hair.

”Yes, he's being the Good Samaritan. I had no home or personal items. So he allows me to live under his roof." Anima said with a smile. Father Jacob looks at the pair.

“OK, that is understandable," He said.

”Like I said, our son cares so much about people," Michael's mother said. He sighed, they were blinded to his real reasons, the ghost wasn't perfect at all. Being a constant worship of god he prays his sins away to keep him clean.

“OK, then I guess we are all fine then, “ Michael said looking around waiting for them to go.

”Did you want a cup of tea or something?" Anima said noticing Michael had offer nothing to their guests at all.

“No, we are fine, dear," Michael's mother said.

"OK, I guess we'd better be off then." His father said standing up from their seats.

“I better too myself, I'll see you tomorrow Michael." Father Jacob said.

”I do feel sorry about this whole thing," Michael said guilty like.

“Sorry for what? You were pronounced dead and yet you’re alive" Father Jacob said. Michael frowns as he stood from his chair

"I do appreciate everything you have done for me," He said as he walked towards the front door. “Michael, you've been a hero to so many people you should have nothing to feel ashamed about." His mother said kissing him on the cheek. The ghost opens the door and soon his guests left him then closed the door and went to his room.

Anima could see something was horribly wrong and went to him. “Michael... is something wrong?" She said as she came closer to him. “Anima, I’m not some pure god worshiping man. I can't be that all the time... Bad enough everyone thinks I’m perfect!" He yells burying his face in his hands.

“We all aren't perfect, even I know that." Anima said trying to comfort him yet was met with a quick shove away from the bed. “Anima, please. I’m not perfect... I’m not some miracle working man!" Michael said. The ghost moved up to the pillows and buried himself in them “I wish to die!! That’s all I ask!" he said trying to suffocate him.

Anima's eyes widen as she went over and started pulling the pillows away, ”No! Don't say that!" she said as she pulls the pillows away leaving Michael flat on the mattress.

"How dare you...I want this charade to end!!" The ghost said as he looked coldly at Anima. “Michael... I love you with all my heart you know that. I don't want you to die!!" She pleas to him. “You don't understand. I have seen heaven I was this close to going yet I kept being pulled back!!" The ghost yells as he sat up.

"I can't stand this. You left me, and I was drawn into the light of the church my parents thrusting me into a life of celibacy... I could never be a normal person," Michael said as he climbed off the bed, Anima backed away as Michael grabs her by the arms shoving her into the wall.

“Michael, I didn't know. My parents sent me away and I had horrible time... James killed my parents and I had to take a horrid boat ride as a prostitute!!!" Anima said looking into Michael's red eyes.

“I know what it feels like. They tried to change me... I didn’t want to. I wanted you!" She added. Her eyes wield up with tears while her lip quivers hoping Michael wasn’t going to hurt her.

“I... didn’t know he killed your family. I didn’t know who it was...” The ghost said letting his grip loosen on Anima.

“Look, we can still have this relationship. You can quit the priesthood..." Anima said looking at him. Michael let Anima go.

"No way. I wish to have the people be fooled that no one is perfect. This secret's being kept and deceit. Its been around for centuries and people got to wake up, that this man is also tainted with evil." he said with a smile.

"What you mean?" She said.

“I’m walking the fine line, between perfect and dangerous." Michael said with a smirk.

"Do you want to be bad?" Anima said, he looked at her.

"Yes, after years of childhood torment I want to get back at everyone who gave me problems." He said.

He walked out of the bedroom into the kitchen to for a drink. Anima follows him. “I didn’t know you were capable of being bad." She said looking at him. Michael grabs bottle of wine and drinks from the bottle, some of the red liquid spilled onto his pale lips looking like blood. Soon he pulls it away and licks his lips.

"You made me see that I’m no longer a coward, yet a beast is inside me... I can tap into its power and become something else." He said putting the bottle down. Anima smiles a little as he walked back over to her and grabs her into a deep kiss, she could taste the wine on his lips.

"Let’s go back to what we were doing...you don’t mind do you?" Michael said looking at Anima. "No..." Anima said with a smile. He whisks her back to the bedroom this time with no interruptions.

-------------------------------

Year 1905: Month December

5 months later

Time went by for the pair, as the secret keeping built Father Jacob's suspicions to develop a bit. Seeing Michael and Anima together a lot was wondering about whether they were in a relationship or not. Yet eventually the unexpected happened. Michael was coming out of mass after a successful service.

He met up with Anima who pulled him aside in a hurry. “What’s wrong dear?" He said looking at her.

“Michael... I went to the doctor, because I was feeling sick. You know that..." Anima said in a shaky voice. “Yes I do... mood swings and that what is wrong?" he said in a concerned voice.

“Well, I’m pregnant. We're going to have a child," She said as stepped back from Michael hoping he won't hurt her. The ghost stared at her wide eyed; their relationship now going to be more obvious unless another lie was placed in.

“Michael, our love was so wonderful that we will have a child," She said wiping tears from her eye.

“No...No...We will have to make up a story that you’re seeing another man," He said with a freakish smile.

“Michael, this is our child. We weren't planning for this." She said turning her back on him. Michael looks around make sure no one was watching or listening to them.

“Anima, I know it seems like wonderful news. I’m thrilled. But I haven’t married you...yet we made love. I thrive on it," He said hugging her from behind.

“How could you think this is wonderful... It’s not a game you're playing Michael!" Anima said flinging Michael away.

“I have a child now that is yours... Don't think of getting rid of me," She protested and started walking away from him.

“Anima!! I never get rid of you..." He said grabbing her arm whirling her around to face him.

“We just lie some more... OK?" He said letting her go. It was then the pair froze and turned to see Father Jacob standing outside looking at the pair from a distance. Michael and Anima quickly walk away from the church.

The pair quickly walked along.

“Anima, I love you. I never hurt you or do anything bad to you. I’m just little shocked that we are going to be parents." Michael said as he walked along side her. Anima looked at him.

“I wish I could... but I feel wrong about lying all the damn time. People will find out one way of the other," She said as she entered the gate to Michael's house. Michael followed her slamming the gate on the way in.

“Anima, please keep your self together...” He said as he unlocks the front door the pair went in as he closed the door behind.

Anima stumbled and sat in a chair.

“Michael, you need to understand. I’m going to be in a horrid mood until this child is born." She said crying into her hands. Michael looked at the ground feeling terrible.

"I’m sorry my dear. I have been a terrible man... I'll be in kitchen.” He said walking away from her.

Anima was left alone with her sadness thinking about what to do; she got to her feet and walked to the kitchen to see Michael drinking more wine. He looked up at her “You feeling better?" he said quietly avoiding a yelling outburst.

Anima looked at him with her red eyes. “I wish you stop being so insensitive about this... You are going to be a father, and when are you going to marry me!" She said thumping the table. “Anima... I can’t marry you. I’m a priest now. You heard my plan." Michael said drinking some more wine.

“As much I love to play your scheming plans, I don’t wish to!" Anima said leaving the room. The ghost was alone now; his lover was in the bedroom away from his sight.

After an hour or so Michael pulled himself from the kitchen table tossing the empty bottle in the bin. He was drunk and stumbled out of the kitchen towards his room.

“Anima dear, are you here?" He said as he looked into the bedroom to find it empty.

“Anima, where are you?" Michael said as he looked into the bathroom and searched the rest of the house.

Soon Michael returned to the front room and spotted an envelope on the coffee table addressed to him. He reached over and picked it up before collapsing in a chair. "What is this?" he said opening the envelope pulling the note out. “It’s from Anima..." He began to read over the contents of the letter.

Dear Michael...

I decided to leave you; I feel that you might be a wonderful caring father to our child. You’re not at all, you’re just considering under handing and your own needs about tainting to church. I thought you were wonderful, caring, loving man yet you changed into something I don’t see fitting for me or the child I’m carrying with me now. I know I don’t have any personal items with me besides the clothes on my back, yet ill manage alone and have this child alone without you. If I decide to ever come back to see you, I hope you changed back and reconsider your actions.

Love Anima...

“Oh no..." Michael said to himself screwing the paper up and tossing it to the ground. He had lost the love of his life again due to his selfish needs.

“Fine... it makes it easier I guess... then again. What have I done?" The ghost cries to himself, the sunlight was disappeared through the curtains and the light faded away marking the end of another day in New Orleans. Michael slipped out of the lounge room into the bathroom taking his clothes off awkwardly.

