Chapter Eleven: MacFacius Pharmaceuticals
After an hour, Osiris sat with the rest of Devas in the living room to discuss what just happened in Nature's Best. Lazarus made Osiris recount the tale while he inspected the calling card.
"You sure he's a witch?" Lazarus asked while turning the card between his fingers. He just came back from the campus and was still in his white uniform.
"Positive," said Bree, "But it was rather odd that a witch is affiliated with the biggest pharmaceutical company in the country. Unless..."
"It's a trap," Carlo stated, finishing Bree's sentence, "probably a front by the Hand or the Mordigans to capture Os."
Lazarus put the card to the coffee table then looked at Osiris with a smile. "What do you think we should do?"
Osiris shrugged his shoulder. "I guess the only way to find out is to go to MacFacius."
"But you could be walking right into the lion's den," said Alicia.
Osiris stared back to Alicia. It was too good to be true that MacFacius Pharmaceuticals, a multi-billion company invited a high school undergraduate for an interview to fill up a position. But something in Osiris's guts keep nudging him to go and ever since coming out of the possession, he really relied on his instinct, for the last time he ignored it he nearly killed everyone in front of him.
"What, you think I should just ignore this? What if it's legit? I'm not going to pass up the opportunity to finally get a shot on normal life. And well, what if it's only a coincidence that he was a witch. He didn't feel too powerful to me and he seemed nice."
The determination in Osiris's voice was evident that Devas knew they will not be able to persuade him out of it. They also knew that Osiris really want to get a chance to live normally again, without the constant concern of looking over his shoulder for any attacks. Everyone agrees that Osiris had gone through so much that he really deserves a break. Bree glanced to Lazarus who nodded.
"You can be right. He might only be a Wiccan practitioner," said Lazarus thoughtfully.
"Okay," Bree agreed, "But we'll be going with you, Os, as a precaution. Lazarus and me will chaperon you to this interview."
"When do you think we should go?" Lazarus asked when Osiris looked surprised by the suggestion.
"You're coming with me? But I can't do that! I can't drag you to my mess again. What if it turns out to be a trap?"
"So it will be much better that we were with you. And come on Osiris, we're already in the mess. You don't expect us to just let you handle this, did you?" asked Bree while giving Osiris her patented try-to-disagree stare. Osiris's stay in the house taught him to shut up and agree whenever this stare comes up on Bree's face. Osiris smiled to them for their support but if it turned out to be a trap and something bad happens, it would be in his conscience for the rest of his life... if he survives that is.
"How about we do it tomorrow?" inquired Osiris.
Alicia nodded. "That'll be okay. Carlo and me can go and tend the shop for you guys."
Lazarus checked his schedule. Thankfully he only has one boring lecture at the university tomorrow. Bree, who also saw Lazarus's schedule said, "Hey, you have a lecture with Ms. MgEuan tomorrow. Will you be able to come with me and Os?"
"Of course I can make it," said Lazarus putting the print out back to his bag. "I can arrange Ms. MgEuan to excuse me from the lecture."
Bree rolled her eyes then gave Lazarus an accusing look. "Are you going to use your grandfather's name again?" Lazarus's grandfather was a great doctor and once taught in the university, even helped found it.
Lazarus narrowed his eyes to Bree, his unconscious guilty-gesture. "This would only be the third time I'm gonna do it."
"Fifth," Alicia corrected. Everyone laughed. So Lazarus's not that responsible after all, Osiris thought.
"How tight do you think the Hand's or the Mordigan's connection to MacFacius's?" asked Osiris.
"Well, seeing that this is a CEO's calling card, if it's legit and this is indeed a trap, we might not be able to get out of their office alive," said Lazarus, nonchalantly. "But in my opinion, it might just be a lure. MacFacius Pharmaceuticals is one giant company, have great credibility and do many charity work so, the Hand or the Mordigans might try to attack when we are out in the open, probably when we're about to enter or leave the building."
"Do you really think they'll risk getting exposed?" asked Carlo.
