Chapter 36: An Offering

There is this idea that people need to be treated harshly for them to learn. This practice never sat well with Matthos, who was currently reading a new case in City A. He is currently taking the place of another intern who quit after being grilled for "incompetency." The problem is it isn't incompetency that's making it difficult to function, but the current state of affairs and the lack of knowledge regarding this matter. Even if he were sent to City A, he would quit too if he was psychologically tortured.

After all, the difference between psychological torture and attempted murder is that the latter leaves marks.

"Matthos, you're spacing out. Is something wrong, sweetie?" Rosalie looked at her son through the screen and was cursing Chief Roo inside her mind. He and the council, and whoever the lunatic is who started this whole problem.

"I'm just worried, Mom. Too many interns are quitting, and they are trying to leave the area when it's not yet cleansed, and we're unsure how it is spreading. Ramos trashed your theory and she's now scrambling since she doesn't have a good enough idea to substitute."

"Well, Mom," he gave a reassuring smile, "I'll find a way, okay? Hang on tight. By the way, what's your current address? I'm going to send Barney's current experiment and see if it can be a protective amulet."

Her maternal instincts were ringing, telling her that her son was hiding something. But he's already an adult and needs privacy, so all Rosalie can do as his son said, I love you was say, "I love you too."

***

Lumi and Barney were both awakened by the smell of spice and flora, a weird combination that immediately removed any traces of drowsiness. The concoction was ready, and all it needed was to be shaped. The stamp was ready, and so were they, somewhat. Matthos's call ended on time, and he went down to find the two staring at the galaxy-like mixture.

"Okay, Barney, let's do it," Lumi took a deep breath and poured the mixture on the tray. Barney didn't have a humorous quip, and his face remained neutral and focused while he assisted Lumi by holding the tray and stamping the drops into trees.

They didn't notice the gloomy weather outside changing as the to-be amulet solidified. Matthos did not speak a word until Barney settled the tray on the table. That was when Lumi became aware of her surroundings and saw him.

"Matthos, as this solidifies, can we make an altar and offer food? I do not remember all of the steps but I think this can catch the goddess's attention."

Lumi didn't need to tell him twice as Matthos nodded and proceeded to assemble the makeshift altar on top of the fireplace mantel. With some leftover chicken leg and ginger ale, Matthos lit up the candles and let Lumi whisper to the fire.

They didn't need to vocalize the sensation of the air suddenly becoming suffocating. Barney and Matthos felt rooted to their place, unable to lift their feet. Lumi felt the worst of sensations as prickling pain resonated all over her body. She couldn't say anything as her eyes felt like a string pulled them to stare at her offering.

It felt like hours to them, but they were paralyzed for a few seconds. That was when, on a sunny day, thunder clapped, and lightning struck a tree in half. The sound of thunder released them from the painful trance, leaving the trio to the ground. Lumi was horrified. Did that mean all they've done was for nothing?

Before she could fall to despair, Barney tapped her shoulder and showed her the horrific scene that proved their mission a success. Matthos and Lumi watched as ants devoured the chicken leg. The ants that weren't there a minute ago were now on top of a plate. But that wasn't the last strange thing to take place.

The amulets that were stamped with trees now had an eerie symbol of the wreath of May.

"That is the strongest power I've ever encountered," Barney's eyes observed the coin-like amulet that he will soon place in a case.

"For someone who can't see entities, to feel that power and see elements manipulated is something I feel we'd experience again," Matthos winced.

"I wasn't that confident it would work," Lumi said in awe, "I don't remember everything."

"Let's leave it as divine intervention," Barney, "Because right now, we're in a desperate hunt for salvation."