Guilty of Sin

By Roy Narine

We are aware of the world we live in and the universe that surrounds us, but what if there is more out there? Some of us are familiar with the many-worlds theory, but what if it was more than a theory? We have our solar system within our own galaxy. There are many other planets and galaxies in this universe. There are many other universes different from our own. Each different from the other.

Some believe that Heaven and Hell are the bridges that connect the entire multiverse. Angels and demons are set forth by God and Lucifer to watch over the worlds they’ve created in infinite shades. They are bound by strict laws written to maintain the balance, never allowed to interfere with the lives of the inhabitants of the worlds. Their influence is acroamatic and profound; if broken, the consequences would be dire.

In the darkness, a conspiracy begins to brew. What if the strongest of demons, the Deadly Sins, begin to spread their influence on the worlds? What reasoning move their steps? What motive draw them closer to the end of days? And more importantly, is there any hope for mankind?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9781646283071

Book preview

Lust

(Universe 3312) Nishinomiya, Japan

It’s too cold to be in school, Takashi thought, as he stared at the two cards in his hand: 2 of spades and the joker. Koizumi sat across from him, looking directly at the cards in his own hand. Takashi’s eyes wandered as he waited.

Hana sat at the desk near the window, staring intently at the computer screen, while Yuno sat at the opposite side of the table, reading as usual. Nothing was happening today in the Supernatural Club; then again, nothing ever happened. Takashi’s eyes went back to Koizumi, You may be the closest thing to supernatural here.

I think I’ll take this one, Koizumi was about to take the card when he stopped. His eyes darted to the door.

The door slid open. Everyone’s eyes fell on the tall, skinny Asian man with black hair wearing their school uniform at the entrance. The Asian man’s eyes scanned the room before they fell on Hana.

I heard you are the ones to see when it comes to anything involving the supernatural? the Asian man said.

Hana jumped up and replied, We are. She walked over to him. Nothing is too big, nothing is too small.

Great, he walked in and stood over the table. He placed a thick white envelope on the table and gave Hana a manila envelope. This is the case, the details are inside. You get half now, and the other half when you finish. The man walked out the room without another word.

Well, that was creepy. Who was that man? Takashi said.

That was Kei Amakura. He transferred in today, Koizumi said.

Takashi was staring at him with a curious look. Leave it to you to know.

Koizumi smiled, waving his hand in front of him. It’s not like that. He’s in my class.

Hana looked from them to the envelope.

What’s in it? Yuno appeared next to Hana, which made her jump.

Not sure, Hana opened it and pulled out a single sheet of white paper. Two gold coins fell out and clinked when they hit the ground.

Yuno knelt down to pick them up. They were thin with a hole in the center of it. They look like Chinese gold, Yuno said.

Hana read the letter aloud:

Members of the astute Supernatural Club, I come asking for you to locate something. This object has a supernatural origins, of course. It is a doorway that hides secrets to a world you never knew possible. Inside, I have included two gold coins. It is said that these are the keys to open the door. When you have found the door, inform me immediately, and you will be rewarded.

—Amakura

Sounds suspect to me, Yuno said, looking over Hana’s shoulder.

You think so? Hana said.

Sounds like a legend of some sort, Koizumi said, placing his cards on the table.

Wow!

Everyone looked at Takashi, who was holding the envelope open. It was filled with bills. There has to be almost three hundred thousand yen in here.

Three hundred thousand! they shouted.

After a few minutes of counting the money, they all sat at the table. Two hundred fifty thousand yen, but it is still a lot for one man to be giving a school club, Koizumi said.

Should we even do this? This much money on the line could be a problem for us, Takashi said.

What are you talking about? Hana shouted. This is our big chance! With this, we can fund everything I have planned, Hana was ecstatic.

Takashi’s eyebrow rose. What exactly do you have planned?

Hana put her finger to her lips. That’s a secret, she said while winking at him.

Takashi sighed. He saw Yuno staring at the coins on the table. He walked over to her. Is everything all right?

Without looking at him, Yuno replied, I’m not sure yet. Is there more to this than Amakura is letting on?

What do you mean?