"The Hand's getting pretty aggressive nowadays. They risked it in New Valley High, so I think they're no longer afraid about exposure. It might also mean they are ready to make their move after thirteen years. As for the Mordigans, they might be desperate not to let Os be taken by the Hand"—Lazarus flipped the card again between his fingers—"We might be facing a war not far in the future."
Everyone exchanged frightened looks and Osiris once or twice saw everyone give him a worried look. In an effort to take the terrified expressions from everyone's faces, Alicia stood up and said, "How about I cook a great meal for supper?"
Carlo smiled at her. "Babe, you always cook a great meal," he said, eyes twinkling. Bree made a face.
"Babe?" she asked. "Where did that come from? Or better yet... where is this going?"
The grim atmosphere cleared as everyone's mind temporarily forgot the troubles at hand. The teasing made both Alicia and Carlo turn red and to escape the interrogation, Alicia said, "I'll start cooking now. I'll be in kitchen if anyone needs me."
"I'll come with you," said Carlo hastily, apparently didn't want to be left with Bree. The two teenagers went upstairs while Bree, Lazarus and Osiris snickered loudly. Osiris turned to Bree with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"You don't need to envy the two love birds Bree, I'm here if you need me," said Osiris in a playful tone. Bree turned to look at him with a laugh.
"As if I'd go for you," she said shrewdly. "I don't fancy little boys."
"Little? You once said you're impressed and now you're calling me little?" asked Osiris, brows wriggling. Bree was laughing but Lazarus, who appeared not to get the joke stood up.
"I'm going to change out of my uniform," he said flatly. "See you two at dinner." Then he walked up the stairs, his expression unreadable. Osiris looked at Bree, smile gone.
"Was it something I said?" he asked. Bree gave Osiris a comforting pat.
"You'll understand someday," she said vaguely then followed Lazarus to his room leaving Osiris by the sofa, curious and confused.
"Hey," Bree said as she entered Lazarus's room. Lazarus just finished changing now wore a blue cotton shirt and khaki short pants, now stood in front of the mirror, combing his jet black hair. "Lazarus, you okay?"
He gave her a small smile that vanished immediately as he continued to comb his hair. Bree walked to his bed and sat without an invitation and just looked at his adopted brother.
Even though the two of them were of the same age, Lazarus was the one who took charged. Bree always told him that he has an innate ability of leading and helping others. In high school, she always noticed that the teachers looked at Lazarus with outmost admiration and constantly bragged that he was their pride and joy. Of course, with all of this attention, Lazarus got forced, though unconsciously, to reach everyone's expectations and in result, nearly losing his self just to satisfy the people around him.
"Lazarus, he was only joking," Bree tried again. "He wasn't seriously—"
"He likes you Bree. I can see that and it's okay. It's okay," muttered Lazarus.
"No it's not okay. I don't want you to think that I'm—"
Lazarus turned and the look in his face made Bree stop.
"I love you Bree," he said in a low tone, "and I don't want Osiris to come between us. But I can't really stop anyone's feelings. Looking at the two of you, I can see that it'll work out."
Bree frowned for she knew he was only trying to sound brave, trying to ignore the feelings within him and she felt rather guilty that she was a reason of hurt for Lazarus, the man who took her in his family and gave her a wonderful life after her own parents abandoned her.
"I don't... love Osiris, Lazarus. I love you too and I won't break my promise to you. I know you're hurting and I'm sorry if I'm the reason for that. Please don't hate me—"
"No!" Lazarus said quite loudly. He sat on an armchair by the window and looked at Bree. "I don't hate you. I will never. It's just... hard. I tried to stop my feelings Bree. Even cast a spell or two but I can't... I can't stop from..."
"Falling in love can't be undone by magic Lazarus," Bree approached him, extended her hand, smilingly. "We should embrace it. You had told me how you really feel. Why do we have to keep it a secret?"
Lazarus took her hand and held it, feeling the same support and love she has given him just like the day she saved his life.
"You can't tell. I can't get hurt again because of what other people think. And Os... I know he loves you. I can see it." Lazarus stared to Bree's eyes. "And I know you have feelings for him too."
Bree sighed. She knew it would be a great betrayal to confirm that Lazarus was right for she thinks she was getting quite fond of Osiris too... but she can't hurt Lazarus, she can't break her promise.
