《Foreshadow》 Prologue There''s no winner in war. Everyone loses, everyone was defeated. Somehow, it had been a year after the war ended. One of the worst wars of humanity that will judge their future, they were almost been defeated. A ten-year-long war, with the prerequisite of two years of the battle of freedom. Now, the world was situated in an awkward peace. The peace that everyone must be friendly with each other; prey to its predator, slaves to a slaver, and victims to its oppressors. Anno Domini Nostri Jesu Christi 2041 Under the almost ruin cross standing on the top of the mountain, a man who was in his 50s. There was also a woman that was like a little older than him. The man couldn''t be helped to sigh deeply for the devastation that happened. The place they were standing was the last place they took before the peace woke. "The war destroyed most of the creations. The world was already on the verge of collapse. Many species were pushed to extinction. What will happen it there was also a war in the future? Will the world will truly fall?" the man spoke in agony while looking on the devastated mountain. "It was true that the war pushed the world on the verge of collapse. The destructive war due to the series of technological weapons used against us. There will be no future for us, humanity if the war didn''t happen. This peace might look awkward to everyone but for us, it was the best solution. That was the best thing we could do now," the woman beside him consoled him. "But the future? The humanity will be caught unprepared. Our people will be betrayed and it will be bleak," the man spoke his fear like he had known the future.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. "Yes, it might be true. We can still prepare our successors for the future and that was all we can do. As Our Lord said, we should let the future worry it''s own. You already did what could be done so let future decide for itself," the woman consoled once again. The man smiled grimly. "Yes, we should let them decide for the future. We could only prepare them," the man spoke and looked towards the blue sky. Anno Domini 2161 A boy was taken out from his home forcefully by the men in white. "Please! Please forgive them!" the boy begged as he knew what will happen tonight. One of the men took a handkerchief from his back pocket and half kneeled to the boy. He sorrowfully looked to the boy and wiped his tears. "I''m sorry, kid. We just need to do our job. We can''t let them do as they wished. They had done something that threatened the world and its people," the man tried to console and justified their actions. "But you can just imprison them," the boy begged. The man shooked his head. "No, their threat, while they''re still alive, was too much of simple imprisonment to handle. We can''t just let them jailbreak and threaten more innocent people. We are just doing what was good..." the man''s explanation was cut when he was called by his higher up. "Commander, read the resolution." the man who was also in white coldly commanded. The man cleared his throat and took the piece of paper from the other men with them. "You, xxxxx and xxxxx, had been found that tried to summon the devil in the realms of the world not just once but already trice in succession. What have you''d done was categorize as Extremely High danger to the World and its peace with the vote of the 5 out of 6 Powers in agreement with your execution. Hereby, thew General of Offense and Investigative Powers condemned both of you to death and your properties will be confiscated. Let it be sealed!" the Commander declared. "No!" the boy''s cry could be heard. The boy''s legs felt limped after seeing his parents beheaded. --- [Arc 1] Chapter 1: Responsibility (1) Arc 1: The WAR and FUTURE Chapter 1: Responsibility (1) "The war between Humanity and Supernaturals ended 200 years ago. It lasted for a decade which made it known as the Decadal War. It was ended by the truce between the representative of both sides. The truce created 6 powers that were ruling or observing the world. The Supernaturals have the 3 Councils named: Beast, Vampire, and Witchcraft. Humanity had the one ruling and two guarding powers namely: World Leaders, Hunter Association, and The Church. I know this thing was kinda boring since you already learned this during your primary and secondary years but it was a prerequisite for your other subjects especially History Department." the Lady spoke while on the podium. She was Jessa Reyes, a historian and a professor for almost 2 years. She said to have both beauty and brains. As one of the beauties inside the University, her class was always crowded especially, men. Even though she was teaching more on historical subjects. "Many of you might think the Classical question over 200 years ago since the war ended. Why on earth that the Church was recognized one of the 6 powers and become the Guardian of humanity?" she asked her students. "Maybe the Church''s influence was great?" "Unfortunately no, the Church''s secular powers were already robbed and its enemies were on the peak. Nevertheless, the Church''s authority was weakening year by year. It was almost safe to say that the Church was already falling," Jessa grimly said. "So the rise of the Church was because of the last Council before the War?" "It was good to know that some of you know about the history," Jessa smiled to the student who spoken lately. Its seatmate nudged him and laughed. "Yeah, it was one of the many conspiracy theories after the war. It includes the 9th Intercessory Council. They theorize that the Council orchestrates the war. But, everyone knows that everything that was discussed inside the Council was put under absolute secrecy. As your local historian, I got a chance to peek the documents and especially to the minutes of the meeting of the Council. It was stated that since the start and the end of Council, they informed every country anonymously about the possible threat of the Supernaturals. At the very end, the Council arrived at the conclusion that many countries regarded their message as spam. Regardless, the Church had secretly started preparing for the Supernaturals even after the Council ended. As they anticipated the Supernaturals appeared where most of the countries caught unprepared, while the Church remains motionless and acts unprepared. The world falls into turmoil as the humans fight the Supernaturals for their own liberty while Church acts in the backline and saving lives," Jessa explained as she mentally summarizes the thing that she read a few years ago. "Isn''t the Church cruel for such action?" Jessa nodded. "The Church might indeed look cruel but that was the only thing they can do that time and I mention before they warned the world. If the Church calls for war immediately, they couldn''t drag it into a war of attrition like happened, and probably humanity will lose immediately. The Church itself should decisive while watching over the current turmoil between humanity and Supernaturals. They also want to advocate peace for both sides but during that time it wouldn''t likely happen. I would like to express my apology to the Supernaturals here but there would be peace if your kind wasn''t greed of power," Jessa answered while smiling helplessly. "However, who proposed the war?" Jessa asked. "General Seals, aren''t it?" Jessa nodded. "Unfortunately, no. General Seals might be known to declare the war but the other General, General Eternity called for war." Jessa corrected. "Did General Seals took General Eternity''s recognition?" Jessa couldn''t help to gulp, she aimlessly leads her students to one of the narrow and dark parts of the history. "You might remember that the Church was preparing until the right moment. Their first priority number was aside from helping people and fortification of the churches as sanctuaries if the battle escalated. The General''s call for war was set aside for that moment. As you remember that the Supernaturals was on the verge of winning, the General Seals called for a war that lasted until a decade. The Supernaturals caught off-handed by them. As most history books narrated, the Church had taken back by the original Papal States and then Southern Europe. Does anyone know how the Hunter Association created?" Jessa asked after explaining to see if her class was attentive even though she was the reason why most of them are here. "Aren''t they came from the remaining families that survive the ambush of the Supernaturals when they first appear?" "Good to know. When the Supernaturals started to ambush them, the Church took an initiative to protect them. The Church helps them to train and to take part in the battles. When the war started, the two powers started to reclaim the parts of Europe. Since they had saved many people from maltreatment of the Supernaturals. They couldn''t manage all the people they saved, so they instituted the World Leaders to look over them while they wage war. Until now, the most political power in the world was taken by the members of the World Leaders." Jessa ended.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. "Aren''t it was too bias for Humanity?" "Yes, it may look bias but it was what really happened. The peace that we have now was because of the pact at the end of the war. Does anyone know the name of the pact?" Jessa asked before ending her discussion. "Devil''s Deal," Jessa nodded. "Devil''s Deal, the truce formulated by General Seals to end the war. That time, many people thought that what''s going on in the General''s mind. But, General foresees that both the humanity and Supernaturals were heading to extinction if there wasn''t tied and that''s why he proposed an equal condition for both sides. I will be early dismissing the class for the preparation in the upcoming festivals. Just to remind all of you, we''ll see each other in 2 weeks." Jessa reminded and dismissed the class. Right before she left the room, she saw a familiar guy that was leaning on his desk. She approached the guy. "Jake, are you fine?" she asked. The guy looked to her and weakly smiled. "I''m fine," he answered. "Are you sure? I can help you go to the infirmary?" Jessa suggested. The guy shook his head. "I''m fine," the guy insisted. Jessa shrugged and let out a depressing sighed. "Just go to the infirmary if you don''t feel well," Jessa reminded before walking out of the room. "Do you know our clan''s trait?" a female student asked her friend while walking. Her friend just rolled her eyes. "You already said for over 20 times. How would I forgot it if you keep on repeating?" her friend retorted. The female student chucked but immediately shivered. "Kidding aside, I feel the aura of death somewhere here. I think someone might die today," the female student spoke with dreadful expression. Her friend looked at her stranger and couldn''t believe what she was saying. She''s thinking that her friend was bluffing. The student shook her head and run from the direction where her guts pointing her. She arrived at the almost fainted Jake. She looked around to see if there''s someone who could help her. Strangely enough, there was no one in the hallway. She immediately took her mobile phone in her pocket to see the time. She couldn''t help but to chucked that she was already late to her class. After a minute, her friend arrived while catching its breath. "Your guts seems right," her friend spoke. The female student nodded. "Is he still alive?" her friend asked. "Yes, but his pulse was already weak. He might die at any moment," she answered. The two made a silent decision by making eye contact with each other. The two helped each other to carry Jake side by side. Even though Jake was not that heavy, the infirmary was quite far from their position. The two endured carrying Jake to the Infirmary. "He seemed dying, the Healer greeted that wasn''t even surprised when he opened the door for the two. At that point, he took Jake from the two ladies who were already sweating enough and laid him to the nearest hospital bed. He checked Jake''s pulse before injecting the IV fluid. After that, the Healer looked the two and offered them to a seat. The two gladly take a seat and they were offered bottled water. The two didn''t refuse and take the bottled water. "Do you know the guy?" the student asked. "Unfortunately, yes. He was often visiting this infirmary because he didn''t feel well these days. Then, look at him now, I think he already pushed himself to the limit." the Healer explained while drinking coffee. "Um, does he have any relative that we can call?" the student asked. "Ah, yes! I forgot that. Thank you for reminding me," the Healer took his phone from his pocket and called someone. It took a while before the infirmary''s door burst open. It was Jessa Reyes that was lecturing a little while ago. The two ladies were shocked that the guy who was dying was a relative of one of the University''s goddess. "How was he?" Jessa hurriedly asked. The Healer shrugged. "I could only do the first aid to him. Didn''t you said that even your friend inside the Office had already given up on him?" the Healer answered her. Jessa''s expression turns grim. The atmosphere inside the infirmary turned chilly and the two ladies couldn''t help to make any sound because of Jessa. "A-arent you a healer? Ca-can you just heal him?" the student''s friend spoke stutteringly and breaking the silence inside the room. The Healer looked at her and smiled grimly. "My powers were limited and not omnipotent. What the guy was having was beyond I could heal," the Healer responded and couldn''t help to shiver because of Jessa. Meanwhile, Jake found himself standing at the front of a Castle that looked abandoned. He didn''t remember how he arrived here but the only thing he knew was he fainted on the University''s hallway. He tried to look around but he only finds was a desert. There weren''t even plants there only sand. He thought that he should walk away from the abandoned castle. He turned around and walked away. He didn''t know how long he was walking but he only see was sand and dust. He didn''t even feel anything from the desert. He stopped for a moment and looked at the sky. His expression turned gloomy when he saw that there was nothing on the sky; not even the stars, the moon, and the clouds. By then, he knew that he was mistaken. He chose to return to the castle. Then, he turned around he was shocked that almost lost his balance because the castle was right before him. He took a long breath and courageously walked toward the castle. He slightly pushed the door of the castle to his surprise that there wasn''t any resistance. He walked inside and he saw a hallway that didn''t have anything even some decoration. He saw another door in the opposite direction, he rushed in. He was startled when he saw a young man in his 20''s sitting in a tea table and sipping from his cup. "You arrived? I thought that you will take more time to realize that there was nothing out there?" the young man spoke in a calm voice. Jake walked toward the young man and he noticed the pile of papers that were stored at the corner of the room. "Who are you?" Jake asked when he arrived at the table. "Guess?" the young man answered gleefully. "Just answer me," Jake prompted. "No, we just meet last six months, and yet you already have forgotten my name?" the young man spoke amusingly. "You... you," Jake couldn''t rebut him. The young man laughed and made Jake remembered but something was stopping him from saying it. "You''re Suffering!" Jake blurted out when the thing that was stopping him from saying the young man''s name vanished. By then, Suffering laughed hard that the whole castle could hear it. --- Chapter 2: Responsibility(2) Chapter 2: Responsibility(2) After Suffering stopped laughing, he offered a seat to Jake, he gladly sat. Suffering poured milk to the glass reserved to Jake. Jake looked toward the milk after he was captivated by its smell. "Fresh milk?" Jake asked. "Well, yes. You''re my regular visitor, how wouldn''t I know what you like. How''s the milk," Suffering inquired. Jake smiled and took a sip. He couldn''t help to smile after he tasted it. "Better than the last. By the way, how I forgot everything?" he asked. "Natural Laws," Suffering simply answered. "Natural Laws?" Jake repeated with a hint of inquiry. "Didn''t I already explain it to you?" Suffering entreated. Jake shook his head. "I see," Suffering mumbled and took a deep breath before starting to explain. "Natural Laws were the rules that God placed on Earth. He already saw the possible consequence of the power that was beyond the limit that humanity can handle. Let make it more casual and understandable. The Laws were simply the Laws of Sciences and the limiters of the world. Your memories with me were a thing that will be upsetting the current balance of the world. But every Law had exceptions especially the Natural Laws. Unfortunately, you aren''t part of that exception," Suffering explained wistfully especially at the end of his explanation. "Exception?" Jake doubtfully asked. "Yes. As far I know, before the Fall there are no such laws because everything was subjective to good. After the good was poisoned with the potential of harm, God chose to banish the man from the Garden and he set the Laws to preserve the good. It also set to differentiate the good from evil. He even sent his angels to the world to watch over humanity and guide them to good. Because the Law was set to be in balance, demons were also part of that exemption. After all, God knew it will happen but it was set apart because of Love. Love shouldn''t be the force and it should be free. He let it happen because God trust humanity," Suffering clarified and took his up to drink. Jake had some doubts about what Suffering was discussing and it was probably leaving some points that needed to be clarified. "I think that there are some details you left out?" Jake inquired. Suffering smirk and chuckled. "Of course, there are some details. Do you want to hear it?" Suffering playfully asked. "Do you think that I have any choice?" Jake mocked. "The laws had gone into reformation 200 years ago due to war. The Laws had become stricter than it was at the time of after the Fall and the Great Flood. The Equilibrium was on its peak where the chaos and order was the balance on each neck. Few years after the war, Supernatural abilities were suppressed to the limit. Supernaturals are more likely to hide the fact that their abilities were suppressed. After observing them for a while, I had confirmed that they can''t use most of the abilities that they used in the war, they disguise this weakness by making peace with humanity. More or less, humanity was captive by the friendship offered by Supernaturals that made the fragile peace lasted until today. I had also observed that the demons and angels especially strong ones were banished from the material plane. The only one that was exempted was the Creator Himself, God. The time that the suppression was started to weaken, the Supernaturals already regain a part of their powers, and to counter it the Guardian Angels once again allowed in the material plane. Summarizing it all, there should be an equal and fair trade for you to retain your memories," Suffering clarified and suddenly smiled brightly to Jake. Jake felt uneasy with Suffering''s smile, something was telling him that he knows the meaning of that smile. "I remember that you promise me in our last meeting that you will try to find a friend. So, do you found one?" Suffering asked with a gleeful expression and perhaps knows Jake''s answer. Jake chose to remain silent and not to answer Suffering. There was only silence between the two until Suffering chuckled. "As I expected, you don''t have friends yet." Suffering spoke while looking at Jake. Jake chose to avoid Suffering''s gaze and looked in the other direction. Seeing Jake''s expression, Suffering couldn''t help to scratch his nape.