ã€ŠLost Tomb of the Necromancerã€‹


 Prologue: Creeping In

    "That is not dead which can eternal lie, And with strange aeons even death may die." -H.P. Lovecraft

    The wind howled the black clouds across the sky, driving the rain sideways with no sign of letting up until morning. Thunder boomed overhead as the temperature fell, erasing the fall¡¯s unseasonable heat wave but ushering chills in as breath fogged the air. Many in Craven Falls weren¡¯t prepared for a nearly forty-degree drop almost out of the blue.

    The boy whose hand slipped as he opened the door to the town¡¯s library had been. Had being the operative word. He sniffled as he entered, grateful for central heating. He had brought a thick hoodie with him today, along with an umbrella. Now, however, he was limping through puddles in only a thin t-shirt. He shook the water from his dark brown hair, then sighed as pencils, folders, and books dropped out of his bookbag, now torn.

    ¡°Damn him¡­damn them all.¡± he muttered as he shoved everything fiercely back into his bag and picking it up, unwilling to put up with this crap on top of everything else.

    ¡°Hrmm.¡± He glanced up to see Ms. Peabody, the severe librarian peering imperiously down at him from her bifocals.

    ¡°Oh. Sorry. Just¡­just here for something good to read.¡± he said apologetically, face red.

    ¡°Just be aware this is a library, and other patrons are trying to concentrate. Please be silent, child.¡± She walked off, back straight as a board, her heels clicking on the floor.

    ¡°What other patrons.¡± he said under his breath. The library was enormous, built nearly two hundred years ago, and though he visited at least twice a week he never saw that many people there. Especially on a day like today. Thunder cracked, and the lights flickered.

    Once he¡¯d gathered his belongings and dried himself off as much as the bathroom¡¯s paper towels would allow, he began scanning through the shelves, desperate for something to take him away from his misery and loneliness, even if only for a little while. He¡¯d left the children¡¯s section behind long ago in fourth grade, young adult ones were usually bogged down with too many plotlines and focusing on the least interesting, and yet adult books were overwhelmingly detective novels or inspirational or romance or other such boring tripe. Still, a rare gem could be found occasionally.

    His hears perked up and his head turned. He could have sworn someone had faintly called his name. He blinked and looked around. There was obviously no one there, even though the storm blocked out the windows, making the lighting even dimmer. Shrugging, he turned back to the shelf. Only to hear a rustling, barely a whisper, turn away around the corner.

    Curiosity getting the better of him, he peered around cautiously to find nothing, yet the sound could be heard around another corner, as faint as rats scratching in the walls. Coming this far, he decided to go for broke, and followed the whispery sounds winding through the ancient stacks, where even Ms. Peabody rarely tread. His search wound him all through the library, past the fuzzing computers, up and down the stairs, past row upon row of books until at long last he rounded a shelf, almost caught up to the rustling¡­and it ceased.

    ¡°Huh? What a rip.¡± He looked up and down the stacks, but there was nothing, just dust and books.

    At least, until a particular tome caught his eye.

    He reached out to grab it. It felt unusual to the touch, like leather. Pulling it off the shelf, he saw the cover was an etching of a bizarre face, only resembling a human¡¯s at a glance, frozen in an eternal scream of indescribable terror or incomprehensible rage. The lights flickered again, with no thunder outside. Not that the boy paid any mind.

    ¡°Wicked.¡± He opened the book, and the title page contained what the cover lacked: The Necronomicon, by Abdul Al-Hazred. The pages felt strange as well, like it wasn¡¯t paper.

    Scott¡­

    He looked up again, swearing someone had called him. But as there was no one there, he shrugged and turned back to the book, deciding then and there he was going home with it. Unbeknownst to him, his eyes had begun to glow a toxic emerald green.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Detective Cross sat at the table silent and unmoving, staring straight ahead with the patience of a statue. Though the room was warm and her heart was racing, she refused to let them see her sweat. It was a tactic she¡¯d used often in the past.

    This was a nightmare. They¡¯d come in without warning, government suits flashing badges but not talking to anyone, twenty in all. They tore through the station like elephants until they reached her office.

    ¡°What? What the hell¡¯s-¡± she¡¯d started.

    ¡°FBI. Detective Margaret Cross, you are hereby detained on suspicion of corruption at the local and state levels. You will be coming with us to answer a few of our questions.¡± one of the goons had said as the others ransacked her office, stripping it nearly bare in the search for ¡®evidence¡¯.

    ¡°The hell¡¯re you on about!?¡± she snarled, but a thrill of terror coursed through her veins. Oh god, the cover-ups. They knew. She was so stupid, she shouldn¡¯t have let herself get sloppy!

    ¡°Corruption? That¡¯s ridiculous!¡± Tommy had protested. ¡°Cross¡¯s the straightest arrow we got! The Chief¡¯s more corrupt than her!¡± The Chief of Nahumville Police, coming up behind him, smacked him upside the head with his notebook.

    ¡°Alright, what¡¯s going on here?¡± he demanded. The agent put a badge and a warrant in his face.

    ¡°You¡¯ll find all the appropriate paperwork has been filled out, sir. The detective will be coming with us.¡± he said stonily.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright, boys.¡± Cross said, her department staring at her. She refused to look away. ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon. I¡¯ll just explain to these men-calmly-why they are wrong.¡± she said, eyes narrowed. She did not shake.

    Once they had gotten her out to their car, she¡¯d felt a sharp jab in her neck, and the next thing she knew there was a bag over her head and she was in cuffs. After what felt like hours of driving, she was hustled into this room, and her captors had left.

    At least until the door swung open. A man of middling height and intermediate age walked into the room carrying a file. He was wearing the same black suit as the others.

    ¡°Good afternoon, Detective Cross. I hope the men weren¡¯t too rough with you.¡± the man said, taking a seat opposite her at the table.

    ¡°Who are you? You¡¯re not FBI, there was no need for abduction tactics after you¡¯d already gotten me. I hope you know this is all very illegal, even with a warrant.¡± she said evenly, glaring daggers at him. He chuckled.

    ¡°Quite perceptive. You are correct, we aren¡¯t FBI, or CIA or NSA or any other alphabet soup you¡¯ve heard of, although if I said MIB I have little doubt you¡¯d have an idea of what we do.¡± he said, opening the folder. ¡°My name is Agent Crenshaw. I¡¯m in charge of this case, and I¡¯ve been looking into the commotion surrounding Craven Falls these last few months.¡±

    ¡°Really. Anything interesting?¡± Cross said, not allowing the panic to take root. She forced her breath in slowly, her heart to take steady beats.

    ¡°Indeed. I¡¯ve been leading the investigation into what happened in October and November. You¡¯ve covered your tracks well, Detective. But not well enough to throw the entire organization off the trail. How could you?

    ¡°But that¡¯s not what we¡¯re here to discuss, at least directly. We¡¯re here to discuss your young companions. One Amber Catherine Harris, and especially Scott James Havenbrook. I believe his birthday is coming up, according to the file. We¡¯re planning a little surprise party for him.¡±

    ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about.¡± Cross said, staring right into his eyes. This was bad, this was bad. Crenshaw leaned back in his chair.

    ¡°Miss Cross, you seem to be confused. You are not, in fact, under arrest. We have no official right to arrest you, as we officially do not exist. Therefore, should you find a bullet in your skull, it would not be from one of our agents, as nonexistent parties cannot be held legally responsible for what they do. Comprende?¡± She narrowed her eyes, trying not to let the trembling show.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± she growled. He smirked.

    ¡°I knew you¡¯d see reason. Though it may not seem like it, our mission statement is very clear: we are to investigate, identify, and if necessary, eliminate any supernatural activities or entities that threaten the U.S. or her interests. We are a small organization with access to all governmental agencies, backed by heads of state of all levels, dedicated to preventing the widespread knowledge of things man was not meant to know.

    ¡°Detective Margaret Cross has been detained on charges of corruption, and has been temporarily sequestered pending investigation. This went one of two ways: one, all charges were dropped and she received glowing commendations for her role in uncovering the real corruption, or the accusations were accurate and she was shot resisting arrest.¡± If her glare could get any more heated, Crenshaw would be a pile of ash. ¡°We¡¯ve seen the work you¡¯ve done, and we¡¯re impressed. Though you didn¡¯t know it, you¡¯ve been doing the same thing we have for years. We want you on board. The position is mandatory, I¡¯m afraid. We don¡¯t have the luxury of asking under the circumstances. Are you in, or out?¡± They stared at each other, neither refusing to yield.

    ¡°Fine. You want me, you got me.¡± Cross scowled. Crenshaw breathed a sigh of relief.

    ¡°Thank goodness. Welcome to the Unknown Agency, Agent Cross. Please forgive the rough welcome. Follow me for a full debriefing upstairs.¡± He tossed her the report and went to the door.

    ¡°Wait.¡± Cross said. This had been bugging her. ¡°What do you want with the kid? There¡¯s no love lost between us, but he¡¯s got a good head on his shoulders when he uses it. Why¡¯re you going after him?¡± Crenshaw paused.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got a rough idea of what¡¯s been going on in Craven Falls, Miss Cross. And we¡¯ve got questions only he can answer. Yours¡¯ll be answered in the debriefing. Let me just ask you something first.¡± He tilted an unhappy smile at her over his shoulder. ¡°What makes you think he¡¯s the only one?"

 Chapter 1: Mysterious Calamity

    ¡°Looks like rain, Sarge.¡± Corporal Young said, peering up into the grey sky.

    ¡°They¡¯ve been calling for it all week, let¡¯s just hope it holds out until we¡¯re done here.¡± Detective McCarthy snorted, adjusting his tie.

    ¡°Eyes on the road, Corporal. We¡¯re there soon.¡± Sergeant Marton said, checking the GPS. ¡°I hope the rain holds off, then bloody well pours and gets on with it.¡±

    The call had come in early this morning. Apparently up in Bramford there was a family missing. A deliveryman had gone to hand them a parcel, but there was no one there to receive it. It wouldn¡¯t be out of the ordinary. However, the front door was ajar. When he opened to investigate, the hall was disheveled, lamps and tables overturned. He had called out for anyone, but got no response. A cursory glance revealed the house to be empty.

    Feeling thoroughly weirded out, he had left with all haste. Upon reaching his truck, the man had reported catching a glimpse of a young man, about fourteen or fifteen watching from the forest. When he¡¯d shouted to the lad, he¡¯d taken off into the trees. And thus they were sent for a preliminary investigation, try and track the boy and the others down. The three were all the ones that could be spared at the moment, but cases of missing persons had been on the uptick recently, so it definitely had to be checked out today. Drizzle started to fall.

    ¡°So what¡¯s the name of this missing family? If I recall, it¡¯s the largest disappearing act we¡¯ve got yet.¡± McCarthy asked, paging through the file.

    ¡°Middleston, family of four: Redford, wife Jessica, daughter Samantha and son Neil.¡± Marton rattled off from memory. ¡°Word is, the family was a quiet sort except for the boy. Minor vandalism, petty theft, that sort of thing. It¡¯s likely that the person the deliveryman saw was Neil. He¡¯s also reported to often be in the company of his friends, Tabitha Bandler and Simon Fennicks. Also reported missing three days ago.¡± A grim silence followed the explanation.

    ¡°Sarge¡­you don¡¯t think he and the other two¡­¡± Young said, unwilling to finish the thought.

    ¡°Now Young, there¡¯s no proof of anything yet. That¡¯s why we¡¯re out here.¡± McCarthy said, leaning on back in the van¡¯s seat.

    ¡°True, but I¡¯d wager my last dollar there¡¯s a connection. Too much to suggest otherwise.¡± Marton said.

    ¡°Right you are, Sarge.¡± McCarthy said. A few minutes later, they pulled up to the abandoned farmhouse. Once their gloves were on, they entered the door, McCarthy with pistol drawn. Young shined a flashlight on the floor.

    ¡°Prints in a thin layer of dust.¡± he said, examining the patterns. ¡°Probably the deliveryman¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°Power¡¯s still on, but with this layer of dust over everything I¡¯d estimate no one¡¯s been here in a week.¡± McCarthy said, running a finger on the mantle in the parlor.

    ¡°I fear you¡¯re right.¡± Marton said, making a sweep of the floor¡¯s rooms. He went into the kitchen, opening the fridge to find tinfoil-wrapped plates, a half-open carton of orange juice, and a nearly empty gallon of milk. He opened the cabinets, seeing an open packet of crackers among the cans and boxes. He frowned. He went to the sink, where there were some dirty dishes in a small stack. He tapped his foot.

    ¡°Find anything, Sarge?¡± Young said, coming in.

    ¡°Look around, Young. See anything unusual?¡± The officer examined the room, but only saw what Marton had found.

    ¡°Nothing too out of place, Sarge. Save for the fact everyone seems to have been spirited away.¡±

    ¡°Yes, it looks like they¡¯ve left only an hour ago, but we know it¡¯s been much longer. And even in the city, there would be mice and flies after the food that¡¯s ben out. Tell me Young, what do you see?¡± Marton said. The officer examined the room with newly widened, critical eyes.

    ¡°There¡¯s no sign of any of that.¡± he said, poking at the dishes. ¡°These crumbs would¡¯ve attracted something out here, but nothing¡¯s been touched.¡±

    ¡°Exactly. The plot thickens.¡± Marton said, scanning the other rooms again.

    ¡°Guys, you¡¯d better come up here!¡± McCarthy yelled from the second floor. The other two ascended the creaky stairs to find a grim-faced detective. ¡°I¡¯ve found something.¡± The followed him into the daughter¡¯s room. Stuffed toys, bright wallpaper, made bed, nothing out of the ordinary for any seven-year-old girl.

    ¡°What¡¯d you find?¡± Marton said, a bad feeling in his gut.

    ¡°Nothing good.¡± McCarthy pulled back the covers.

    There, on the pale blue sheets, was a circle with bizarre inscriptions, drawn in dried blood. Young covered his mouth and looked away, while Marton¡¯s jaw set very firmly.

    ¡°I¡¯ve also found these in the boy¡¯s room.¡± McCarthy handed him a couple slips of paper, both with sketches of the design on them. Marton¡¯s expression was set in stone.

    ¡°We¡¯d better find the boy as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°I think I know where he¡¯s been.¡± McCarthy said. He pointed to the floor and windowsill, where there were tiny, easily overlooked spots of brown leading outside, towards the woods. Marton nodded.

    ¡°We¡¯d best be off then.¡±

    The rain had increased dramatically as they headed out, torches ready and guns drawn. Marton cursed internally; the ground was turning to mud, and the daylight was rapidly failing. This was nearly an exercise in futility, but there was no way they could let this go.

    ¡°Did you find anything else in the boy¡¯s room?¡± Young asked the detective.

    ¡°Nothing much else. Some more scribblings that I couldn¡¯t make out, and these.¡± He held up a small prescription bottle of pills. There were three bright red ones left. Marton took them and held them up.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    ¡°Hmm. Labeled as an antibiotic for Mrs. Middleston. Somehow I doubt they¡¯re hers.¡± He looked further into the dark, rainy forest. It was the very picture of doom and gloom, with the earth turning to think mud sucking at their shoes. Though that shouldn¡¯t stop him, the sergeant felt a chill of unease, drummed into him like the raindrops on the leaves. ¡°Perhaps we should return in the morning, with a proper search party. It¡¯s getting too dark out now.¡± The other two shivered and agreed. That air felt heavy and oppressive.

    They tromped back to the farmhouse, cold and wet. McCarthy breathed a sigh of relief. He had no desire to chase after some teenage psychopath in the woods, especially not on a night like tonight.

    ¡°What the!?¡± Young exclaimed. McCarthy looked up to see the spot where they¡¯d left the van was empty. ¡°W-We parked right here, I know it!¡±

    ¡°Could someone have taken it, then? The boy? Why?¡± McCarthy muttered in disbelief. They weren¡¯t inside that long, and there was no way they would made missed the sound of an engine starting. Marton bent down to examine the drive.

    ¡°See this? It started raining before we parked. But look, there¡¯s only our tracks from driving up.¡± he said, shining his torch on the ground. And now they saw the other prints. Young squinted, unfamiliar with anything that made circular tracks.

    ¡°Does anyone know what could have made these?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but they look a little like elephant prints. See the three indentations above each one? Looks like their toes.¡± McCarthy supplied. Young raised an eyebrow at him.

    ¡°An elephant?¡± McCarthy shrugged at the corporal.

    ¡°It¡¯s what the prints look like. Obviously too small and light, but who knows what they are.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re not here.¡± Marton said. The others looked at him. ¡°The tracks start here-¡± he pointed with his torch ¡°-and end there.¡±

    Indeed, the prints began halfway up the muddy road, as if they had simply appeared, went around the van, and veered off and disappeared towards the forest. Marton sighed, but his eyes widened as his light fell upon three teenagers, a girl in a leather jacket, a shorter male in a long overcoat, and a tall boy in a blue hoodie. All three of them were wearing deer skulls over their faces, antlers resplendent. Sickles gleamed in their hands.

    ¡°Oi! You lot!¡± The teens scattered, running into the woods. The officers began the chase.

    ¡°Is that them? The missing teens?¡± Young shouted.

    ¡°Their description fits!¡± McCarthy said.

    ¡°Stop! Halt! Police!¡± Marton called, but the teens practically flew through the trees in different directions.

    ¡°How are they so fast?¡± McCarthy wondered after they¡¯d had to stop to catch their breath, now fogging in the air.

    ¡°Obviously they know the area better than we do.¡± McCarthy said glumly.

    ¡°W-What do we do now, Sarge? I don¡¯t want to track some nutters through the woods in this storm.¡± Young said nervously. His hand was shaking. Marton couldn¡¯t blame him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be a fool, lad. It¡¯s our job. And don¡¯t you suggest we split up.¡± McCarthy scowled at the sergeant.

    ¡°No, that would be stupid. We¡¯ll try to get one of them-the boy Jason, if possible. He¡¯s the one most likely to know what the bloody hell¡¯s going on ¡®round here.¡±

    ¡°Roger. He went down the middle path, we should spread out a bit to box him in.¡± McCarthy suggested, and Marton nodded.

    ¡°If we can even find him.¡± Young said doubtfully.

    ¡°Come, lads. Let¡¯s catch this wayward boy. Five meters apart, if anything happens reconvene immediately. Let¡¯s go.¡± Marton commanded. They fanned out, each able to hear the others and see the torches. The proceeded in relative silence, trying to hear anything. Young thought it would be impossible to detect any sound other than the driving rain on the leaves. Their torches danced through the darkness, but it seemed like a futile effort. Ten minutes they searched, going deeper and deeper into the forest, until Marton called a halt and brought them in.

    ¡°It¡¯s no use. I can¡¯t even find their tracks in the mud.¡± he said as Young trotted over. ¡°Might as well call the precinct for a ride back.¡±

    ¡°Sure thing. Dunno what we¡¯re going to tell ¡®em about the van, though.¡± Young said as he pulled out his phone.

    ¡°This whole situation smells off.¡± Marton growled, then noticed McCarthy hadn¡¯t come over. ¡°Oi, what¡¯s wrong, chap?¡± He shined the light on the detective, only to find the short teen in an overcoat carrying McCarthy¡¯s torch.

    ¡°Yahhh!¡± Young screamed and fired, dropping the boy with the skull mask. There was an unearthly howl from the teen. Young, panicking, fled at top speed.

    ¡°Young! No! Get back here!¡± In the time it took for Marton to turn to yell at Young and back to the teen, the body had disappeared. Shocked, he held his gun high. There was a scream in the distance, instantly recognizable as Young¡¯s. Abandoning all pretense, he turned and sprinted through the trees, wet leaves slapping at his face, his skin and clothes snagged and torn by branches. Strange, though; he could have sworn the path they¡¯d taken was straight, not curved. He could hear howling behind him, similar to but not wolves. He fired a blind shot behind him, and the howls turned to laughter.

    Keep running, keep running, had to keep running. Marton rocketed through the forest heedlessly, puffing hard and desperate to keep ahead of¡­whatever was chasing him. The blood circle, the strange disappearances, the skulled teens, it was all too much. This had to be a nightmare, it had to. He ran on in terror, skidding on the grass next to an embankment, using his hands like an animal to propel himself upward, away from his pursuers. He scrambled to the top, letting out a cry of victory. Prematurely, as he slipped in the mud, tumbling back down. Tossed up and down, he landed with a splat on the cold ground, chest and leg on fire. With a groan, he raised his torch for signs of his pursuers. He sighed as he realized he was alone. The heavy rain coming down on the forest was the only sound, that and his quick, huffing breath. He flexed his leg, to see if it was broken.

    Then he heard the footsteps.

    He looked up to see the third deer-masked teen standing next to him, staring down through the black sockets.

    ¡°Ugh¡­J-Jason? I-Is your name Jason Middleston?¡± he said, feeling around for his gun. The figure nodded. ¡°What is going on around here? Where are my men?¡±

    ¡°They are one with the forest now.¡± came from the skull. Marton¡¯s fist slammed down with a splat.

    ¡°You¡­you¡¯ll never get away with this!¡± he snarled. ¡°I¡¯m an officer of the law. You can¡¯t just kill the police!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re mistaken. Tabby, Simon and I have never killed anyone.¡± the skull said, tilted. ¡°We¡¯ve merely offered sacrifices to those that will anoint us. These are not for killing.¡± He held up the sickle. ¡°They are for harvesting. For that.¡±

    Behind him up the road, tromped something that Marton knew proved he wasn¡¯t in a nightmare. His mind couldn¡¯t have come up with something so horrendous. Four stubby, crooked elephantine legs marched inevitably forward, conveying a creature that could not exist.

    Marton saw eyes, mouths, faces, eyes that opened to mouths, eyes within mouths, grunting and snarling, with a wild mane of writhing black tentacles. As it approached, a single misshapen, curved eye opened, glaring with a hellish red light. Marton screamed and crawled away, at a much faster rate than the creature; but some unknown locomotion propelled it faster than its¡¯ gait allowed. The last thing Sargent Marton saw was the creature bearing down on him, opening its many mouths.

    ¡°Huh. Not even worth the trouble, really.¡± Tabitha said, stepping into the small clearing. ¡°You alright, Simon?¡±

    ¡°The Goddess grants me protection.¡± Simon said, examining his coat. He tried to wipe away the blood.

    ¡°Are the bodies intact?¡± Jason asked, and they both nodded. ¡°Good. We must offer the meat to the newborns.¡± Beneath the stag¡¯s head, Jason grinned. Out of the shadows came more of the creatures until they were surrounded. He went over and patted one lovingly. ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, Samantha?¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah, score for me. Mine had these in his pocket, must¡¯ve forgotten some behind.¡± Tabitha tossed the bottle of pills to him. Jason laughed.

    ¡°Some forbidden fruit, too. Well then, tonight we all feast!¡±

 Chapter 2: Enter the Necromancer

    ¡°Need I remind you, the school was very generous in accepting your transfer with your record.¡± the teacher said sternly, looking at Brad with a disapproving eye. He smiled as innocent as an angel.

    ¡°There won¡¯t be any problems here, sir. I¡¯ve reformed.¡± he said sweetly. The teacher glanced at his permanent record, featuring such highlights as shoplifting, assault, theft, extortion, trespassing, and more. The teacher didn¡¯t buy it for a second.

    ¡°Hmm, I¡¯m sure. Just remember: you¡¯ve stayed this close to juvie ¡®til now, anything will send you over the edge.¡±

    ¡°Yessir. I¡¯ll be sure to be careful, sir.¡± ¡®Careful to make sure you hear nothing.¡¯ Brad thought to himself.

    ¡°Make sure of it. So, Mister Barker, welcome to Craven Falls High. We tolerate no disrespect or breaking of the rules.¡± He leaned in closer. ¡°And I¡¯ve heard the rumors about what your uncle does for a living. Rest assured, I am not afraid in the slightest.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Joe? You¡¯ve got nothing to worry about form any of the Barkers, sir.¡± Brad said with a smile. ¡®Nobody does, until they mouth off at him. Once I¡¯m in, you¡¯re first on the list.¡¯ Uncle Joe had an unsavory reputation, but he knew how to get things done. After Brad graduated and if he wasn¡¯t in lockup, his uncle had promised him a junior place in the organization. He stood up, all six-foot-three of him, and shook the teacher¡¯s hand.

    ¡°You¡¯ll start tomorrow, don¡¯t be late.¡± the teacher grumbled.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t dream of it, sir.¡± He smiled and left, grinning at his ride. ¡°Dalton, my man, I am in.¡±

    ¡°Great!¡± Dalton said. He had a face like a horse, but a solid car and was totally loyal to Brad. His record was nearly as long as his, too. ¡°I¡¯ve been checking this place out while you were in there. This place isn¡¯t as tough as the city. ¡®S all suburb kids, small-town nobodies here. Not¡¯a one of ¡®em¡¯ll be any trouble, I guarantee it.¡± Brad¡¯s smile grew wider.

    ¡°Fantastic, just fantastic. C¡¯mon, I wanna eat out tonight, but my wallet¡¯s on the lighter side.¡±

    ¡°I hear yah.¡± They started scanning the hall, but there were so few students left at this time of day, especially with the weather so nice. Dalton nudged him and pointed to a potential mark. There was a skinny brown-haired kid putting his books into his locker, chatting absently with a blond girl. They finished speaking and she kissed his cheek goodbye. Brad grinned at Dalton; this one looked like a total wimp, he¡¯d be easy prey. After the girl left they slid into place on either side of him, Dalton on the lookout like usual.

    ¡°Hey there. Name¡¯s Brad, Brad Barker.¡±

    ¡°Hey-?¡± the kid asked, leaning back. Brad smirked. This kid was what, a freshman? Sophomore? Couldn¡¯t be close to Brad¡¯s eighteen, and wasn¡¯t built nearly big or tall enough. This was too easy. And all these kids were loaded, right?

    ¡°Hi, nice to meet you. What¡¯s your name?¡± he said, forcefully shaking his hand. Jeez, did puberty even start for him?

    ¡°Uh, Scott.¡± the kid said, tugging his hand away.

    ¡°Hi Scott, now we¡¯re friends. And you know what friends do, Scott?¡± Brad smiled as Dalton snickered. ¡°They help each other out. See, I¡¯ve got a problem, I don¡¯t have enough cash to go out tonight, and I¡¯d really like to. You know how it goes, right?

    ¡°Afraid I don¡¯t. I don¡¯t get out much.¡± Scott said mildly.

    ¡°Well, here¡¯s the thing. If you¡¯d lend me the money, I can see to it that you¡¯ll be nice and safe, no question. To, uh, put it mildly, you¡¯re a little on the scrawny side. I bet you get picked and dumped on a lot.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, not so much anymore.¡± Scott said.

    ¡°That¡¯s great, that¡¯s really great. But how would you like a guarantee? Twenty bucks a week for the basic protection package, it¡¯s an offer you can¡¯t refuse. Good, right?¡± Brad smiled at him.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m good.¡± Scott slung his bag over his shoulder and tried to walk away. Brad¡¯s arm slammed into the locker next to his head, hard enough to leave an indentation. He glanced at Dalton, and he nodded.

    ¡°Sorry, maybe I wasn¡¯t clear enough. You really should pay up the money. Otherwise, some brute might just hassle you without any protection.¡± Brad said softly, his eyes hard.

    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± Scott asked quizzically, head tilted. He didn¡¯t sound scared or nervous, more incredulous at the fact this was happening.

    ¡°What? No, never! And as long as you pay, things¡¯ll stay exactly like that, nice and peaceful. Got it?¡± Brad growled, looming over him. The runt seemed unperturbed.

    ¡°That¡¯s extortion, you know. Totally illegal.¡± he said, pleasant as ever. Brad leaned in close.

    ¡°Well it may be illegal, but who¡¯ll get sent to the hospital either way? You either give, or we take. And that little blond chick of yours wasn¡¯t bad-looking either. Maybe I¡¯ll show her what a real man looks like while you¡¯re counting ceiling tiles.¡± he leered while Dalton giggled.

    ¡°Somehow, I don¡¯t think your approach¡¯ll be appreciated. And you¡¯d better watch out, she¡¯s tougher than I am.¡± the kid said, calm as ever. Brad had had it with this serene act; no one could actually be cool when he menaced them.

    ¡°That¡¯s not saying much. Is anyone around?¡± Brad, cracking his knuckles asked Dalton, and with a quick glance shook his head.

    ¡°Perfect.¡± Scott grinned. ¡°C¡¯mon out.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Dalton said, then his eyes bugged as the kid¡¯s backpack opened by itself, a spindly spider-like leg protruding.

    ¡°Hah, don¡¯t act like you¡¯ve got friends. I¡¯ve known tons of nerds, they all have the same lonely loser look that you do.¡± Brad sneered. The kid tilted his head.

    ¡°Hmm, I suppose I am a nerd. But,¡± he grinned wider, ¡°I have no problem making friends.¡± He whistled, and there was a bang form inside his locker.

    ¡°What the hell?¡± Brad demanded. Dalton was too entranced by the legs slowly exiting the kid¡¯s backpack, and Brad was too absorbed to notice.

    ¡°Just a little project of mine. Care to take a look?¡± Scott opened the door with a creak like an ancient tomb, and Brad was quite suddenly aware of just how late it was and how few people were around. He peered into the darkness of the locker.

    A disembodied hand leapt from the darkness and latched itself around his windpipe. He tried to scream, but the fingers crushed his throat. Dalton saw beady eyes and multiple heads and legs before some bizarre rat-spider-thing jumped on his face, muffling his howls. Brad tried to pry the hand from his throat, but the fingers were locked tight. He felt his face swell up and vision start to dim. Scott watched them calmly.

    ¡°See, I got no clue who you are, and care even less. But what I don¡¯t appreciate is being bullied. I got kind of a thing about that.¡± he said as Brad fell to his knees, Dalton trying to shake Tarantulas off. ¡°I used to get picked on a lot, mostly in middle school and junior high. Not particularly sure why, never really did anything to anybody, but oh well. Never could do anything about it, but now I don¡¯t have to. I have people to deal with that for me.¡±

    He leaned against the locker, watching Brad turn blue. ¡°You know, now that I¡¯m a bit older and wiser, I can see just how petty and meaningless this all really is. Now I could just let things proceed here and peace out, but I don¡¯t think that¡¯ll be good for anybody. So here¡¯s the deal: you leave everyone in peace, we leave you in one piece. Sound good?¡± Scott asked pleasantly, and Brad frantically nodded. He snapped his fingers, and the undead hand dropped off while Tarantulas crawled off the sobbing Dalton, curled up in a ball. He walked over to the panting Brad.

    ¡°Now I¡¯d like you to watch out who you attempt to intimidate in the future. It could go badly for you. Got it?¡± His eyes began to glow a toxic emerald green. Brad nodded wordlessly. ¡°Good. Now git, I¡¯ve got better things to do than play with you all day. Just remember, my friends and I will be watching.¡± Scott grinned as the hand scurried back into the locker and Tarantulas scuttled back into his bag. Brad whimpered and fled, pausing only to haul Dalton to his feet, running as fast as they could through the empty halls, echoing with Scott¡¯s cruel laughter chasing them all the way.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°Ahh, threatening to take my lunch money. How quaint.¡± Scott said, wiping a tear from his eye. The locker opened and the hand stretched out on its¡¯ fingers. ¡°It¡¯s alright, those morons are gone. Thanks.¡± Scott held up his own hand, and the greenish-grey palm met it in a high-five. Scott stuck his leg out to catch it, and it grabbed hold, scuttling up to join Tarantulas in his backpack. The spider-rat hissed.

    ¡°Simmer down in there. I know it¡¯s cramped, but he¡¯s handy to have around. Get it? Handy? Eh?¡± If Tarantulas had its¡¯ own will it would have bit him, but Scott merely hummed a cheerful tune as he left school for the day.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    It was a beautiful afternoon in late May as Amber happily brushed the grass clear next to the gravestone. It really was nice up here, she reflected. The sun was warm and inviting, reflecting off the lake. Insects droned a welcome chorus, heralding summer as they buzzed above the water. The grass was soft and the trees tall and green, providing comfortingly cool shade across the clearing. The branches of the willow tree above the grave swayed softly in a gentle breeze. She inhaled the smell of cut grass, only hours old. She chuckled at the name on the stone next to her: Amber Harris. Taken before her time.

    ¡°And given back. Then taken for five minutes before coming back again.¡± She¡¯d questioned the choice of epitaph, but her parents had been too distraught to choose so it fell to the funeral director. She leaned back against her gravestone and closed her eyes. It would be easy to fall asleep here.

    She nearly had for all eternity. Last October, Amber had been murdered by the Craven Falls Killer, who turned out to be a coven of witches led by her best friend. They¡¯d carved her heart out to sacrifice to a daemon, along with six other girls, and usher in the apocalypse. She and the world would have been doomed, but Scott had been there. Reading spells from the Necronomicon, and with her, Leo, and Detective Cross¡¯s support, he¡¯d raised a horde of zombies to save the day. Then two weeks later, Scott¡¯s friend Brian had shown up, intent on proving himself the better magician with an army of mutant vampires and a pact with an elder god. With the aid of a vampire lord form Europe, a local superhero vampire called Nightfang, Scott¡¯s brains and her own ghoulish strength, they¡¯d managed to end the threat, Scott having advanced necromantic theory by creating zombified bacteria. Her skin still crawled at the thought of it, but after he¡¯d weaponized it Scott was content to mostly perform more research on them and how they interacted with the body. A shadow fell across her face.

    ¡°Hey there.¡± she said, cracking an eye. ¡°You said you¡¯d only be a bit. You are late.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡± Scott sat down on the ground beside her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, leaning back onto the gravestone. It was a refreshing coolness to contrast the warm day. ¡°I ran into a couple of guys who tried to shake me down. In school, no less. Really, can you believe that? Sheesh.¡± he said, gesturing with his free arm.

    ¡°Sounds bad. They are alright, aren¡¯t they?¡± Amber asked, eyebrow raised. Scott snorted.

    ¡°Ehh, they¡¯ll be fine. Little traumatized maybe, but I say a few mental scars are good for you. Makes you interesting, right?¡±

    ¡°Right.¡± She rolled her eyes and settled into him. ¡°Oh, did you hear about that ship they found in New York? Dredged it from the Atlantic, it¡¯s in a museum right now, I think.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that drug company paid for it, right? The S.S. Observant? They¡¯ve been plastering it all over the news for the last couple of days. Just a publicity stunt.¡± Scott dismissed. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s given me an idea. I¡¯m a necromancer, right? But, my last name¡¯s Havenbrook. I¡¯m thinking of changing it, at least for professional work, kinda like a stage name. ¡®Scott Havenbrook¡¯ doesn¡¯t exactly scream feared master of death. Any suggestions?¡± he asked seriously, and she giggled.

    ¡°Hmm, how about Scott Graves?¡±

    ¡°Too on-the-nose.¡±

    ¡°Scott Bones?¡±

    ¡°Too short and unfocused. I sound like a doctor. Which, if you think about it, I am, just one that¡¯s either really good or really bad and do a good patch-up job.¡± he pondered.

    ¡°How ¡®bout¡­Scott Funeral? You know, so you can put the Fun in Funeral!¡± she giggled, and he swatted her head and smiled.

    ¡°Now you¡¯re not even trying.¡± They spent some time just watching the lake, chatting idly while giant purple clouds drifted between the earth and the sun.

    ¡°-and I told my mom the mailbox was fine, there wasn¡¯t a scratch on it or the car, but she still freaked out and couldn¡¯t go on. I swear, I¡¯ll never get my license at this rate. Hey, your birthday¡¯s coming up soon, are you learning to¡­what¡¯s wrong?¡± Amber asked, noticing Scott shifting uncomfortably.

    ¡°Nah, its nothing.¡± he said unconvincingly.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, spill it.¡± She poked his side.

    ¡°Uh, it¡¯s just¡­¡± He got up and started pacing, trying to put his vague thoughts and feelings into words. ¡°It¡¯s just, I dunno how to say it¡­lately, I¡¯ve been feeling¡­restless, I suppose.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡± she inquired, head tilted.

    ¡°Well, everything¡¯s been going great. I got nothing bad happening, my research is bearing fruit, I got you, for some reason people have been nice to me at school¡­¡± he trailed off, looking perplexed. Amber smirked. He may have been smart, but it baffled him to no end when her friends started talking to him, trying to include him. For her sake; she¡¯d remembered the looks she¡¯d gotten when her friends found out she started dating Scott Havenbrook last January.

    ¡°Him? He¡¯s such a weirdo.¡± Brienna had said.

    ¡°Yeah, you could probably do better.¡± Chelsea had chimed in, watching him furiously take notes at his desk. ¡°Hmm, but maybe worse, though. He¡¯s got a handsome face at least, even if he¡¯s too scrawny. But like Bri said, I hear he¡¯s got personality problems.¡±

    ¡°He can be a bit¡­coarse¡­¡± Amber had said tactfully, ¡°and maybe not the best person in the world, but he¡¯s really very sweet when you get to know him and he opens up to you. It¡¯s just,¡± she winced, unable to lie. ¡°He does tend to rub people the wrong way.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just surprised you two weren¡¯t dating before now, you hang out often enough.¡± Joy had said, chin in hand. ¡°How¡¯d you two hit it off, anyway? As far as I know, he doesn¡¯t talk to anyone.¡±

    ¡°Oh, uh, remember when I was in the hospital last year? H-He was uh, g-getting his tonsils removed and we were in the same ward. Since we were from the same school, we got to chatting and well¡­heh heh¡­¡± She tried to play it off coolly, not mentioning she¡¯d been a ghost, bound to his soul to stave off oblivion at the time.

    ¡°Is it really so bad they¡¯re trying to include you in stuff now?¡± Amber asked, snapping back to the present.

    ¡°Uh¡­I guess it¡¯s not.¡± Scott mumbled, face red. Amber laughed. He liked to present himself as a tough guy loner, but seeing him grow made her smile. ¡°But it¡¯s weird.¡± he continued. ¡°Everything¡¯s going¡­right. It¡¯s putting me on edge.¡±

    ¡°Scott, maybe try to relax a bit? I mean, we took care of all the problems. This¡¯s our reward, so let¡¯s enjoy it. I know there¡¯ll be more issues in the future, but they¡¯ll be mundane things. I know you can work through ¡®em easy.¡± Amber reassured him.

    ¡°Of course, I am a genius.¡± he said matter-of-factly, making her roll her eyes. ¡°But, I could see that being it, everything¡¯s going too well. But I feel¡­something, I guess.¡±

    ¡°Feel?¡± she asked, frowning. Scott nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I can¡¯t really describe it. The stars are getting brighter, all of them. There¡¯s a smoothness to my necromancy right now that I don¡¯t think comes from practice. My teeth¡¯re itching, my brain¡¯s vibrating ¡®cause something should be wrong but isn¡¯t, you know?¡± Amber tugged at her ponytail worriedly.

    ¡°Do¡­do you think it¡¯s something supernatural again?¡± she asked. Six months. Only six months of peace, without chaos and death. But she knew better than to doubt Scott¡¯s instincts on something like this.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Honestly, could be nothing. Could be because my routine¡¯s so routine by now. Could be the apocalypse. Hell, could be I was shaken down and had Arnold Palmer and Tarantulas deal with it.¡± At mention of their names, the greenish-grey hand and rat-spider monster poked out of Scott¡¯s bag, making her jump.

    ¡°Jeez guys, don¡¯t do that.¡± Scott grinned at her, then dismissed them with a wave of his hand and sat down.

    ¡°Ehh, maybe I¡¯m just being paranoid. Or impatient. I¡¯ve pushed the boundaries of what¡¯s possible with necromancy before even leaving high school. I just, I wonder what¡¯s next.¡± He sighed. ¡°Where do I go from here? Where can I go?¡±

    ¡°Hey. Relax. Don¡¯t overthink this stuff too much.¡± Amber smiled at him, squeezing his hand. ¡°Wherever you go, I¡¯ll be there with you.¡± Scott turned away, red-faced.

    ¡°¡¯Kay.¡± he mumbled. He was never gonna get used to this. Suddenly, a raindrop hit his nose. The clouds had coalesced, and the bright day had turned grey and rainy. ¡°Let¡¯s get outta here. Want something to eat?¡±

    ¡°Sounds good.¡± They packed up and went downhill at a hurried pace, hoping to get out of the cemetery before they got too wet. As they passed by the graves, Scott froze. He was hearing a sound that was intimately familiar. He put up a hand and Amber stopped behind him, hearing it too. They crept through the trees, following the sound of a shovel digging into dirt.

    As the trees thinned they could make out a teenager in a white shirt digging into several graves, a mound of earth beside each one. As he drew closer, Scott could see the caskets mostly uncovered, yet unopened.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that Eduardo, from class?¡± Amber whispered. They guy paused to wipe sweat from his forehead, and she was sure of it.

    ¡°Uh, probably? I don¡¯t pay attention.¡± Scott whispered back. They watched him for a moment, digging up the last grave in a row. He was nodding his head to the beat produced by a small boombox next to him.

    ¡°What¡¯s he doing? He¡¯s not grave robbing, is he?¡± Amber wondered. Scott¡¯s face hardened.

    ¡°I can only hope so. I¡¯ve gotta find out for sure.¡± He glanced around; there was no one else here. He nodded to Amber, and she nodded back. He slowly and quietly unzipped his bag, and strode forward.

    ¡°Excuse me!¡± he called, stepping into view. Eduardo turned to him, the shovel half in the dirt. ¡°Couldn¡¯t help but notice you excavating some graves there. Mind filling me in as to why?¡±

    ¡°None of your business, man.¡± Eduardo said, resuming shoveling. Scott sighed and walked up to him.

    ¡°Does it really look like I¡¯m the kind of guy who doesn¡¯t go around poking his nose where it belongs? ¡®Sides, it¡¯s my business. I have a very strong affinity for this cemetery, so you¡¯ll give me an answer or there¡¯ll be trouble.¡± Scott growled. ¡°Why are you digging up these graves?¡± Eduardo paused.

    ¡°Huh. You¡¯re right there will be trouble. For you. Now back off, or else.¡± he warned.

    ¡°Is that a threat?¡± Scott said, cracking his knuckles.

    ¡°It¡¯s a promise, jeffe.¡± They stared each other down, the rain and mist soaking them. Amber leaned forward, unknowingly snapping a twig. At the sound, Eduardo started, swinging the shovel up. ¡°How many of you are there?¡± he demanded, pointing the blunt instrument at Scott.

    ¡°The only one you need to worry ¡®bout¡¯s right here. And I gotta say, you¡¯re acting real suspicious, man.¡± At that, Eduardo showed a cracked smile.

    ¡°It don¡¯t matter how many of you there are. I gotcha outnumbered.¡± He dug something out of his pocket and swung his hand to his mouth.

    ¡°Outnumbered?¡± Scott said, fingering the chalk in his pocket.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Eduardo clapped his hand and threw his arms out wide. ¡°After all, this is a graveyard, and I am a necromancer!¡±

    Scott froze and his head tilted.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

 Chapter 3: Necromancer Fight!

    Amber¡¯s shoes sunk into the mud with a squelch as she nearly fell in disbelief. Another necromancer!?

    ¡°The hell do you mean, necromancer?¡± Scott demanded, echoing her sentiments. Eduardo pulled a can of spray paint out of his pocket and started shaking it, grinning like a maniac.

    ¡°Deny all you want man, you¡¯ll see I got the magic touch.¡± He clicked the boombox to a new track and dashed to the side, spraying a circle around the row of graves to a heady, thumping beat. Scott likewise ran to a grave, hurriedly carving a circle into the dirt with his shoe and drawing the sigils on the headstone, altering the formula slightly to accommodate the unusual configuration at lightning speed. He watched as Eduardo sprayed the ground, sloppily inscribing strange sigils in paint.