"I love you too much," said Bree, "I won't hurt you."
Lazarus shook his head. "You're better off together." He looked out of the window staring to nothingness and said more to himself, "If me and... if we get together... people will object. You're my sister and if Osiris chooses to be with you don't stop yourself for my part. I love you. I need to let go."
Lazarus's only weakness was the most powerful form of magic, for it can be a blessing and a curse: love.
The drive to the center of the city was rather uneventful probably due to the tension Osiris, Lazarus and Brigit were feeling in anticipation of what would happen when they arrive to their destination. Bree and Lazarus were acting kind of strange at dinner last night and Osiris couldn't help notice that the two were both acting rather too casual towards each other.
But he didn't really give it much thought as he got preoccupied with his own worries. He hadn't gotten any sleep last night, as every time he closed his eyes, he sees an image of Bree getting incinerated or Lazarus bleeding to death.
Osiris glanced nervously to Lazarus by the driver seat. Lazarus's powerful, he thought, we'll be all right. Then he glanced to the rearview mirror and saw that Bree was looking at him. Os tried to listen to her mind but now that he thought about it, he never heard any thoughts from any of the members of Devas ever since they rescued him which was rather weird, as though they were impervious of his telepathy. She smiled at him, as though silently giving him a thumbs-up. He smiled at her in return, blushing a little. Osiris silently promised himself that he will try and make his move to Bree if ever they survive this trip.
Why are we doing this again anyway? Osiris thought over and over again. He knew that it was rather selfish of him because his initial reason was to get a normal life... a job away from all the magic. But he reassured himself and even Lazarus agrees that it would be hard for the Hand or the Mordigans to get a foothold on MacFacius; the company was just well-known and too prominent for the taste of witch covens that liked the secrecy and mystery. Osiris boosted his confidence by keep telling himself that everything will be all right. He hoped.
Because of his tangled thoughts, Osiris hadn't noticed that they already entered the parking lot by the side of the MacFacius Pharmaceuticals Corporate Building. Only after Lazarus killed the engine did he realize that they were there. Before getting out, the three looked at each other.
Bree was lost for words, too nervous to say anything. Osiris was anxious too, trap or no trap, he was going to be tested on this job interview. Lazarus took their silence as his cue to pump some encouragement to everyone, including himself.
"Okay, for all we know, the Hand or the Mordigans will try and intercept us before or after we enter the building. Be vigilant and don't hesitate to use your powers." Lazarus stared to Osiris. "If this turns up not to be a trap, just be yourself. They might interview you in a private room where we can't accompany you so call us telepathically if you need our help. Good luck."
The three took a deep breath in harmony then got out of the car. They rounded a corner and saw the main entrance, their senses at the ready for any ambush. A smiling bulky-built security guard opened the door for them and as they entered the premise, they can't help but admire the beautiful architectural designs of the lobby. It didn't look like an office building at all but more like a five star hotel. Osiris wondered if they were indeed in the right building.
A crystal chandelier in the center of the rectangular ceiling was bathing the place with soft golden light. People packed the cavernous entrance hall, in business suits walking vigorously around, some talking with what appeared to be clients and some seated in posh leather couches and armchairs on the far end of the room.
Intimidated at first, Osiris reminded himself that they were invited there so he bravely approached the huge information desk at the far end of the room where at least half a dozen men and women sat talking to their headsets. Lazarus and Bree were behind Osiris like body guards, their eyes searching the area for any magical activity. Once or twice, the three felt surges of power, a sign that a witch was on the area.
"Hello sir. What can I do for you?" said a blondish woman showing perfect white teeth by her smile and looked probably in her late thirties. The tag on her chest said: CORNELIA MAYER, Reception.
Osiris gulped. "Um, well, I was informed that Henri MacFacius would like to interview me for a job. A man gave me this and he told me to go here anytime if I'm interested." He handed the receptionist the calling card and she examined it carefully. Lazarus and Bree continued to look around.
"May I know your name sir?"
"Osiris Rites," said Osiris, slightly sweating in the white long sleeved shirt Lazarus lent him even though the air conditioning was already at full swing in the room. Cornelia Mayer pushed some buttons on her keyboard then asked him to wait while she phoned the executive office.