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. "I will get some biscuits," Suffering bid before standing. While Suffering was gone, Jake was given time for himself. He leaned to the chair and think. He contemplates about his friends or his only friend, Suffering, who he can''t remember after getting out of this place. Due to his weak body, he was discriminated against because he can''t do much of the simple tasks that a normal young man like him. He even remembers the time that he was rejected by his own paternal family and that made him thankful for having his half-sister''s family to welcome him. "You''re thinking about your life aren''t you?" Suffering spoke and interrupting Jake''s train of thought. Jake immediately looked at Suffering that was standing at his back. Suffering was smiling at him while holding a small basket that was full of different cookies and biscuits. "No," Jake denied. Suffering laughed at him while knowing that he was lying right before him. "You know, if you kept thinking about the tragedies of the past, you can''t have any friends because of that fear. When you kept thinking of being discriminated against without making any actions, you''re limiting and pushing yourself into the edge. Take this advice like an old friend of you, try to find an opportunity to know people and make yourself acquainted with them." Suffering suggests before he took his seat. "Aren''t you afraid of being betrayed?" Jake inquired. Suffering couldn''t help to smile because of what he was hearing from Jake. "I''m afraid of betrayal. During my life, there was numerous betrayal but I overcome them and make them a lesson for me. Everything was worth trying, it was with you on how you would handle it. Before I forgot, please stop watching tragic-romantic movies. It was already affecting your mindset about the world. Try to be more positive," Suffering ranted on Jake while giving him a bit of advice. Jake couldn''t help to smile knowing Suffering''s intention. "Hmmm, I think you need to go now. Your sister might be worrying about you," Suffering spoke after looking at the wristwatch on his left hand. "How about the cookies?" Jake asked about the cookies that Suffering recently served. "I can just store it somewhere for you. It will not be long when you''ll be visiting this place again," Suffering spoke certainly. Jake looked at him bemused. Suffering just chucked. "Go now or your sister will have a heart attack," Suffering said before Jake''s vision gone black. Suffering chortled when Jake disappeared in his seat. "That time might be the last, I''ll be pissing him up. I should hype the mood that time," Suffering mumbled and took a cookie from the basket. Meanwhile, Jessa was seating next to Jake''s bed and biting her nails in nervousness. "To ease your nervousness, why don''t you drink some water? Can you tell me why after you accepted here as a professor, no one knows about you having a sibling?" the Healer asked to relieved Jessa''s anxiousness and to redirect her attention. He even gives a water bottle to her. Jessa was hook by the Healer''s question and started to calm herself. "I don''t know that my brother was studying here because my grandma hides it from me. Second, he especially requested me about hiding his connection with me and our family''s affiliation." Jessa answered after calming herself and gulping some water. "Hmmm, this may be quite personal but you don''t seem to look alike?" the Healer inquired. "He''s my half-brother from my bastard father. He was the son of his mistress and it was brought us to light when I was about 10 years old and this guy was only 4 years old. After bringing this guy, that bastard had run away while leaving us with ourselves once again. My grandma even tried to track him but it was futile. Because he was quite weak, our paternal family had rejected him and even tried to leave him on an adoption house. If it wasn''t for my mother tracking them, we might already lose him," Jessa narrated. The healer couldn''t help but to nod and listened. "Before my mother died 3 years ago, she called me on her death bed. She said that she already acknowledged Jake as her son and tried not to direct her hatred to him. She just poured her love for my bastard Dad to him. She did all her best to support our family as the light and pillar. Right before her last breath, she made me promise to look after this guy and don''t bear any resentment to my bastard father," Jessa added with annoyance while remembering her father. "You seemed to done with the latter part, aren''t you?" the healer teased. Jessa looked at him with annoyance. "Yeah, I can''t still forgive him yet. Maybe someday or the time he gave me a reasonable explanation," Jessa admitted with annoyance. All of a sudden, there was a change in temperature. The two felt bit hot. The healer walked and looked at the airconditioner''s thermostat, it was nailed on 25C. "Do you feel the sudden change of humidity?" Jessa inquired and looked around for any possible abnormalities inside the room. While the healer also looked outside of there was also a sudden change of temperature. Jessa looked toward Jake''s direction that was peacefully sleeping. She saw his ring finger move and without any second she sat beside him. When Jake gradually opening his eyes, Jessa pulled him and hugged him. Before he could come into his senses, he found himself having a hard time breathing due to the tight hug by her sister. "I can''t breath," Jake complained while being hugged by her sister. After hearing her brother''s complaint, she immediately freed him and looked him apologetically. Jake prioritizes gasping for breath than looking to his sister. "What do you feel," Jessa asked after seeing Jake had already normalized his breath. "I think I''m fine," Jake answered at laid down to bed. "You already know what we should do next," Jessa spoke seriously. Jake already knows what will her sister do next because she was already done it to him many times for his protection. Jake gave his hand to her sister and Jessa gratefully took it and grumbled a prayer. A white cross appeared on Jessa''s left arm while reciting the prayer. Jake just let her sister do the work and he waits for any reaction from his body. From his hand, he could feel a warm sensation and it started to spread throughout his body. "You need to rest for a day or two. I will take care of the rest. Just stay here until my last subject, I will fetch you here and we''ll go home together," Jessa instructed. Jake just nodded and close his eyes to rest more. --- Chapter 3: Responsibility(3) Chapter 3: Responsibility(3) Few days had passed since Jake lose his consciousness, he was currently waiting for his professor. Since it was quite early, the class was quite noisy and hype and this was due to the almost endless chattering of his classmates. Jake was already classmates with them for four years, yet he was left out and he doesn''t know why. Having friends to chat in break time could be the thing Jake can envy. The class becomes silent when the professor was sighted waling toward their classroom. The professor was quite old and was on its retiring age. Many characteristics of being old could be seen in the professor''s body. His hair was already white and its face was pretty wrinkled probably due to headaches given by its students. He was also well known in the academic sector not only in the University but also in the world due to his contributions. He was more or less known as Professor Anderson that didn''t show any mercy on grading a student. "I don''t know why this minor subject was left out in your senior year. Maybe this University Board of Education was idiots to left this put but we need to proceed as planned," Professor Anderson slightly paused before looking to his watch and surveyed the whole class. "Someone was missing," Professor Anderson commented after surveying the class. Heavy footsteps could be heard coming from the corridor. A guy that was sweating heavily appeared in the door. Like Professor Anderson''s expectation, the guy was a minute or two late. "Mr. Luke Crestford, you''re late again!?" Professor Anderson reprimanded with a hint of dissatisfaction. Luke couldn''t look at the professor because of embarrassment. "I hope this won''t happen next time, Mr. Cresford, or else I''ll be dropping you from this subject. It''s a shame you''re part of the varsity time. You may go in," Professor commanded. After hearing the professor''s command, Luke hurriedly entered the classroom and immediately scanned for a vacant seat. The only vacant seat was beside Jake and without a second thought head to it. "Can I seat here?" Luke asked Jake. Jake nodded while Luke silently took his seat. "We''ll be having a presence in the front of a class. Just group yourselves into two and I will give each of you a topic to be presented," Professor Anderson instructed. Luke looked toward Jake and tapped its arm. "You want to group with me?" Luke asked with sincerity. "Uhm, yes," Jake answered with uncertainly. "Good!" Luke exclaimed. After a few hours of lecture, Professor Anderson had given each group to present the next meeting. Luke took an initiative to invite Jake to eat lunch and to talk about their presentation. "My treat," Luke asserted. "I have my own pack lunch," Jake insisted. In the end, Luke convinced by Jake to buy something. "I already told you, I have a packed lunch. I cannot finish this," Jake grumbled. "You can just eat it later," Luke suggested. Jake could only scratch his nape out of embarrassment and he took out his pack lunch. Seeing the contents of the packed lunch, Luke couldn''t help to gulp seeing the expensive ingredients in Jake''s pack lunch. "Do you always have that?" Luke pointed out the expensive ingredients. Jake shook his head. "Not that often, only if my sister woke up that early and prepare our breakfast." Jake briefly answered. "Do you want some?" Jake asked. Luke agreed without any hesitation. "You know, if you kept thinking about the tragedies of the past, you can''t have any friends because of that fear. When you kept thinking of being discriminated against without making any actions, you''re limiting and pushing yourself into the edge. Take this advice like an old friend of you, try to find an opportunity to know people and make yourself acquainted with them." Jake froze after hearing the voice whispering into his ears. After he recovered he looked toward his back if there was someone. Luke immediately noticed that there was something with Jake. "Was there something wrong?" Luke asked. Jake shook his head and forced to smile. Luke knew there was something wrong but he couldn''t just ask much personal information after knowing someone lately. "I''m afraid of betrayal. During my life, there was numerous betrayal but I overcome them and make them a lesson for me. Everything was worth trying, it was with you on how you would handle it. Before I forgot, please stop watching tragic-romantic movies. It was already affecting your mindset about the world. Try to be more positive," Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Jake was frozen once more and after he recovered again he stood up and looked toward the whole cafeteria if someone was playing a prank with him. "What was happening to you? You froze for a second then you will look to your back," Luke commented after noticing the strange behavior of Jake. "I don''t know. I just hear someone was whispering to my ears." Jake answered and continued to eat. "Really? I don''t sense anything? What did it say?" Luke asked. "I don''t understand much what it said," Jake lied. Luke sense that there was something but he doesn''t bother to ask. "Do you always hear something?" Luke asked curiously. "Not that often," Jake shortly answered. "Such as?" Luke added. "I don''t remember much, probably some blurred images," Jake answered. "Are you part of prophetic clans?" Luke inquired after noticing Jake''s peculiarity. Jake shook his head. "No, but rather my family especially my grandmother was very sensitive about the Prophetic Clans. She was so conservative that she didn''t let anyone know about this excluding you that I''m spilling my own secrets," Jake answered while not minding the consequence. "Shouldn''t they introduce you to the Prophetic Clans? They''re best in that field," Luke suggested. "My grandma was part of the Church and very sensitive to the other Powers," Jake countered. "Is she just an ordinary faithful or an Interce..." Jake didn''t let Luke finished. "Yes, but rather my whole family was members of the Office." Jake interrupted him. Luke''s eye widened in shock knowing Jake''s family and it was a big deal for many for having a member of the Office. Jake looked at Luke intently to stop him from vocalizing his thoughts. Seeing Jake stare, Luke shut his mouth. After finishing their lunch, the two had agreed to meet after their classes. The two chose to meet up in the University''s Natatorium. When Jake entered the Natatorium, Luke who was swimming gestured him to wait while finishing around. Jake took a seat on the nearest bench in the school. He took his phone and looked toward the pool. He noticed a bottle strangely floating. He saw Luke was heading to the direction where the bottle was floating. He sees that Luke didn''t notice the bottle and swimming in it. He saw Luke''s body started to stiffen and show signs of drowning. He saw himself running out of the Natatorium and calling for help. At the time he was back, Luke was already a corpse and lifelessly floating in the pool. His vision dimmed, he saw himself jump to the pool and tried to save Luke. Instinctually, Luke pulled Jake and made him a floater that made him drown. Jake swallowed after his vision returned to the present. Jake took his mobile phone from his pocket and unconsciously called his sister. He even called Luke''s name to gather its attention but it was already a bit late because Luke''s body stiffens and started to drown. Jake tossed his mobile phone and without any thought, he jumped to the pool. He will try to save Luke despite the danger of drowning. He chose to gamble his and Luke''s life to God. Jessa was walking toward the University''s Natatorium because she wanted to check on Jake after receiving his message earlier. She thought that there''s nothing wrong if she checks his brother. Almost 100 meters before the entrance, the Healer appeared holding a towel and drying his hair. When he saw Jessa was coming into his direction, he felt strange. He thought why on earth Jessa come to the Natatorium at this time. "Jessa..." Before he could finish what he was saying, he saw the change of expression of Jessa that was holing a mobile phone at that time. All of a sudden, she started running toward the Natatorium. The Healer couldn''t help to follow her and investigate what was happening. He saw Jessa pushing the doors of the Natatorium forcefully. He followed her inside and He saw Jessa threw her thing aside and jumped into the pool. After a few seconds, Jessa ascended from the swimming pool while pulling two guys that were already unconscious. Because of the fast-pacing of the events, the Healer was rooted from where he was standing. If not for Jessa calling his name, the Healer will remain rooted from where he was standing. He immediately ran toward the three after he collected himself. "What happened!?" he asked. Jessa didn''t answer but rather do the CPR to Luke who was extremely affected that his brother who was unconscious from fatigue. "Something wrong with this guy!" Jessa blurted out. After she stabilizes Luke''s breathing. She checked the pool and saw that strange bottle that was floating in the pool. She can''t help to cursed seeing what was the main cause of the events. She jumped again in the pool and took the bottle. After she got out of the pool, she took her phone from her bag and started a call. "Who did you call?" the Healer asked. "The Office," Jessa simply answered, and then she checked her brother. "What?! You''re pulling the University''s reputation!" the Healer complained. "You can''t say that to me! This was already out of the University''s jurisdiction. Rather than we fight when the water was already spilled, why don''t you take some dry towels for the two." Jessa instructed. The Healer grumpily obeyed Jessa''s instruction. Right after the Healer backed with dry towels, the Natatorium''s door burst open. Men who were wearing white polo shirts with embroidery of 3 keys. The one who leads the whole group approached Jessa. Jessa stood up and saluted to the man. The two had a short talked before taking Luke to the hospital and Jake to the infirmary because of Jessa''s request. Few hours after the sunset, Jessa was waiting for Jake to wake up. The Healer left the infirmary with dissatisfaction with Jessa''s actions inside the Natatorium. Currently, they