The Forgotten Sin (Purifiers Book 1)

by Mika B. Coit

  "Mother!... What-what happened?" Iliana managed to ask.

  "I-I do not know... but I... but I cannot get out of here. I was trapped!" Mother answered in between her crying, her eyes then darted to Jung. "Why is that man holding a gun at me?... Is he going to kill me?"

  "No... he is not!" Iliana said looking at Jung desperately to lower his gun.

  But Jung did not move, his eyes fixed on Mother.

  "Something it is not right... my gut feeling is telling me not to lower my gun, and I always follow my gut feelings!" Jung said firmly.

  "Jung... please!" Iliana pleaded quite desperately.

  "I am sorry Iliana... but this... this is not right... I said this before... this is a trap, I know it!" Jung remarked.

  Before Iliana could do or say anything Mother’s whole body started to shake.

  "W-what is h-happening?" Mother cried out before suddenly throwing her head back and screaming so loudly, it made everybody wince by the shrill noise ringing in their ears.

  Without thinking of the consequences Iliana made a dash towards Mother.

  "Oi!..." Kazuki shouted attempting to follow her.

  But as soon as Iliana jumped into the circle that was carved on the marble floor, fire ignited behind her and Kazuki was forced back. The fire encircled the table forming a barrier between her and the others trapping Iliana inside the ring of fire. The flames rose up nearly to Iliana’s height of five foot three. Mother’s screaming turned into an hysterical laugh. Iliana turned to face her. She slowly tilted her head forwards. Her eyes were now as black as coal. Mother got up on to her bare feet and stood tall on the table. Iliana noticed the tear on her trousers where Yuki had bit her and gnawed her leg. The blood was still dripping down her feet and leaving a small puddle on the table. The remaining flesh hung loosely from the ankle revealing part of the bone.

  "M-Mother?" Iliana stuttered, beginning to feel a little frightened.

  "I have told you already Purifier... your Mother is no longer here!" Mother hissed with a twisted smile on her face.

  "Well, well, well... we finally meet again!" Said a familiar cold male voice loudly.

  Everybody turned round to where the voice had come from but instantly Kazuki, Jung and Caitlyn were tied up in black chains with their arms behind them. Jung’s gun fell to the ground and was kicked to one side by one of the twelve hooded figures that poured into the room. All twelve were shrouded in the same cloak, their faces were covered by the big and wide hood. Their hands were fitted with black leather gloves. A twisted red cloth was placed tightly in between Caitlyn’s teeth like a gag.

  "Just for you Chanter!" Snarled one of the hooded figures who then tied the ends of the cloth in a knot behind her head.

  Lord Baddesley emerged from the huddle of tall hooded figures, an uncanny smile stretched across his face. He was not wearing a cloak like the others, but instead wore a black velvet suit with red linings stitched on the edges. A small gold brooch was pinned on the chest of his suit. It was the same long tailed bird that was tattooed on Lucas’s hand and stitched on the cloaks the hooded figures wore. For a short man in his late forties, he had a quite trim figure. A blood red cravat sat nicely round his small neck and was tucked into his white silk shirt under his suit, he too wore black fitted leather gloves.

  "I knew the bait would work!" He confessed easing himself down on one of the chairs.

  "You were after Iliana all along!" Jung said being forced to stand next to the chair Lord Baddesley was sitting on by the hooded figure behind him.

  A hooded figure pushed Caitlyn to stand next to Jung and stood behind her, holding the end of the chain wrapped round her tall and petite body. Caitlyn and Jung both exchanged reassuring glances.

  Kazuki was forced to stand the other side of Lord Baddesley’s chair. He tried to struggle out of the hooded figure’s grip behind him. But the figure pulled on the two ends of the chain that wrapped round the top half of his body causing it to tighten even more and stopped him from moving, like a women being strapped into a corset until she could barely breath. The rest of the other hooded figures seated themselves in their appropriate chairs, their hoods still hung over their faces. Iliana wondered for a moment how they could even see where they were going.

  "Why are you after me?" Iliana questioned standing as close to the fire as she could.

