Designed By Flaws: Designed By Flaws

By Martell L. Harris

Ever since Llia met Reo at a college party, an ominous presence has been lurking, threatening her life and the lives of those around her. In a rush, she desperately tries to uncover the identity of her pursuer.

 

Discovering that ancient creatures are to blame, her world is thrown into disarray as she urgently seeks the aid of Reo and TJ, the sole hunters of the malevolent Yokai entity called the Umbra.

 

Reluctantly, Reo agrees to help Llia, recognizing a spark within her that could potentially shift the balance in the secret war against the Yokai threat.

 

Llia's journey to rescue her loved ones requires her to confront her troubled past and find the inner strength and courage to break free.

 

Will she lend her strength to Reo and TJ's valiant efforts to vanquish this formidable evil, or will the haunting memories of her past cripple their chances of success?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Martell L. Harris
• Release date: Apr 8, 2024
• ISBN: 9798218411664

Book preview

Designed By Flaws Copy

Martell L. Harris

image-placeholder

Beyond Contestation

I want to thank my entire family for their constant support and belief in me. Laura, my mother. Her love for books ignited my creativity and motivated me to pursue a writing career. Through her love of reading, she introduced me to a multitude of worlds full of possibilities and diverse viewpoints. Neshai Harris, my dear sister, has always been there to cheer me on. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to both of them, with love and in memory of Neshai Harris.

Copyright © 2024 by Martell L. Harris

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact [e-mail]

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

Contents

CHAPTER ONE

THE PAWN ADVANCES

CHAPTER TWO

THE EVERGREEN STATE

CHAPTER THREE

THE TURN UP

CHAPTER FOUR

MOONLIGHT

CHAPTER FIVE

Earthly Deity

CHAPTER SIX

PAWN TAKES PAWN

CHAPTER SEVEN

THE KNIGHT ADVANCES

CHAPTER EIGHT

THE WHOLE TRUTH

CHAPTER NINE

THE DEMON PATH

CHAPTER TEN

DEAD END

CHAPTER ELEVEN

KNIGHT TAKES PAWN

CHAPTER TWELVE

PAWN TAKES ROOK

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHECK

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

FOR HONOR!

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

PAWN TAKES KNIGHT

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

THE MOONLESS NIGHT

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

TSUMI

About the Author

CHAPTER ONE

THE PAWN ADVANCES

If you try to measure your life, you’ll find the margin for errors to be infinite!

Reo wrestles with his mother’s last advice to him as he jogs on the weather-beaten path, which stretches for several meters over a bridge in Kyoto Japan. He jogs toward the center of the crowded regal bridge. The roaring wind slows as he stops at the center and stares toward the horizon.

The stinging sweat softens his eyes; his breath rapidly stains the air. He wipes his eyes with his sleeve, then checks his vitals with his smartwatch.

The bustling bridge buzzes with people, half of whom can't take their eyes off the jogger's watch. The other half couldn't take their eyes off him. He leans on the rail and basks in the dying light.

The glistening gold gives everything an invaluable appearance. The restless breeze carries the sweet scent of flowers, filling his lungs. His eyes feast on the moment as his hands glide over the rails before gripping them. He stands at the railing of the bridge as if he owns it.

A shiver runs up his left arm. He then inserts a small clear dot behind his ear and touches his smartwatch.

Moshi, Moshi TJ. How are you, my friend? His low, silvery voice is calm.

Moshi, Moshi, senpai. I am okay. Otis has your current location in Kyoto. Your still looking for him? It's been weeks. TJ says.

I will jog this bridge every evening for the next century if I have to. He's the last one, and then It's over. Do you have any news on our other situation? Reo asks.

Yes, would you like to continue speaking in Japanese for your situation report? TJ asks.

Reo looks around and the people on the bridge are taking photos of the sunset and chatting amongst themselves.

We should be okay to continue in Japanese. No one is currently looking my way to hear me. Have you found Tristian in America? Reo asks.

Yes, Tristian is here! He is the leader of a Yokai worshiping group called the Dark Suns. They are not a threat but just a bunch of Yokai groupies. I've tracked his last known location to San Francisco, California. I've also found their artifacts' stash house. I've confiscated all the items I found stashed there. Before you ask, no, the weapon was not there, but I'm getting close... Although I may have stumbled on something much bigger…

It's been two years since he took it. You must find it before it's too late. Millions of lives depend on us, and we don't have time for anything else. Remember the rules; the mission always comes first. Reo says.

I'm doing my best here, but I got sidetracked by this intel that I found coming out of Washington State. Reo Listen to this…

"THAT'S ENOUGH, TJ! Getting that weapon back is paramount, or all is lost! Also, let's stop speaking in Japanese and switch to English. People are staring now. Most people here don't speak English, so I should be okay to speaking freely without them overhearing any intel that may put them in danger." Reo says.

Fine. Tristian betrayed us all; our brothers and sisters were murdered! We both want him to pay! I know what's at stake here, but damn it! Just listen to the intel that I have!

You're right, TJ. I apologize for my outburst. It's just that I can't help but feel that all this is because of my short-sightedness. Please tell me what you found out.

