The Spirit Killer

CHAPTER EIGHT

The night was fast becoming morning; and from all indications none of the group seeking out Albium had found it. This was the report that Adept had just received and also, their champion, Mark had stopped searching and had receded to his apartment. This puzzled him. “Why would he stop the search? What reason could he possibly have? Or was he afraid that the task was too great for him?” All these questions raced through his mind as he received more information. He was beginning to understand why Mark was unpredictable. Adept shook his head slightly as though he wanted to shake off his thoughts. “No wonder humans have headaches” He said to himself. He knew he had to see him but not just yet he still had to sort out a lot of the data he was receiving.
“The human is wiser than you give him credit.”  A voice said.
Within the floating cloud where Adept was seated; he gave out a sigh.
“It’s just that… he is so… unpredictable sometimes.” He replied.
“Have faith in him” the voice encouraged.
He sighed again before speaking.
“Do you think we should tell him?” He said almost sadly.
“That… is up to you. Whatever you are led to do you must believe it is right.” The reply was soft and reassuring.
Adept smiled lightly continued with what he was doing.

                               *                                                 *                                                   *
“I am telling you father, this guy was powerful.” It was hooded figure that was speaking but the without his hood. He was seated on a chair nursing his injuries. He was in one of the numerous chambers beneath the mansion where he lived.
“Are you certain it was the Spiriko?” An elderly man of about fifty years old, wearing a green robe with the insignia of the head of an eagle on the back of his robe. He a white man with white hair; average and well built. He stood inches away from where his adopted son, Jamial or as he is popularly known, James, was still nursing his injuries. He was the son of his friend and colleague who had died   some years back. They were part of the remaining handful of the group the houties. But this was a new generation with new objectives and missions.
“Yes. His eyes shone the normal green colour but…” he paused then continued. “… I couldn’t sense his spirit pressure. How do you explain that?” He was looking at the elderly man’s face now for a reaction.
He sat down on a nearby stool beside the wall and wondered. If the reports he got from the Stargazers were accurate; the Spiriko should still be trying to understand his powers. Judging from what James had said; it’s impossible for him to have mastered his powers in short time and how come he doesn’t have any spirit pressure; everyone has it even spirits have it.
“Answer the boy, Don.” The voice came from doorway that leads to one of the secret passages.
Immediately James was on his feet, Katana in hand. The elderly man simply glanced at the doorway, unperturbed by the visitor.
“Show yourself or prepare to die.”  James yelled to the tall shadow-like figure blocking the doorway.
There was something familiar about him. He had met him before. James’s eyes widened as the figure stepped into the room.
“Do not threaten me, boy.” He said as he laughed sinsterly.
*                                              *                                              *  

Back at the command centre of the spirits, the factory was a centre of confusion. Everything was going smoothly at the beginning of the search but later reports that were supposed to have been received were not being received. Five teams had disappeared, each consisting of at least eight men. They had disappeared without trace. The sixth team had sent in a report about another individual apart from Mark that they knew… or as it stands now, assumed to be the spirit killer, was also looking for the artifact they were seeking. The problem was Mark was also present at that time. They were now left with the question of who is the real Spiriko? Or are they both Spirikos? But in the report, both men were oblivious of each other’s existence. As though that wasn’t enough; the team that sent in the report had also vanished. Mr. John smashed his fist on the desk in front of him. The impact crippled the table.
“What the hell is going on?!” he yelled.
Everyone in the information room that was located beneath the factory was silent. They were as confused as he was. There was a beeping sound. New data had been received. Kadeem quickly displayed the information on the large screen behind Mr. John. Everyone turned to the screen; they knew it wasn’t good news because their leader was practical glowing red now. He raised his head and let out an angry scream that seemed to shake the building. The glow subsided but he was breathing heavily. No one dared to speak. Speaking would be very risky right now; even Kadeem didn’t say a word. It was until he sat down and seemed to be calm that Kadeem walked up to him. “At least we know what happened to our teams now.”
“Yes that Spiriko killed them all.” He replied.
“Err! Which one are we talking about?” Kadeem asked a little hesitantly.
“The one dressed as the spiriko of course.”  The harsh reply came. Then he continued. “There is one consolation. We now know that he doesn’t have Albium as well, else he would not be searching for it.”
Kadeem nodded in agreement.
“It’s almost day break; call the rest of the men back. We will send…” Mr. John was saying when one of the other spirits in the room interrupted.
“The signal has disappeared.” He announced as he worked frantically on the system in front of him.
“Of course you fool. It’s weaker during the day, almost untraceable.” Mr. John retorted. He turned to Kadeem.
“Recall the teams. Only high level spirits would be able to detect it by day. Summon them.” He rose to his feet and said; “The rest of you are to go back to your normal business and await further instructions. He left the room, Kadeem at his side.