Well, that is enough for today, Hana said as she stretched. We will start looking for anything that relates to this door. I will ask Amakura tomorrow if he has any more information for us. She turned to Koizumi. I’ll leave you in charge of the money. This being our first paid job, make an account for us. Don’t forget to leave some funds out for the school. I don’t want them coming to me saying that we aren’t a real club again.

Koizumi smiled. Yes, ma’am.

Great, dismissed. Hana opened the door and walked out. Yuno walked out behind her.

Takashi picked up the coins and placed them in the envelope that they came in and placed them in the desk drawer. What is she getting us into? Takashi thought.

Takashi—

Takashi looked at Koizumi, who was staring at him intently.

Be careful. I have a really bad feeling about all this.

Takashi turned fully, stood straight, and spoke in a serious tone. I know what you mean. The way he spoke, very little information on this door and the money—that is, there are so many things that aren’t adding up.

I’m going to look into Kei Amakura and see what I find. If anything happens, call me.

What do you mean? What could happen? Takashi took a step back.

It’s probably nothing. Koizumi picked up his bag on the floor and walked to the door. It could be my imagination. Good night. He smiled back at him before walking out the room.

Takashi sighed. As he was about to leave, he froze as the hairs on his arms rose and goose bumps appeared on the back of his neck. He felt eyes on him from behind. He spun around, but no one was there. The shadows of the room caused by the setting sun freaked him out, so he backed up slowly into the hall and closed the door behind him.

He was speed walking down the hill that led away from the school to the main road. The whole time he felt eyes on him. It didn’t help that there was no one around. Because it was still early, there were no students around. Once on the main road, he quickly made his turn into a small park where he saw a woman with two kids. He sighed and dropped on a nearby bench, slumping over.

What is wrong with me? He looked back from where he came; there was no one there. It must be my imagination. He sighed again as he leaned back against the chair. He noticed the woman looking at him. He jumped at the sight.

The woman stared at him emotionless while the kids were still playing. He stood up and slowly moved away from them. He turned to glance back to see if she was still looking at him when he walked into something. He looked back, and a brick wall was standing where the entrance was.

What the hell? He looked back toward the woman. The children and she were gone. What the— He started forward, his eyes scanning the tree line for the woman and the kids. He stopped when he felt eyes on him again. He hesitantly turned his head, prepared to see the woman behind him. When he saw nothing, he made a sigh of relief.

But when he turned to face forward, the woman was standing directly in front of him. Her eyes were like black holes that were sunk into her head.

The door, she shrieked.

Takashi backed up, tripping as something grabbed his leg. He saw the kids on the ground holding onto his leg. Their eyes were white with blank expressions. Protect us from what is coming, they echoed each other.

What the hell is going on? Takashi shouted. He kicked the kids off, flipping onto his stomach and was about to take off running when a hand touched his back and his body became heavy. His eyes became hazy as he fell flat.

He saw slender legs in high heels coming toward him. It stopped an inch from his face. He closed his eyes, and everything went silent.

When he came to, it was already dark. It took a moment to remember where he was, but when he did, he jumped up, breathing heavily. He fearfully looked around for the woman and the kids. They were nowhere in sight. He looked at the exit, which was blocked before. Everything had returned to normal; the only thing that he could hear was the sound of crickets.

He grabbed his bag and ran out of the park. He ran a few blocks before he stopped to catch his breath.

Is everything all right? A voice came from behind.

Takashi’s heart stopped as he stood up straight and turned to see Amakura behind him holding a plastic bag.

Amakura, what are you doing out this late? Takashi asked.

Amakura cocked his head. I was still hungry after dinner, so I went for some snacks. He lifted the plastic bag.

Takashi sighed again. I’m worrying for nothing. This guy is weird, but he is not a threat.

Is everything all right? You’re out of breath, and you look like you’ve seen a ghost, Amakura asked.

Takashi didn’t know what to say. Should I tell him? I mean he believes in the supernatural. I think I saw something at the park.

Do tell.

Takashi shrugged. I saw a woman with black eyes who tried to attack me.

Is that so? Amakura raised his eyebrow. What did she look like?