I think I may have found Myou, but I can't confirm that! TJ says.

Reo stands lifeless at the rails, staring at the final glint of the vanishing sun. His heart pounds against his rib cage, and his breath becomes heavier. His hand curls into a fist, and he pounds the rail. A loud uproar destroys the natural music of the crowd. The crowd split abruptly by the manic snapping necks at the epicenter. The ground was littered with the lifeless bodies of three men, their sacrifice a testament to their brave but unsuccessful fight to prevent the kidnapping of a young girl. Desperate, the woman tugs at the little girl's arm, desperately trying to free her from the man's grasp, while the girl screams for her mama. The assailant knocks the woman out cold and carries the girl away.

TJ, I have to go. You stay on the Myou intel. I will get the confirmation we need now. She won't get away this time! Reo says.

His eyes lock toward the end of the bridge. He ends the call by tapping his smartwatch, and he fills his lungs with air. He exhales as he saunters against the panic-stricken crowd and makes his way toward the dark bamboo forest. The screams of the crowd of people drown out the little girl's screams, making it impossible to know which direction they are going.

There are two paths at the entrance of the forest; one is lit by lamps, and the other is not. Reo closes his eyes; the breeze roars in his ears, but the people behind him screaming in the distance disrupt his focus. He kneels and touches the ground for about twenty seconds, sniffing the gust of wind, and then stands to his feet, choosing to go down the darkest path, following the scent of the young girl.

Broken lamps create a trail deeper into the forest. The sound of the bamboo that sways in the wind guides him. His easy steps eventually catch up to the assailant, who holds the young girl in a rear choke hold. His claw-like hand rests over her throat.

If you come any closer to us, her death will be excruciating! He growls.

Now, tell me who you are. The assailant demands.

Reo doesn't respond; he continues to stroll toward them.

Hey! I said stop right there, or I will rip this bitch's head off! He declares. As he tightens his grip, his claws mercilessly puncture the delicate skin of the little girl's neck, drawing blood.

Reo doesn't flinch. He continues to stalk him. A raging river streams from the little girl's wide eyes; she tries to scream, but nothing comes out. With a single hand, he hoisted her up by the neck, elevating her a few inches off the ground.

Her death is on your head! He exclaims.

Under the silvery glow of the moon, Reo comes to a sudden halt. As the impasse continues, the dancing bamboo forest fills the air with its haunting creaks and hollow whistles. From a mere ten yards away, Reo clenches his fist in response to the perpetrator's imposing presence.

I was enjoying the sunset, and you ruined it. Let the girl go; she holds no sway over your fate! Reo says.

With a wild look in his eyes, the giant froths at the mouth, revealing his sharp teeth. His skin glows a fiery shade of crimson. Revealing a surprising set of horns, he looms over them.

Who are you to interrupt my meal? I've been eating at this bridge for hundreds of years. The monster declares.

Reo tilts his head forward so they can see his eyes over his sunglasses.

I am Uchima… Reo, and I'm the Yokai Executioner! Do I have to repeat myself? Let her go, Oni!

The Oni collapses to his knees as he releases the girl. Fear fills his once wild eyes, his face tenses up with immediate regret, and a shudder runs through his body at the sound of the name.

Please, I didn't know it was you. I will let her go! Please let me go, and you'll never see me again! The Oni says.

Letting her go was your path to heaven! Reo says.

The Oni sighs in relief and lowers his head. The girl runs past Reo, but his eyes never leave the Oni.

Taking her in the first place was the path to hell! Reo says.

He continues to approach, his footsteps silent and calculated. The Oni raises his head, its fiery eyes piercing through the darkness. He darts towards Reo, but with a well-executed hip toss, Reo expertly turned the creature's size and momentum against him, swiftly subduing him, sending him crashing to the ground. Reo follows by forcefully stomping on his wrist, causing a sickening crunch. He then puts his right foot on the Oni's neck and leans over him, pressing his right foot on the Oni's neck. He leans in closer, causing the creature to let out a bone-chilling cry that escapes its lips.

That was not smart, but I may let you go if you can answer my questions. Where is the Umbra? Reo asks.

Alright, alright. Ah! I heard they all went to America two years ago. They knew you could not leave Japan because you had to hunt and kill the evil Yokai here in Japan. So… Ah! They left some Yokai here to keep you busy while they execute their plans in America. They are searching for something or someone. I can't remember.

What was it? Something or someone?! Don't make me ask again! Reo says as he leans in on the Oni's neck.

They are looking for someone very special and rare. It's an earthly deity. They are born once every ten thousand years.

An earthly deity? A half-god, half-human being with extraordinary abilities. If a Yokai were to gain their power, that would be devastating. Reo thinks.

What do they need the earthly deity for? Reo asks.

I don't know, but they systematically removed all the threats to their plans, including your team. You are the only one left that can stop the Umbra from bringing back the Kokuten. The Oni says.

That's a big word for such a low-ranking Oni! Reo stomps on his kneecap, breaking it. His cry fills the forest.

What state in America are they in?! Reo asks.