    ¡°The hell¡¯s he doing? He¡¯s spraying too wide, and that inscription¡¯s way too shaky for any quality undead.¡± he muttered as he finished his circle, Eduardo dropping the can and clapping loudly.

    ¡°Aztock, turath, neb emuu kashnoth serbaph jslatmon ha! Aztock, turath, neb emuu kashnoth serbaph jslatmon ha! Aztock, turath, neb emuu kashnoth serbaph jslatmon ha!¡± they both incanted at the same time, Scott¡¯s sigils lighting up a toxic emerald green, Eduardo¡¯s turning almost a lime.

    ¡°Get your lazy asses up!¡± Eduardo commanded, and the entire row of graves, all six of them, erupted as the decaying zombies burst out.

    ¡°Come forth!¡± Scott called, and his zombie crawled out of the loose, wet earth determinedly. He cursed. Six against one wasn¡¯t good odds. He¡¯d have to play this very carefully. Something was odd about the zombies too; they twitched and jerked, as if full of energy, not the lifeless, mindless drones he was used too. Eduardo cracked a smile as he bobbed and weaved to the music, his zombies shuffling along.

    ¡°Wah-hey, I see you got necromancy too! Too bad it looks like you¡¯re stuck at one at a time. Get him!¡± He flicked his hands out, and the zombies howled and surged forward like a pack of wolves, bones rattling and flesh shaking off.

    ¡°Defend me!¡± Scott said, and the zombie under his control shuffled in front of him as he jumped into the grave it came from, limiting the angles of attack. ¡°Think, think!¡± he muttered, watching his zombie parry blows from the fastest one. Suddenly, as the others caught up they swerved to the side, synchronized running around the two to attack Scott. ¡®No way! Zombies don¡¯t have enough presence of mind to coordinate like that without direct, immediate orders! He didn¡¯t say a damned word!¡¯ He glared at Eduardo, dancing and laughing like he didn¡¯t have a care in the world. ¡°Rip its¡¯ head off!¡± Scott ordered. His zombie reached up to decapitate the one it was grappling with. That wouldn¡¯t hold it long, but hopefully it would stun it long enough to reposition his pawn.

    ¡°Drop!¡± Eduardo shouted, gesturing grandly, and his zombie fell like a stone, the magic animating it cut off, making Scott¡¯s miss. ¡°Up!¡± The zombie¡¯s eyes flickered as the magic brought it back, blowing Scott¡¯s mind as it drove a hand through his zombie¡¯s torso, hooking it in place. Then he had other things to worry about, as the other five zombies surrounded him. He bent low and used his backpack to block their grasping fingers.

    ¡®Damn it! How? How is he doing this!? These things are supercharged, how could he pull it off with such bad line work? And how can they coordinate so well without orders!?¡¯ he thought as he covered his eyes, a zombie kicking dirt at him. ¡®Does he somehow have a telepathy spell? No, I would¡¯ve seen him cast it, I think. Rrrgh, no choice, have to use Arnold and Ta-¡¯

    ¡°Ha ha ha!¡± Eduardo laughed triumphantly, interrupting his thoughts. ¡°Give it up man! Your zombie¡¯s nothing. Can¡¯t believe you tried to challenge me on my own turf, man!¡±

    ¡°This cemetery¡¯s been my repository way before you came along, bastard! It¡¯s mine!¡± Scott called back, fending off the hands grasping at him.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    ¡°Pfff, yeah, whatever. C¡¯mon, your brain¡¯s as weak as your powers, and your zombie! I¡¯m just too good! But I guess that¡¯s all you can expect from a noob. Amateur.¡±

    The air suddenly felt a bitter chill sweep through it, making Eduardo shiver.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡± Scott hissed over the battle, his tone as cold as the air.

    ¡°What, you deaf or just stupid? I said you a lame-ass necromancer who can¡¯t even raise his dick up, wimp! I¡¯m the hot one around here!¡± Eduardo cried, dancing and jumping to the beat. He shot a finger gun at Scott and winked, the zombies mimicking him. Scott regarded this new development, anger focusing his mind with crystal clarity.

    ¡®I see. He intentionally skewed the mystic inscriptions. The reanimation¡¯s fast and loose, the zombie¡¯s¡¯ll be up for half an hour, at most¡­but as long as the job gets done, it doesn¡¯t matter. He¡¯s tied their reanimation to his own will.¡¯ If he squinted, Scott could just barely make out the thin hint of a magic trail leading back to Eduardo. ¡®That lets him kill and raise them instantly. Moreover, though they¡¯ve received the order to attack mindlessly, he¡¯s basically a guiding force in their heads, allowing him to translate his nerve signals into orders! The music¡¯s to help amp up his own body!¡¯ Scott watched from the hole as Eduardo shimmied and jostled, dancing in place, looking nothing more like a kid hopped up on sugar. He narrowed his eyes. ¡®Brilliant, I never would have thought of doing it that way. Bravo. But! There¡¯s more than that to necromancy!¡¯

    ¡°Let¡¯s see who the real necromancer is around here, then!¡± Scott said with a grin. He whispered a command to Arnold and Tarantulas, and they scurried off in opposite directions. ¡°Get low and pull me out!¡± he shouted, and his zombie abandoned grappling with Eduardo¡¯s and sprinted full-tilt back to the grave, sliding like a baseball player stealing home to grab his hand and yank him away from the zombie gang¡¯s assault. Scott hauled the undead servant to his skeletal feet.

    ¡°Stay in front of me and hit anything that attacks!¡± Scott said, eyes blazing green. The zombie grunted and they charged Eduardo.

    ¡°Aw hell no!¡± Eduardo¡¯s arms whipped out, mustering the gang to surround Scott. Unburdened with protection duty, they could easily do so. Scott grinned wider.

    ¡°Go!¡± he urged. As it lurched forward Scott spun to face the three behind him. ¡°Truly pathetic.¡± he sneered. As the lead zombie attacked, Scott ducked to the side and flung a hand out, catching its abdomen. ¡°Asthenis jslatmon et spirituous via¡¯cka duun!¡± He felt his power and will collide with its¡¯ controllers¡¯, and overwhelmed the inexperienced challenger. The zombie jerked to a halt. ¡°Cover me!¡± Eduardo watched in disbelief as the second zombie took a swing, and the first shielded Scott with its¡¯ own body.

    ¡°Yo what the hell!? Y-You can¡¯t do that!¡± he shouted.

    ¡°If you cared to delve deeper into necromantic secrets, you¡¯d know it¡¯s very possible!¡± he grinned back, and barked ¡°Amateur!¡±

    ¡°Rrrgh!¡± Eduardo grit his teeth and focused harder, pouring orders into his zombies so quickly they were practically blurs, wailing on the undead Scott controlled without even a pause for breath, no chance to counter or get away. ¡°How ya like that!¡±

    ¡°Forward!¡± Scott ordered, and his first undead walked through the blows, pushing the attackers aside while Scott hugged close, not minding the smell. They charged up to a wide-eyed Eduardo, who tried to recall those that were still loyal, but it was too late. ¡°Tackle him!¡± Scott demanded, and the zombie lowered its shoulder and launched. Eduardo managed to juke to one side, but the zombie managed to grab his leg.

    ¡°Get off me!¡± Eduardo screeched, raising his hands to use his magic. Out of nowhere, a furry arachnid abomination jumped and wrapped itself around his arms, forcing them together like handcuffs. ¡°What the f-¡± A disembodied hand covered his mouth, muffling his screams as he fell in surprise.

    ¡°All-righty then.¡± Scott said, grinning as he marched up to the captured necromancer with his six new minions. ¡°Quality beats quantity, I¡¯m afraid. Now, I trust there¡¯ll be no more problems?¡± he said as Amber came over and hugged him. ¡°I¡¯ve got six more servants, but I could always add a seventh.¡± Eduardo¡¯s eyes went wide and he shook his head frantically. ¡°Good. Arnold, please remove yourself.¡± The hand crawled off and he gasped for breath.

    ¡°L-Look, I get it, I w-won¡¯t mess with you anymore. You want the cemetery? Take it, it¡¯s all yours, man.¡± Eduardo said quickly.

    ¡°¡¯Fraid that¡¯s not good enough.¡± Scott crouched down. ¡°This¡¯s some serious stuff. Where¡¯d you learn your techniques? Who taught you necromancy?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what we would like to know as well.¡± a man called out. They all looked to see what appeared to be a SWAT team emerge from the tree line, pointing assault rifles at all of them. A man in a black suit strode forward after they raised their hands in surrender.

    ¡°Who¡¯re you?¡± Amber asked. The man smiled.

    ¡°Agent Crenshaw, with the United States government. I hate to do this to you kids, but you¡¯ll all be coming with us.¡±

 Chapter 4: Tough Negotiations

    ¡°Ah, Mr. Havenbrook, Mrs. Havenbrook, welcome. Come on in.¡± the grey-haired yet still vibrant teacher said, ushering them into the classroom.

    ¡°Dan.¡± Mr. Havenbrook said, shaking her hand. ¡°What exactly is this about? I think it¡¯s highly unusual for a teacher to call the parents directly, not involve the kid.¡±

    ¡°When I got your phonecall at work I nearly had a heart attack.¡± Rebecca said. Mrs. Talbot nodded.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sorry about that. But this is a matter of quite some import.¡± she said, and Dan put a hand against his head.

    ¡°Scott?¡± Mrs. Talbot nodded, and they both sighed and sat down into the chairs before her desk.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong now?¡± Rebecca asked.

    ¡°Nothing, not as such. But something has recently come to my attention that I think you should be made aware of.¡± Mrs. Talbot said.

    ¡°What, is he in trouble?¡± Dan asked. Mrs. Talbot shook her head.

    ¡°Before I begin, I have to ask you: do you look over your children¡¯s report cards?¡±

    ¡°Not especially hard, Scott¡¯s grades have always been alright, we¡¯ve had to focus on Clay to get him to study.¡± Rebecca admitted. Mrs. Talbot nodded.

    ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s what I thought. I teach physics, so I can tell you he¡¯s middling, usually average in my class. How is he in other subjects?¡±

    ¡°Um, about the same, some A¡¯s, couple D¡¯s, usually B¡¯s or C¡¯s. At least, last I can remember. ¡± Dan said, trying to recall report cards.

    ¡°I see. Tell me, does he do his homework at home? How often do you see him study?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Come to think of it, I haven¡¯t seen him do any homework at home since elementary school.¡± Rebecca said, frowning. ¡°Well, he could be, though. He¡¯s usually holed up in his room for hours, and it¡¯s practically impossible to get him to open up. I-I hate to say it, but he¡¯s always been difficult like that. He¡¯s never really seemed to fit in, and he¡¯s very secretive. I know he does a lot more than what he lets on.¡±

    ¡°Hmm, that could be another part of the puzzle. Where did-ah, here.¡± She handed them a record sheet out of a folder. They looked over his progress throughout the year, mostly B¡¯s and C¡¯s with a few A¡¯s peppered in.

    ¡°Yeah? Looks good to me.¡± Dan said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Why¡¯d you call us if he was doing okay?¡±

    ¡°Because I was working on a quantum mechanics problem two weeks ago before school began. I had a variant of the Copenhagen Interpretation on the board, seeing if I could idly find something that causes the collapse of the quantum wavefunction. Scott came in for first period, and he still looked half-asleep. Apparently he thought it was a pop quiz to solve, because he answered it.¡± Mrs. Talbot produced a paper covered in Scott¡¯s handwriting. The letters, symbols, and numbers went way over their heads, but it did look like everything was filled in and accounted for.

    ¡°Err, yeah?¡± Dan said, confused.

    ¡°The problem, Mr. Havenbrook, is that this was merely a theory. It has not been solved. Theoretical physics simply does not have enough data to cover what has to go into doing this. I¡¯ve checked the math myself, and I can barely understand it. I had to run it by the professors at Miskatonic to check, and to all of our surprise, it is indeed correct. Your son has redefined the way we look at the universe, at least in a small part. That is something an average student cannot do."

    ¡°So my question is, if he really is the most brilliant physicist to ever live, why is he almost smack dab in the middle grade-wise of my class? I have discussed this with the principal, and she agrees that this is suspicious.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not saying Scott cheated, are you?¡± Rebecca asked.

    ¡°Not at all. I¡¯m saying he¡¯s too average for what he can do. When we pulled up his grades on his permanent record, they were at the same level, average-wise. However, shortly before entering high school, his science and math grades shot through the roof-before settling exactly into average until now. I believe that, for whatever reason, Scott is hiding his true abilities from us. Do you have any idea as to why?¡± she asked. His parents looked at each other.

    ¡°I got no clue, Mrs. Talbot.¡± Dan said. ¡°But we¡¯ll find out. He¡¯ll talk, I¡¯m sure.¡±

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°You¡¯ll never get me to talk!¡± Scott shouted through the door, pacing in the room. Amber was sitting quietly at the table, her hands pressed together to keep from shaking.

    ¡°T-Try to relax, Scott. W-We shouldn¡¯t say anything without a lawyer, anyway.¡± She tugged her ponytail nervously. Scott sighed, considered, then shook his head as he decided to be honest.

    ¡°Yeah, not getting the vibe we¡¯d be getting a lawyer in any case. We weren¡¯t arrested Amber, we were abducted. Detained indefinitely. They want to, they could shoot us and put us in a ditch, no one¡¯d be any wiser.¡± She started shaking more, tears running down her face and hiccupping. He grinned confidently. ¡°At least, they could try. Even without the Necronomicon and my pets, we¡¯re still far from helpless. Besides, if they wanted to do that they¡¯d have done it by now. My guess is they want us for something. Three guesses, no takebacks.¡± He held up a hand, the faintest of green glows laminating outward. Seeing him so confidant, Amber felt a little bit better. ¡°My only question is how did they find out.¡±

    ¡°Shh-someone¡¯s coming.¡± Amber said, picking up footsteps in the hall. They had been brought to the Kruger mall, officially destroyed thanks to an ¡°earthquake,¡± but after being hustled into the basement to find this group had some renovations done.

    ¡°Perfect.¡± Scott grinned. ¡°Let¡¯s start the party.¡± He cracked his knuckles and she rolled her eyes.

    ¡°C¡¯mon Scott, don¡¯t make things any worse than they already are.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s right.¡± The door opened, and Amber gasped in surprise as Detective Cross entered the room, followed by the man who¡¯d taken them.

    ¡°Detective Cross! What¡¯re you doing here?¡± Amber said.

    ¡°Please tell me you made it so we can go.¡± Scott said, hoping against hope. Crenshaw spoke up.

    ¡°Afraid not, actually. We¡¯re sorry, but you¡¯re too valuable an asset to just let go like that. We¡¯re with a government agency designed to protect the United States from any and all¡­unusual threats. This is my new partner, Agent Cross."

    ¡°Under extreme protest and duress.¡± she growled, glaring daggers at Crenshaw. She glanced at Scott. ¡°Hey, kid. Sorry we had to bring you in like this.¡± Scott sighed and put his face on the table.

    ¡°Eh, it¡¯s alright.¡± he said, slightly muffled. ¡°So, what exactly do you want from me?¡± Agent Crenshaw smiled.

    ¡°That is the big question, isn¡¯t it? Our investigations have discovered that you are in possession of magical knowledge, likely from this book. Correct?¡± He tossed Scott¡¯s bag on the table, Arnold, Tarantulas, and the Necronomicon in plastic bags spilling out. ¡°Figure it¡¯s no trouble to return them. We¡¯ve had a look at the book, by the way, and while it most resembles ancient Sumerian, none of our experts or translation programs can accurately identify it.¡± Scott grinned as he released his servants and gathered everything up. ¡°We¡¯ve also found out you¡¯ve been a principal player in at least two separate incidents last fall. From what we¡¯ve gathered, and Cross¡¯s testimony corroborates this, is that you¡¯ve worked to put down the threats to yourself and others. Correct?¡± he asked, eyebrow raised. Scott nodded slowly, unnerved by the look in Crenshaw¡¯s eyes. They were too empty, hollow, despite his confidant face. The agent snapped the folder shut. ¡°Excellent. Normally, our response to such an individual with your knowledge and prowess would be to neutralize you however we could. However, your previous actions paint a very different picture of yourself than the usual schmuck who gets their hands on forbidden magical knowledge. So we decided to take a different track: how would you like an after-school job?¡±

    The necromancer squinted at him, then a sly grin spread across his face as he grasped the situation.

    ¡°That depends. How much trouble are you in?¡± he said, testing the waters.

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Crenshaw said.

    ¡°Yeah, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. All that happened in mid-November, and it¡¯s almost June now. I can¡¯t imagine you guys would have to go through too much red tape, and we¡¯re still alive so you obviously want my help. These¡¯re just scare tactics, trying to pressure me into giving in without a fight. I see your game. And you wouldn¡¯t be doing this at all, I bet, if you weren¡¯t fairly desperate.¡± Cross snorted and laughed out loud.

    ¡°Tell ¡®em, kid. I told you, he¡¯s smarter than he looks.¡± Cross said smugly to a scowling Crenshaw. ¡°You¡¯re on the money. A lot of what they do is bluff. Sure, they¡¯ve got some scary authority, but because of that there¡¯s even stricter oversight from Washington. Probably more than most departments have, right Agent Crenshaw?¡±

    ¡°I liked it better when you were intimidated.¡± he groused, motioning for a projector to be wheeled in and pulling down a screen.

    ¡°So all this was just for show?¡± Amber snapped, her knuckles white on the table. How could they play with them like that!?

    ¡°Make no mistake, we have full authorization to eliminate all of you without hesitation. But the Unknown Agency is designed to protect American citizens, not go around killing them. Actions speak louder than words, and we prefer to speak quietly. We had to ensure your cooperation, by any means necessary.¡±This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    ¡°He¡¯s right.¡± Cross spoke up. ¡°I don¡¯t like it, I really don¡¯t like it, but I decided to stick with them because of what¡¯s going down. I told him trying to pressure you wouldn¡¯t work, but apparently I¡¯m not senior enough to make that call.¡± She said, staring at Crenshaw. ¡°And¡­¡± She sighed despondently. ¡°We¡­need your help.¡±

    ¡°Huh? I¡¯m sorry? You said something to me, detective? I¡¯m afraid I couldn¡¯t hear, you¡¯ll have to repeat it louder.¡± a bright-eyed Scott said, cupping his ear. Amber smacked his shoulder. ¡°Hey.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be an ass. Why? What¡¯s going on?¡± she asked. Cross nodded to Crenshaw, and he fired up the slideshow. The picture was of a hand holding a small red pill.

    ¡°As you may be aware, illicit substances are a problem in this country, but especially disturbing when teenagers are the primary consumers. This is a new party drug called ¡®Taboo.¡¯ Have either of you heard anything about it before?¡± The teens shook their heads. ¡°Hmm. I suppose we should be thankful, then. It¡¯s the latest craze sweeping not only the nation, but worldwide.¡± he explained.

    ¡°And this has to do with us¡­?¡± Scott said, confused. Necromancers had no use for the drug trade.

    ¡°Obviously, it does more than get you high if we want you to work with us. Please observe.¡± Crenshaw clicked a video and Scott and Amber watched a rave in progress.

    ¡°Yo, check this out.¡± a kid wearing a red muscle shirt said, downing one of the pills. ¡°Oh yeah, oh yeah! Fw¡¯thylmnb aex nominatnnis! Fw¡¯thylmnb aex nominatnnis! Fw¡¯thylmnb aex nominatnnis! Fw¡¯thylmnb aex nominatnnis! Fw¡¯thylmnb aex nominatnnis!¡± he chanted. They watched him dancing, the colored lights flashing in time with the beat. ¡°Wooooo!¡± He started jerking and jumping, levitating off the ground. Amber gasped, and Scott narrowed his eyes.

    ¡°Holy¡­¡± the cameraman trialed off, watching him bust a move in midair to the waves and cheers of the crowd.

    ¡°C¡¯mon up!¡± The dancing kid lifted a hand, raising the cameraman too.

    ¡°No way!¡± The camera went wild, zooming from the floor to the partiers to everything in between. ¡°That-This¡¯s incredible! I gotta get somma that!¡±

    ¡°Here.¡± The guy floated a pill into his friend¡¯s hand, and he instantly downed it. After a moment, there was more strange chanting, and the screen began to shake, static building up before cutting out.

    ¡°The person who recorded this, one Michael Brown, seems to have had manifested some kind of electrical manipulation spell.¡± Crenshaw explained. ¡°While we haven¡¯t determined what exactly happened in the interval, we have recovered another cell phone recording at the end of the incident.¡± He opened another file.

    ¡°Oh my God!¡± Amber cried. The cell phone was lying on the ground, recording by accident. There was a hand in the frame, lying on the floor in a pool of blood. There was screaming in the background, and a flickering of fire off to one side. A pair of legs in pink sneakers ran past, but suddenly froze and started backing away slowly as another pair of shoes entered the shot.

    ¡°P-P=Please-I¡¯ll, do anything, j-just please don¡¯t¡­¡± a girl¡¯s voice said.

    ¡°¡¯Please don¡¯t?¡¯ Please don¡¯t what! You know you have nowhere left to hide! To have to face your judgement! I saw you with him, don¡¯t-¡±

    ¡°NO! It wasn¡¯t like that!¡± the girl cried, then there was a scream.

    ¡°YOU LYING BITCH! I KNOW!¡± There was a dull thwack, and the legs collapsed, a scarlet rain staining the screen. Amber shuddered. The other shoes turned, shredding as their owner burst out of them, a flash of scales the last thing seen before the file cut out.

    ¡°What you have just witnessed is a rave in New Jersey last week. We were unable to contact anyone would admit to being there. Five people lost their lives. We managed to get there before the media did, and a sanitized version of events was released three hours later.¡±

    ¡°So¡­is, is this what that drug does to people? Give them superpowers?¡± Amber said, looking at the pill photo again. ¡°What¡¯s in it?¡±

    ¡°A very good question. Much of the composition is amphetamines with a faint trace of extacy, which was easy enough to analyze. But there¡¯s something else in them, a substance that our scientists can¡¯t identify. Whatever that X factor is, it¡¯s responsible for this.¡± Crenshaw said, turning to Scott. ¡°I understand that you specialize in necromancy. But you are literally the only magician we have been able to contact at this point. Do you think you might know something about any of this?¡±

    Scott¡¯s face had been sour throughout the video, jaw set tight as a clam. But now he broke out into the widest grin Amber had ever seen him make.

    ¡°Oh? What¡¯s that? The secret organization that kidnapped us and held me against my will needs MY help? Did I hear you right?¡± he said obnoxiously. Crenshaw grimaced, and Cross was torn between grinning herself and burying her head in her palm. ¡°My my my, what a conundrum we have here. Hmm, I wonder what my answer should be?¡± He put a finger to his chin, staring up at the ceiling.

    ¡°Are you done?¡± Crenshaw growled.

    ¡°Yup. Hell no. You want me to help you with this case? Sorry, got nothing to do with me. I¡¯m a very busy man you know, gotta ¡®mance those necros. And I don¡¯t appreciate trying to be coerced into doing things.¡± He leaned back in his chair as Crenshaw¡¯s expression turned dark. Honestly, it sounded like a whole lot of trouble, and it truly didn¡¯t have anything to do with him. He really didn¡¯t care about other magic users beyond an academical interest. But this was an opportunity he couldn¡¯t resist; he grinned as he saw the perfect moment to spring his trap.

    ¡°Buuuuut if you needed my professional consultation, I suppose a government contract wouldn¡¯t be bad for my first professional job. I¡¯ll do it on one condition: four-no, f-five thousand dollars. P-Per case!¡± he added quickly. Silence followed his proclamation. Cross gave in and sunk her forehead into her hand.

    ¡°Should¡¯ve known.¡± she muttered.

    ¡°That amount, and we get your services?¡± Crenshaw asked, eyebrow raised. Scott nodded, hoping beyond hope. ¡°Deal.¡±

    ¡°No, wait-aargh.¡± Scott suddenly found himself in a headlock and dragged into a corner, confronted by a sharp-eyed Amber. ¡°Listen you dolt, if you¡¯re negotiating a price, you start unrealistically high and go down from there. It¡¯s basic business sense! Dad taught me that! You could¡¯ve gotten a lot more, maybe even millions!¡± she hissed. The necromancer¡¯s eyes went wide.

    ¡°Wha-? Really?¡±

    ¡°Yes! This¡¯s a government agency, I bet they have an expense account for things like this!¡± Amber snapped.

    ¡°Millions¡­¡± Scott trailed off in wonder. ¡°And I thought five thousand would¡¯ve been pushing it. Man, I wouldn¡¯t even know what to do with millions. Please, wise master, teach me your ways!¡± he said earnestly, eyes sparkling at the possibilities. Amber stared at him, remembering his house and family, and how his dates were to the park, or the mall, or something else relatively inexpensive. She groaned internally as she recalled she usually paid whenever they went out someplace fancier. Her family had four cars and a motorcycle; his had one and-considering the state of Clay¡¯s vehicle-a half. ¡®Guess I can¡¯t exactly blame him. Genius brain or not, it doesn¡¯t help if you¡¯ve been trained to think lowball.¡¯ She huffed and squeezed him gently.

    ¡°What am I gonna do with you. I¡¯ll help you out later.¡± she smiled.

    ¡°Indeed. For now, can we get back to the task at hand?¡± Agent Crenshaw chided, and they went back to the table.

    ¡®So this¡¯s what it¡¯s like from the outside.¡¯ Cross snickered internally.

    ¡°Now then, five thousand per case it is. Unfortunately, you might reach that million mark sooner than you think.¡± he said solemnly, downloading files onto a flash drive. ¡°These are the files of what we have so far on each incident. We have our people working on them right now, Cross included. Take them home and review them, see if you can spot something we can¡¯t. I trust you can be discrete.¡± He tossed him the device.

    ¡°Secrecy is a very important part of what I do.¡± Scott said, catching it. Crenshaw nodded. ¡°Now then, if you want me to analyze the drug, I¡¯ll need a sample.¡±

    ¡°We have a lab prepped here. But tell me, would it be possible for you to teach us your magic? It would be the best possible course to take in examining other magic.¡± Crenshaw asked. Scott rolled his eyes.

    ¡°Yeah, not happening. Unless you got a few weeks at the shortest, more likely months, verging on years.¡± he snorted.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Crenshaw asked.

    ¡°I mean it took me over seven months before I could even get a corpse to twitch. A couple months back I tried to teach her-¡± he pointed a thumb at Amber ¡°-a simple spell to banish ghosts, just in case. Oh my god was that an exercise in futility. Since she couldn¡¯t read the formula, I had to read it step-by-step, and it didn¡¯t go well. She barely managed a flicker of power to banish a flea¡¯s ghost, let alone a human¡¯s. Magic requires more than just saying some funny words and waving your hands around. You need a proper understanding of fifth-dimensional metaphysics for a start, and a mind and will strong enough to not break when reality shifts before your eyes at your own hand. It¡¯s like¡­what¡¯d you say, Amber?¡±

    ¡°Like doing trigonometry after you¡¯d just learned multiplication.¡± she said sourly. That had not been a pleasant afternoon. She had been bound and determined, and though she could kinda-sorta recognize some patterns she couldn¡¯t decipher what they meant, and Scott said that was the key. ¡°Seriously. I¡¯m good at math, but that stuff¡¯s ridiculous.¡±

    ¡°Took more time than I care to admit to reanimate even a mouse.¡± Scott nodded sagely. ¡°I mean, I can give you a primer on magic, but actually using it¡¯s another matter. And I don¡¯t believe you have the time required to figure this out.¡±

    ¡°Hrmm. Unfortunately true. Very well, we¡¯ll have to make do with what we have. Agent Cross will debrief you on the rest, please excuse me.¡± Crenshaw left, frowning. His body language indicated he wasn¡¯t lying. It didn¡¯t go as well as he¡¯d hoped, but the boy was on their side, at least.

    Cross turned to the teenagers, smirking.

    ¡°You know, it was almost worth getting conscripted, just to see that as-moron have to deal with you.¡± she said.

    ¡°I¡¯m not that bad, am I?¡± Scott said, eyes bright and smiling innocently.

    ¡°Give it a rest, Scott.¡± Amber said, smacking his shoulder.

    ¡°You see how I¡¯m treated? No respect, no respect at all.¡± He sighed dramatically.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Cross cut in, glaring. She¡¯d had more than enough fooling around. ¡°Right now, you have security clearance level 2.¡± She handed both of them badges. ¡°Don¡¯t lose ¡®em, I¡¯ll get pis-mad.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re teenagers, we can handle swearing. He was an asshole.¡± Amber said flatly.

    ¡°A-Anyway,¡± Cross coughed, ¡°I had to spill most of the beans about what happened last fall. Don¡¯t look at me like that, they already knew about you two. It was either explaining how helpful you were, or being captured without prejudice and interrogated. Much rougher than what you got today.¡±

    ¡°Hmm.¡± Scott leaned in away from the camera in the corner and said quietly ¡°Is the room bugged?¡±

    ¡°Doubt it. This¡¯s just the upper level.¡± Cross said.

    ¡°What do you think of these guys? They on the level? How much do they know?¡± Cross rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Not much, I can tell you that. As of now, they know the supernatural exists, and deal with it best they can. I¡¯ve seen some of the creatures they killed, they¡¯re up there with that spider-rat thing you¡¯ve got.¡± she said, shuddering. ¡°But that¡¯s mostly what they do, monster extermination. They¡¯ve stopped a couple of magicians-and I can¡¯t believe I just said that-before they could cause too much trouble before, but for the most part magic¡¯s a mystery to them. I¡¯d prefer it if nothing supernatural existed, but apparently that¡¯s not the world we live in.¡± she said bitterly.

    ¡°There there.¡± he said, reaching up to pat her shoulder and receiving a glare. ¡°The universe is a vast and strange place.¡±

    ¡°What I want to know what happens next. Are we free to go? What happened with Eduardo?¡± Amber asked. That had been bothering her, but being taken prisoner had eclipsed that issue.

    ¡°He¡¯s currently in a special holding room downstairs, built to hold people with issues like these. He¡¯s been detained while these guys detoxify him and analyze it. But they¡¯re just going to hold him in observation for a while and release him with a bribe to keep his mouth shut. We¡¯re after the source, not the users so much. And I¡¯ll take you kids home after we¡¯re done here. They figure the old Kruger mall¡¯s good cover for the operation.¡±

    ¡°Last time I was here, there were five walls but only four corners.¡± Amber said.

    ¡°Huh. That¡¯s¡­huh.¡± Cross said, rubbing her forehead. ¡°I don¡¯t get paid enough to care. But we¡¯re not going anywhere yet. Kid, they want you down the hall to explain magic to ¡®em. And you¡¯ve got a medical exam to take.¡± she said, pointing at Amber.

    ¡°M-Me?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. You died and came back to life. Twice.¡±

    ¡°Once as a ghoul.¡± Scott interjected.

    ¡°Yeah, so they won¡¯t be satisfied until they¡¯ve done a full physical, make sure you¡¯re really okay, any effects and make sure, I don¡¯t know, you develop a craving for human flesh.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s crazy! I¡¯ve been fine since the last time, seven months of nothing but normal food. That¡¯s ridiculous!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a safety issue that should be easy to quell. Now c¡¯mon, let¡¯s make it quick. And kid?¡± She turned to Scott. ¡°You¡¯re now officially under employment. They¡¯ll work with you around school, but you¡¯ve gotta decide what to tell your family.¡± Scott¡¯s blood ran cold.

    ¡°C-Crap! I can¡¯t tell ¡®em about any of this stuff!¡± he muttered, pulse picking up. ¡°They¡¯ll kill me if they find out about my sneaking out and graverobbing!¡±

    ¡°Not my job, kid.¡± Cross shrugged, enjoying watching him sweat. ¡°But this¡¯s a serious matter. We¡¯ll collect you tomorrow after school, so be ready to roll."

 Chapter 5: Quickening Events

    Cross¡¯s words rang in his head as Scott absently walked into his house, not even seeing the living room on his way to the stairs. What was he going to tell them?  A government agency needed his specialized magical knowledge, so could he be excused from the rest of school to help stop the drug trade? Yeah, not happening.

    ¡°Eh-hem.¡± his mother coughed, and he was jolted out of his reverie.

    ¡°Huh? Hi.¡± His parents were standing in the living room.

    ¡°Scott, welcome back, my loving son. Have a seat.¡± His father motioned to the couch. Scott gulped. This couldn¡¯t be good.

    ¡°Scott, we met with Mrs. Talbot today. She was concerned with your performance during class.¡± Rebecca said.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I can do better I know it!¡± he blurted out. His mom shook her head.

    ¡°That¡¯s not what she called us in for. She said she was working on some Copenhagen quantum theory equation or something a couple of weeks ago, and you managed to solve it.¡±

    ¡°Huh? Yeah¡± he said cluelessly, not even remembering. His parents smiled.

    ¡°She said it was unsolvable, she sent it to the university and they¡¯re very excited. How¡¯d you manage to get so good in physics?¡± Dan said.

    ¡°But honey, why didn¡¯t you tell us you were so advanced? Why¡¯d you hide your talent? We could¡¯ve helped you, I know there are special schools for this.¡± Rebecca said.

    ¡°Oh. Oh! Uh...¡± Now it was coming back to him. He thought it was weird that the question wasn¡¯t on a printout, but he¡¯d been too tired to care at the time. ¡®Crap! They¡¯re onto me! Well, at least I¡¯ll finally have my genius recognized¡­wait, no, I don¡¯t wanna draw attention! If they expect me to be some big-shot physicist, I¡¯ll never get anything done. No, wait a minute¡­¡¯ A lightbulb turned on.

    ¡°Well, I kinda didn¡¯t realize it myself at first. I just though class was boring and slow for everyone. I, uh, figured it out when I was thirteen, just been doing enough to get by since.¡± he said.

    ¡°Okay, but why hide it though?¡± his dad asked. Scott shrugged.

    ¡°I guess I didn¡¯t wanna deal with any of the pressure. I¡¯ve seen some of the guys in the advanced prep courses and stuff, they look strung out and like they¡¯ll be bald before they hit thirty. I¡¯d just rather deal with things at my own pace, right? Besides, who¡¯d believe me? I didn¡¯t think the teachers would, that¡¯s for sure.¡± he said helplessly. ¡®Please buy it, please buy it, please-¡¯

    ¡°Oh, Scott.¡± His mother enveloped him in a hug. ¡°You silly. We never would¡¯ve made you do something you didn¡¯t want to do.¡±

    ¡°All the same, it¡¯s not good to let the opportunities this brings just go by, either.¡± his dad said, glancing at the worn sofa. ¡°I never want to pressure you, but you¡¯ve gotta take all the advantages in the world you can get.¡±

    ¡°Huh. Thanks, you guys. Love you.¡± He hugged them both and ran up the stairs. ¡°I gotta call Amber, I¡¯ll be down shortly!¡±

    As they watched him go, Dan shook his head.

    ¡°So young, and already so whipped.¡± Scott didn¡¯t hear, because he sprang into his room frantically pulling gout his cell phone, dialing Cross¡¯s number.

    ¡°Hey, detective? Or agent or whatever your title is now, I don¡¯t care.¡± He chuckled at her growling on the other end. ¡°I think I¡¯ve got the perfect solution to the parent problem.¡± He grinned.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Unfortunately, not everyone has a good relationship with their family. Even if a child is close to their parents when young, as they grow up and start to discover themselves, that person may not always be compatible with who their relatives became.

    ¡°Yun! Get off that stupid box already!¡± his mother called from the living room. Yun sighed and closed his laptop, getting up slowly to see what she wanted.

    ¡°Yes, mother?¡±

    ¡°Hurry up, we¡¯ve got company in an hour! We need to clean, grab a rag and dust!¡± she said, bristling with cleaning equipment and a face determined to erase every last speck of grime from the apartment.

    ¡°But we just cleaned three days ago.¡± Yun groaned. She whapped him with the duster.

    ¡°You mean only three days ago! I¡¯ve said it before, you always have to look and be at your best when dealing with others, no matter what. That applies to you too, young man. A white t-shirt is nothing presentable, go put on your blazer.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s nearly summer, mom.¡± he said. She rounded on him angrily.

    ¡°Enough! When I say put on your blazer, you put on your blazer! Now go!¡±

    ¡°But I-¡± WHAP!

    ¡°You don¡¯t talk back to your mother! I worked long and hard to raise you, you show me some respect! Respect! Respect!¡± she repeated, eyes blazing as she reached up to smack her son¡¯s head and face.

    ¡°Ow! Hey! Ow!¡± His nose started leaking blood, and she relented.

    ¡°You are my son, and you will be respectable! Now go to your room and clean yourself up, look sharp! I need you looking good for these people, just shut your mouth and everything will be fine! Kids these days, I swear, no respect for authority or their parents, either¡­¡± she muttered darkly, vacuuming. Yun went back to his room, thinking dark thoughts himself and wiping the tears and blood away.

    ¡°This¡¯s fine, this¡¯s fine.¡± he said to himself reassuringly, popping open a small container and dry swallowing a small red pill. He smiled as his brain tingled, something overcoming his mind, mouthing alien words in a forgotten, forbidden language. He reached under his bed and pulled out a ceramic jar, covered in slips of paper with dark brown scribbles on them. He grinned; the pain had been worth it. He eyed a small centipede crawling on his windowsill. With a quick, precise motion, he snatched it up and held it aloft.

    ¡°I¡¯d say don¡¯t be scared, but you should be. If you live, life will be hard. There will be nothing but brutality and death from now on.¡± He twisted the jar¡¯s lid off, and dropped the centipede into the writhing darkness.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Well? How¡¯d the tests go?¡± Agent Crenshaw asked the technician. She shrugged.

    ¡°As good as can be expected, I guess. Blood test, CAT scan, toxicology screening, X-ray, basic physical revealed nothing wrong. She¡¯s a healthy sixteen-year-old girl, no prior or current health issues.¡±

    ¡°And the psychological exam?¡± Crenshaw pressed.

    ¡°Again, nothing amiss.¡± the technician said, handing him the records. ¡°She¡¯s normally happy and upbeat, Dr. Foster theorizes she¡¯s developed mental resilience from hanging around the necromancy kid. Speaking of which, did you see his eyes? Brrr.¡± she said, shuddering. When people¡¯s eyes glowed in movies it was kinda scary or cool. In real life it was just¡­unsettling.

    ¡°As long as he acts in our interest, I couldn¡¯t care less.¡± Crenshaw said absently, looking the reports over.

    ¡°Well anyway, according to the tests she¡¯s completely human, 100% normal. However, there was one anomaly.¡±

    ¡°Anomaly? What is it?¡± he asked, eyebrow raised. The technician hesitated.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­unusual, and we¡¯re not completely sure there¡¯s anything to be excited about in the first place. We found something unusual when examining her blood. Both the red and white cells had a sort of¡­pattern, I suppose, or a scar. We compared it to the hair and dead tissue samples we acquired, and they had the same mark as well. This¡¯s on all of her cells.¡± She pulled an enhanced photo from the latter pages. Crenshaw stared at it, an intricate design, or a splotch like a burn mark. It was hard to tell which.

    ¡°Hmm. And is this the only thing you could find?¡±

    ¡°Yessir. Every single cell she has bears this mark. I would¡¯ve thought it might be something sinister, but it¡¯s just an area on a membrane. We tested the meter on her and nothing. We believe it¡¯s a scar from the resurrection process. She seems fine otherwise, so there¡¯s no immediate concern, but¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s always best to be sure. Very well, since there¡¯s no immediate concern, we can hold off on this issue until later, after we¡¯ve dealt with the Taboo issue. Keep an eye on her in any case.¡± Crenshaw said, nodding.

    ¡°Very well, sir. I¡¯ll message her immediately and-¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me? I said we should shelve the issue for now.¡± he interrupted. She looked at him questioningly.

    ¡°Sir?¡±

    ¡°Cross¡¯s report was correct, that girl¡¯s a stabilizing influence on Scott. I¡¯d rather not have to strain their relationship with us right now. Nothing should distract us from this new drug.¡± he said coldly. ¡°There are millions of lives at stake. I can¡¯t justify the potential uncertainty of one, versus the very real danger of many. This would easily distract both of them, and this is the first magician we have found that¡¯s willing to play ball. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yessir.¡± she said, blinking nervously. ¡°I-I¡¯m just a little concerned about safety, for everyone sir.¡±

    ¡°As am I. That¡¯s why we¡¯re going to discuss it-later.¡± Crenshaw said with finality.

    ¡°Yessir.¡±

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Connor yawned. His parents let him sleep in during summer, but unfortunately it wasn¡¯t quite there yet.

    ¡°Two more weeks, just two more weeks.¡± he chanted as he opened the door to his room with his drink. He¡¯d said goodnight, and he usually got a glass of water before bed. He was about to climb into said bed when he heard a faint tink.

    ¡°Huh?¡± He glanced at the window. It was dark, but he could make out another pebble hitting the glass. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±

    ¡°Pssst! Out here! Over here!¡± a voice whispered form inside.

    ¡°Hmm. Not again.¡± Connor got out of bed and opened his window. The house was a ranch, so he could make out a girl outside of his hedges, illuminated by the streetlight by the sidewalk.

    ¡°Hi there! I¡¯m Riley!¡± she said cheerfully.¡± Connor was nonplussed.

    ¡°Do you have any idea of what time it is? People are trying to sleep here.¡± She winced.

    ¡°Eh, yeah, sorry. It¡¯s just I finally managed to track you down! I got so excited I couldn¡¯t even sleep!¡± she gushed. ¡°Sorry for waking you, but you have no idea how long I¡¯ve been looking for you!¡±

    ¡°¡­you have five seconds to explain before I call dad.¡± Connor said curtly.

    ¡°Well you are Connor McLaren, right?¡± He nodded slowly. ¡°Great! You¡¯re the guy who had that brain tumor last fall that mircallously healed, right?¡± she asked excitedly.

    ¡°Miraculously.¡± he corrected, ¡°and yeah? So what?¡±

    ¡°So, I read in the article that it was unoperable, right?¡± she asked.

    ¡°¡®Inoperable¡¯ is the word you want. And yeah? It got better all of a sudden. Don¡¯t know why, but I¡¯m glad.¡± And he was about ready to turn away and call for his father when she ran up to the hedges and grabbed the windowsill.

    ¡°But that¡¯s a lie, isn¡¯t it? Didn¡¯t that skull guy have something to do with your recovery!?¡± she asked eagerly, eyes shining.

    ¡°W-What? N-No¡­¡± Connor said, caught off-guard. She shook her arms and danced excitedly in place, like Christmas come early.

    ¡°Yes! You have no idea how long I¡¯ve been trying to find that Necrysis guy! He saved you too, right?¡±

    ¡°Too?¡± he blinked. She nodded vigorously.

    ¡°Yeah! Remember last Halloween?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­we went to the town party because trick-or-treating was cancelled?¡± Connor said, recalling.

    ¡°Yup! But guess what? While everyone was at the party, my sister and I got attacked by this scary monster guy who came into our house!¡± Riley said.

    ¡°Jeez!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, it was terrifying! We tried to run out the back way, but there was a buncha zombies out there. The monster found us, but the zombies busted in and dragged him out¡¯n tore him to pieces! IT was the coolest thing I ever saw ever!¡± she gushed.

    ¡°W-Wow.¡± Connor said.

    ¡°Yeah! Then that Necrysis guy showed up, fighting that vampire dude. And he had real zombies on his side! Real zombies! I bet anything he¡¯s the one who saved us. Since you¡¯ve gotten healed, I figure he might have something to do with it, right? I wanna find him, no matter what!¡±

    ¡°Um, okay¡­but what do you wanna find him for?¡± Connor asked, feeling a little overwhelmed. How did this girl have so much energy this late at night?

