Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2008 07:59:03 +0000 From: Draiodoir Draiodoir Subject: The Gatekeeper: Stigmatized/ Chapter 2 All rights reserved. Copyright by Fritz D. Ilagan s. 2007 Chapter Two: Unpleasant Turn After an hour or so, the sky began to show signs of the approaching dusk. Angelina collected their papers so that she can assess them and point out weaknesses and strengths. Then, Mr. Brine called out for everyone and Osiris saw that he was accompanied by two younger students, each holding a large tray of sandwiches. Mr. Brine's clutching two jugs of orange juice. "I think we need to have a little break before we conclude," Mr. Brine said as he and the younger boys placed the sandwiches and drinks to the table in front of the room. "Okay guys, eat as many as you want, or as many as there is. If you give me more than two first prizes at the Division Press Conference, I will give you more than free sandwiches and juice next time, I promise." The students cheered as they approached the snacks. Os noticed that Angelina hadn't left her chair, engrossed to one of the features she was reading. "Here you go," said Osiris, extending a cup of juice. "Thank you," Angelina accepted the drink and took a sip. "It's delicious." "Does Mr. Brine always give free snacks?" asked Osiris watching their adviser and ignoring the butterflies in his stomach for finally having the nerve to talk to Angelina. "Well, not really always," said Angelina who was also looking. "As you know, teachers don't have much of a paycheck even though they are the shaper of society. He just does it occasionally, treating us if he has something to give." Osiris looked at Angelina and was proud of himself for engaging her in a conversation where he didn't make a fool of himself. Angelina took another drink of her juice and told Os, "You're rather good for a beginner." "Huh?" "Your feature. It's good. The emotions are real. What course do you want to take up in college? Mass Communication?" "Um... no. Well, I was thinking I would take up education. Become a teacher," said Osiris timidly. He wasn't really sure yet what to do with his life as many of his mates and even some of his teachers thinks he was far too brilliant to be a teacher. They think it's a soft option. Angelina gave him a dazzling smile. "Really? Me too. I think teaching is the most important profession; even more than becoming the president of a country or an engineer. Just like Aristotle said, `Teachers who educated children deserved more honor than parents who merely gave them birth--" "--for bare life is furnished by the one, the other ensures a good life," continued Osiris, smilingly. Angelina giggled. "I guess I'm not the only one who knows that huh? Sorry for the `words of wisdom' all of a sudden. I tend to do it so often. Quotations are good for writing features, you see." Osiris smiled and offered to get more juice when he noticed Angelina's cup was empty. But half way across the room, Osiris heard a loud grumbling noise outside. Then suddenly, strong winds blasted through the windows almost knocking Osiris off his feet. "What's happening?" ask Angelina who rushed beside Os, looking stunned. Suddenly, a band of men, at least more than a dozen, appeared to have descended from above. Half of them were in black leather jackets, carrying guns, their faces hidden behind dark tinted shades. The other half were rather odd as Osiris noticed they wore long black sweeping robes. This group got their faces hidden under the hoods. Many of the students tried to get outside to have a better look. Os noticed that the bursts of wind were coming from a helicopter which was hovering in mid air. "Who are they?" Osiris heard Dominic Lapuz asked in awe. When the leather jacket lot raised their guns and started to walk towards the room, Mr. Brine shouted to everyone, "Get inside. Don't let them in!" He then ran to the doors and closed it behind him. All the windows suddenly shut on their accord, making everyone jump. No one dared to move as they heard shouting and explosions from outside. Osiris looked shocked but he was not the only one; half the room stood frozen in surprise like mannequins. Then a powerful blast from the exterior finally shook them to their senses, Angelina and Osiris led the others to barricade the doors with chairs as the chaos from outside continued. Some of the younger students started to grow scared and the girls started crying. Osiris noticed Angelina moving around, trying to comfort the other students. "I don't understand," said Angelina while holding Christine Marco, a first year student who looked rather