I don’t really remember the details of her face, but I remember high heels.

Interesting… Tell me, Takashi—

How does he know my name? Takashi thought.

Do you believe in demons? Amakura asked.

Demons? You mean those things from the Bible? No, I don’t. Truth be told, I don’t believe in a lot of the things Hana talks about. I only joined the club because I was blackmailed into it.

Amakura smiled. Maybe what you saw was a demon.

What? Takashi asked, confused.

I will admit it’s a shame that you don’t believe in demons—Amakura put his bag down—Or maybe you don’t believe because you’ve never seen one. Amakura took a few steps, and he was directly in front of Takashi before he realized it. He looked him in the eyes. Amakura’s eyes were as black as the night sky. There is more to this world than you know. Amakura’s voice was deeper.

Amakura jumped back to where he stood, looking in the direction of a nearby street.

Demons don’t exist. They are nothing more than a fairy tale created by religion to scare people, Koizumi walked out of the darkness and into the streetlight. He looked at Amakura. You are nothing more than an obstacle standing in the way of my goal.

Koizumi, what are you doing here? Takashi asked.

He looked at Takashi and smiled at him. I followed you.

Creep.

Koizumi’s smile faded as his gaze returned to Amakura. Tell me, what are you here for?

I see the Organization is as useless as they have always been. He looked back at Takashi. I think the other party should join us before anything more is said.

Takashi looked behind him. Yuno walked out of the shadows next to him. Her eyes fixed on Amakura.

Yuno? What are you doing out here? Takashi asked.

Everything will be explained later, Yuno replied.

Amakura bowed. Ms. Yuno, I am honored that you have graced us with your presence tonight. Tell me, have you come to lead me to the door?

I know nothing of a door.

Amakura stood up straight. I think you’re lying to me. He tapped his foot. Stone spikes shot from the ground in front of Yuno and Takashi. Before they hit them, they slammed into an invisible wall. Happy to see you’re as strong as they say.

Yuno didn’t acknowledge Amakura. Stay behind me, Yuno whispered to Takashi before walking in front of him.

Yuno, Koizumi, what the hell is going on?

Koizumi walked over to Takashi’s side. Trust her. She is a lot stronger than either of us, he said. Yuno ran at Amakura.

Amakura grinned. She jumped up and kicked him. Her leg went through him.

You have much to learn, Data child. He grabbed her leg and slammed her into the ground. He stepped on her chest. You have something I want, and you will give it to me.

Yuno. Takashi was about to run to Yuno when Koizumi grabbed his arm. He looked back at him.

Koizumi shook his head. You will only get in the way. Takashi ground his teeth before looking back at Yuno.

You think the Data System is all-powerful, don’t you? He pushed down on her as she grit her teeth. The Data System is nothing more than a pawn in everything. Tell me, where is the door? Amakura asked Yuno.

Yuno put her hand on his foot. She lifted it up and flipped him back. He landed on his feet, looking at her as she slowly rose.

You really are stronger than you let on. Amakura knelt and placed his hand on the ground. I’m glad.

Yuno jumped up as spikes shot up from the ground where she stood.

While in the air, Amakura appeared behind her. He threw his arm through her chest. Strength is one thing, but you are nothing to what lies below. Amakura kicked her off his hand as she slammed into the ground. He landed with his back facing them. Now for— He turned to face Koizumi and Takashi. I am being summoned. I bid both of you a farewell. Amakura bowed as he disappeared.

Yuno! Takashi ran to her. Koizumi stood, watching where Amakura stood.

Koizumi, follow me, Takashi commanded.

Koizumi looked at Takashi, who was holding Yuno.

My house is on the next block. We can take care of her there until we can get an ambulance. Takashi took off, running past Koizumi.

Right. He ran close behind.

When they got to Takashi’s house, Yuno’s wound had already started healing. Takashi laid her on his bed, worried for her life.

Don’t worry, Takashi. She will be fine. Amakura purposely kept her alive. He needs her after all, Koizumi said while looking through the blinds.

Takashi walked over to Koizumi and grabbed him by the shirt. You better tell me what’s going on here.

Koizumi smiled at him. Don’t worry. I’ll explain everything.