    ¡°Because!¡± she said, practically vibrating in place. ¡°I¡¯m gonna find him and get him to tell me how to make zombies!¡±

    A moment passed. Connor listened to the crickets chirping as he processed what Riley told him.

    ¡°You wanna make zombies yourself? Why?¡±

    ¡°Because they¡¯re the coolest! They saved me from the monster, then they went off to find more bad guys to fight! Zombies are awesome! And Necrysis is awesome! I¡¯m gonna be his apprincetess!¡± Riley declared, as quietly as she could.

    ¡°You mean apprentice.¡±

    ¡°Nope! I¡¯m gonna be a princess and an apprentice! An apprincetess!¡± Connor sighed.

    ¡°Well, strange logic, but a strange choice for a personal hero so I guess it works out. I can see where you¡¯re coming from.¡± he said. He remembered too well the all-consuming numbness that encompassed him when he¡¯d received the diagnosis. His mother in constant tears, his father fighting to be strong, the constant headache, the bleak feeling of merely waiting for oblivion to claim him.

    Then, all that torn apart by glowing eyes and a grinning skull.

    For good or for ill, he was their savior. The girl in front of him wanted to be just like the one who saved her. And he himself would be lying if he said he didn¡¯t want to know how that guy had cured his cancer.

    ¡°Yeah! So I looked through everything I could get my hands on, but my books, teachers, and the internet weren¡¯t much help. So I tracked you down, and you¡¯re only like three blocks from my house, and I got so excited I couldn¡¯t sleep and now I¡¯m here!¡± she explained in a rush. ¡°Do you know anything about him? What¡¯d he say to you? How¡¯d he cure a brain tumor? Do you know where he is now?¡±

    ¡°Slow down, one at a time.¡± Connor said, pinching the bridge of his nose. ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t know who or where he is or how he does his stuff. He threw some black powder on me, my head hurt a lot, and then it got better. Sorry, that¡¯s all I know. They ran off after he cured me.¡±

    ¡°I was hoping to get more than that, but I never play on easy mode anyways! This¡¯s a challenge!¡± Riley said, folding her arms confidently. ¡°Wait, ¡®they?¡¯¡± Connor nodded.

    ¡°Yeah, there was a girl with him. She was blond and in a costume kinda like his, so I guess she was supposed to be an assistant.¡±

    ¡°The plot thickens!¡± Riley said loudly, making Connor shush her furiously. ¡°Sorry.¡± she whispered. A light turned on in the living room.

    ¡°Cripes, my folks! Listen, I¡¯ll help you find him, tell you everything I know if you leave now, okay?¡±

    ¡°Sure! You go to John Carpenter Elementary too?¡±

    ¡°Class 5-A.

    ¡°I¡¯m in 4-C.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll look for you at lunch, now go!¡± Connor shooed her off.

    ¡°¡¯Kay!¡± Grinning wide as a sprite, she took off across the yard and down the street, burning rubber all the way home. She nearly cackled. Finally!

 Chapter 6: Chill Out

    ¡°Summer camp! For geniuses!?¡± Amber chortled, nearly choking on her milk.

    ¡°The Einstein Engineering and Physics Summer Academic Program is nothing to laugh at. I have no idea why Cross did.¡± Scott said primly, downing a tater tot. It was lunchtime, and since they had to talk shop they¡¯d convened to the picnic table outside, around the corner of the building. The only other person there was a guy in a hoodie, playing with his phone. He was too far away to hear them if they talked a bit quietly.

    ¡°I have no idea.¡± Amber said, picturing Scott at summer camp. A thin, pasty kid in the hot sun making lanyards by skeleton assembly line, nature hikes looking for dead animals (carried by a reanimated bear, of course), winning canoe races with zombie rowers as he called out directions form a megaphone¡­she put her face down on the picnic table, shoulders shaking. It was what he¡¯d really do. Good lord, it was what he¡¯d really do.

    ¡°Anyway, thanks to that loudmouth Mrs. Talbot-grr, I¡¯ll slap a curse on her at some point-my parents think I¡¯m some kind of genius who only comes once a century. Accurate of course, but not in the fields they think. But once again I¡¯ve turned entrapment into opportunity. I¡¯m supposed to get picked up by ¡®em after school, you coming?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Sure. But Scott, why not tell your parents about your real studies? I¡¯m sure they¡¯d understand, after they got over the shock. Mine did.¡± Amber said. She¡¯d been meaning to broach this subject for awhile now, but never had the chance.

    ¡°Yeah, right.¡± Scott snorted. ¡°If I told them, even if I know they¡¯d love me no matter what, still not something I like to go around trumpeting.¡± he said, taking a bite of sandwich. With Amber privately thinking ¡®Could have fooled me¡¯, he continued. ¡°If I did, that would be a hassle that I really don¡¯t need. Plus, I¡¯m super guilty of graverobbing, remember. Not exactly news you wanna bring home to your mom.  Hey mom, guess what! I¡¯ve not only broken the laws of man and human decency, but nature too! Watch me animate these zombies and make a barbershop quartet!¡±

    ¡°And while the gesture was nice and appreciated, that was not an appropriate birthday present.¡± Amber glowered at him. Lord only knew how he¡¯d done it, but training zombies to sing in harmony while she blew out her candles wasn¡¯t very appetizing. He even tried to get them to do a soft-shoe routine, but that was apparently too much for their rotted ligaments.

    ¡°Your mom liked it.¡± Scott countered. Amber sighed and her forehead fell onto the table again.

    ¡°Why do I put up with you?¡±

    ¡°Ahh, you know you love me.¡± he smirked, winking. She blushed and looked away.

    ¡°Crap.¡± she muttered.

    ¡°Anyway, while it wouldn¡¯t be the end of the world, it would be the end of life as I know it, and I¡¯d prefer that not happen, if I can help it. Hell, I wouldn¡¯t have told your dad about resurrecting you, ¡®cept you just showing up fine and dandy after a funeral would¡¯ve been a tad unusual, to say the least.¡± he said.

    ¡°And so he¡¯d pay.¡± she added wryly, and he nodded.

    ¡°And that. But I¡¯d rather not have to deal with this drug problem at the same time as family drama.¡±

    ¡°Ah, yeah.¡± Her face fell. ¡°Did you find out anything from the files and the sample?¡± Scott grimaced.

    ¡°Yeah. Yesterday¡¯s little movie wasn¡¯t an isolated incident. People around the world are flipping out with magical powers, though the reports indicate there¡¯s only one manufacturer, based in America, most likely along the eastern seaboard somewhere.¡±

    ¡°Really? How do you know?¡±

    ¡°The distribution patterns and the number of incidents. Even Crenshaw and his lackeys figured that much out. But, as the eastern seaboard is a rather large shipping and industrial zone, not exactly as helpful as it could be. And I¡¯m having precisely zero luck figuring out what this Taboo stuff is made of.¡± Scott complained, rubbing his forehead.

    ¡°Hey, it¡¯ll be okay, you¡¯ll figure it out.¡± Amber said, squeezing his hand. He smiled gratefully at her.

    ¡°Yeah I guess, but holy crap, this¡¯s difficult. Chemical analysis reveals nothing. According to that, it¡¯s pure amphetamines with traces of ecstasy, like he said. It¡¯s obviously supernatural, but I can¡¯t figure out how There should be something, like a sigil or inscription on each one. But that doesn¡¯t work because the people who took it each manifested a different metaphysical technique!¡± He threw his hands up and slumped on the table. ¡°I¡¯ve managed to establish that the drug implants spells into the brain. We saw it ourselves with Eduardo, he didn¡¯t suddenly gain the ability to raise the dead, he gained the knowledge to do so, and slightly tweaked at that. The more you take, the more you know, and it accumulates in the body. That would be bad enough, power goes to people¡¯s heads, but when you add in the amphetamines¡­¡±

    ¡°A recipe for disaster.¡± Amber finished glumly. Scott nodded. ¡°And whoever¡¯s making these things are targeting teenagers. Us. It makes me sick. I have to deal with enough crap as it is, I don¡¯t want to add preternatural methheads to the list.¡±

    ¡°Ditto. But at least I get paid for it. I mean, it¡¯s not like I-uuurr.¡± Goosebumps broke out on his skin as he clutched himself for warmth. Despite the sunshine of the near-summer day, a cold wind of, in his estimation, approximately negative 70,000 degrees blew across them. ¡°Wh-What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°I d-don¡¯t k-know. F-Feels l-like w-w-winter.¡± Amber said, teeth chattering. ¡°L-Look, o-over there.¡± She pointed a shaking finger at the guy in the hoodie. He was doubled over, mumbling to himself.

    ¡°H-Hey!¡± Scott called, shuffling over as fast as he could. It was rapidly getting worse; the sky was turning grey, the wind was picking up, and white flakes were beginning to drift down. Shorts weren¡¯t suited for this at all. ¡°D-D¡¯you have s-something to do with th-this?¡± Instead of answering, the guy kept muttering. ¡°Answer me, damn it!¡± He grabbed the guy¡¯s arm, and was shocked to realize he was ice-cold, emitting freezing air instead of body heat.

    ¡°Leave me alone.¡± The guy yanked his arm back, and curled up to mutter more. Now that he was close enough, Scott could make out the words.

    ¡°-astinogth, maloycen to zu vibn callmagh, co va ascin ogath, astinogth, maloycen to zu vibn callmagh, co va ascin ogath¡­¡± Scott¡¯s eyes went wide.

    ¡°No! Don¡¯t!¡± he screamed and tackled him, but it was too late. The temperature dipped form Arctic to Antarctic qualities, freezing the insects flying through the air. The wind howled like a wolf, driving the snow to begin piling up. ¡°Damn! Cancel the spell, right now!¡± Scott commanded. The guy beneath him just started laughing.

    ¡°Never. Never, never! Now we can all revel in the wonderful winter, for eternity!¡± he said, slipping another red pill into his mouth and swallowing. Scott was effortlessly thrown off, the hoodie bursting as the guy chanted more and more.

    ¡°Vshena, vshena! Aluum-tous! Vshena, vshena! Hokknlag zptimmam! Vshena, vshena! Aluum-tous! Vshena, vshena! Hokknlag zptimmam! Vshena, vshena! Aluum-tous! Vshena, vshena! Hokknlag zptimmam!¡± The guy sat up, his clothes tearing and shredding like tissue as his body lengthened and swelled. White fur sprouted from lean muscle wrapping around bone, giving him a thin yet obviously powerful appearance. His skin darkened to a bruise like violet-purple while his face grew gaunt and elongated, black pupil less eyes gleaning with a harsh, icy blue light. ¡°No one shall stop the cold.¡± He pointed at Scott and the wind blew into him, ice starting to coat over his body.

    ¡°Aauuuuuggghh!¡± Scott moaned as he began to freeze. ¡°C-Crap!¡± The burning cold was quickly giving way to numbness. ¡°T-T-Tarantulas!¡± The creature in his bag hissed and leapt out, deftly running across the snow on spindly legs. It reached the former human and ascended up his body, biting into his hide. The furry beast grabbed Tarantulas and ripped it off with a spray of blood, throwing it to the ground. Focusing, the beast opened his mouth.

    ¡°Atgava, zofare sozofare!" The snow and wind piled onto Tarantulas, making its¡¯ muscles freeze. The beast bellowed, howling with the wind in victory, not even realizing his former prey was gone.

    ¡°Holy crap! This¡¯s bad, this¡¯s bad, Scott! What¡¯re we gonna do!?¡± Amber asked, furiously rubbing and massaging Scott¡¯s arms and chest. They¡¯d managed to sneak off around the corner, where things were warm and sunny again. Amber blinked, but by now had learned to roll with such strangeness.

    ¡°F-First we c-call in C-Cross.¡± He said, his teeth staring to calm their chattering. ¡°S-She needs to know about this ASAP, she can bring backup. Unfortunately, zombies wouldn¡¯t have much use here even if I brought some. Well, normal zombies at least.¡± He dug in his bag and pulled out a vial of his specially-cultivated zombie bacteria. Immensely useful, but the cold was simply too much. ¡°That wendigo-ape guy¡¯d just freeze ¡®em. Bones would actually be the best bet here, nothing to turn to ice.¡± He winced as feeling came back into his limbs, tingling fiercely. ¡°Better not catch a cold from this."

    ¡°So what, we just let monkey boy do what he wants over there? Because the snow¡¯s getting heavier.¡± Amber said, peering around the corner.

    ¡°A blizzard so close to summer would be disastrous, killing off plants and bugs and everything that depends on them.¡± Scott muttered, a hand on his chin, going over his options. The enemy was too strong to fight directly, and too dangerous to even approach. They were at school, and though the storm was localized it would spread over the town in short order. He rubbed his temples. School, snowstorm, necromancy¡­he grinned. ¡°Okay, he needs to build up the snow for right now. Amber, how much money do you have on you?¡±

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Surprisingly, the school as a whole hadn¡¯t noticed the sudden summer snow shower outside. The walls were thick, and without windows on that side, but it was only a matter of minutes, really. The cold front was slowly expanding, building up energy as the beastman chanted to bury the whole region in white. Scott had to move fast.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    He burst into the cafeteria at top speed, leaving outraged squawking behind as he cut through the line.

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    ¡°Watch it!¡±

    ¡°¡¯Scuse me, pardon me, sorry ¡®but this, literally more important business here, ¡®scuse me.¡± Scott muttered as he grabbed a tray and started loading it up with all the hamburgers it could fit, dancing in and out of line to avoid the other people. He stared at the full tray of chicken nuggets, rubbery and tasteless but still technically meat. He gave up and picked the whole thing up, slamming everything down in front of the confused cashier.

    ¡°¡¯Kay, sorry, but I¡¯ve got no idea how much this¡¯d be, keep the change.¡± He tossed four twenties at her and zoomed off. ¡°Hot, hot! Too hot!¡± he cried as the tray burned his hands.

    ¡°What¡­what just happened?¡± the lunch lady said.

    ¡°I think he just jacked your food tray.¡± the next person in line said. ¡°Must¡¯ve been starving.¡±

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Hurry up! Did you get it?¡± Amber asked, holding the door open. Her job had been to scout a private place to perform the ritual, and she¡¯d found an empty science lab.

    ¡°Ow, ow! Of course!¡± Scott said, blowing on his fingers. But there was no time for pain. He pulled out a piece of chalk and hurriedly made a circle around the food. ¡°K¡¯tergbohah, zierphium xied galtzga-ahlk. K¡¯tergbohah, zierphium xied galtzga-ahlk. K¡¯tergbohah, zierphium xied galtzga-ahlk.¡± he chanted as he inscribed the sigils, the circle lighting up a toxic emerald green. The lights flickered, and Amber shuddered as she watched the unnatural creature take form, shaped by dark forces beyond the ken of man and powered by the forsaken and the forbidden. Scott grinned evilly, illuminated by the glow.

    ¡°Yes, yes! It¡¯s alive! It¡¯s aliiiiive!¡± he cackled, throwing his hands up madly.

    A passing teacher walked by, carrying tests. She glanced at the experiment in the lab, and the student laughing maniacally. She shook her head.

    ¡°Crazy kids.¡±

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Robert stood proudly, watching the grey in the sky grow. He¡¯d pumped the clouds so full of energy they¡¯d bury the entire country in ice in a week. He smiled as he smelled the snow, so clean and crisp. He dug around in his torn clothing, for another piece of Taboo and swallowed it. He sighed as the rush hit, the surge of energy and knowledge that would be the key to remaking everything into a pure, white world. The current one was far too hot and messy. He¡¯d been blind to it before, but the Taboo had taught the lessons he¡¯d needed, both to see the world as it was, and how it could be. Soon, the only choice would be to accept conversion or perish. He smiled and drew himself up for the final incantation, that would unleash the storm¡¯s fury, soon to cover the country, and eventually spread to cover the planet.

    ¡°Somnegh agolorthono estios-¡±

    ¡°WA-HEY!¡± There was a crash, and Robert looked up to see a small creature hurtle at him and kick him in the jaw.

    ¡°What? Who-¡± he started to growl, when his brain caught up with his eyes. It was a foot and a half tall¡­breaded chicken man? It struck a kung-fu pose. ¡°What the hell?¡±

    ¡°Surprise, asshole!¡± Scott said, dropping from the window into the cushioning snow, grinning. ¡°Half-burger, half-nugget, all action! Don¡¯t call this boy chicken, you won¡¯t live to regret it!¡± He folded his arms while the undead chicken creature started awkwardly shadowboxing. Robert stared at him for a moment.

    ¡°¡­no seriously, what the hell? Are-are you trying to prevent the winter?¡± he asked uncertainly.

    ¡°My boy here¡¯ll bring summer back!¡± Scott declared. Robert shook his furry head.

    ¡°No. The ice and snow, it longs to encase the world in its¡¯ frozen grasp. The winter has taught me the secrets through the Taboo. It tells me, demands that I must set the Eternal Winter free! All must be shown the purity of the snow!¡± He roared, then brought a fist down at Scott, who dodged out of the way.

    ¡°Hey, hey! I don¡¯t get it, but I¡¯m not your opponent! He is!¡± The lunch zombie hopped forward menacingly. Robert, a full twelve feet taller, was unfazed.

    ¡°Chill out.¡± He pointed a finger at it, sending the freezing air that way. But instead of being a popsicle, it charged right through.

    ¡°He¡¯s made form hot lunches! You can¡¯t make him frozen food! He¡¯s not a cold cut here!¡± Scott laughed confidently. ¡®Damn it, that was close! It won¡¯t be able to retain that heat for long!¡¯ The unusual zombie leapt up for a flying kick, but was easily grabbed by the beast¡¯s paw. He sniffed it.

    ¡°Huh. Chicken nuggets. You know what my favorite part of a cold day is? A warm meal.¡± Robert grinned and sank his fangs into it as Scott screamed in horror, chomping off the entire torso in his mouth. ¡°Dhat¡¯s mwhat you ge, foo. Ugh, dis¡¯ dishgusting.¡± he said, mouth full. Suddenly, he stopped chewing. ¡°Mwha?¡± Scott gave him an evil grin.

    ¡°Sucker.¡±

    ¡°The beast tried to spit it out, but it was too late. The severed hand concealed in the middle of the wriggling meat clenched and broke the vial before it was ejected, releasing the undead germs.

    ¡°What did you do?¡± Robert said, hacking up shards of glass while clutching at his throat. Even his insides were tough, probably enough to withstand the glass, but something felt¡­wrong. Like there was a tickle in his throat.

    ¡°I mean really. Just because something¡¯s made out of food you take a bite out of it? Dumb. Ass.¡± Scott said while Arnold Palmer scuttled up to his shoulder. He high-fived it.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Robert narrowed his eyes, and stomped over to smash him.

    ¡°Yeah, no. Drop.¡± The beast collapsed to the ground, numb from the neck down.

    ¡°Wh-What!?¡± he screeched. Then he howled as the pain hit, a white-hot throbbing headache spiking through his brain. Scott stood over him, triumphant.

    ¡°Next time you wanna bring an eternal winter, consider the cold of the grave first. Crytomancy is nothing compared to the majesty of necromancy, remember that. Or rather, don¡¯t. Devour the knowledge, guys!¡± Robert shuddered as his brain tingled, erasing any memory of the spells it once contained. It was a good thing he¡¯d decided to practice targeting specific areas of the brain, Scott reflected. Zombies didn¡¯t need their grey matter, and he wanted to avoid a repeat of what happened with that kid and his tumor.

    ¡°I don¡¯t¡­feel so¡­guuud¡­¡± Robert moaned and passed out, feeling sick. Scott sighed and knelt in the melting snow, turning to water in the warm May sun.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­over?¡± Amber said, tiptoeing up from behind the corner and watching Robert morph back.

    ¡°Yeah, for now.¡± Scott said. An ambulance and police car screeched to a halt on the street. The medical workers quickly loaded Robert onto a stretcher, while Cross and Crenshaw exited the cop car. ¡°Well, look who showed up late to the party.¡± Cross scowled while Crenshaw surveyed the damage and gave a low whistle.

    ¡°What happened here?¡±

    ¡°Frosty the Snowman over there decided to go on a rampage to bring about an eternal winter. I disagreed.¡± Scott said pointing a thumb to Robert, now being loaded into the van.

    ¡°Anyone see you?¡± Cross asked. Scott shook his head.

    ¡°No one important, anyway. It was over in what, fifteen minutes?¡±

    ¡°According to my cell phone, eleven.¡± Amber said, checking it.

    ¡°Good work kid. But that¡¯s two from this school now, not including you, with powers.¡± Cross said, frowning. ¡°We¡¯re wasting time trying to put out every little fire, we have to find the source.¡±

    ¡°Maybe our little friend here could tell us something. But best not get your hopes up, we¡¯ve only been able to get friend of a friend-level connections from those we¡¯ve interviewed. The trails go cold too quickly.¡± Crenshaw said. He shook his head; there were far too many variables at play, and whoever was distributing these pills was a master at covering their tracks.

    ¡°Huh. That sounds familiar, somehow¡­¡± Amber said, trying to recall. Cross¡¯s eyes bugged out.

    ¡°The Craven Falls Killer!¡± she burst out.

    ¡°My god, that¡¯s it!¡± Scott said, realizing.

    ¡°Something to share, Agent?¡± Crenshaw asked.

    ¡°Yeah, when she was pushing daisies, I was called in to help catch the serial killer. When I got to examine evidence, the locals appeared to be flummoxed by basic stuff. Not to mention, there was precious little to analyze in the first place. It was because of a demon or something.¡± Cross explained sourly.

    ¡°What?¡± Crenshaw looked alarmed. ¡°Can we stop it, or counter it somehow?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t hold your breath.¡± Scott said flatly. ¡°Stephanie¡¯s ability to not get caught was the result of a daemonic pact. The daemon had blessed her to leave no real trace. I can¡¯t be sure if this¡¯s the work of a daemon or not, but nearly any power can work a ward or a blessing like that.¡±

    ¡°Can you?¡± Amber asked curiously.

    ¡°Anyone who has the knowledge to do so can work one. I probably could, if my repertoire wasn¡¯t quite as limited.¡± he admitted.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­great. Just great.¡± Crenshaw said, rubbing his face. ¡°So our enemy can¡¯t be tracked or identified. Fantastic.¡±

    ¡°Not necessarily.¡± Scott held up a finger. ¡°I may not know wh-wh-wachoo!¡± He began coughing and sneezing, and Amber handed him a tissue. ¡°Thanks. Knew I¡¯d get sick. Anyway, I don¡¯t know what cast this blessing, but it only prevents indirect tracking. If you¡¯ve got eyes on ¡®em, they¡¯ll be as easy to spot as¡­achoo! As anyone else. Eugh.¡± He coughed into the tissue.

    ¡°That¡­helps, but not by much. We can¡¯t find the source if we have to go around physically checking every single place on this side of the country.¡± Crenshaw said. Cross stared at them, then something clicked. She groaned.

    ¡°Damn it. God damn it.¡± she muttered, drawing looks form everyone. She sighed. ¡°I have an idea. I don¡¯t like it, but it is an idea. If we can¡¯t track ¡®em down, we¡¯ll let them come to us instead. We already know that kids from this school have access to Taboo, and presumably have someone who¡¯s the right age and is willing to go undercover. I don¡¯t like involving you kids like this, but you¡¯re in deep already. I propose a sting operation.¡± she said. Crenshaw rubbed a hand on his chin, considering.

    ¡°The idea has merit. I wouldn¡¯t want to involve a consultant in a matter like this either, but¡­¡± They all stared at the thirteen-foot indent in the ground. ¡°I believe we may be out of viable options. Very well, since everything seems to be wrapped up here, we¡¯ll take this kid back and keep him under sedation until the drug wears off. We have to make sure he doesn¡¯t cause another blizzard in summer.¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Scott grinned, giving the ok sign. ¡°I already took care of that. My zombie bacteria ate away at the memories of magic in his brain, he don¡¯t know incantations from abracadabras now.¡± Crenshaw blinked.

    ¡°Your-your what?¡± he asked, white as a sheet.

    ¡°Oh yeah, the kid has bacteria cultures that he kills and reanimates under his control. Apparently, he likes to keep biological agents in his pocket.¡± Cross sniffed disapprovingly. As a cop, as someone entrusted to keep the citizenry safe, she found it abhorrent that anyone carry around such deadly weapons, no matter how responsible or justified. The necromancer shrugged.

    ¡°Hey, he was the one who only brought giant size and ice to a-achoo!-germ warfare fight.¡± He protested.

    ¡°But it wasn¡¯t a germ warfare fight until you made it one.¡± Amber pointed out.

    ¡°You-¡± he pointed at her ¡°-be quiet. I saved the school, don¡¯t-yipe!¡± He squeaked as Amber smiled and poked him in the side, where he was ticklish. He glared at her, red-faced. ¡°You¡¯re gonna get it.¡±

    ¡°Focus!¡± Cross barked, clapping. She¡¯d had more than enough of this nonsense. ¡°Damn teenagers.¡± She muttered. Scott coughed.

    ¡°R-Right. So Agent,¡± he addressed Crenshaw, who was now conspicuously much further away from Scott. ¡°I believe I was originally hired on as a consultant. Now I¡¯m not opposed to having additional duties and carrying out missions. I¡¯ll do it, povid3ed you agree to a higher fee.¡± He said, glancing at a nodding Amber.

    ¡°Which is?¡± Crenshaw asked with a raised eyebrow, slowly edging away.

    ¡°Um. TH-Thirty thousand!¡± he declared, his heart racing.

    ¡°Okay. Done. We¡¯ll collect you after school to discuss the logistics of the possible sting and your ¡°camp.¡± When does the year end?¡±

    ¡°Less than two weeks, June ninth.¡± Scott said, flashing a thumbs-up. Soon, but not soon enough! Crenshaw nodded.

    ¡°Very well. Agent Cross will pick you up. Speaking of which, let¡¯s move. We have to interrogate the boy.¡±

    ¡°Now you¡¯re talking.¡± Cross grinned, and they left, Crenshaw pointedly not fleeing into the car. Another of the agents, posing as an officer was explaining a cover story to a school official at the entrance. As they drove, Crenshaw shuddered.

    ¡°Something wrong?¡± Cross asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s just that kid. How¡­how can you stand to be near him? At all? I¡¯ve raided several magician¡¯s hideouts, come face-to-face with six of them. All of them seemed¡­off somehow, but he takes the cake. Zombified germs? He makes my skin crawl.¡± Crenshaw said, checking the mirror. Cross snorted.

    ¡°Not going to lie, he creeps me out too.¡± As soon as I met him, I wanted to put a bullet in his head. Thought he was crazy, he¡¯d snuck into the morgue and claimed to be a necromancer. Didn¡¯t believe him until he brought the girl out. We worked together to find her killer, and by then I¡¯d gotten a good measure on him. He¡¯s a good kid, deep down¡­very deep. ¡®S just his personality is the problem.¡± She scowled. He¡¯s got a good brain, but his head isn¡¯t screwed on right.¡±

    ¡°Hmm. Let¡¯s hope it stays screwed on long enough to tackle this problem.¡± Crenshaw sighed, and they drove on.

 Chapter 7: Sisters Little Helper

    In a dark room, an elegant office dominated by a large oak desk and flanked by auspicious shelves of books, a man in a labcoat was giving a report.

    ¡°So we¡¯ve managed to increase production by nearly thirteen percent. Unfortunately, our distribution channels are still too low for what we¡¯re making. I¡¯ve got tons of the stuff lying around the lab.¡± he said.

    ¡°I see.¡± The man across the desk said, pressing his fingers together. ¡°But that is just the regular batch, correct? What about the special accelerated formula?¡±

    ¡°Difficult to produce in large quantities, as of now. My recommendation is to ship them to the leaders of your little fan clubs.¡± the doctor snorted. The man lay back.

    ¡°A standard recommendation. Not a bad idea, Dr. Howard, but not an original one. But I still want to replace the normal batch with the improved version as soon as possible. Understood?¡±

    ¡°Completely, sir. And the excess Taboo?¡± Dr. Howard asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have a word with Rohir in shipping and Melanie in marketing. If I light a fire under their asses they¡¯ll move it quick enough.¡± the man said confidently. ¡°You are dismissed.¡±

    ¡°Thank you sir.¡± Dr. Howard nodded and left. The man watched him go absently, then opened a drawer and took out a velvet pouch. Sprinkling the powder inside on the desk, he arranged it into a bizarre formation that hurt the eye to look at, twisting into weird patterns not known to the normal three dimensions. When it was done, he clapped his hands and began muttering in a harsh, foul tongue. The light powder immediately turned black, then began to glow a color not found in nature, somewhere between red and purple. The sigil he drew began rearranging itself, a circle within a circle and V¡¯s capping the top, bottom, and right, with a lowercase g heading into a spiral on the left. The man began to tremble, sensing eyes upon him.

    "Why have you called upon me this time?"

    ¡°I have the news about the accelerated Taboo. It has been completed, but cannot be produced in large quantities yet.¡± he said.

    "Very well. Increase the channels you already go through. We must prepare as we wait for the stars to align, if the Gate is to be opened." he heard, and nodded.

    ¡°I will do everything in my power to usher in the Nexus. I am your slave, lord.¡± he said.

    "As it should be. I shall persuade those of the lower realm to assist you. They are so devious." he heard, then the glow faded and the presence departed. The man smiled wickedly.

    ¡°Thank you. Your will be done, Lord Riepaimva.¡±

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°So, we know he can make zombies.¡± Riley said, looking down at the asphalt in thought.

    ¡°He has the power to cure cancer. Or brain tumors, at least.¡± Connor added. ¡°What else?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s got at least two assistants, the lady you saw and that Nightfang guy.¡±This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    ¡°Hmm. If we could find one of them, they could lead us to him. But she wasn¡¯t that old, so I don¡¯t think he was either.¡± Connor said, the information swirling like a cyclone in his mind. ¡°He presumably popped up around here twice, so he probably lives here.¡±

    ¡°D¡¯you know how old he was?¡± Riley asked eagerly. Connor contemplated.

    ¡°Can¡¯t say for sure, but I wouldn¡¯t put them higher than early twenties. In fact, he came to the hospital on a school night. It doesn¡¯t disprove that he couldn¡¯t have just gone to work or a college class late, but around that time was when the high school was under reconstruction. It¡¯s more likely he¡¯s a student there than not.¡± he deduced, chin on hand. Riley jumped up and pumped her fist in the air.

    ¡°Yeah! I knew tracking you down was the right choice! Okay, so we¡¯ve got a high school aged guy, living in town and friends with a blond haired girl, about his age would you say?¡± she inquired.

    ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever forget them.¡± he said.

    ¡°Right, so with a blond girl, and/or a pale guy. Presumably a vampire.¡±

    ¡°What makes you say that?¡± Connor asked. She rolled her eyes.

    ¡°¡¯Cause that¡¯s what he was in the play, duh. They made it seem like it was all an act. Dunno why, though. Anyway,¡± she grinned, folding her arms. ¡°We now have a suspect!¡± She started laughing boldly, drawing strange looks from the other children on the playground. Connor merely shook his head; he had a feeling he would be doing that a lot from now on.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Vanessa sighed as she pulled into the driveway, Riley bouncing non-stop in the seat beside her. As soon as the car was off, Riley rocketed into the house to drop her bag off and took the stairs four at a time to get down again.

    ¡°ByesisloveyougonnagoplaywithConnorupthestreetbye!¡± she said, but found herself held back by her collar.

    ¡°Hold it. Who is Connor?¡± Vanessa said sternly.

    ¡°Oh, he¡¯s a boy who lives a couple blocks up the street. We met during lunch, and he said it was okay to come over. We¡¯re gonna play explorers¡± Riley said innocently. Vanessa scowled; far too innocently.

    ¡°Really. And how come I¡¯ve never heard of this ¡°Connor¡± before?¡± she said sternly. Sometimes it was difficult being the responsible older sibling.

    ¡°¡¯Cause we just met today, silly.¡± Riley said, rolling her eyes. ¡°He¡¯s cool.¡±

    ¡°Hmm? Do my ears deceive me?¡± Does my little sister have a boy~friend?¡± she asked in a singsong voice. Riley recoiled in horror, and Vanessa had to struggle to keep from snickering.

    ¡°Ew! No, gross! He¡¯s a boy!¡± she protested, and Vanessa couldn¡¯t help but let a small smile crack through.NO wonder her mother did this when she was younger. ¡°Well, he¡¯s a boy, but he¡¯s pretty cool for a boy, so we¡¯re gonna play.¡± Riley continued, digging in her pocket. ¡°I got his mom¡¯s number, so you can call and check if you want, ¡®kay?¡± She handed Vanessa the number, and Vanessa stared at it. Normally, she would¡¯ve called her mom, then the number, but after today¡­

    ¡°Fine. Be home by six, okay?¡± she said, stuffing it in her pocket for later. This was getting to be hard to keep up.

    ¡°¡¯Kay!¡± Riley said and ran off.

    ¡°Watch out for cars!¡± Vanessa called, then closed the front door and shuddered. Alone. While it was a relief that she no longer had to keep it together, be strong in front of everyone, she was also shaking with nerves.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay. That didn¡¯t happen. Of course that didn¡¯t happen. Snow, a blizzard in Craven Falls? In May? Ha. R-Right.¡± she reassured herself, trying to suppress the memory of that white-furred creature creating a snowstorm. ¡°No. It didn¡¯t happen. It didn¡¯t.¡± She grabbed a glass of water in a trembling hand, then went up to her room. Finally.

    She rummaged in her sock drawer, looking for the only thing that could get her through today. They always said drugs were bad for you, but medicines were drugs too, right? And everyone needed a little help now and then.

    Her hand found the plastic bottle, and she eagerly swallowed one of the little red tablets within.

    ¡°Wahhhh. That¡¯s better.¡± Vanessa sighed, flopping back onto the bed. She could feel her head start to tingle, the colors of the world growing slightly softer and more comforting. She looked out the window, softly mumbling to herself. Blazing spring sun, the smell of fresh grass, even the moon was out early, a full circle in the blue. All in all a beautiful picture, with no weirdness whatsoever. Everything was normal. Nice, normal, completely sane and rational and expected. She waved as Riley ran by with a little blond boy. Nice and pleasant.

    Just as she wanted.

 Chapter 8: Step into the Terror

    It had been over a week, and the preparations had been made. There was a huge party at the Beat Factory, an old manufacturing plant converted into a nightclub, to celebrate the beginning of summer vacation. Nearly every kid in town would be there. Huge party + teenagers wanting a good time = perfect opportunity for Taboo distribution. Amber frowned; they were at the table discussing the proposed undercover operation, but she blanched when she learned how much support Scott would be getting.

    ¡°TWO other agents!? That¡¯s it!?¡± she exploded. That meant the entirety of the sting would be managed with only three people.

    ¡°I¡¯d have hoped that someone who¡¯s as highly paid would be able to handle the situation.¡± Crenshaw said coolly, regarding Scott with a raised eyebrow. ¡°Unfortunately, we cannot spare any more resources, even on a matter as important as this. Our agents are all currently on other assignments, and I don¡¯t have the pull to reassign them. Our secrecy is both our mission and our weakness; if we recruited more, than we expose more people to the dangerous truths of the world that they shouldn¡¯t know. Currently, we recruit based on previous exposure to the supernatural, offering some measure of vengeance or control. We cannot afford to move openly, not at this time. Why do you think we¡¯re so desperate as to ask an untrained kid to help?¡± he explained. ¡°It will be Special Agent Havenbrook, Agent Cross, and myself who will be performing this operation.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous!¡± she said, and absently thought ¡®Huh. Havenbrook really isn¡¯t that impressive for a pro name.¡¯ ¡°Do you really expect him to go in alone? No offence, but you¡¯re kinda out of the age range for clubbing with teenagers.¡± she said, wincing.

    ¡°Thank heaven for that.¡± Cross snorted. ¡°Unfortunately, sending the kid in¡¯s the best option we got. Go in, find someone with the drug, try and follow him back to the distributor. We¡¯ll be working at a distance, but we will be there to pull his a-ahh, fat from the fire if things go wrong.¡± She looked at Scott, then sighed. ¡°When things go wrong.¡±

    ¡°So glad for your confidence.¡± Scott said dryly.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­hmm, that¡¯s good, I guess.¡± Amber said, tugging her ponytail. Scott rolled his eyes.

    ¡°Amber, relax. I¡¯ll be fine. Yeah it¡¯ll be dangerous, but I¡¯ve been in danger before and come out on top, this¡¯ll be no different. I am, after all, a necromancer.¡± He grinned.

    ¡°Ngh¡­okay. If you¡¯re sure.¡± she said, sounding mollified. ¡°But¡­how¡¯re you gonna find out who¡¯s selling it?¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s easy. I¡¯ve got a small regiment of insect and squirrel zombies at the ready. They can help me monitor the party, look out for anyone who¡¯s handing it out.¡± he said confidently.

    ¡°Aaaaand what about just talking to people?¡± Cross pointed out.

    ¡°Oh, no way.¡± Scott dismissed, waving his hand. ¡°I¡¯m the weird kid, no one really talks to me. It¡¯s super suspicious if I go up to anyone I know and start asking about illegal drugs.¡± Cross¡¯s palm met her face, and Crenshaw buried his face in his hands.

    ¡°That¡¯s the entire reason we wanted you to do this.¡± he said.

    ¡°Huh. Guess that makes sense, now that I think about it. Sorry, I thought you just wanted me to go in and nab ¡®em.¡± Scott said.

    ¡°There¡¯s no way we¡¯re letting a teenager who hasn¡¯t even been through basic do that.¡± Crenshaw growled. Scott shrugged.

    ¡°Suit yourself, but it¡¯s all the same to me. Not like I haven¡¯t done this kinda thing before.¡±

    ¡°I hate to admit it, but he does have field experience with this.¡± Cross said, leaning back in her chair. ¡°However, I¡¯m in agreement about his chances. The kid¡­isn¡¯t the most socially adept.¡± She stared at Scott as she spoke, and he stuck his tongue out at her. ¡°I propose Amber go along as well.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Amber said wide-eyed, and Crenshaw raised an eyebrow as well.

    ¡°You want to involve an underage, untrained civilian?¡± he asked dubiously.

    ¡°While I¡¯d normally not even consider it, Amber would make an excellent foil for this operation. She¡¯s naturally sociable, and from what I¡¯ know already popular with the students from Craven Falls.¡±

    ¡°Oh, well, I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Amber said, turning away and blushing.

    ¡°Not to mention, she already has knowledge of the occult, infiltration experience as a ghost, and battle experience as a ghoul. While she¡¯s human again now, that experience will give her the edge, if only against a bunch of high schoolers. Plus, if anything happens, I¡­¡± She grimaced. It was going to sound cold. Visibly swallowing, she continued ¡°I don¡¯t want to be this heartless, but if anything happens, I¡¯d rather it be to her. In the worst case scenario, the three of us are infinitely more expendable than the kid. He can bring us back. Right?¡±

    ¡°Of course. For a nominal fee.¡± Scott nodded, grinning. Amber sighed and nodded too.

    ¡°¡¯Course, it¡¯s not up to us.¡± Cross said. ¡°Well, kid? It¡¯s your call.¡±

    Amber sat at the table, a distant expression on her face. She glanced at each of them in turn as she mulled it over.

    ¡°This¡­is a big decision.¡± she said, not looking up from the table. ¡°To be honest, I was hoping I¡¯d never have to deal with anything like this again. I¡¯ve had more than my fill of life and death experiences.¡± Scott opened his mouth to correct her phrase, but realized she was right and bade her continue. ¡°I¡¯d like to say no, but¡­this drug, Taboo, it...it¡¯s not something that should exist. If it does anything to the brain like it does the body¡­¡± She shivered as she remembered Robert¡¯s body swelling painfully and unnaturally as he transformed into that beast. She stared off into space, then her eyes hardened. ¡°I-I¡¯ll do what I can to help. I mean, I¡¯m already in this far, right? Heh.¡± she chuckled nervously, and Scott squeezed her hand.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    ¡°Yeah. It won¡¯t be suspicious if you show up with me, it¡¯s kinda obvious. And hey, we can always just hang out and dance if we don¡¯t find anything.¡± Scott said brightly, hiding his distaste for parties.

    ¡°Just remember, this is a sting, not a date.¡± Crenshaw said as Cross smirked. Amber blinked.

    ¡°You know, I would say this¡¯d be the weirdest date I¡¯ve ever been on, but that¡¯s not actually true.¡±

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Yun smirked as he walked home in the rain. The clay jar was between his hands, and every now and then it shook faintly.

    ¡°Shh, shh, quiet, my little ones.¡± he soothed as he went up the hill, his raincoat heavy around his shoulders. ¡°Soon this will be over, but we have much to go through first. Only the best will do for us all, right?¡± The jar rumbled again, and there was nothing stopping the smile creeping across Yun¡¯s face. His sandals squashed the mud, and he came upon a horde of beetles digging into the wet ground.

    ¡°Perfect.¡± he said, and started to untie the string keeping the lid on. The jar rattled violently as the seal was loosened, but he rubbed a finger on the side to calm it.

    ¡°Shh, it¡¯s alright, it¡¯s alright. There¡¯s the possibility these new ones will prove challenging. However, you¡¯ve all grown so much. Soon you will see who the best of the best truly is.¡± Yun opened the lid just enough to drop the gathered beetles in. There was a skittering, then the jar began to shake again, and he quickly sealed it back up.

    Before he did, he couldn¡¯t help but smile proudly as he caught a glimpse of something bright yellow and red with in the darkness of the jar.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Okay, so the old district wasn¡¯t the best idea.¡± Riley said, shaking the leaf clippings from her long air.

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t the best? We were attacked! And humiliated! It was a terrible idea.¡± Connor said disgustedly, removing a rotten banana peel form his shirt.

    ¡°Hey, just ¡®cause it didn¡¯t pan out is no reason to get discuraged! Besides, I didn¡¯t hear you saying it was a bad idea before that!¡± she said hotly.

    ¡°¡¯Discouraged.¡¯ And I guess it makes sense for a necromancer to live in the oldest part of town, and one of the oldest in the country.¡± Connor admitted. ¡°But we got a trashcan thrown over our heads and pushed down a hill!¡±

    ¡°I know, right!?¡± Riley said, eyes sparkling. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it great? Ghosts! Real ghosts! It¡¯s so exciting!¡±

    Connor didn¡¯t share her exuberance. They had decided to explore the old district, because everyone said it was haunted and where better for a necromancer to set up shop? They had spent all day looking and walking around to try and find something that could lead them back to Necrysis.

    The search was fruitless up until they snuck into Blackwell Manor. It was easy to squeeze under the fence, and that house was supposedly the most haunted in the state. If they couldn¡¯t find something there, they couldn¡¯t find anything. Of course, they nearly hadn¡¯t. Cold on the inside despite the summer sun, they found broken floorboards, covered antique furniture, and rickety stairs in a dead silence, all covered in dust.

    ¡°I-I heard a family tried to move into here in the sixties. They kept hearing loud noises and things kept moving around, so they left. I think I can see why.¡± Connor said quietly, barely above a whisper.

    ¡°Yeah. This place¡¯s got a real creepy vibe.¡± Riley said, shivering, then grinned. ¡°Perfect. Let¡¯s go upstairs. I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll find too much down here. Ghosts like attics and bedrooms and stuff, right?¡±

    ¡°I guess. That and basements.¡± Connor said.

    ¡°Well then we¡¯ll check there too then.¡± They set up the creaking stairs slowly, Connor nervous about two things. One was if the stairs could hold even their slight weight; and his second concern he had to voice.