He reached into the shower and turned the taps on before stepping into a cold blast of water which sent him sprawling to the floor. Michael laid there on the shower floor in falling cold water “I guess I deserved it all this pain, this emptiness, Anima was the world, and now she is gone..." He said. With a headache and the sick feeling in his stomach as the drunkenness after effects kicked in. The ghost soon pukes up on the tile floor and watched the water wash it down the drain.

Soon his eyes flew shut and he lay there all night until the next morning dawns, the light shone through the window. The ghost stirs as he reached up and turned the tap off. "My head hurts," He said as he hauled himself to his feet.

“I can’t believe I collapsed in the shower," He said as he grabs a towel dries his pale body off. After dressing himself he left his house and then remembers Anima had left.

“I wonder where Anima went," He said as he locks the front door.

He towards the gate and was soon met with Father Jacob.

“Morning Michael, are you OK?" He said looking at him oddly.

"I had a terrible night. I’m sorry if I look awful." Michael said as he closes the gate.

“Look Michael, have you been drinking?" Father Jacob said smelling alcohol on his breath.

" Yeah I had a late night..." He said as he stumbles along the path way as Father Jacob walked along side him.

"Look Michael, I wanted to know is there anything going on between you and Anima?" Father Jacob said supporting Michael.

“No, she left me... she doesn’t want to stay at my home" Michael let out without knowing it. The sun was boaring down on the pair as Father Jacob walked with Michael into the church.

“I think you better sit down. You look terrible." Father Jacob said ushering Michael to sit down.

The inside of St. Louis cathedral was beautiful it may not be as great as some of the well known churches about the world yet were fitting for a town like theirs. ”Michael, please tell me what is wrong?" Father Jacob said.

Michael looked at Jacob he couldn’t tell what really happened or what he been through

" It was just a minor disagreement, I'll be fine" He said.

“Are you sure Michael? Feel free to talk about this problem to me," Father Jacob said as he sat down next to him.

“I’m fine Father Jacob; nothing is going on. OK? Just let me be," Michael said as he got to his feet and moved towards the front of the church. Father Jacob watched his young priest in waiting pray alone, something was bothering him and yet he doesn’t know what it is.

Far from the church Anima was traveling alone. The snow had started to fall on the town and Anima no idea on where to go at all. She feels like telling Michael's parents about what has happened. “I should go and tell Michael's parents...I feel terrible keeping bottled up inside then again, I better not," She thought to herself. She looked around seeking for a place to stay before she fell to her knees in pain and sickness.

Her sudden collapse cause couple to come over and help her to feet. "You OK, Madame?" The young man said holding Anima up. “No. I feel... sick. I need somewhere to rest," Anima said breathless before passing out. The couples looked at each other as they helped Anima to their car and rest her in the back seat.

“We better get her to a doctor." The woman said as they got into the car. The young man looked at Anima who was waking up a little. “Where am I?" She mutters. “We will take her to the hospital then she can be checked out." The man said. Anima didn't know what was going as she was driven away.

-------------------------------

Year 1906: Month August

Thursday Afternoon

Michael age: 30

8 months later

After staying with strangers outside the town area, Anima explained she was abandoned and carrying a child without knowing the father of it. She had been sent to hospital where the young couple was informed of Anima's condition. Though Anima was suffering from time to time she was really worried about the child not making it at all.

The young couple was very understanding and supportive towards Anima and willing to help raise the child. Yet Anima wishes to keep the child to herself, missing her lover Michael, that he probably would love to see the child.

Soon enough on one night Anima had gone into labor and pain surging inside her. “Help, take me to the hospital please...” She cries from the bathroom. Soon she was rushed back to hospital in agony the doctors taken her to the operation room where they looked over her.

“Doctor, ah... what's wrong?" She cries between gasps of breaths. “Miss Cinder, we will have to do a Cesarean on you to get the baby out," The doctor said.

“I’m in so much pain..." Anima cries. The doctors were surrounds her as they were monitoring her heart and breathing patterns.

"She isn't fit for birthing. We could lose the child if we don't get it out," One of the doctors said.

Anima was soon put to sleep as the operation began. The doctors spent hours performing the operation though they struck a problem. Anima's heart was falling as they worked quickly they manage to rescue the premature baby and put it in cradle.

Soon the operation was over yet Anima didn't make it at all, she laid there with no pulse and no breathing.

“Doctor, she didn't make it," The nurse said sadly.

“Well I hope the child lives well. Take it to the nursery and make sure its OK," The doctor said. He turns around to see the Anima's body so cold and pale. Her red hair spilled over the table.

“That poor child, she will never see her mother at all or know her," He left the operation room into the hall.

The baby was taken away, while Anima's body was tended too. Outside the kind young couple that took care of Anima was faced with the grim news.

“Will either of you want to take care of this child?" The doctor said looking at the couple.

"I don't think we could. Why isn't she OK?" The young woman said looking worried.

“No, she didn't make it, we had problems with the birthing of the child. We hope the baby is fine, yet she will need people to raise her," The doctor said.

"We will take care of the child, give her a home and a name," The young man said holding his wife close.

“Really? You sure we are ready for kids?" the young woman said.

“Yes it’s the least we could do. It’s terrible that the kid is an orphan. Let’s give her a home," the man said.

The doctor smiled. “I’ll go see if the baby is OK, then you could take her home." He said as he went down the hall way the young couple followed him behind. This all happened without Michael knowing it. The ghost is now 30 years old and starting to feel like an old man.

He wasn't aware that his lover had died in New Orleans hospital or the child was going to be raised by two strangers that took Anima in. Michael had finished up at the orphanage and went into town to do some grocery shopping. It was then he walked into the shops to run into his parents.

“Michael dear, I’m glad to see you. Have you seen Anima?" His mother said.

“No mother, stop asking me that. I don't know where she is. I don't care," He said walking along the isle. His mother pulled up along side.

“Why don't you care about her?" She said looking into his eyes.

“She left me, it was her choice. Anima didn't want to stay with me that all it is," Michael said as he walked away from his mother. After having paid for his groceries he left the shop and made the long walk home alone.

----------------------------

Friday morning

It wasn't until the next day Michael woke up, had breakfast alone. It wasn't until the phone rang snapping the silence in his home. “Owww, that better not be my over-protective parents!" He muttered as he answers the phone.

"Hello.” He said.

“Michael, I received some sad news about your friend Anima. She died yesterday and we will be performing the ceremony today," Father Jacob said.

Michael shook in fear, “You sure it’s Anima Cinder, you have?" He said in a worried voice as he considers the child whether it was alive or not.

“Yes it is, she was in the hospital after giving birth to a baby," Father Jacob emphases on baby to scare Michael more.

"Really... I didn't know she had a child...” Michael said in a quirky voice.

"I need you to come to the funeral since Anima doesn't have anyone living here in New Orleans to attend it," Father Jacob said sternly.

"I...I... I don't know Father. I’m shocked by this horrid news," Michael sobbed into the receiver, “Michael, I need you to come today." Father Jacob said.

"I will be attending, just give me some time to get ready. I'll be right over," He said before hanging the phone up.

“Oh no... Anima! She died. Did the child die with her? If so, then I don't have to worry," He said as he walked into his bedroom. The love of his life was gone; he could have given up on his under handing scheme of cheating the church.

Now the question is whether his child was alive or dead. This could ruin it all for him now as he changes into formal clothing. “I can’t believe she died... at such a young age... yet my problem is away at least," He thought to himself.

Soon enough Michael left his home feeling mixed emotions, he should be devastated at the horrid news yet he worries about his mistakes. The ghost made its way towards the church and was soon met with Father Jacob and his parents.

“I thought no one else was coming," He said looking at his parents oddly.

"We came to see Anima off, dear." His mother said hugging him his father looked at him.

"Son, I know you're upset about losing Anima but just let it out." His father said.

“I will, I want to know something. Did you find out how she died?" He said as they walked towards the cemetery.

"I don't know how to be honest... but I was told she died of heart failure," Father Jacob said. “What about the baby?" Michael said looking at them.

“The child is still alive, Anima never mentioned who the father was at all. So a young couple taken the child in," The priest added.

Michael was feeling guilt as they walked towards a large oak tree stood in the middle of the cemetery. Under that tree in the coffin laid Anima's body in peace as they surround the closed coffin. Michael was handed a reef of flowers as he laid them on the lid.

“Good-bye Anima..." He said as he let his sadness wash over him.

Tears did form in his eyes as he wipes them away.

“Father Jacob, can you please do the ceremony... I can’t," He said as he walks away in tears. Father Jacob watches Michael drift from the burial leaving his parents with him.

“I guess, Michael is too emotional to do this," Father Jacob said looking at him.