  The heat from the flames were so intense, Iliana could feel it prickling her face and almost singeing her fringe.

  "Because... I have heard from my sources of the unique power that resides within you!" Lord Baddesley answered resting his elbows on the arms of the chair and linking his gloved fingers together.

  "Sources?" Iliana repeated under her breath with Lucas suddenly coming to mind.

  "You see... I want an army!" Lord Baddesley confessed in a calm yet uncanny tone to his voice. "Humans are adequate... Their body are most useful for my fellow friends to reside in. They are easy targets and there are plenty of them, but they lack unicity. So then we thought of Purifiers..."

  Lord Baddesley looked over to Kazuki on his left who avoided his glare but the hooded figure forcefully made him bow and turn his head to face Lord Baddesley.

  "Purifiers are complicated... although we can Taint their ‘Holy Soul’... The weapons they wield that gives them their power are useless to the Tainted soul of a Purifier. Their weapons can only be used by their ‘Holy Touch’... And killing them... although it is most satisfying, it is rather futile!" Lord Baddesley informed giving Kazuki an evil look. "Their pretty immortal little souls will only be re-incarnated with their weapons waiting for their return. A really annoying circle of a worthless life!"

  Lord Baddesley then got up from his chair and stood directly opposite Iliana with only the fire between them.

  "But you!... Although you are a Purifier, you are unique... You are something that we have been looking for... even well before the death of Christ himself!"

  Iliana frowned in confusion as did Kazuki, Jung and Caitlyn. Seeing the perplexed face before him, Lord Baddesley smirked.

  "Ooh!... You do not know? Well, well, as Purifiers from the hand of God.... you should be ashamed of yourselves... And I would love to delve in deeper on the matter with you but... as always... time is of the essence. I want your body and soul... Willingly give yourself to me and invite the spirit of my fellow friends to abide with you." Lord Baddesley hissed to Iliana firmly.

  "I will never give in to you!" Iliana protested almost shouting.

  "Of course you will not... I would be most surprised if you did!... That is why I have her!" Lord Baddesley said pointing at Mother. "I know how Mother’s can have a certain persuasive nature to them."

  Lord Baddesley sat back to his chair smiling malignantly as he laced his fingers together. Iliana turned round slowly, feeling a sudden presence behind her. Mother was now towering over Iliana, her hands about to grab her head but Iliana ducked and twisted round then dashed towards the table. Mother growled in annoyance and followed her. The both of them circled round the table, it was like a game of cat and mouse. When one moved one way, the other followed. With an injured leg Mother seemed to be moving at ease without even a suggestion of limp.

  Along with the heat from the fire around her and the loss of her concentration, Iliana could not sense any water to command. Iliana had no idea what to do, she had nowhere to hide or even escape. Panic and fear rushed through her veins like never before. Mother jumped up on the table and ran across towards Iliana who instantly ran around the table, again hoping to confuse Mother. But instead it infuriated her more and she ran forward fast. Then did an agile front somersault over the edge of the table so quickly Iliana stopped running in shock as Mother flew over her. Once she landed Mother threw her fist hard round Iliana’s cheek causing her to smack backwards against the table.

  Even though she draped herself over the edge of the table Iliana felt as if the world was spinning ten times faster than normal and her cheek was pounding with pain. With unknown strength Mot
her lifted Iliana up and tossed her face down on the table like an unwanted rag doll. Endeavouring to pick herself up Iliana was not even given the chance to get to her knees when Mother stood behind her and took Iliana’s head into her hands. When her hands touched Iliana’s ears a prickly sensation was mutually felt but Mother did not let go. Suddenly as if a gush of wind was forced into her ears Iliana threw her head back and screamed out loudly in pain.

  Kazuki struggled again with the hooded figure behind him, he tried to push himself forwards with all his strength. The hooded figure dug the heels of it’s feet to the floor pulling Kazuki back by the end of the chain. Kazuki groaned as the chains tightened yet he did not stop. Three more hooded figures rushed to push Kazuki back when Jung attempted to do the same, Lord Baddesley glared at him.

  "Move... and we will cut out her tongue" Lord Baddesley snarled.