were left alone. Jessa took a book from her bag and read while waiting. It didn''t take long after she started reading, she noticed that her brother''s index finger moved. A smile formed from her face. In a bit of a moment, Jake opened his eyes and what he first saw was the smiling face of her sister. "What do you feel?" Jessa asked. Jake felt his body a bit sore. "Just fatigue," Jake answered. "Can you still stand up? If not, I will borrow the wheelchair?" Jessa asked with affection. Fortunately, Jake can still effortlessly move his body without much soreness. "Yep, I can still stand up. Why don''t we take our dinner outside, it would be a waste of time if we go home and cook." Jake suggested and making Jessa forgot something important. Jessa immediately agreed to her brother''s request. Jake meanwhile took his time to find his center of gravity. Jake was now walking along the side of his sister. Suddenly, a child bumped him and lost its balance. Before Jake could hold the child his visions turn dim and started to replay repeatedly the images of the child being hit by a certain vehicle. His visions backed to the present, he saw the child that was already sitting at the road. He immediately helped the child to stand up. The child thanked him and ran toward the nearest pedestrian lane. Jake couldn''t help to swallow his saliva seeing the child coming to his destiny. He followed the child at the same time Jessa was also waiting for him at the pedestrian lane. She didn''t notice his eyes following the child. He pulled the child when a certain van was coming fast from their direction. When he saw it was safe he released from the child from his hold. The child smiled at him sweetly and walked across the street. All of a sudden, he saw a car moving quickly toward the child''s direction and he tried to save the child that''s when his vision went black. --- Chapter 4: Responsibility(4) Chapter 4: Responsibility(4) Jessa was anxiously holding Jake''s bloodied hand. She couldn''t tremble while remembering Jake shielding an unknown child in an accident. She can''t think straight because of the two dangerous situations that Jake partakes especially the latter one that made him bathing in his own blood. She can''t take a blow for losing her brother. When they had arrived in the hospital, they were stopped at the entrance of the emergency room. She was walking back and fro while nervously waiting for the doctor''s report. "Are you the guardian of the one who saves my little brother?" a lady asked Jessa. Jessa was interrupted by her train of thought and faced the lady. She helplessly smiles and nods. The lady took Jessa''s eye and tearfully looked at her. "Thank you, if not for that guy. My brother might not reach the hospital," the lady said gratefully and suddenly hugged Jessa. Jessa could only console her and let her. "Jake to Earth. Earth to Jake. Oh wait, we''re not even on Earth. What did this place call again? It''s not Purgatory, oh, its Limbo of the Fathers." the voice interrupted Jake''s sleeping consciousness. Jake was looking at the young man who was seating on a chair in a coffee table. Its heterochromia eyes were looking straight to him. Jake looked at his surrounding, He was in a place that was supposed to be a castle and there was a pile of old papers near the corners of the room. "Where do you came from?" Jake asked. "I suppose to be the one asking you that? You''re intruding on my space. Why don''t you seat and chat with me for the meantime," the young man gleefully said. Jake was horrified when he saw a plate filled with assorted cookies appeared out of thin air in the table. Even the cup and kettle appeared in thin air. "Who are you?" Jake inquire meticulously. "Me? For heaven''s sake, you''ve forgotten my name again? You''re a quite troublesome fellow, aren''t you?" the young man complained indifference with his playful expression. "Who are you?" Jake repeated. "You should remember that you''re a regular visitor? You even said once to me that you wanted to play a guessing game with me anytime you visit me?" the young man answered discreetly. "WHO ARE YOU?" Jake asked again. "I won''t just guess. Why don''t you take a seat while guessing my name? My trigger that answers for your current questions," the young man said. Jake could only follow what was the young man said. He took a seat. The young man pushed the plate full of cookies to Jake. "Take a bite, it was specially prepared for you. Then, why don''t we take a recap while leaving my name as your problem?" the young man suggested. Jake nodded and took a cookie. "What do you remember?" the young man inquired. "I don''t know much," Jake answered and he was immediately annoyed seeing the young man''s expression. The young man seemed to be playing Jake. Jake returns the cookie to the plate and stand. "You''re toying me. I think we don''t have anything to discuss with," Jake said and walked away. The young man just looked at him silly and take a cookie from the plate. He didn''t mind to stop Jake from leaving because, in the end, he will return here. Jake walked toward the desert without any destination in his mind. All he just saw was the still dawn sky and an empty desert that seemed not to have any living creatures except him. He just walked without stopping. The same landscape greeted him and in the end, he just admits his defeat. He thought about how much time he will need to return to the castle. He was bewildered when he saw the castle saw right on his back. He entered the castle and gone directly to the place where he meets the young man.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. "How''s your trip?" the young man''s greeting right after Jake''s entrance to the room. Jake couldn''t help to be silent after the young man''s greeting. His cheeks turned red in embarrassment. "Well, why don''t you take your sir," the young man offered. Without a doubt, Jake took the sit and look at the young man. "I don''t want to make this gave too long but I must uphold the rules. As you see, I had hidden my name in the whole room. It was written somewhere here. After you say my name, we will go to the main thing." the young man spoke. Jake instinctively looked toward the ceiling and he saw something was written there. "Suffering," he mumbled, and like a unblock river, the memories started to flow in his mind. "Do you now remember me?" Suffering asked after sighing. He put down his cup and looked at Jake. "Yes," Jake shortly answered, and once again his cheek reddened in shame. "You have taken so much time walking outside so we will be going to the main point. As I said earlier, what do you remember?" Suffering asked. "I saw some kid will be part of an accident and I tried to stop it but I failed aren''t I?" Jake answered lowly while remembering his actions. "Did someone say to you that you should save the child? There was no one right? It was your own initiative and it bore fruit. The child was safe from danger because your body took almost all of the impact," Suffering describe Jake''s actions. "Good but wait am I dead?" Jake felt relief knowing what happened to the kid but immediately realize the consequence of his action. Suffering laughed. "Do you think that you will meet me if you''re already dead. It is a big no. Your body was in the state coma-like when you are visiting me," Suffering rebutted. Jake smiled knowing that he saw still alive. "There are two incidents that happened that day. Can you give me the similarity between the two?" Suffering asked. "I see two different images of futures. The first one was the consequence of my decision and the last one was the repeating images of the child being part of the accident," Jake answered briefly. "The two are the two types of futures, the Certain and the Faltering Future. The Certain Future is the undeniable scenes that will not change even you tried your best. The Faltering Futures are a type of future that can change that depends on how you will handle the situation. By the way, there was a piece of big news for you, war is coming and it was unavoidable," Suffering spoke and his face turned serious as he said the last line. Jake was overwhelmed by the sudden facts said by Suffering. "Are you serious?" Jake doubtfully inquired. Suffering nodded. "Yes, it is. Without a doubt, it will come, don''t worry it wasn''t coming without sound. The world would see the smoke to signal the upcoming war," Suffering said. "Wait why are you saying this to me?" Jake asked while feeling there was an involvement between him and the war. Suffering''s serious expression changed into a smile. "Do you think you will be the hero of this war?" Suffering asked like reading Jake. Jake was immediately embarrassed knowing what Suffering meant. "My friend Jake, you can''t be a hero. First, you''re too weak to become one. Second, you''re just an ordinary kid with a power to slightly see the future. Last, that war didn''t need a hero." Suffering spoke without Jake''s feelings. Jake remained silent in Sufferings mocking. "The upcoming war needed commanders that will lead the war in Humanity''s victory, not just a hero. The Holy Trinity like you to find them and prepare them," Suffering added. Once again, Jake was shaken. "You mean..." "Yes, God chose you to be the forerunner of Human forces," Suffering assured Jake. "But can''t God just send someone to stop it in the first place?" Jake asked. Suffering shook his head. "This war was already foretold before the War 200 years ago. The War was a Certain Future and can''t be changed in any way," Suffering sadly exclaimed. "The only thing that can be changed was on how Humanity will prepare for it. We need to do it step by step and thus we need you as a forerunner to prepare them. The Holy Spirit will guide you. Will you take this responsibility?" Suffering asked will weight in his every word. "Do I have a choice?" Jake asked jokingly. "Same as the question of Archangel Gabriel to our Blessed Mother. The choice is always with you," Suffering simply answered. Jake took a deep breath. "It is my pleasure to serve, God, as his forerunner," Jake answered in a calm tone full of humility and he even bowed his head. Suffering immediately stood. "Jake Reyes, I servant of God and Counsellor of God''s Last Call of Mercy bestows you the responsibility as the Forerunner of War. May the Lord always be with you," Suffering pronounced and there was a moment of silence before he took his seat. "Jake, you should go now. Many people are waiting for you to wake up. Your stubbornness had already taken a long enough time. We will see each other again when God wills it," Suffering bid with a small smile. When Jake looked to Suffering he was starting to vanish and he didn''t given a time to speak. Suffering sadly smiled at him while waving. Right after Jake vanished, Suffering looked at the ceiling and laid his back on the chair. "My friends, it had started." he murmured. --- ARC 1: WAR AND FUTURE FINISH Interlude 1: Office Of Supernatural Defense, Catholic Church According to the early records of the Office of Supernatural Defense. The organization was brought up by an "Angel" which was latter named as the "First General". The First General had originally given a tasked to guard and close the Gates of Hell that was open in that time. Because of the things that caught up with the First General, he had been given a new tasked to let humans kept guard the Gates. In order to suffice the given task, he adopted three children while adventuring thoughout the world. He taught what things he needed to teach them and left them afterwards. The three children, now three young men continued the tasked that was left to them. The succession of the people who will continue the tasked remain unbroken. They witness the two Covenants to start. They also converse with the prophets until the last one. They had witness the very sacrifice and the salvation of mankind. They knew that the real war between humanity and evil was just getting started. Upon the freedom of practice of Christianity, the urge to be in communion with the Catholic Church secretly because the world wasn''t ready for them to be known. They certainly emerge after a century or two to observe afterward they dissapear again. Throughout the two millennia, they still remain unchange and unmoving. Based on the records over 200 years ago, when the humanity was started to fall upon the power of the Supernaturals, they were the first one to declare a war and could fight equally. A war against the Supernatural, a war not to let humanity to be opperessed. In the letters of the 762th General of Defense and Strategic Action, General Seals, it was suppose a defeat not a triumph. They lose because they can''t fight for what was the right thing to do during that years.
Office of Supernatural Defense Hierarchy
Main Hall
General of Offense and Investigative Powers General of Defense and Strategic Action General of Medical and Restorative Powers
(Currently Unknown) (Currently Unknown) (Currently Unknown)
Headquarters
1st Commander 2nd Commander 3rd Commander 4th Commander
(Currently Unknown) (Currently Unknown) (Currently Unknown) (Currently Unknown)
Home
Homed Lieutenant Homeless Lieutenant
Zone
Director Procurator
Team Leader
Truce Intercessor I - III Freelance Intercessor I - III
Intercessor I - III
Main Hall - The Highest Tier of the Office of Supernatural Defense and where the Generals of the Office resides. It was a wide corrider that had many doors facing in each other. While in its center, you could find a long table that could accumulate 50 person. It usually used for special gathering and some affairs of the generals. General - The highest rank person of the Office also the ruler of the whole office. They were person who had been chosen to serve until their death. In many instances, they''re unacquainted to the Office until there called. In the thousand of years of the office, the seats of the General may be vacant for almost two centuries. In many generations, the three seats of the general that being occupied was rare occurrence. Knowing who will be the next general and how the general was chosen was unknown to many even to its members. Generals held a power to decide in the major problems that was currently facing. Mostly, the Generals proclamation that they sealed by their authority held in high importance because unless it was overturn by the Congress it will remain as a Law. Homeless Lieutenant - These Lieutenants are the person directly serving the Generals. There are three homeless namely; Homeless Lieutenant of Love,Homeless Lieutenant of Faith,Homeless Lieutenant of Hope. They are also principals of the Assebly of the Lieutenants. Headquarters - The second highest tier of the Office prior to the Main Hall. The busiest part of the whole Office due to its many functions. It also holds many documents that were unknown to humanity. Lastly, the residence the Commanders were located here.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Commander - There should be 4 Commanders of the Office. The General of the Office could chose one upon his whole serving time. The forth one is reserve when the last General of its generation was close to its dead bed. The Commander''s work was to overseer the financial and management of the Office. They were first to response upon the big emergencies that may occur. They also had an authority to promote director to a Luietenant. Procurator - These are the Directors that was already half-step in being the Lietenants. There are mostly assigned to represent the Commander in most of the places that the Office or Humanity didn''t have much influence because it was govern by the Supernaturals. The only exception to these were the Papal States what didn''t have any Home or Lieutenant to watch over it as respect to the Holy See. Home - Each country usually had a one to three. It usually manage businesses and economic valuables. Upon the advancement, it became the first line of disciplinal power to the Supernatural that over uses their rights, if they wanted it to become unbloody. This is also were the Supernatural law offender was surrendered. Homed Lieutenant - The leader of Home. They are usually become Judge upon ascending to the Home. They judge the law offenders and the lower ranks for its own advancement. Zone - The lowest part of the Office. These were usually put in every region. These were also called as the first line of defense when something happended. Director - The leader of the Zone. Usually given a domain to manage but always under the watch of the Home. Team Leader - If something happens, they are the one to lead the team to resolve it upon the assignment of the Director. Truce and Freelance Intercessor - They are second to the lowest rank in Office Hierarchy. Truce Intercessor are the people who chose to serve a certain Zone in contrast with the Freelance Intercessors. Intercessor - These people are usually newcomers or trainees. In order to advance, the member''s of the Office need to suffice a certain requirements of merits or simply a good character. They also needed to be the one who will file an advancement.
Leading Groups of the Office
Congress
Executive Legislative Judiciary
Main Hall Cabinet of Commanders Assembly of Lieutenants
Congress - This was a must event that all of the part of the three leading groups in the Office attend. This usually held when there are things that needed to be settled immediately that has a split decision between the three leading groups. Throughout the whole succession, there are only 81 recorded congress held. The congress was called to overturn the major decision of the former or the current General/s which had created a disturbance to the office. Executive - The Generals themselves had the privilege to gave a final say about the current discussion and overturn or gave a reconsideration of the decision of the Assembly of Lieutenants. Even the General''s position was already succeeded, their words and rules will remain constant and unchange until it was overturned by the Congress. Legislative - The Commanders had the power to give orders to the members. They''re also tasked to create, rewrite or revise the policies of the Office. The primary giver of missions. Judiciary - The Lieutenants had the power to gave a final judgement to anyone in they find at fault excluding the Commanders, Generals, Pope, and the Upper Leaders of the other Powers.