“I’m sorry Father Jacob, he is overwhelmed by this event." Mrs. Edwards said.

“I bet he is, yet he should pray that Anima goes to heaven safely," Father Jacob said before opening his bible. The ceremony went on as planned as Michael wonders about the tombstones. “The child is still alive, they don't know that I’m the father. I hope that stays a secret then." He said to himself.

A light breeze blew through the cemetery as summer was ending autumn was setting in. The leaves blew about the grounds as Michael pauses to turn and see the ceremony ended.

“That seemed short," He thought as he walked back towards the grave.

"Say a pray for her before we have her buried." Michael's mother said.

“I will, mother." He said as he looked down at the coffin in the burial plot. “May she rest in peace."

Father Jacob said closing his bible looking at them.

“Michael, come home for a while at least. You must feel terrible on your own." His mother said latching onto his arm.

“Fine mother, I'll stay with you and dad for awhile." He said with a sigh. Michael now had a bigger concern, the baby existence. He hopes that child doesn't set foot in the town yet he desires to know what he or she looks like.

From there his mind was starting to piece together possibilities of this child’s' appearance. They soon reached their parked car climbed out and drove off. "I haven't been at home in a long time,” Michael said.

“I know you been either working hard trying to forget about Anima. You must have cared about her a lot," His mother said from the passenger seat.

"Our son did, if I recall you seem to fancy each other a lot, didn't you?" His father said.

“Can we please do not discuss my friendship with Anima anymore, please?” He said looking at the pair. During his upbringing there were times he and Anima prefer to keep their relationship secretive.

He knew his parents were keen on him being a virgin offering to the church. Also the fact the papers kept coming after them after his miracle awaking. But now Michael was starting to see something isn't right at all.

He comes close to leaving the planet and was told to go back down for a serious purpose. That was still a mystery in some ways to himself to understand why he was kept alive and not let to die like a normal human would. Michael watched the scenery go by and avoid being seen, his thoughts turn to what he been thinking about.

The baby, the fact he was informed about this child was from God himself or was it God he saw. In fact that where he went to wasn't what he expected. Over the years Michael had experiences of a past life, one in which seemed too existed in Ancient Egypt.

It makes him wonder more and more due to the random flashes of gruesome scenes in which involves people being killed. There were nights when he was too scared to go to sleep due to seeing those horrid images, even most of nights he felt like he was in desert heat.

Though he never mentions about his nightmares to his parents and he tries to gain sleep whenever he could. Each time a new part was unveiled to him and he slowly sees more and more. Ancient ceremony it seems to him, in school whenever they learnt about Egypt he seems to know about it more than anyone else.

From there his parents started to wonder if Michael was a genius at school. Soon they pulled up at his old home. It haven't changed too much besides a new coat of paint and the garden manicure as usual since his parents are older and have more time to do things.

“Well we are here! Home sweet home!" His mother chirps as they got out of the car and went up the stairs to the front door. Michael got out of the car last took his time to wander up to the door.

"I got a feeling soon very soon I will know what I’m really here for." He said before entering the house and closing the door.

-------------------------------

Year 1912: Month January

Monday Morning

Six years had gone by and Michael was now age 36. Yet his child was now age 6 had survived a tragic accident with the young couple who raised her. The police found the child alive, several meters from a car crash while they were patrolling the area. The snow had fallen heavy and made the road hard to drive upon probably caused the car to loose control and crash into a tree.

They found that the girl's name was Nicole which was embroided on a handkerchief she waved about. From there the police had taken her to the local hospital to be checked over for any injuries. From there the police brought her to St. Nicholas orphanage, it seemed to be strange that the girl wasn't harmed or suffering from the cold temperature at all.

The orphanage owner was having a break from work while the kids were kept inside due to the in coming snow blizzard. Father Jacob and Michael had made it over to the orphanage for their daily visit.

"Gee, I hate winter." Father Jacob said as the pair entered the building to see two policemen and a young girl in a blanket.

“What’s going on here?" Michael said as they approach them.

“Good afternoon, Father Jacob and Michael. We just rescued this child from the side of the road. Her parents died in a terrible car crash." The policeman said. Michael looked down at the child.

She had dusty blond hair in thick ringlets, pale skin and the loveliest face with red eyes and pink lips. The young girl looked up at Michael it was then he felt something familiar about her. “I’m glad you came today." The orphanage owner said.

“The kids are very bored, could you please read them a story to them while I sort this out?" She asked as she walked the policemen and the girl to her office. The young girl kept looking at Michael as she soon disappeared.

“Well let’s go and see the children." Father Jacob said patting him on the back.

“Yeah sure." Michael said walking down the hallway.

The ghost couldn't stop thinking about the child wondering why she seemed familiar. They soon entered a large room where most of the kids were running about madly; some soon came over to the pair as they walked through seeing them. It was then Michael stopped and turned back towards the door.

“Michael, is there something wrong?" Father Jacob said.

“Call of nature. I’ll come back." Michael said as he rushed away from the room.

“Phew. Now that girl she seems to have the face like Anima's. Yet her hair is different. Why does she seem familiar?" He thought as he walked back down the hallway towards the offices.

It was then the policemen left the office and the girl was with the owner inside. The ghost swiftly moved closer to the door yet was startled to see the girl standing there.

"Umm... Hi." He said in a shaky voice. The girl looked at him from under her large brim hat. "Father Michael, is there something wrong?" the owner said looking at him.

"Umm, can I speak with you for a moment please?" Michael said looking at her.

"OK, I’ll just send Nicole to the room with the others." The owner said as she handed the girl to a helper to take her away. Michael watched the girl leave then turned to the woman again

"Can we talk in your office please?" He said.

"Of course Father Michael," The pair entered the office and closed the door.

“Please sit down," The woman said ushering Michael to a chair.

“I wondering, about that girl you just had brought in. Do you know much about her family?" He said.

“No, I don't, besides them being in the car accident," The woman said, Michael looked away for a second.

"Can I please talk to this child you just brought in? I like to get to know her and I would like to cheer her up." He said as he looked at back at the woman.

“You are considering adopting her, Father Michael? It’s worthily gesture to do for a homeless child." The woman said with a smile.

“It's just I really need to council this child due to the tragic loss she just had. So I would like to spend some time during my visits with her. Do you know her name?" Michael asks eagerly wanting to know her name.

"Nicole Bryan, she managed to tell the police her name," The woman said.

“Thank you, I’m glad you told me what you could," He said standing up from his seat.

"You seem quite concerned about this child." The woman noticed looking at Michael's worried face.

"I just wish to extend a hand to some of the less fortunate," He said with a smile.

“I can assure you Nicole will be fine here with the other children, I organized the special time for you too to spend together," She said standing from her seat.

“Thank you very much." He said as he left the room.

“Great, now I need to know every detail about this Nicole Bryan," He thought as he walked down the hall yet was met with Father Jacob.

“I’m sorry to cut this short today, I’m coming down with a cold," He said sneezing into a handkerchief.

“That’s fine with me. You will go home then." Michael said as he walks with Father Jacob out into the cold air. Michael looked at and spotted the Nicole's face framed by frost on the window. It was an eerie feeling that she was looking at him.

"Oh I better go home... I guess I’m going to take a day-off today. Michael, you better go home too." Father Jacob said getting into his car.

"I think you should go home and rest, Jacob. I'll stay here." He said watching Father Jacob drive away.

It was then Michael turned his attention to the child. He couldn't wait until tomorrow he needed answers now. Inside Nicole was shown on her bed and she was looking at the other children who were surrounding her.

“Nicole, don't worry you will be fine here," The woman said to Nicole. Then Michael entered the building and walked down the hall. "Excuse me, is the owner of the orphanage around?" He asked one of the workers there.

He was soon brought to the children's dormitory where he could see large group of children surrounding Nicole and the woman. “Hello, can I please see Nicole?" He asked as he approached the crowd. The woman replied, “Oh Father Michael, I didn't expect you to come back. Sure I guess you can," She said walking Nicole out of the crowd towards him. Michael looked down and made instant eye contact to Nicole.

“Feel free to go for a walk around with Father Michael," The woman said as she leads them out of the dormitory into the hall.

“Nicole, I’m Father Michael from St. Louis church. I heard you had a terrible accident today," He said walking her along.

“I did... It was horrible..." Nicole said as she wipes her eyes. “I understand it’s terrible to lose someone. I know that feeling." He said sitting down on a chair.

Nicole went over to Michael and raised her hands up. “Aww, do you want a hug?" He said as he hesitated at first yet soon hugged her. The bond of a father and daughter had evolved yet he felt more.