    ¡°Um, Riley?¡± he asked, ducking away from a spiderweb.

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    ¡°What exactly is the plan when we find the ghosts?¡±

    ¡°Simple. We just ask ¡®em where Necrysis is! He could even be in this house!¡± she beamed.

    ¡°Right, right. But uh, what if they don¡¯t know either? Or what if the guy is here, but isn¡¯t friendly too?¡± he had to ask.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If he really were a bad guy, he wouldn¡¯t have helped us out when we needed it, right? And if he¡¯s around here, if he can make zombies he can probably talk to ghosts too, so they should know where he is. Then I find him and get him to teach me, and it¡¯s all good!¡± she said.

    ¡°Uh-huh. And how exactly are you gonna convince him?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry ¡®bout it, don¡¯t worry! I¡¯ll do it, no prob!¡± she said brightly, slapping his back as they reached the second floor.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t answer me, you know.¡± he said.

    ¡°Okay, now that we¡¯re here, we should split up to cover more ground. Stay within earshot, but we have to move quick, so they can¡¯t get away.¡± she said, quivering like a cat about to pounce. Connor stared at her like she¡¯d grown another head and broke out into a solo duet.

    ¡°What!?¡± he whispered fiercely. ¡°Are you crazy!? That¡¯s the last thing we should do, not the first! Haven¡¯t you seen Scooby-Doo? They always split up, then bad things happen!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s just a cartoon.¡± she dismissed. ¡°This¡¯s real life. What¡¯s the worst thing that could happen?¡±

    ¡°You¡­could¡­die¡­¡± came from the ether, and both of them went wide-eyed in shock as they broke out into goosebumps. Around the corner came a soft glowing light. Connor trembled as a woman in an old-fashioned dress from the fifties floated into view, her entire form dim and fuzzy to his eyes. But there was no mistaking her frighteningly blank expression and blood-covered form, a throbbing wound on her right neck and shoulder. She drifted forward at them, silent and terrifying.

    ¡°What¡¯s that? What¡¯s that?¡± Riley said, unable to make out much beyond a vague glowing outline. She hurriedly rubbed her eyes as Connor slowly backed up.

    ¡®No! If I¡¯m gonna do this, I gotta be able to see ¡¯em! C¡¯mon eyes! Work! Work!¡¯ Pulling up everything she had, Riley willed herself to see the indistinct shape before her. Straining with effort, all she saw was the strange light as the pressure in her face built up. ¡®I¡­I¡¯m gonna do this! I can do this! I can do this! I! Will! See!¡¯

    The light seemed to slow as it approached, as if wondering why Riley¡¯s face was turning red.

    ¡®C¡¯mon! Work!¡¯ ¡°Hmmmmnnnnnnn!¡±She grunted, sweat pouring off her body, as she strained and strained¡­ and felt something break. She cried out and held a hand to her face, eyes stinging. ¡°Ow¡­hey!¡± Blinking, she could now see the woman hovering over them with crystal clarity. ¡°I can see her! I can see her! I can¡­¡± Her face fell as her brain caught up, staring at the horrible blood-soaked specter before them.

    ¡°Boo.¡±

    ¡°Aaaaaaaaaaaagh!¡± They both screamed and fled, taking a tumble halfway down the stairs but not slowed in the slightest, instantly getting up and racing out the door. There was a loud clang, and the ghost winced as they ran into the neighbor¡¯s trashcan.

    ¡°Hurry up, she¡¯s after us!

    ¡°I¡¯m coming!¡± The ghost just sighed and shook her head, her wounds disappearing as she reasserted her ego, becoming her self-identity again.

    ¡°Now Judith, don¡¯t you think that was too much?¡± her husband Al said, floating up through the floor.

    ¡°You heard them, they wanted to find out where Scott is! While it¡¯s nice to have someone different to talk to, they wanted to learn his necromancy. And if the boy teaches them, he¡¯ll drag them into trouble, I just know it! Ooh!¡± She stamped her spectral foot, and it sank through the floorboards silently.

    ¡°I know dear, I know. No doubt you made the right decision, but why not consult the Captain? It is his house, after all.¡± She snorted.

    ¡°That man couldn¡¯t haunt a mop. And if he didn¡¯t deafen them with his singing, he¡¯d steer them right into his arms! You know how he is with children. No, this was for the best, you¡¯ll see.¡± she said primly. Al huffed his pipe and nodded, but couldn¡¯t help but feel encountering a ghost, if they were truly determined to be necromancers, if they were anything like Scott, would only fuel their desire.

 Chapter 9: Let Chaos Reign

    ¡°Free! Free at last, free at last, god almighty free at last!¡± Scott sang, throwing his hands up in jubilation. It was noon, the day was bright, and the school year was officially over. He began dancing down the front steps, to Amber¡¯s embarrassment.

    ¡°Simmer down, boy. There¡¯ll be plenty of time for that tonight.¡± she said grimly.

    It had been a week, and the preparations had been made. The Beat Factory had announced the end-of-year party, and it was the hottest ticket in town. If there was any better opportunity to sell Taboo to teenagers, they didn¡¯t know about it.

    ¡°Pshaw, you worry too much! We¡¯re gonna get ¡®em for sure.¡± he grinned, then sobered up. ¡°I mean it though, thank you. If it was just me, I¡¯m not sure I could pull it off.¡±

    ¡°Anytime.¡± Amber said, then frowned. ¡°Although I hope we don¡¯t have to do this all break.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re telling me. I¡¯ve had to slow my research to a crawl while I¡¯ve been working on this. But I can¡¯t be too mad, I¡¯m actually on the clock. For money. I¡¯m actually a professional necromancer!¡± he beamed, and Amber couldn¡¯t help but smile back. It must be nice, to realize your dream. She glanced back at the rapidly-emptying school. There were only two more years before graduation left. She¡¯d have to knuckle down and seriously consider what she wanted to do with life.

    ¡°You¡¯re lucky you already have a passion you¡¯re willing to work for.¡± Amber said.

    ¡°Ha. I¡¯m not only the best at what I do, I¡¯m the only one at what I do. I¡¯ve cornered the market.¡± he said, puffing his chest up, making her roll her eyes.

    ¡°Amber! Hey, Amber!¡± They turned and saw Joy waving at them, Chelsea and Brianna close behind. ¡°We¡¯re out! Are you coming to the party tonight?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll be there, don¡¯t worry about that.¡± Amber said, forcing a smile. Though she knew how important the mission was, she¡¯d much rather have fun with her own friends.

    ¡°We?¡± Chelsea asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Me, duh.¡± Scott said, stepping up. ¡°What, a guy can¡¯t go to a dance with his girlfriend, hmm?¡±

    ¡°Nah, just figured she¡¯d want some girl time with us. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.¡± she said. Scott snorted.

    ¡°Well that¡¯s fine, but save the slow dances for me. I happen to know Amber absolutely doesn¡¯t swing that way.¡± Amber slapped a hand to her cherry-red face, and he leaned onto her shoulder. ¡°Unless you wanted to attend with us both. That¡¯d be hot.¡±

    ¡°In your dreams.¡± Amber said, pushing him away.

    ¡°Yes, quite often! I need to change my sheets every time!¡± He wagged his eyebrows at her as her friends burst out laughing. She started to say something, realized it was futile, and turned back to Joy.

    ¡°Yeah. Me and the lunkhead¡¯ll be there.¡±

    ¡°Great! Seven, eightish?¡±

    ¡°About then. See you later!¡± She waved and they left, Scott humming happily along.

    ¡°Okay, I gotta head to the secret lab, have to get ready for tonight. And after this, I leave for the Einstein Engineering and Physics Summer Academic Program, so the next three weeks will be free.¡± After her giggles stopped, Amber asked a question she¡¯d been meaning to.

    ¡°So, where are you going to stay during those three weeks?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I plan to camp out in my lab. I was offered a room in Crenshaw¡¯s hotel, but this way I can work on both the case and my research as much as I like.¡±

    ¡°¡­Um, I know there¡¯s a bathroom, but there¡¯s no shower there.¡± Scott froze. He pointed his finger up to argue, and immediately deflated.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call Cross and let her know I¡¯ll take the hotel room.¡±

    ¡°Good boy.¡± She patted him on the back. ¡°I¡¯m going to get ready for tonight. When¡¯re we leaving?¡±

    ¡°Around six-thirty, Crenshaw wants to go over everything again.¡± The necromancer rolled his eyes. ¡°As if fifty times wasn¡¯t enough. But, now that you mentioned it, did you tell your parents about this?¡± Amber chuckled and looked away nervously.

    ¡°Eh heh¡­not exactly.¡± At his raised eyebrow, she continued. ¡°I know I should¡¯ve, but honestly, I don¡¯t think they¡¯d approve. I know I barely do. I mean, I know no one¡¯s supposed to get hurt, but that¡¯s no reassurance to mom and dad. I know I¡¯m just a human again, and I know you can revive me if anything happens, but¡­I believe this is the right thing to do. They¡¯d try and stop me, rightfully so, so I can¡¯t tell them. I know it would just hurt to see me in danger. But I¡¯m also in danger if people keep taking Taboo, so I might as well try and stop it.¡± she said determinedly, standing straight and chin up. Her ponytail swayed in the breeze, and he could see her shaking, even if only a little. ¡°So¡­so do you think you could save me, if anything goes wrong?¡± There was only one thing he could do.

    He grabbed her and pulled her close to his chest, hugging her close to his heart.

    ¡°I promise. No matter what happens, if you¡¯re in trouble, I¡¯ll save you. I promise."

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The long grass rustled in the golden sinking sun, shifting to allow two bodies to pass. The children were crawling commando-style through the overgrown and abandoned yard, the ancient manor looming ahead ominously. Riley narrowed her eyes. After a bath and some research on her dad¡¯s computer, she had come prepared this time.

    ¡°Are you sure this¡¯s going to work?¡± Connor whispered to her. He was dressed normally, but he shook his head and wondered where she got camo pants, a black muscle shirt, a red headband and camo facepaint.

    ¡°Positive, private. I got all the info I needed from the internet. Google was a help. Too bad the Ghostbusters aren¡¯t real.¡±

    ¡°You know, people can lie on the internet.¡± he said, then sighed as she stared straight ahead, not acknowledging him. ¡°I mean Captain.¡± Now she turned to him.

    ¡°Steady on, soldier. I cross-referenced this stuff. I¡¯m prepared.¡± Connor sighed.

    ¡°Sir yes sir.¡± he deadpanned. They crawled up to the side door this time, where they crouched low to the wall. Riley gingerly tested the ancient doorknob, and was relieved to find it opened with only a minor creak. They crept in, nearly on all fours. They had entered the kitchen, with a stove and a fireplace. They hurriedly scrambled underneath the huge oak table.

    ¡°Okay, where to from here?¡± Connor whispered.

    ¡°Well, that ghost was on the top floor. We should try to get there, I guess.¡± Riley said. He nodded, and they started to move out when they heard a loud noise from the ceiling. They froze instantly. It seemed to be¡­opera music?

    ¡°The heck is that?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, it sounds kinda creepy. But it¡¯s loud enough that it should cover our movements. Stay close to the walls, though.¡± Riley said, and they sneaked forwards down the hall. They were almost to the living room when Riley flinched and flattened herself against the stairs. Connor was confused until he saw something glowing approaching and followed suit.

    The ghost of the woman floated from the parlor, and she wasn¡¯t covered in blood this time, to their puzzlement.

    ¡°Al!¡± she called from the foot of the stairs. ¡°Al, hurry up! You said we¡¯d go to the lake to watch the sunset today!¡±

    ¡°Coming!¡± Riley¡¯s eyes widened and they backed into the hall as another glowing ghost floated down from upstairs, a man in an older pressed suit, complete with handkerchief. ¡°The Captain was having trouble with that newfangled record player, I was giving him a hand. It may be easier for him to press buttons, but it¡¯s easier for me to do it for him.¡± He was descending through the bannister and floor, to their horror they realized he would come down right next to them.

    ¡°Alfred! You are going to go back up and take the stairs like a person! We are deceased, not uncivilized!¡± the woman scolded.

    ¡°But dear-¡± he started.

    ¡°Civilized!¡± With a sigh of defeat from him, and relief below, he went back up and took the air over the stairs.

    ¡°Yes, Judith.¡± he said, pulling out a pipe form his pocket. ¡°Although we¡¯ll have to see if Scott could get any more of those new records next time we see him. Opera all day can get dull.¡± Unseen, Riley stuck her tongue out and nodded.

    ¡°Dear, they¡¯re not records. It¡¯s called a CD player.¡± Judith said as they went through the door. They waited fifteen second for them to be gone, then Riley let loose.

    ¡°Yessss!¡± she hissed in triumph, pumping her fist and vibrating in excitement. ¡°They do know him! I knew it! Woo!¡±

    ¡°Keep it down.¡± Connor said, casting a glance to the ceiling. ¡°It sounds like there¡¯s another one here, so we could be careful. But now we know he¡¯s named Scott. I bet we could find out where he is, now that we have a name and rough description, so we should go now.¡±

    ¡°Hmm.¡± Riley pondered, hand on her chin. Connor did not like the look in her eye. ¡°Yeah, I guess we could. Buuuut¡­¡±

    ¡°Buuuut¡­?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re here, right now. The ghost who wanted to scare us off is gone. And we got his first name, not last. We could save ourselves a whole lotta trouble if we just go and ask this Captain guy about him. This guy brought ¡®em a CD player, they can¡¯t be too bad.¡± Riley said.

    ¡°Are you sure we should ask him? What if he doesn¡¯t wanna talk?¡± Connor said.

    ¡°Ah, it¡¯ll be fine, really. I¡¯ll just talk to him Captain-to-Captain and we¡¯ll work it out!¡± She began giggling.

    ¡°You¡¯re not a real captain, you know.¡±

    ¡°Maybe, but if you don¡¯t like it you can go home.¡± she said, then started determinedly up the stairs.

    ¡°No, wait-aargh!¡± There was no way he could let a girl even younger than he was face a ghost all alone. ¡°Hold on, I¡¯m coming!¡±

    They slowly stalked to the source of the noise, the volume so loud the floorboards were vibrating. It was coming from what looked like a conservatory, high-ceilinged and decorated with faded purple carpet and drapes. In the middle of the room, in front of a small, beat-up CD player and speaker, was a portly ghost dressed like a late nineteenth century naval officer with an enormous walrus-esque mustache overpowering the song with his own notes. The music swelled for the final reprise, and the ghost drew a saber at his side, pointing it up in the air as he bellowed the finale.

    At long last the music ceased, as did the specter. Riley fingered the salt and cross in her pocket, but narrowed her eyes. She had a better idea.

    ¡°Bravo!¡± she cheered, clapping enthusiastically and nudging Connor to do the same. ¡°Wonderful, just wonderful! Whoo!¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­fantastic! Encore, encore!¡± Connor said, joining in. The ghost wheeled around and upon seeing them, swept his hat off and bowed low.

    ¡°Thank you, thank you! I had not realized I was performing for an audience! So glad you enjoyed the show! HO HO HA!¡± With a flourish, he sheathed his sword and placed his hat back, floating over to them. And what have we here, hmm? A couple of young scallywags, here for merriment and mischief?¡±

    Connor wiggled a finger in his ear, not used to the Captain¡¯s¡­volume. Riley spoke up.

    ¡°Uh, we¡¯d love to stay and chat sir, but we¡¯re actually looking for someone. Do you know anyone by the name of Scott, by any chance? Works with zombies?¡±

    ¡°WHAT HO!¡± They clapped their hands to their ears, but it didn¡¯t help. ¡°Do I know young master Havenbrook! Pah, a mere trifle! He and his Lady Amber are always welcome in the house of Blackwell! So says I, the Right Honorable Captain Phineas Thaddeus Blackwell of Her Majesty¡¯s Royal Navy, humble servant of the Crown and Lord of Blackwell Manor! But,¡± he said, peering over his generous stomach and stroking his mustache, ¡°I heard the lady Simmons chased a couple of who might you two be?¡±

    ¡°Forgive us sir, I¡¯m Connor McLaren, and this¡¯s Riley.¡± Connor said, clumsily bowing.

    ¡°Hmm HMM.¡± The ghost¡¯s bushy eyebrows bristled. ¡°So, young master Connor and mademoiselle Riley, is it? What brings you to my humble abode on this eve?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­we were looking for Scott?¡± Connor asked.

    ¡°AH! SO IT IS! INDEED! Would forget my own head if it wasn¡¯t safely in my coffin, ha ha!¡± He slapped his jiggling belly, and Riley giggled. Connor remained stoic. ¡°That¡¯s some gallows humor, lad. Chin up, what what! You¡¯ll never win the heart of any fair maidens, not if you can¡¯t raise your head and laugh! Why, in my sailing days I went from France to the Orient, and every stop on the way! I earned a smile form every lady there was until I met my dear departed Esther, who while wasn¡¯t much to look at, cooked the finest steak and stew in all the seven seas! Not only that, she did this amazing trick under the sheets where she-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m ten.¡± Connor cut off flatly. Phineas blinked, then realized he was in mixed company.

    ¡°Ah lass, forgive my blue tongue, and not just the glow! A sailor¡¯s life is a harsh one, even if rewarding, and we¡¯ve got language to match. But you my boy, when I was your age we had to work. There was no time to dilly-dally or waffle about! No, we had to become MEN as soon as possible, and we were grateful for it! And many a young flower in spring was grateful as well!¡± He winked, and Connor sighed, massaging his temples against the headache.

    ¡°Anyway, Mr. Blackwell sir, we would appreciate it if you could tell us where we could find Scott. It¡¯s kinda important.¡± Riley said, getting back on-track.

    ¡°Ho, yes. But I must ask mademoiselle, why do you wish to find young master Scott? Though I don¡¯t doubt your intention, I shouldn¡¯t divulge his whereabouts unless he says so, says I. Quite right!¡±

    ¡°Well, y¡¯see¡­he doesn¡¯t know it yet, but he¡¯s gonna teach me how to raise zombies. He saved my life last fall with ¡®em, I wanna learn how to do it myself and repay the favor. Plus zombies are the coolest!¡± she said, eyes sparkling. Phineas rubbed his chin, his mustache waving back and forth.

    ¡°I see, I see¡­¡¯tis a prenticeship that you seek. Hmm. While ordinarily I would refuse outright, not wishing a fair young maiden such as yourself consort with dark forces beyond the ken of man, the young master does so responsibly, so I believe the decision should fall to him. And you, lad? What do you seek?¡± the captain asked. Connor shrugged.

    ¡°I¡¯d at least like to thank him, I guess. I¡¯m really just helping her out. Although if he does decide to teach her, I¡¯m not averse to picking up a couple things along the way.¡± he said, folding his arms.

    ¡°Ah, a scholar and a gentleman! I do indubitably believe I like you, lad!¡± the captain said, slapping him on the back. ¡°VERY WELL! In honor of your great determination, I shall tell you of young master Scott¡¯s location, and give his head for washing! It¡¯s¡­hrm, let me see¡­¡± Phineas muttered, scratching his head. He flew up through the roof, then came down grinning and pointing his saber. ¡°BEHOLD! Across the river, two blocks east of here and four blocks south, as the crow flies! I know I¡¯ve seen him come from that heading! But the Simmons are more mobile than I am, I am bound between these walls. If you like, ask them and they shall give you more to go on, what what!¡± he said, puffing his chest.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    ¡°What?¡± Riley said, tilting her head. Connor did some quick mental calculations.

    ¡°Uh¡­Elm Street?¡± he asked.

    ¡°By Jove, I believe that¡¯s it! He resides on Elm Street!¡± Phineas said, stroking his mustache. He peered down at the children. ¡°Incidentally, my dear, whatever is on your face? War paint?¡±

    ¡°Oh, this?¡± She rubbed a little of her facepaint off. ¡°It¡¯s camo paint! Camouflage, to help me be harder to see.¡± she said proudly, and the captain let out a jovial bellow of laughter.

    ¡°I see! A clever tactic, little saucebox, and you¡¯d need every ounce of courage and cunning you possess if you want entry to this house unobserved! We didn¡¯t have need for much of that in the Navy, but it¡¯s like a tiger¡¯s stripes! Incidentally, have you ever heard the story of how I captured a Bengal tiger singlehandedly while I was in India?¡±

    ¡°Ooh, no! Tell us! Tell us!¡± Riley said, eagerly sitting down.

    ¡°Well, it all began back in ¡¯98, we were there to oversee the Queen¡¯s trade routes along the Ganges¡­¡±

    Connor groaned and practically fell over as the captain and his enthralled audience settled in for a long, long tale.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    While the children were being regaled by a long-winded ghost, it was time for the operation to begin.

    ¡°Everything set? Are your mics on properly?¡± Agent Crenshaw asked, checking the sound levels.

    ¡°Testing, one two, testing. How¡¯s that?¡± Scott said to the small button on his shirt, and Crenshaw nodded. He handed them their earpieces, the size of a ladybug.

    ¡°These are some of the military¡¯s latest covert tech. When placed in the ear, they¡¯re small enough to be practically invisible. In the dark, they won¡¯t be noticed. We¡¯ll deliver instructions to you from here. Don¡¯t lose them, they¡¯re very expensive.¡±

    ¡°Noted.¡± Amber said dryly, fiddling with her tube top, Cross helping her. It wasn¡¯t her usual style, but it would be certainly enough to distract teenage boys. Scott had been glancing at her all the while.

    ¡°So you all know the drill. Get in, find the person selling the Taboo, and discretely let us know. We¡¯ll handle it from there. Simple, right?¡± Cross asked, brow furrowing. This was the third time she¡¯d had to send these kids into danger; her entire body cried out against it, instincts revolting. But the rational part of her insisted that this was the best chance they had, and no matter how much she went over it there wasn¡¯t a better option.

    ¡°We get it.¡± Amber gave her a thumbs-up.

    ¡°Good. Move out, and good luck.¡± The doors to the van slid open, and they started towards the Beat Factory, half a block away.

    ¡°Nervous?¡± Scott asked Amber, and she nodded. ¡°Me too. But don¡¯t worry; I¡¯ve never done this either. I¡¯m right here for you-and I hope you¡¯ll be there for me. This¡¯s scary, but we can get through it together.¡± he said, looking shaken but grasping her hand in his. She smiled, then tilted her head.

    ¡°Wait¡­but you¡¯ve done stings before.¡±

    ¡°Huh? Oh, I was talking about the party. I¡¯ve never danced before, and all the YouTube videos were about classical ballroom¡­¡± he trailed off, looking defeated. She sighed and shook her head.

    ¡°You are dumb. Adorably dumb, but dumb.¡±

    ¡°There was a compliment in there, so I¡¯ll take what I can get.¡± He opened the door, and they went inside.

    The enormous room was dark, loud, and hot. Multicolored lasers played a lightshow on the ceiling as the packed bodies shuffled and swayed to some kind of techno-industrial beat, the only solid light from a stage where a DJ nodded along. The music cut, then the bass dropped and echoed in their bones.

    ¡°Uh. Dubstep.¡± Scott muttered as they passed someone doing tricks with a glowstick. People bumped into him, so he had to constantly adjust his mic. ¡°I¡¯ve been here two minutes, and I already had enough. This beat sucks.¡± he said to Amber over the crowd.

    ¡°What?¡± she said loudly.

    ¡°The beat sucks! It¡¯s too slow! I need shredding guitars to headbang to!¡± he shouted back.

    ¡°You¡¯re not here for the ambience, you¡¯re here for the drugs.¡± Cross said in his ear. ¡°Now get on it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go over to the refreshments, I said I¡¯d meet the girls there. I¡¯ll see if they know of anything.¡± Amber said.

    ¡°Okay!¡± He watched her go off, then slid through the crowd until he was near the wall. Scanning the room best he could, there was nothing out of the ordinary for a teen party like this. If he couldn¡¯t find the seller, and if the music didn¡¯t make him feel like dancing, what the heck was he doing here? He spotted a girl gyrating a few feet away.

    ¡°Hey there, having fun? D¡¯you know where a guy could get something to, y¡¯know, enhance the experience?¡± he said, trying to smile disarmingly. Back in the van, Crenshaw and Cross both slapped their heads into their palms, as the girl gave him a weirded-out look.

    ¡°Sorry, addict.¡± She danced away, and Scott ground his teeth.

    ¡°Smooth. Very subtle.¡± Crenshaw said, dripping with sarcasm.

    ¡°Suddenly, the unarmed, untrained civilian¡¯s stock shoots straight up. I¡¯m so glad she decided to do this.¡± Cross said.

    Amber had made it to the refreshment table, where Chelsea, Joy, Brianna, and a guy next to her were chatting.

    ¡°Hey, everyone!¡± she said, taking stock of the chips, pretzels, and soda.

    ¡°Amber! Glad you could make it.¡± Joy said, hugging her. She eyed the top. ¡°And showing off the goods a bit more than usual, huh?¡±

    ¡°Eh heh heh, kinda. Tonight¡¯s special, y¡¯know?¡± she said, blushing lightly. Joy and Chelsea grinned knowingly.

    ¡°We bet. So where is mister Scott? Decide to stay home, or you finally get tired of the guy?¡± Chelsea asked.

    ¡°Actually, he¡¯s off over there. This¡¯s his first wild teen party, so he can¡¯t cling to me all the time. I¡¯m forcing him to talk to people.¡± Amber said, mentally apologizing to Scott, and her friends for lying.

    ¡°I¡¯m amazed he could tear himself away from you, looking like that. Or is there a private afterparty?¡± Joy grinned. Amber sighed and shook her head. Just because she was the only one with a boyfriend right now¡­

    ¡°I just felt like a change. Speaking of which, who¡¯s this?¡± she asked. Brianna noticed her companion¡¯s eyes rolling out of his head and huffed.

    ¡°This¡¯s Dean. He¡¯s my date, right Dean?¡± she said, elbowing him in the side.

    ¡°Oh, right! Yeah, I¡¯m Dean. Pleasure to meet you, Amber.¡± He was taller, with the latest haircut and a blue shirt that showed off his chest. He stuck his hand out, and she shook it, but he held on just a little too long when she pulled it back.

    ¡°Pleased to meet you. I¡¯ll go grab my boyfriend and come back, I¡¯m sure he¡¯s getting into trouble.¡± she demurely, bowing out and cutting through the crowd quickly. She could feel Dean¡¯s eyes on her as she left.

    ¡°Ho boy.¡± Joy muttered.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Chelsea said.

    Back on the dance floor, the necromancer was floundering trying to get drugs.

    ¡°All I want to know is where I can get some party favors!¡± he called out to a guy walking away. A hand laid on his shoulder, and he turned to see Amber shaking her head.

    ¡°How ¡®bout you let me take the lead on this one.¡± she said.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± he said with heartfelt relief. ¡°This? All of this? Not my element.¡± As they went back, Scott frowned. ¡°I know how this stuff¡¯s supposed to go down, I¡¯ve read plenty of books and comics and watched tons of TV. But every time I actually try, it doesn¡¯t come out the way I want to. Guess stings and blending in¡¯s harder than I thought.¡±

    ¡°Of course. They wouldn¡¯t have specialists it was easy.¡± Amber said. ¡°Remember, we¡¯re not exactly here to have fun. If we didn¡¯t have a job to do, you¡¯d probably have a better time. But anyway, I need you to ward off Brianna¡¯s date, he¡¯s been eyeing me up.¡±

    ¡°Huh? You said someone wants his ass kicked? ¡®Cause that¡¯s how you get your ass kicked.¡± he said darkly, his eyes flashing green.

    ¡°Down, boy.¡± she said, rolling her eyes. ¡°He hasn¡¯t really made any moves, and I don¡¯t particularly care for him to. I don¡¯t think he¡¯s a keeper, so all you have to do is hang around and he¡¯ll get the message.¡±

    ¡°Hmm.¡± Scott hummed, narrowing his eyes.

    When they got back, Brianna and Dean were gone.

    ¡°Bri took him somewhere to chew him out.¡± Chelsea said upon seeing her quizzical expression. ¡°Ugh. Don¡¯t think he¡¯ll last the night.¡±

    ¡°I figured as much.¡± Amber said. ¡°Speaking of things you don¡¯t want around, I¡¯ve been hearing stuff about some kind of pills going around parties like this. Hear anything about it?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Chelsea glanced around. Joy was talking to another friend of hers, and Scott appeared to be listening but tight-lipped. She waved her in closer. ¡°I hear there¡¯s supposed to be this new drug called Taboo. My sister¡¯s boyfriend¡¯s brother supposedly got his hands on some. He said it was a completely mindblowing experience, like he could see the future. Story goes he predicted rain and a minor crash on Maple Street, and they came true.¡±

    ¡°Wow.¡± Amber said, wide-eyed. And the Oscar goes to¡­ ¡°That¡¯s nuts. I heard about weird stuff happening if you take it, think it¡¯s true?¡±

    ¡°Dunno. But hey, if it really does let you see the future, I think I¡¯d like to give it a try. See if the lotto numbers are there.¡± she said, sticking her tongue out.

    ¡°Eh, I don¡¯t know. It sounds kind of dangerous. Who knows what¡¯s in it?¡± Amber said.

    ¡°Please, don¡¯t give me the goody two-shoes routine. You wouldn¡¯t have asked if you didn¡¯t wanna try it.¡± Joy called her over, Brianna was back, pouting.

    ¡°Humph. That wasn¡¯t exactly useless, but not helpful.¡± Scott said, getting them both drinks.

    Across the darkened room, Dean pulled his best friend Jake into an empty corridor, away from the crowd.

    ¡°Listen man, I just saw this smoking hot chick with the girl I was with. I know I can get her, all I gotta do is get her in a good mood and she¡¯ll forget all about her boyfriend. Can you help me out?¡±

    ¡°Again?¡± Jake sighed, exasperated. ¡°This¡¯s the third time in as many weeks. I¡¯m starting to run low myself.¡±

    ¡°Then get some more where you got ¡®em from.¡± Dean said, slipping him a wad of twenties. ¡°I am a paying customer, and you know what they say about the customer being right, right?¡± Jake sighed again and dug a small pharmacy bottle of red pills out of his pocket.

    ¡°Here. Just make sure to only use one this time, I hear they still haven¡¯t found your ex.¡± he said, handing them over and getting a high-five.

    ¡°Yes! No worries bro. Besides, this chick¡¯s gonna love it, I know it.¡±

    ¡°Not like she¡¯ll have too much choice.¡± Jake muttered. Dean was eyeing the pills.

    ¡°You want a go when I¡¯m done with her?¡± he asked. Jake snorted and shook his head. ¡°Your loss. See ya.¡± He went back to the party, opening the container and palming one. Amber was still by the refreshment table, drinking a soda and chatting with some skinny dork. He smiled; if that was her boyfriend, he was doing her a definite favor.

    ¡°So, Amber, right? How¡¯s your evening been going so far?¡± Dean said, sliding right next to her and getting a soda himself.

    ¡°Uh, okay I guess?¡± she replied, taking a step back from him. Jeez, way too close. He took a step towards her, and noticed the skinny guy staring at him over the rim of his cup.

    ¡°Hi. Who¡¯re you?¡±

    ¡°Scott, Scott Havenbrook. Amber¡¯s boyfriend. Pleased to meet you.¡± he said flatly, stepping between them and forcing his hand into Dean¡¯s for a shake. He raised his eyebrow as Scott had a boney hand, but a much firmer grip than he expected.

    ¡°Ah. Boyfriend, huh?¡± Dean was at least six inches taller and forty pounds heavier, all muscle. Scott looked like a twig next to him. ¡°That¡¯s-That¡¯s cool and all, but¡­you¡¯re not exactly the shining specimen of masculinity.¡±

    ¡°How fortunate that Scott has more than enough personality to make up for any physical deficiencies.¡± Amber said snidely. Her creep senses were tingling in overdrive.

    ¡°Aw c¡¯mon, don¡¯t be like that.¡± Dean said as charmingly as possible, spreading his warms out wide and smiling. While both of them were frowning at him, he dropped the pill into her drink, unnoticed.

    ¡°How about yes?¡± Scott said, glaring.

    ¡°At least have enough class to try to hit on a girl not in front of her boyfriend.¡± Amber added. Dean shrugged and smiled helplessly.

    ¡°All right, all right. Can¡¯t blame a guy for trying. Knew it was a long shot, but damn girl. Ah well, if you ever change your mind, look for me.¡± With that, he retreated.

    ¡°What an asshole. I should¡¯ve decked him.¡± Scott said, clenching his fist.

    ¡°Good thing you didn¡¯t, we¡¯ve got a mission.¡± Cross reminded him in his ear. "We don¡¯t need either of you getting kicked out before we find a seller. But Amber? Watch your back. I knew plenty of guys like that in college, wouldn¡¯t take no for an answer. Try not to be alone in the building.¡± Amber¡¯s skin crawled at what Cross was implying.

    ¡°That¡¯s awful. How¡¯d you deal with it?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t. Most of the frat boys left me alone after I threw one who was getting too handsey through a third-story window.¡± Cross said proudly. There was silence on the end of the line, and Crenshaw raised an eyebrow at her. ¡°What? You couldn¡¯t even see the scars a couple months after he healed, it was fine.¡±

    ¡°Ooooookay.¡± Amber said. She could still feel Dean¡¯s eyes on her, and she hugged closer to Scott.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get out on the floor. I don¡¯t like just waiting around, but it beats the absolute nothing we¡¯re accomplishing here.¡± he said, and she nodded. At the far wall, Dean watched eagerly as she raised the cup to her lips and downed the rest of her drink.

    ¡°Yeah, maybe we can spot something out there.¡± she said, tossing the cup and moving on. ¡°I think I-I think-I¡­I¡­ugh.¡± She wrapped her arms around herself, breaking out into goosebumps.

    ¡°Amber? Everything okay?¡± Scott frowned, and she silently shook her head. ¡°Amber, c¡¯mon. Look at me, what¡¯s wrong?¡± She was sweating profusely. He tilted her chin up, and her blue eyes were wildly twitching, the iris shifting back and forth from feline and normal.

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t¡­I feel weird.¡± she moaned, heart throbbing.

    ¡°Oh my, having trouble little lady?¡± Dean said, sauntering up and slinging an arm around her shoulders. She shuddered then leaned into him involuntarily. Scott¡¯s eyes darted from her to him, then started flickering.

    ¡°What did you do to her?¡± he rasped.

    ¡°Kid? Kid, what¡¯s going on?¡± Cross said.

    ¡°Answer, Havenbrook. We need details. Do you need extraction?¡± Crenshaw asked, but Scott didn¡¯t even hear them. Dean leered.

    ¡°Oh, nothing. Yet. I promise to show a woman a good time, they can¡¯t resist.¡± Amber could barely make any words out. There was a thudding in her ears, her head, her entire body. A red haze clouded her vision, casting everything into blobs of dark shadow. Where she was, who she was, why she was, all were slipping away.

    ¡°You bast-¡± Scott¡¯s fist clenched and so did his teeth, but Dean quickly kneed him in the gut, still smiling and holding Amber. No one saw, and he doubled over in pain.

    ¡°Hmm? ¡®Fraid I can¡¯t hear you over the sound of you being such a loser. Seriously, you, with a chick this hot? No way. If you think about it, all I¡¯m doing is correcting the natural order. Right?¡± He laughed and hugged Amber closer, her hand coming up to his chest. Scott growled, flaying spittle from his mouth.

    ¡°That¡¯s it. You¡¯re dead.¡± He rose, incantations on his lips, black magic in his hands ready to rip through the poor mortal he unleashed it upon, necrotic energy starting to build into a veritable whirlwind around him. He could feel the deadly power roiling around him, through him. He hadn¡¯t ever been this angry, and hadn¡¯t had to use this much necrotic energy in a while. It felt good, like working a muscle he hadn¡¯t used much. He focused his mind to throw a curse upon the pathetic, unwary fool trying to steal his girlfriend. ¡°Astzgam sehk hnimph-urk!¡± His body began shaking, cutting his power out. Waves of nausea rolled through his stomach, and it felt like his lungs just imploded. He dropped into a coughing fit, hacking something up into his palm. When he looked at it, he saw it was covered in sticky crimson blood.

    ¡°So later, loser.¡± Dean tossed at him, having eyes only for his prize. He turned to lead her away, Scott unable to move.

    ¡°W-Wait, no¡­don¡¯t, don¡¯t go¡­¡± He reached out a blood-soaked palm towards her, willing himself to move. He just felt too weak.

    ¡°C¡¯mon babe. Let¡¯s go somewhere a little more¡­private.¡± Dean said, caressing her back. ¡°Yow! What?¡± He pulled his hands away as she radiated heat, pulling her arms in closer.

    ¡°Burning¡­up.¡± she moaned.

    ¡°Oh crap, oh crap! What¡¯s wrong? You should be warm, not feverish! Uhh, uhhhh...¡± Dean looked around, unsure of what to do. ¡°Damnit Jake, this Taboo¡¯s supposed to help me, not kill her!¡± he snarled, throwing the pills on the ground.

    ¡°I heard him say something about Taboo, and they¡¯re not responding. We move in.¡± Cross said to Crenshaw in the van. He nodded and drew his gun.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Back inside, Amber shuddered helplessly as her insides churned and her body felt like it was melting. Everything was going fuzzy and dark. Someone was saying something, but it was like calling to someone on a busy street. Her head swam as every cell turned into lava.

    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­feel¡­guud¡­¡± she slurred, swaying back and forth. She could feel a presence in her body, black and sharp, trying to crawl up her brain from her stomach like a scorpion. She groaned and swayed, trying to stay on her feet. If she fell, she couldn¡¯t keep the spikey thing from getting into her head, and then¡­and then¡­

    Release, my child.

    Scott barely heard the screams of the crowd as Amber shot up straight, a golden sunlight glow emanating from her body, bursting a hole in the ceiling. No rubble fell though, a strange-scented wind sprang from nowhere, a gust of sage and cobwebs and cinnamon and old houses to whip around her, tugging at her clothes and carrying the debris up into the sky and far away. Her ponytail shook and jerked as her hair tangled and untangled, finally breaking free from the tie and falling around her shoulders. Her mouth opened and guttural, unknown syllables poured out, her skin color draining away to a pure paper white, muscles twitching and rearranging underneath. At last, her weight shifted onto her feet again, and the glow faded. The party was over, all eyes on her as she reached a hand to her chest¡­and blurred.

    Suddenly, she was holding a darkly-glowing mass of writhing, spiked tendrils that quickly ceased and faded to nothingness. She turned her glowing, ethereal blue eyes on a trembling Dean.

    ¡°Defiler.¡± she said, an odd reverb in her voice. ¡°Infector.¡±

    ¡°W-W-What? N-No, I-!¡± He turned and ran, pushing his way through the mass of people as fast as he could.

    ¡°A-Amber¡­what¡¯s going-hurk!¡± Scott¡¯s hand flew to his mouth, practically vomiting blood. She glanced at him, then turned back to the fleeing boy. She raised her hand.

    ¡°Avesh.¡± There was a distortion, like the air had turned in on itself, a long thread of it shooting out to tag Dean on the back. She tugged, and he flew backwards to land in a crumpled heap at her feet.

    ¡°N-No!¡± he gasped, hyperventilating. ¡°I-I didn¡¯t mean it! I just wanted to have some fun with you! I thought you¡¯d like it! Please don¡¯t hurt me!¡± he cried, waving his hand to ward her off. She bent down and looked at him blankly, observing him from side to side, like a child examining an insect.

    ¡°You will never do this again.¡± She caught his wrist, and crushed it in a grip like a pneumatic press.

    ¡°AAAAAUUUGHHH!¡± he howled.

    ¡°Understand?¡± He nodded weakly, whimpering. ¡°Very well. You have no value here. Leave.¡± He scrambled away like all the forces of Hell were at his back. She regarded the onlookers, trying to back away from her. ¡°My time here has reached its¡¯ end. Farewell.¡± She started chanting, and another distortion shot up into the sky. She raised her hand, another incantation to transport her, but something clamped down around her ankle.

    ¡°W-Wait.¡± Scott gasped, wiping his face off. Amber saw a trail of blood behind him. He¡¯d crawled as fast as he was able to reach her. Now despite the horrible fatigue draining the strength from his body, he struggled to his feet. ¡°Wh-What¡¯s going on? What did he do to you?¡± She tilted her head.

    ¡°There was some kind of magic inducement pill in my drink. The chemicals would have had an adverse reaction with my body, though it would have felt pleasant. The magic would have been drawn into my mind as well. Fortunately, I removed it before it could cause permanent damage. The magical inducement merely triggered a hidden genetic marker, activating this unit. I now see my true purpose in life. Thank you for your hospitality, but I must join the uylata now.¡± She bowed her head, and turned to leave the stunned Scott. Before she left though, she paused, as if uncertain. ¡°Though¡­the time spent with you, while brief, was¡­pleasant. I shall remember you. Please have a good life, though it appears you will not have long as it is. Your body has absorbed too much of the power of the dead to live properly. Goodbye. Avsn-ach akjhuimno! Haa¡¯vah-annath!¡± She raised her hand, and the distortion stretched way, way out into the heavens above them. She grabbed it and started to climb.

    ¡°N-No! Amber! Wait!¡± He scrabbled after her, she was only four feet up.

    ¡°The hell¡¯s going on? Where are you going?¡± He saw Cross had entered the building, holding Dean face-down on the ground, gun to his head.

    ¡°It¡¯s Amber! S-Something¡¯s wrong, she just turned into this all of a sudden! Amber! No!¡± He tried to grab her, but her sneaker slipped just out of reach. Suddenly the nitro button was hit, and she started to rise incredibly fast, ascending into the evening sky. With a fading twinkle, she was gone. Scott froze in shock, hand still outstretched. Helpless. He stared into the darkening golden sky, the full moon taunting him with its beauty.

    ¡°A-Amber¡­Amber¡­n-no! Amber! Amber! AMBER! AMBER! AAAAAAMMMMMMBEEERRRRRR!¡±

 Chapter 10: Dead Inside

    It was noon the next day. Cross had come to his home, and now Mr. Harris was burning rubber through Craven Falls. He zoomed through a stop sign, oblivious to the horns of those behind him. His face was set in a heavy scowl, and it felt like it would be that way forever.

    ¡°What do you mean, turned into a monster and flew away!?¡± He grit his teeth. The conversation kept playing over and over in his head with no respite.

    ¡°Amber was always a very trustworthy girl, I can¡¯t believe she didn¡¯t tell you about the mission.¡±

    ¡°MOVE!¡± he shouted to the cars in front of him.

    ¡°Wh-Where s she now?¡±

    ¡°Unknown. Most likely somewhere in outer space. She was acing very strangely, according to Scott.¡±

    ¡°Scott¡­¡± Mr. Harris growled. His vision kept turning red. He thought that was just an expression.

    ¡°Where is he?¡± He¡¯d left immediately after Cross had said he was being treated for injuries at their base. ¡°He keeps turning my little girl into a monster! He¡¯ll pay!¡± His tired skidded to a stop in front of the flattened Kruger Mall in record time, getting out without even turning it off, set on a collision course with his target.

    He stomped through the demolished entrance straight to the elevator. The second story had been destroyed, but the elevator had a new button going down. As the ride drug on, his seething grew quieter, but no less intense. At last the doors dinged open, and he saw about thirty gun barrels pointed at his face.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay boys, let him through.¡± An exhausted-looking Crenshaw said, waving the guards off. ¡°Mr. Harris, come with me.¡± He flowed the man, frowning. ¡°My name is Agent Crenshaw, with an agency I¡¯m sure Cross has told you all about.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± he spat, and Crenshaw nodded.