Takashi let him go and went back to Yuno’s side. What is Yuno? What is Amakura? Who are you?

Koizumi sat down at the chair in front of a desk. I work with a group only known as the Organization. Our job is to protect the world from anything supernatural.

Takashi looked back at him. You’re bullshitting me.

Afraid not. Everything that Hana believes actually exist.

Yeah, right, Takashi said through a laugh.

After what you saw tonight, are you still going to pretend that there isn’t more to the world you know? Koizumi became serious.

Takashi stopped laughing. I guess you’re right. What exactly are you protecting? You have been here for a year now. I doubt your reason is Amakura.

You’re right—Koizumi looked at the sleeping Yuno—my original mission was her.

Takashi looked at Yuno. Yuno?

"Yes, she is a part of what we call the Data System. Or what most people would call God."

Takashi snapped his attention back to Koizumi. Are you telling me what Amakura was telling me about demons was true?

I’m not sure. For a very long time, the Organization has known of the Data System as an entity that watches over us and our universe. Demons, angels, God, and the Devil were thought to be nothing more than creations of man. After tonight, I’m not sure. I have seen so much in this world, but nothing like Amakura.

Takashi stared at Koizumi, bewildered. What does she have to do with this Data System?

"The Data System is what we believed created life on this planet along with everything in our universe. What most people would call God. The thing is, years ago, something happened. A person came to earth out of nowhere, with energy unlike anything in this world. When we traced the energy to its source, we found Yuno.

We didn’t approach her directly because we were afraid of what could happen. This was the first time that the Data System sent something to us. I was tasked with watching her from a distance. When she started high school, I was transferred in to keep a close eye on her. I’m pretty sure she knows of my objective, but I don’t know why she hasn’t said anything. After tonight, we have to work together to stop Amakura and figure out what door he is looking for.

How did you know the Data System existed before Yuno showed up? Takashi asked.

People have been studying for centuries how we were created and how the universe came to be. The Organization just figured it out sooner than others. At first, we wanted nothing more than to study the Data System, but then we learned that there is more in this world than what we know. Ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and so much more. The founder decided that instead of finding the secrets of the Data System, it was more important to protect this world from beings that threatened to destroy it. We have been doing it ever since.

I feel like this is a story in some fictional book, Takashi said.

I wish it were, Koizumi responded.

If you knew all these things existed, why did you never think angels and demons were real? For that matter, how did you know the Data System wasn’t God?

We found traces of all the creatures in this world. We found hard evidence that we were not alone on this planet, let alone this universe. When it came to the beings called angels and demons, we never found anything. As for the Data System, in ancient times, the Organization thought it was God, but somewhere along the line, they gave it a different name and learned it is not what one would call God.

That would be?

Koizumi shrugged. That information is locked in the vault in a US base. The only ones allowed in there are the higher ups.

You guys sound like the Illuminati. That just leaves Amakura. Could he be one of those creatures that you protect the world from?

I don’t know, for sure. I went to check what the Organization knows, and they can’t find anything on him. No medical records, no previous address, no family, no history at all. It was not like Yuno, where there was an energy source. He literally just appeared out of nowhere. All we know is whatever door he is looking for can’t be good. Yuno is the key to finding the door. We have to protect her by any means necessary.

We will need help for something like this. I mean that guy seems like he’s trouble.

Don’t worry, I have already called for backup. We need to figure out what he is truly capable of before we go against him.

Koizumi stood up. Until we find out more, all we can do is wait. He walked over to the door. I will leave her in your care for tonight.

Takashi jumped up. You can’t be serious?

Koizumi smiled. Her body will heal itself. When she wakes up, fill her in on everything. I will see you tomorrow. I’ll see myself out. He left the room.

Takashi sighed and looked at Yuno. Everything I know about this world is thrown out the window. You will help me put the pieces back together. He looked at his blood-stained uniform. I’m gonna need to buy a new one, he said to himself.

The next day, Takashi was asleep on the floor. He woke up to the sound of his cell phone shouting at him.

It’s too early for this. He grabbed his phone and answered it. Hello.

Why aren’t you awake?

