Chapter 54: Harper's Big Day Pt.2

Chapter 54: Harper's Big Day Pt.2

That kid's been causing problems again?

Well, he doesnt speak so it isnt strange that the other kids pick on him.

They think hes cursed.

The way his parents died, I would think the same.

The gossiping of older women filled up the orphanage. For the women who served as caretakers, it was one of their favorite past times. They sat around and spoke ill of the children they found bothersome.

Excuse me. The voice of an old man interrupted their activities.

Ah, yes. One woman hurriedly walked over, but her steps lost their enthusiasm when she saw that the old man was dressed in a black cloak. While it was somewhat rare, there were those who adopted children from orphanages before selling them as slaves to whoever paid the most. She looked closer to see a wrinkled face old man hidden under the cloak.

Im looking for someone. The old man noticed the womans hesitation but paid it no mind.

This is an orphanage, but, Sir...If youre

My nephew. The old man interrupted harshly. His parents died recently and I just received the notice. He pulled documents from under his cloak as he finished speaking and then placed a few hundred Gre.

Keep the change. He added.

The woman looked embarrassed, she was just about to warn him about attempting to adopt children for illegal purposes.

Just a moment. The woman grabbed the Gre and the paperwork before bowing slightly and leaving to find the child.

The gossiping women witnessed the scene and were all silent. While it was a bit awkward for them, the old man didnt seem to care at all. A little while later the woman returned with a thin child who had dark circles around his eyes.

When the child arrived in front of him, the man spoke. Have you been eating, boy?

We feed all of the children three times Before the woman could finish, the Old man glared at her.

Whered you get those bruises? The old man grabbed the silent boy and pulled his collar, revealing large red marks.

Sir...The kids here tend to play a lot so its not strange for someone to get injured a little.

Is that so? He barely talks but you expect me to believe he plays with other children here. From what I can see none of you have been taking care of him at all...Youll come to regret that. The old man said aggressively before he pulled the boy along and left without giving the lady a chance to explain.

At his threatening words, the woman felt an odd chill.

Just ignore him, a hateful old man like that is bound to die soon. A caretaker said as she snorted.

Yeah The woman answered absentmindedly. She couldnt quite shake the unnerving feeling the man gave off when he threatened her.

Outside the orphanage. The old man and the boy walked side by side in complete silence.

My name is Oren. Your father was my younger brother, he probably never mentioned me. The old man said.

The boy remained silent and carried a vacant look as he followed the Oren.

I have a question, boy. Do you want to get revenge on those people back there? It's only natural after all they did to you, right? Oren inquired.

The boy looked at Oren for the first time with a questioning gaze.

Aaaah! Sin screamed as he felt an arm break. One didnt appear to be enough for Harper as she broke the other one which elicited another high pitched cry from Sin.

Seeing that he was restrained, Harper finally took a breath.

That was sneaky when you tried to blow me up, Harper said as she kicked Sin in the face which caused him to groan. Harper took a few deep breaths and then disconnected the chain from her staff and tossed it over some scaffolding.

What...are you doing? Sin asked as he watched Harper pull the chain which caused him to be suspended in the air.

Shut up. Harper punched Sin in the face before conjuring a spectral hand to hold the chain for her. She then activated her Spectral Vision and surveyed the room, she immediately saw a bright blue flame downstairs.

Whos down there? Harper said as she turned to Sin.

You cant stop it. Sin answered with a pained laugh.

Harper punched him directly in the chest which caused him to whimper while coughing up blood.

Tell whoever that is to come up here and save you, Harper said as she raised her baton and struck Sin.

Oren finally completed the ritual and just as he was going to activate it, he heard an ear piercing scream from a familiar voice accompanied by the sound of something being hit with a blunt object.

Uncle Oren! Sin cried miserably from above the cellar. Uncle Oren, please!

Sins voice sounded constricted as if his face was swollen and it probably was as the intensity of the beating increased. Although Sin killed many people he was still a kid, and that being so, he wouldn't be strong under any form of torture.

Useless, kid. Oren shook his head regretfully. Although Sin did buy him some time he ultimately failed to dispatch the intruder which showed that he placed too much confidence in him.

"Uncle Oren!"

Oren ignored the pleas for help and began to activate the ritual to open a doorway between the living and the dead.

Harper lowered her bloody baton as she looked at Sin who was covered in purple and red bruises.

Looks like your uncle doesnt care, Harper said while shrugging.

Uncle...Oren One of Sins eyes was swollen shut, but the other produced a few fresh tears as he realized his uncle wouldnt help him. In truth, Sin didn't care about the cult at all. He only wanted to be useful to his Uncle so he did whatever he asked. The feelings of abandonment and loss resurfaced from when his parents died and left him in a stupor.

If I go down there is there gonna be a trap? Harper asked.

Sin replied with a vacant look as if he didnt hear Harper at all.

Harper moved her face in front of his and slapped him a few times until she got his attention.

Is there a trap? Harper asked again.

I...I dont Sin stuttered in a confused voice.

Ill ask you A loud explosion interrupted Harper and caused the cathedral to collapse, engulfing Sin and Harper within it.

Dust and snow flew into the air and the wooden building crumpled.