    ¡°It is fortunate you were already aware of the supernatural¡¯s existence, otherwise this conversation would not be happening. I understand your plight, but this is a wholly unforeseen circumstance that we are doing everything in our power to rectify.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s Scott?¡± Mr. Harris growled, focused on only one thing.

    ¡°In an examination room as we speak. He has said goodbye to his family for ¡°camp,¡± so for the next three weeks he is free to work on these problems. Please do not reveal any information you learn here, or you will be terminated with extreme prejudice.¡± They got into another elevator and travelled even further underground. They rode in awkward silence until Mr. Harris voiced the question gnawing at him even through his fury. He knew it could mean the end of him, but he had to know.

    ¡°How¡­how could you, though? How could you rope two teenagers into this problem? How-How could you make my little girl go undercover like that?¡± he asked, eyes stinging. Staring straight ahead, Crenshaw was as hard and cold as a glacier.

    ¡°Because it was the best option at the time. We have no field agents that could pass as teenagers for the party, and they were already known to the locals. We need to get to the bottom of this, and quickly. She volunteered her services, and we decided she and the necromancer would be best to root a seller out.¡±

    ¡°The hell she was!¡± He grabbed Crenshaw. ¡°Listen, she¡¯s sixteen! She shouldn¡¯t have been near any of this! She¡¯s not a secret agent!¡±

    ¡°My point exactly, Mr. Harris. No one should be near any of this.¡± Crenshaw said, wrenching free. ¡°Unfortunately, that is not the world we live in. It is only through our supreme efforts and sacrifices that we live to see another day. I cannot and will not divulge information, but rest assured, you are not the only one who has lost someone precious to the unusual.¡±

    ¡°You...nrgh.¡± Mr. Harris clenched his fists.

    ¡°If it is any small consolation, we have apprehended the individual responsible for slipping her the Taboo. He will be interrogated and incarcerated to the fullest extent we can bend the law to.¡±

    The door opened and they stepped into a sterile white lab, a large tube humming in the corner. There was a door leading to another room, but it was sparsely furnished. Crenshaw approached the tube and pressed some buttons.

    ¡°He should be done about now.¡± The tube stopped, and with a clack an even paler than normal Scott climbed out, wearing only hospital scrubs. Ignoring them, he limped over to the computer on the desk, then grimaced.

    ¡°You. What happened to my daughter.¡± Mr. Harris said, looming over him.

    ¡°Oh, hi. Amber¡¯s¡­Amber¡¯s not exactly herself at the moment.¡± he said absently. Rage overflowed, and he grabbed the skinny necromancer and hauled him to his feet.

    ¡°You think this is a GAME? My DAUGHTER turned into a MONSTER and DISSAPEARED! You¡¯re the one that knows about this, you¡¯re the one who has to monkey with her life and her soul, you¡¯re the one who turns people into monsters, so YOU¡¯RE gonna FIX IT or you¡¯ll PAY!¡± he roared.

    ¡°Sorry, can¡¯t.¡± Scott said.

    ¡°You, you what? RRRRAAAAAHHHHHH!¡± He cocked his fist back. ¡°DO IT! Bring her back OR ELSE!¡±

    ¡°Or else what?¡± he grinned sickly. Mr. Harris narrowed his eyes. ¡°Or else you¡¯ll punch me? Beat me? Kill me? Go ahead, if it¡¯ll make you feel any better.¡± He chuckled darkly. ¡°I¡¯m afraid you¡¯re too late to make any real difference.¡±

    ¡°The report?¡± Crenshaw asked dispassionately, letting the scene play out in front of him.

    ¡°Confirmed what I already knew, and the how. I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Harris. I can¡¯t bring Amber back this time. Go ahead, kill me. It¡¯s not like it changes anything, really.¡±The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°The hell are you talking about?¡± he demanded, shaking the teen. Scott grinned weakly.

    ¡°I¡¯m dying.¡±

    ¡°W-What?¡± Mr. Harris¡¯s world went cold again. No, this was his only hope! ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I mean Dead. Finito. Caput. Dirt nap six feet under. Pushing daisies.¡± He coughed, wracking his body, and as he put his hand down Mr. Harris saw flecks of red. ¡°It¡¯s¡­it¡¯s the necromancy, you see. It¡¯s been happening for a while, I just didn¡¯t notice until it got bad enough. Last night.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Mr. Harris said, lowering his fist. This child before him, not even sixteen, was definitely paler and thinner than he had seen last week. He¡¯d been too enraged to notice before. His chest still throbbed with burning rage, but his head was cool enough now to recognize his best chance slipping away in front of him.

    ¡°The necrotic energy I channeled. Normally, it¡¯s perfectly safe even for a living being to use, so long as you don¡¯t come into direct contact with it. But I think I figured it out. Last year, I had to channel my soul into my own body in order to rip free from the prison and save not just your daughter¡¯s, but my girlfriend¡¯s life. I thought I was so clever, using my necromantic knowledge like that. Unfortunately, I didn¡¯t know the long-term side effects of doing so. The soul cannot, should not be transferred into the physical, living body. They¡¯re powered by opposing spiritual forces, and the necrotic subverts the life when mixed. My own knowledge and soul are poisoning me. Not so clever after all, huh?¡± He gave the man holding him a sickly grin. ¡°According to my calculations, if I take it easy and use no necromancy or other magic, I¡¯ve got a little less than three months. That? Is not happening. So¡­I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll last the month, if I¡¯m lucky.¡±

    There was silence. There was nothing to say.

    ¡°Very well. I commiserate, but rest assured your family will receive the money you have earned.¡± Crenshaw said coolly. ¡°What will you do now? Will you still work with us with the time you have left, or will you take it for yourself?¡±

    ¡°But, but¡­what about my little girl?¡± Mr. Harris said, his hand, his entire frame dropping. ¡°What about Amber?¡± His face suddenly lit up. ¡°Wait, you can revive people, can¡¯t you just revive yourself?¡±

    ¡°If only. I¡¯m afraid it doesn¡¯t work like that.¡± Scott sighed, shaking his head. ¡°Though the barrier between life and death can be crossed easily enough if you know how, the caster acts as an anchor to pull the spirit back. It would be like trying to climb out of a thirty-foot hole with a ten-foot rope.¡± He hugged his sides, body shaking. ¡°It¡¯s-it¡¯s weird, y¡¯know? My body¡¯s dying, I can feel-¡± he nearly collapsed into a coughing fit, and Crenshaw helped him up, handing him a towel. Mr. Harris watched in horror as it came away wet and red.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Scott coughed. ¡°I can feel it, there¡¯s nothing to do. But as for Amber, I¡¯m¡­I¡¯m working on it. I¡­I love her, and I¡¯m gonna do what I can to get her back. I can¡¯t guarantee anything, it may be just spitting in the wind, but I¡¯ll do what I can in the time I have left.¡± The words rung hollow to everyone, including himself. He slumped down. ¡°I-I just don¡¯t know what. Oh yeah, but what I can do is ask why you knew that her cells had been imprinted with the sigil of the uylata spider, and didn¡¯t tell me?¡± he snapped at Crenshaw, tossing the medical reports at him angrily. Crenshaw stared at them stoically.

    ¡°You found those?¡±

    ¡°Yes! Why did you keep these from me?¡±

    ¡°We feared what would happen if it became a major issue. All your focus would be on this, instead of the Taboo. And, as it seemed like nothing was wrong with her, I had planned to inform you after the crisis was over.¡± he said honestly, then bowed his head. ¡°My apologies, for what it¡¯s worth. But I believed the worst case scenario was Miss Harris would die. And, as has already been established, that isn¡¯t a problem for you. This has caught us all off guard.¡± Mr. Harris looked from Scott to Crenshaw, wavering between punching one and demanding answers from the other. A need to know what happened won out.

    ¡°So, back up. What¡¯s an uhlyta¡­uyata...ultra¡­whatever spider? And why do you think she¡¯s in outer space, of all places?¡± he asked.

    ¡°The Uylata Spider is a cosmic entity that spins webs of gravity, holding stars in alignment.¡± Scott said, paging through the Necronomicon. ¡°¡®With its eight million legs, it traverses the universe, weaving together causality. With its eight million eyes, it perceives all the ways Fate may go.¡¯ Well, that¡¯s the poetic version. It doesn¡¯t actually hold together the stars, gravity is a natural phenomenon. But you know how the universe is constantly expanding, yeah?¡± Crenshaw nodded, but Mr. Harris looked a little lost. ¡°The uylata spider is the one responsible for doing that, converting the forces of reality with the raw nothing outside of existence and weaving it into new space for the rest of the universe to exist in. To aid in this, and to help catch the creatures made out of the void that devour existence in gravity webs, are her acolytes. Beings that have been given a measure of the uylata spider¡¯s own essence, to help her in the quest to bring form to nothingness.¡± He spun the tome around to show an illustration, an enormous spider with planet Earth for reference, only a twelfth the size of the arachnid. Mr. Harris rubbed his eyes; it appeared there were an uncountable number of legs, but there were clearly only eight. He broke out into goosebumps. A spider that big, running around space?

    ¡°And Amber¡¯s with this spider creature? Why her?¡± he asked.

    ¡°The uylata spider chooses those who serve, marking them as her own. I don¡¯t know her criteria, but they are transformed, and find no problem with their new calling.¡± Scott said bitterly. ¡°But that¡¯s what she¡¯s doing now, presumably. Weaving the universe and crushing the creatures that wanna erase it. Honestly, even if we were to find her somehow, I don¡¯t know what I could do to bring her back.¡± he said despondently, helplessly staring at the page.

    ¡°I see. This is a problem. You have my condolences, but I must be blunt. Can you still help with the Taboo issue?¡± Crenshaw said. The necromancer stared at the book, then glanced at him.

    ¡°What, me dying throw a wrench into your plans?¡± he said sarcastically.

    ¡°Yes, actually. You mock, and though you don¡¯t think it I feel for you, I do. However, my mission is clear. I must save as many lives as possible. If I could yours as well, that would be best. You have all of our technicians and labs at your disposal. Would any medicine be of help?¡± he said stiffly, as smooth and emotionless as a robot. Scott sighed and rubbed his temples.

    ¡°No, I already tried. This¡¯s a condition that makes the soul rot the body from the inside out, increasing exponentially over time. Nothing can be done.¡± The words hit him hard and left him empty. For all his genius, for all his dedication, for every time he managed to find an alternate solution, this was it. He was truly a dead man walking. And with him gone, there would be no one to bring anyone back.

    ¡°Um. I-I th-think I¡¯d like to be alone, for a bit. I¡¯ve got, uh, got some stuff to go over. Don¡¯t, d-don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll w-work on the drug stuff and t-try to get A-Amber back b-before I¡­Before¡­Before I k-k-kick it.¡± He tried to take deep, calming breaths, but the room was spinning. There was darkness on the edges of his vision, going blurry with water. ¡°D-Don¡¯t worry, I c-can d-deal w-with this, I g-got it, I¡­got it. I am a m-master nec¡­a master necro¡­¡±

    ¡°Calm down, son.¡± Mr. Harris sighed, putting an arm around his shoulders. He¡¯d come ready to kill him for taking his daughter away, but just as much had been taken from the teen as well. ¡°C¡¯mon. I¡¯ll drive you home.¡±

    ¡°Th-Thanks, but no thanks.¡± Scott said, sniffling. ¡°I-I¡¯m okay. I¡¯ll be okay, but I do need to get to my lab. If I don¡¯t have much time left, I need to use it to save Amber.¡± Mr. Harris nodded.

    ¡°Very well. We¡¯ll contact you if anything new develops. Agent Cross will be checking in on you at three p.m. every day for a progress report. Dismissed, special agent.¡± Crenshaw nodded curtly and they left, the necromancer¡¯s thinning, shuddering body leaning on Mr. Harris all the way out.

 Chapter 11: Artifacts of Annihilation

    ¡°And of course we couldn¡¯t have done any of this without our generous sponsor, Mr. Delacroix, CEO of Metatech Pharmaceuticals. Let¡¯s hear it!¡± A solidly-built, middle-aged man dressed in the most formal suit there was took the podium to a smattering of applause.

    ¡°Thank you, thank you. All this¡¯s nice, but let¡¯s not forget the real stars of the show, Professor Greene and Doctor Whateley. We just foot the bill.¡± A small round of chuckling. ¡°But really, running Metatech Pharmaceuticals is my day job, and though it¡¯s been a long, fulfilling career I¡¯ve always had a firm passion for anthropology and archaeology, so when the good people at the university reached out for funding, I leapt at it. I know it¡¯s a bit unusual, but anyone¡¯ll tell you about my interest in history-¡± Clay turned the TV off.

    ¡°Oh my god, so boring.¡± he moaned. ¡°I see daytime TV hasn¡¯t improved any.¡± His mother walked by carrying a basket of laundry.

    ¡°Well go get out of the house then. Meet up with your friends.¡± Rebecca said.

    ¡°That¡¯s what we¡¯re doing in an hour, we¡¯re headed to the lake. Just killing time til then.¡± Clayton said, flopping his head over the back of the couch. ¡°It is quiet with the dor-with Scott at genius camp.¡± he corrected himself as his mom gave him a stern look.

    ¡°This¡¯s a wonderful opportunity for him, and I won¡¯t hear any of your smart remarks about it.¡± she said.

    ¡°Smart. Huh. He never really seemed all that bright. Something¡¯s kinda weird about it to me.¡± Clay said. He¡¯d certainly never heard of any Einstein-whatever camp around here, that was for sure.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see how he does at the camp. If Scott¡¯s not sick of formulas and equations, he might be able to get a full scholarship.¡± Rebecca said, eyes shining. ¡°Then maybe he¡¯ll finally get to college.¡±

    ¡°Y¡¯know, I never hear you guys talking about sending me to college.¡± Clay said dryly.

    ¡°You wanna go too?¡± she asked, eyebrow raised dubiously.

    ¡°Hell no.¡±

    Outside, the bushes rustled as two small figures darted around the yard and onto the street.

    ¡°Didj¡¯a hear that? No wonder we couldn¡¯t find him after a three day stakeout!¡± Riley said, shaking undergrowth out of her hair. ¡°He¡¯s at camp!¡±

    ¡°Maybe, I¡¯m not so sure.¡± Connor said, frowning at his phone.

    ¡°What¡¯cha looking at, what¡¯cha looking at? My parents won¡¯t let me have a phone yet!¡± she said, shaking dirt off like a dog.

    ¡°I have no idea why.¡± Connor drolled. ¡°Anyway, my Google-fu¡¯s pretty strong, but I¡¯m not seeing anything about any physics summer camp, at least near our neck of the woods.¡±

    ¡°Well, where else could he be?¡±

    ¡°Dunno, that¡¯s the thing. It didn¡¯t seem like they know about necromancy, either. Oh by the way, you owe me five bucks.¡± he smiled.

    ¡°Oh man.¡± Riley, being the direct type, wanted to ring the doorbell and ask for Scott. Connor had bet her they would have better luck with a more discrete approach, despite the trespassing and eavesdropping.

    ¡°Since they don¡¯t seem to know, he probably didn¡¯t tell them about it, and since I couldn¡¯t find the camp, who knows where this mysterious Scott is.¡±

    ¡°Hmm. I guess we could wait ¡®til he comes home.¡± she said slowly. ¡°But¡­¡±¡¯

    ¡°But?¡± Connor asked, dreading the answer.

    ¡°But now we just have another mystery to solve!¡± She punched the air. ¡°Go Team Detective! Alright, where do you think he could be?¡±

    ¡°Search me. He could be halfway around the world, if he wanted. I don¡¯t think so, though. He might still be local, maybe?¡± he asked hopefully. Riley frowned.

    ¡°Hmm, maybe. If at this point he¡¯s not home and he¡¯s not where he¡¯s supposed to be, then I guess we go check in with the ghosts again, see if there¡¯s anywhere else he goes that they know."

    ¡°Which means more Captain Blackwell.¡± Connor groaned.

    ¡°Hey, I like him. The Captain¡¯s great!¡± she said.

    ¡°Not doubting he¡¯s a good guy, I just don¡¯t know how much more my eardrums can take.¡± Connor said.

    ¡°Ah. Good point.¡±

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The cameras were being broken down as half of the guests left, few staying to admire the ship displayed in the middle of the room. Professor Greene sighed contentedly. Finally, after all these years of searching, he had found it! The sunken ship of Captain Mead, one of the few British explorers to have landed on South American soil. And what a find! The so called ¡®Lost treasure of Abazuul¡¯ hung in display cases all around the museum, glittering gold, twinkling diamonds and rubies, exquisite sapphires and enchanting emeralds adorning necklaces, rings, cups, scepters, anything that could be covered in precious metals and stones. Yes, it was a banner day for Professor Greene.

    ¡°Ah, Professor. Glad I caught you before you left.¡± A large, heavy hand spun his shoulder round to come face-to-face with Desmond Delacroix.

    ¡°Oh, er, hello, sir.¡± Professor Greene said. ¡°I hope you¡¯re enjoying the exhibit. After all, we couldn¡¯t have done it without you.

    ¡°Yes yes, I¡¯m great. But so are you, professor. You¡¯ve found the ship carrying all the relics from the Temple of Abazuul, thought forever gone, lost to time. And to think, it was practically in our own backyard for nearly five hundred years.¡± he said, staring intently at the academic. ¡°How fortuitous. Literally.¡±This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    Greene laughed nervously at the joke, knowing what would be coming next. He tried to delay it as much as possible.

    ¡°Yes, very good. But it was a team effort, always glad to put in a good day¡¯s work-¡±

    ¡°I might wonder if you could spare your generous sponsor a word in private.¡± Delacroix interrupted, and Greene sighed in resignation.

    ¡°Of-of course, of course.¡±

    They retreated to the second floor of the museum, where Delacroix ushered Greene into an alcove overlooking the lost ship.

    ¡°Submarines, men, and time are all quite expensive, Professor.¡± Delacroix said, burning a hole into him with his eyes. ¡°Yet, I have provided. Now I must ask that you uphold your end of the bargain.¡±

    "P-Please, are you sure this is really necessary? I mean, I¡¯m grateful, I truly am, but if this gets out the scandal could ruin me!¡± Greene hissed pleadingly, but the man in front of him was unmoved.

    ¡°Which is why you will not be the one to say anything. And as long as I receive what I¡¯m after, I won¡¯t either. Come now, Professor. What¡¯s one little treasure compared to all of these?¡± Delacroix swept his arm out, encompassing the shining jewels below.

    ¡°Oh dear. I¡¯d hoped to change your mind, but if you¡¯re so determined¡­¡±

    ¡°I am.¡± he said with finality. Greene sighed.

    ¡°Oh, very well.¡± He dug out a key and they entered his office, where a squat, ugly, gleaming golden monkey statue with three eyes was sitting on his desk.

    ¡°I had avoided mentioning this piece as much as possible. The museum doesn¡¯t want to display this one anyway, and I can¡¯t blame them. Ugly thing, and the eyes do that trick where they seem to follow you. N-Not that there¡¯s no accounting for taste, it¡¯s just-¡±

    ¡°Shut up, Professor.¡± Delacroix said, his eyes gleaming, reflected in the statue. ¡°This¡¯s what I¡¯ve been searching for a very long time.¡±

    ¡°All, all right.¡± Professor Greene said, giving both him and the statue a strange look. Who would want that thing for any reason, he decided. There were many treasures discovered that were way more valuable than this piece of junk. Just downstairs there was a necklace with an emerald the size of his fist. The fame it would bring him was well worth the small, somehow greasy hunk of gold it cost.

    ¡°To each his own, I suppose. Very well then, it¡¯s yours. Thank you for bankrolling us, but I hope we never cross paths again.¡± he said, but Delacroix wasn¡¯t listening. He had eyes only for the statue.

    ¡°Any time, Professor Greene. If it gets me this exquisite treasure, any time.¡± he said, pocketing the statue and leaving the office. After he closed the door, he paused. Taking a small, gummy pebble out of his pocket, he threw it onto the door. Instantly, a thin black circle formed while he whispered indescribable words. To any listener who had heard him, they would swear that at least three people were talking. After he was done, the circle faded away and Delacroix grinned satisfactorily, heading out with a jaunt in his step.

    Much, much later that night, Professor Greene was in his office, going over the receipts for the day. He glanced at the clock. 9:03. He yawned and stretched, cracking his back. He was getting old, he decided. Old and so tired, in fact, that the rest of this could probably wait until tomorrow to complete. He was just about to close the program on his computer when there was a knock at the door.

    He glanced over the monitor warily. The museum had closed an hour before. Security knew how late he could work, did one of them want something?

    ¡°Hello? Stan?¡± he called out. There was no answer. ¡°Hello? Who¡¯s there?¡± Uneasily, he got to his feet, shivering. The air conditioning was too strong; there was a super-cold chill in the air. ¡°Look, if it¡¯s anything important it can wait until morning.¡± There was only another knock. Starting to get annoyed, he opened the door. ¡°Look, it¡¯s very late¡­¡±

    There was a tattered, shrouded hood. There were perhaps bandages under that, to obscure the face. There was a wet, slithering sound. He had an impression of something looming over him. Then, for Professor Greene, there was darkness.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Summer had been going well for Vanessa so far. Riley had been mostly out of her hair, her job at the restaurant had been steady, and there was absolutely no weirdness going on at all. She was feeling good, real good; there was just one thing that could make her feel better.

    ¡°So I saw the cutest pair of sandals at the mall today,¡± she said, downing a pill of Taboo. ¡°They¡¯d be the best with that new pair of jeans I got last week, but they¡¯re a hundred and fifty dollars. Ugh, I don¡¯t work enough to afford that.

    ¡°I hear you, sister. I hear you.¡± Janet said, swallowing a pill herself and turning back to the webcam. ¡°I found the perfect top-the perfect top, Vanessa!-for my capris the other day, but my mom said no, I wasn¡¯t allowed to dip into my savings for it. What the heck does she think my savings are for, huh? I-oh jeez, gimme a sec.¡± she said, swaying in place and breaking out into a smile.

    ¡°Hell of a rush, huh?¡± Vanessa said, watching her friend as the tingles went through her own body.

    ¡°You know it. Hey, I always got lots of energy after a hit, you wanna do something? I wanna do something. Let¡¯s go out.¡± she said, practically vibrating in place.

    ¡°Mmm, know what you mean, but all the usual spots are either too crowded or too boring. They open up the Beat Factory again yet?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Pffft, not yet, not after that fire. A shame, ¡®cause I could do with some movement tonight. I¡¯m feeling full to burst!¡± She shot her arm up.

    ¡°Oh man. So what do we do?¡± Vanessa asked. Janet bit her lip.

    ¡°Well, I do know about something. I know a guy, he¡¯s been bugging me to go to this place with him, I¡¯ve been meaning to go for a while but I never found the time. He runs these¡­meetings, I guess, I¡¯m not a hundred percent sure. He invited me to one tonight, wanna go check it out?¡±

    ¡°Uh, I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Vanessa muttered, feeling the swirls of color inside of her. ¡°I¡¯m, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m in the right state to go out right now. I mean, my pupils are dilated.¡± She checked the mirror. Bigger than normal. She shook her head; man, that would take some fixing. She grabbed a handheld makeup kit to mitigate the effect.

    ¡°Relax, you¡¯re gonna be fine. You look fine. And everybody there should be okay with Taboo anyway, my dealer invited me.¡±

    ¡°Hmm, you sure?¡± Vanessa said, applying makeup. A little blush, some mascara, a little powder, some smear¡­there. Her eyes weren¡¯t big and dilated anymore.

    ¡°Yeah, I think it¡¯ll be fun. You in?¡± Janet asked.

    ¡°Okay. Wanna meet me there?¡±

    ¡°Sure. We¡¯ll meet up at the doughnut shop on Main, it¡¯s like a minute from there, but there¡¯s no parking.¡± she said.

    ¡°Right. See you.¡± Turning the computer off and grabbing her keys, she bounded out the door. ¡°Bye mom, bye dad, meeting Janet!¡± she called as she left.

    ¡°Bye sweetie, be careful, have fun!¡± As she got to her car, she saw Riley huddled with a dark-haired boy on the sidewalk, going over a chalk drawing.

    ¡°Hey there.¡± she said, and raised an eyebrow as they both started, whirling face her. Riley stepped forward while the boy shuffled to the side, surreptitiously erasing the drawing with his foot. It looked suspiciously like a plan of attack on a warehouse. ¡°You guys playing raid the base now?¡±

    ¡°YES! Playing! Playing that we¡¯re gonna take the base by storm. Boy those¡­pirates are gonna get what¡¯s coming to ¡®em, that¡¯s for sure!¡± Riley said loudly, swinging her arm. Vanessa stared at her sister.

    ¡°Uh¡­huh. Anyway, is this the Connor I¡¯ve been hearing about?¡± she asked mischievously.

    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am. I¡¯m him, or me. Whichever.¡± Connor said, shaking her hand.

    ¡°A lot politer than I would¡¯ve thought for one of Riley¡¯s friends. Huh, I always pictured you blond for some reason.¡± she said absently.

    ¡°Thank¡­you?¡± he said, unsure of how to take that.

    ¡°Hmm. I¡¯m going off, I¡¯m sure your mom would want you back before dark. Be safe, and give those pirates hell for me, would you?¡± Vanessa waved as she started her car.

    ¡°Will do!¡± Riley said cheerfully, then collapsed on the grass when she left. ¡°Ugh, that was close. Never have I been more grateful to be nine.¡±

    ¡°Your sister seems nice¡­I think.¡± Connor said, still confused.

    ¡°She¡¯s weird. I think it¡¯s because she¡¯s a teenager. I hope I don¡¯t get that goofy when I grow up.¡± she said. Connor gave her a sidelong glance.

    ¡°You¡¯re goofy now.¡±

    ¡°Whatever!¡± She sat up. ¡°She¡¯s been acting extra strange lately, too. I wonder what¡¯s up?¡± Connor shrugged.

    ¡°Don¡¯t know. But we really should get back to planning how we¡¯re gonna do this, if we want to get into Scott¡¯s lab.¡±

 Chapter 12: Cult of Personality

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re with me. I was a little nervous to come alone.¡± Janet said as they walked out of the doughnut shop.

    ¡°It¡¯s no problem. But isn¡¯t this like a party or something? Why¡¯re we walking?¡± Vanessa asked, frowning.

    ¡°Well, I heard it was kinda like a party, but it¡¯s more of a meetup than anything else. At least, that¡¯s how Patrick described it.¡± Janet said, tugging on her jacket nervously.

    ¡°Huh, that¡¯s¡­probably just an excuse to hit on us, now that I think about it.¡± Vanessa said. ¡°I guess if we get there and it¡¯s lame we¡¯ll leave.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I hear these gatherings are really popular, though.¡±

    ¡°For real? I suppose it couldn¡¯t hurt to check it out, but if I get creep vibes we¡¯re out, got it?¡± Vanessa said.

    ¡°Oh yeah, completely.¡± Janet agreed, and they followed directions on her phone to a rundown ex-clothing store. ¡°It says we¡¯re supposed to go round the back and knock on the door to the basement.¡± she said uncertainly.

    ¡°Oh boy. Off to a great start.¡± They circled around and knocked on the door three times. After a moment, Patrick opened up and brightened at the girls.

    ¡°Janet! You came, finally. That¡¯s great, that¡¯s great. And¡­I know I know you, I¡¯m just blanking on the name¡­sorry.¡± he said, turning pink.

    ¡°Vanessa. We came to check this thing out, see what¡¯s up. Gotta say though, a little weirded out it¡¯s in the basement of this place.¡±

    ¡°Ah, yeah. We¡¯re actually not supposed to be here. Be vewy vewy quiet, we¡¯re having a mweeting in here, aha-ha-ha-ha-ha.¡± Come on in, we¡¯ve got a little time before we¡¯re starting. We¡¯re just waiting for the stragglers now.¡± He went back down. Vanessa glanced at Janet, and they descended.

    The basement was long and low, illuminated by hundreds of candles along the walls. There were blankets, mattresses, and lawn chairs strewn about, half occupied. There were around two dozen people there, all laughing, talking, hanging out, just doing whatever. There didn¡¯t seem to be anyone over twenty. But what gave Vanessa pause was how many people were openly taking Taboo. There was a water cooler in the corner, and people were downing the pills left and right. She shivered as she saw a long haired guy wave his hand, and a flame on a candle started twisting into new shapes. Dragons, goblins, elves, unicorns, all appeared in the tiny fire, but it had to be her imagination.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not happening, no, no, no¡­¡± she devolved into unheard muttering, and they guy tilted his head quizzically, unsure why the fire wasn¡¯t moving anymore.

    ¡°Something wrong?¡± Patrick asked.

    ¡°Oh, no. J-Just something I thought I saw. Brain playing tricks on me.¡± she said quickly, and he smiled.

    ¡°Hey, take it easy. We don¡¯t bite. In fact, you can leave whenever you want.¡±

    ¡°Huh? Really?¡± Janet said.

    ¡°Yeah, no questions asked. This is a gathering of like-minded individuals, and if you don¡¯t feel the same way as the rest of us, no big.¡± he shrugged. ¡°All we ask is that you leave peacefully and go out and find something that you can get behind. We¡¯re a non-judgmental, no pressure, all-inclusive group. Here you go, I gotta make the final rounds. See you in a bit!¡± He waved as he showed them to an old mattress, worn thin but clean. They sat down nervously.

    ¡°Well I feel a bit better after hearing that. I just hope they¡¯ll follow through if we get outta here.¡± Vanessa said.

    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t be such a pessimist. We¡¯re here, let¡¯s try to have fun. We can still just hang out and never come back if we want. Patrick said he wasn¡¯t gonna give these things the time of day at first, but now he¡¯s helping run one. I think we should stick around for a bit.¡± Janet said.

    ¡°Well, okay.¡± Vanessa said, mollified. ¡°Just a bit.¡±

    Five minutes later, everyone had arrived and it was time to begin. Down the stairs came an older teen, maybe eighteen or nineteen, wearing a loose, dark hoodie covering half his face. He looked like a monk of old, an ascetic dedicating his life for some higher purpose. He reached the far wall, in a spot where everyone could see. Vanessa shifted uncomfortably when she realized every eye was eagerly focused on him.

    ¡°Welcome, everybody. It¡¯s good to see you all.¡± he said, turning around the room. His hood was still down. ¡°And I can see we have some guests tonight, hopefully some new recruits if everything goes well. Please stand up and introduce yourselves, if you feel up to it. If not, that¡¯s good too. I¡¯ll go first. Hi, I¡¯m Nigel, Nigel Thompson. I run these little get-togethers of ours, where we¡¯re free to express ourselves in a nice, easy way, and maybe learn something about both ourselves and each other. Thanks.¡± he said, pulling up the hood. Vanessa gasped; he wasn¡¯t GQ model of the year, but he had the bluest, intensest eyes she had ever seen. They practically glowed. She noticed movement to her left.

    ¡°Uh, hi, I¡¯m Janet, and I came with my friend Vanessa here, we heard good stuff about these meetings, so¡­yeah. Say hi, Vanessa.¡± she said, kicking her gently. Vanessa blanched.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± Nigel said, holding up a hand. ¡°If she wishes to introduce herself, she is free to do so. If she does not, she is also free to do so. There¡¯s no real right or wrong here. We¡¯re all about peace, love, and acceptance.¡±

    ¡°And the good drugs!¡± someone called out, to laughter and applause. Nigel grinned.

    ¡°Yes, yes. While it¡¯s true that society has always told us drugs were bad, don¡¯t do them, you¡¯ll ruin your life, we must examine that through a generational lens. Many of our parents did or still smoke weed, and I know for a fact that more than one hits the bottle regularly.¡± Vanessa saw nodding. ¡°They want us to avoid their mistakes, so they see themselves in us, merely swapping one substance for another. But I ask of you¡­is that so wrong? Are those that came before really worse off with their addictions? Are they not, on the whole, functioning members of society? And do our bodies not break down, our day goes wrong, tension builds up and we find ourselves, like them, in need of something to help us relax? Everyone need a little help to make it through the day sometimes.¡± Vanessa found herself nodding, unable to disagree.

    ¡°But brothers and sisters, they decry us for doing the same thing, having the same needs as them. And when I look upon the generation before us, I cannot help but agree. We should not make the same mistakes as our parents, our grandparents and older siblings. After all, what have they left for us? What kind of world have they given us? The land and sea are now poisoned, the economy is both morally and physically bankrupt, and to top it off they say it¡¯s our fault, that we kill businesses and institutions because we¡¯re ¡®lazy¡¯ and ungrateful!¡¯ To all of those gathered here, I ask you: why the hell should we be grateful!? As retirement age looms we are expected to bear the burden of supporting the last generation, while we cannot afford homes for ourselves. We slave at minimum-wage dumps all day and night, no time to rest, and they wonder why we are disinterested in frivolous pursuits. WE must care for the next generation and the previous, all the while breaking our backs as we age. Retirement is a dream, my friends. An ephemeral soap bubble, a fanciful illusion that we may never touch. We must scrimp and save and work and labor for half of what was given to our parents, while expected to produce twice as much. We are being stolen from.¡±If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    Angry murmurs greeted this proclamation, and Vanessa couldn¡¯t help scowling as well. It felt too right. Nigel allowed the muttering to continue for a minute more before resuming.

    ¡°Yes, we are being stolen from. Our time, our labor, our money, our futures, taken sure as a thief. They say we are free, they say we need education, they say to go to college to get more money. But the effort of doing so leaves us in lifelong debt, all the while adding more laws, starting more wars over the pettiest of reasons. You know what I say? I say we¡¯re screwed. If the people of our generation continue in this cycle, the wheel will break on our heads.

    ¡°But! However! All is not lost! For we have an opportunity that no one of the previous generation has ever had. Taboo.¡± He held aloft a container of the red pills. ¡°This will be our salvation! This will lead us to new heights of humanity. This is our chance to reject the cycle. You¡¯ve all seen it, felt it. I know. I have too. This so-called drug is the gateway to true freedom. It allows us to see new opportunities, to experience new things and open our minds. This fills the mind with new possibilities and knowledge, able to grant us our hearts¡¯ desire. Able to give us a future. Now, I know that those who are new may not believe me, or may not wish to admit it. Therefore;¡± he said, swallowing a pill. ¡°I will leave you with no doubt.¡± Nigel crossed his legs, held out his hands, and began muttering. He slowly began to rise into the air in his seated position. The crowd oohed and ahhed, but Vanessa gripped the mattress for dear life.

    ¡°No, no, no, no, no¡­¡±she whimpered, terrified. Why? Why, why, why did this crap have to keep happening to her? Nigel saw her face and floated over to them. She scrabbled backwards in a panic.

    ¡°Sister, why do you back away?¡± he asked. Her back hit the wall, spilling candles.

    ¡°B-Because you¡¯re freaking floating! That¡¯s not right! F-First that guy, th-then¡­¡± she dissolved into frightened muttering. Nigel smiled down at her.

    ¡°Dear sister, why are you afraid of this? The Taboo allows us to break the destiny laid upon our backs. I know you have felt it yourself. Why do you shy away from what you can do? Why must you run from merely another part of yourself?¡±

    ¡°Because I don¡¯t wanna be a freak!¡± Vanessa shouted. ¡°I wanna be normal! Not filled with monsters and zombies and yetis and blizzards in summer!¡± She sat there, trembling and in tears. Nigel smiled sadly and shook his head.

    ¡°Goodness, dear sister. You do need help. I¡¯m sorry for your suffering, and I¡¯m glad you came. I know that it can be scary, engaging your power and bending the world to your whim. But the problem is also the solution. I believe I know why you are so frightened. It¡¯s the rug being cut out from underneath you, the world you once knew and took for granted becoming a different one, with strange new rules that you don¡¯t, feel like you can¡¯t, understand. Am I wrong?¡± he asked placidly in a soothing tone. Her heart rate began to slow down.

    ¡°Um¡­maybe? I guess? I don¡¯t know¡­¡± she stammered, no longer looking to bolt but still tense and on edge. Nigel nodded sagely.

    ¡°I am right. You see, what you do not realize yourself is that you are frightened by the loss of control. You are used to the world that came before. You do not know how to operate in this new reality, and that¡¯s scary. However, that is foolish. I can give you the answer now: you are the one in control. You are the one who decides what happens next. All you need is a guiding hand to show you.¡± Nigel stretched out his hand, all eyes upon them but she could only see him. ¡°Will you tell me your name?¡±

    ¡°V-Vanessa.¡±

    ¡°Vanessa, please join me. I will show you that there¡¯s nothing to fear.¡±

    Shaking like a leaf, she slowly took his hand. He smiled.

    ¡°Everyone, let¡¯s hear it for Vanessa.¡± Nigel said, hauling her up to the cheers and applause of everyone else. She blushed. They went to the center wall. ¡°Now, the Taboo is a sacred instrument, but it reveals what was already inside to begin with. You have taken some, yes?¡± She nodded dumbly. ¡°Excellent. My eyes have been opened as much as yours. You merely don¡¯t realize it yet. B¡¯kulnaish-amnamn.¡± He waved his hands, and the candles flared brighter. ¡°Yrd rolo lypot ak¡¯vanag-Gosten¡¯so!¡± Vanessa suddenly found herself sitting on a dark red couch.

    ¡°Eep!¡± she squeaked, curling up in a ball.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, Vanessa. This is what I can do. But you can do this as well. Though every ability is different, the Taboo gives us all clarity and power. Reach down, deep into your mind. Show us what you can do.¡±

    ¡°Um¡­okay?¡± she said in a small voice. She closed her eyes. ¡®Okay, okay, you can do this. I don¡¯t know what he expects out of me, but maybe I can do something. Ahh, this¡¯s crazy. I don¡¯t have any magic powers. This¡¯s nuts. I¡¯m going nuts, that¡¯s the only explanation.¡¯ she thought to herself, muttering. After a minute of trying to pull her ¡°magical powers¡± out, she sighed and gave up. She opened her eyes, anxiously looking around to see nothing had changed. Nothing in the air, nothing on the floor, nothing amidst the gathered crowd. ¡°Um¡­yeah. Sorry, I-I just don¡¯t think I¡¯ve got what it takes. Y-You go do you.¡± Nigel held up a hand, smiling.

    ¡°I begin to see the problem. Vanessa, the only one blocking your path is you. As of now, you only see what you expect to see. And your power reflects this fact. Until you open your mind, that is all you will ever see. But tell me Vanessa¡± he said, waving his hand. ¡°What color was the couch?¡±

    ¡°Uh, red?¡± She looked down, seeing the red couch. There was snickering in the crowd, much to her perplexion.

    ¡°Vanessa, if I told you the couch was green, would you believe me?¡± Nigel asked innocently.

    ¡°Um, it¡¯s red though.¡± There was laughter from the audience. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°And if I told you there was a poster behind you about a sale, would you believe me?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± She turned and looked. There was a red sign proclaiming 30% off. ¡°Yeah?¡±

    ¡°Could you fetch it for me, please?¡± he asked. With a raised eyebrow, she slowly got up and tried to take it down.

    ¡°Huh? What?¡± The poster came off the wall easily enough. But there was nothing in her fingers. She stared at the paper in her hand, having no other sensory input other than sight and sound. ¡°Yikes!¡± She dropped it and it fell like a rock. ¡°But-but-but¡­¡±

    ¡°And there you have it.¡± Nigel said reassuringly, putting a hand on her shoulder. ¡°I had turned the couch green. Because you wished it away from you, the paper didn¡¯t fall like paper does. Because there is no paper. You expected it, you wanted it, even subconsciously, therefore it was. Unfortunately, it is not actually there, a figment, a bending of light and noise. The Taboo has blessed you with the gift of illusion, to make something appear as it is not. A most formidable spell, properly utilized. Forgive me for putting you on the spot, Vanessa. But you had to see who you truly are. Although,¡± his lips twitched into a grin, ¡°considering what you can do, that is a mite difficult.¡±

    ¡°No, no, this is crazy, I-I can¡¯t, no, I¡­but, that¡¯s not how the world works, you can¡¯t just¡­¡± Vanessa stammered, pointing a shaking finger at the offending ad.

    ¡°True. I cannot.¡± Nigel said, standing on the ground and taking her hand gently. ¡°But you can. I am afraid, Miss Vanessa, you have been misinformed about how the nature of reality. All those who have not the blessing of Taboo, the forbidden fruit of Eden that allows us to understand the true framework of the universe. We are the chosen. We are special. You are special.¡± He tilted her head up, eyes brimming with tears. She sniffled.

    ¡°I¡­I¡¯m special? N-Not¡­weird?¡±

    ¡°Yes, my dear. This is a wonderful opportunity for you. Do not let your previous beliefs blind you. This is a good thing. You, me, all of us are above the everyday rabble. We, through Taboo, have been granted a vision, one that the world will never accept. It is up to us to help others see, become the missionaries of knowledge in the dark land of ignorance. I ask, will you join us? Will you help spread the light? We are all here for you. Can you be here for everyone else?¡±

    Vanessa shivered, his words touching something deep inside her. She gulped, breathing deeply. Though everyone was staring at her, she could only gaze into Nigel¡¯s eyes, the intense blue burning her worries away. Maybe, just maybe, she wouldn¡¯t have to freak. Maybe she had found people who understood all this crazy stuff. And they were offering to help.

    ¡°O-okay.¡± she said, her eyes never leaving his.

    ¡°Fantastic! Wonderful!¡± Nigel exclaimed as the crowd clapped and cheered, chanting her name. ¡°Welcome, Sister Vanessa!¡±

    ¡°Welcome, Sister Vanessa!¡± the crowd chorused.

    ¡°Aw, jeez¡­¡± She scratched her head in embarrassment, blushing. Nigel held his hands up for silence.

    ¡°I know you all have questions, questions, fears and uncertainties. But let me assure you, you are not alone. We have answers, and we will guide you through them together. Please, any newcomers come to me either now or privately, so that we might induct you into our group, the Third Eye Society. Our eyes have been opened, and we wish to help open yours. Also please see our senior members for extra Taboo. Our manufacturer is currently producing a surplus, so instead of charging it¡¯s all free!¡± Wild cheers of enthusiasm met Nigel¡¯s decree, and everyone jumped to their feet and surged forward, whether to greet Nigel and join or to get a plastic bottle of red pills. Vanessa looked down, muttering. A small glowing star appeared in her hands. Perhaps, with everyone¡¯s help, she could learn to control this. And then maybe everything would be alright.

 Chapter 13: Schools In for Summer

    ¡®More web over here! I need gravity, nuclear force, and magnetism!¡¯ the many-armed octopuslike creature thought, sending out a telepathic message. Its¡¯ white tentacles waved in the black void.

    ¡®On it! Come, youngling. Take the basket of forces, I shall show you where to go.¡¯ the pure white bubbles connected by a muscular structure similar to a snake projected. A white-dyed human effortlessly picked up a ball of gravity webs four times her size.

    ¡®Right! Coming!¡¯  Amber called, climbing after her senior partner, scaling a gravity web after him. They scaled several light-years up to the overseer, its¡¯ jowls quivering with impatience.

    ¡®Hurry, hurry! Our Mother comes! Xx¡¯lpng, can you show the new¡­fee-mal how to lay out the forces for Mother to weave?¡¯

    ¡®Yes, Overseer!¡¯ One of the bubbles touched another in salute. The supervising being shot a web from its tentacle and swung off, trilling worriedly. Xx¡¯lpng turned to Amber. ¡®You¡¯ll have to forgive Madukh, Devourer of Eggs. It¡¯s a little high-strung, and in a stressful position. And its¡¯ species has no concept of gender, so it is still getting used to pronouns of other races. Parthogenetic reproduction doesn¡¯t really have siblings, anyway.¡¯

    ¡®It¡¯s no problem. I¡¯ve never had any brothers or sisters on my planet either. It¡¯s a little overwhelming to suddenly have billions of siblings.¡¯ Amber replied, slinging down the web.