pale. "Os, what is happening?" Seeing the terror in Angelina's eyes, Osiris only gaped at her. He couldn't answer. Nothing made sense. Their school was in a middle of a city, why would bandits try and take over? And what's with the cloaked men? A series thunderous blasts came from outside, rattling the doors to its hinges. Cries of pain followed, more shouting, curses and strange words Osiris can't discern. The students huddled together, as far away from the doors as possible. "There are Mordigans in here!" someone shouted from outside. "Get the mark! We need the target!" another said. Everyone screamed as the door exploded into shreds. Four cloaked men entered, two of them remained just by the door as though standing guard while the other two went in, looking around as though trying to find something. One of the two stared to Os, and then lowered his hood. He saw a middle aged man with short brown hair, cold black eyes and pale skin, looking threatening. "Are you a warlock?" said the man, pointing to Osiris. His voice gave everyone a sudden shiver. "What?" stuttered Osiris. The other robed man also lowered his hood. He was much older than the first, with graying hair and much paler skin. He said, "Just take him. He's the only one in here." The younger man nodded then started towards Os. "Hey! Who are you!" shouted Osiris as he dashed away from the man, going behind armchairs and desks. "What do you want from me?" The man scowled when Osiris tried to throw a hardbound book to him. Before the book hit the man though, it burst into flames and turned to ashes. All the students gasped. Osiris's eyes widen in shock. "Just get it over with," grunted the older man impatiently as another bang echoed from outside. "More Mordigans might arrive any minute now." The younger man waved his hand and the desks between him and Osiris parted, making a clear path. The man moved so fast that Osiris did have time to react when his arm got grabbed and the robed man dragged him. Os tried to get out of the man's grip but it was impossible. "Leave him alone!" Angelina bellowed. She was holding a broom from the cleaning cabinet, waving it threateningly. The younger man stopped then turned sneering to Angelina. "That's not the right use of a broom, young lady." "Let's go Seth," curtly said by the older man, who replaced his hood. Seth grasped Osiris more painfully but the pain only made Os struggle more. "Don't stop and I will kill all your friends," Seth whispered to his ear. Osiris stood still and looked at the man's eyes; the man was deadly serious. Angelina moved forward. "Release Osiris now! I don't want to hurt you but I will if it is necessary." Seth leered. "What will you do? Sweep me off my feet?" With these words, Angelina just held the broom more firmly and in an agile move, she ran towards Osiris and the man named Seth. The older man must have grown impatient as he waved his hand and Angelina rocketed towards the other part of the room. She hit a shelf of books and dropped to the floor; the broom flew out of her hands. "Angelina!" shouted Osiris. The other students only stared, too afraid to make any move. "Aw, Djinn," said Seth while restraining Os. "You didn't have to be too harsh." But he said this with a smile and sardonic tone. Osiris stared to Angelina; she was struggling to stand up. "I don't know how you did that," said Angelina. "But you're going to pay." She picked up the broom again and Os got a glimpse of her face. It was dead-serious. "No Angelina, stay put!" shouted Osiris but he barely finished when he saw that Angelina has already sprinting towards his direction. She was about to strike the hand holding Osiris when a blast of light from Seth's other hand, like electricity, strike the broom handle she was holding. It disintegrated, turning to ash but the light didn't stop to the broom. It hit Angelina's hands and she howled in pain. Os stared horrified as the skin on Angelina's hands peeled, exposing the burning her flesh. Blood sprayed everywhere, staining the tiled floors and white walls of the room. The girl tried to get away from the light but Seth pointed his hand purposefully. Angelina collapsed to the floor, shrieking from the pain; the sound coming from her was pure horror. Seth continued until Angelina fell silent suddenly. The room was covered in smoke and the smell made Osiris's stomach roll over, like rotting eggs. The scene cleared up, he stood still, like a statue, peering at Angelina's mangled body. It was unrecognizable; as though the corpse was not human. White objects that looked like bones parts lay dejected in a stump of blood and flesh. Seth tugged Osiris' hand