Takashi pulled the phone away from his ear as Hana’s screams came out from the receiver. We have a job to do. What is wrong with you?

Normal people do this thing called sleep.

Get up and meet us in front of your house in ten. We will be meeting up with Koizumi and Yuno to look for leads.

Leads for what? Takashi yawned.

Leads for what? Are you serious? Amakura gave us a case. We have to finish it quickly. Ten minutes, or I’ll kick down your door! She hung up the phone.

How can she have so much energy in the morning? Takashi sat up and yawned again.

Thank you for last night. Takashi jumped at the sound of Yuno’s voice. He looked over at her sitting up and looking back at him. Hana insists on finding that door.

How are you feeling? Takashi asked as he stood up.

My body is fully healed, but it will be some time before I am at a hundred percent, Yuno said in a monotone voice.

You should avoid Amakura and any unnecessary movement. Takashi walked over to his drawer and pulled out a shirt and pants. Did you know someone like Amakura would come looking for you?

Yuno shook her head. When I was sent here, it was for the simple reason to observe mankind. To see if the Data System needed to make any changes to the reality that you all know. I never thought someone would come.

Takashi was looking back at her while she spoke, then turned his attention back to his drawer of clothes. If that’s the case, we have a huge problem with him here. He took off his shirt and slipped on the new one. Do you know what he is?

I am not sure. He is not a creature the Data System created. He is a great mystery to me.

Great… You need to get back to your place before Hana gets here. We will talk more later, Takashi said as he opened the closet door to block her sight of him as he took off his pajama pants.

Koizumi and the Organization know a lot and have been studying me, but they know not what lies beyond this world.

Beyond this world? What are you talking about? Takashi slipped on his pants and stepped forward. When he looked at his bed, Yuno was gone. Great, now she’s Batman, Takashi said.

When he went outside, Hana was already waiting for him.

Took you long enough. You’re horrible for making a woman wait out in the cold.

You’re the one who chose to wait.

Anyway, let’s get going. I already called the others, and they will be meeting us at the café near the town square. Hana started off down the street. Takashi followed after her.

Why are we going out today if we don’t have any information? Takashi asked.

I got a call last night from Amakura. He gave me a little more detail on where to look. He mentioned a few places that it wouldn’t be. Maybe he already checked. Hana pulled her hands to her face and blew on them. If we weren’t getting paid for this, I would have said screw it. It’s way too cold for this.

Places it wouldn’t be. Then why use us? He could have found it already if he is as strong as he is. What game is he playing?

Lead me to what I desire, a female voice whispered in his ear. Takashi stopped and looked back. No one else was on the street.

What the hell was that?

Stop wasting time. We’re almost there. Takashi turned to see Hana glaring at him. I want to gather the information and go home. Hana turned around and walked away. Takashi looked back again; then back at Hana. He followed close behind.

When they got to the town square, Koizumi and Yuno were both waiting for them.

You’re all here. We can get started. She handed Takashi a paper. These are the places he said not to look as well as places we should search. You and Koizumi look on the west side, and Yuno and I will search the east. Call if you find anything, meet back here in four hours. Let’s go. Hana started walking away from the group.

Yuno looked at Takashi and nodded before following Hana.

You think Hana would act different if she knew how dangerous this is? Koizumi asked.

Doubt it. She would find it more fun to hunt whatever Amakura is, Takashi responded.

Koizumi turned to Takashi. Shall we get something hot? We won’t find anything with what Hana was given.

Why?

Yuno filled me in on what the Data System knows about Amakura.

Takashi nodded. The two of them walked to a nearby café. They got a table in the back, so they could talk.

What are we up against? Takashi asked.

Koizumi looked at the menu. I think I’ll have something sweet.

This isn’t the time for that.

Koizumi placed the menu down and smiled. You may be right. After speaking to Yuno, she doesn’t really know what Amakura is either. All she knows is he was sent here to find a gateway to another plane of existence, and he needs Yuno to open it. The Data System is keeping an eye on him.

Seriously, this is something out of a TV show or something. Another plane of existence, seriously?

"I know it’s hard to believe, but Yuno said she does believe such a