Atonement (Heaven Sent Book 1)

by JL Rothstein

  “Is right now all that matters?” Gen huffed. “So after you kill me, and Heaven sends me back,” Gen paused, hoping her bluff carried confidence, “I get my family. Then, we hunt you down, send you back to Hell, because let’s face it, that’s where you belong—”

  “Enough!” Schlosser yelled and the ground beneath her feet shook, just as it had that day on the field with Leucous.

  Gen watched the demon start to pace and mumble to himself. Clearly, he was unhappy with her refusal to show fear.

  Perhaps he hadn’t thought about the possibility of my returning to Earth to hunt him down, Gen thought. Maybe he’s unsure whether that’s a real possibility.

  “You should re-think this plan Roamer,” Gen said sternly.

  “I’m not a Roamer, not anymore.” Schlosser stopped and made a beeline for her position, grabbing her by the throat. “I have waited far too long for this revenge and I will have it! Your death will be by my hand, Guardian.” Gen could see the hatred in his eyes as he seemed to have to force himself to unclench his grip and let go.

  “Speaking of Death,” Gen paused trying to calm the tremor she could hear in her voice. “Do you know whose power you took? Because I do.”

  “I don’t care.” Schlosser smiled, and his stench burned Gen’s nostrils. “It doesn’t matter, finders, keepers.” He almost sang the lyric.

  “Until they find you.” Gen peered into his eyes. The glowing green she saw in the others she now saw in his eyes. It might be the longer he holds the power, the more it takes over. “They’ve been chasing you, following their brother’s essence, you must know that already.” Gen let a slow smirk slide across her face. “Maybe it’s not my family you should be worried about. Perhaps you should have made sure what you attacked was dead before you came back to Earth.”

  Schlosser stepped back. “I tried killing him, he was a tough one. But he just wouldn’t die.” The demon let out a sinister chuckle. “So, I chained his broken useless carcass up in the caves beneath the waterfall in Purgatory. No one will ever find him there. Not your family, not his brothers, no one.”

  Oh my God, Gen thought, He’s so cocky he just told me where he stashed Vermillion. I’m afraid he’s right. Finding Vermillion in Purgatory would be a futile effort. There was no way the Horsemen would be able to sense him there, with nothing to track they would be aimlessly wandering in hopes of stumbling upon him.

  Gen wanted to allow for hope to emerge, but how could she when Schlosser just gave away his biggest secret. Telling her where he left Vermillion was equivalent to a murderer showing you their face. Killers only do that when they are assured no one will be left behind as a witness. Gen felt the scene shift, cracks in the image that surrounded them began to open, twisting the perfect trees into unnatural shapes. Whatever was coming, Schlosser had to release his grip on the scene to allow its entry.

  A thunderclap overhead preceded lightning, wind picked up and the fake swampy pond all but disappeared before Gen’s eyes. The true landscape behind the scene Schlosser was projecting revealed itself in small flashing images.

  Large boulders were to her right, and off in the distance she could see what looked like miles of rocky cliffs dotted with caves along the ridgeline. Gen looked down to her left and realized she wasn’t tied to a tree but to a gate, its old rusty spindles squealed in the swaying gale. The ground was covered in dirt and small stones mixed with dust and spun into tiny cyclones as Schlosser’s demonic allies made their entry behind her.

  Hell Fighters, Gen thought. It’s what it sounded and felt like when the Hell Fighter arrived the night of the school fire. I remember Michael’s warning as we ran to take cover under the treelined canopy of the nearby forest.

  Gen’s mind was swimming. It seems to have taken a while for these Hell Fighters to arrive. Schlosser must have summoned them after he abducted me. He’s not taking any chances. It may mean the rumor about the Hell Fighter is true, that they can’t be absent from Hell for too long.

  Gen remembered Kelly telling her that Guardians believed a Hell Fighter’s essence weakened the longer it was away from the source of its power. Schlosser’s own punishment must be part of that source now, because Hell Fire was known to be spun from the tortured. The flames in Hell mix with the blood and burning flesh of the damned to create the Hell Fighter’s lifeforce. Upper level demons then take the fiery elixir to Earth and thrust it upon an unsuspecting human. Once the Hell Fighter absorbs the human’s soul, it will never be stronger, never more powerful, than it is during those first few years.