and got surprised when Osiris knocked him at the face. Os punched, kicked; hit any part of the body he could reach. He was shouting every curse, every foul word he could think of to the man who killed Angelina. Osiris's other hand got released through the struggle but before he can use it, he got lifted from his feet and got slammed to the wall by an unknown force. He nearly fainted due to the impact. But he didn't care. He felt numb. Osiris staggered back to his feet, preparing to attack again when he choked with no apparent reason; he felt his throat twisting. "Stop! You can't kill him yet or the Advocatus will kill you!" said the man called Djinn to Seth, forcing him to lower his hand. "Just knock him out and let's go. We've already wasted time here." Osiris could not believe these people. They just wasted time... killing Angelina is just a waste of their time! Osiris's breathing eased as Seth waved his hand away. The chaos outside the room was still as intense as ever but Osiris could have cared less. He kneeled, in disbelief, barely noticing that Seth walked toward him. Os raised his face to look at Angelina's killer with empty, cold eyes. "This is for the punch," Seth said quietly then knocked Os on the side of his head with the back of his hand. Osiris felt a sharp pain, then blackness and knew no more. * * * New Valley High School was often empty after 6 pm but today was an exception. Mysterious balls of light drifted all around, illuminating the scene of destruction that the battle had left. Some of the classrooms near the newspaper office were damaged, their windows blasted, their walls in pieces. Plants remains, shreds of posters and pieces of wooden benches littered the ground; some were still smoking. People were all around, investigating the scene. Caleb Brine ushered his students, giving them water to drink to calm them. Some girls fainted in shock and when they woke, it took nearly thirty minutes to convince them that they were now safe. Caleb was just giving Cynthia another cup when someone called him from behind. "Caleb... Herald Alexis Raven, Ryu Hsu and Penelope Nite are now here," said a young man holding a camera. Caleb Brine nodded and saw a beautiful woman approaching his way. She was in a business suit accompanied by two more people who dressed like her. "Caleb, are you all right? What happened?" asked the woman with a slightly curly blond hair and striking blue eyes. She looked as old as Caleb. "What happened?" said Caleb trying not to shout but he sounded incredulous. "You're asking me Alexis? Where were you and your division when the Hand attacked us earlier? You were supposed to be watching the Sergeant's moves!" "We were!" snapped Alexis, apparently she didn't like getting yelled at. "We were watching Iblis in the southern part of the city. He was--" "You were watching one while I battled four!" Caleb shouted, unable to restrain himself anymore. "If it wasn't for Hawthorn's and Cecilia's help, I would have died with the rest of these children!" Alexis closed her eyes and opened them again. "The other four were here?" she said in disbelief. "Yes and more. Armed men were with them, probably the Hand's private army probably Roster Five. They were using bullets as well as disintegrating spells," said Caleb, his tone softening, evidently tired because of the fight. Ryu Hsu looked around and said, "Caleb, were any of the children harmed?" Caleb put his face to his hands as he sat on a bench that miraculously survived the wreckage of the battle. "One got killed; the others are alright but got traumatized. I gave them spiked water to make them forget what happened." He then looked up and said, "They got Osiris." The three stood very still. Penelope Nite sounded worried as she said, "Has the High-priestess been notified yet?" "Of course Penny," said Caleb. "I send Hawthorn to High-priestess Verdandi at once, after the Hand escaped. I expect she is on her way. Then Cecilia went to gather any available Mordigan that are in the area. So here we are." The students were escorted out of the school as night had fallen. Caleb, as the one of the four senior Mordigans in the area, facilitated this, while Alexis and the two other Heralds, Ryu and Penelope, led the repair of the damages. The students waved goodbye to their adviser as though they never saw a schoolmate die. The potion in the water worked perfectly. Just then, Caleb noticed a familiar black limousine parking in front of the school gates. A lady with breathtaking beauty got out and walked towards the school entrance. The security guard opened his mouth intending to stop the lady from getting