3 Departments of the Office Department of Offense and Investigative Powers - This Department are the first one to respont in the war. While in peace, they are investigators when needed. Department of Defense and Strategic Action - This Department are for the scientists and strategist. They are people that usually researches on many things but chose not to let the people of the world knew it. Department of Medical and Restorative Powers - The Department members are more on doctors and medical practitioners. The Office of Supernatural Defense are group of professionals. The Office supports their educational needs so if they wanted to retire early, they have a educational backgroud to support them. On the other hand, the Office of Supernatural Defense was managing many companies throughout the whole world. They are also one of the leading economic pillars in many countries.
Mission Threat Levels
Exteremely High
Very High
High
Moderate
Low
Exteremely High- This threats are the things that would create a greater changes to the world if let unattended. It includes the opening of the gate of Hell, a massive war between species or inter-species, a province/state wide witchcraft, summoning of a greater demon or the Devil,and ressurecting witchcraft. Very High - This threats are the things that would create a waves in the latter days or could re-arrange the current order. This incudes the threat to the life of the higher hierarchy of the Church or the Office, summoning of lesser demons or demons, and massive use of manipulation witchcraft. High- This threats are the things that could greatly weaken the unity and cooperation of the 6 Powers. The threat includes the planning of someone''s death, an act of terrorism, slavery, brewing of poisons and act of arson. Moderate -This threats are brewed by a large organization that was disturbing the normal life of civilians. Low - This threats incudes a handful people that was disturbing the normal life of civilians. --- [Arc 2] Chapter 5: SIgns(1) ARC 2: Storm at the See of Peter Chapter 5: The Signs(1) Jessa was currently watching over Jake''s unconscious body. She and their relatives were shifting in taking care of Jake in an instance of sudden impulse. An old woman in her late 70''s entered the hospital room and gently shake Jessa that was currently sleeping on a chair beside Jake''s bed. "Jessa, you should go home and rest. It was already past midnight, I will be taking care of Jake," the old lady assured. "But," Jessa was immediately interrupted by the old woman. "If Jake was awake right now, he wouldn''t be happy if he sees you like that. You should take proper rest at home, ''cause you still have things to do tomorrow," the old lady tirade Jessa with guilt to her brother. Jessa could only sigh and conceded to her own maternal grandmother, Gloria Dela Cruz. Despite being in her late 70''s she was still strong and didn''t show signs of weakening. She also still had her job as a director of Zone 86 a few cities away from Zone 66. While Jessa was fixing herself, Gloria looked to her grandson in grief. Without any signs of improving, she didn''t know how long they will wait for him. After a few moments, she walked out of the room to look for his son and the maternal uncle of the two, Edward Dela Cruz. She instructed him to escort Jessa home and fetch her tomorrow afternoon. Without showing any signs of resistance, Edward agreed to escort Jessa home. Jessa and Edward walked side by side until they reach the parking lot. Jessa seemed to befall asleep while they were on the journey back to Jessa''s house. As Edward parked his car, he noticed Jessa was already asleep. Having a spare key for Jessa''s house, he didn''t have any difficulties in opening the gate and the door. He first turned the lights on before returning back to the car and fetch Jessa. He laid her down to her bed in her own room before closing it. He locked the gate and the door before returning to his car. He let the lights on before driving back to his house which was not far from the sibling''s house. Jessa was awakened by the ringing of her phone inside of her back beside her. She looked at the familiar surrounding and couldn''t help to smile. It had happened many times that she will wake up in her room after watching over Jake and falling asleep in her uncle''s car. Her uncle will bring her to her room and will leave the lights in the living room turned on. Her reminisce was interrupted by the continuous buzzing of her phone. "Hello," Jessa drowsily greeted. "Can you come to the University, right now?" the Healer''s voice requested. Jessa couldn''t help to look at the time on her phone, it was past midnight. "Are you serious, right in the middle of the night?" Jessa doubly questioned the caller. "I do, it was just requested by the Headmaster because he couldn''t see you during the day." Healer urged. "Really? What thing he couldn''t say in the morning that he can say in the middle of the night?" Jessa grumpily asked knowing the time. "It just..." "No, I can''t come now nor tomorrow. I have things to do tomorrow and I can''t come to University tomorrow because I was summoned by the Zone Director," Jessa lied after cutting in the Healer''s explanation. She also cut the call and turned off her phone to prevent the Healer from calling her again. Meanwhile, the Healer was irritated looked at his mobile phone, and tried to call Jessa once more but there was no response. After some moments, he gave up and looked toward the old man who was sitting on his desk. "So, she chose to ignore us?" the old man asked nonchalantly. Seeing the unconcerned expression of the old man, the Healer''s irritation turned to anger. "She didn''t even mind you as the Headmaster of the University? Being a member of the Office gave her the power to trample your authority?" the Healer complained of much hatred. The Headmaster laughed hearing the Healers complain. The Healer looked at the Headmaster in question and couldn''t comprehend what it means. "You don''t understand, huh. Such a simple-minded guy, if you keep on doing that you might not have a good ending." the Headmaster commented on how the Healer acts. "When the one who keeps an eye to us was gone missing, wouldn''t we have more time to prepare some things?" the Headmaster added. The Healer couldn''t help to nod and agree to the Headmaster. The Headmaster can''t help to let out a sigh, seeing the Healers response. He thought that they still had much time, he should use this time to teach the Healer, or else it would lead to their own demise. After thinking about how he should correct the Healer''s personality, he looked to the pile of papers that needed to be reviewed. He took his pen and started reviewing the papers to finish them early even though it was already midnight. He just throws the idea of teaching the Healer a lesson for the meantime and trow himself to work.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Jessa woke up a little late, she stood up and mindlessly walked toward the bathroom. After a minute or two, she walked out and head toward the kitchen to cooked something. After preparing the food, she took a pair of plates, a glass and a spoon, and a fork. She just realized she was alone and there wasn''t Jake to share with her. She distractedly took back the other set and ate alone. It wasn''t an hour after Jessa was done eating, she heard the door opened. It was her best friend, Rachel. She was wearing a casual dress, a plain shirt, and pants. She was also part of the Office but not part of any Zone, a Freelance Intercessor. "You still seemed to be distress due to Jake''s condition right?" Rachel commented and placed the paper bag on the center table. She was seated on the opposite sofa that Jessa was resting. "How was his condition? Does he got better?" Rachel entreated considering Jessa. Jessa shook her head and gave out a miserable smile. Rachel knew how hard for Jessa during this time, maybe it wasn''t the first time that Jake took part in an accident but being in a coma for almost a month was miserable them especially for Jessa. "We can only pray for his recovery. We can ask the intercession of others to wake him up soon," Rachel soothed Jessa. Meantime, Jake found himself inside an unfamiliar place, a place full of bookshelves and seemed to be an unending one. He looked at the books that were probably ancient ones due to the language it was used and the aged cover. Before he could touch the book, a handheld him. "Who are you?!" the owner of the hand suspiciously asked. "Ja-Jake Reyes," Jake answered after a few seconds of a buffer. "Why are you here?" it added. "I don''t know, I sent here by Suffering," Jake anxiously responded. The owner of the hand released Jake''s hand from his hold and his expression relaxed. The young man massages his temples hearing that Suffering brought Jake in his place. "Another pseudonym used to hide his name, huh. Now, what he was after?" the young man cursed. "Follow me," he commanded. "How did you know the Guardian of Future?" the young man asked. "Guardian of Future?" Jake asked. The young man took a deep sighed and close his eyes for the moment. "The Suffering guy, how do you know him?" the young man asked while walking. "I don''t remember much on how we met but I just remember I know him," Jake responded. The young man didn''t follow-up any question and the two silently walked inside the Library. In the center of the Library, there was a couch and a table. In the blink of an eye, there was some pastries and drinks at the top of the table. The young man sat on the other side while Jake took the other. "You can call me, Beginning." the young man introduces himself. Beginning that seems to be an ordinary young man with blue eyes and blond hair. His age was in the range of 20-28. The beginning took a pastry and looked at Jake. While Jake thought''s Beginning''s name was just a pseudonym to hide his real identity. "Do you know that no one not in the state of grace can enter this place?" Beginning started. "Why?" Jake asked while reluctantly took a pastry and take a bite. "Because this place was the visible Depository of Faith. This holds all of the records of the witnesses. You looked like still living and unfortunately, almost all of the living was not in a state of grace. It might be the will of the Highest, make you an exception. You were the first living person visited here since my residency at the Depository of Faith. I like to remind you that you must not touch anything here except the foods and the couch," Beginning reminded and took another bite of his food. "By the way, what did the Suffering guy told you?" Beginning requested. "The future, the war that was coming. All I need was to prepare the people that will block the siege. He says that the war was inevitable and we can only prepare," Jake answered casually. Beginning immediately looked toward Jake and gulp. Some memories started to play in his head. "So you were that guy. The Suffering guy was grooming you," Beginning murmured. Jake heard it and look dubiously. Beginning noticed Jake''s gaze. "I know that you had some questions but I can''t tell for know. For now, I can only give you some advice, everything had an equal payment. You must pay according to what you use," Beginning hinted. Jake can''t comprehend much of what Beginning had said. Beginning stood and gestured Jake to follow him. Without a second thought, Jake followed. Beginning stopped at a wooden door that had some sculpted images. He opened it and only pure darkness can be seen on the other side. "I had to take much of your time. Your family was earnestly waiting for you. You should remember everything will be paid according to its price. Please be careful, I''ll be waiting for your next visit." Beginning wished him with a smile. Jake took a step at the other side of the door considering Beginning''s goodwill. He walked toward the other side until he couldn''t see the door he entered, even if he looked back. Meanwhile, Beginning''s expression turned solemn, and closed the door. He just walked toward the library silently and contemplating about something. Gloria was reading a report when she heard knocks coming from the room''s door. She stood up and opened the door. She wasn''t surprised when she saw Rachel standing outside. She knew that Rachel had already negotiated with Jessa on resting today and let her be the one to watch over Jake. "Come in," Gloria welcomed her. Rachel smiled and come in. Gloria steps aside and lets her in. Rachel saw the reports that Gloria was reading and acted that she didn''t say anything. She just on the sofa beside where was Gloria was sitting. There was a moment of silence before the two before Gloria opened her mouth. "Is there anything that can help him wake up?" she asked. Rachel shook her head. "I don''t think so, even the manifestations wasn''t working for him now. It was even unfortunate that he was placed on the blacklist of the Office for healing," Rachel wistfully recounted. Gloria especially knew why Jake was blacklisted by the Office for its healing. She looked toward the direction of Jake and took a deep sighed. She saw one of Jake''s fingers moved, she blinks to confirm what happened. When she saw Jake''s finger moved. With an impulse, she called out for a doctor. In Rachel''s shock at the sudden outburst of Gloria, she ran out of the room to call for a doctor. --- Chapter 6: Signs(2) Chapter 6: Signs(2) It was a while after the little commotion inside Jake''s hospital room. Gloria was silently observing the doctor that was checking up the unconscious Jake. After the Doctor finished checking up Jake, he faces Gloria that was just beside him. The Doctor gave out a cheerful smile to Gloria, seeing the smile, Gloria unconsciously smiled and knew it was a piece of good news. "His vitals are improving at a rapid rate, right now. He might wake up soon but please notify us if it happened. Also, don''t put much burden on the patient," the doctor emphasized the caution on Jake''s condition. Gloria just slightly nodded. By then, the doctor withdrew to the room. She looked to Rachel that was seating on the couch while using her mobile phone. She walked forward and sat right beside her. "I''m sorry for the sudden impulse a while ago. You know how much we loved Jake as my own grandson," Gloria confessed. "It''s fine. I might also do that if I were in your shoes," Rachel sympathized. While the two were talking, Jake had forced his eyes open after a few tries. He just stared at the ceiling without saying and moving. He was still digesting what Suffering and Beginning told him during his trip on the two guys. He didn''t know how he could bear the responsibility that Suffering gave him. He was even confused about Beginning''s action and rumblings. He knew that the guy knew him after knowing the pseudonym of Suffering. He knows there was a deeper story between the two, he can only unravel them when he met the two again. Gloria stood after they finished reading the reports. She took a cup and made herself a coffee. She almost dropped her cup seeing Jake was awake and blankly staring at the ceiling. She calmed herself and placed the cup on the nearest table she could find. "Rachel, call the doctor. Jake was already awake," Gloria commanded Rachel. Without wasting a second, Rachel exited the room to call for a doctor. Gloria sat on Jake''s bed and took Jake''s attention to her. Seeing that her grandson was looking at her. She knew that Jake was really conscious. "Can you speak?" she asked. "Yes," Jake spoke in a forceful voice. Jake was even surprised that he can even talk right now. He also felt that the control of his body was already returning to him. "Don''t do that again. Don''t you know how anguish we are after knowing you were involved again in an accident? Do you know how much terrorize you sister, seeing you involved in an accident under her watch," Gloria scolded her grandson while forgetting the doctor''s warning. It may seem to be normal for the two in the current situation that she was scolding her grandson that was just wake up from his coma. It was probably because of the past experience of the two. After scolding him, Gloria realized that he should be at least considerate to him in saving a life. "What did you see," she asked knowing what probably happened the time Jake saved the child. "I saw the child will be hit repeatedly by a vehicle. I tried to look out for that vehicle but it only appeared at the time the child cross the street with us," Jake answered without concealing anything from her grandmother. It was after the two finished their chat, Rachel was accompanied by the doctor entering the room. Gloria left the bed and gave way to the doctor to examine Jake. It took almost half an hour when the doctor finished his examination to Jake. It was also the time that Edward entered the room, in his shock that Jake was already seating at the bed and munching a sliced apple. "Mother, am I still dreaming? Jake was already awake?" Edward confusingly inquired her mother. Seeing the silly expression of his son, Gloria chuckled. "Of course, you''re not dreaming! Do you want me to pinch you?" Gloria gleefully responded. "Is that really that you Jake? I doubt that you''re still human because of your recovery," Edward joked. Hearing her son''s joke, Gloria remembered the conversation between her and the doctor a little while ago. The doctor asked if there was a non-human ancestor in Jake''s ancestry because of the unbelievable recovery speed. She cleared that there was no supernatural ancestor in Jake''s linage. His ancestors can only be pure human as far as she was concerned. After hearing that the doctor could only acknowledge it. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. "Mother, do you heard that a Cardinal will be celebrating a Mass for the Jubilee of a Parish that he serve when he was still a priest," Edward articulated. Jake was munching an apple when his vision went dark. The time that his vision was gone back. He saw a priest and a nun based on the cassock and habit that the two wearings respectively. The two seemed to be preparing a snack. The nun was done stirring the cup, the priest took something from the pocket of his cassock. He put the vial in front of the nun. The nun seemed not to be in shock. "Are we doing the right thing?" the nun asked the priest. "Yes," the priest shortly answered and opened the cap of the vial. The priest only put a drop to the cup and smiled at the nun. "For the future," he said. The nun didn''t respond but only stared at him. Jake''s vision blurred, and he found an old man that was sitting dilapidated bed and rundown jail, there wasn''t even a clear source of light. Even the rails were too rusty. The old man was wearing a scarlet cassock. He was holding a rosary while reciting its mysteries. A man outside the jail interrupted him. "Your big guy on Rome was dying. Surely enough, the inevitable connection between the Church and the Office will be cut off. Leaving the Office to weaken and destroy," the man teased. The old man seemed to be fazed from the agitation of the man. "Your sacred sanctuary was breached and your people will be washed out from the history," the man taunted before leaving the old man''s food. "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. Maybe you can corrupt the princes of the Church but it was promised that it will remain until the end of time," the old man retorted. The man just chuckled and left. Jake sees a silhouette of something behind the old man but he couldn''t see it clearly. Jake''s vision blurred and his vision returned. He immediately took a bite at the apple he was holding. He noticed that his uncle was still loudly chatting with her grandmother. He tried to focused on what he was saying. "There are rumors that the Holy Father was retiring," Edward recounted the rumor that he had heard. "Are you serious?" Gloria asked intently while her expression turned sharp. Edward nodded without a second thought. "Where did you get the rumors?" she asked. "My buddies residing near the Vatican City," Edward answered. Without a doubt, Gloria had known something was wrong and she needs to quell it before it creates a dramatic backslash to the Office and the Church. She took her mobile phone and dialed the number of her Lieutenant. She walked out of the room while conversing with the Lieutenant. She was also the main point of Jake''s gaze after she took her mobile phone until she exited. After she returned to the room, her eyes were looking at Jake. Jake knew what that eye means, he just silently nods to Gloria. Gloria sat at Jake''s bed. "You froze a moment ago. What do you see?" She asked in a low voice intending not to let the other two hear what they will be talking about. Jake knew that he shouldn''t what he saw a moment ago to Gloria or else things will absurdly turn for worse. He could only let her knew what was Suffering taught him. "There will be a war and I will be the flag bearer. I will be preparing the people that will be involved in the upcoming war," Jake spoke in a low voice. Gloria nodded and knew what she should do. "I don''t think that I can help you beyond this point. You MUST do it by yourself. It was the task that you took and you must bear its responsibility. It can only support your back," Gloria resigned but emphasized the responsibility that Jake should bear. Jake could only smile unwillingly. He knew that after taking the task there was a long road ahead of him. Gloria could only tap his shoulders. The people of the room shook at the sudden and forceful opening of the door. After they collected themselves, they knew who opened the door. It was Jessa. Without thinking of Jake''s current state, she hugged him too violently. She didn''t even notice her grandma. If it wasn''t for Gloria who was at the side of the two, Jake might lose his consciousness due to the tightness of the hug. She immediately separated the two and looked intimidatingly at Jessa. "Jessa didn''t I said that you must calm yourself before going here in case that Jake awakens?" Gloria scolded Jessa. Jessa can only nod in approval because she knew that her actions were too much for Jake''s current condition. "Good news! You might get out of the hospital after two days," Rachel interrupted while holding Jake''s hospital records. "By the way, you seemed to be wearing something too formal? Is there anything with the Zone?" Rachel asked after noticing that Jessa was wearing her military uniform used by the Office. "Yes, I almost forgot about that. The Director especially called for your Uncle as the Team Leader of the Strategic Team for an Emergency Meeting. I had forgotten about that after hearing from the nurse that Jake was awake," Jessa explained after calming herself for real. "Edward, don''t you hear it? Go!" Gloria commanded and looked to her granddaughter. "You can still visit your brother later. It''s not like I will take him somewhere," Gloria scolded after seeing the hesitation of Jessa. In the end, Jessa and Edward consecutively walked out of the room after Gloria''s endless nagging. In Jake''s curiosity, he asked about what could be the agenda of the emergency meeting. "Since you were almost in a coma in almost a month, it might be about the terror attacks in the places under the management of the World Leaders that happened last week. The Ancient Terrorist, the cockroaches." Rachel annoying answered and sat on the sofa then looked at the magazines. --- Chapter 7: News of the Incoming Storm (3) Chapter 7: News of the Incoming Storm (3) Jessa and Edward were currently inside a conference room. The conference room had a long table that can accommodate approximately 10 persons on each side while all seats were currently occupied except for the head. The people inside the conference room were waiting for the arrival of the person who called out this emergency meeting. The noisy chatter inside the room was immediately halted upon the opening of the door. The old man in his mid 60''s was walking inside the room and carrying a briefcase. Upon staring this old man, we could see an ambiance of superiority and dominance. All the people inside stood up and saluted. The old man just nodded after scanning the participants of the meeting then everybody seated. "So what you people think about the sudden meeting?" the old man asked. "Director Lopez, would it was all about the recent news?" one of the participants asked with a bit of hesitation. "So you know? I wouldn''t be making an introduction according to the news. As you know each governing factions around the world were alarmed by the bombing in its offices especially to the Churches that didn''t have much defense against it. There is news about the uprising of an old terrorist group that last seen over 200 years ago," Director Lopez answered. "What we''ll be our plan, Director?" Jessa asked. The Director turned to Jessa then to Edward who was sitting beside her. "Edward, I don''t know you have time to come to this meeting? Are you sick?" the Direktor mockingly asked. Edward just smiled helplessly because it was already given that he had a big chance of not attending the meeting. It wasn''t even exaggerated if there was a hundred point possibility of him not attending. "I''m just pulled here. I don''t just have a chance to ditch this meeting," Edward excused nonchalantly. The Director didn''t have any change in its expression but inside it was indeed surprised. "Well then, I hope you will ditch the next session. I''d love it if I see you here," the Director sarcastically replied. "We will be implementing additional security for the churches around our territory," the Director responded upon turning back to Jessa. "Does the Headquarters had given any official statement regards the recent ''terrorist attack''?" the same participant asked. The Director glared at it and it couldn''t help but clear its throat. The chilling aura started to spread at the whole conference. "There Headquarters didn''t give any responses as well as the Main Hall. I don''t know what they are thinking but it was giving me a headache," the Director answered and couldn''t help but massage his temples. "The Home? The Lieutenant? Did he give any instruction to us?" the same participant asked worriedly because of the lack of instruction from above. "They didn''t. I even contacted the other Zones under the Home of Selfless but they didn''t also even received any instruction either. The other directors lead to an agreement of there was an instruction to the top we will immediately," the Director answered upon remembering their recent discussion with other directors which give him a headache. Remembering the thing that happened in the latter time, he turned to Jessa to inquire about the recent improvement of the investigation on the University. "Jessa, what''s the recent update on your investigation about the incident happened in the University a month ago?" the Director inquired and hoping she will give him a good response that will relieve his stress. "The medical team and researchers are still trying to decrypt the bane that was taken from the last incident. We still have no suspect to the incident," Jessa ashamedly answered while her face was reddening because of her incompetence. "What?!" the Director slapped the desk and making the whole room nervous. Seeing the Director had stood up because of the mixture of disappointment and stress. Almost everyone is looking at each other and gesturing to support Jessa or else undesirable events would happen. "Director Lopez, we still decrypting the bane samples that had been taken from the University. We also endorse it to Home for them to handle the research that was a bit too big for us. I had already talked to the team leader of the investigative team and they still have no clue about the culprit," the team leader of the medical team stood up supported Jessa while making eye contact with Edward and gesturing to support his claim. Edward just nodded and stood up upon the other team leader sat. He had observed the Director''s face before speaking. He could even see the anxiousness and the terror in the Director''s eyes. "Director, I think the one who started this was just doing a dry run for it. We already searched and asked the people who come to the natatorium that time but they have sufficient and valid excuses. The culprit must be alarmed by the sudden entrance of the Office upon Jessa''s call. We presume that he already cleaned the evidence in the University so even we tried, were just running into a circle. We apologize for our incompetence, not just Ms. Reyes," Edward explained as supporting to his fellow team leader. The Director observes the facial expression of Edward before breathing out. "I must be the one to apologize due to my sudden impulse. We know that the recent happening worries us, especially me. I just don''t want any accident to happen within my guarding territory. I hope you understand," the Director apologizes after thinking deeply. The heavy atmosphere started to fade and make the participants of the meeting breath easily. "Investigative team, I want you to investigate all of the blotter and records in each precinct that had been connected to Supernatural People within our Zone''s jurisdiction. Strategic Team, I still want a full report about the incident. This includes all the conclusions that each team had given. I want it a week from now. Medical team, I want you to report to me the inventory of the medical supplies. If there was a shortage, make a direct order without going through my office. Everyone, is that clear?" the Director asked consequent to his order. "Yes sir!" almost everybody answered. "Mr. Dela Cruz, I wanted your presence to my office right after this meeting. Then, Meeting Adjourned!" the Director ended the meeting. The participant of the meeting immediately got out of the conference room to fulfill the tasked given to them. Meanwhile, Edward messed Jessa''s hair seeing its own expression. Jessa immediately glared Edward intently. Edward just chuckled before running out of the conference before his niece could shout his name. Seeing her uncle fleeing, Jessa couldn''t help but to shook her head while laughing. Her uncle didn''t change and still in his lazy but lively personality. Edward arrived at Director''s office and knock three times at the door before opening it. Feeing the door wasn''t locked, he came in. The Director''s Room is full of bookshelf that caters more than century-old books. The room was also furnished with brown color and also millennium-old paintings were hung at the wall. He walked towards the Director table that was made from wood which had been renovated a hundred times with the same old materials. He sat at the wooden chair in front of the table. The Director wasn''t inside his office and probably still on his way. "You seemed to arrive too early. It was quite unexpected," the Director joked before taking his seat. Edward just smiled at the supposedly a joke but for him, it''s rather not. "Let''s go to our real business," the Director spoke and opened one of the table''s drawers. The Director pulled out of a brown envelope and placing it in front of Edward. Edward lifts up the envelope to open it. He immediately saw an undetached white wax seal that had the symbol of the Office of Supernatural Defense seal. Edward looked at the Director hinting what would he do next. The Director smiled and nodded without giving Edward any commands. Edward could only sigh and detached the seal. He took the things inside the envelope and what he sees is a picture of different men and women. "Probably, you''re asking why on earth is the use of these pictures?" the Director asked. Edward turned to the Director with a what-is-this look. "Actually, I also had an envelope that had been addressed to me and contained that enveloped including the details about this confidential mission. There are approximately 20 Zones or Homes that had this envelope," the Director explains when he took out a goldish colored enveloped that also had a wax seal on its flap. "This envelope had been sent to me even before the meeting of the Directors. The Headquarters, Main Hall and Home had become silent when this envelope had arrived. This classified information was about the suspicious occurrence within the vicinity of the Vatican City," the Director added and putting back the envelope. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "Can I asked why did you choose me?" Edward inquires. "You should know in the first place. You''re a veteran spy and infiltrator among the ranks of the Office. This also a confidential mission and I don''t have a gut to send a half bake people in this mission. They might die and fail but you on the other hand, wouldn''t that happen. So you''re the first and only choice the mission," the Director explained his decision. Edward didn''t want to know if he should be happy or mad at the Director by giving him this mission. "Is there anything you wanted to say?" the Director inquired assuming that he will gladly accept the mission. Edward cleared his throat before answering. "I don''t have many choices, right? I will be selfish if I push my brothers here," Edward unwilling told the Director. The Director just smiled weakly and chose not to answer. "Fine, I will take this mission. But, I want compensation," Edward bargained. "An approximately a week before and after you back. This excludes some so-called emergencies within the Zone," the Director agreed like it was nothing. "Does Mom will know?" Edward asked. "She will," the Director promised. In the meantime, Jessa was leaning her head on her desk in their working quarters on the Zone. The working quarter was a bit like the most working place for the employees that had their own desk, chair, and computer. She was having a headache while leaning. "Reyes, you seemed to be tired?" a female voice commented. Jessa looked up to the speaker. It was her boss, the Team Leader of the Strategic team, Lilian Corpuz. The Team leader was on the same age as Jessa and with a bit hype personality. The Team Leader was holding a cup of coffee while looking at her. "Yeah," she tiredly answered. "You should rest. I heard that you watch your comatose brother every night and still doing your work at the University. We will be taking everything from here, you should go home and rest. Just go home and rest," the Team Leader concerningly recommended. Jessa had thought it for a while and she agreed with the recommendation. "Yeah, I should go and rest. It has been a while since I had a decent sleep. Now, my brother awakens from his coma and recuperating. I could sleep properly," she convinced agreed. The Team Leader just nodded and see her packing her things. Jessa waves to the Team Leader before leaving. "Lilian, I saw Reyes leaving?" a male voice from Team leaders back spoke. The Team leader almost scared out of her wits and turned to the speaker. "Kent, since when you are here?" Team Leader angrily asked and placed the cup on Jessa''s desk. The man shrugged. He was Kent Drobles, he was a little bit older than Lilian and Jessa a fairly 1-2 years difference. He usually appeared in thin air and scare many people, truthfully he was only masking his presence so not many people could feel his presence at all. Also, he was the Team Leader of the Medical Team. "Since she was packing her things. She seemed to be hurried. What did you tell her?" Kent answered. "Let her rest. Do you think I am that heartless to let her work? Don''t you see how large her eyebags?" she told him while looking am-I-that-heartless. "Of course! Didn''t you make me work last time overtime?" Kent answered and act like he was wiping his tears. Lilian could only