It was then the flashes of the past shot through him as he saw a woman that bare resemblance to Nicole in a way. The fact she was making him eat dead people in some kind of ceremonial to a certain goddess. It was then Michael let of Nicole and sat there wide eye and shaking. Nicole backed away looking at the pale man.

“What’s wrong?" She said looking into his red eyes.

“Can you come here please Nicole?" Michael said holding his hands out to her.

“Why? Are you going to hurt me?" She said in a scared voice.

“No, I won’t hurt you. I want to know something from you," He said. Nicole walked towards the priest as he put her on his knee and held her close.

“You’re very warm... like me...” Nicole said. “Yes. Now Nicole, can you tell me about yourself to me if you wish. Please." He said holding her close.

Nicole looked at him. “I don't think I could. It really all happened today...” She said as she started to cry again.

”It's OK, I understand you're recovering from it." He said comforting her.

“Are you going to help me Father?" She said looking at him. Michael looked at her.

“I need to you do something for me. Please call me Michael," He said trying to avoid getting called father.

“But you're a priest," She said softly.

"I know, but...I prefer if you just called me Michael, OK?" He said holding her. “Are you going to stay with me?" Nicole said looking up at Michael.

“No, Nicole I must head home, you just spend time recovering. OK, I'll back tomorrow," He said putting Nicole down on the ground.

“Good-bye, Father Michael," she said with a smile. Michael smiled back as he left the orphanage into the cold snow outside.

---------------------------

Tuesday morning

Nicole spent most of the night awake since she had nightmares herself about the crash. She got up along with the other child and was more determined in wanting to see Father Michael. She got dressed before following the other children to the dining hall for breakfast. Michael borrows his parents car as he drove carefully through the large amount of snow fallen on the roads.

"I can’t stop thinking about her, I wonder if she is Anima's and my daughter," He thought as he drove along the icy roads. The St. Nicholas orphanage loom ahead of him, it was situated at up on a slight hill at the top of the road looking down towards the town.

Inside Nicole manages to head towards the front area to wait to see Michael. Light snow was falling down as Michael's car pulled up out front of the orphanage. Her eyes kind of lit up when Michael came out of the car, up the steps and entered the place.

“Michael!" She said running to him and hugging him around the waist.

“Nicole,” He said surprised as he threw his arms around her.

"Are we going somewhere today?" She asks looking up at him.

“I don't know if I can take you away from here, Nicole." He said.

It was then the owner had appeared looking for Nicole and saw her holding onto Father Michael.

“There you are," She said which caused the pair to look at the woman and let go of each other. “Hi.” Michael said to the woman.

“Nicole, I wish you didn't wander around on your own dear. I was going to bring you here to see Father Michael." She said.

"Miss, can I please go outside with Father Michael? Please?" Nicole said, Michael looks at the woman with a small kind smile.

"Father Michael, do you want to take Nicole out for the day?" The woman said.

“Well I think it will be nice way of helping her out, I guess." He said.

Nicole put on a sad innocent face as she waited for answer.

“OK, but bring her back when you're done," The woman said. Nicole turned and clung onto Michael's hand tightly as Michael turned around.

"Thank you. I'll have her back safe. Don't worry," He said being pulled out the door by Nicole.

Soon they were outside as he placed Nicole in the car went around to the driver’s side and closed the door.

“Nicole, I need to talk to you. Do you feel ready?" Michael said looking at her.

“About my family?" She said looking at him.

“Did your parents tell you much? Were they your real parents?" He said.

“My mother and father told me my real mother died," She said.

”I couldn't believe I don't have any real parents," Then she started to sob. Michael now realized he pushed too quickly on the poor child.

“I’m sorry about pressing this matter on you. Would you like me to show you where your real mother is?" He said as he started up the car. Nicole cries some more.

“I don't know... I was more horrified that my parents that had me told me that I wasn't theirs," She said blowing her nose on her handkerchief. Michael started driving away from the orphanage and continued up the road.

"Please, calm down Nicole cause... because..." He stutters he didn't know how to tell her that he was her real father.

”I couldn't sleep last night, because I was being alone in that orphanage," She said blowing her nose.

"I know that feeling, dear Nicole." Michael said with a warm smile, she looked at him. “You do?" she said softly.

“I do Nicole because I bet neither of your adopted parents looked like you?" He said as he decided to take Nicole to his home instead of the cemetery.

He turned off the road and head back down into the town instead. Nicole looked out the window.

“Where are we going?" She said.

“My home, I want to show you something," He said as he turned off and drove towards the river area.

This was a big step for Michael to do taking this child could be his own to his parent’s house. By now Michael didn't care because no one will know or tell that they are related at all. He thought maybe showing some photographs of himself and Anima might spark some memory in Nicole. She must have seen Anima before she died, then again she was just born and her eyes were closed. It was becoming hard to try and tell Nicole the truth and hope it’s real.

“You live around here?” Nicole said looking out the window.

“Yeah my parents live around here. I live in town alone but I'm staying here for a while," Michael said as he pulled into the driveway and parked the car. Nicole dries her eyes off as they left the car, up steps to the front door. Michael knocks and soon the door is opened.

“Michael you’re back... and who is this?" His mother said looking at the girl.

“This is Nicole, she is an orphan from the St. Nicholas orphanage I decided to take her out to cheer her up," Michael said not wanting to mention what happened to her parents.

“Come in then," His mother said as they entered the house closing the door behind them.

“So would you like a hot chocolate?" She offers.

”I’m fine mother, but Nicole could do with one," He said leading her to a chair.

“Yes I would love one. Thank you!" She said climbing onto the chair and sitting down.

Michael's mother looked at Nicole seeing something familiar about her yet she decided to leave the pair alone.

“You have a lovely house." Nicole said looking around the lounge room. Michael had got up off the seat and moved over to the shelf started looking about for the photo albums.

“Where is it... ah! I found it," He said to himself and pulled out a large photo album from the shelf and sat back down near Nicole.

" What's this?" She said as Michael opened the book up revealing photos.

"My family's photo album, I'll show you pictures of when I was your age.." He said not to mention Anima as her mother out loud. Nicole moved close to him and looked over the black and white photos.

“You see this is me at age six," He said pointing at photo.

“You’re so white," Nicole said.

"Yeah I was born like that," He replied as he turns the page over.

“Now here me and my best friend Anima," He said pointing at the photo of the pair.

“Michael, she looks like me," Nicole said looking at him. It was then his mother came back with the tray of hot chocolate and set it down on the table.

“Oh you're showing her photos that's nice," She said moving next to the seat.

Michael was feeling a little uncomfortable yet it was then his mother looked at the photo and then at Nicole.

“Mother, can you please leave us alone?" He said yet the photo album was plucked from his hands as she pulls the photo out.

“Blue eyes, round face, large ringlets...Nicole looks exactly like Anima," She said comparing the photo to Nicole.

“Mother please can I have the photo back?" He said.

“Why do I look like your friend?" Nicole asks as she jumped off the chair and faced Michael. “Nicole, all the girls were like that in my time," He said looking at the pair.

"Michael, Nicole has the same features as Anima did," She said.

"No she doesn't, Anima had red hair. Eh... Nicole got a dusty blonde hair," He said to them.

Michael's mother looked at him.

“Son, it doesn't mean anything. This girl has too much likeness to Anima," She said putting the photo down.

"I need to bring your father here because I think this child...is..." She pauses as she looked into her son's eyes.

"Nicole is... my daughter...” He said softly as his eyes started to shed tears.

The ghost started to break down cause the emotions was too strong to keep at bay anymore. This sent his mother almost fainting to the floor yet she sat down in a chair. Nicole looked at the pair who was in tears and shock.

“Michael, you are... my father..." She said trying to control her emotions.

"I’m sorry that I didn't tell you... If I did I thought you would get disappointed in me... that I ruin your vision of having another priest in the family," Michael said getting up from his seat.

“How could you do this to us!" his mother snapped at him.

“I didn't expect this to happen. Anima and I were deeply in love..." He replied in upset voice. "Why! Michael must you kept this quiet?!" His mother yells at him.

“Because I knew you had high hopes for me, exploiting me to the papers as 'Miracle Child!!' I hated being viewed like that mother!" He said as he went out of the lounge room.

“Come back here Michael!!" She called as she went after him. Nicole followed close behind as Michael went out the front door and into the snow.

“Michael, come back here!" She cried as he kept walking, and Nicole ran after him.

“I can’t believe you're my father," She said.

"I’m sorry Nicole, will you let me explain what happened?" Michael said.