in as it was obviously after-hours. The lady smiled to the guard who appeared to be struck dumb as his expression changed from stern to dreamy. He invited the lady in, opening the gates for her and bidding her a go stay. Caleb just smiled. "High-priestess Verdandi," said Caleb giving the lady a short bow. "Thank you Caleb," said Verdandi giving Caleb a bow in response. Both walked to back to the other side of the school. Caleb thought it was odd that Verdandi used a limousine upon getting there which was very uncharacteristic of her. As though reading his mind, Verdandi glance to Caleb and said with a smile, "I just got from the MacFacius Pharmaceuticals. Henri wasn't there but I guess he won't dare use the company in connection to the Hand's activities." Caleb knew that it was rude to stare but even though how many times he sees his High-priestess, he couldn't quite satisfy himself. Verdandi looked incredibly beautiful and graceful in a flowing navy blue gown and many would have been unconvinced that she was a High-priestess, the leader of a powerful coven. She looked young and appeared as old as Caleb but the young man knew well that she was double his age. They walked slowly and after a while the reconstructions of the other Mordigans could be seen. Verdandi watched silently and even closed her eyes as though she was listening to music only she could hear. When she reopened them, Caleb saw a determination that he had only seen once from her. "We need to get Osiris back Caleb," said Verdandi, authority ringing from her voice. "Our survival depends on it. I want you to stay at your quarters and wait for the Trackers' update. I've already notified all of them to abandon temporarily their duties. They are now looking for Osiris or any members of the Hand that can lead us to him. If any word comes up, I give you the responsibility to take action to get Osiris back. I will be on the Mansion and update the Congress of Elders." Caleb nodded his acceptance of the responsibility. "I'll do my best High-priestess. What would you think we should do if Osiris is recovered?" "The Hand's attack tonight is very aberrant," said Verdandi frowning a little. "I think it would be best to take care of Osiris once and for all... before the Advocatus Diaboli use him against us. Take him to your quarters. You'll know what to do then." * * * Dimness greeted Osiris's eyes when he came around. He felt cold metal against his back as he noticed his shirt was gone. And by the look of the room he was in, Os guessed he was in a hospital or a clinic and lying on an operating table. The cool feeling on his hands and ankles that inhibited his movement only meant metal shackles. 'I'm on a table where they do autopsy and stuff!' Osiris thought, cold sweat running from his brow. I'm so screwed. A ray of light was coming from the outside as the door was slightly open; Os could even hear slight pieces of conversations from without. He was shaking from head to foot in combination of cold and fear then the door suddenly slammed open, nearly making his heart jump to his throat. Overhead lights turned on, blinding Osiris from his surroundings. Sounds of movement flooded the room. After a moment, Os squinted a little and when his eyes adjusted enough, and saw five people was with him in the room. A dreadful feeling washed over him as to what might happen next. Everyone who walked in wore robes a little differently from each other. One was a woman, petite and young, wearing dark violet robes that reaches just above her knees. She has black hair and a sharp stare even though she appeared to be bored. She positioned herself near the operating table, at Osiris's right. Something inside Os told him he didn't want to be alone with this woman. Two were wearing black robes, long enough to brush the floor, their faces hidden by their hoods. They were walking around, handing saws and razors to each other as though preparing to butcher someone. The remaining two were men holding staffs long enough to reach their shoulders, the black crystal on top glittered ominously. They were wearing blood red robes though not as long as the black clad ones, and stood near the doors like sentinels. The black robed men continued to move around, picking up metal instruments, whispering instructions to each other yet quietly enough that Osiris couldn't distinguish the words. His heart thumping faster by the minute, Os noticed that the metal things were used by doctors in operation procedures. What the hell are they gonna do to me? he thought as his throat constrict in fright. Are they going to experiment on me or something? When the men in black