  Jung turned round to find the sharp point of a dagger poking Caitlyn’s flushed cheeks. Jung gritted his teeth in anger before snapping at Lord Baddesley.

  "What the hell are you doing to her?"

  "Did you not listen to anything I had told you?" Lord Baddesley replied in the same calmed and uncanny tone.

  "Her soul is being Tainted!" Kazuki said who then stopped his struggling much to the delight of the hooded figures clambered around him.

  For what seemed like a lifetime Mother finally let go of Iliana causing her to collapse onto the table.

  Lord Baddesley instantaneously got up from his chair, his beady eyes fixed on Iliana. Silence brushed through the room, the only slight noise was the flickering of the flames from the ring of fire. Then all of a sudden Iliana’s body shook for a good couple of minutes then stopped. She slowly lifted herself onto her hands and knees. Even though her body was still, Iliana felt as if her insides was shaking around like the wooden miniature balls within a shaken maracas. Her body kept flitting from warm to cold. Her heart pumped hard inside her chest like it was struggling to beat and Iliana found it difficult to breathe. Beads of cold sweat rolled down the sides of her face. Her head felt as if it was splitting into two making her eyes water in pain.

  "Whot-ish-appenin-to-er?" Caitlyn babbled with the cloth still tightly wrapped between her teeth.

  "She is trying to fight it!" Kazuki muttered feeling helpless by just watching Iliana struggle.

  Lord Baddesley growled under his breath angrily before yelling to Mother.

  "Do it again!"

  "Iliana!... Do not give in to it!... Fight it!..." Kazuki shouted as Mother stood over Iliana and leant down to place her hands round Iliana’s ears again.

  As if Kazuki’s voice woke her up from a shaky nightmare, Iliana took a deep breath and got a grip of herself. She dropped her body onto the table and rolled onto her back facing Mother. Firstly with clenched fist, punched Mother in the stomach causing her to grunt. Secondly, punched the side of her face as hard as she could. Mother staggered to one side moaning under her breath. Iliana quickly got up to her feet with a slight stumble but only to find Mother launching herself towards her.

  Iliana stepped forward and prepared for a counterattack when Mother’s movements began to slow down. It was as if she was running in slow motion, then everything stopped. Mother looked as if she was frozen in midair with her face twisted in anger. Iliana looked around her and everyone was as still as a statue. The circle of fire around the table and even the fire dwelling within the lanterns was motionless, like time was set to pause. Iliana was only the thing moving.

  ‘Am I dreaming?... Am I dead?...’ Iliana asked herself out loud whilst pinching her arm. ‘Ouch!... That hurt!... This definitely cannot be a dream.’

  "Iliana!..." A female voice spoke out echoing around her.

  Startled, Iliana whipped around to see where the voice was coming from.

  "W-who is there?"

  "Iliana!... Do not be afraid... I shall not harm you..." The voice answered.

  Her voice was so soft and elegant, pronouncing every syllable of the word clearly. The smell of roses filled Iliana’s nose making her close her eyes and breathe in the beautiful scent. Iliana felt as if she was wafting in a garden of roses.

  "I have come to aid you in this distressing time... but firstly, I would like to ask you a few questions... and I hope you will answer me in truthfulness."

  Iliana opened her eyes. Although she was confused to what was going on she just replied.

  "O-okay."

  "Do you believe in God?..." Came the first question.

  "Believe in God?... What has that got to do with anything?..." Iliana asked thinking this question was rather random in a moment like this.

  "Please... just answer the question."

  "Er... Yes, now more than ever."

  "Do you believe in miracles?"

  "Yes... I have always believed in the impossible... and miracles are one of them!" Iliana replied nodding to herself.

  "And the last question... do you believe in yourself?"

  There was a long pause. Iliana stared down at the palm of her hands and thought hard of the question. There were times in the past when Iliana had doubted her own capabilities and powers especially when she Purified demons by herself. It was partly the reason why she stopped two years ago. But since she has been in Primrose Bay Iliana gradually found her inner strength and determination with help of the people around her. She knew she still had a long way to go to find the true strength of her powers but this time Iliana is adamant not give up, especially when there are people who need her.