roll her eyes. "So why are you here? I mean, what do you need?" she asked uninterestedly. "Do you have any copy of the Director''s favorite cup. I just broke it a few minutes ago. You know the Director''s temper lately especially the meeting," Kent tried to bargain. Lilian could only roll her eyes. "Fine, you''re going to the storage, right? You just need to go to the place where the glassware is located. You''ll immediately find it," Lilian answered. Kent immediately leaves Lilian without saying anything to her. On the other hand, Lilian could only sigh and massage his temples. She took Jessa''s chair and seated. She even might have a headache if she thought it that much, so she takes her coffee and takes a sip of it. At the same time, while Lilian was sipping her coffee, Gloria was sitting on her desk while reviewing some financial and managerial documents. Likewise, Director Lopez''s office, Gloria''s office filled with bookshelves that house some century-old books. By chance, the telephone on her desk rang and she directly answered the call. "Good evening! This is Director Dela Cruz, Zone 86. How may I help you?" she greeted. "Good evening, Gloria. This is Director Lopez," the other line answered. "Director Lopez, how may I help you. Did Edward did something again?" Gloria concernedly asked. "It was about Edward but he didn''t do anything to give me a headache. He was always just lazing all the time. Do you have any time right now? I had something confidential to discuss with you," Director Lopez responded and asked for her time. Gloria had been silent for a while thinking about her duties and things that she needs to finish immediately. After some time, she sorted out her thoughts and leaving her brief free hours. "I think, I have. At the same place?" she inquired if their meeting is any change of the usual meet up location. "Yes," Director Lopez answered briefly and hung up. Gloria directly cleaned up her table and arrange the remaining documents. She leaves a message to her Team leaders that if anything happened straightly call her then she leaves. Zones 86 & 66 are neighboring zones but under the different Homes. Zone 66 was under the Home of Selfless and Zone 86 was under the Home of Mercy. She arrived at the said restaurant. After parking her car, she directly entered the restaurant. Upon seeing her, the receptionist approached her and directed her to the room that was especially reserved for them. In observing the restaurant, she knew the elegance and the noble ambiance could be felt in every corner. "Director Dela Cruz Ma''am, Director Lopez will be arriving shortly. Just notify the waiter outside," the receptionist gently informed because its job might be at stake if any unsatisfaction appeared on Gloria''s face. Gloria gave out a gentle smile knowing what''s running into the receptionist''s mind. "I will," she responded. The receptionist bowed in full 90 degrees. Making Gloria laughed silently. "Thank you, Ma''am. Have a nice evening!" it greeted before going out of the room with embarrassment. Gloria could only shake her head and took a seat on the couch to arrange inside the room. The room she currently in was for some important persons or for members only. It still had the grandeur of the restaurant and many decorative lights that give an additional calming atmosphere unlike outside. In some time, Director Lopez arrived carrying a briefcase. "So what''s up?" Gloria asked when Director seated on the opposite of her. Director looked at Gloria than to the menu. "Can we order, first? It might be quite late if we ordered after our discussion," Director Lopez suggested. "Fine, food preparation will take a while and your suggestion was quite justified. So you will call the waiter because you suggested it," Gloria chuckled seeing the irritated face of Director Lopez. Director Lopez shrugged and called the waiter. In just seconds, the waiter arrived, took their order and immediately leave. "So what do you want to discuss about my son?" Gloria asked after sipping some water. Director didn''t answer and took a white envelope from his briefcase. He put it in the table and observe''s Gloria''s reaction. Gloria brow quivered slightly. "You seemed to know about its contents," Director Lopez commented. "I do. But, isn''t it a bit hard for Edward to take this mission?" Gloria concernedly asked. "Maybe, but I don''t have many choices. We both knew that my people weren''t yet ready for this. This may lead to the mission''s failure or worst death. I don''t want to send some half baked people to this critical mission," Director Lopez insisted. Gloria could only sigh because she couldn''t refute him. "I remember you started to send him into the different mission at the age of 25, aren''t you? He''s already veteran in regard to this," Director Lopez commented "Yes, I do send him into a different mission. Because we are ashamed that no one of us followed the steps of Lieutenant Dela Cruz of Equity. I wanted him to fulfill our clans wished. To reclaim what we had lost," Gloria uttered while looking at the ceiling. --- Interlude 2: Sufferings Journal Suffering''s Journal: Narration of dying man''s conscience Did you want to choose this way? For I''m your conscience, I''d disagree with this. Aren''t you afraid the things might happen after? What if they will turn their back from you someday. Aren''t you afraid of betrayal, disloyalty or even being murdered at the end? I know you are starting to be deaf and numb with my voice. I''ll hope that you wouldn''t end miserable after this. All I want for you was to live long enough and where you had already done your unfulfilled desires right now. So how was your first kill? Does it satisfy you? I couldn''t help but laugh with the face you are making for this moment. It seems that my voice was too amplified right now and to think that I still exist. I feel so grateful while you were in a miserable state because of taking someone''s life, you deserve it for doing something to immoral. How could you be worthy to be called a human after you killed one? Just because you think that person may harm you soon, you''ll have the right to eliminate it. Now, where is the guy who once want peace and rule loving person that I know? The guy that I watch to strive in this changing world. Your life had been tinted by blood in just a few years. I regretted that I had been mute and you became deaf while gaining experience. By the way, I''d also remember the time that you murder someone innocent, it was the time you were so guilty. I couldn''t even help to laugh again when you make the same miserable face. But, isn''t that you should be guilty after killing so many people even they''re stupid and immoral like you. Don''t you think that they may have a chance to change? Then, how about you? Wasn''t you an innocent young man a few years ago. But now, I despise you. Now, you''re running for your life. The law has been hunting you. A year ago, it''s a pity that I already pointed you into a different path but you had chosen to ignore it. I always want you to be safe but rather you choose a dangerous path. I don''t know why you became like this, but maybe it was the human nature that may you go against the things that bind you. It seems that humanity is always striving and doesn''t want to be contented. I know that in just a few days, you''ll be cornered by your so-called friends who were blinded by greed. I don''t know what could happen to you next but you need to be firm to live. For what I thought, you were betrayed and cornered but you could still escape. That escape gave you severed wounds all over your body. To think of it, you''re already dying. In your desperate moments, you try to console yourself and I''m even surprised that you heard my silent voice. In your desperation, you cried. I couldn''t help to be grateful in your misfortune because you have chosen to acknowledge your grave sins. Even though it was pretty late, you choose to correct the mistakes that might even push yourself into the grave. Also, I couldn''t help to be amazed by your courage to surrender yourself with your blurred consciousness. Now, you''re facing the consequence of your action but still, you keep your perseverance against the things that might harm you. You don''t even make a single appeal against the evidence presented in the court. You already have chosen to admit all your sins and the people behind your killings. I couldn''t help to sighed when you refused to be a witness. After you were charged as guilty, you died. You were ambushed when you were on the road to jail. At your last breath, you managed to spoke the few lines, "I''m lost and had been found, yet I don''t have sufficient time." If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. --- Suffering was listening to the narration of a dimming light in front of him. He turned to the dimming light and offered a seat but it was rejected. "If you''re think that''s it, you''ve come to a wrong place. This place didn''t give any judgment and you assumed that you''re already dead. So, you don''t fit in any criteria of this place," Suffering started in a calm voice. "What do you mean, I don''t fit in any criteria here?" the dimming light confusedly asked. Suffering shakes his head. "You''re assumed dead and this place didn''t welcome the dead. This is the place of the living to be called for last chance in God''s Mercy before they kill themselves," Suffering explained. "Then? Why I''m here? I''m just a mere conscience?" the dimming light asked with more questions and started to doubting itself on why he was here. Suffering chortled as he knew that the thing conversing with him was confused about its existence. "You''re no mere conscience. You''re an untainted part of the soul. When the whole soul chose to repent, it started to return to its pure form. You''re a soul that was deeply confused with itself. Your a soul in the first place," Suffering enlightened and answering it partly. "Why I''m here?" the dimming light revealed a man in his early 30''s and wearing a prisoner''s clothes upon its enlightment. "You repented, aren''t you?" Suffering asked ignoring the soul''s inquiry. "I guess," the soul uncertainly answered. Suffering smiled. "You repented yet you didn''t have faith. If you face God and his judgment this time, you have a large margin of falling to Hell. You''re subjected to His justice, not to His mercy," Suffering cut his explanation upon seeing the depressing expression before him. "But you must remember, you''re not it the place of judgment rather in a counsel. Don''t worry that much," Suffering advised. The soul breath out a sighed of relief. "You still have time for redemption. God didn''t want to see someone will fall to damnation even he repented," Suffering hinted giving out a bright smile. The soul couldn''t be helped to make his eyes widen upon hearing Suffering''s hint. "You, you mean..." "Yes, you still have time for redemption. Your journey will not end with the ambushed. Your life was just getting started and you won''t die with regrets. I''ll be happier, if I don''t see you here next time. Even though you won''t remember much of our conversation. I hope you will lead a happy life," Suffering interrupted as he was giving a closing remark. A bright smile appeared to the soul''s face and mouthing a thank you before disappearing to Suffering''s vison. Meanwhile, Suffering could only give out a sighed of relief upon delivering the good news. Then, he turned to the stack of papers before him. He took a rubber stamp on his drawer and making last the paper on the stack as "Delivered". --- Chapter 8: Calm before the Storm (1) Chapter 8: Calm before the Storm (1) Rachel was currently reading the magazine that she found when Jake was still awake. She looked up to Jessa that seemed to be in a hurry. "Jessa? What''s up?" Rachel asked. "Nothing, does Jake displayed any convulsion?" Jessa concerning asked when she saw Jake lying silently on his bed. Rachel didn''t immediately answer but threw a towel to Jessa. "Clean your self first," she instructed. Jessa gave out a sighed of relief, knowing her friend''s intention. "Jake didn''t give any undesirable responses. He didn''t even move after he fell asleep. He''s like a corpse while sleeping but I already checked him few times," Rachel lazily added at turned back in reading her magazine. Jessa took herself near her friend and snatched the magazine that it was reading. Rachel directly looked up to Jessa and tried to snatch the magazine, But, Jessa already ran a few distances from Rachel and flip the magazine to the front page. "What we have here?" Jessa curiously asked. She immediately blushed upon seeing the title. Rachel took that moment to snatch back the magazine. "See? You shouldn''t take this!" Rachel blamed her while glaring her intently. The silence reigned for a few moments. "What''s the emergency meeting all about?" Rachel changed the subject and lead her to the sofa. Jessa calmed herself and organized her thoughts. "About the recent bombing on each respective churches and offices in the world. Director Lopez was even confused about the sudden silence of the Higher-ups in the incident. He just instructed us to prepare in any situations that may occur," Jessa answered while trying to recall the meeting a few hours ago. Rachel nodded while listening and remember something. "Jessa, when will you advance your rank? Wouldn''t it be better if you aren''t shackled by the Zone? You could be like me, a Freelance Intercessor?" Rachel inquired. Jessa stunned by the sudden suggestion of Rachel. She couldn''t process it immediately. "I don''t know. Maybe, if Jake graduated. Maybe I will file a request for advancement," Jessa answered which a trace of hesitance in her voice. Rachel wasn''t that surprised in Jessa''s reply. "Well, how about your love life?" Rachel changed the topic once again. Jessa instantly blushed upon hearing her friend''s inquiry. Seeing her friend''s reaction, Rachel giggled and started to poke Jessa''s side. "Stop it!" Jessa complained while evading Rachel''s poking. "I will stop it if you gave the name of the lucky guy!" Rachel giggled and continue to poke Jessa. "Stop it! Or, else I will report you to grandma!" Jessa threatened. Rachel stop poking and scowled. "What a killjoy," Rachel mumbled. Two days later, Jake was blankly staring at the ceiling. He undoubtedly missed his bed during his stain on the hospital. His daydream was instantly cut off when he heard a certain pattern of knocks from his door. He saw Gloria after it opened the door. "You don''t seem to love to sleep, aren''t you?" Gloria joked. "I just missed my bed," Jake softly answered after got up to from his bed. "Change your clothes because we will be having our lunch in approximately 15-30 minutes. Jessa was cooking our lunch today," Gloria noted before closing the door and left Jake''s room silent. Jake didn''t waste any second and urgently change his clothes. He directly went to the dining room to eat but he was quite disappointed that the food was not ready yet. "Uncle, I thought that you already leave?" Jake asked upon seeing his uncle seating at the table. "How can''t I be here? The food will be ready in any minute without me sparing any force. Then, who I am to say no to blessing?" Edward answered and stood to get some plates and utensils. Jake was satisfied with his uncle''s response. On the other hand, Gloria didn''t like her son''s attitude, so she pinched its ear. "Mom! Stop it! Mom, the plates! I was holding the plates!" Edward bawled while holding the plates. When Gloria heard her son, she promptly removed her hand from her son''s ear. She even snatched the plates from her son''s hands while glaring it sharply. "If I hear it the second time, I promised you that I''ll call your director to put much load on you," Gloria threateningly spoke to Edward while not eliminating her gaze. Jake could only breath out silently. "I know. I won''t do it again," Edward surrendered and sat silently on the table. Gloria got tired of waiting for Jessa to finish, therefore she entered the kitchen to check upon Jessa. After a few minutes, the two could hear some reprimanding inside the kitchen. "Jessa, this dish was a bit salty and the other one was a bit vapid. What happened?" Gloria asked. Meanwhile, Jessa had an aghast expression upon hearing her grandmother''s comment. Seeing her granddaughter''s reaction, Gloria couldn''t help but sigh in disappointment. "I''m sorry, I was just wanted to serve the dishes quickly because we''re all tired and wanted to eat," Jessa''s answered while giving a downcast expression. Gloria looks at the ceiling for some time and turned to her granddaughter. She gently lifts its face to make eye contact. "Don''t be that sorry. We''re not that perfect in the first place. I know that you still wanted to uphold your promise but always make sure that you''re doing your best. Now, go to the table while I''m fixing these dishes. Go," Gloria gently commanded. Jessa silently obeyed and got to the table. Edward and Jake stared at each other while wordlessly exchanging gestures to who will be lifting Jessa''s mood. In the end, Edward conceded his defeat. "Jessa you know Mom, right? You know how perfectionist she was in cooking. Even a piece of pepper that has put in the dish, she will immediately notice it. If I was cooking at home with her, I don''t know if I was already in a contest. A 100 percentage of being criticized," Edward tried to lift Jessa''s mood while having him complaining about her mother. "I CAN HEAR YOU!" Gloria''s threatening voice from the kitchen. "Did you know, there was a time that I cooked for her voluntarily. In the end, I was criticized. Even an extra milligram of pepper that I didn''t notice, she knows. How to monster her taste?" Edward complained. Edward didn''t notice Jake''s gesture while he was speaking. Leaving him stunned, seeing her mother staring at him intently. All he could do was to smile and wordlessly plead for atonement. Without sparing a second, Gloria once again pinched Edward''s ears while pulling him to the kitchen. The two remained on the table could stare at him with pity. They know that their uncle had already gone down in the bottom line. The two looked at each other a laughed quietly. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. "GOOD..." "There''s nothing good today!" Gloria exclaimed from the kitchen and interrupting the greeting midway. Rachel could innocently blink and looked at the kitchen''s direction. She got to the table and immediately asked Jessa. "Why aunty was in the bad mood?" she innocently asked. "You better not to ask. Otherwise, you wanted to be part of uncle''s punishment," Jessa reminded. Rachel could only nod. "Why you''re here? Didn''t you have a customer today?" Jessa diverted the topic. "She just canceled her appointment. Do you know how hard she begged for me to book an appointment for me and to fill it with my schedule?" Rachel hissing scornfully. Jessa shook her head while hearing her friend complains. After an almost a quarter an hour of complaining, Rachel felt her throat dried. She stood up and approached the kitchen. She was immediately stopped by some undesired(torturing) noises inside. She instantly turned back to the table where Jessa and her brother were seated. "What do you hear?" Jessa slyly asked seeing Rachel''s frozen expression. "You better not asked, Jessa. I know you don''t want to be part of tor... ehem cooking lesson of Aunty Gloria," Rachel reminded her friend but it rather sounds a threat. It had taken approximately half an hour before they could finally. Instead of only having two dishes that have been served at the table, there were five dishes. "Isn''t having five dishes for five people was quite wasteful?" Edward asked after being seated and it was noticeable that his ears were red as an apple. The three especially Rachel restrained herself from laughing upon noticing Edward''s ears. "You better not to asked. We could just packed it away," Gloria coldly answered after giving the Grace before the meal. Edward didn''t ask any further because of fear that something may happen. "Jessa?!" Gloria called for Jessa attention. Jessa immediately lifts her gaze to her grandmother, while thinking what would be the possible topics that it may ask especially now. "Why don''t you just move to your Edward''s house? It was closer to both Zone 66 Main Office and the University? It was beneficial for both of you," Gloria spoke and gaze over Jake, then it returned to Jessa. Jessa couldn''t help but frown inwardly. She couldn''t make any changed of expression in the front of her grandmother and especially now. "Grandma, didn''t I already explained to you? Did I want to be here because of both Dad and Mom''s memories? I may leave this house but not right now," Jessa reasoned. "You''re dad, huh?" Gloria snickered. "Grandma, just let us stay here for a while. We might be moving soon. I just wanted to cherished the memories," Jessa explained when she saw some unsatisfaction into Gloria. "Fine, whatever. I''ll be leaving soon, I just recalled something urgent," Gloria stated and continued to eat. There was almost a quarter of an hour that silence reigned between the five people. After everyone finished eating, Gloria bid before leaving. The four people left chose not to comment on Gloria''s behavior. In matters of a few minutes, Edward tidied himself before glaring to Jake''s direction that was viewing some old photo albums. "Jake, I had brought some new games? Do you want to see them?" Edward asked his nephew. Jake immediately turn his head upon hearing Edward and set aside the old photo albums. "Why would I refuse? Can you request my sister that I will come along with you?" Jake asked his uncle with bright eyes. "I know that you would ask that. I already requested, Jessa. Anyway, why don''t you bring some clothes if you wanted to sleep over my house," Edward hooted and messed Jake''s hair when Jake got closer. Jake paid no mind upon messing hair. He urgently ran up to his room and pack his things. "We''ll be going!" Edward shouted before leaving the house. Even though there was no response to him from the other two, he took no mind at all because the other two might be doing something important. Minutes after Jessa finished washing the dishes and the cooking utensils. She took her mobile phone from the table and saw many missed calls on it. She clicked to view who has missed caller and call back. "Does anything happen?" Jessa asked in a bland tone. "Have you remember about the Yearly Gathering that was held on exactly 7 pm?" the caller in the other line reminded. "Wait? What? Is it today? I totally forgot about it," Jessa exclaimed and couldn''t believe that she had truly forgotten about it. "I don''t know, what''s happening in you. But, you must attend the gathering because the Headmaster expects your presence and you know the venue, right. Well, I''m hanging up because I''m finishing something urgently," the caller concluded the call. "Jessa," Rachel called out. "Wha-what?!" Jessa exclaimed once again upon seeing Rachel leaning at the door. "You look problematic?" Rachel commented. "I think so?" Jessa answered with a bitter smile. "Well, what about it? Maybe I can help you?" Rachel offered. "I had to attend a party," Jessa answered. Hearing her friend''s answer, something in Rachel''s memory was triggered. "It was a formal party?" Rachel inquired. "Yes," "Was it only for the staff of the University?" Rachel inquired once again. "Yes," Jessa answered. "I remembered! It was the Yearly Gathering that you always attend?" Rachel asked. Jessa only gave her a nod. "You should be thankful, I had reserved many dressed in my wardrobe. Because we had the same body physique, you could choose among my dresses!" Rachel hooted and pulled Jessa outside the kitchen. "Before we leave? Can I call, Grandma?" Jessa taught. "You can do that later. We still have to drive to my house so I could fix you!" Rachel cheerfully spoke while pulling Jessa out of the house. "Wait I need to lock the house!" Jessa exclaimed. Rachel releases Jessa''s hand before pulling it once again after it locked the door. "Hello, Ma?" Edward greeted Gloria on the phone. "Where are you, right now?" Gloria asked. Edward couldn''t be helped but to clear his throat before answering. "Still stuck in the traffic here at the intersection. I probably at home in 10 - 15 minutes," Edward carefully answered. "Edward, Jake will be sleeping over at your home tonight. Jessa might also sleep there after the gathering, she will be attending tonight," Gloria commanded. "Ok," Edward helplessly answered. ---- Chapter 9: Calm Before the Storm (2) Chapter 9: Calm Before the Storm (2) Jake laid his back on the sofa while waiting Edward finish his work on the kitchen. "Jake, what do you plan after you graduate? It''s just a matter of time before you graduate from your course?" Edward asked after placing the bowl that was full of snacks in the center table. "I don''t know what to do after finishing my studies. I don''t even want to take a job yet. Maybe, I will take a few months of break," Jake answered and lazily took the game controller lying next to the bowl. "Oh? I don''t think Mom would let you do nothing," Edward chuckled and seated next to Jake. "I know but I still lazy to do anything after graduation. I just let her make any arrangement for me," Jake commented and took some snacks from the bowl. "Good luck then," Edward misled and also took the other game controller. "Uncle, you seemed baffling about letting grandma decide. Did something happened?" Jake asked upon seeing his uncle''s joyful expression. Edward cleared his throat before he spoke. "When I just graduated in college and didn''t have any plans for the future like you. Mom pushed me to take an exam in the Office, fortunately, I passed the test. It was quite hard for me to pass those tribulations back then, if I retook the test now, I might finish the test right after I entered," Edward boasted while controlling the game console to start the game he recently brought. "Really? What did the tribulation of the Office compose?" Jake asked while playing his part in the game. "Confidential, you will know if you join us. But it wouldn''t take a short time if Mom makes any arrangements," Edward spoke while focusing on the game. "Oh? On another topic, how old are you when you took the exam in the Office?" Jake asked curiously. "I don''t remember much when I took the test may be in my mid 20''s?" Edward answered like he wasn''t that sure about his answer. "Oh?" Jake taught and focus on the game. "You seemed searching for more answers, right?" Edward spoke while looking at the screen. Jake didn''t answer but rather silently nodded. "When I was quite young, I had come in contact with the General of the last generation. He was the General of Medical and Restorative Powers, I asked him why I''m there and what was the purpose of being there. Do you know what he answered?" Edward conveyed but cutting it and leaving Jake cliff-hung. Jake couldn''t be helped but to massage his temples. He should remember his uncle''s personality. Edward laughed seeing his nephew''s expression. "He said that like the Priests, we are also called to serve the Lord. Not to preach the Good News and the salvation, but rather to safeguard the world that was beyond the boundary of reason. From the very beginning, we''re not promise anything in return. Living in the Paradise, nor be welcomed in His Kingdom, we aren''t given any promises yet we all chose to serve humanity willingly. Everything we have was just a part of what we had to continue doing in the thousands of years," Edward continued. "How are you getting paid? Is all of your work was free?" Jake asked after thinking about how members of the Office get paid. "Surely, most of us are volunteers in the Office. The upper echelons are not that black-hearted not to give us any allowances. This was also why the Office had been two forms. The Businessman and the Guardian of the Church. But the higher hierarchy, hold both decision making parties in the whole Office. But for me, the smile of the innocent was already enough" Edward explained after finishing his part in the game. "I see," Jake spoke while nodding. He couldn''t understand, that much of what Edward was explaining, but he can get the gist of what it was explaining. The two continued to play until 8 in the evening. They only stopped until the two were already hungry and all of their snacks were wiped out by themselves. Meanwhile, Jessa was seating silently on her seat while observing other people dancing and mingling with each other. She was wearing a long, cami-style slit dress with ankle-strap heels following the Semi-formal theme of the Gathering. While the venue was located near the University to stop others from complaining that the venue was quite far like the previous gathering. "Jessa, why don''t you stand up and mingle with others?" Rey asked when he coincidentally passed by Jessa''s table. "I don''t know much people. My face wasn''t that thick to approach them," Jessa answered while giving him a forced smile. "You don''t need to have a thick face. You''re quite popular with guys, you know? It wasn''t that hard to take their attention," Rey taught while hinting something and took the seat near Jessa. Jessa couldn''t help but knit her brows upon hearing Rey and frown inside. "Are you mocking me?" Jessa asked with irritation. "Why do I mock the overseer of the Office? Do I have a right?" Rey spoke haughtily. "Well based on your tone, you are? Can you tell me what''s happening during I was away? It seems your character changed? Are you possessed?" Jessa irritably asked hearing Rey''s answer. "Oh? Did you observe that huh? Oh, I remember that I was thinking about how''s the mind conditioning of the Office? Does it was hard?" Rey taunting Jessa to her limit. "You better this act, Rey! Or else, I should''ve done what I should do," Jessa warned while staring Rey intently. "Or else what? I don''t fear you, I have nothing to hide." Rey taught and stared Jessa eye to eye. Staring into each others'' eyes, Jessa''s expression changed. "Nothing to hide, huh? Did you seem to be full of yourself? I don''t so," a creepy laugh came out of Jessa''s mouth. "Without even utilizing the Office or even the Zone''s resources. I could know what''s your dirty secrets. Tell me, do you want people to know your dark little secrets, Mr. Healer?" Jessa asked slyly. Hearing Jessa''s warning, Rey couldn''t help but sweat profusely. He knew facing a member of the Strategic Team was like using a double-bladed sword. He didn''t take account of how good Jessa''s situation manipulation. Rey felt that something was massaging his shoulders but it was quite heavy. When he turned his head, he saw the smiling face of the Headmaster. It wasn''t a joyful smile but rather a threatening smile. The Headmaster was supposedly over a hundred years old and was under the Sorcery Council. He usually wears a reading glasses accompanying with a petite physique. Currently, he was wearing a black American suit and blue sleeves inside. "Jessa, how''s your brother? My last news on him, he was still in a coma. Did he wake up?" the Headmaster asked to divert Jessa''s attention from Rey to him. Jessa took a deep breath before turning to the Headmaster. "He''s already awake and currently recuperating. Probably, he will be back next week," Jessa answered and couldn''t help but coughed remembering that Jake was just in her Uncle''s house playing some games. "I assumed that it was a piece of good news?! I''ll be advising his professors to help him catch up," the Headmaster answered gently but it''s expression stiffen. "It would be great but I think my brother wouldn''t need it. He can manage on his own," Jessa refused on the Headmaster''s goodwill because she senses something. If Jake knew the conversation of Jessa and Headmaster, he will not hesitate to bang his head on the wall. It was already the best opportunity that he could have right now, but unfortunately, her sister refused. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. "On the other hand, I heard that you''ve been stuck on being Intercessor III for almost 2 years and you''re overqualified to remain in your position. Do you have any thought of advancing?" the Headmaster asked the probable biggest concern. Jessa frowned once again inside, she already guessed the Headmaster''s intention. He wanted her out of the University as soon as possible. She controlled her expression and remain it calmed. "I don''t have a motion to file an advancement right now. My current concern was my brother. More or less, if he already graduated, I may take consideration of filing an advancement," Jessa answered with a half-truth. Jessa knew that she already dropped the bomb that may already explode in any second. She already knew that the Headmaster will rush secretly his brother''s graduation, to kick her out of the University sooner or later. Meanwhile, the Headmaster secretly smiled and knowing what he should do next. He also knew that Jessa wasn''t telling the full truth but he still has the patience to bear with her. He will surely watch out for the possible flaws of Jessa and use it against her to kick her out of the University and mostly the Office. He knew that she knew too much but she still not know about the most confidential information. "Well then, I hope that you will go to work tomorrow. Your students are craving to see you in class. See you tomorrow," the Headmaster bid before pulling Rey out of his seat. Rey could only bite his lips while following the Headmaster. He also knew that he will be greatly reprimanded by the Headmaster because of his act. He couldn''t help to touch his shoulders that were massage by the Headmaster because of the probable contusion. "That geezer! If I knew what he was brewing while I was away. I could surely kick him out of his office. In just a matter of time, I will know what you''re doing," Jessa vowed in annoyance. She took a deep breath before laying her back on the chair. She even emptied the content of the wine glass. She was startled when someone touched her shoulders from the back. "I should capture it. It was priceless," a female voice spoke. Jessa''s mouth contorted hearing the voice. "Rachel? Why are you here?" Jessa asked. Rachel was wearing almost the same type of dress and heels but the difference was the color and the design. "Well, it''s because of you. I know what will happen if I let you be alone here. You might come home drunk or even sleep on the streets. Probably, you may..." "Stop! I know. Just shut up, ok?" Jessa cut Rachel midway because she knew that it may say something sensitive. Elsewhere, an old man in his mid 60''s wearing a scarlet zucchetto and a red robe. He was the current archbishop and an appointed cardinal by the current pope in the last 3 years. He was seated at a furnished chair with matching a century-old carved wooden table. While the Cardinal was in deep thought, a sudden intrusion of a man on his 30''s wearing a black cassock. His arms were full of a pile of paper but were organized by its folder. "Your Eminence, this was the papers sent by the Office that arrived right now. I saw some red markings on the papers sent by the Office. This paper might demand you outmost attention," the priest spoke while carrying the pile. "You may place it there," the Cardinal pointed at the center table near his table. The priest immediately nodded and placed the pile on the table. It stretched its arms before it walked out of the room. "Does my scheduled visit in the Parish where I became the Parish Priest for almost 8 years before I became a bishop?" the Cardinal asked