"Hello? Mr. MacFacius's office, this is Reception. Osiris Rites is here looking for Mr. Henri MacFacius," said Cornelia, and then listened to the other line for a moment. "Yes, okay then. Thank you."
The receptionist pushed another button then looked at Osiris; her smile looked as though it was pasted on her face. "You can go to Mr. MacFacius's office by using the executive elevator." She pointed her hands to her left where Osiris saw a line of at least eight elevators by the wall. One appeared to have gold plated doors.
"Thank you," said Osiris then turned his back to the receptionist and looked at Lazarus and Bree. "So far so good?"
"There are some witches in the vicinity but I don't think they're any threat," muttered Lazarus. Osiris nodded then led them to the gold plated elevator doors and soon enough saw a small brass sign beside it proclaiming an engraved message: Executive
Elevator: Restricted Access
Pushing the up button, the three waited only for few seconds for the gold doors to slide open. A muscular guy, comparable to a gorilla in a suit sitting on a stool, greeted them. Silently, Osiris, Lazarus and Brigit entered the rather spacious elevator, which had a small chandelier too. The thuggish man pushed some buttons, then the doors closed and they started to rise.
The trip lasted for a minute and when the doors opened again, their sight were greeted by a well-designed room even much extravagant than the lobby below, with busy looking staffs all dressed to impress, walking around, coming in and out of half a dozen offices. Paintings decorated the walls and beautiful sculptures in every corner gave it an impression of grandeur only museums can emanate.
But the double doors with golden handles that stood directly in front of them were the most awesome feature of the room. It was made of black crystal, roughly carved but still looked artistically beautiful and stood imperiously before Osiris, Lazarus and Bree. The mere sight projected a sense of supremacy. It became obvious where Henri MacFacius's office was.
Osiris gave his companions a silent nod then they approached another desk beside the double doors where a brown haired woman sat talking to her headset. Before Os could say a word, she cut her call, unhooked her earpiece and stood up from her chair then said, "Mr. Rites, Mr. MacFacius would like you to wait for a moment. There are clients that he needed to talk to before he can speak with you."
She led the three to a corner where a number of leather armchairs and a coffee table with stacks of magazines were located.
"You can seat here while you wait. Can I get any of you anything? Coffee or snacks?"
"No, we're fine," answered Osiris as he, Lazarus and Bree took each a seat. The leather was cold but comfortable. The secretary hurried back to her swivel chair and answered the ringing phone. Osiris looked at his friends. Lazarus smiled at him.
"Nothing very threatening about the place," he said to Osiris, "I guess, we exaggerated a little."
Bree looked up. The ceiling had been decorated with paintings like the ones on the dome of the Sistine Chapel, with another titanic crystal chandelier, sparkling brilliantly. "If you ever get hired in here, you owe me a Gucci," she glanced to Osiris, who was looking very impressed with their surroundings too. They started to relax as they didn't feel any witch in the area.
And after a moment, the secretary approached them and said, "Mr. MacFacius is ready to see you now Mr. Rites. If you'll follow me..."
Lazarus and Bree gave Osiris an encouraging smile as he stood and followed the secretary. The beautiful black crystalline doors opened and a band of Asian businessmen exited from the office. The secretary let them passed first before she held the door open to let Osiris enter.
The office was a very large chamber with white marble walls and reddish hardwood floor. A man behind an oak desk, stood as Osiris and the secretary entered. Osiris assumed that the man was the CEO, Mr. Henri MacFacius.
"Mr. Osiris Rites, nice of you to join us," said Mr. MacFacius, extending his hand over his huge desk and giving Osiris a warm smile, who reached and shook the offered hand. "Please sit down. Do you want anything? Coffee or tea?"
"No sir. I'm okay," said Osiris, who sat on a black leather chair in front of Mr. MacFacius's desk. The secretary closed the door but remained within the room, probably waiting for any orders from her boss.