  Gen heard the demons arguing, but in a language she couldn’t decipher. Raised voices rode up and down like the waves of an ocean, making it impossible to tell how far away they were and just how many of them were behind her.

  Maybe things aren’t going to plan, Gen wished.

  Looking straight ahead she watched a demon manifest in front of her. He wore a dark gray pinstriped suit with a long black trench coat with perfectly polished shoes. To say he was a fish out of water was an understatement. Gen saw his weathered skin was creased with age, and he kept what little hair he had short and combed neatly into place. He was tall, thin, and stood bone straight, as if his spine were incapable of bending. Gen felt his black beady eyes inspecting her, practically boring into her soul.

  “You didn’t say which family this one came from.” The demon spoke and with it the arguing stopped.

  “I’m not dead yet, demon,” Gen said to him. “I’m one of the O’Mara’s.”

  “That’s an old and powerful clan.” The demon looked to his right and spoke to someone over her left shoulder. “Are you sure about this?”

  “Shut the Hell up, Torin!” Schlosser’s voice boomed from behind her. “You don’t know a damn thing about anything. Now do we have a deal or not?”

  Torin looked dismayed at Schlosser’s outburst, as if he found the entire situation unpleasant.

  “I have the last bottle of serum,” Torin replied. “As I told you, each vial has a diminished effect. It will stop working soon, and when it does, your newfound powers will be traceable. Then whoever you’re running from will know where you are.”

  “Just give me the damn vial and you can take her soul when we’re done with it. That was our deal. After this, you and I are done.” Schlosser walked past Gen and over to Torin.

  Torin glanced at Genevieve before retrieving a small amulet of liquid from his trench coat. “Don’t chew her up too badly or she won’t be worth what I’ve already given you. If that happens, I’ll return and demand a refund.”

  Schlosser laughed. “Don’t worry, we won’t harm the merchandise too much.”

  Schlosser grabbed the item Torin held out and gulp it down hungrily.

  So that’s how Schlosser’s been evading the Horsemen, Gen surmised. He’s using something to mask Vermillion’s power.

  Torin turned away as if to take his leave, and Gen understood this was the demon who would steal her soul. “I will get a message to my family, demon. They will know your name if you let this happen, Torin. I promise you that!”

  Torin turned and looked back at Gen. “I have survived for millennia, not because I take sides, but because I make deals and keep them. That’s all I do.”

  “You might want to make a new deal then, because I will get out of here. Then me and my family will find you, all of you!” Gen tilted her chin up trying to project the threat to whoever was still standing behind her.

  “I’m afraid you’re wrong, Guardian,” Torin answered over laughter from the other demons. “No Guardian has ever escaped the gates of Hell and returned to tell about it.”

  With that, Torin left as the Hell Fighter who had arrived unlocked the Chain of Chaos from behind her, temporarily freeing Gen’s body.

  Fear ripped through her. Gates of Hell! Gen agonized. Her heart went into overdrive and her head spun with the truth of Torin’s statement.

  The dust, the large boulders, and caves she saw when Schlosser’s powers released their grip
on the scene, they were all glimpses of the desolate wasteland.

  Gen’s body shot forward clamoring to get away from the demons. She only needed a few feet to attempt an escape or at least surround herself with her shield. She took two, maybe three steps before pain ripped down her back. She fell to her knees and someone kicked her from behind forcing her down onto the ground. The Chain of Chaos was now lodged along her back. One of the demons pulled on the chain and Gen screamed in pain as her body was dragged, facedown, back across the stone-milled terrain.

  She watched in horror at the site of her own blood mixing with the rancid dirt to make a brownish-red sludge that marked the trail they pulled her along. Struggling to breathe, she inhaled the dust being kicked up in her face as she was hauled back toward the gate she had been tethered to. Her chest was heaving, gasping for air, but sandy grains filled her lungs with dry desert soil making her choke and cough. She thought of Kelly’s encounter with Sonoran; she remembered all the blood she had been covered in as she cradled Kelly’s limp body.