Nicole just kicked him in the shin which Michael tried to avoid yelping in pain.

“Why weren't you there for me?" She said as she started making snow balls.

“Because your mother left me before she had you, I tried to find her," Michael said as he was striked down by snowballs. Michael's mother rushed outside to where her son laid in the snow. “You deserved this, Michael, for lying to everyone. I can’t believe you did this!" She scorned, throwing a snowball at his chest.

He couldn't take anymore now he rose to his feet breathing deeply as the anger rose up inside him.

“Don’t push me mother, I’m taking Nicole with me. I don't want anyone knowing about this, OK?" He said grabbing his mother and flinging her down onto the ground.

“Sorry, I had enough. Nicole I’m taking you back to the orphanage," He said grabbing her.

“No! Don't hurt me!" She cried as he pulls her towards the car.

“Michael, please don't do this. I wish you should have told us sooner," She cried getting back onto her feet.

“What, are you going to tell dad, aren’t you? Then everyone else too, huh? I’m just something for you to show off to your friends at church," He spat at her.

It was then his father emerged from inside to see the commotion.

"What's going on here?" He said as his wife ran to him in tears.

“ Our child is a liar, he was in love with Anima and he had a child," His mother said pointing at Nicole. Michael held onto Nicole as he stood there with her squirming about.

“Father, I’m sorry but I’m sick and tired of you and mother. You tried to mold me into the perfect child. I’m not perfect, I’m like everyone else and stop making me out to be something I’m not!" He yelled.

“What is this about a child? You have a child!" His father said moving towards him. Nicole started crying in fear as she wiggled out of Michael's grip and ran over to his mother’s side.

“Tell me how did this happen? Why the hell did you keep this secret?" His father said sternly.

"You know how much I love Anima... But you shoved me into church life. So I don't have the pleasure of experiencing love. Anima came back and yes we slept together!" Michael said to him. “Son, I can’t believe the disappointment you brought to this family and its history!" his father said angrily.

“I’m leaving, I don't plan on coming back and far as I'm concerned, I don't have parents now." He said as he walks away.

“I need to take Nicole back to the orphanage." He said.

"You’re going to father this child Michael!!" His mother said.

" I can’t do both, can I? She stays at the orphanage, she can be taken care of there." He said grabbing Nicole.

“You don't care about your own child! That’s terrible we didn't raise you like this, Michael," His father said as Michael puts Nicole in the car.

“Do you want me to be a priest, or a father? Make up your mind and let me know." He said as he climbed into the car and drove away.

“So you going to dump me at the orphanage? Fine." Nicole hisses at Michael.

“Nicole, I have been stuck in an awkward situation in all my life. If you don't wish to see me, that's fine with me. I'll just continue my work at the orphanage avoiding you." He said as he drove through the snowy roads.

There was a long period of silence as they drove along it was soon broken by Nicole.

“So, what was mother like? Was she a wonderful woman?" She said. Michael remained tight lip as he decided to take Nicole to the cemetery before dark sets in.

“Anima was a beautiful, caring woman. She was the one that stood up for me in school against the bullies," The ghost said as he parked the car at the cemetery gates.

“Why are we here?" Nicole said looking at Michael.

“I’m going to show you where your mother lies, you can come see her as much as you like," He said getting out of the car. Nicole got out of the car closing the door as she follows Michael into the cemetery.

“Your mother was buried under the oak tree; she didn't get a fancy head stone but a wooden cross. I do come here, when I could to put fresh flowers and pray." Michael said walking over to the spot. Nicole stood next him as he dusted some of the snow away revealing inscription on the cross.

“Nicole, I feel sorry about everything but I can’t really change the past. It’s up to you if you wish to see me still or not." He said. Nicole looked at the grave and dried her eyes.

“I really don't know Father. I guess I can call you father can I?" She said.

“You can but there lots of people out there who I don't want to know about us. So we have to keep it a secret." He said.

“It's too late now. Your parents found out. Nothing will stop them from telling everyone." She said. Michael frowned and takes Nicole by the hand

“I guess you're right there, if people do find out then I’m out of the church. I'll be considered an evil man." He said taking her back towards the cemetery gates.

Night was settling in the sky above as Michael taken Nicole back to the orphanage.

“I don't think you're an evil father. I’m glad I found out I have parents." Nicole said looking at the window.

“I know it’s been a rough day, I'm glad you have forgiven me." Michael said as he continued driving along towards the orphanage.

Far from the there inside the priest's home laid an ill Father Jacob. He had come home burning up and struggled to stay on his feet. He tried to call the doctor yet the phone line was dead. It was then he left something inside his home, Jacob made it to his bedroom before he froze and looked around. "Who's there?" He said looking around the dim light bedroom.

He grabbed some rosary beads placed it in his hands before laying down. It was then a sudden loud noise made the priest jumped as the window blasted cold snow air into his room which caused Jacob to jump and try to shut the window.

"Oh why can it get worse?" He said closing the window shut yet stumbled and fell to the floor where he laid. A large ghost like spirit had floated into the room and over the priest’s body.

“After centuries, I have been waiting for this day when Sekhmet is alive, I must have your body and kill her!" The spirit said as it jumped into the priest’s body. Jacob's spirit soon met up with the invasion and struggles about as the spirit collided causing Father Jacob's body to jerk wildly about before levitating off the floor.

“I’m back, to finally get my revenge!!" The spirit said using Jacob's body as a carrier for his soul.

--------------------------

Wednesday

The day dawns on the snow covered streets of New Orleans. Michael had woken up his own house after his parents disowned him away. Yesterday was a rush of emotions that left Michael lost, Nicole discovers her true parents and yet his parents witness it all.

"I wonder if my parents blabbed the story to the local paper,“ He said.

"It beats being 'Mr. Perfect' I don't care if they cast me out of the church. I'll be happy to leave." He added getting up from his bed. He looked down his pajama top was lying on the floor, another night of feeling extreme hot.

“I really don't understand why I feel hot all the time," The ghost bent over and picked up his shirt, his bare chest exposed to potential cold room.

He didn't have much heat inside the house; the average person would freeze in his ice box.

“I wonder if Nicole is feeling better today," He thought as he rose from his bed and wonder over to his wardrobe. After clothing himself the phone rang which startled him as he went and answered it.

“Hello." He said it was then a familiar voice cracked over the receiver.

"Father Michael, it's Miss Brown from the orphanage you must come quick!" She said in a scared shaken voice.

“What’s wrong?" Michael said.

“It's about Nicole, someone killed her!" She cries sending a cold shock through Michael's body.

"I didn't do anything to her, I'll come right over now!" He said hanging up the phone.

Over at St. Louis cathedral, Father Jacob was praying over what had happened.

“I couldn't do such a horrid thing, why did I killed such an innocent child?" He thought it was then the voice within answers.

"You will soon understand why, now go prepare the delightful meal for your friend Michael." The voice said as he pulled Father Jacob off his knees onto his feet.

“Did we dispose of the weapon?" The voice said.

"The weapon's been washed clean. The small ovary lies in a bag in the fridge." Father Jacob said in response.

“Good, now you need to mince that small child's organ into a nice sausage meat," The voice said "I will do as you say." Father Jacob said in zombie-like voice.

Meanwhile over at the orphanage Michael pulled up the car and went inside.

"I’m here to see Miss Brown." Michael said to the police officer. The police officer let him in and over to Miss Brown who was in tears.

“Miss Brown, what happened?" Michael said looking at her in terror.

“Well I didn't see anything; Nicole must have been walking around alone. I woke up this morning to see this." She said pointing at the small body under the cloth cover. Michael looked at it and then away.

“Miss Brown, I brought Nicole back safe and sound you saw that," He said.

"Yes I do recall that and I took her to the dormitory with all the other children." She said wiping her eyes.

"Sir, was you the last person who had Nicole?" The officer questions.

“Yes, I took her out for the day and brought her back. I left straight after I dropped her off here." Michael said.

“OK, then Father Michael is it?" He asks.

"Yes.” He answered.

”Aren't you the miracle child of New Orleans?" The officer said.

"Yes." He said calmly.

The officer turn and went away leaving Michael with Miss Brown.

“Where are all the children?" He asks her.

"We had them taken to missionary until this place will be ready again." Miss Brown said.

Michael looked down at the body as it was checked over before taken away.

“Will you be OK, Miss Brown?" He said.

"I really need to get out of here." She replied walking towards the door. Michael follows her out of the building and walked past the police.

“Miss Brown, come to the church with me, you can feel safe with God there." He said with a small smile.

“I am fine, thank you Michael." She said as she walked away.