appeared to be finish preparing, one of them said, "We are ready." His voice sounded old and tired, as though he was someone's grandfather. The woman looked down to Osiris and gave him a seductive smile that was more of a leer. Osiris gulped when she said, looking to his eyes, "Okay then. Start the operation. I want his heart fresh and preserved." "Preserved?" croaked Os. "What... what are you going to do?" "We're going to cut up your chest, take out your heart and put it in the freezer, Mr. Rites," the woman talked as though it was something she did as a hobby; Osiris's eyes nearly pop out. "Why would you do that?" tears came running to Osiris's cheeks. "Oh don't cry," said the woman. "Be a tough little warlock that you are. Your heart will be very valuable. As you know, or probably don't, a human heart is the nexus of life. It is the center of being, making it magically powerful. Many believe that the brain is the superior part of the body but we know better. Plus, you're such a strong warlock, which makes your heart much coveted." The shackles jingled as Osiris's body shook in fear. "What are you talking about? I'm not a warlock." The woman paused a little. "Callow huh? Just like what we needed. Do it," she said to the black robed man nearest to the table. Os closed his eyes, thinking with all his might that this was not real... that he will wake up any second now from this nightmare. But when he opened his eyes, the room didn't dissolve. A man in black was already pointing a scalpel to his chest. Osiris stared at the man and saw two eyes just within the shadows of the hood. He pleaded with his eyes. 'Please don't do it. I don't want to die.' The blade was inches from his skin. The man halted. "What is it?" said the woman impatiently. "Why did you stop?" The man raised his head and said, "This is not right. I will not do this." As though she just got slapped in both sides, the woman said, "What did you say?" "I cannot do this. This is not right." Scoffing, she pointed her index finger. The man flew to the wall and turned to stone, like a perfectly carve statue. Osiris's head snapped to the statue then to the woman who looked unperturbed. "Since when did Alchemists develop a conscience?" She pointed to the remaining Alchemist and she said, "You do it." But the man refused too. "He is just a child." The woman rolled her eyes. "What the devil is happening to you all?" She turned him into stone too. "Fine," she said, walking around the operating table then picked up the scalpel. "If no one will do it, Lilith will." She was raising the blade when Os shouted to the two men by the door, "Please! Help me!" The blade flew from the woman's hand by a flash of light. She rounded to the men and shouted, "How dare you!" "Leave him alone!" one growled. Lilith was about to blast the man when she suddenly stop. She looked around and studied Osiris, shirtless and lying on the metal table, then stared to the two men pointing their staffs to her. The woman gave a dismissive laugh. "You're doing this, aren't you!?" she pointed to Osiris accusingly. Os gaped at her, horrified than ever. "What?" "You're making them do your will," she chuckled. "You're a telepath." She faced Osiris fully then flicked her fingers. Both men behind her, together with their staffs, disintegrated into ashes as flames consumed them and vanished. "This would be fun. No wonder Advocatus Diaboli is so anxious to get a hold of your heart. Now I will pluck it off your body with my bare hands." She extended her left hand to Osiris's chest, her long black nails scratching his skin and the pain made Os shout at the top of his lungs. "NO!" The room exploded by an unseen force. The woman got tossed to the cemented wall and out of the room. Walls blew apart, fluorescent tubes shattered and the ceiling caved in due to the outburst. The shackles holding Osiris's hands and ankles broke free as though they were made of clay. Astounded and stunned, he got off the table and ran through a big hole in the wall. He rounded a corner, praying not to see any robed people. To Osiris's surprise and relief, the building appeared to be deserted. He went down to a flight of stairs and ran as fast as his feet could carry him. When he got to the ground floor, he noticed that it was a hospital lobby and the front doors were conveniently locked shut. "Help! Help! Anyone out there, help me!" Osiris screamed but no one answered him. Turning around, his back to the grills of the door, he tried to get pass his fear and think of any way on how to get out of the building. But not much of a brainwave got to him. Os knew that the only sure way to get