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““Above God were seraphim, each with six wings; with two wings they covered their faces and with two they covered their feet and with two they flew.”
— The Holy Bible
Blood Eagles are anomalous entities in the Backrooms with characteristics akin to that of seraphim from the Christian Bible. Their name originates from the torture method of the same moniker which involves breaking the victim's ribs outwards to resemble wings.
Blood Eagles take the form of humanoid figures adorned with a pair of feathered, silky wings obscuring their face, along with other subtle wing-like structures surrounding their back and waist. Their legs are absent, though they primarily move via levitation of unknown means. Their physical conditions are emaciated, with many of their larger bones being visibly outlined through the skin. Numerous injuries of high variety are present along their bodies, which can fluctuate from small bruises and cuts to large aching scars. All instances of Blood Eagles share the presence of one notable mutilated section; that being a set of spiny rib-like growths protruding from their backs. With areas often fractured or broken off, the back ribs of a Blood Eagle are oppressively sensitive to pain responses.
The center of Blood Eagle's chests are torn open, the cavity spanning a majority of their torso. Serrated ribs surround a location where a heart would typically be placed (despite no notable internal organs being seen in Blood Eagles thus far). Many of the ribs do not connect to the spine; rather joining the spread of bony growths aforementioned on Blood Eagles' backs. In its center instead lies a singular eyeball with its optical nerves clinging to nearby flesh. Though the nerves are not attached to the brain of a Blood Eagle, the eye is entirely functional and used as its main sensory organ.
When not occupied with other events, Blood Eagles meander around levels with seemingly no purpose, merely passing through environments and observing the area. Blood Eagles do not require nutrition, hydration, or sleep — albeit are able to rest for short periods to slightly negate pain responses. Encounters with predatory entities often result in the Blood Eagle in question fleeing, though may use tools or a warning screech to ward off the threat.
The life span of Blood Eagles is divided into two distinct stages; the pre-molting phase and the post-molting phase. The pre-molt appearance is more human-like (including features such as legs and more humanoid hands), albeit with far more severe injuries such as flayed skin and disfigured limbs. While it is unknown where pre-molt Blood Eagles appear from, they are exceptionally susceptible to the environment. The main goal of a Blood Eagle in this phase is to seek a viable place to begin its molting process — preferring dark secluded areas of low temperatures. When the conditions are acceptable, the Blood Eagle will curl into fetal position, slowly growing a dense layer of flesh over its body. Veins extend from the chrysalis and root themselves into the environment, suspending itself above the ground as rings of flesh extrude from the main body. These rings are embedded with several eyes surrounding the exterior which scout the area for potential threats. Wanderers in the eyes' line of sight will experience extreme anxiety and paranoia-based mental effects, primarily serving as the Blood Eagle's self-defensive measure as it develops into its post-molting phase. The molting state typically lasts 2-3 months.
As aforementioned, Blood Eagles typically defend themselves from threats via fleeing or emitting a warning screech. In extreme cases, however, they can spread the wings obscuring their face and expose their right eye to the attacker. The facial eye of a Blood Eagle has been described as bloodshot and withering, with a prominent pitch-black pupil that absorbs all light. All matter in the facial eye's range of vision will be afflicted with a phenomenon known as "fuzzing" which gradually morphs the matter into a black, ashy material. Matter affected by the Blood Eagle's eye will possess a crackly quality to its texture akin to television static. The ashy substance may also disperse into the air, causing difficulty breathing in afflicted areas. However, revealing the facial eye is extremely agonizing for Blood Eagles; such to the point that it cannot be exposed for longer than a few seconds.
Blood Eagles have a mutually symbiotic relationship with Blood Marrow involving the unique interactions between their bone-like structures. When a Blood Eagle encounters a Blood Marrow's cocoon, it may press its back ribs against the cocoon's outer shell. By doing this, a special process begins in which a thin cyan fluid in transported from the Blood Marrow to the body of the Blood Eagle. The liquid, under the unofficial name of Marrow Sap, seems to relieve physical restrictions caused by pain in Blood Eagles. Additionally, the reaction time and alertness of the consumer is boosted. While Marrow Sap does function identically in humans, it is extremely potent and may cause seizures or allergic responses upon consuming merely 10-20 milliliters. In certain circumstances, drinking Marrow Sap may also lead to a gradual decease of the individual over several days.
It was something ricocheting in my mind. Something soaked in its own scarlet blood. Where the eagle's skeletal ailerons pulsed in stress, my heart winced with regret. Where the cinder dawn of what were once wings seemed to ignite once more, the cloaks of comfort unveiled themselves around me. I was exposed and vulnerable. Defenseless against sanity's tightening grasp that was a storm of needles into my skull. Blood began to drip again; I followed the trail like a lamb to slaughter. The cleaver that would strike my neck and depart it with each vertebra was not so merciless, however — rather, it was the glimmer of gold and pearl awaiting at heaven's gates. Somewhere I'd like to be. Somewhere a little closer to being truly free.
Somewhere in the sight of such a lovely bloodshot eye. I would stand before it, the void-black pupil surrounded by streams of carmine that weave to its center. The very sight ripping apart each atom it glares upon and decaying them into velvet ash. As the eye's gaze makes its way to my husk of skin, it is disintegrated into fuzzy molasses-toned grain that crackles with its remaining energy. The feeling is a comforting delight that only ascends as my brain is shredded into fragile flakes. Ascending such as I would be; not a gear in the mechanism, for that would be far too insignificant.
A piece in a symphony where each note rings in eternal bliss.
Author: Lemon