It was then he looked at his watch and remembered the invitation he had for breakfast with Father Jacob at his house.

“I wonder if he knows about what happened... this will dampen the meal." Michael said as he climbed into his car and drove away.

“I cant believe my daughter is now dead...I just spent one day with her and she is taken away from me." He said angrily and thump the steering wheel.

“Who did this... the only people who knew were my parents, they aren't capable of killing a child." He said to himself as he drove along.

“No, my parents wouldn't hurt a fly. No one else knew at all it was too late in the day. I hope they didn't phone anyone about it." He thought as he soon pulled up outside Father Jacob's home. Inside Father Jacob was cooking the ovary minced sausage.

"Perfect, once Michael eats it then his true self will be brought to life." The voice said until there was a knock at the door.

Michael waited for a minute before the door open.

"Morning Michael, come on in." Jacob said.

"Father Jacob, didn't you have a cold? You seem better." He said looking at him.

“Oh no, I've still got it." Jacob sniffs blowing his nose on a handkerchief.

"Umm, are you sure you want me to stay?" Michael said avoiding getting close to the ill priest. “Oh no, you don't have to go. This isn’t major," He said leading him into the kitchen.

“Mmmm, wow you have been cooking a lot for just us," Michael said sitting down at the table.

“It’s not a lot, would you like sausages, Michael?" Jacob said pulling the frying pan off the stove and served Michael's sausage on some toast.

“Oh yes I do." He said licking his lips as the plate was put down in front of him.

“Oh good then I made this for you I'll just eat my cereal." Jacob said as he sat down in front of his bowl.

“It’s quite nice that you invited me over for breakfast you never did this before after all the years I worked at the church." Michael said cutting into the large saucy sausage.

“Ummm, I don't know why. I guess since you lost Anima. I thought we should see each other maybe more often beyond work," Jacob said eating his cereal.

Michael soon had eaten the first bit of sausage chewing it in his mouth. He kept chewing as his taste buds picking up on an odd taste and texture about the bit of sausage he is eating.

“Is there something wrong, Michael?" Jacob said watching him intently.

"This sausage, what kind of meat is it?" Michael said chewing slowly before swallowing.

“It's pork, I bought them yesterday." Jacob said Michael nodded as he continues eating.

“Great, he is eating it all. Soon, that vital ovary will summon the beast inside him. Then we can gain complete control." The voice said in Jacob's mind.

Soon the entire sausage and toast was gone. Michael sat there feeling little funny in the gut.

“Jacob, you sure those sausages were fresh?" He said pulling a twisted expression face.

“I’m sure they are," Jacob said taking the empty dishes to the sink.

“Well, I best be leaving then.” Michael said awkwardly getting up from his seat.

“Here, have a drink maybe it will wash the taste out." Jacob said handing a cup of coffee to him.

“Thanks," He said as he started to drink and feeling the after taste dissolves away making him feel better.

“I think, soon I'll be feeling better, at least by Sunday." Jacob said washing the dishes, Michael looked at him.

"I hate be the one to deliver bad news, but..." Michael pauses as Jacob looked at him.

“What’s wrong?" He said innocently.

“A tragic incident happened at the orphanage, this morning, one of the children was murdered. It's Nicole Bryan." He said as he tried to hold back the tears.

Jacob looked horrified even though he was the one that killed Nicole and used her ovary as sausage meat.

“That’s terrible how it happened?" He said looking in Michael's eyes.

“I don’t know, someone must got into the orphanage last night and killed her." He replied holding his stomach.

"That poor girl, she lost her family day before. Now she dies." Jacob said collapsing into a chair.

“I know, the police had taken her body to the morgue they will be looking over it." Michael said as he placed a gentle white hand on Jacob's shoulder.

That last part got Jacob a little worried. Then again the evidence was inside Michael's stomach and the weapon was clean and disposed of.

"Where did all the children go then?" Jacob asks.

“They were moved to the missionary until the orphanage is clear." Michael said.

“We better pray for that child, I feel awful that this could happen to an innocent child." Jacob said putting his head in his hands.

"I better go, I starting to feel a tad unwell," Michael said walking out of the kitchen towards the front door.

"Wait Michael, I hope I didn’t give you my cold." Jacob said with a frown.

“It's not your fault, I best be leaving," Michael said opening the front and closing it behind him. "Great, the wheels are set in motion, soon the Corpse Eater will be doing the ancient ritual of eating corpses and bring back females to the area." The voice said.

“The ancient balance of life where woman once ruled over men. It’s happening again," Jacob said. “In past there was a time where men and women were equal until that was destroyed, the men killing off women leaders, religious, witches so on so that men can have complete control.”

After centuries of this it was going to be time when everything will be turned around. As Michael drove back home his stomach as making terrible noises as he feeling ill.

“Oh my, I'm feeling worse... my vision is clouding up on me." He said trying to see where he is going. As he car drove along the icy grounds it was then a sudden swerve of the wheel caused utter shock to Michael's senses.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Michael to look in blurred horror as his car collides into an on coming truck. He was slung forward over the wheel laid there unconscious. Warm crimson blood dripped from his head wound over the steering wheel.

It all happen fast as he lay in his crumpled wreckage that was his parents car, the truck wasn’t so damage as the occupants dashed out to see what happened. The police had rushed around along with the ambulance to the scene. Large crowd had gathered around as they watched Father Michael's body pried out of the wreckage and put on a stretcher.

It’s the fourth time their priest could have died this time he might not recover. Michael laid in calm peace, he couldn’t believe his luck of being dead again. Though the town will probably knew that he will come back some how.

Will this be the time where Michael will be reunited with Anima and dear daughter Nicole in heavens above? The ambulance pulled away with Michael's body in the back, the damage seemed a lot more serious. It was a delicate task of taking him out cause some of the windshield had stabbed into his flesh leaving him bleeding more blood over his snow white flesh.

Though deep inside something was alive and moving, the ovary he had was starting to slowly reform itself against lining of Michael's stomach. The ambulance people did what they could as they think slight chance of him still living.

Soon the ambulance pulled up at the hospital and Michael was rushed inside to be tended to. Several hours passed as Michael's body was bandage and the out looks grim. They could tell he was holding on by a thread yet left him alone to recover.

Night had fallen and some more snow falls upon the town. In a dark room Michael's body laid mostly covered in white sheet, inside the throbbing ovary in his stomach was beating as it was calling for its other half. Inside the morgue Nicole's body was moving under the sheet soon her body woke up and floated into the air.

The rising of the ancient goddess Sekhmet has begun soon she will be reunited with the Corpse Eater and then the ritual will begin. Nicole's body soon got off the bed and stood upright on the floor and slowly walks out of the morgue. Inside the hospital Michael's body twitched as changes occurred, his eyes were now vacant yellow slits.

Black searing marks started to surface on his chest, shoulders and neck as it forms skeleton like tattoo on top of his pale flesh. His nails grew long and black with square ends and his hair grew shorter. His limbs began to quiver as they struggle to move and lift upwards. It was then the door to his room opened and Nicole floated on in towards his bed.

"A rise my pet, tonight will start our feeding," She said placing both hands over the twitching body. Michael's eyes flew open glowing yellow as he soon rose up from his bed. The sheet falling over his bare chest to his lap.

“It’s been a long time hasn’t it, you must be hungry," Nicole said looking at him. Michael looked over at the Nicole and growls as he got up from the bed onto his bare feet. Only clothing gracing himself was his black pants.

“We will target the mausoleum, you can start eating your victims," Nicole said.

From there the Corpse Eater and Nicole headed towards the window to make their escape without being noticed. “Follow me my pet; you can smell where the dead lies," Nicole said floating along as the Corpse Eater follows her behind.

As they bounded through the thick undergrowth the beast growling as he ran along thrashing through the bushes sniffing wildly. "This way, my pet," Nicole said as they continued running along in the darkness. After miles of jumping and dodging trees and fallen logs they entered the cemetery, the corpse eater sniffed the air as he ran faster along towards the large Mausoleum.

“Wonderful, now break into the place.” Nicole said as she watched the beast start bashing on the concrete doors. After couple of loud bashes the door gave way and the corpse eater and his mistress entered the tomb. Before them laid several coffins that belong to some of the richer folk that once lived in New Orleans. Amongst the ten coffins that laid there eight of them were male.

“Perfect, eight males to start out our ritual. Each night you will devour one clean to the bone. Rearrange it, and transform it into a woman,” Nicole said as the Corpse Eater started work on first coffin. Nicole watched as the beast started pushing the heavy concrete lid off tomb, he struggling snarling and growling as the lid slowly moves away. The Corpse Eater dug in and opened the coffin to reveal rather fleshy body.