Osiris observed Henri MacFacius as the man returned to his seat, looking a bit surprise because he visualized the man to be much older. Looking to be in his early or mid-thirties, Mr. MacFacius appeared to be a man of strong character, assured and wise. He was looking very ordinary and friendly, as though he wasn't a multi-billion businessman. The CEO continued to stare at Osiris too, as though he was a business that was profiting nicely. When he couldn't take it anymore, Osiris started the conversation after whole minute of silence.
"Um, Mr. MacFacius, I was just wondering why you would like to offer me a job in your company?" said Osiris. "What made you think I'm qualified?"
"Os, call me Henri. Well, to tell you the truth, I am not offering you a job in my company Os," said Henri looking at Osiris who frowned at this.
"You don't? But... one of your men—"
"Yes, yes. I ordered Darryl to go to you. But I won't be offering you a job Os. I'm offering you a partnership."
Osiris frowned more heavily now. "A partnership? But why would you want me to be your partner? I'm—"
"A warlock," Henri said softly, staring directly to Osiris's eyes which grew in shock. Osiris stopped dead as his throat went dry almost immediately.
"What are you talking about?" Osiris croaked.
"I'm talking about a partnership between you and me. I want you to join not my company but my coven," said Henri nonchalantly, ignoring the frightened expression on the young man's face. "Osiris, I want you to join the Hand of Atonement."
Osiris's mouth fell open and he automatically rose from his seat looking livid. He turned to the secretary who was slowly changing her form like a molting snake. Her brown hair re-grew changing into silky black and her business suit morphed to a violet thigh-length robe that Osiris vividly remembered. It was the woman who nearly wrenched his heart out.
"Hello Os," she said in a melodious voice as though taunting.
"I can see you remember Lilith," said Henri then smiled.
Osiris stood frozen as though he was rooted on the spot and in spite of himself, closed his eyes for a second then opened them in hope that the woman will vanish. He couldn't believe this... it was a trap after all.
"You won't kill me that easily!" Osiris roared as he waved his hand, intending to send Lilith flying but nothing happened. He stared in utter disbelief to his open palm then waved it again but nothing flew out of the room.
"Don't waste your time using your power," said Henri, still smiling. "You are in my Territory, Osiris. The whole floor is, so, my word is law here. And don't worry. I don't want to kill you anymore."
Osiris refused to believe this announcement and tried to call Lazarus and Bree telepathically but they didn't answer even how much he screamed in his head. Panicking, he turned to the door, only five meters away, and dashed towards it. Yet only after three steps, his body felt heavy as gravity increased a hundred fold making him collapse to the floor, breathing heavily.
Henri MacFacius waved his hand lazily, making Osiris's body float upright to face him again. Henri's face looked rather sympathetic like a father who caught his son doing something wrong for the first time.
"Os, will you relax? If you are destined to die in my hands you would have been dead the first time you set foot in this building," said Henri still holding Osiris aloft.
Osiris cursed at the top of his lungs. "Relax hell! You tried to kill me, you bastard! You killed Angelina! Now you want me to relax you pathetic piece of scum! Fu—"
It was as though a tennis ball got stuffed to his throat as it forgot to operate. Osiris opened and closed his mouth but no sound came out as he started to choke for the lack of air.
"Really!" said Henri in a disapproving tone. "The kind of language you young people use these days... then you'll wonder why older people don't understand or listen to you lot."
Osiris continued to levitate and choke as air refused to enter his lungs no matter how much he inhaled. Henri waited another ten seconds before releasing his hold on the young man, dropping him to the floor gasping for breath. Osiris looked up and glared to the reason of his continuing nightmares... the reason for his cursed life.
"You, young people, ought to remember that `nature has given us two ears, two eyes but one tongue to end that we should hear and see more than we speak'. Schools no longer teach Socrates these days," said Henri. "Listen to my side of the story Os before you start cursing the room."
"Your side of the story?" snarled Osiris, glancing towards the doors and saw Lilith guarding it. "Do you really think I'll believe a single word you'll say? It's because of you that I got dragged to this mess. I wonder how you can sleep at night while there are hundreds out there dying because of you."
Henri sat down to his leather chair totally unperturbed. He even conjured himself a cup of coffee.
"You know Os, I think we started on the wrong foot," he said then sipped his cup, "I obviously made a mistake when I tried to kill you. I apologize."