    ¡®All we must do is place the forces in an interlocked line, not too tightly. Mother likes to fold them into space-time herself, there¡¯s no point in doing so for us.¡¯ Xx¡¯lpng thought.

    ¡®Like this?¡¯ Amber unraveled one of the balls of magnetism, laying it between existence and the void.

    ¡®Exactly. Although your appendages are inefficient for the task. Still, Mother prefers to do it the old-fashioned way too.¡¯ he thought, telekinetically weaving the nuclear force through the magnetism.

    ¡®Heh heh, not all of us have psychokinesis. But Mother does set a good example. I wish I could be like her someday.¡¯ She sighed, gazing over across the vast distance of the universe. A small blue planet sparkled in her eyes, a teenage boy working without rest in a laboratory bringing a small, sad smile to her face. ¡®Tell me Xx¡¯lpng, do you ever miss your old planet? Your old life?¡¯

    ¡®Many times over the millennia.¡¯ he thought, laying down gravity. ¡®But it¡¯s just the nature of the game. I know my mate and offspring have long since perished, and not a single timeframe goes by where I do not miss them. However, I know my calling is even more important than my personal feelings. We must expand and preserve the universe, for if we do not entropy will claim us all. I know if I do not, someone else must. Else my family, my planet would be consumed by nonexistence, and everything would be over anyway.¡¯

    ¡®Yeah. Kind of heavy, knowing we¡¯re responsible for expanding existence. Hey, what¡¯s that?¡¯ Amber inquired. Xx¡¯lpng focused on his sensory organ the way she was pointing, and started.

    ¡®A tear! A tear in the fabric of space-time!¡¯ An indescribably-colored hole had opened up in the space between stars, fluttering and shifting through dimensions. Amber covered her ears to no effect as the screeching started, timeflies and hole-venomed, six-legged warpworms pouring through, with gaping maws and slathering probiscii, devouring all their hard work. The creatures composed of antimatter and negative space started to eat the universe and suck up existence.

    ¡®Oh no! This¡¯s bad!¡¯ Amber exclaimed.

    ¡®Relax, kiddo. Hey, everyone! C¡¯mon, get over here! Iiiiiiiiit¡¯s LUNCHTIME!¡¯ Xx¡¯lpng began humming happily, conjuring gravity webs and wrapping up timeflies by the dozen, quickly and efficiently. ¡®These buggers might have been trouble a couple dozen aeons ago, but now the universe¡¯s expanded enough to take a bit more before collapsing, and we¡¯ve done some more recruiting in the meantime. Still can¡¯t let them have free reign or existence will be erased though. C¡¯mon, help me web them up and dig in.¡¯ he thought as countless other white creatures descended upon those spilling out from the rift.

    ¡®Avesh.¡¯ Amber began shooting out gravity webs, whipping around to wrap up as many as possible. She held a timefly in her hand, about the size of a small dog struggling against the loose threads of gravity trying to crush it into itself. She had to admit, there was something¡­enticing about the way it wriggled. Drooling despite herself, she unsheathed her mandibles and chowed down. ¡®Mmm!¡¯ Her eyes widened as a rich, thick, softly sweet taste entered her mouth. Ripping off chunks and gulping down as it struggled, disappearing before her eyes. ¡®What? I wasn¡¯t done yet!¡¯

    ¡®Ha ha ha! That¡¯s why you gotta get ¡®em fresh, kiddo!¡¯ Xx¡¯lpng laughed, ripping a worm in half and absorbing its¡¯ essence through his exterior. ¡®Try one of the warpworms, they¡¯re savory!¡¯

    ¡®Their legs are crunchy.¡¯ she admitted, watching the others pull down the swarm of void creatures as she munched on the hapless monster. Those that finished their meals early got to work webbing up the rift, temporarily sealing it with multiple threads being woven into black holes. ¡®You know, by my planet¡¯s time cycles I¡¯ve been here about four days, but that¡¯s the first meal I¡¯ve had and I just realized it now. I¡¯ve also been working for four days straight.¡¯ she pondered.

    ¡®That¡¯s because of your new uylata spider DNA. Once the spell is integrated into your body, you no longer need food or rest, just like Mother. Of course, a tasty treat¡¯s never a bad thing now and again.¡¯ Xx¡¯lpng answered, waving his spheres greedily. Amber laughed. ¡®C¡¯mon, it¡¯s time to help fix this mess. Chant with me: Szommmnaaa izzzzouuuou naaaaa knowwwwweeeee aaaaahhh veshda colthonlaaaa¡­¡¯ Amber stood next to her mentor and chanted alongside, the rest of her brethren all doing so at the same time with perfect psychic coordination. Amber could feel the strain on her whole body, like trying to hold up a jackhammer with her bare hands. The black holes began to stabilize and shrink, the distortion in reality folding back into space-time. Several white sticklike figures weaved a gravity web to cement the fold in place while it sealed, like a band-aid.

    ¡®Whew. That was hard work.¡¯ Amber thought, wiping her brow.

    ¡®Yeah, but our job¡¯s never-ending. C¡¯mon kiddo, let¡¯s get back to work.¡¯ Xx¡¯lpng heaved the web ball onto his back, climbing down the web currently holding them.

    ¡®Coming!¡¯

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Okay, this¡¯s it. Are we ready?¡± Riley said, staring at the warehouse with a determined gaze. She was prepared. Salt, holy water, a cross, stake, and what the internet said were protective amulets in her backpack, just in case. She had rehearsed her arguments over and over, rebuttals for every possible counterargument. She had even been doing pushups for this, wanting to be strong. She capped out at like ten, but that was above and beyond in her eyes. She even had her loyal and stalwart partner by her side.

    ¡°As ready as we¡¯ll ever be, I guess.¡± Connor sighed. He still didn¡¯t know how she¡¯d talked him into this. Then again, looking at the ominous warehouse, odd lights flickering in the window, the wind picking up with an unnatural chill in the heat of summer as the night rolled in, he felt a thrill of anticipation.

    ¡°Good. Let¡¯s go.¡± They marched around the back, where the entrance was. At this time of day, there was no one around. Riley gathered all her courage, raised her fist, and knocked on the door.

    A minute passed by. Then five. Riley knocked again, but still nothing.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Every time she imagined this meeting, she never thought she¡¯d be stymied by something as simple as a locked door.

    ¡°Maybe no one¡¯s home?¡± Connor said, peering into the dark hall.

    ¡°No, I saw lights. C¡¯mon, open up!¡± She tried pulling, but there was no way she could pry it open. ¡°C¡¯mon! Hey! Mr. Necrysis, Mr. Necrysis! Open up!¡± She started banging on the door.

    ¡°Maybe we shouldn¡¯t be yelling-¡± Connor started, glancing around fearfully, but a dark shape shuffled to the door.

    ¡°Huh? What? What do you want?¡± Scott said in a daze. The kids stared taken aback. There was a lanky teen before them, unhealthily thin, unnaturally pale, with bags as large and dark as a raccoon¡¯s under his eyes. He blinked at them blearily, scratching at the dark stubble at his jaw, swaying back and forth. Riley wrinkled her nose; this super-disheveled guy smelled like death, or like he hadn¡¯t showered in a week. Probably both. Whenever she pictured Necrysis, it wasn¡¯t like this. Her preplanned arguments died in her throat. ¡°I don¡¯t care what fundraiser you¡¯re here for, I¡¯m not buying.¡±

    ¡°Uh, no, we¡¯re actually-¡±

    ¡°Girl Scout cookies are out too.¡± he cut off, trying to slam the door. Riley¡¯s foot slid on the ground, preventing him from closing it.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, we¡¯re not selling anything. We¡¯re kinda buying, if you look at it right.¡± she said sweetly, beaming at him. Connor shuddered. He knew the portent of that smile. Scott frowned even deeper.

    ¡°I ain¡¯t selling anything either. Scram, I¡¯ve got work to do.¡±

    ¡°Would that work happen to be of a necromantic persuasion, Mr. Necrysis?¡± she asked. Scott jolted, visibly startled, then narrowed his eyes on the grinning girl in front of him, really seeing her now.

    ¡°¡¯Persuasion.¡¯¡± Connor gulped, not willing to get between them. Hard emerald eyes stared into crystalline blue, each as sharp and unyielding as the other.

    ¡°Maybe we should talk inside.¡± she offered, blinking. Scott snorted.

    ¡°If you want. Your funeral.¡± he said and held the door open. She curtsied and dragged a nervous Connor in, the boy not missing Scott lock the door behind them.

    The hall was short, but around the corner they both gasped. Dozens of zombies, rotting yet moving, bustled to and fro monitoring fish tanks, carrying materials and tools, making foul-smelling concoctions with mortar and pestles and carefully placing them into labelled jars. Five of them were mechanically drawing a mystic circle in a corner on the floor, making the chalk marks by rote. They passed a table where zombies were lined up to be stripped down to skeletons, the flesh piled up in a heap. Three were standing by a desk, holding up various books about space. There was a trashcan overflowing with crumpled papers. Riley snagged one as it fell, seeing it covered in strange symbols and diagrams, each crossed out.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡°One of the hundreds of bad ideas I¡¯ve had, doomed to failure.¡± Scott said, taking it and kicking it back. ¡°Bones!¡± He snapped his fingers. A skeleton, whose sole job appeared to be brewing fresh coffee, strode forward, clacking on the concrete. ¡°Take their bags.¡± The skeleton nodded and held out a boney arm, and they hesitantly put their bags on it. Bones stood up and stayed still. ¡°The wonders of necromancy. A coatrack whenever, wherever you want. He doesn¡¯t get bored, and he doesn¡¯t get tired.¡± Scott swept more papers and books off a chair and sat down at the desk, motioning to the children in front of him. ¡°So. You know, obviously. Playing dumb serves no purpose, and I hope you weren¡¯t dumb enough to come here without good reason. So what is it?¡± Connor coughed and pushed Riley forward. She gulped. This was it. This was the man who had saved her, who knew the secrets of raising the dead. All her preplanned responses flew out the window, so she had no choice but to put all her passion into her request.

    ¡°I-I wanna be your apprentice!¡± she said, shaking with both nerves and excitement. Scott raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Excuse me?¡±

    ¡°L-Last fall, a monster attacked me and my sister, but a buncha zombies came in and killed it! It was the coolest thing I ever saw! Zombies are the coolest! I wanna learn how to do what you do. I wanna be like you when I grow up!¡±

    Of all the things Scott had anticipated when he¡¯d been going over contingency plans if he was discovered, this was not one of them. He stared at her blankly, unable to properly compute. This¡­child actually admired him? Tracked him down to learn from him, even so dark an art as necromancy? He sighed and hunched over, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

    ¡°Look kid, what¡¯s your name?¡± he asked.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    ¡°Riley, sir!¡± she chirped, saluting.

    ¡°Riley, this ain¡¯t all it¡¯s cracked up to be. Magic is a long, hard process that won¡¯t pay off for years, if at all. There are tons of traps and pitfalls that are very lethal, and even if you manage to learn necromancy, you¡¯ll still be looked at like a crazy, creepy, freak. Making the dead move isn¡¯t a healthy pastime. It¡¯s reviled, dangerous, and wrong; no one in their right mind should do this.¡± As he spoke, Riley¡¯s face fell with each word. Her eyes were bright not with enthusiasm, but with tears. Despite her hopes and dreams crumbling in front of her, Connor could only half-heartedly nod in agreement.

    ¡°B-But¡­then w-why do you do it?¡± she asked, quivering. Scott sighed and took a moment before answering.

    ¡°Because¡­honestly, it¡¯s hard to put into words. Because I was younger and stupid. It was a cool new thing to distract me from my life. Because I didn¡¯t know any better, and somehow had enough brains and managed to connect enough dots that I wasn¡¯t torn to pieces by the first daemon I summoned. I, I suppose¡­I¡¯d always felt like a freak, an outsider myself. So when I found a way to make my freakishness a source of power and pride¡­well¡­¡± The words fell as heavy as coffin lids at midnight. Scott supposed he should feel something, as he dashed her hopes; fear she might tell someone, anger that this was happening, sorrow that everything felt lost¡­but no. There was no black storm inside him, no swirl of rage or rain of tears. There was just a grey emptiness, a melancholy haze that made it so tempting to just lie down and not get up. But there had to be something he could do, so he made his body work. He felt like a robot made of meat, as dead as one of the zombies he raised.

    In fact, he realized he nearly was; working tirelessly, inscribing runes and sigils as mechanically as the others, mindlessly starign at a book, gaze as blank as theirs. GHe imagined himself working forever, so absorbed in trying to rescue Amber and make everything right he became as grey and dull as his undead creations, joining them in some unknown scheme as just another cog. And for the life or unlife of him, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to care.

    ¡°Yeah, um¡­¡± His voice cracked, and he cleared his throat. ¡°You seem like a bright kid. Very passionate and enthusiastic.¡±

    ¡°Like you wouldn¡¯t believe.¡± Connor muttered, rolling his eyes.

    ¡°But you¡¯re what? Ten? Eleven?¡±

    ¡°N-Nine.¡± she sniffled.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got a whole life ahead of you. Necromancy isn¡¯t shouldn¡¯t be for kids. I won¡¯t teach you. Sorry, but even if you had the talent for it, necromancy¡­ultimately, won¡¯t get you anything.¡± He had pulled out his phone, staring at a picture of Amber. ¡°All the power, all the skill, in the end, you lose everything and you¡¯re left with nothing but ashes in your mouth.¡± Riley¡¯s brow furrowed.

    ¡°Did¡­did something happen? What did you lose? Maybe I could help you get it back. Right, Connor?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, right. It¡¯s-it¡¯s not important, not right now. There isn¡¯t anything you could do anyway.¡± Scott said flatly. Riley scowled.

    ¡°Well how do you know? We haven¡¯t even tried yet!¡± she said indignantly, sitting up straight. Her eyes caught the picture on the phone as she did. ¡°Hey, who¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Nobody.¡± Scott said harshly, pocketing the phone. Riley¡¯s eyes widened and she grinned knowingly.

    ¡°Ahh, I see. It¡¯s woman¡¯s intuition, you like her!¡±

    ¡°Intuition.¡± Connor deadpanned.

    ¡°Yeah. I did.¡± Scott said curtly, trying to keep the rawness out of his voice. ¡°¡±Don¡¯t you know it¡¯s rude to snoop?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know it¡¯s not snooping if it¡¯s out in the open like that?¡± she countered. ¡°Tell you what, if we help you with the lady, will you make us your apprentices?¡± Scott snorted.

    ¡°Yeah right kid. You don¡¯t know what went down, so drop it, okay?¡± he said, voice rising. Riley continued, oblivious to his twitching.

    ¡°Yeah, but I could still help. If she broke up with you I can see if we can identify the problem and fix it, maybe talk her into trying again. Or if you never told her how you feel, we can help set you up! I mean, whatever you want, we can try, and if-¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Scott slammed his fist on the desk, making them jump. He turned a hard green gaze on Riley, eyes flashing, and she shrank in her chair. ¡°Listen. I know you mean well, but she¡¯s gone. Poof. Finito. She¡¯s not even dead, so I can¡¯t bring her back. She¡¯s been spirited away. Kidnapped, kinda. I have been searching for a way to get her, and I have a limited amount of time to do it. I must focus, and I can¡¯t do that with a couple of snot-nosed brats around bugging me for instructions. No, I will not teach you. I don¡¯t know how you found me, so please un-find me. Don¡¯t bother me again. Bones?¡± The skeleton handed them their bags. ¡°See them to the door.¡± The skull nodded, then he gently ushered the children to the entrance, Connor shaken but relieved, while Riley was bright red and looked like she was going to cry.

    ¡°Look, it¡¯s better this way,¡± Connor soothed. ¡°Listen, we¡¯ll meet up tomorrow, and I¡¯ll buy you some ice cream. Sound good?¡± Bones stood there, holding the door open for them. Riley¡¯s fists clenched white as she looked out into the warm night, the clouds bright under the full moon. Was-was this it? Was there really nothing she could do? She stared at the animated skeleton. Seemingly mundane, yet going against all logic. Such a wondrous phenomenon. She knew what her parents, what everyone would say including the man himself, yet she felt a longing to learn that she¡¯d never had for anything. Was she really prepared to turn away from something she knew was her destiny? Even if it wasn¡¯t, would she be willing to defy everything to make it happen? She grit her teeth, but knew that it was wrong to force someone to do something they didn¡¯t, and Scott had made it clear on that front. She grit her teeth in frustration.

    ¡°Fine. Okay. But¡­but one thing first.¡± She dashed back down the hall, Connor and Bones pursuing but far too slow. Just because she had to accept his decision didn¡¯t mean she couldn¡¯t give him a piece of her mind. She had the wings of anger, darting through the stations until she reached the desk again. Scott looked up irritably from his notes.

    ¡°Thought I told you to get out.¡±

    ¡°Thought I told you I was gonna be your student! Guess what, we¡¯re both wrong!¡± she exploded, pointing an accusing finger at him. ¡°I-I looked up at you!¡±

    ¡°To.¡±

    ¡°To you! I thought you were going to be nice! I thought you were a good guy!¡±

    ¡°Guess you thought wrong, kid. You remember that little show, right?¡± He looked down at his hands. ¡°I¡¯m the villain, not a hero. Trust me, you don¡¯t want this.¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s for you to decide, huh?¡± Riley screamed. ¡°I thought zombies were the best! And I thought you were the best! But no, you¡¯re just a sad mopey sack holed up in his room, just like my sister! You¡¯ve got tons of undead and cool magic powers, and you still think you can¡¯t save that girl! You won¡¯t even let anyone else try to help! Even the bad guy in cartoons goes out and does stuff! He uses his minions! I wanted to be where you are, and I¡¯m gonna, but I¡¯m not gonna be like you! I¡¯m gonna be the very best necromancer there ever was! Way better than you!¡±

    ¡°Riley, c¡¯mon-¡± Connor said, arriving. Bones put his phalanges on his shoulder.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got guts, kid. Pity they¡¯re so misdirected.¡± Scott snapped his fingers, not allowing himself to feel his insides churn. That-that had hit a bit closer to home than he¡¯d ever admit. ¡°Take her out, Muscles.¡± A burly zombie came over and picked her up.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not done yet! No no no!¡± She ended up being turned upside down in her struggles. The zombie tucked her underneath his arm and began walking off. ¡°I¡¯m gonna be better than you! I¡¯m gonna be number one! You¡¯ll see!¡± She grabbed the desk futilely.

    ¡°Can¡¯t try if you don¡¯t know how. And you won¡¯t.¡± Scott said, turning back to his notes. He couldn¡¯t meet her gaze anymore. Riley flailed as she was pulled away, grabbing book.

    ¡°Let go of me, stupidhead!¡± She wacked the zombie with the book, but even she knew it was useless. ¡°Rrrrrgh!¡± The book fell open, and a page caught her eye. ¡®Control of a mindless undead created by another is a simple matter. Since the incantation to raise is the same, the only difference between spells is the will and determination of the caster.¡¯ ¡°Huh? Hmm¡­¡± She squinted at the text, then read aloud. ¡°Asthenis jslatmon et spirituous via¡¯cka duun! Let me go!¡±

    Scott¡¯s eyes widened as he heard a familiar incantation. He looked up to see his zombie drop the girl, holding a book. He glanced down at his desk to see the Necronomicon missing.

    ¡°Holy¡­¡± He looked up to see her and the boy dash off. ¡°Stop them!¡± he bellowed to his minions. The entire warehouse stopped what they were doing and swarmed the children, leaping in front of the door, surrounding them, even crawling under each other¡¯s legs to prevent escape that way. Connor and Riley clung to each other, encased by a solid wall of rotting flesh and bone.

    ¡°Let me through, let me through!¡± Scott pushed his way to the front, kneeling before the frightened children.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to take your book, I just wanted him to put me down!¡± Riley wailed.

    ¡°I wanna go home! I wanna go home!¡± Connor cried.

    ¡°Shh, shh, it¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay. I didn¡¯t mean to scare you like that, but this¡¯s very important.¡± He held out his hand, and Riley tearfully gave him the Necronomicon back. He opened to the page she¡¯d read from. ¡°Here. Can you read this?¡±

    ¡°Um¡­yeah?¡± she sniffed ¡°Asthenis jslatmon et spirituous¡­¡±

    ¡°No no, that¡¯s enough.¡± Scott turned to Connor. ¡°Can you?¡±

    ¡°Uh, n-no. It¡¯s all weird squiggles.¡± he said, examining it.

    ¡°I see.¡± Scott turned to a random page. ¡°How about this one?¡± Both of them looked at it, then shook their heads.

    ¡°It¡¯s all the same as before, the only English word is ¡®necrotic.¡¯¡± Connor said, pointing to the bottom of the page. Scott, thoroughly astonished, read the passage and turned the page.

    ¡°How ¡®bout this one?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­¡¯energy can be repurposed from the dead, leading to a psychic impression of the ego, superimposed onto the flesh. While-the rest is all weird again. No, wait-ugh¡­¡± the text fluttered and shifted between English and the strange language before his eyes, making them sting. He covered his eyes and looked away, a stabbing headache building in his head.

    ¡°Okay, okay.¡± Scott soothed, putting the book down. ¡°Okay. Uh¡­okay. So, you can read, or partially read, the Necronomicon. That¡¯s¡­wow, that¡¯s¡­I don¡¯t know what that is. I thought I was the only one.¡± He stared at them, and at the ancient book in his hand, bound in human skin and writ in human blood. A tome holding vile and eldritch secrets known only to the deranged and depraved. And now apparently schoolchildren. He stared at the face on the cover. Slowly, quietly, a chuckle escaped him.

    ¡°Heh¡­eh heh heh heh heh heh¡­heh heh ha ha ha ha ha HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!¡± He laughed uproariously, a hand covering his face. Children! Younger than he was!

    ¡°Heh heh heh¡­can we go now?¡± Connor asked.

    ¡°You, kid¡­Riley. You said, you said you wanted to be a necromancer¡­no, the number one, the best necromancer in the world, right?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah.¡± She said, trembling, but with clear and determined brown eyes.

    Scott grinned.

    ¡°It¡¯s futile!¡± He clapped his hands, scattering the collected crowd of undead. He commanded them to get chairs and pushed the kids onto them, four zombies each hoisting them up. Bones turned up the stereo, playing some kind of bombastic circus music.

    ¡°You¡¯re delusional! It¡¯s impossible!¡± Scott declared, having two zombies cartwheel and backflip to his supply locker, to the wonderment of the children. They took out protein bars, trail mix, candy, and snack cakes, crowd surfing on a wave of undead to shower them with the reserve of treats. Scott snapped his fingers, and cups were placed in their hands, skeletons kneeling before them to fill their plastic chalices with punch and soda. Connor sipped; it was warm, but the show made up for it, cardboard placed down so bizarre, half-fleshed undead abominations could breakdance, bones tangoing with pale embalmed women, even a disembodied hand jumping up and down on its¡¯ fingers.

    ¡°Number one? Never gonna happen!¡± Scott cried, walking backwards as his zombies kneeled in a path on both sides, collapsing as he passed to form an undead human pyramid. A large, extra-muscular zombie threw him up where he was caught and placed at the top, then grinned at the awestruck children, threw out his arms, and stepped off into the air to their gasps. Zombified hands caught him on the way, passing him gently down to the ground.

    ¡°I¡¯m the number one necromancer, the biggest, the baddest in the world, with no rival, and no equal. So, with that¡­interested in being number two?¡±

    There was silence, as the whole warehouse waited for the answer.

    ¡°Hold on. Just ¡®cause we were able to read from some book, now you¡¯re offering a chance to be your apprentices?¡± Connor objected.

    ¡°That¡¯s a big part. But¡­not only that. I¡¯ve seen you demonstrate your drive, guts, passion, and potential. I¡¯ll warn you right now: this is a long, hard, lonely road, and you can absolutely, positively, never tell anyone, not even your parents. The things you do will be both highly illegal and what most consider highly immoral. I don¡¯t know how good of a teacher I can be, nor how much I can actually show you.¡± He reflected on his imminent death, but put that aside for now. ¡°But, if you¡¯re willing to learn, I¡¯m willing to teach. What say you?¡±

    Riley was silent for a moment, almost hesitant. However, it was not due to fear or worry. It had been a strange journey here, and sure to grow even more bizarre, but there was only one answer. She grinned.

    ¡°I¡¯m in.¡±

    ¡°Very well.¡± Scott said, the grin on his face matching hers. ¡°How ¡®bout you? You wanna learn the secrets of life, death, and everything in between?¡± he asked Connor. The boy was visibly torn, glancing from Scott to Riley. On the one hand, holy crap no! This was wrong! Actual zombies, actual dark magic! His parents would have coronaries, he practically did already! But on the other, Scott didn¡¯t seem that bad, and even if Riley was now under his care, she still needed looking after¡­and that skull mask and performance were pretty cool¡­

    ¡°Hmm, rrrgh¡­ahh! Fine! I guess I¡¯m in too.¡± He said, crossing his arms resignedly.

    ¡°Yay! We¡¯re gonna be necromancers, we¡¯re gonna be necromancers!¡± Riley shouted, dancing in her chair.

    ¡°Alright, everyone back to work! Go resume your duties!¡± Scott said, clapping. He felt a wave of nausea at overusing necrotic energy, but as he looked at his new students that pain became muted. Everything still felt dull inside, but the prospect of tangibly doing something made it softer. He grinned at the children, nearly as skeletal as Bones. But if they could read the Necronomicon, it wouldn¡¯t matter how little he showed them. They were already on the path. With the progress he had already made, they could end up being greater than...well, not greater than he ever was, but they could take necromancy further. After all, they had more time than him, and he would ensure they would not make the same mistakes he did.

    ¡°Welcome aboard.¡±

 Chapter 14: Bad Moon Rising

    ¡°Now, I¡¯m going to ask one more time.¡± Cross said, leaning into Jake¡¯s face. The terrified teen was handcuffed to the table, so he couldn¡¯t get too far away. ¡°Your little friend was all too happy to sell you out.¡± she said, slapping the file on the desk. He glanced at Dean¡¯s haggard photo, cursing every decision that lead to this. ¡°Look at me!¡± Cross barked, and his head snapped forward again.

    ¡°Y-Yes ma¡¯am!¡± he squeaked. He blinked under the hot light. Dean had mysteriously vanished last week, and then some very serious men with badges and very large guns had come to his house this morning. Now this she-devil wanted to know one simple thing.

    ¡°Who¡¯s you¡¯re supplier? How do you get the Taboo to sell?¡± she asked harshly.

    ¡°I-I can¡¯t t-tell you that! Do you have any idea wh-what they¡¯d do to me if they found out I t-talked!?¡± he said, red-faced.

    ¡°Do you have any idea what you¡¯ve done?¡± Cross countered. ¡°You do know what Taboo does to people, right?¡±

    ¡°Look, anyone who wanted it already knew the risks. They wanna get high? Let ¡®em, t-that¡¯s all I got. A-And I heard it¡¯s a stimulant, so p-people get more crap done. Yeah, it¡¯s bad in the long run, b-but I don¡¯t plan on doing this forever, and I d-don¡¯t think any of my customers d-do either.¡± he explained, sweating. Cross raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°What? That¡¯s not what I¡¯m talking about.¡± His eyes widened nervously.

    ¡°Wh-What? Th-Then what do you w-want from me?¡± he said. Cross sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose.

    ¡°Listen, Taboo isn¡¯t a normal drug. I wouldn¡¯t be here if that were the case, the FBI would.¡±

    ¡°Y-You mean you¡¯re not with the FBI?¡± he said, and she shook her head. ¡°Th-Then who are you?¡±

    ¡°An agency that curtails crises like this one. Taboo¡¯s true purpose isn¡¯t to get people high, how do you not know that? Haven¡¯t you tried it yourself?¡± she said. He gave her a look of revulsion.

    ¡°Do I look stupid to you? Never-¡±

    ¡°-get high on your own supply. I got it.¡± Cross cut off, sighing. ¡°Then are you aware of the incidents that involve the users? The strange phenomena that occurs once a person takes it?¡± Jake blinked.

    ¡°Okay, now I know I¡¯m on a hidden camera. You actually believe those rumors? Are you really with the cops?¡± he asked incredulously. Cross had had enough.

    ¡°Listen to me, you dirtbag! People are dying, dead because of that drug you sell! And not the users, the ones who supposedly knew the risks!¡± She slammed her palm into the chair next to his head, cracking it. She glared into his terrified eyes. ¡°You are going to spill your guts, because all of the Beat Factory incident is squarely on you! The rumors are true, the Taboo does give you powers, and at the same time destabilizes the brain enough so eventually you go on a crazed rampage! Now, you strike me as pretty reasonable, so believe me when I say I¡¯m tired of seeing people die because you got greedy! Their blood is on your hands, the only way to get it off is to atone and help stop the manufacturer!¡± Despite screaming into his face, her own was deathly cold and pale. Her source of leads and backup was dying, an operative under her care had flown off into space, and her partner was withdrawing into reports and research. She was not letting the only thing that could avenge their losses get off scot free. Her icy, imperial glare dared him to defy her. He wilted.

    ¡°But¡­um, ugh. All¡­all right.¡± He looked both ways, paranoid. ¡°I never wanted anyone hurt, alright? I just figured they needed to relax and get pumped, for a profit if I could make one.¡±

    ¡°Get to the point.¡± Cross snapped, and he flinched.

    ¡°Oaky, okay! I don¡¯t know if he¡¯s a go-between or not, but I go to an old warehouse every couple of months, meet with this guy, Rohir. We met online when I applied for a job with the company, I guess he makes it there. Metatech Pharmaceuticals. He shows up in one of their trucks. One of my jobs is to make sure there aren¡¯t any labels on the bottles.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Cross said, brain churning with this information. Metatech Pharmaceuticals was a huge deal. The top medication specialists not only in the U.S. but the world, based in New York and half of the entire city worked for them, whether directly or indirectly. To expose them, a company so influential and prominent that even Cross had heard of them, would be a scandal nearly rivalling Watergate, with a much bigger impact. This was bad, really bad; there was no way to know how far this went. ¡°Do you have any idea how this guy makes it? Do you know if he¡¯s working alone, or involves others? If it is Metatech, this could go straight to the top.¡±

    ¡°Uh, I have no idea. All I know is I buy the pills and sell ¡®em for profit. I don¡¯t ask questions, and he¡¯s not exactly the talkative type.¡± Jake said.

    ¡°Hmm.¡± Cross growled, hand on her chin and tapping her foot. Normally a break this big would¡¯ve required months, if not years of investigation and warrants before they could make a move on a company like that. But if the Agency really had the authority, then they could march up to the CEO¡¯s office today. Suddenly, she was grateful for her kidnapping recruitment.

    ¡°Sooo¡­what happens now?¡± Jake asked. She spared him a glance.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be tried for selling illicit substances. Taking into account the fact that you¡¯re a minor, and that you¡¯ve been helpful to the investigation, you shouldn¡¯t have to serve too much time. Not like Dean, he won¡¯t be getting out until he¡¯s forty.¡±

    ¡°Oh, goody.¡± Jake said, his hopes and stomach sinking.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be back for you shortly.¡± Cross said, putting her jacket back on and heading over to the next room, where Crenshaw was waiting. ¡°You get all that?¡±

    ¡°Every word, and it¡¯s very disturbing. I¡¯ll need to contact the higher-ups about how to proceed with something like this. This could take a few days, with only his word to go on.¡± he said, frowning.

    ¡°Not too long, I hope.¡± Cross scowled.

    ¡°If you¡¯re that hungry for something to do, go over the latest report from one of our agents in Philadelphia.¡± he said, tossing her a file.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡°More bad news, I¡¯m afraid. We uncovered a sort of meetup for Taboo users, with an initial estimate of thirty people going.¡± Cross let out a whistle and opened the folder. ¡°I know. Taboo use is on the rise.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re telling me. I haven¡¯t seen a street drug this popular, ever. But if you get powers, then I guess-what the?¡± She stared at the pictures contained within, looking like the set of a creepy horror movie. There were candles for illumination in some sort of basement, where a dozen half-naked teenagers and young adults stood holding hands in a circle, one of them in the center cutting his wrist with a knife. More photos showed him drawing strange symbols and diagrams on the walls and floor. Cross shivered as she saw them; while she was definitely no expert and only recognized one or two of them, they were definitely the same ones she had seen the kid copy from the Necronomicon, when he went for something big. ¡°The hell is all this?¡±

    ¡°A cult. Our agent called for backup when he felt it was too dangerous to let them continue. He had to start shooting, and I can¡¯t blame him. Residual magic is 0.5 on our scale, whatever this cult was brewing up was major.¡± Crenshaw said.

    ¡°Jesus.¡± Cross muttered.

    ¡°Most of them got away, and the three we managed to apprehend died in custody. All of them used their teeth to open up veins in their wrists to bleed out. They¡¯d rather die than talk.¡±

    ¡°Dear God.¡± Cross collapsed into a chair, head on her arm. She¡¯d had people commit suicide under her jurisdiction before, it was a sad fact of life. It was never easy, especially when they were kids like that. She would never forget the first one she¡¯d gotten a call to when she was still on the beat: a chubby fifteen-year-old girl blue in the face as she swung form a ceiling. She¡¯d been bullied for being overweight, and apparently hadn¡¯t enough emotional support, and saw no other way to make the pain stop. While the motion became more routine, Cross hated them with every fiber of her being. Such promise, so many opportunities, cut so short¡­with Amber gone and the kid¡¯s own end approaching fast, three kids at once felt like an overwhelming blow. She rubbed her aching chest.

    ¡°That¡¯s not all though. Before one of them passed, they managed to try and draw something on the wall in their blood. It¡¯s blurry and uneven, but it matches the symbol on the floor the leader of the cult drew.¡± Crenshaw said. Cross flipped through the files until she found the photos he was talking about. It made her uneasy to even look at them, a dot in a circle surrounded by three V¡¯s, the one on the left spiraling into a lowercase g. This was what a kid chose to write with his essence, with his dying breath. This was what he¡¯d chosen to follow, to protect even above his own life. Cross growled, eyes set hard.

    ¡°The kid needs to know about this. He could probably tell us what-¡± Her phone beeped. She pulled it out, raising an eyebrow at the text, and gave Crenshaw a thin-lipped smile. ¡°Speak of the devil. He found out what¡¯s in the Taboo.¡±

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Nnullm¡­nnullm¡­nnullm-agtshogthatma vagen tsalmon ambdubh¡­uh¡­¡±

    ¡°No, no, no. ¡®Nunullm-agtshogtathma vahgehn tsalonm amdbugh wai¡¯vferzgotght.¡¯¡± Scott corrected, holding up a scolding finger. Riley, dark circles under her eyes, stared at him then faceplanted into the pile of books and notes in front of her, moaning.

    ¡°Aauugh. Why is this so hard? And how do you even say all this so good?¡± she said.

    ¡°Did you think literal magic, manipulating forces that tear apart the fabric of reality and put it back together in a way that pleases you was easy? Heavens, no!¡± he said, grinning. ¡°To first use necromancy, one must understand necromancy. You¡¯ve got the spark and the will to make it work, but not the technical skill required, not yet at least.¡±

    ¡°But how do you even pronounce all these incantations, it looks like gibberish.¡± Riley said, turning up to see her mentor.

    ¡°Did you do your tongue and vocal exercises?¡± he asked, demonstrating with his own tongue. He could make it twist and twirl in nearly any direction he wanted, used to forming strange and unnatural words on the fly. It was a skill Amber had been very grateful for when they made out. And he was able to replicate death metal singers perfectly. ¡°I could probably do push-ups with this thing. Until you memorize all the incantations-with their correct pronunciations-by heart, you can¡¯t call yourself a magician, much less a specialist like a necromancer. Speaking of which¡­how you holding up, Connor?¡±

    ¡°Regretting¡­all my life choices!¡± he called back, visibly straining. He was seated in a magic circle surrounded by candles, Bones holding a heavy stick behind him. Ibn front of the boy was a small dais with a circle he¡¯d drawn himself, a dead mouse in the center. His hands were trembling, outstretched, trying to force necrotic energy to flow forth and reanimate the creature. ¡°Jslatmon ha!¡± Nothing happened, so Bones took a swipe at his head, which Connor managed to duck with a yelp.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Scott clucked his tongue disapprovingly. Connor had the opposite problem as Riley. The boy, being a much better student than her, had a true knack for the techniques of magic, unerring with a chalk circle and able to memorize entire pages worth of incantations and spells bounds ahead of her. Unfortunately, he lacked the raw desire and will necessary to twist reality to his whims. While Riley could make sparks of necrotic energy and magical power, he could barely manage a flicker, if that. Thus, the training circle. If Scott could make him snap and have him feel the flow of death instead of thinking about it, Connor¡¯s prowess might rival Scott¡¯s own someday. Alas, his heart simply wasn¡¯t in it the same way Riley¡¯s was. She really got the appeal of necromancy, in a way Connor, Cross, or even Amber didn¡¯t. While it was easier to teach Connor, it was more fun to teach her. And that¡¯s what they¡¯d been doing the last week, while Scott tried to solve the riddle of Taboo and find a way to locate Amber.

    ¡°You can¡¯t even make one deviation from the sigil¡¯s depiction, otherwise the best case scenario is it doesn¡¯t work. And when you¡¯re trying to inscribe a circle while a horde of daemons are clawing at your back, accuracy and speed are a must. In the worst case-heuugh!¡± Scott delved into a coughing fit, hacking up blood into a dark cloth he carried around now. ¡°Sorry, got into a fight with a yeti couple weeks ago. Haven¡¯t shaken the cold yet.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯ll cough if it¡¯s wrong?¡± Riley teased.

    ¡°N¡­well, yes, actually. From all the smoke that results from it blowing up in your face. And you¡¯ve seen Faceless Joe, right? Hey, Faceless Joe!¡± He called to the zombie that served as his personal shield in dangerous experiments. The tattered zombie, indeed with no skin on its¡¯ face, turned.

    ¡°Yuck. I have, I have!¡± she squealed.

    ¡°Ah, the joys of scarring children for life. It¡¯s strangely satisfying.¡± Scott sighed.

    ¡°You¡¯ll die before us, old man!¡± Riley said, grinning.

    ¡°Is that any way to talk to your teacher? I should make you draw a thousand sigils for that.¡± Scott grinned back, eyes aglow.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that¡­what you¡¯re doing anyway?¡± Connor panted, ducking as the stick whooshed by his head.

    ¡°Less talking, more conjuring dark magic to animate the dead!¡± Scott called out, checking her work.

    ¡°How¡¯s this?¡± she asked tentatively, hoping her circle was good enough. Scott frowned.

    ¡°Hmm. It¡¯s too rough. Unfortunately, magic requires precision above all else, as to raise a zombie you have to be meticulous, otherwise it¡¯ll just twitch and flop over. Necromancy¡¯s looked down on enough as it is, so-¡±

    ¡°What! Really?¡± Riley interjected. ¡°Who says!?¡± Scott waved her down.

    ¡°Chill, chill. The ignorant masses do, and while I¡¯m doing my best to change that it¡¯s an uphill battle. It¡¯s traditionally looked at as a powerful, but limited art, with no grace or subtlety to making a horde of zombies.¡±

    ¡°What? No! Necromancy is the best!¡± Riley said, and he smiled at her.

    ¡°Yes, of course it is.¡± he said, but added quietly when she looked down ¡°But it¡¯ll be up to you to prove it.¡± He watched the children perform their work, Connor turning red as the mouse¡¯s fur bristled, Riley¡¯s shoulders sloping despite her grim, bright-eyed determination. This had been going on since last Tuesday, five days after the party. Coming to the warehouse in the morning, he¡¯d show them something new, then they¡¯d work on inscriptions, incantations, and other techniques for six hours until they went home for lunch and dinner, coming back afterwards until it started to get dark. He didn¡¯t know what they were telling their parents, but they managed and he saw how hard they were working. He sighed; if he could put them together, they would be the perfect student, but everyone had their own strengths and weaknesses after all. And they actually wanted to learn, from him. They had sought him out, a villainous-type moldy old necromancer, and even when he¡¯d turned them away Riley was still determined. Now she was being tested. He chuckled as she poured over his notes, copying runes and circles, growling and starting over when she messed up. Truthfully, they were making swift, swift progress. Scott supposed it was because they were being instructed, as opposed to having to figure out much of it from a textbook.

    It was unfortunate, he thought as he wiped a dribble of blood from his chin, that he wouldn¡¯t be around to see their growth. He turned to gaze out the window. The sun was setting, and the moon was visible between the clouds, full and faint. He idly toyed with the notion of having Riley resurrect him, but scoffed. While her skills were advancing, especially at her age, neither she nor Connor would be ready to pull off a resurrection for months yet, at the earliest. While the spell was simple enough, if there were any-any-mistakes, they could revive him as an otherworldly monster intent on devouring them, and there was no way he¡¯d risk that. They¡¯d have enough trouble in the future as it was, with the Taboo around.  He scowled; after nearly three weeks, he was still no closer to identifying what gave the drug its magical properties.

    ¡°Ugh. Old man, I just can¡¯t wrap my head around this. Can you help me?¡± Riley said, bringing her sheet with the Eye of Judgement surrounded by wavy sigils in a circle.

    ¡°Don¡¯t disrespect your elders!¡± Connor shouted, then looked down to see the mouse¡¯s tail twitch. ¡°Hey, I did it. Ow!¡± The stick came down, punishment for losing focus.

    ¡°Keep on track, don¡¯t let success make you falter.¡± Scott said, then turned to Riley. ¡°Ah, you forgot the circle. You gotta draw the circle first, then put the sigils in, the times you don¡¯t will be too rare to count. Always create the container of power first, shape it with your will and knowledge.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I think I get it. What¡¯cha looking at, anyway?¡± she said.

    ¡°Just the sky. Amber¡¯s out there, I know it, but I don¡¯t know where or how to reach her. It¡¯s frustrating. And, I guess I¡¯ve been kinda, lonely without her.¡± Scott admitted, looking down. Riley nudged him worriedly.

    ¡°Cheer up, okay? You¡¯ve got us with you now! I mean, I know it¡¯s not the same, but¡­¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I know. And you guys are great, you¡¯ve been a help getting through this. I just wish I could figure all this out.¡± he said, turning back to the sky. Riley looked out the window.

    ¡°Oh, the moon¡¯s full again, like when we met you.¡± she said.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± he said wistfully. ¡°The full moon was out when Amber changed and went away. It¡¯s kind of a mixed bag for celestial beauty, now. For me, at¡­what did you say?¡± Scott said, staring wide-eyed at the moon.

    ¡°Huh? The moon was full when we joined you?¡± Riley said quizzically.

    ¡°Yeah, which was?¡± Scott continued asking.

    ¡°Six days ago.¡± Connor said, getting up from the circle to join them. Scott waved Bones off.

    ¡°Right. And Amber was changed almost two weeks ago, and unless the sight of her disappearing wasn¡¯t burned forever into every neuron in my brain, the moon was full then too.¡± he said, pulse picking up with dread. They stared at the lunar satellite in the sky, comprehension slowly dawning on them as all three of them realized there wasn¡¯t a time in recent memory when the moon wasn¡¯t full.

    ¡°Umm, that¡¯s weird. How come it¡¯s been full so long?¡± Riley asked. Scott stared at her, an apprentice able to use magic, even a spark, not even a week into training. He thought of the unnatural smoothness his necromantic arts had been operating at. And now¡­

    ¡°I have to check something.¡± He rushed over to his desk, pulling out a star chart, a lunar calendar, the Necronomicon, and his phone. The children watched him as he paged through everything frantically, muttering to himself.