“Oh good, all these people died not to long ago so there should be enough for you to feed off my pet,” Nicole said. Corpse Eater growls as he pulls the wooden coffin out and places it on the ground. From there the process of defiling one dead man begun. Clothes were pulled from the body and Nicole placing them inside the tomb out of sight, from there the shredding and eating starts.

Nicole watches as the dead mans body was pulled apart bit by bit and clean right down to the bare bone. The bones were cast aside as Nicole collects them.

“I don't want the bones broke up!” She scorns. The Corpse Eater snarls and keeps eating.

“At least you're an obedient loyal beast," She said as she started to piece the skeleton together bit by bit. After several hours had past the Corpse Eater was full and the body was merely just pile of bones which Nicole slowly laid out on the floor.

“It’s time to bring our first woman to the world," Nicole said as she placed the last pieces in place. Corpse Eater growls and licks remnants off his fingers. Nicole raise her small bony hands over the body and recite the spell death to life,

'Flesh to born, arise my servants and serve me alone come to me beyond the sands of underworld, I Sekhmet call thee'

Then she reached into her little pouch bag and tossed a fist full of sand onto the bones and stepped away. The beast watched as the sand started to spread over the bones and expanded into more and more grains soon it slowly rebuilt the body from the inside out.

The beast and Nicole watched as the recreation of an Egyptian servant to Sekhmet centuries ago was brought back to life before them.

"Arise, my servant." Nicole said as the recreation had finished revealing a naked Egyptian woman. Corpse Eater looked away little embarrassed as the woman stood up. “Corpse Eater, can you hand me the clothes please." Nicole orders as Corpse Eater grabbed the clothes and tossed them on the ground. The woman wore the man suit and waited for her instructions.

“We better go back, the dawn is coming, I'll inform my servant of what is required," Nicole said as the woman knelt down and received her orders. From there they left the mausoleum pulling the doors closed.

"Our first successful recreation, my pet, now I must disappear. You return to the hospital and recover," Nicole said as she walked away with the servant.

-------------------

Thursday

The sun was starting to rise and the Corpse Eater began the rush back to the hospital before daylight. By the time 8 am rolled around and the sun shone on the snow covered trees, Michael's body was lying in the hospital bed. His face was peaceful. One of the doctors came in to check up on his condition.

"Doctor..." Michael said waking up from his sleep, he forgotten what happened last night. “Michael you’re awake. Seems the surgery had been success. Though it might leave you blind temporary," The doctor said looking over his chart.

“Oh...I guess I can't see at all now..." Michael said with a frown of course all he could see was darkness.

He could only hear the doctor’s voice.

“There has been some damaged to your face, so it will be scared for quite awhile. Yes, your eyes been scratched so we hope nothing too long term has occurred," The doctor said. Michael didn't like the sound of that his beautiful face is now covered over in bandages.

“But how will I be able to see? When am I going to be let out of here?" Michael said in worried voice.

“We might have to keep you here unless you have someone to stay with?" The doctor said. Michael frowned. “I have my parents, do they know I’m here?" He asks.

“I don't know Mr. Edwards, I thought they would come to see you it seems we have been unable to get a hold of them." The doctor said.

It was then another doctor came and spoke to him, Michael tried to listen in.

"Really... I'll come shortly. Thanks for informing me," The doctor said as the other one left.

“Sure strange things happened around here in the last 3 days, Mr. Edwards. The girl that was murdered and her body has disappeared. We also received the autopsy on the body the child is missing an ovary which is very weird." The doctor said.

“Ovary...what...?" Michael went trying to make sense of what the doctor said.

“It’s a small part of woman's body that use in reproduction. When we were going to open her up, we discovered a deep cut around her mid section and extensive bleeding from the wound. The organ was taken out," The doctor said.

Michael was feeling ill after what the doctor said to him. His daughter was slaughtered in cold blood and missing an organ from her.

“Doctor...last three days just been terrible for me. Can I tell you something personal..." He said struggling to speak. The doctor moved closer and pulled the curtains around his bed.

“OK, you can tell me now,” He said as he placed his hand on Michael's.

“That child... the girl. I found out the day before. She was my daughter. I just finally got to see her after all these years and she is gone. Six years before that my lover who conceived her died," He said choked on sadness.

“You may not understand what I have been through doctor... All the pain...” He added as he let out cries of pain.

“I understand your pain, Mr. Edwards, or should say Father Michael from St. Louis church. You had a child...” The doctor said in concerned voice.

“Yes... please tell me when I can leave this place?" Michael said.

“How could a priest have a child? Aren't you supposed to be living a life of celibacy? Does anyone else know this?" The doctor said. Michael was tensing up.

“Doctor... I don't wish be integrated about my mistake. Tell me when I can leave!!" He barks at the doctor.

"Mr. Edwards I'll let you out, you will be bound to a wheel chair. Do you have anyone to stay with?" The doctor said.

“Call my parents. Thank you,” Michael said as he turned away cringing his only option.

“I will do that, I’m sure after they saw the car accident on the front page of the newspaper. They should been down here.” He said as he left the room.

“Great. I wonder if my parents were happy that I suffered another fall. Its like everything revolves around me...” He thought as he laid there in darkness.

The doctor made the call to his parent’s home and waited.

“Come on...” He said under his breath. After a while it rang out then it went dead.

“Well Mr. and Mrs. Edwards aren't at home,” He said as he left and headed back to Michael's room.

“Mr. Edwards, your parents aren't at home. So do you know anyone else?” The doctor asked. “Only other person I know is Father Jacob,” Michael said softly.

“I’ll call him then, maybe he can take you to your parents,” The doctor said and left the room once more.

The doctor went over to the phone and called up Father Jacob. At Jacob's home, the priest sat at the table looking at the front page article of Michael's car accident with a sadistic smile

“Perfect, he is hurt. Yet the girl is missing. That means they already have begun.” The voice said in Jacob's head. It was then the phone rang that snapped Jacob out of a trance as he went and answered it. “Hello?”

“Hello, Father Jacob, it's Doctor Smith from New Orleans hospital,” The doctor said.

“Yes what's wrong doctor?” Jacob said.

“Are you able to take care of Michael Edwards? For a while until his parents will be able to collect him," The doctor said.

“Great, we get a hold of the Michael and we can keep from doing anymore damage,” The spirit said.

“I'll be happy to take care of my fellow priest,” Jacob said with an evil grin.

“Wonderful, can you come around? I'll tell you about his condition when you're here." The doctor said.

After the phone called ended it was then the real Jacob burst into an argument with the spirit.

"You’re not going to hurt Michael, you get that!” Jacob barks

“You're so blind to the truth, you will see that Michael is a dark horse that would love to bump you out of the catholic community,” The spirit said.

“Michael isn't a dark horse, he doesn’t want to get rid of me.” The priest replied

“Listen to me, I control you. Don't make me hurt you, you old man!” The spirit barks which soon he took control of Jacob again.

Jacob soon hung up the phone and proceeded to leave the house and head to hospital. At the Edwards place Michael's parents read the papers to see their son hurt again.

“Our son is in hospital dear, we should have gone to see him,” Mr. Edwards said.

“No because after what happened. I mean he slept with Anima, had a child he didn't see for six years who is dead now. I don't wish to see Michael anymore after what he had done," Mrs. Edwards said.

“The papers want information, they already claim that the body of Nicole has disappeared from the morgue and is missing an ovary,” He said reading the article.

Mrs. Edwards stopped and looked at him.

“Disappeared? What... how she is dead?” She said.

“According to the papers dear they found her body not present in the morgue this morning,” He said.

"Our dear Michael, we should have gone to the hospital and see him” She said.

“We should have, dear, at least by now." He replied getting up from his seat.

“Wait, dear, I don't know if we should. Bad enough the papers, the police could be out there. So far no one has found that Nicole is his son. There could be a huge fact that police will suspect Michael or us,” She said looking at her husband.

“You're not going to blame Michael for his own daughter’s death, are you? You can’t do that to him dear. Don't tell anyone about it." He said sternly as he grabbed his coat.

“We can’t do this!” She stammered as her husband shot a glare at her.

“He is our son; the good lord says forgive people for their mistakes! Do that!” He yelled as he burst out the front door leaving her in tears. She watched her husband and ran after him holding him back.

“No, I don't want to, not after all the money and recognition we get from everyone for having such a special son!” She yelled at him.