  "I believe in myself when there are people who believe in me!" Was the true answer to the last question.

  "You are indeed a spirit of unicity... Your powers are great and even in the hour of need, it will always be at your command no matter the arduous state you find yourself. And one last matter... love." Iliana’s eyes wandered in Kazuki’s direction but quickly lowered her eyes to the surface of the table when the voice continued.

  "Love comes in many forms... At times it can cause pain, but as long as you are content and able to deal with such complicated emotion, then happiness will greet you at the end."

  Now even more confused with what just sounded like a riddle of speech, Iliana asked.

  "Who are you?"

  "That is not of importance at this moment... although I am sure your question will be answered one day... I must leave you now."

  "Wait!... How do I Purify my Mother?"

  "As soon as this conversation ends... you will know what to do. And when you do... no matter how painful it sounds... do not let go until it is complete." The voice replied slowly fading away.

  "What?" Iliana said now really flummoxed than ever. "Hold on... when will I hear of you again?"

  "I will always be watching over you when times are dark... I will help and support you and your companions."

  With that the voice faded. Iliana stared up at the ceiling clueless to the meaning of what the voice had told her. None of it made any sense. More questions filled her already overflowing mind. In her own world Iliana was unaware that everything around her was beginning to turn back to normal. It was only when Jung’s voice shouted out her name from a distance made Iliana quickly looked down.

  Continuing where they had left off Mother was running towards her with her arms open and ready to grab Iliana’s head. Suddenly just like the voice said, Iliana knew what she had to do. Iliana ducked as Mother attempted to reach for her.

  "I am sorry Mother... this may hurt!" Iliana cried out.

  But the seconds before Iliana stretched out her arms and slammed the palms of her hands on Mother’s chest, Mother sniffed the air and muttered in a deep gravely voice.

  "Roses?"

  Frowning Iliana looked up in shock but was distracted by what happened next. As soon as Iliana touched Mother’s chest a pale shade of blue light emitted from Iliana’s hands and Mother screeched like a banshee warning of imminent death. Iliana could feel Mother’s blood running from the fast beating heart to the veins of Mother’s entire bod
y. Iliana used Mother’s blood to cleanse the darkened soul within it, and in turn perishing the evil spirit lodging inside. At the same time Iliana could feel her own energy slowly reducing but it did not deter her from continuing. The blue light then vanished and Mother’s screams faded. Iliana caught her, easing her fall to the table. Stroking Mother’s cheeks Iliana knew she was Purified and the evil spirit was destroyed. Lord Baddesley growled in pure anger, the circle of fire disappeared when he shouted to his followers.

  "Get the girl!..."

  Jung turned to Caitlyn and nodded. As if understanding the meaning of his nod Caitlyn threw her head back hard, consequently thumping the hooded figure in the head behind her into unconsciousness and fell to the floor. Jung tipped himself backwards falling on top of the figure behind him.

  The chains that wrapped round Caitlyn loosened enabling her to wriggle the chains off her body until it slithered to the floor. Pulling down the cloth from her mouth Caitlyn took a deep breath and began to sing. It was beautiful. She sounded like an angel, her voice was soft and uplifting yet powerful at the same time.

  Her song made Lord Baddesley and his followers cower with their hands over their ears. The four hooded figures that clambered over Kazuki staggered away from him, covering their ears. The chains relaxed round him and after breaking free from it Kazuki took off his silver chain and in seconds was replaced by a sword. Watching Kazuki making his way towards Iliana, Lord Baddesley called out to his comrades again.

  "Stop him!" He yelled.

  Despite Caitlyn’s song distressing them, a handful of hooded figures directed themselves towards Kazuki whilst pulling out a sword from under their cloaks. They slipped off their hoods revealing their human faces, but all had the eyes of a demon. Recognising some of their faces including the two that he met at the party, Kazuki smiled to himself.

  "Well, well... it is funny how those from the top end of the rich list seems to always delve into the dark side of life!" He said as he was surrounded by five of them.