  At least no one is here to see me go through this, Gen found the only solace available to her in that moment.

  As she was violently pulled up to her feet, staggering and unsteady she nearly bounced off Schlosser as he stood in front of her laughing. His wounds were now temporarily sealed and no longer oozing. The smell of death abated, he stood as tall as the Horsemen, with his hulking frame towering over her. She was terrified, but there was a strange sort of dreaminess to the scene now.

  Maybe, if I’m lucky I’ll lose consciousness soon, Gen hoped.

  With force, the Hell Fighter yanked his weapon free from her back. Gen heard the clanging of the chain as it bounced to the ground. Her skin was flayed and ripped open as her shirt, now torn, hung loosely from her body. Sweat from the Hell Fighter dripped onto her seeping wounds and stung as the venom burned away more layers of her skin.

  She was screaming and flailing, but the Hell Fighter held both arms behind her. She felt her anger stir inside and the ground rumbled underfoot. Gen’s rage felt like a tidal wave rising from her feet getting stronger as it struggled to free itself, she knew if relinquished she wouldn’t be able to control it.

  Her mouth flew open and Gen released a guttural howl. The rage unleashed was so strong it shook and cracked open the ground surrounding them. The demons stumbled backward away from her, including the Hell Fighter who lost his grip on her arms. Gen instinctively lurched forward tackling Schlosser. Gen’s surprise attack took Schlosser down to the ground easily. She began swinging wildly at his face and the sides of his body. Each jab split Schlosser’s worn and remolded flesh exposing the demon’s true decay underneath.

  Time seemed to slow and Gen saw her swinging arms and bruised hands land punches that wounded Schlosser in an onslaught of bloody succession. The moment felt like a living nightmare as demonic fluid and green puss splattered and hung in the air all around her. She felt as though she were watching someone else attack Schlosser. Gen witnessed her own anger spinning her helplessly into a torrent of fiery wrath that seemed to consume her.

  Oh my God, Gen ached. I’m drowning in my own rage, taking everything and everyone down with me.

  With sorrow, Gen watched herself continue to rampage against Schlosser’s weakened body. She felt like a ferocious animal caught in a trap, unable to defend or help herself against the wildfire of violence.

  This is what Harry warned me about, Gen reeled. This is what he meant when he said my anger would fester and turn. My hurt at losing Gabriel didn’t just linger, it manifested into something else. What have I done? Gen felt her own heart thundering in her ears. I’m broken.

  A silver shimmer caught Gen’s eye through the brown haze of scattered dirt and dust. In the chaos of the attack Schlosser dropped the façade, now only dried up landscape could be seen. She was exhausted, the unexpected assault left her wounded body covered in a layer of sweat. It took her mind several seconds to comprehend the glimmering silver color. By the time she understood it was her wedding band she heard the Hell Fighter recover and stomp toward her from behind. She had expended all her energy. Drained and severely wounded, she was too weak to attempt an escape.

  No! Gen thought about Gabriel. I can’t leave this world without the ring, it’s all I have left of us.

  Gen launched herself forward, stretching her right arm as far as it would extend and felt the cold of the ring against the burning skin of her scuffed-up palm. Grasping the wedding band, she pulled her elbow in just as Schlosser pushed and kicked at her stomach. Gen was thrust off Schlosser, rolling several feet away from the demon. Closing her eyes Gen thought of her husband.

  I’m sorry I wasted so much time, Gen thought in regret. Gabriel, I hope you know how much I love you.

  Hearing the thundering footsteps of the demons as they reached her position, she could do nothing but kick toward them as their hands wrapped around her neck. This was her last chance to be free, she used it to slip the silver band around her left ring finger.

  As she was being carried back to the gate, she heard Schlosser bark, “I’m done playing games. Put her down, I’m ending her right here.”

  The Hell Fighter released his grip and Gen fell to the ground in a heap. He then pulled her head back by her hair. She was on her knees, her face forced to look up at Schlosser as he wielded a sword above his head.

  Oh God, Gen thought. This is it, this is the vision we all saw in Gerry’s dream that night in the hospital.