    ¡°Sirius in the northwest¡­Polaris and Venus¡­hmm, could Mercury be it? No, Mars fits better, but with Betelgeuse in its current position¡­maybe Jupiter? Yeah, that could do it¡­Jupiter¡­¡± He stared at his phone, looking at the phases of the moon for the last three months. April was normal, as was May, up until it was full. Then it simply kept going, until now. His eyes narrowed. He ran to the table with the Taboo sample, examining his previous notes. Riley watched him furiously scribble something down.

    ¡°Uh, what¡¯s going on?¡± she asked.

    ¡°The final piece of the puzzle, that¡¯s what! You see, there¡¯s a new drug going around, and make sure you don¡¯t do drugs okay, that gives people magical knowledge and powers. I¡¯ve been tasked to discover what it¡¯s made of, and until now I¡¯ve been completely off-base. I had naively assumed the pill¡¯s composition would be mostly chemical, perhaps enchanted with some kind of memetic trigger to implant the knowledge in the brain. Instead, no wonder I couldn¡¯t figure out what it was made of! It¡¯s made out of solidified magic, not ordinary matter, compressed into physical form! Also, don¡¯t do drugs, drugs are bad."

    ¡°See, the pill itself is just pre-existing recreational chemicals, but they¡¯ve been coated with a solid layer of pure magical knowledge. The nasty part is you don¡¯t even have to ingest it, strictly speaking-if you handle it while your hands are sweaty for instance, it would melt off and seep into your pores. The pill itself is just a delivery system, like a box in reverse. And since it¡¯s water soluble, you could easily mix it into a drink,¡± he growled at the memory of what that bastard had done to Amber, ¡°or even¡­¡± He gasped. If enough Taboo found its way into a water supply, entire towns and cities could spontaneously develop magical powers. The chaos and collateral damage would be enough to topple the country, if manufactured in large enough a supply. ¡°I have to call Cross right now.¡± He dialed her number, but got a voicemail. ¡°Gah!¡±

    ¡°Easy, Mr. Scott. Send her a text, she¡¯ll see it soon enough.¡± Connor said, worried. This was big, bigger than anything he¡¯d ever encountered before. Was this what it was like, being a professional necromancer?

    ¡°Cool! When do we get to beat up the bad guys?¡± Riley asked, eyes sparkling. Connor sighed. Did anything get through that thick skull of hers?

    ¡°You are aware that ¡®we¡¯ aren¡¯t going to do anything, right?¡± Scott said, texting Cross he¡¯d found the secret ingredient of Taboo. ¡°You two aren¡¯t going anywhere near any bad guys, and I¡¯m a humble consultant.¡±

    ¡°Well, I meant more of our side, not me personally.¡± Riley admitted, blushing. ¡°I can try if¡¯n you want, but I¡¯m not very good at zombies yet.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. But you are making progress-ahh!¡± His heart stopped. There, on his phone, was a terrible, horrible, visceral omen of evil, one he thought he¡¯d banished for a very long time. In his fright he¡¯d dropped it, and viewed it warily as another text came through. He glanced at the kids. ¡°Avert your eyes, don¡¯t look at the picture. Bones, pick it up.¡± As the skeleton obeyed, he was never more grateful to have disposable minions. He peered through the ribcage at the next text, and saw both were from the detective/special agent. ¡®Do you know what this symbol is?¡¯ it read. He growled, snatching the phone and calling.

    ¡°Kid?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever scare me like that again!¡± he snapped, wide-eyed. ¡°That, detective, is the sign of the Poisonous Thoughts, the Harbinger of the End, the Last Alarm, the Calamitous Ruination. It¡¯s the mark of the Elder God pulling Brian¡¯s strings last November. I personally made sure there were none of those signs around anywhere for anyone else to discover. How the hell did you find it?¡± he said, trying to keep calm. Riley could see him shaking.

    ¡°You mean Riepai-¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say his name!¡± Scott shrieked, making all of them jump. ¡°Never say his name! He can hear you when you do!¡±

    ¡°G-Got it. Sorry, kid.¡± Cross apologized. ¡°But that answers my question. See, there was some kind of cult that we broke up a few days ago. This symbol was on the wall, and the guys we brought in committed suicide, one of them drawing this with his blood.¡± Scott¡¯s own blood ran cold. He could feel his heart beat behind his ears.

    ¡°N-No. It¡­it can¡¯t be.¡± he whimpered.

    ¡°It is.¡± Cross said grimly. ¡°Tell me what we¡¯re looking at, kid. How bad is it?¡±

    ¡°I-I can¡¯t say as to the scale of how far this goes, but we could see the beginning of humanity¡¯s end.¡± he lied. He glanced at the Necronomicon, lying on the desk innocently; how he wished the words in it weren¡¯t true. Cross muttered on the other end, then returned.

    ¡°Great. Just great. The end of the world, again.¡± She sighed, and took a deep breath. God, she needed more caffeine to deal with this crap. ¡°Unfortunately, that cult wasn¡¯t the only one. We broke that one up, but we¡¯re currently keeping tabs on at least three more across the country. But you said you found out what was in the Taboo, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Detective, take a look at the moon. Notice how long it¡¯s been full?¡± Cross frowned on the other end.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± she asked.

    ¡°The moon has been full the last month and a half straight, every day. It¡¯s been out longer, too. While certain days can affect the ebb and flow of magical energy, a full moon always means more magical flow going around. Somehow, someone made it so the moon is always full on Earth, and no one noticed. Whatever¡¯s going on is international-scale, at minimum. With the Tempter¡¯s sign in the mix, I don¡¯t like this one bit.¡± he said, starting to pace back and forth. ¡°This allows for the crystallization of raw magical knowledge into physical form, which is then coated onto the drugs. The rush from the amphetamines along with the psychological rush from the power ensures that whoever takes it will be both addicted and unstable. There¡¯s nothing good that can come from this.¡±

    ¡°Huh. I see.¡± Cross said, leaning back. ¡°I guess that makes sense. We got a lead on who¡¯s manufacturing it: Metatech Pharmaceuticals.¡±

    ¡°Metatech Pharmaceuticals? The drug company?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. We¡¯re planning an assault on their headquarters in New York. Here¡¯s Crenshaw.¡±

    ¡°Hello?¡± Crenshaw said. ¡°We¡¯ve discovered a solid lead on the manufacturer. But since we have no knowledge on what possible supernatural defenses they might have, we would like you to join us in the strike. These are the people who supplied the fool who drugged Amber. Will you be willing and able to help us, in your condition?¡±

    Scott¡¯s body erupted into heat, his face turning into a scowl. A chance to bring down the ones who made Amber go into space? He saw the obvious bait Crenshaw was dangling and took it, grinning darkly. His eyes started to glow a toxic emerald green, but flickering like a disconnected powerline.

    ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t have to worry about me. I¡¯ll be happy to crush them.¡± A black warmth started to spread in his chest. ¡°I¡¯ll take everything I¡¯ve got, and there will be a reckoning. Metatech Pharmaceuticals will know the true fury of a necromancer.¡±

    ¡°Good. We shall collect you tomorrow at 09:00. Be prepared.¡± He hung up, and Scott turned to his students.

    ¡°Okay, for the next couple of days you¡¯re gonna be in study hall. I expect you to work hard, and don¡¯t try to raise the dead in my absence. Tomorrow I¡¯ll be off on a mission of vengeance.¡± he said grinning, his skin stretched thin over his skull.

    ¡°Whoo! Vengeance!¡± Riley cheered.

 Chapter 15: Die Hard

    The bright golden sun bounced off of the buildings, making Scott glad he¡¯d brought sunglasses. He stared at the Metatech HQ building three blocks down, shining in the sinking sun. Closing his eyes wasn¡¯t an option though, as if he did the building would only be clearer behind his eyelids.

    When they had arrived yesterday in the helicopter, they¡¯d made their base in a nearby hotel and Cross had immediately thrown him in the shower. That wasn¡¯t hyperbole either, she¡¯d thrown him in and threatened to wash him herself unless he scrubbed clean and ate the meal she was ordering from room service. After he relented, feeling much more refreshed they¡¯d gone out to reconnoiter the building. Crenshaw had gotten satellite photos and the security guards¡¯ shift schedules. Cross escorted Scott to the building itself, which had been suspiciously disconcerting. For such a supposed magical hotbed, there was nothing unusual about it. Up until they had gotten close.

    Donning baseball caps, Cross had guided him to the building undetected by the security cameras, and as soon as he¡¯d examined the relief above the door he instantly saw what they had done.

    ¡°Everyone¡¯s here. We¡¯re ready to begin.¡± Cross said, poking her head in the door.

    ¡°Right, let¡¯s do this.¡± Scott nodded. She waved in five men, all extremely fit with short or shaved hair, followed by Crenshaw.

    ¡°Thank you all for coming on such short notice. As most of you know, I am Agent Crenshaw, and this is my partner Agent Cross. This is our special agent and consultant, Scott Havenbrook. Special Agent Havenbrook, these are Agents Hewett, Price, Williams, Loomis, and Macher.¡± he said, gesturing to each in turn.

    ¡°Hi there. Nice to meet¡¯cha.¡± Scott said.

    ¡°Uh, Crenshaw? What the hell¡¯s going on? He¡¯s a kid.¡± Williams asked with a raised eyebrow.

    ¡°Rest assured, this child is more than equipped to help us. He will be debriefing us on the supernatural defenses of the Metatech building and joining us in the raid.¡± Crenshaw said, to eye rolols and subtle snorts of dismissal.

    ¡°Yeah right. Like that kid can help.¡± Price muttered with derision. Suddenly, the kid was in his face, grinning brightly.

    ¡°Hi there. I don¡¯t wanna step on any toes, but I¡¯m here now, so let¡¯s start off on the right foot, at least. I¡¯m Scott.¡± he said, offering a hand.

    ¡°Vinnie.¡± the agent said briskly, shaking his clammy hand. Scott grinned and pulled back, but Price was still shaking¡­he looked down to see a disembodied hand in his. As his eyes widened, Arnold Palmer climbed up his arm to rest on his shoulder, to the shouts and screams of the men. Cross rubbed her temples.

    ¡°All of you, stand down!¡± Crenshaw barked, seeing them reach for their weapons. Scott grinned wider.

    ¡°Allow me to introduce myself properly, gentlemen. My name is Scott, and I am a necromancer.¡± Arnold flipped Agent Price off and leapt back onto Scott¡¯s shoulder. ¡°The dead are mine to control and command. Now, if we¡¯re through with my credentials, I believe detective Cross has a debriefing for us.¡± He nodded to the exasperated woman, and she sighed as she pulled up the presentation on the laptop for the stunned commandos.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the kid knows what to do. You¡¯ll get used to working with ghosts and stuff soon enough. Now, our target is the Metatech Pharmaceutical company headquarters. Security is tight, as to be expected, but the primary focus is to look out for and apprehend intruders in small groups or lone agents, not a dedicated task force. While I imagine regular doors won¡¯t prove to be too much of a problem, from the data we¡¯ve been able to gather indicates steel security doors an inch thick.¡±

    ¡°So what is the objective?¡± Agent Hewett asked.

    ¡°The capture of all upper-level Metatech staff. Primary target is Desmond Delacroix, the company president. He¡¯ll be the toughest to get to, as he has a private elevator to his office, and rarely leaves. Our other targets are Doctor Phillip Howards, head of R&D, Rohir Samagan, head of Security, and Johan Fausto, head of Shipping and Distribution.¡± Cross said, showing them recent photos of each. Howards was a taller, thin man with longer hair and appointed face, staring dully through a pair of glasses. Samagan was a large, dark-skinned and scarred man with wild brown dreadlocks and a sullen glare, while Fausto was a short man with nearly a buzzcut, average build with a standard button-down shirt and tie. ¡°Unfortunately, with the time available we weren¡¯t able to pull up much background information on them, and only what official public record has to say about Desmond Delacroix.¡± She clicked to his photo, showing the large, handsome man with long hair pulled back in a ponytail and goatee, waving to the cameras in an exquisitely tailored dark green suit. ¡°Supposedly a self-made billionaire, he dropped out of college in 1981 and reappeared in 1984, founding Metawave Pharmaceuticals. Business boomed until 1993, when they absorbed several smaller medical companies to become Metatech. If you¡¯ve taken aspirin in the last two decades, you have their product.¡± she said sourly.

    ¡°Whit, this guy was born in the sixties?¡± Agent Loomis asked. ¡°He doesn¡¯t look forty, let alone past fifty.¡±

    ¡°Either he gets a lot of work done, or it¡¯s something our consultant will have to cover. Speaking of which, while normal security defenses aren¡¯t much to worry about, that¡¯s not all there is. Kid?¡± She nodded to Scott, and he stepped forward.

    ¡°Thanks. The building itself is simple, but the construction of it wasn¡¯t. Above the door is a bas-relief of the Greek gods in Olympus, Zeus, Hera, Athena, Hephaestus, and so on. However,¡± he clicked the next image forward. ¡°Each one is posed strangely. Notice anything?¡± They stared at the picture, gods feasting around a table among the clouds, the bearded Zeus in the center, an orb representing the sun above him. Every god was reveling, throwing their arms in the air or emphatically orating.

    ¡°Hmm, something does seem off¡­vaguely familiar¡­¡± Agent Hewett said.

    ¡°It should. Every arm seen here is one of the phases of the moon.¡± Scott said, clicking to a lunar chart superimposed in the relief. ¡°The new moon being exempt, and Hades is missing from the picture. This carving is the overseer of magic in the building. Cross and I found sigils encased in cement on each corner of the building, designed to harvest the energy along the leylines, and from satellite photos there¡¯s one on the roof to collect the moon¡¯s influence. There are sigils pointed in on each ordinal direction as well, to help stabilize and prevent reality from ripping itself apart due to the stress placed on it. That means we have to be very, very careful in assaulting the place, otherwise the entire array could collapse in on itself and open up a building-size hole in the dimensions straight to hell. I mean that literally, daemons could start pouring out, and I doubt anyone wants that to happen anywhere, much less one of the most populated cities in the world.¡± An uncomfortable silence followed his warning.

    ¡°So how do we proceed then?¡± Agent Williams said.

    ¡°Glad you asked! Now, ordinarily an assault would go through the front door, but if you tried you¡¯d set off every ward and alarm in the place, and the caster would have your location fixed in his mind, no cameras required. However, due to my flawless mastery of magic, I can open a small hole in the wards, giving us an undetected in. That will not last long, so we¡¯ll have to move fast. Unfortunately, cameras mounted to my zombie birds couldn¡¯t get clear shots of the inside. It¡¯s not my specialty, but my guess is the inside¡¯s warded and protected against scrying and surveillance. I¡¯m sure there will be more traps and guards than the mundane ones, so our priorities are the east staircase and our targets are on the 55<sup>th</sup>, 63<sup>rd</sup>, and top floor, where bossman is. I¡¯d like to go in from the back or roof, but I counted at least four stone gargoyles on the roof, and with the degree of magic emanating from the place I¡¯d bet they can be animated, and I don¡¯t have three weeks, a virgin and sixteen goats to break through the doors. So we¡¯re headed in through the basement where the wards are weakest. The eastern stairwell is the least protected, so we head up to the offices from there. I have no doubt security will be there too, so we¡¯ll have to move quick enough so they can¡¯t get their bearings.¡± Scott explained.

    ¡°What kind of equipment are we getting? A strike this size requires heavy firepower.¡± Williams asked Crenshaw.

    ¡°Standard type B equipment is insufficient, so Washington has sent us type C equipment.¡± he said. The men¡¯s eyes lit up and they began to chatter excitedly.

    ¡°That¡¯s great, but there¡¯s only five of us. Id that going to be enough of a force to do all this?¡± Hewett pointed out.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not. And Agent Cross will be staying behind to coordinate from the van. She¡¯s the least used to tactical assaults like this among us.¡±

    ¡°I was a detective, not a leatherneck. The kid will be with you though.¡± she piped up. The men¡¯s gazes turned to the teenager, the thinnest, sickliest one there, then back to her.

    ¡°You serious?¡± Macher said. ¡°Even if he can do that magic crap, he¡¯s still an untrained civilian. And he doesn¡¯t look in, uh, the best of shape.¡± he said delicately.

    ¡°My thoughts exactly, gentlemen. However, we aren¡¯t afforded the luxury of being choosy in this. Agent Crenshaw informs me there are thousands of Taboo users around the world, and this has to be the supplier. I don¡¯t know if anyone¡¯s told you, but I also have a bone to pick with them. Get it? Bone? ¡®Cause I¡¯m a¡­nevermind.¡± Scott coughed at seeing everyone¡¯s stony expressions. ¡°I am necessary to get through the defenses, plus I am bringing the remainder of the team.¡±If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°Remainder?¡± Price asked, and Scott went over and opened up the closet and bathroom. Out came five zombies, all looking much bigger and out of proportion to a normal human. The agents shifted nervously, but as they made no moves, it was much easier to keep calm. The undead had glassy eyes and grey, stitched-together skin that barely covered them and, as Agent Hewett examined one closer, didn¡¯t.

    ¡°These are my latest, greatest creations, zombified humans with the muscle fibers of four others grafted to their frames, reinforced with steel rods and Kevlar and ceramic plating instead of organs. They¡¯re a tad on the unmaneuverable side, but their sheer power makes up for it by a wide margin.¡± Scott said, smirking. ¡°I had to consolidate all of my zombies into these, but now I have the perfect bodyguards, literal meatshields that can fight rhinos and win. They will be dressed and kitted out same as you, and they will go in first. I¡¯d rather not have to try and resurrect one of you in the middle of the mission. Any questions?¡± The agent looked at Cross, Crenshaw, the zombies, and each other.

    ¡°Ya know, I can¡¯t speak for everyone,¡± Agent Williams said, getting up and poking one of the zombies. ¡°But I¡¯ve been around, put down a few ghosts and ghoulies, and never had an easy time of it. Most of the time I¡¯ve had to resort to blowing entire buildings away when I encounter things that go bump in the night. But now we got ¡®em on our side?¡± He grinned at the necromancer. ¡°When do we start?¡±

    ¡°Glad to hear it. The operation begins at 20:00 hours, I expect you to be ready. Be careful, most of the workers leave, but there will be some on second and third shifts yet.¡± Crenshaw said, taking over. ¡°I will be along as well, in a command position. Mr. Havenbrook will be commanding his¡­units, so he is to have a full guard at all times. We¡¯re going in blind, and I¡¯d rather have as few surprises as possible.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have additional zombies with me, I¡¯ll need some of the equipment then.¡± Scott said, and the agent nodded.

    ¡°Very well. Agent Cross, Williams, if you would please help him prepare? As for the rest of you, get some rest, and I advise you to pray to whatever god you believe in. We¡¯ll need all the help we can get.¡±

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The full moon was once again bright as it hung low over the city, the sun dropping with Scott¡¯s mood as he stared out the van. The decrepit funk he¡¯d been in had been¡­lessened, but not erased, by the presence of Riley and Connor. He¡¯d unexpectedly had fun teaching them. It was a bright spot in the black hole his life had become. But now, as the prospect of another fight loomed over him, that grey dismal blanket covering him had given way to a burning feeling, like hot ash before a volcano is about to erupt. His skin prickled as they parked.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ve cleared the operation with the police, we¡¯re good to go.¡± Crenshaw said, putting on his helmet.

    ¡°You ready, kid?¡± Cross¡¯s voice came from the communicator in his ear. He snapped his fingers and the zombies rose. He stood up too, shaking, though from nerves and fear or anticipation and anger he could not tell.

    ¡°Ready.¡± He licked his lips, adjusting his gear. He was dressed in a tactical assault uniform like the other agents and zombies, and though the armor was reassuring it was heavy and kept him balanced oddly.

    ¡°Let¡¯s move!¡± The doors were flung open, and they dashed out, Williams and Loomis in front, securing the door as Scott approached flanked by his zombies.

    ¡°Ooo-kay.¡± He drew the chalk form his special thigh holster, expertly drawing a circle on the garage door surrounded by faintly glowing runes that made the agents next to it break out in goosebumps. ¡°Just a little¡­hmmm.¡± He paused, then drew a wider circle around the first, then drew a chalk outline around the door. He¡¯d only meant to open a hole, but now that he was here he saw the entire entranceway could be unsealed. Crenshaw heard him heave, watching him struggle as h lifted his arm to draw. ¡°Essrap¡­e-essrap k-kawoouuun et lam-magos, est en doum v-vita¡­¡± he chanted quietly, sweating.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Agent Price asked.

    ¡°Oh, fine. J-Just opening up a barrier th-the size of a building is all.¡± he said, slowly making another marking and stumbling as the metaphysical forces twisted, flowing around the door instead of covering it. ¡°Alright. God to go.¡± Price and Hewett cut the lock, and set the C4.

    ¡°Everyone clear!¡± They retreated away and a moment later the boom tore a gaping hole in the metal. ¡°Go! Go! Go!¡± Crenshaw shouted. They stormed in, ordering frightened employees on the ground and shooting tires of delivery trucks.

    ¡°What is going on here!¡± a dark-skinned, dreadlocked man bellowed, striding out of an office up a cement ramp, leading to a staircase. Rohir was promptly tackled by two agents and a zombie.

    ¡°On the ground!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t let him up!¡±

    ¡°Cuff him!¡± With the zombie holding tight and gunbarrels at his back, the head of security was quickly subdued and handcuffed to the ramp¡¯s railing. ¡°Target secure!¡±

    ¡°Leave him here for now, prime targets are ahead.¡± Crenshaw ordered. ¡°Into the staircase. Williams, stay behind to guard him and get the civilians out of here, see what you can find out from the office. Move!¡± Agent Williams saluted and they moved on. Marching onto the stairs, their boots thudded relentlessly as they ascended. Scott, being the least athletic, was riding one of his zombies piggyback-style.

    ¡°The target floor is just ahead. Shipping office is on your left, R&D office is on the right.¡± Cross said, examining the blueprints and department locations.

    ¡°Roger.¡± Crenshaw said. ¡°Havenbrook and three zombies with me on the left, two zombies and other agents on the right, you know your targets.¡±

    ¡°This¡¯s too easy.¡± Price said, voicing the misgivings he felt, and the uneasy vibe they all felt.

    ¡°Let¡¯s hope it stays that way.¡± Scott said, and after reaching the 55<sup>th</sup> floor they busted the door open, startling a secretary carrying a stack of papers. Guns were raised as they were sent flying, and the team rushed in.

    ¡°Advance and protect your unit.¡± Scott ordered the zombies, and they broke off, watching heads pop over cubicles and duck back down immediately.

    ¡°Remain calm! This is a raid! We are with the FBI! No one panic, we¡¯re not here for everyone! Please quickly and calmly assemble an orderly line for evacuation!¡± Crenshaw shouted, running along the outer wall where the bigger offices were, for the heads of the departments. Speaking of which, Dr. Howards poked his head out the door, took one look at the approaching agents and ran off, pell-mell to a door at the end of the hall.

    ¡°There he is! Don¡¯t let him get away!¡± Scott said, pointing. The zombies sprinted after him as fast as their enhanced legs could, but the doctor was simply too far away and slipped through.

    ¡°We are in pursuit of Dr. Howards! Arrest Fausto and rejoin us when you¡¯re done!¡± Crenshaw said into his comm.

    ¡°Roger!¡± Loomis said, and they kicked down the door of Shipping and Distribution. Johan Fausto blinked owlishly at them, looking up from a stack of papers.

    ¡°Uh, hi?¡± he squeaked, glancing at them fearfully.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move! You are under arrest!¡± Price bellowed, and Macher and Hewett grabbed an arm, Loomis moving in to cuff him and the zombies training their guns on him.

    ¡°W-What¡¯s going on? What did I do?¡± Fausto said, bent forward so his arms were cuffed behind his back.

    ¡°Well get you a lawyer later. Loomis, stand guard and search for evidence. Williams, come in. Is our other target still secure?¡± Hewett asked over the comm.

    ¡°Sure is.¡± the agent said, glancing at the sullen man with his arms cuffed behind a railing through the plastic window. ¡°I¡¯m in the office now. There¡¯s not much here, but there is a shipping schedule, and Taboo¡¯s on it, plain as can be. Looks like they make three deliveries a day, two nationally and one truckload on planes for a buncha foreign countries.¡± While he was rummaging through the desk, he turned his back on Rohir. So he missed the man¡¯s grin, revealing pointed, shark-like teeth.

    ¡°Fausto is captured, Crenshaw and the kid are in pursuit of the good doctor now.¡± Hewett said, when Cross cut in.

    ¡°If the other targets are secure, reinforce them now! The stairs Howards went through lead to the R&D lab, we have no idea what they¡¯re cooking up in there!¡± she cried, looking over the schematics.

    ¡°Roger. Should I head up? He¡¯s not going anywhere.¡± Williams asked.

    ¡°Stay at your post, I¡¯ll send Loomis down with Fausto so you can escort them back to the van, then regroup with us.¡± Hewett said.

    ¡°Roger. I¡¯ll-¡± There was a crash, a burst of static, and Williams¡¯ comm went dead.

    ¡°Williams? Williams! Do you read me!?¡± Hewett barked.

    ¡°What do we do now?¡± Price asked.

    ¡°You can all die, for one.¡± Fausto piped up. He sat up quickly, and the zombies opened fire. Fausto sighed as the lead crumpled on his invisible shield. ¡°That damn fool Samagan jumped the gun again. Like usual.¡± He cracked his neck. The zombies tried to tackle him, but even with all their strength they couldn¡¯t break through the barrier to get him. ¡°Do you mind? Seeaas.¡± He flicked his hand out, and the zombies were sliced in half, blood and armor flying everywhere. The other agents were backing away, guns pointed at him.

    ¡°What are you!¡± Loomis screamed. Fausto smiled evilly.

    ¡°A nightmare, come to claim you.¡± Wings unfurled as his skin darkened to a burnt red, threads and buttons strained and burst as muscle was revealed and his form swelled, though not growing taller. Sixteen dark horns punctured through the skin on his head, trailing down his back. A long, serpentine tongue flicked across two rows of razor-sharp teeth. The daemon stretched and cracked his neck. ¡°Ooh. It¡¯s good to work my body again.¡±

    ¡°Aaaaaaaaahhhhhh!¡± Bullets sprayed as Fausto sprang forward, clawing savagely at Loomis with the talons on his fingers. His body armor was of little use, tearing apart like balsa wood under the attack with a spray of gore.

    ¡°Die!¡± Hewett placed his assault rifle on Fausto¡¯s head and placed a bullet directly into his flesh. The daemon grinned and put a finger on Hewett¡¯s hip.

    ¡°No, you.¡± The bullet flew out of his finger, tearing through Hewett¡¯s side. The agent gasped and collapsed, bleeding profusely. ¡°You thought I¡¯d be an easy mark, didn¡¯t you?¡± Fausto said, cracking his knuckles. ¡°Pathetic mortals. This is why you deserve subjugation, to prevent you from being this stupid! I¡¯ll rip you to pieces with my bare hands!¡± He grabbed Agent Price and threw him through the wall into a cubicle. He groaned as plaster fell around him, struggling to get up. Fausto smirked and strode forward, when something grabbed his ankle. He looked down to see one of the men he¡¯d sliced in half moan and crawl closer.

    ¡°What the-¡± The zombie grabbed him and started to climb up his body, trying to attack. ¡°Get off!¡± He tried to pry the creature away from him, but its¡¯ grip was far stronger than he¡¯d expected. ¡°You-¡±

    ¡°Here!¡± Agent Macher slammed the other zombie torso onto Fausto¡¯s back, grappling and trying to rip the daemon¡¯s head off. While he was distracted, the still living members of the team limped away, Macher helping Hewett.

    ¡°Crenshaw, come in. Do you read me, Crenshaw? Havenbrook?¡± he pleaded into the comm.

    ¡°Do luck, they¡¯ve been dark the last three minutes.¡± Cross said worriedly. ¡°Tell me what¡¯s happening. I heard gunshots and screams.¡±

    ¡°We found a monster. Fausto was some kind of devil-looking thing. We lost Loomis when he attacked.¡± Price said, hurrying as fast as he could limp.

    ¡°William¡¯s gone quiet too. We¡¯re retreating for now.¡± Hewett gasped, then hung limp. ¡°W-We¡¯re n-no good if w-we die.¡±

    ¡°What¡­what about the kid? And Crenshaw?¡± Price said as they collapsed into the elevator.

    ¡°They knew the risks. We¡¯ll come back after we drop him off and re-equip.¡± Macher said, pointing at Hewett.

 Chapter 16: Showstopper

    ¡°Stop!¡± Crenshaw ordered as the zombies sprinted without pause up the staircase after Howards.

    ¡°Never!¡± he called back, disappearing through a door.

    ¡°Is everyone alright? Can you back us up?¡± Scott said into his comm, but there was only static. He coughed, no blood this time but he was still grateful for the ride. He slid off the zombie¡¯s back as they approached the door. One of them kicked it down, and they saw Howards alone in his lab, leaning against a table. A quick sweep of the room was all it took to see the entire floor was the lab, one large space, and Metatech needed it. Strange machines and tanks, flasks filled with mysterious chemicals, computers with ominously-glowing screens lined the walls and were scattered on tables. However, the entire half of the room was dedicated to a large vat, a robotic arm mounted to the top and tearing pages from a book to drop them in. The hot liquid bubbled red, and both Crenshaw and Scott realized this was where the Taboo was produced.

    ¡°Welcome, intruders.¡± Dr. Howards said, sweeping his arms out. ¡°This is the singlemost advanced laboratory on the planet. It¡¯s also the most durable. Allow me to-¡± Crenshaw¡¯s gun fired, red-hot slugs of death careening to the doctor. Unfortunately the bullets were stopped in midair, seemingly encased in orange gelatinous bubbles. ¡°-show you. How rude.¡± The doctor said, straightening his tie.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s some kind of automatic defense, but it¡¯s not like any shield spell I¡¯ve ever heard of!¡± Scott said, taking cover behind a zombie. He stared at the jiggling bubbles, mind racing. ¡°It¡¯s almost like-¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re alive?¡± Howards cackled. The bubbles sprouted eyes and opened and closed gelatinous mouths, dissolving the slugs in their acidic bodies. ¡°Prepare yourselves, fools!¡±

    ¡°What are these things, Havenbrook!¡± Crenshaw said, shooting the monsters as they flew towards them, Howards laughing maniacally as he fiddled at the table, drawing on a piece of paper.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know-yipe!¡± He ducked as a monster snapped at his head, his zombie turning and punching it into smithereens. Its¡¯ hand began to smoke. Scott supposed that would be very painful, if it could feel pain. He resolved not to let those things touch him. ¡°I think they¡¯re artificial lifeforms, conjured by magic to protect him!¡±

    ¡°Very astute, young man, very astute! The boss has been very generous, giving me plenty of research subjects and materials!¡± He took out a knife and sliced his palm open, letting the blood drop into a beaker full of dark-colored liquid. He quickly put a cork in it and shook it, the goop turning a lighter shade of green and frothing. He hurled it at Crenshaw, shattering on the wall when the agent ducked out of the way.

    ¡°What is this stuff?¡± Crenshaw yelled, watching the substance bubble and expand, growing exponentially. He gasped in horror and ducked as an arm made out of the slime rose up and took a swipe at his face. He watched as a dripping head formed, a vague suggestion of eyes and a gaping mouth. ¡°H-Havenbrook!¡±

    ¡°A little busy here!¡± Scott cried as he drew markings on the floor, huddled behind his zombies and chanting frantically as they fired at the doctor and his minions. Dr. Howards was grinning madly as he chanted as well, returning fire with black bolts of light from his finger. The zombies were durable, but they were getting fried with each hit. ¡°Take this, you bastard! K¡¯lthnoz, engoth veracivitae alumon krofdna efnk quazadta!¡± He grimaced from the pain shooting through his body and spat blood, but it was worth it as Dr. Howards stopped grinning and fell over. He tried to move his legs, but they buzzed with numbness.

    ¡°You paralyzed my legs?¡± he said, getting one of his minions to help him climb onto the table. The numbness was fading already, but it would be a moment before he would be able to move.

    ¡°G-Get him, guys.¡± Scott ordered, and the zombies advanced, splattering the orange creatures with their limbs as they went. The necromancer shook his head. He wasn¡¯t going to be moving quickly anytime soon. ¡°No choice. Tarantulas, spiderleg mode!¡±

    His backpack hissed and rustled, and Dr. Howards raised an eyebrow as rib bones sliced through the fabric and held fast to the teen. Scott winced as the bone spikes pierced into his back along his spine, the tendrils encased in them connecting to his nervous system. It stung, a lot, but it was nothing compared to connecting his body to the Zombie Titan Mk. 1, he¡¯d learned much from that experience. For example, instead of using himself to try and move an undead monstrosity, he connected the larger form to a smaller monster that wouldn¡¯t require so many connections to his body. In this case, four of Tarantulas¡¯s legs, shoved into specially constructed bone extenders that burst from the pack and lifted him into the air with superior strength, dangling there like a spider.

    ¡°Amber¡¯s not the only wall-crawler anymore.¡± he muttered to himself, his connection to his four new limbs strong. He grinned as Crenshaw shrieked, the ooze monster simply absorbing his fire, and quickly sludged over his boots. With not even a thought, Scott leapt into the air, cutting through the ooze with one swipe of a bone leg. The creature howled and turned, trying to slap him into paste, but the bone legs let the necromancer nimbly leap and dodge out of the way with grace.

    ¡°Yaaaaahhhh!¡± Crenshaw screamed, the ooze rearing up, his legs stuck in its body. Scott grimaced as his bones rattled; all this movement wasn¡¯t good for him. The ooze shrieked and punched down into the floor again and again, its arms reabsorbing every time they separated. Scott had an idea, but he had to get Crenshaw free first.

    ¡°Take this!¡± He reared back and drove two bone legs into the ooze, stunning it long enough to reach a hand to Crenshaw. ¡°Hurry!¡± The agent grasped his hand and Scott heaved, trying to pull the ooze apart. The process was slow, and he saw the bone began to dissolve in the monster¡¯s body. ¡°No, no, nonononono¡­yyyyyeeeeeaaaarrrrhhhhh!¡± With a splortch, Scott freed Crenshaw and tore the ooze in two, splattering everywhere as the two masses of slime smacked into the ground. He jumped into the corner with Crenshaw, watching the creature howling and moving to congeal back together, much more slowly this time.

    ¡°What-What the hell is this, Havenbrook!?¡± Crenshaw said panting, patting himself where the slime touched him. Those parts were smoking.

    ¡°D¡¯you mean the Doc Ock arms, the green slime, or the Doc over there?¡± he answered, glancing at Howards. His zombies hadn¡¯t made it closer, still splattering the minions being used as shields, but evidently Howards couldn¡¯t call up any more orange blobs, so Scott called it a win. That is, if the good doctor wasn¡¯t leaning on the wall, on unsteady legs. ¡°Crap. That curse only lasted thirty seconds.¡±

    ¡°Forget him, how do we beat that monster?¡± Crenshaw said, staring at his useless gun. Scott shrugged.

    ¡°Dunno, blow it up?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you kill it with your magic?¡± Crenshaw demanded, exasperated. ¡°We¡¯re lacking in dynamite!¡±

    ¡°Death magic would require me to touch it, it would eat me if I tried! Besides, I¡¯m not sure that thing¡¯s alive anyway. However¡­¡± he grinned, his eyes flashing. He hadn¡¯t planned to use it here, but they had to press forward, and quickly.

    Even though he was dying, even though he had lost everything, even though necromancy had cursed and isolated him, he couldn¡¯t help but enjoy the fringe benefits.

    ¡°I did bring us some boom.¡± He turned to his zombies, which had almost eradicated the shield of blob creatures protecting the good doctor.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s it for me.¡± Dr. Howards muttered, digging gout another vial from his pocket. He poured it onto his head, the purple slime dripping down his neck and shoulders, forming into a strange bat-winged creature covered in eyes, wrapped around his torso much like Tarantulas around Scott. ¡°Farewell, intruders!¡± Aided by the creature flapping its wings, Dr. Howards jumped to the window and smashed through, taking flight.

    ¡°No! Stop him!¡± Scott said.

    ¡°Forget it, we need to focus on saving our own hides!¡± Crenshaw countermanded, firing into the green ooze, rejoined and looming up, even angrier.

    ¡°Grrr¡­fine. Guards, open your bags! Groucho, Chico, Harpo, Zippo, Margaret, you¡¯re up!¡± he commanded, and the zombies obeyed. Out of the bags came five fat rats, curiously lumpy, scuttling over to their master. ¡°It¡¯s time for death and glory! Attack the green ooze!¡± The rats chittered and ran at the gloppy monster, throwing themselves headlong at it. The creature brought a heavy arm down, but the rats were too fast and burrowed into its body, chewing through mucouslike slime.

    ¡°What-¡± Crenshaw started, but Scott flung out a hand dramatically.

    ¡°Now!¡± The rats hunched over and straightened as one. Scott grabbed Crenshaw and with a mighty leap of the bone legs hurled them away. ¡°Cover us! Get down!¡± The zombie commandos threw themselves on their master and the agent as a heartbeat went by, the ooze creature roaring a challenge. Another heartbeat, then¡­KA-BOOM! KA-BOOM! KA-BOOM!

    The monster shrieked and moaned as it collapsed and dissolved into a thin, bubbling, watery substance, the grenades the rats were carrying having done their job. Crenshaw coughed in the smoke and crumbling plaster, and sat up, staring at the destruction. There was little left of the lab, the debris was mostly on fire, and there was a hole in the wall. Or rather, there was some bricks where the wall used to be. He turned to the necromancer, clearing out his ringing ears.

    ¡°Zombie suicide bombers?¡± he said.

    ¡°What? Oh yeah. Williams helped me set up the grenades. I wish I didn¡¯t have to use up all five, though.¡± He stared at the ooze monster¡¯s head, still groaning and alive. On his bone legs, he walked over and stabbed it, splattering it for good. ¡°Jeez, even that wasn¡¯t enough for a full kill.¡± he said, watching a crack in the leg split wider. Crenshaw sighed and got on his comm.

    ¡°This is Crenshaw. All units report in. Status?¡±

    ¡°Crenshaw! You¡¯re (bzzzt) alive! Are (bzzt) okay? Is the kid okay?¡± The comm was staticy and faint, and he frowned as Cross sighed in relief.

    ¡°Cross, you¡¯re breaking up. Agents, come in. What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°Mission¡¯s borked, sir.¡± Price came on, sounding exhausted. ¡°Loomis is down, Hewett is incapacitated, zombies are gone, and Williams is incommunicado, but when we passed the door the office was destroyed and the railing Samagan was cuffed to had been ripped outta the cement and embedded in the wall, doesn¡¯t look good. Fausto turned out to be a monster, some kind of Satan-looking guy.¡±

    ¡°A daemon.¡± Scott muttered, scowling. This wasn¡¯t good.

    ¡°We retreated, we¡¯re in the van. It was all we could do to get out alive. We don¡¯t know where Fausto is, could be anywhere. If it weren¡¯t for those zombies Scott gave us we wouldn¡¯t have made it. We¡¯re currently resupplying, but we don¡¯t know how long it¡¯ll be until we get up there again, or how much help we¡¯ll be.¡± Price added bitterly.

    ¡°Did you see a man fly out through a window?¡± Crenshaw asked. ¡°Do you know which way he went?¡±

    ¡°Huh? No-?¡±

    ¡°Damn. We pursued Howards into his lab, he sicced slime monsters on us. We blew them up-¡±

    ¡°¡®We?¡¯¡± Scott said, but Crenshaw ignored him.

    ¡°-but he got away. At least the Taboo refinery machine¡¯s been destroyed.¡± he finished.

    ¡°Hate to break up this little powwow, but we¡¯ve got incoming. Delacroix¡¯s personal chopper¡¯s been radioed, it¡¯s headed your way now. I¡¯m also picking up police signals, they¡¯re on their way too, apparently there are terrorists attacking Metatech Pharmaceuticals.¡± Cross barked. Crenshaw turned and stared out the hole, where NYPD copters could be seen in the distance. That¡­they weren¡¯t¡­he¡¯d cleared it with his superiors, there wasn¡¯t supposed to be any interference! ¡°What¡¯re we gonna do?¡±

    Crenshaw looked at the helicopters, at the necromancer tending to his wounds with a scowl, and glanced at the ceiling. They were only seven flights away. He nodded.

    ¡°Roger. You all get yourselves back to the base in the hotel, the retreat to the safehouse in Albany. Special Agent Havenbrook and I will attempt to eliminate the final target, otherwise they could resume operations. That is, if you¡¯re feeling up to it, Havenbrook.¡± he said to the teen, ripping Tarantulas free from the damaged bone legs. The first two had dissolved form the monster¡¯s body.

    ¡°We¡¯re the closest, it¡¯s our only shot to get the guy who made Amber fly off. Yeah, I¡¯m going for him, you there or not.¡± he grunted.

    ¡°What! I don¡¯t believe you two, that is the absolute worst-¡± Crenshaw tapped his comm, shutting off Cross¡¯s squawking.

    ¡°Right. We might not make it out alive.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not anyway, no matter what.¡± Scott said simply. Crenshaw nodded.

    ¡°Right. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Your evacuation helicopter will land in t-minus eight minutes, sir.¡± Delacroix¡¯s phone buzzed.

    ¡°Right. I¡¯ll be along presently.¡± He hung up and opened his desk drawer. He threw out the contents, then placed his ring into a hidden depression. There was a click, and the false bottom opened to reveal his greatest treasure, and the source of all his power: the Libris Malefactorum Arcana. He picked up the ancient black text and slid it into a specially-designed holster strap in his suit jacket, created for just such an occasion. In fact, all his suits had the same feature. He rifled through his drawers, tossing aside reports and charts in favor of filling his pockets with special rocks and papers with sigils inscribed on them, folded very carefully. He got up and shifted a painting to the side, entering in the combination to a small safe behind it. It swung open, and Delacroix smiled at the hideous gold monkey statue.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    ¡°There we are. Come to papa.¡± He carefully picked it up and put it in his pocket, muttering a small incantation to keep it secure. Once that was done he paused, listening to the sound of gunfire and footsteps, drawing closer. Forgoing anything else from his office, he crossed to the wall and hit the button, sliding the doors to his private elevator open. That wasn¡¯t the only door that opened though; the grand doors leading in were smashed down, five commandos rushing in, guns drawn.

    ¡°Good evening gentlemen. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company tonight?¡± he said, turning to face them and sounding supremely unperturbed.

    ¡°It¡¯s over, Delacroix! We know about your Taboo production, and we¡¯ve ended it! Surrender peacefully, or be shot!¡± Crenshaw said, finger on the trigger.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I have no idea what you mean.¡± Delacroix said, grinning like a tiger.

    ¡°Yeah, get bent. FIRE!¡± Scott ordered, his zombies unloading the rest of their clips at the company president.

    ¡°Swvah.¡± he said simply, and the bullets impacted his shielding spell. Scott grunted.

    ¡°Knew it. Grab him, you fools!¡± The zombies threw down their guns and charged, but Delacroix threw a small pebble onto the floor in front of them. The carpet rippled and swirled, becoming as viscous and deadly as quicksand. The zombies sunk to their waists in the floor, helpless despite all their strength. Scott snorted.

    ¡°You see my little necromancer, Taboo distillation is a very useful process. We take pages of the Libris Malefactorum Arcana and render them down into a liquid. Dr. Howards is a genius. He can coat all sorts of drugs with whatever spell we desire, or he can refine the concoction even further to create pre-made spells. No ritual circle, no incantations, just poof! Instant magic. For example.¡± He held up another stone, a dull red. ¡°This will summon my Head of Shipping in a flash, no muss, no fuss. All you need do is break it.¡± He let go, and Scott and Crenshaw¡¯s eyes were wide as they watched it fall, splintering on the ground. A bloody circle with a pentagram formed instantly, the room darkening as Fausto¡¯s daemonic form rose form the center.