out was through the front doors and to search for any other exit might only prove fatal; he didn't know how many crazy people were in the building. But his screams would have surely attracted attention and if he didn't move fast, Osiris was sure he will not survive the night. He tried again to open the doors, shaking the thick glass and metal handles but the locks won't give. "Stupid lock!" he muttered furiously, frustrated that he was trapped in a building with a murderous psycho woman. "Will you just OPEN!?" To his shock, the lock clicked and he moved back as the doors slowly opened. The light breeze of the night greeted Os, chilling his bones. He hesitated for a second, thinking that someone or something might be outside waiting for him to get out and bite his head off. But he argued to himself that it would be much to his advantage if he got out to open space and ran outside to escape and die fighting than stay and wait for something to happen. He dash to the night. He recognized the area at once. It was an old commercial district just beyond the city. Shivering, Osiris just noticed he didn't have his shirt with him as goose bumps formed in his skin. Running away from the old city hospital was exhausting, he could have been sprinting for at least half an hour nonstop, but the fear of near death and the possibility of getting caught fueled his aching legs. But when his muscles finally gave in fatigue, Os decided to rest a bit, collapsing beside a payphone booth. He crouched by the bushes in hope that it hides him from view. "What a night," he gasped. * * * The leader of the Hand of Atonement, known as the Advocatus Diaboli stood by the wrecked operating room inspecting the damage. His tall figure cast shadows to the room, his facial features looked noticeably impressed and it was a surprise for his companions to see him smiling in a time like this. The young warlock escaped but the Advocatus appeared to be pleased. "How did he escape?" a man known as Akvan asked Lilith, his battle-toughen body leaning against the hallway wall outside the wreckage. Lilith told them about the Alchemists' refusal and the Sentries attacking her and then the explosion. "It appeared he was a telepath and a psychokinetic to boot," said the woman obviously disgruntled. Akvan sneered. "You got outwitted by a mere telepathic boy?" "Hey! It wasn't my fault that I hadn't been informed of his powers. I thought he was a novice but no novice can do something as powerful as this." "Your blunder took the Advocatus from a very important meeting with clients that we had... persuaded in to selling their company to us," pointed a burly man standing behind Lilith. The Advocatus walked in the room, ignoring his minions wrangling. His gray eyes absorbed his surroundings. He finally found what he was looking for after thirteen years: Osiris Rites was the key and the Advocatus can't contain his pleasure. He rounded to his six Sergeants. "Never mind the take over Oni. Osiris Rites is more important than any of my businesses. Where is he now?" he asked Akvan. Akvan faced his boss. "He's being protected by the Mordigans. They're in a safe house run by a Herald. It would be hard to take him again, the Mordigans will anticipate an attack." "Don't worry. We won't attack... yet." "If you don't mind me asking sir," said a skinny man beside Akvan. "Why do you appear to be... happy with his escape?" "Iblis, you are wrong," said his leader in a tone that made everyone in the room cower in fear. But the next statement made the sergeants relax again. "I am blissful even though we lost the boy," the Advocatus continued, "He survived us and that means he is worth more than his heart. Oh, this is much better than owning millions of tons of gold. I have waited for him for thirteen years. What a gratifying wait indeed." Lilith walked forward and neeled in front of her leader, bowing remorsefully and obviously shaking in dread. "I'm sorry Advocatus. I failed you and the world. I offer up my life to you," she said shakily but in a tone of deepest loyalty. Holding up Lilith's chin with a long finger, the Advocatus smiled at her. "Do not weep my sweet. You have done nothing wrong. At most, you have given me and the world something so invaluable that I shall give you a reward. And you are far more useful alive than dead." The other Sergeants stood confused and some, though they were quick to hide it, looked jealous. "You shall be my right-hand man for now on and you will lead the operation that shall grant our ultimate goal. Osiris is the answer for the world's atonement. He will be the key to the Mordigan's demise." To be Continued...