  “Now you die, just like I said you would.” The demon’s face was torn and shredded in several places. Soaked in his own blood, Schlosser’s body was vile. He seemed to be rotting right there in front of her.

  Damn coward, even with all the powers he’s accumulated he has another demon holding me down, Gen thought. He wants to ensure I’m in no shape to fight back when he brings the blade down on top of me.

  “I’ll be sure to say hi to your family for you,” Schlosser taunted. “Your sisters in particular will be ripe for the picking after your death.”

  Schlosser grinned, then he took a deep breath and thrust the blade down.

  Gen closed her eyes. I forgive you Gabe, she said silently. Now I hope you can forgive me too.

  Gen felt the power of the ring burst to life. The sword had already begun its descent toward her, but it was now halted in mid-air. The breeze turned cold and she saw an image take shape behind Schlosser’s left shoulder.

  The dust settled in mid-air as the world around her stood still. There was no sound, the demons stood frozen as her husband appeared above her.

  “There’s nothing to forgive,” Gabriel said. “I’m the one who left, had to leave.”

  “I don’t care, not anymore,” Gen told him. “None of that matters.”

  “I can’t free you from this,” Gabe said, pain reverberating through his voice.

  “How are you here?” Gen asked.

  “You brought me here. The ring allowed me to feel you again, but you brought my consciousness here.”

  “I can’t get out of this. It’s the wasteland, there’s no escape. But, I’m so grateful to be able to see your face and speak to you. Please Gabe, take care of my family, help them when I’m—”

  “You can get out. You’ve had the power this whole time,” Gabriel interrupted her.

  “What do you mean? The anger?” Gen asked him. “I’m afraid I depleted that.”

  “No, anger is just one way to release your power, an emotion, a passion, something once expended, recedes.”

  Gen watched Gabriel’s aura begin to glow, the once crisp vision of him started to fade as if he were being pulled back.

  “Please, don’t go. Stay with me Gabriel, please!” Gen pleaded.

  “Come home, Genevieve.” Gabriel’s voice dulled. “Tap into the one source they can never take from you, the one thing that’s yours in abundance.”

  Pain clarified Gen’s consciousness as the image of Gabriel turned to dust. She returned to herself as the Hell Fight
er that held her down pushed her slightly forward spraying her back with venom.

  The one thing he cannot take from me, Gen heard Gabriel’s voice reverberating through her mind.

  Thinking of her husband, of her family, of Harry, she understood. It’s love.

  Gen heard Schlosser’s malevolent grunt cut through the air, he had thrust with force. The Hell Fighter was holding her in place by her hair, but her hands and feet were free.

  Gen moved her right leg forward, digging her foot flat into the ground, now she was on one bended knee. As she felt the weapon crashing toward her, she thrust her arms up and caught the blade in mid-air just inches above her turned-up face.

  Schlosser gasped in shock. Gen’s wedding band glistened off the blade. She pushed back with all her strength and stood. Twisting the sword between her palms she jerked it to the right and continued pushing the blunt end back toward Schlosser. Gen’s maneuver worked and she managed to send the weapon flying away from them.

  Turning quickly Gen took her left wrist—her mark still ablaze from being exposed—and swiped the Holy light across the Hell Fighter’s arms as he reached for her. The demon howled and staggered backward as his skin caught fire and he began to swat at the flames.

  “Now, you’re going to follow me,” Gen said to Schlosser.

  Gen projected her shield, sending the Hell Fighter further back away from her. She watched realization come over Schlosser; he knew she was about to escape.

  “Don’t let her leave!” Schlosser bellowed, but it was too late.

  Gen used her aura to leave the wasteland and escaped back to Earth.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Gen felt the rocky terrain beneath her feet and was engulfed by the smell of fresh grass, green trees, and wild lavender.

  I made it, she thought to herself in relief. But it was short lived as the pain from her wounds rolled through her like a freight train.

  “I need everyone, quickly, he’s coming for me!” Gen wasted no time in yelling aloud to her siblings. She could sense them again and knew they could feel her too. “Kell, I need a sweatshirt and weapons, whatever you can grab on your way here.”