and stopping the Priest from walking out. The instantly turned to the Cardinal and slightly bowed. "My apologies, Your Eminence. The current parish priest had already confirmed that they already started arranging your upcoming visit. You don'' need to worry, Your Eminence. Everything was already set," the Priest gently answered. The Cardinal nodded. "How about the paperwork that I had submitted the day before yesterday?" the Cardinal asked once again. "We still didn''t have any news about it, right now. It''s more like, it was pending on the desk of the Apostolic Nuncio. We could do was to wait for it to be read and revised by the Apostolic Nuncio," the Priest gently answered again. "Thank you very much. You may go," the Cardinal gave his signal letting the Priest go back to its quarters. "I almost forgot that Director Lopez of Zone 66 was waiting in the reception area. Will I let him in?" the Priest asked with an apologetic face. The Cardinal was taken aback by the sudden visit of the Director. "Good evening, your Eminence. I apologize that I didn''t inform you that I will be visiting," the Director taught and slightly bowed. The Cardinal chuckled and welcomed the Director. He pointed the chair in the front of his table. "You started to call me by my position since I became a Bishop. I''m still thinking why, haven''t we become friends since we are in seminary? If you insist calling each other in each position''s title, I wouldn''t mind." the Cardinal taught. "Well, that''s better than calling each other name, especially in public. I hope you won''t mind, Your Eminence." Director Lopez spoke while smiling helplessly. Seeing its friend''s expression, Cardinal could only sigh. "Well, because of the curses that can be invoke knowing your real name, I can understand you. It was truly hard to be part of the Office, aren''t you? You may be also a Cardinal like me if you didn''t leave the seminary." the Cardinal spoke with regret. "Your Eminence, it was my decision to left the seminary that day. I had a home to support and to prevent from collapsing," Director answered while remembering some parts of his past. "I heard it once I passed by the faculty. It was a loss for our seminary at that time. Your the best of the Philosophy students that our seminary had," the Cardinal spoke while looking at Director Lopez. "I had once thought of it when I was on my mission in my latter years. If those circumstances didn''t happen, I may continue my vocation. But, our home was under the threat by our enemies that was waiting for that moment. I can only choose to seek the Office and sought for their help," Director Lopez spoke while his expression darkens and already frustrated. "Didn''t the Office watching? How could a clan like yours collapse with them being alarmed? Isn''t your clan was deep-rooted in the Office," the Cardinal asked that seemed to dig more of the Director''s past. "Yes, there were watching. But, the underhanded methods could escape the eyes of the Office. They''re not that omnipresent like God that would know all things," Director Lopez answered while indirectly revealing the flaws of the Office. "I see, but I don''t think that you''re just here to reveal your past. Does something foreboding is about to happen?" the Cardinal asked and chose to shift the topic. Director Lopez took a deep breath and letting out his frustrations. "It''s about the Holy Father," Director Lopez answered directly. "You also heard the gossip, aren''t you?" the Cardinal asked like treating it as a joke. Director Lopez knew what the Cardinal wanted to imply. "Unfortunately, yes. It was already known by the whole office. I''m here because I wanted to know what will be its implication," Director Lopez answered. "Someone was pulling the strings behind the Office''s back. It seems that the See of Peter will be shaken once again," the Cardinal muttered. --- Chapter 10: At the edge of the Storm (1) Chapter 10: At the edge of the Storm (1) Edward is currently seated inside a van with other 15 people that had the same destination as him. He was wearing a black American suit that was the same as others. They''re on the way to the meeting place where the debriefing will happen. After almost an hour, their van stopped and parked on a fast-food chain. Without a second thought, they exited the vehicle. "Team, please go inside. We had already arranged so no one will be bothering you. But remember, don''t make any commotion," the man on his late 40''s instructed. He was Lieutenant Radcliffe, the current reigning Lieutenant of the Home of Fearless located somewhere in the southern part of Greece. Also, he had been given a tasked to supervise and lead the mission given by the Headquarters. He was just notified about the mission yesterday. It was quite late for him to fully understand the tasked while he was in the Home. He could only review the mission details oh his way here. Meanwhile, Edward entered the fast-food restaurant, he already felt mixed emotions; joy, sadness, fear, and tiredness. He stopped to observe the surrounding but his observance was interrupted by a Lieutenant Radcliffe. It signaled to him to go inside the meeting room of the fast-food restaurant. Even though the whole room was only separated by the glasses, it was covered by blinds without any gaps or to eavesdrop the people inside. The members of the mission noted the many soundproofing devices and some anti recording devices inside. While almost everyone saw the boxes in the front as quite peculiar because of its size. "I assumed that all of you already debrief of how much danger we are facing. I''d observed most of you noted the proofing devices that were installed in this room. Whether it was for sound or any type of recording. This means that the Headquarters especially the Generals had high expectations for us to complete this mission. I also hope we could finish this without any complication despite the danger," Lieutenant Radcliffe hoped while giving the brief overview. Lieutenant Radcliffe took from his pocket a folding knife in his pocket and slice the sealing tapes. He gropes for anything for a second or two and then took out something that had a quite weight. He immediately smiled when he saw the name "FEARLESS" imbedded at the object''s front. It was a messenger bag. The Lieutenant opened the bag and inspect inside. The bag holds quite different things inside. What he immediately took out was a stack of paper that had a printed "Instructions". He carefully flipped the pages and read it twice. After reading the first page, he turned to the participants of the mission. "Well based on the Headquarters instruction, you need to surrender your any personal telecommunication devices. Also, anything that you will be identified as another person. Don''t worry it was just a protocol for any high rated mission like this. Your personal belongings will be returned to you after this mission ends with either success or failure. Do you understand?" Lieutenant Radcliffe instructed and took out a pack of plastic bags and a marker. He gave it to the nearest participant. He quietly observed the whole session of makings and surrendering the personal belongings of the participant. When all of the personal belongings of the participant had been given to Lieutenant Radcliffe and placed near the boxes. He took another thing from the box. It was quite a sizable hand-carry traveling bag. It was grey and printed "VALOR". "Before I proceed to distribute the bags for this mission. I''ll be debriefing the mission once again for the sake of everyone," Lieutenant Radcliffe taught while observing everyone and noting each of them. "This mission named "OPERATION: BLINDSPOT". THREAT LEVEL: HIGH. THREAT TO HUMANITY: MODERATE. THREAT TO THE CHURCH: VERY HIGH. Investigate the source of rumors about the resignation of the Holy Father. Find anything suspicious in Vatican City. Whether it''s part of religious Order, clergy, Swiss Guards, or civilians. The Main Hall suspected that something is happening that will disturb the current equilibrium and order," Lieutenant Radcliffe debriefed. A young man that was on it''s early 20''s raised its hands. "Sir, couldn''t the Headquarters investigate by themselves?" the young man asked. Lieutenant Radcliffe already anticipated the question being asked by the newbies. "Yes, the Headquarters could do the investigation directly but there are some implications. First, the real evidence will be destroyed immediately by perpetrators. Second, the Headquarters will not know who was really behind the incidents that may happen. Last, we would lose out training grounds and merits. A mission like this is more or less merit whether it failed or succeed. I assumed that all of you know the use of merits?" Lieutenant Radcliffe answered. "Was in this mission, we''re playing fire with fire?" the same young man asked. Lieutenant Radcliffe smiled. "Yes, the Headquarters always play fire with fire or putting more gas on the fire. I had already directed a mission like this but had a lower threat rating. Right now, the Generals foresees that the See of Peter will be shaken," Lieutenant Radcliffe answered once again. "I''ll be ending the introduction. Is anyone of you wanted to back off for this mission?" Lieutenant Radcliffe continued with a question while gazing at the participants. After a minute of silence, Lieutenant Radcliffe nodded. "So none of you wanted to chicken out of this mission despite the danger. Hmmm, good. By the way, as I said earlier, we are doing an infiltration of our sanctuary, the See of Rome. It will be quite tricky for us especially to our newbies but fear not, the Headquarters already made an arrangement. From this day, you will leave your identities here in this room. You''ll be living as what the Headquarters given identity for you. Do you understand?" Lieutenant Radcliffe asked. "Yes, sir!" they answered in unison. "House of Valor," Lieutenant Radcliffe started to call out the participants where Home or Zone they came from. "112" "79" "66" Hearing his Zone number, Edward stood and approached Lieutenant Radcliffe that was holding a green sizable hand-carry traveling bag. "It''s nice to see you again, Edward. It seemed that well be working once again," Lieutenant Radcliffe greeted Edward when he recognizes him. "Take care of me," Edward greeted back with a smile and slightly bowed before going back to his chair. The Lieutenant continued to distribute the bags until the last participant. He observes that the participants are waiting for his order to open the bags, especially the newbies that couldn''t hide their curiosity. "You may open your bags. I''ll be giving your position a little later after everyone already examines the contents," Lieutenant Radcliffe announced with a little consideration with the newbies. Edward also took the time to examine what''s inside the bag. He saw a plastic that had a lot of identification cards that had the same name as his picture. After checking the cards one by one, he took the wallet that had a lot of cash that seemed to be his pocket money for the whole duration of the mission. He also sees a smaller bag that has different sets of clothes and a pack that of papers that has sort of scripts. These scripts hold basic information about the character that he was playing. Their also some hygienic goods and a new mobile phone. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Lieutenant Radcliffe browses the instructions for the next steps. He nodded while reading because he knew all the people that were assigned in the specific positions. He chose to read the instruction further and his expression darkens. He couldn''t help but swallow. He looked once again to the joyful participants. "I didn''t know that this mission was high. This was the reason why the Headquarters rated it Very High. This also was why Edward was here. He was one of some that were specially requested to be part of this mission. They''re camouflage with the newbies. The Headquarters knew how to play with fire," Lieutenant Radcliffe murmured and gaze back to the participants. He clapped to gather the attention of the participants. "I''m expecting that you already know what was inside of the bags. The most special equipment inside the bag was the mobile phone. If you turn on the mobile phone, but I prefer that everyone will do it later. You will see an application that had a key icon with a COMM name. That application will be used as our communication source. It had enhanced security that other than you, no one could use it. Everything was already arranged, just do according to your scripts and report if anything was suspicious. Everything will happen according to plan if you don''t let anyone saw your scripts and eavesdrop your phones. Are we clear?" Lieutenant Radcliffe commanded. "Yes, sir!" everybody answered. "Dela Cruz, Villaluna, Jefferson, three of you will be leading each team that will be depending on the colors of the bag. Yellow will be the tour guide. Green will be tourists. Grey will be part of the Swiss Guards. I expect all of you will have full cooperation with your respective leaders. Any violent reaction?" Lieutenant Radcliffe questioned. When no one objected, Lieutenant Radcliffe looked at his wristwatch. "It''s almost time for lunch. I will call the fast food crew to deliver the food. We''ll be departing after lunch," Lieutenant Radcliffe spoke before leaving the room. Currently, Jake was seating with Luke in the cafeteria. They just finish their class with Professor Anderson. Luke hadn''t get his food or Jake drawing out his pack lunch. "Sorry to ask you, but who are we waiting for?" Jake asked impatiently. He was already waiting for over a quarter an hour. Luke could only smile helplessly and type to his mobile phone. "Just wait for just five minutes? She was already on her way here," Luke answered timidly. Jake could only scratch his nape and wait. After a minute or two, a lady that had almost the same age as the two sat between the two. "Luke, I''m sorry. We, especially our professor didn''t notice the time. We also silent our phones. So, forgive my tardiness," the lady asked while making her look pitiable. Luke rolled his eyes. "Fine, just don''t make us wait again. By the way, This is Jake. Jake, this is Hyacinth." Luke introduces the two with each other. Jake offered his hands but Hyacinth hugged him. In truth, Hyacinth didn''t have any towel to wipe her sweat, so she takes the opportunity to wipe her sweat. Seeing his friend''s action, he could only shake his head. He stood and separate the two and to save the two from embarrassment. "Why don''t just we order our food. I think if we don''t order now, we''ll be running late?" Luke suggested. "Oh, fine!" Hyacinth immediately accepted Luke''s offer and followed him to the counter to buy their lunch. While Luke and Hyacinth are in the queue. Hyacinth couldn''t help but ask. "Base on the character of the people around you, you don''t supposedly have any acquaintance or a friend. Seriously? What happened?" Hyacinth asked while glaring at Luke intently. Jake can''t help to smile bitterly. "Remember, when I was rushed to the hospital because of some bane mixed in the pool? Which paralyze me for three days?" Luke answered while refreshing Hyacinth ''s memory. Hyacinth nodded. "He just jumps to the pool to save me but it was vain. Hopefully, it bought time for her sister to save me," Luke added. "Wait? That guys'' sister? Ms. Reyes?" Hyacinth taught while in shock. She even turned to Jake''s direction and her forehead wrinkled. "Just ask him, you know?" Luke advised her. Hyacinth nodded. At the time that the two already seated, Jake took his pack lunch. Hyacinth immediately shined. "Can I have some?" Hyacinth asked while looking at Jake''s pack lunch. Jake moved his pack lunch towards Hyacinth. "You can have some," Jake answered awkwardly. Luke inhaled while seeing his shameful friend. "Jake, are you and Ms. Reyes siblings?" Hyacinth asked while munching the food given by Jake. "Yes," Jake shortly answered while eating. Hyacinth nodded and remembered something. "Aren''t you the guy I brought to the infirmary? The day I know that she had siblings," Hyacinth spoke according to her memory. Jake smiled secretly and thinking that everything was a coincidence, from when he had lost his consciousness until now she was Luke''s friend. "It''s pretty unrealistic right?" Hyacinth asked the two. Jake didn''t answer and just smiled. "Yeah, it is," Luke affirmed. "By the way Jake, Are your sister part of the Office?" Hyacinth diverted the topic. "I think so. It wasn''t that strange that she will be the part of the Office when your whole lineage was already members of the Office," Jake answered while mixing his opinion. "Since you know much, is that true that if you had any stain of witchcraft on your body, you can''t be part of the Office?" Hyacinth asked that seemed to out of curiosity. "As far as I know, the Office''s Headquarters had already set maximum requirements for the people who had stained by the power of witchcraft. If someone could pass the threshold, they probably became a member of the Office," Jake answered in the best of his knowledge. "Do you want to hear the certain fact between the Office and the Prophetic Clans?" Hyacinth talked like a paparazzi. "What is it?" Jake curiously asked while finishing his lunch. "Well, the Office and the Prophetic Clans are like oil and water. The Office despite the Prophetic Clans on how they shift someone''s fate which sometimes leads to the disturbance of the current order. If I were in their shoes, I will also despise them because I was working hard to maintain the peace and order," Hyacinth spoke. "Aren''t you part of the Prophetic Clans? Aren''t you loyal to your clan?" Luke interlude. Hyacinth rolled her eyes. "Not everyone like their families," Hyacinth spoke with dissatisfaction. ---