Frustrated by how the man in front of him was acting, Osiris made disbelieving sound. "You apologize? Can your stupid apology bring back Angelina?"
"I can bring her back to life. Just like any worker, all I need are the proper tools," said Henri with a daring glare.
"I don't believe you," muttered Osiris. "No one can bring back the dead."
"Do you really believe that or are you just scared that I might actually be right?" said Henri obviously challenging Osiris. "You can feel it, Os. You know I can do it."
"If you think that's how you can convince me, I won't join you. I'll never be like you... murdering people just so you can become successful... creating a company just so you can control the world," Osiris said forcefully, his voice full of contempt. "Atonement? You say that you want to save humanity but the only thing that you're really doing is destroying it more and more."
A flash of metal got to Osiris's line of sight as a dagger soared to the air from behind, gliding inches away from his right cheek. It hit the large window two feet above Henri's head, where it stayed pierced on the cracked glass.
"How dare you talk to him as though you know everything," whispered Lilith in a deadly voice. Osiris can feel that she was now less than a foot behind him as she murmured near his left ear, her breath warm to his skin. "I ought to kill you for that."
"Lilith... you shouldn't have than that," Henri said calmly. Above him, the dagger fell off the glass but Henri simply opened his left hand and caught it without even looking. A sizable crack on his window was apparent but in few seconds, it mended itself and the glass was whole again. "His reaction was expected... Os doesn't know everything yet."
Osiris didn't have time to react as Henri threw the dagger so fast that it flew towards his chest. But Lilith's hand suddenly appeared holding the handle, preventing the dagger from striking his heart. Looking down nervously, he stared as Lilith slowly dragged the point of the knife on his torso before withdrawing it and pocketing it again. She returned to guarding the door when Osiris turned.
"Sit down Os and I shall give you a narrative of the past and my reasons," said Henri. Osiris hesitantly took his seat again but warily glared to Henri MacFacius. He decided that the wise thing to do for now was to play by Henri's rules as his powers didn't work in the room. Henri emptied his cup then refilled it and conjured a cup for Osiris. He ignored it.
"Tell me then... tell me your reason. Tell me why Angelina needed to die," Osiris said, his voice shaking in suppressed fury.
"It was not on my plans for Miss Reyes to die. It's just that Seth... exaggerated his interpretations of my order. I only required you to be captured. I didn't want any innocent casualties. But of course, I anticipated that the Mordigan Witches will try and thwart my plans so I told my Sergeants to do what's necessary to get the target... you. Seth said he viewed Miss Reyes as an impediment for your capture."
Osiris's blood boiled as he heard Henri talk about Angelina's death so casually. "Impediment? She was defending me using a broom handle!"
"Yes... and I apologize for that. Seth has been reprimanded for his actions."
Osiris felt a lump in his throat... this guy was apologizing as though he just broke something... as though Angelina was nothing!
"Why did you want me captured? Why did you need my heart?" demanded Os.
"It was an act of desperation Osiris," said Henri, who now appeared to be worn-out all of a sudden. "I needed your heart for it was an ingredient to a potion I had intended to brew. The Essence of Innocence, a healing potion that can restore your health to its fullest extent but for the price of another for it required a fresh heart of a naïve witch or warlock, ignorant of magic. I didn't know then who you really are. Never knew that you're a member of the House of Rouman. If I knew, I would not have tried to kill you."
"So when I discovered my powers I no longer qualified to be a potion ingredient," Osiris said nastily. "Why do you still want me?"
"Osiris, I told you. You are a member of the House of Rouman making you more than a potion ingredient now. You are the key to the Mordigan Witches' weakness."
"Just because one of my ancestors said so? Don't tell me I'm the only Rouman left in the world?"
Henri grinned, looking rather amused as though he never met quite a youth. He can sense that Osiris was terrified of him but Henri observed that the young man's fear was fading more and more as time passed.
"It might be hard to believe but yes, you are the only Rouman descendant left," said Henri, "It took me so many years to track down your family, Osiris. I had expected that even traces of the Rouman blood would be found in many descendants but even by using my most powerful tracking spells, I couldn't find any more. It was like your family had been extinct... I even thought that the Roumanic curse might only be a fable but now that you are here...."