I-I don't know. She called it the Evergreen place! The Oni replies.

A penetrating scowl conquers Reo’s face. He glares at the Oni and pants while increasing the force of his foot on his neck, kneeling closer.

SHE?! Do you mean Myou? WHERE… IS… SHE?! The Oni stares into his raging face and begins to sweat and gasp for air. His trembling voice tries to force the words from his traumatized throat.

She-she was… the first one to go there! I heard they were close to finding the earthly deity in a place near a Shinto shrine in America. If they get it before the next diamond Fuji, the stars will fade from the sky, and the mountain will rise and devour the lands and its people. Ha-ha, and there is nothing anyone can do to stop it, not even you! That's everything I know; you said you would release me if I answered your questions. Now, Please let me go! Reo removes his foot from the Oni's throat and takes a step back. The Oni clutches his throat and coughs up blood while squirming on the ground.

How many others begged for their lives only to be eaten by you! Reo exclaims.

With a forceful step, he stomps on his other kneecap, causing the Oni to emit a sound that reverberates through the bridge, sending chills down the spines of the people watching the young girl's approach.

The young girl reaches the other side of the bridge, and she wipes away her tears, a mixture of relief and determination in her eyes. Overwhelmed and exhausted, she sinks to the ground in search of respite. Trembling, her teeth chatter uncontrollably. Each scream from the bamboo forest seemed to reverberate through the surroundings, growing in volume and horror.

Two men help the young girl. She looks at them, her complexion pale. Although it takes several minutes, she responds.

It was an Oni. A man saved me. I heard him say the name Reo, but they were speaking in a different language. I don't know what they were saying. The young girl says. A huge gasp engulfs the crowd.

"An Oni?! You mean the man that grabbed you was the bridge demon of Arashiyama (Ara-she-Yama)?! It can’t be. Yokai hasn't been around for centuries!" A man replies—the petrified crowd peers across the dark bridge into the bamboo forest. The screams echo across the water as they help the young girl to her unconscious mother.

Reo stands over the mutilated body, the stench of blood filling his nostrils. He has painted the bamboo forest ruby-red. He watches as three men enter the forest with hazmat suits carrying supplies: lights, bags, shovels, and clean clothes.

Wow, this is worse than your last Oni kill, Reo-sama, but don’t worry, we will clean it all up in no time. Here are your new clothes. You can wash up in the river. You’ve executed the last evil Yokai in Japan; what will you do now that your mission is finally complete?

It’s not over. They staged these last few years to keep me from looking westward. I will return home to Ise; there, I must rest and then I'll replant my mother’s garden. I will remain there until TJ can find more info about the Umbra’s position; then, we’ll destroy them all!

How long has it been since you’ve been home? asks the man as he shovels the body parts into the wheel barrel. Reo gazes toward the heavens to bask in the starry glimmer. His frigid breath fills his view, and he searches for an answer.

It’s been too long! Reo replies as he bows to the men, then walks into the darkness.

I can’t believe he saved someone this time! The man smiles and helps the other men shovel up the Oni’s remains.

image-placeholder

A young man walks towards a huge, gorgeous, grand shrine of Ise in the Mie prefecture of Japan. He stops and washes his hands before entering the massive red Torii gate. He heads up a large flight of stairs that leads to a huge mansion-sized building. He stops at a shrine in front of a large room and prays.

Amaterasu, goddess of the sun. I have confirmed that the Yokai are in Seattle, Washington. I ask that you protect the people of the United States because they are going to need it. The man says as he bows and leaves.

A Shinshoku hears the prayer and relays it to the high priest. The high priest then makes his way towards a traditional house not far from the shrine.

Reo enters his home after tending his majestic garden of flowers. Reo appears to be less than thirty years old. His perfect smile and flat nose outmatched his defined cheekbones. With a beautiful olive skin tone and smoldering amber-colored eyes. He has a chiseled jawline with a five o'clock shadow. He is a lot taller than the average male and has the body build of an Olympic swimmer.

Reo sits and meditates in front of a small shrine called the Kamidana. Many items surround it: an unsealed old letter, some food, and a beautiful red Tsubaki (Sue-bok-kie) flower.

Slowing his breathing, he tries to regain control of his scattered thoughts. In his imagination, he envisions himself sitting in a desolate field, with Mount Fuji towering majestically in the distance. As the icy field slowly melts around him, his breaths create a misty cloud in the crisp, cold air. A glimmer pierce through the darkness, illuminating his surroundings, but the biting cold of frost still clung to him. The flowers in the area were in full bloom, their vibrant colors contrasting with the icy surroundings that enveloped Reo.

Reo hears the front door slide open, and someone enters his home. As he opens his eyes, a look of deep concern washes over his face, and he stands to his feet and bows towards the shrine. Heading to the main room; a man who looks wise and seasoned with a long life sits in wait.

Forgive me for making you wait, Shokai (Sho-kye). Please sit here, Reo says. The Shokai sits in the most respected seat in the house.

"Reo-sama, I've been coming here for many years now. I know I am a high-ranking Shinto priest now, but you don't have to be so formal when we are in your home. You can call me by name. I also want