Her husband couldn't believe her words and shook his head in dismay

“Michael was right about us at least you. Stop making him a prize trophy, he isn't perfect. I realize now what we have been doing to him. Selling him out to the public for gossip and something to read about. It’s because we keep getting cash thrown at us. We just can’t say no, can we!” He yelled back.

“Stop making me look like the bad guy here! You’re in this scam too!” She cried back. He threw her off into the snow before entering his car.

“No, please don't go!” she said standing up shivering as she watched her husband pulled out of the driveway and drove away.

Outside the hospital Father Jacob arrives and is at the desk waiting for Dr Smith who soon came.

“Ah Father Jacob, here is Michael, and take good care of him. But I need you to fill out the forms necessary before you take him away,” The doctor said.

Father Jacob went a long normally going through the forms with the doctor while Michael sat in the wheel chair. During that period of time Michael suffered a flash back to ancient Egypt, he foreseen himself in chains and strung up over a roaring fire. He was crying out in pain as below another man stood watching him perish.

“Die, you will never return to this world again!” the man said laughing as the flames engulfed him.

That caused Michael horrid pain as he winced in his chair and let out a sudden cry which alerted Dr. Smith and Jacob who watched with a smirk.

“Michael what's wrong?” The doctor said as he calm him down.

“Nothing...” Michael said with a sigh and he relaxed in the wheelchair.

“I’ll take good care of him. Dr. Smith, I’ll call let you know how he is coping,” Jacob said. Michael sat there in silence as he felt his chair move as Father Jacob wheeled him away

“Father Jacob, I’m glad you came. Some odd reason my parents didn't come at all to see me,” Michael said as they rolled outside.

“I guess they were out today, anyways I’m happy to look after you Michael.” Jacob said as he reached his car.

“Thank you Jacob, I’m glad you're here." He said as he eased himself out of the chair into the car seat with Jacob's help.

“I’m sorry you’re in such a terrible state. I'll take good care of you." Jacob said with a smirk as he placed the chair best he could into the boot.

Soon Jacob climbed just as he notice Mr. Edwards pull up, from there he started the car and pulled away from the hospital. Mr. Edwards entered the hospital and went over to the desk.

“Hello, I’m here to see Michael Edwards. He is my son. Where is he?” He asks the nurse.

She looked up at him. “Mr. Edwards, your son was just released into Father Jacob's care. Sorry he just left,” She said and went back to work. Mr. Edwards turned around and headed out again

“I better go by Father Jacob's house, maybe I can see Michael there,” He said to himself as he climbed into his car and pulled away.

Outside of the town Jacob kept driving along with Michael in the back.

“We been traveling for a while Jacob, isn’t your house closer?” He asks as he couldn’t sense his surroundings.

“Just rest Michael, we will be at my home soon,” Jacob said as he pulled off the dusty road and headed towards a large abandoned house.

The car soon stopped arousing Michael to awake a little.

“Are we here?" He asks, Jacob got out of the car and pulled the chair out of the back. Michael waited for a reply.

“We are here; I’ll help you out,” Jacob said as he helps Michael into his wheel chair. Cold wind brushes against the pair as Jacob wheel Michael out of the freezing cold into the house.

“Where are we?” Michael said as he couldn’t see as they entered the house.

“Michael we are inside my house. I will wheel you to your room,” Jacob said as he kept pushing Michael’s wheelchair along until he reached the door that lead to the cellar.

“I’ll remind you your room is down with some stairs so don’t be alarmed,” Jacob said with a smirk. “Stairs?” Michael said as he felt confused.

It was then the chair was tilted backwards so it was easily to descend the stairs one by one carefully.

“I really don’t recall you having stairs in your house, Jacob.” Michael said as they went down each step until they reached the bottom.

“Well here we are. Now is there anything you like?” Jacob asks as he places Michael in the middle of the dusty cellar.

“No, I’m fine thank you,” Michael said unaware of where he is.

“Well I’ll be upstairs then” Jacob said as he ascended the stairs smiling wickedly to him.

“Tonight I’ll finally end this prophecy. Evil can’t destroy another world again,” The voice said.

From there the hours slipped by as the rest of the day went by outside Michael was left in the darkness not knowing what occurring around him. As the night sets upon New Orleans, Mr. Edwards comes home worried.

“Honey, you're home where is Michael?” His wife asks as he came into the house.

“He was taken away by Jacob, I went over to Jacob’s home but it was locked. Something isn’t right here,” He said as he sat down.

“Where you think they are?” Mrs. Edwards asks.

“I went by the police asked to keep an eye out for them just in case something went wrong,” He said.

“OK, then dinner is ready,” She said as he got up from his chair and moved into the dining room. It was then there was a knock on the front door

“Dear, sit down. I'll answer this.” His wife said as she headed towards the front door.

On the other side of the door the Egyptian woman that was resurrected waited armed with a gun concealed in the jacket. Mrs. Edwards soon opened the door to see the unusual dressed woman.

“Hello there, can I help you?” She asks. The woman didn’t answer yet a violent fling of the arm sent a sharp searing pain into Mrs. Edwards’ stomach as she screamed in pain.

A dagger covered in her blood was wave about before her eyes as she was shoved down dead.

“What’s going on honey?” Mr. Edwards emerge to see his wife on the floor bleeding and a strange looking woman standing over her.

“No!” he cried as then the woman headed straight towards him.

“You will pay for this!” He spat as he grabbed the poker from the fire place and used it as a weapon.

He made a couple swings and lunges yet the Egyptian woman managed to dodge each swing effortless. Then she grabbed the pole and pulled it from his hands and sent it flying through the wall. Mr. Edwards stood in fear at the force given off by that killer and tried to make a dash for his gun yet he fell short. The Egyptian woman shot him in the back then again.

From there she turned and headed out of the house leaving Michael’s parents dead on the floor. Outside Nicole waited as her servant left the home and approached her.

“Good work. Time to destroy the evidence,” Nicole said. From there the woman turned to face the home and then sent a giant fireball to the roof and garden sparking a giant fire. Nicole laughs as the fire leapt quite quickly about to the neighbor’s house causing them to come out screaming.

“We must go now, my servant,” Nicole said as the pair fled. Meanwhile in the darkness of the cellar Michael sat in his wheelchair alone a small amount of the moonlight shone on him casting a scary shadow on the floor.

“Jacob; are you there? I feel awfully hungry!” Michael whimpers as he moves slightly yet the sudden change came over him. Bandages started to tear away as so did his shirt.

“Ahh…” Michael screamed out as the transformation started into his Corpse Eater form.

He jerked about like he was being electrocuted soon flung out of his wheelchair and hitting the cold floor. Upstairs the similar action accord as Ra taken fully form of Jacob’s frail old body into a bird like creature.

“After years of dormant, I'm finally alive!” He cried as he headed towards the cellar to see the Corpse Eater getting up onto his feet growling.

“We have meet again, and like last time you will perish in the hell's fire.” Ra said to the beast.

The Corpse Eater hissed at him since he couldn’t form words as he tried to head towards Ra yet Ra formed a fire ball and sent it towards the Corpse Eater causing him to jump back. Ra laughs as he started setting fire around the albino beast

“Face it. You shall die,” He said before laughing evilly.

The Corpse Eater didn’t have ample strength at all as the flames were quickly engulfing everything around him. Ra soon turned and shut the door and rushed outside out of the house before setting his next part of the attack.

“Ra!” Nicole bellows stopping the dog in his tracks.

“Well if it isn’t Hathor-Sekhmet,” Ra growls looking the lioness goddess.

“Long time no see, Ra, this time I’ll succeed over you.” Hathor-Sekhmet said as she calls upon her powers and her weapon a giant spear.

“I highly doubt that this time. Your precious Corpse Eater is now nothing more than ashes,” Ra said with an evilly laugh. Hathor-Sekhmet gasps as she watched her servant turned into dust and returns to the mausoleum where it came from.

“No! You couldn’t succeed so easily,” Hathor-Sekhmet cried then armed with her spear she attacks Ra with her fiery rage which Ra fought back easily with his powers.

Fire flew about the place a lot of striking the grass, trees and the house itself as they clashed together about the place unaware of what is greater of them rising up from the cellar.

A sudden burst of pure light shot up into the skies which caught both Hathor-Sekhmet and Ra’s attention.

“What is that?” Ra cried as the pair watch a warrior dressed as an angel come down towards them.

“I am St. Michael, your rain of terror is over,” He cried as he had his large sword in his hands. From there a large burst of holy power shot through the evil Egyptian spirits along with the humans that occupied their bodies.

“God shall rule over his creation once more and forever,” Michael said as he soon traveled back into the skies leaving everything he knew behind.

The End