"I won't help you kill all the Mordigan Witches if that's what you're asking. I won't be an accessory to your massacre."
"Who told you I want to kill them all?" Henri asked surprised. "I would like to kill some of them but not all. Don't tell me that's the tale Verdandi Britestone planted in your head? Os there are still lots to learn. But I'm quite curious, why you are not enraged to the Mordigans similar to the fury that you're projecting to me now, as I can remember, they also tried to kill you?"
Henri's way of asking sounded rather amused and the question made Osiris think for a second. He did feel a slight anger and disappointment towards the Mordigans but not enough to let a madman like Henri MacFacius kill them all.
"Yes, they tried to kill me but that reason was still because of you," said Os. "They thought you could use me against them so..."
"They didn't take any chances and tried to dispose you," said Henri. "Tell me Os, do they look worth defending now?" Os couldn't answer right away. Henri took his silence as uncertainty and continued.
"Os, what kind of image have you heard about the Mordigan Witches? What kind of a coven are they?" Henri asked rather coolly as though this was just an ordinary job interview.
"Many said they're the greatest coven there is," said Os rather too forcefully than he meant too. "They are the protectors of this world against evil. Against things like you."
Henri merely smiled. "Protectors are they? From evil like me? Tell me then Os, what kind of actions does the Mordigans do to prevent the world from being consumed of evil?"
"They're stopping you don't they?" Osiris sneered.
"So that's the only great thing that they're doing?" asked Henri. "Stopping the Hand of Atonement? With so much magical powers at their disposal, that's the best they can do? Killing my members and constantly hunting me down while there are at least billions of people out there dying of hunger? While there are billions out there dying in front of some pathetic hospitals due to their refusal of service because the patient doesn't have money, the Mordigans are exhausting themselves to eradicate the Hand? And to stop the Hand, they hunted and tried to kill you, Osiris Rites... tell me does that sound like the greatest coven there is?"
Osiris got completely off guard and didn't say anything but Henri didn't wait for an answer as he stood suddenly, emotions taking hold of him.
"I have used my magic to cure the sick, feed the hungry, console the dejected. I gave pride to the dregs of this world that the Mordigan Witches ignores to help because of their pathetic principles of not using their magic in their lame excuse of fearing exposure. I, Henri MacFacius, founded a company that sells low pricing yet the most effective medicines in the world, saving countless lives everyday, giving jobs to the unwaged and giving hope to the dying. That Osiris Rites is the thing that the Mordigan Witches are trying to destroy. That is the evil that you think I am."
Henri MacFacius now towered as he stood looking down to Osiris, who sat, silent in shock by what he just heard. It was impossible, that a coven so dark in the views of the world now appeared to be its hero. Could it possibly be real that the Hand of Atonement was good after all?
"You're lying," mutter Os after a while. "You kill people. You bewitch them and steal their companies. You abused the power given upon you."
"I won't deny that I had my hands stained while doing all of these but I think it was all necessary for the greater good. To kill a criminal so I can use his liver to obtain a medicine that shall save an innocent child is a sacrifice I'm willing to make," said Henri point-blank.
Frowning heavily, Os now understood what Henri was saying and he can see why the Mordigans were stopping them. Yes, the Hand of Atonement did do their share of goodness but the ways upon they do these were illicit and immoral and inhumane.
"But that's wrong," said Osiris, "you can't kill a man even if he did commit a crime. Anyone doesn't have that right."
"Even if that man's death can save a life? I'm not punishing him but giving him a chance to have atonement, to pay the price for his sins making him valuable even in the time of death."
"But murder is still murder. It's immoral. It's illegal. It's a crime," said Osiris arguing his point.
"A crime?" Henri laughed. "Do you really think the Constitution is the sole object that defines right and wrong? A law is only right when the government thinks it fits their purpose. Law can be bended, twisted, shrunken and rewritten for the benefit of those foolish humans, they who think they have the real power but do nothing to change the world. Honestly, tell me, do you agree to death penalty?"
"No," answered Os firmly.
"How about the execution of a dictator a few years ago, who had been found guilty committing genocide, starting senseless wars and other crimes against humanity during his reign? Are you saying you would have let him live?"
Silence filled the large office while Os pondered the question but again Henri didn't wait for too long.
"You see Os? There is such a fine line between right and wrong. Nothing is absolutely light or dark in this world because everyone of us casts a shadow. Sometimes people do the right things but still suffer a consequence. While me... I choose to suffer the consequence to do the right things. The Mordigan Witches were saying that I should not tamper with destiny but I say this is my destiny; to change this world and end its suffering and if I have to obliterate all the impediments on my way I shall do it."
Henri paused panting slightly while Osiris looked apprehensive due to the things he was hearing. Osiris believed that Henri was a lunatic but he cannot deny that the man's argument had a point.
"They are my only hindrance Osiris..." said Henri quietly after catching his breath, "...the Mordigans. I had once trusted them, just like you trust them now, to uplift our world. But I think they work too slowly. They give it all to fate and free will but I know better. Humans are the only threat to themselves. I can no longer stand and watch people die on my feet so I took the liberty and acted on my own. There are only few who deserve our world and I will save what is left before it's too late."
"And what would be my part?" asked Osiris, sounding very apprehensive.
"All I ask, is you help me enter the Mansion," answered Henri. "That's all."
"And then? If you're not going to kill them then what are you going to do to the Mordigan Witches to prevent them from stopping you?"
Henri paused and smiled as though deliberating whether he ought to say or not. Then he answered, "I will relinquish their powers. All of them."
Looking unconvinced, Os said, "But that's going to take tremendous amount of magic. How will you be able to do such a spell?"
Henri gave Os a taunting smirk. "If I'm powerful enough to render your powers useless without hurting you, I assure you I have other tricks up my sleeve to relinquish the Mordigans' magic without killing them."
"And when you no longer have the Mordigans as an impediment?" asked Os. "What will you do to the world then?"
"I will get rid of its suffering," simply said by Henri.
Osiris shook his head. Everything was overwhelming, even hard to believable. He had been warned by Caleb, by Roland, by Lazarus that the Hand of Atonement was a coven devoted to evil. Yet he found himself sitting in the very room with the man who founded the greatest company ever known... the same man who founded the Hand of Atonement.
"I'll need time," said Osiris in the hope to get out of the office alive. "You can't expect me to make my decision right away."
Henri nodded and the knot on Osiris's stomach eased. "Of course but I am glad that you are considering my side Os," he said, "but before you go I want you to take this and watch it." Henri took something from his drawer and handed it to the young warlock. Looking at it, Osiris saw that it was a DVD.
"What is this?"
"You'll know. I didn't make it but it was one of the reasons that made me become sure of my decisions to help the world. It opened my eyes... maybe it will aid your decision too," Henri said then he got to his feet and extended his hand.
Standing nervously, Osiris shook Henri's hand rather hastily. He can't believe he was getting out of there alive.
"Lilith will show you out and may we see each other again. Goodbye Os," smiled Henri.
Osiris turned and saw that Lilith morphed back to being a secretary and opened the doors. At the sight of Osiris, Lazarus and Bree stood up with inquiring looks. He gave them a sharp look and walked straight to the elevator without a word. The two stared at each other, worried. The bloke on the elevator greeted them and after they got in, the elevator started descending. Mirrored in the shiny metal doors, Osiris just noticed how pale he was. He wiped off the sweat on his forehead by his hand while Bree glance at him every now and then.
He got out of the elevator as fast as he could and walked straight to the exit doors. The security guard bid them farewell but Osiris was too preoccupied to notice; Lazarus and Bree walked hurriedly just to keep up with him.
"Os, what's the matter?" asked Bree as they got in the car. "You look so pale."
"Didn't you get the job?" asked Lazarus looking concerned. "And what's this?" He picked up the DVD Osiris unconsciously drop to the car floor.
He stared at them, expression horror-struck. Osiris inhaled then said, "No, it wasn't a job offer. They want a partnership... the Hand of Atonement."
(to be continued...)
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Comment if you like. My email's still the same. Sorry for the delay.
Fritz D. Ilagan darkdraiodoir666@hotmail.com