    ¡°Hah, another batch of soldier boys for me to wreck? You do know how to treat me, master.¡± he said, cracking his knuckles and smiling sharply.

    ¡°Indeed, Johan. Please enjoy their blood and screams with my compliments. See you, intruders.¡± With a smile and a two-fingered salute, Delacroix stepped back into the elevator and the doors closed. Crenshaw fired two bullets, but the doors were bulletproof. Suddenly Fausto was there, squeezing the barrel of his gun flat and waving an admonishing finger in his face.

    ¡°Ah-ah-ahhhh. That¡¯s not the way we play this game. The rules are, I hurt you and you scream.¡± he said sinisterly. ¡°In facghhmph!¡± Crenshaw¡¯s hand shoved into his gaping maw and pulled out, ducking for cover and Scott doing the same, shouting

    ¡°Now!¡± A bird¡¯s head popped out of Fausto¡¯s mouth, and he stared at it for a moment in confusion.

    ¡°Ca-caw!¡± Long enough for the grenade the bird had been carrying to explode in the daemon¡¯s throat. He reeled back, gasping and dripping blood and gore, but still very much alive.

    ¡°Yuuugh¡­llll ghlll yuuuuuu!¡± he choked. Crenshaw winced as he saw the daemon missing his throat and jaw.

    ¡°How is it still alive?¡±

    ¡°Daemons are tougher than you think, they¡¯re not made of ordinary matter. But he¡¯s not Delacroix!¡± Scott said, grimacing. He tested the floor, and it was still like quicksand. Fausto, of course, could simply flap his wings and remain above it like nothing, but Scott didn¡¯t have any weight-altering or levitation spells, all he had were zombies stuck in the goop. But that gave him an idea. ¡°Can you deal with the daemon?¡± he asked Crenshaw.

    ¡°Not really, no. Were you going after Delacroix?¡± Crenshaw said, hurriedly pulling out his revolver as Scott nodded. ¡°Then I will make do. Have your men grab the beast and pull him into the floor. I will make sure the daemon will be encased.¡±

    ¡°Got it. Zombies! Throw me to the door!¡± He jumped into the arms of one, and was passed like a football to the elevator. Fausto flapped his wings and howled, but a hail of gunfire from Crenshaw made him turn.

    ¡°You¡¯re dealing with me, not him. Come on, I¡¯ll rip the rest of your head off.¡± he said.

    ¡°Lll ghhhlllll oooh allllll!¡± Fausto shrieked, flexing and flaring his wings. He pointed a finger at the agent, rearranging his insides to expel the bullets inside him back. Crenshaw dropped his gun to Fausto¡¯s surprise and leapt forward, grabbing his finger and shoving it into the floor as he fell. Fausto snarled and brought his other hand up, but Crenshaw grabbed that too and plunged it into the viscous ground before he could react.

    ¡°Ooool!¡± Faust started working his wings, trying to fly free. Crenshaw hooked his heel around the daemon¡¯s thigh and slammed it back into the muck, making it more difficult to break out. ¡°Aaahh are ooh ooiee!?¡±

    ¡°Havenbrook! Your guards! Grab him now!¡± Crenshaw shouted to the wide-eyed necromancer.

    ¡°B-But then you¡¯ll-¡±

    ¡°Now!¡± Crenshaw ordered. Shocked and hesitant, Scott saw the daemon beginning to pull free. This was their only chance.

    ¡°G-Guards! Grab the daemon!¡± he commanded, eyes closed. The undead soldiers moaned and reached out entangling hands, the farthest one not even coming close but the other two snaring him and holding him down as they sank. ¡°C-Crenshaw!¡±

    ¡°This is fine! I¡¯ve spent the last twenty years wrestling with the unnatural, it¡¯s fitting this is my last operation!¡± he shouted, squeezing Fausto tightly as he thrashed and flailed.

    ¡°Eeeeh ooohhhh eee!¡± Fausto howled, flapping his wings, trying to wiggle, turn, or break free. His great strength, enough to rip a truck in half, would have easily freed him-had he been able to use it. Laying at the angle he was at, being grabbed and pulled, he couldn¡¯t brace on anything, couldn¡¯t actually push off of anything. The more he tried to futily gain leverage, the more he sank with Crenshaw.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have time for this. Forget me. Go!¡± Crenshaw said. Scott, eyes flickering green, nodded and turned, entering the elevator. Crenshaw smiled as the doors closed on the necromancer.

    ¡°Ooh oool! Ooh ill aie ooo!¡± Fausto said, his body swallowed by the ground.

    ¡°So be it. Death comes for us all. Including your kind!¡± Both of their heads sank through the floor, and the office was quiet.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Scott was panting heavily as the elevator rose. His bones ached, his muscles felt shredded, and he wanted nothing more than to lie down and not get up again. His eyes flickered with necrotic energy, the unnatural toxic emerald glow winking on and off erratically. He hacked up a glob of blood and spat into the corner. This wasn¡¯t good. All this fighting and spellcasting had drained him more than he¡¯d thought; his estimate of a month seemed generous, with how strained he was. At this rate, he wouldn¡¯t last a week. He clenched his fist, breathing deeply. If that was what happened, so be it. The bastard who was responsible for the Taboo, responsible for Amber, was on the roof. He choked the blood down and unzipped his bulging pack to get out Tarantulas. The multiple rat heads hissed and squeaked eagerly.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, boy. He won¡¯t be getting away.¡±

    The bell dinged, and the doors slid open to see Delacroix standing under the moon, flanked by two bodyguards, the helicopter growing in the distance.

    ¡°Where¡­d¡¯you think you¡¯re going?¡± Scott wheezed. The company president turned, regarding the necromancer with a disdainful eye.

    ¡°Hmm, you got past Fausto. The Lower Race was supposed to be competent. Oh well. Shoot him.¡± he ordered, and the guards raised their assault rifles and opened fire. Scott dove behind the AC unit, the only cover there was.

    ¡°Ugh.¡± he moaned, coughing. His insides felt runny and hot, but he would not allow himself to fall before his vengeance was through. He shook his head. ¡°Yeah, this ain¡¯t happening.¡± He stuck two fingers in his mouth and whistled. From the darkening sky encircling the building came his three birds, each zombified and carrying a grenade. He grinned. ¡°All of them!¡± he commanded, and the birds dutifully pulled the pins and dropped their payloads. ¡°Death form above!¡±

    The guards screamed as the explosions erupted around them, blowing one away and knocking the other off the building. Scott sent a quick mental apology and a promise to resurrect them later, if possible. Delacroix of course, was unhurt with his shield spell. He took his hands out of his pockets and started to clap sarcastically slow.

    ¡°Bravo, just bravo. You¡¯ve managed to eliminate what, two of my mundane guards? And I think you might¡¯ve been able to wrinkle my jacket with all this wind. Top of the grade. Good job, good job.¡±

    ¡°Shut up.¡± Scott growled.

    ¡°I¡¯d love to stay and play with you some more, but my ride¡¯s here. How does it feel, accomplishing nothing?¡± Delacroix continued, the biggest smile on his face below hard, glinting eyes.

    ¡°I said shut up! Tarantulas!¡± At his shout Tarantulas leapt onto Delacroix from behind, having snuck up on him in the confusion. Delacroix turned and managed to catch it with his elbow, but the spidery legs clamped down on his arm, extending its¡¯ rat heads on bone protrusions, biting and snapping at his face.

    ¡°Aaugh! What is this!?¡± Delacroix cried, weaving and shaking his arm. ¡°Get off me!¡± With a heave, he flung the creature off his arm, but then noticed Scott right in front of him, his palm glowing green, pulsing with necrotic energy. With a furious howl, the necromancer slammed his palm into Delacroix¡¯s chest.

    ¡°Sekh!¡±

    ¡°Heizvahkh!¡± Delacroix incanted, and Scott watched in horror as the necrotic power left his palm¡­and did absolutely nothing.

    ¡°W-What? That spell-¡±

    ¡°Goddamn brat!¡± Delacroix threw a right hook that smashed into Scott¡¯s jaw, rattling his brain. The teen fell to the ground, but didn¡¯t even get time to register that before Delacroix started kicking and stomping him, each hit a burst of fresh pain in his organs. ¡°That was, of course, the opposite spell of yours. Think about it.¡± The point of his shoe ripped into Scott¡¯s gut, making him double over. ¡°All that little incantation does is channel the energy of death! To counter it all you need is a burst of life energy to cancel it out! Positive and negative! Moron.¡± He finished with a stomp to Scott¡¯s hand, making him cry out. The company president stood up and straightened his suit out, smoothing the lines form his exertion.

    Back inside, Fausto and Crenshaw were sucked all the way through the floor, falling through a burst of plaster and rubble. The daemon bellowed and clawed the zombies clinging to him into shreds while Crenshaw saw his chance and snuck away behind a desk, clutching his aching ribs.

    ¡°No, no, no.¡± he muttered under his breath, limping low behind cover as the daemon rampaged, trying to find him. The comm in his ear had been flicked on, so he could hear what had transpired. ¡°Keep it together, Havenbrook. I¡¯m coming.¡± He hadn¡¯t prepared to give his life just so Havenbrook could fail now. He peered over the desk he was crouched behind, Fausto letting out a roar and stream of flame from his mouth in rage. ¡°Hopefully.¡±

    Back on the roof, Delacroix turned and began to walk away, but he heard a cough behind him. He looked to see Scott rise to his unsteady feet, battered and bloody, but not broken yet. ¡°You serious? You look like a zombie.¡±

    ¡°How¡­appropriate.¡± Scott said, panting heavily. Suddenly, a huge spotlight was shone down on the roof, blinding him.

    ¡°This is the police! Throw down your weapons and surrender!¡±

    ¡°Are you freaking kidding me!?¡± he yelled, stomping his foot in frustration. ¡°Larry, Moe, Curly, go!¡± The undead avians cawed and flew at the police copter, covering the windows and harrying the doors. ¡°Rrrraaaaaahhhhh!¡± Having no other options left, Scott charged forward, snatching up an assault rifle on of Delacroix¡¯s guards had dropped and letting loose, trying to angle around his shield spell. Delacroix merely turned, laughing.

    ¡°You won¡¯t get away with this, Mr. Havenbrook!¡± he said, ducking to the side as bullets whizzed past him. Scott paused, still aimed at him.

    ¡°How do you know my name?¡± Scott snarled.

    ¡°I know more than that, little necromancer.¡± he grinned. ¡°I know what happened to your little girlfriend, it¡¯s very amusing, I know all about that outfit you and Cross work for, and I know you won¡¯t survive tonight. Wanna know how I know all this?¡± Delacroix smirked, hand on his chin.

    ¡°Because I told him.¡± One voice cut through the chaos and noise of the shouting, helicopters, and gunfire. It was cold, but not harsh; instead, it possessed an oily, slimy quality that chilled him to the bone and hung in his ears for far too long. It was the voice of a nightmare in the early waking hours. Something had grabbed his ankle, and he saw a black shadow, human-shaped, latching a clawlike hand onto his leg. A horrible, terrifyingly familiar toothy white grin split the head in half, but now it turned a single burning pink eye onto him. His heart stopped. His blood was ice. His mind was blank. ¡°Hello again, Scott.

    Terrifying memories of the thing in Brian¡¯s shadow flashed through his head. But now it was here, in this world and itwasgrabbinghim!

    ¡°Rie¡­Rie¡­¡± he said breathlessly, the shock stealing his voice.

    ¡°Riepaimva, thank you much.¡± it giggled, clamping down tighter. He tried to scream, but the sound wouldn¡¯t come. He tried to aim the gun in his hands at his own leg to shoot it off, but his hands would not move, no matter how hard he tried. ¡°It¡¯s no use. I¡¯ve got you now.¡± He grabbed Scott¡¯s other leg. ¡°Ke¡¯valsh agtona fhtyunghj eslpgyrndn ouibbu-hxdhnvf anghtyewyv! Ke¡¯valsh agtona fhtyunghj eslpgyrndn ouibbu-hxdhnvf anghtyewyv! Ke¡¯valsh agtona fhtyunghj eslpgyrndn ouibbu-hxdhnvf anghtyewyv!¡± he chanted impossibly quickly, the words seeming to arrive at the same time. Scott¡¯s birds fell away, severed form the animating power. ¡°Time to do as the policeman said, Scott.¡± His hands threw down the gun as Delacroix¡¯s private helicopter arrived, the businessman cklimbing aboard. The police¡¯s spotlight shone down on Scott¡¯s face, a mask of calmness and neutrality belieing the panic within. ¡°Good. Now walk, puppet.¡± The shadowy black arms began to walk his legs manually, his body moving helplessly as the accursed abomination wished. ¡°You know, I must thank you, Scott. If I had been bound to that friend of yours, I¡¯d never be able to put this plan into motion. And he was sooo boring and stupid. Really, it¡¯s for the best he died. Of course, he was still mine, so I have to kill you for that.¡±

    ¡°L-Liar.¡± Scott choked out, tears running down his face. The edge was coming closer and closer, and no matter how he struggled, no matter what spell he could think of, there was nothing he could do to stop it.

    ¡°Ah, you got me there. I could care less about that fool. His death was part of my plan, in fact. And you¡¯ve been a big help to me, doing my will in killing him and staging this little assault. But now, your usefulness has come to an end, and I don¡¯t want you attempting to stop me, no matter how much you couldn¡¯t. Like swatting an annoying fly.¡± Riepaimva said, grinning maliciously.

    ¡°No¡­nng, rrgh!¡± Scott strained his muscles as hard as he could, but there was nothing that could be done.

    Cross watched white-faced with the other agents in the van as a news chopper recorded what was happening, broadcasting live. She could see him walk to the edge, but could hear what was really going on.

    ¡°Dear God¡­kid, no¡­¡± she said breathlessly.

    The dark god had walked him to the edge, the city lights below, the spotlights all shining down on him. Delacroix had bundled himself into his personal helicopter, while three others circled the building. The whipping wind chilled the beads of sweat on his skin, his heart thudding in his chest. There wasn¡¯t any of his usual trying to calm himself down to think; this had to be the moment he somehow miraculously broke free, now. The thudding of the helicopter blades and sounds of traffic below were dull in his ears as his feet climbed up onto the ledge. He stood there, paralyzed, forced to see the incredible height the roof was from the ground.

    ¡°P-Please no¡­¡± he whimpered.

    ¡°As a token of my thanks, any last words?¡± Riepaimva said as it reached a third clawed arm to his back, tracing a sigil into his skin. Scott wanted to scream in agony as his skin lit on fire, but he stood silent and stock-still. He could feel every line like a razorblade dipped in salt. It was a sigil he knew very well. It would speed his soul to the afterlife, no chance to come back as a ghost or other type of undead. No chance at all.

    ¡°Y-Yeah.¡± Scott choked out. Whatever else, Riepaimva was quick. The spell had been cast nearly instantly. ¡°I-¡±

    ¡°Too bad.¡± With a shadowy, six-fingered hand, Scott was pushed.

    He didn¡¯t scream as he fell. The wind and shock sucked the air from his lungs. Light, darkness, light; that was all he could make out as he tumbled head over heels, the city lights below and the bright full moon, bringer of magic and calamity above, the building wedged between. He flapped his arms, instinctively trying to right himself, to slow himself, anything to stop what was coming next. He spun himself to face the sky, the sky that Amber had disappeared into, the sky that Desmond Delacroix now looked down smiling at from above, a dark mass with one hissing bright pink eye gathered on the bottom of the helicopter.

    ¡®This-this is it.¡¯ he realized. ¡®I¡¯m, I¡¯m sorry Amber. I never meant for any of this to happen.¡¯ As the building grew taller and taller, a strange sense of calm descended upon him, accepting the inevitability of death. Not, in fact, from the necrotic poisoning. It was kind of funny; so this was how his life-

 Chapter 17: The Show Must Go On

    On that night, a family of now three watched in open-mouthed horror at the broadcast, covering a terrorist attack in the heart of New York City. Dan, Rebecca, and Clayton Havenbrook stared at their son/brother, unloading a clip at the head of a major corporation, then as Delacroix was saved by his helicopter they watched him turn and walk off the 75-story building. In the coming days, there was a media frenzy, a circle of sharklike cameras and microphones shoved in their faces whenever they went out. And they had to go out, for a week later, there was a funeral.

    The body had been quickly transported and prepared, the service on a grey, humid morning with the sun threatening to break out. Scott¡¯s father sat there stone-faced. His mother quietly wept. And his brother kept shaking his head. The when and the how Scott had joined a terrorist cell for an assault on the company were on many people¡¯s minds, but the most pressing question, the one no one had been able to answer, was why.

    ¡°I have no idea why the young man was deluded into thinking killing me was a good idea. If it was a bout some anti-capitalist ideal, it was wrong. Even if I die, my company will go on. It¡¯s a total mystery, and if I had done something to wrong someone I am sorry. I just feel for the poor boy¡¯s family, they must be going through so much. Please, keep an eye on your children. In light of this, I am highlighting several groups that could help troubled youth, if you have any questions please consult our website or call our toll-free phone number, we have trained therapists on hand twenty-four hours a day.¡± Desmond Delacroix had said in a statement to the press, and had been generous enough to pay for the service in full. They had enough to worry about he¡¯d said, an unseen smirk playing across his face.

    It was a closed casket funeral, deep in the cemetery away from the prying paparazzi. The body had been reconstructed, but the damage had been too great for viewing. Not many people came¡¯ his grandparents, an aunt who was never particularly close, and the Harris¡¯s.

    ¡°I am so sorry for your loss. I know the fear and pain of nearly losing your child, I can¡¯t imagine what you must be going through right now.¡± Mr. Harris had said afterwards. ¡°Amber is¡­away at the moment. She doesn¡¯t know yet. I¡­when she gets back, we¡¯ll break it to her gently.¡±

    Now the bright summer days seemed cold and dark. Dan stopped off at the bar every day now. Rebecca let dishes pile up and laundry go unfolded, just grabbing McDonalds for every meal now. She just didn¡¯t have it in her to cook anymore. Clay was out late at night, driving around town with a scowl, no fixed destination.

    There were unseen observers at the funeral, too far away to be noticed. Scott¡¯s former apprentices had been hidden behind a tree to pay their respects. They had no official way to attend, but Riley and Connor knew he¡¯d understand. He¡¯d drilled the importance of secrecy in to them, after all.

    Riley had bawled her eyes out for the entire day after the news broke, to the confusion of her family. Connor had been in a similar melancholy state, and even now hadn¡¯t shaken it, a day after the funeral. He¡¯d been loath to admit it, but learning from Scott had been fun. He¡¯d become closer to the teen than he¡¯d thought, and his absence made his chest ache. Riley was nearly inconsolable, even as she stole away to practice what little Scott had taught her. It was her passion, and the only thing that made her feel better; in fact, going over the mystic formulas made her feel connected to him, even ephemerally. They¡¯d searched high and low, revisiting Blackwell Manor and informing the Captain and the Simmons, but Scott¡¯s spirit was nowhere to be found. Al mournfully held his wife up, while the Captain sorrowfully and somberly held his hat to his chest and recited the Lord¡¯s Prayer. Riley was sure such a powerful necromancer would have come back as a ghost, but apparently he¡¯d been at peace, or at least at peace enough to move on.

    But her own practice wasn¡¯t enough, not with the meager notes she¡¯d had on her. Now, at midnight, Connor and Riley had snuck out of their houses to meet at the warehouse. The full moon shone balefully overhead, framed by the clouds from earlier today.

    ¡°You sure about this?¡± Connor asked, already knowing the answer. Riley nodded, her brown eyes shining.

    ¡°It¡¯s what he would¡¯ve wanted. Probably.¡± she said. They took out the key from the fake rock next to the door, and stepped foot into the sacred necromancy lab for the first time in over a week. This time, there were no bustling undead, no industry performed by corpses. Scott had consolidated his zombies, harvesting their tissues to create his elite bodyguards. Riley shivered as they walked through. It was unnatural. The air seemed too warm and still, without the heavy feeling of oppression and menace that it normally had. The chains on the special table, where Scott had to restrain¡­difficult subjects, didn¡¯t even creak ominously at their passing. She sighed.

    Turning on the lights seemed wrong, so they navigated Scott¡¯s desk by flashlight. Connor nearly jumped when his light played over something large and white, but it was just a motionless Bones. Riley started rummaging through the desk.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, c¡¯mon, where is it?¡± she muttered as she searched.

    ¡°Is it still even here? Did he take it with him?¡± Connor said, opening a filing cabinet.

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think so. I could¡¯ve sworn he left it on his desk when he left. I guess we¡¯ll have to search-¡±

    Riley¡­

    Her head turned sharply, as she heard her name whispered. There was a slithering, slimy rasping sound, and she turned her flashlight to follow the noise. The light fell on the small bookshelf behind the desk, filled with anatomy books and astrological maps. There was nothing that could have made that sound.

    ¡°Did, did you hear something?¡± she asked Connor, going over to inspect the area.

    ¡°No. Why?¡± he said, pulling out his notes, consulting them for the spell to take control of Bones. It wasn¡¯t like Scott was going to be needing him.

    ¡°Nothing. Never mind, anyway. I found it.¡± Riley said, picking up the Necronomicon. Her brown eyes began to flicker and glow a dark, foresty green.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Damn it¡­this is all your fault, Crenshaw.¡± Cross said dully, scratching her signature on the last of the reports. It had taken a week for the proper paperwork to be filled out. And it did not help that her partner had been in the hospital with a dislocated shoulder, bruised lungs and three cracked ribs. Then, after two days of recovery, he had disappeared, saying he was headed to one of the head honchos in the Pentagon. She¡¯d barely seen him, and that was probably for the best.

    ¡°Nnnrrrrgg¡­when I get my hands on him¡­¡± she muttered, snapping the pen in her fingers. She had been sullen and moody all week, unlike the professional demeanor she had before. Her barely-contained anger and frustration threatened to boil over constantly, making it hell on the aides.

    It wasn¡¯t just that they¡¯d lost people. Margaret Cross was an experienced cop; there was more than one friend she toasted to for their absence. But now, now there were two more of them. Two children, lost. Amber, and the kid. One had vanished from the world entirely, the other was six feet under it. And it was her fault, as they were her responsibility. She¡¯d wanted to go to the Havenbrooks and tell them the full story, but Crenshaw sighed and pulled out his gun.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. They weren¡¯t in the loop, they stay out of the loop. Official policy, no matter how you might feel. I¡¯d have to shoot you myself, if I knew.¡± Crenshaw said dully. To his regret, as the tirade she¡¯d gone on got her ejected by orderlies from the hospital, one with a freshly broken nose and additional recovery time for Crenshaw, who now had a broken gun. But his point had been clear, and she couldn¡¯t fight everyone she was now working with. No matter how much she might want to.

    She had growled and started pacing when there was a timid knock on the door.

    ¡°Come in.¡± she snarled, and a younger agent, white as a sheet entered cautiously.

    ¡°Uh, ma¡¯am? I-I don¡¯t mean to disturb you, but¡­¡±

    ¡°Out with it.¡± she snapped, drawing herself up to her full height, four inches over his. He gulped and nodded.

    ¡°Well, you see¡­there¡¯s an intruder.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± She narrowed her eyes. ¡°So stop him.¡±

    ¡°Uh, that¡¯s the point, ma¡¯am¡­we can¡¯t.¡± he said, trembling. Cross donned her jacket.

    ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡±

    They went down into the main command center, where technicians and agents were all in a scramble, outside monitors displaying what could only be described as an onslaught as a hooded figure dodged gunfire, pummeling and incapacitating agents with swift, sure, and pinpoint precise strikes to knees, necks, and organs.

    ¡°Eight minutes ago a car parked at the edge of the lot, and he got out. H-He ignored the warning signs and walked straight in. The first two guards didn¡¯t stand a chance, and while our reinforcements were able to force him back out, as you can see¡­¡± the aide trailed off.

    ¡°He¡¯s not human!¡± someone screamed as the figure lifted one of the smaller agents above his head, throwing him into a group of others. He used that chance to break through the entrance, sprinting the doors and agents with his shoulder down like a linebacker.

    ¡°Bring up the main hall!¡± Cross shouted, and the monitors displayed him charging through her men, barely slowing to deal with them. She saw one of them hiding behind the turn in the corridor, gun at the ready. As the hooded figure passed he pointed the weapon at the figure¡¯s head. Cross knew what was next before the hooded man; a pull of the trigger to send a bullet into his skull. With the hood, the man had no peripheral vision. So it was with great surprise when the figure turned and there was a flash, a gout of flame searing through the barrel, cutting it off. The agent stared in shock at the gun as the figure ran off, having just enough presence of mind not to fire.

    ¡°Elevator camera, now! Everyone fall back, get ready here! Point every gun you¡¯ve got at the door!¡± Cross commanded, drawing her Glock and checking the ammo. On the monitor, the intruder used that weird fire to cut a square in the floor of the elevator and dropped in, swinging and using the elevator cable to rappel down. Cross swore; now they wouldn¡¯t know when he¡¯d be coming. ¡°Everyone ready, NOW!¡±

    Not a full minute later, a blade pierced through the door, prying it open. Cross and the other agents opened fire but the intruder had anticipated that, rolling to the ground before the doors finished moving. He sprang up, large and quick, looming over the agents. Screams erupted as steel and fire flashed, cutting gunbarrels in hands off with smooth precision. The figure had a sword, unadorned and three feet long with a cross-shaped hilt. Cross groaned.

    ¡°Hold your fire! Everyone stand DOWN! That includes you, buster!¡± she hollered, putting her gun away. The figure, pausing for the first time, stared at Cross.

    ¡°Detective!¡± he said, pulling down his hood to reveal the long golden locks and smiling, lightly perspiring face of Leo Manning. ¡°Oh, I do apologize for my rough entry, the guards wouldn¡¯t let me in and Lagdinras told me I would find answers here. I¡¯ve been away visiting colleges, and on the news I see one of my friends attacking a corporation, and then walk off a ledge. So please.¡± He leaned back, resting his sword on his shoulder, but every inch of him screamed lion among a herd of sheep. ¡°Care to fill me in?¡±

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Drip, drip.

    ¡°You know mother, it¡¯s a lot quieter around here nowadays.¡± Yun said, reclining on the couch.

    Drip, drip.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice. It¡¯s peaceful. I¡¯m feeling much better than I have in years.

    Drip, drip.

    ¡°I¡¯ve had this knot in my stomach, every time I come home from school, every time you passed by or called my name. I hated that. I could never relax, never really relax, in my own home. Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s deplorable?¡±Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Drip, drip.

    ¡°But now I¡¯m feeling better. I¡¯m getting more sleep, and I don¡¯t even have to go to school anymore, not if I don¡¯t want to. I bet you hate that, don¡¯t you, not being able to foist me off to a high-paying career so you can live off my money. I know that was the plan.¡±

    Drip, drip.

    ¡°But, as you¡¯ve found out, plans change. I have my own hopes and desires. You drove me to this, you know. But now, I¡¯m free. You can never bother me again. After all, my plans overrode yours in the end.¡± Yun popped a red pill into his mouth and swallowed, staring at his mother¡¯s head mounted to a stake and driven into the middle of the living room, with a smile. He took a deep breath and let it out, letting all his tension flow away. ¡°Now then. What to do with you?¡± He turned his head to the gigantic bright red, yellow, and black centipede curled up behind and next to the couch, four feet wide and over thirty feet long. If you counted from its¡¯ slavering twelve-inch mandibles. Both blood and saliva dripped onto the carpet. Yun sighed. What came next? He glanced to his left. There was a massive mound of gold and silver jewelry, along with valuable gems and a truly enormous pile of yuan. Yun estimated a couple billion easily. With that pile of cash, he¡¯d never have to work a day in his life. He shook his head. There was nothing stopping him now.

    The Gudan ritual had worked perfectly. After months of gathering insects and stuffing them into the jar, with painstakingly written sigils and seals written from his own blood, the ceremony was complete. The only bug that had proved strong enough, that had survived to consume the others, had emerged to be his servant. Yun was quite surprised at first. After so long, with so much secretive effort, he¡¯d thought he¡¯d simply lost his mind. But no, once the jar was ready he¡¯d unsealed it, a gaping maw of pure darkness. From that void emerged his centipede servant like a geyser, spilling into his room and wrapping around his stunned, laughing body. It had worked, the spell was real! He felt no fear, because the centipede couldn¡¯t hurt him, not yet at least. It crawled out his window, bringing him more and more cash and valuables every day. Which led to his mother discovering it yesterday, which led to a fight, which led him to command his servant to come out of the hole underneath the sink and tear her to pieces. Now he was rich, powerful, and free. He stared at the pile of treasure and smiled happily. There was no one left to tell him what to do. But that did leave the question: what did he want to do next?

    Yun was snapped out of his daydreams by a knock on the door. Was it one of his mother¡¯s friends? He certainly didn¡¯t have any, not offline at least. He cautiously got up and opened the door a crack.

    ¡°Hello?¡± In front of the door was a tall, gorgeous woman dressed in a suit. She smiled disarmingly.

    ¡°Good afternoon. Is this the residence of Yun Saici? Are you he?¡± she said demurely.

    ¡°Yeah? What¡¯s up?¡± he asked.

    ¡°May I come in to discuss the matter with you?¡± she said, and the centipede crawled from the couch along the wall, still hidden from view but ready to strike. Yun glanced at it, the pile of money, and his mother¡¯s severed head nervously.

    ¡°Uh¡­no, not at the moment. My mother¡¯s¡­out at the moment, she doesn¡¯t like people over when she¡¯s not here.¡± He said quickly.

    ¡°Very well then. Mr. Saici, I¡¯ll get to the point: you¡¯ve been taking the Taboo we¡¯ve provided for several months now, and we¡¯re most impressed with what you¡¯ve accomplished.¡± she said pleasantly. He stared at her, wide-eyed.

    ¡°W-What? N-No, you got it wrong, I-¡±

    ¡°-have enormous talent! Oh, my!¡± Yun didn¡¯t know what happened. One second she was outside in the hall, the next she¡¯d somehow slipped past him and was in the apartment. He looked at her, then the door. The chain was still on it, open only a crack. Then he remembered the head in the living room, a head which she was¡­admiring? ¡°Magnifique. I didn¡¯t know you were an artist, Mr. Saici.¡± She drifted over to the centipede while he stared, slack-jawed. She put her fingers delicately on its carapace, gently tracing the arc of exoskeleton near its quivering jaws. ¡°¡­beautiful. Simply beautiful, Yun Saici. You have quite a talent for this.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re¡­not upset?¡± he said, finding his voice at last. She chuckled.

    ¡°Heavens, no! Mr. Saici, I am a representative of the Society of the Third Eye. We work hand in hand with Metatech Pharmaceuticals, who supply both us and the world with Taboo. Our morality is not as¡­conventional as you may be used to.  We understand these things. Overbearing mothers, societal expectations and pressures¡­¡± She sighed and shrugged, as if saying ¡®what can you do?¡¯ ¡°But that, in fact, is why we were formed. We are an organization created to change the world. And we will do it through Taboo. And we¡¯re currently recruiting like-minded individuals, who might be able to perform some jobs for us, as well as provide some extra security. We can provide you a new direction, Mr. Saici, a new direction and a new dimension in which to practice and refine your skill. How¡¯s your English, Mr. Saici?¡± she asked suddenly.

    ¡°Uh, not so great, I guess. They had some classes in school¡­¡±

    ¡°Ahh, you¡¯re a smart boy, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll pick it up in no time. You will of course be compensated handsomely for your efforts, as well as access to all the Taboo you desire. So what do you say, Mr. Saici?¡±

    Yun took a moment, weighing her words. He eyed the treasure, and his servant. If he ran away, he¡¯d have to be rid of both. The authorities would eventually corner him, and even with a servant bringing him whatever he wanted he¡¯d be killed or jailed. But she was offering a complete out, with all he could ever want. He gave her a sickly grin.

    ¡°Sounds fantastic. When do we leave?¡±

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Light years away, roughly five days ago from present Earth time, Amber hummed merrily as she laid down gravity web, reinforcing the bonds of matter, expanding into more space. It was dizzying, being on the edge between existence and void, but she¡¯d fallen into nothingness three times by now, and her new instincts hadn¡¯t failed her. With a single spell, she¡¯d caught herself with a strand of gravity web and swung back up to her siblings and their laughter.

    ¡®On your left.¡¯ Xx¡¯lpng said telepathically, carting a web of magnetism.

    ¡®Right, got it. We¡¯ll need some more nuclear force over in the west quadrant, its¡¯ looking a little shaky.¡¯ she thought back.

    ¡®Oh, look at you, little miss in charge. Give it three ages, you¡¯ll be our supervisor!¡¯ he laughed.

    ¡®Aw, that¡¯s not it.¡¯ she deflected humbly, blushing. ¡®I¡¯m just getting the hang of this, is all. We just need to adjust the balance of weak vs. strong nuclear force over there.¡¯

    ¡®You got it, boss!¡¯ Xx¡¯lpng thought cheekily.

    ¡®I told you, I-¡¯ She was ready to stomp her foot, when something caught her eye. She turned her head for a closer look at Earth. She focused her senses and concentrated. It was a gift all the uylata shared in concert: when they were together, their strength and psychic powers were added and shared between them, allowing them to see across galaxies and lift and manipulate the primal forces of the universe. Amber used her fantastic vision now to peer all the way to the Milky Way, onto Earth, on top of a tower in New York. There was darkness, a pervading shield that not even her superior vision could penetrate. But that wasn¡¯t important. She regarded Scott with idle curiosity as he was falling off the skyscraper. Falling, falling, falling¡­

    ¡°NO!¡± she cried, and reality shifted around her. ¡°W-What? Eek!¡± She wobbled and nearly fell over, of-balance. What was going on? What was she doing here? Scott needed her! Everyone was in trouble! Scott¡­Scott was¡­!

    ¡®Hey boss, I gotta-¡¯ Xx¡¯lpng thought as he wriggled up, but then saw her expression as she stared at him, wide-eyed in shock. ¡®Amber? What¡¯s wrong?¡¯ he thought, emanating concern.

    ¡°X-Xx¡¯lpng? I¡­you¡­I¡­¡± she started, but a wave of bubbles cut her off.

    ¡®Amber, I can¡¯t understand those sounds you make. Think clearly.¡¯

    ¡®O-Okay.¡¯ She took a deep breath, then realized she couldn¡¯t, as there was no air. ¡®I-I just saw Scott, he was my boyfriend, he is my boyfriend, he was falling and he¡­and he just hit the ground! Humans can¡¯t survive falls from those heights! And-and then everything was different, like I was walking a tightrope and now have to think about walking the rope and¡­¡¯

    ¡®Oh dear.¡¯ Xx¡¯lpng sighed mentally as she descended into psychic babble. ¡®Amber, listen to me, calm down. You¡¯ve just lost the programming Mother Uylata provides us when we ascend into service.  Everyone goes through it, though it usually takes a few centuries before they do. It helps to prevent homesickness and the chosen from running away. What happened?¡¯

    ¡®It was-it was Scott. I-I¡¯m sorry, but I have to go, I, I can¡¯t-¡¯

    ¡®You can¡¯t what, Amber? You¡¯re not a mortal anymore. I¡¯m sorry, but it¡¯s best to leave mortal concerns to the mortals. Our work demands that we stay here and keep existence form collapsing. We as individuals don¡¯t matter anymore, and that includes our mortal families and attachments. I feel for you kiddo, I really do, but it¡¯s too late. Let it go.¡¯ he emanated sadly, wrapping his bubbly tail around her shoulders.

    ¡®But I¡­but¡­¡¯ Amber stared at her white siblings, working hard to expand. She turned back to the Earth, so tiny and far away. It really did seem so small and insignificant. Especially when she realized the grand scale she operated at now. What was a few people in a place so far away, so removed from her now? In less than a hundred years, they would all be gone anyway, as time and society marched n. There was pain, yes; but if she did not stay here, the universe could in fact collapse. She stared at her hands, snow-white and now so deft and strong. She shook her head.

    She too, was once so small and insignificant. If she couldn¡¯t help her friends at the lowest level, how could she help at the highest?

    She clenched her fists and looked up at Xx¡¯lpng, eyes filled with determination.

    ¡®I know, brother. I know what it means to stay, and to leave. But now that I¡¯m fully me again, I know I have to do this. It¡¯s not right otherwise.¡¯ Through her telepathic plea, he could feel her earnestness and desperation, not to mention her subtle rebellion, if things were left the way they were. He sighed again.

    ¡®I thought you were purely a nice girl, but it turns out you¡¯re a problem child too.¡¯ he mentally chuckled.

    ¡®All girls are, at heart.¡¯ she thought sweetly, giving him a big, innocent grin.

    ¡®Well, I¡¯m not getting caught up in that. Fights between women should stay between women, so let¡¯s get it over with. Come. We¡¯re going to see the uylata spider. Avesh.¡¯

    ¡°Avesh.¡± They shot gravity webs out and climbed down, towards their mother.

    An hour in Earth time later, the grand web of the universe began to shake. Amber gulped. She knew who her second mother was, and her mission, but it was the first time meeting her arachnid matriarch. AS the shaking grew more intense, she suddenly felt very, very small.

    If it weren¡¯t for the collective psychic perception of the uylata, Amber wouldn¡¯t even be able to see the spider. Legs as long as stars delicately set down upon gossamer gravity strands, pure white fur bristling on her body, eight eyes the size of mountains opening and closing alternately as she made her way forward, mandibles waving. The sheer scale of the uylata spider was mindboggling. Larger than a planet, Amber wasn¡¯t even a speck in front of her. The great legs came to a stop, and Amber and Xx¡¯lpng ascended webs to approach her eye level for inspection. AS the milky white orbs focused on them, they bowed low.

    ¡®Greetings, Mother Uylata! We beseech you, please harken to our call!¡¯ Xx¡¯lpng opened formally.

    ¡®Greetings, young Xx¡¯lpng. It has been too long.¡¯ the spider whispered into their minds. Amber gasped and nearly fell over; the spider¡¯s mind was so much more than she could handle.

    ¡®I am honored, Honorable Mother! But this is not about me. A recent uylata has regained her consciousness early, before those on her home have passed.¡¯

    ¡®Ah, I see.¡¯ the spider nodded. ¡®Very well, it will not take but a moment to reassert the programming-¡¯

    ¡®Um, I¡¯d rather you didn¡¯t, Honorable Mother!¡¯ Amber interjected, sweating. If the spider had eyebrows, she would have raised them.

    ¡®Dear child, I am sorry, but the Great Work needs you. That is why I have chosen you. You have proven yourself to be brave, and loyal, and trustworthy. Such qualities are necessary for the functioning of the uylata. I am sorry Amber, but you are needed here.¡¯ She swept up two of her great legs, as if to encompass the universe. At her size, it was easy to believe she might. ¡®We are the uylata. We must perform our duty. You and the young man have proven yourselves, but he has been chosen by Zet-Mathaig. I cannot interfere with His selection.¡¯

    ¡®Wait, Leo?¡¯ Amber asked in confusion.

    ¡®Yes, that is his name. The universe grows ever larger, and we need more hands for this endeavor always. The pure of heart are the only ones worthy of becoming My disciples, and you were in a unique position for recruitment. I could not allow my scout to pass on such opportunity, when you were about to regain your full life.¡¯ the spider thought. Amber frowned.

    ¡®Wait, you mean last November after the vampires, when Scott-¡¯

    HIiiiiiiiiiiiiiiSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

    Amber, and all other beings within her telepathic reach fell to their knees, clutching their heads in agony as the spider hissed, mandibles frothing and waving angrily.

    ¡®Do not remind me of that one! He is tainted! Dark! Impure! One such as he has no place in this universe! I would crush he and all others like him, were it my purview! No my child, I could not allow him to taint you as he is, no matter his intentions. His wretched scent marks him as foul, something to be kept away from.¡¯ the spider said, trying to calm down after getting so worked up. Amber stood up angrily.

    ¡®What¡¯s wrong with Scott? I know he¡¯s not perfect, but I¡¯ve seen who he really is, not just that evil overlord veneer he likes to put on, and I¡­I love him for it! Just ¡®cause he¡¯s a necromancer, the best necromancer, doesn¡¯t make him a bad guy! I don¡¯t know what went down, but he might be dead, and my friends are in trouble! Don¡¯t you see, Mother Uylata, I have to go, even if there¡¯s nothing I can do! I¡¯ll morn him, at least, then I¡¯ll come back! But lease, even if it¡¯s only for a short while, I need to go and be there for the ones I care about. You¡¯ve given me another family mother, but I have friends and family back home that need me too! If I can¡¯t care for anything at the lowest cosmic level, how can I truly care for anything at the highest? Please, mother. I love them, and the uylata, and you. Please, let me care for everyone.¡¯ She was shaking, but she would not look away as she implored the cosmic arachnid, which in turn could not look away from her. An instant as long as an aeon passed, then at last the uylata spider sighed and looked down.

    ¡®Dear Amber, there are forces in the universe and beyond you know nothing about, and that should frighten you. If you leave the collective, your power and strength will be diminished. Knowing that, you still wish to go?¡¯

    ¡®I do.¡¯ Amber nodded. The spider sank heavier on her legs.

    ¡®Very well. Go, then. I give you¡­one week of Earth-time. Make your peace with those of the lower realm, then come back to us.¡¯ she thought sadly.

    ¡®Thank you, Mother Uylata, thank you! I promise, I will be back!¡¯ Amber thought, radiating happiness.

    ¡®I will not be able to reach out to you, but should you need my advice, simply talk to a spider. I will hear the words.¡¯ she said as Amber wrapped her arms on one of her legs in a hug.

    ¡®Don¡¯t worry, everything¡¯ll be fine. Thank you, I¡¯ll come back soon! Avesh! Avesh¡¯noagh, avesh, avesh!¡¯ She chanted, building up power for the longest gravity web she could shoot, firing across galaxies all the way to the Sol system. ¡®There. Goodbye, everybody! I¡¯ll see you in a week!¡¯ She waved as she climbed, her billions of brothers, sisters, ungendered siblings, and gn¡¯kkthoshg waving and cheering back.

    ¡®See you kiddo! Good luck!¡¯ Xx¡¯lpng called, waving his tail.

    ¡®See you!¡¯ With a final wave, she started across the universe, crawling across her web faster than light, a determined glint in her crystal blue eye.

 Chapter 18: Reunion

    ¡°Welcome back, my brothers and sisters. Welcome back!¡± Nigel said, raising his hands as if to embrace them all.

    ¡°Here you are, here you go, there you are.¡± Vanessa whispered, going through the crowd and dispersing Taboo to the members. She was dressed in a long flowing white robe, the uniform of all the senior acolytes of the Society of the Third Eye.

    ¡°Thank and bless you, Vanessa.¡± the man said, taking the pill from her.

    ¡°Thank and bless you, Warren.¡± she replied, smiling happily.

    The last few weeks had been incredible. She had met so many new people, and all of them were so nice! Leader Nigel had been personally helping her with her spells, and now she could conjure up an illusion of just about anything, and make anything seem like anything else. There was just so much to discover, and she couldn¡¯t have done it without her new friend¡¯s-her new family¡¯s help. She always seemed to be in a good mood nowadays, despite never being home. Her mother and father would never understand the transformation she had gone through, that they were all going through. And her sister? Vanessa was just glad Riley had found a new friend, so she wouldn¡¯t be stuck babysitting all the time.

    ¡°-society will never accept us or the choices we make, so we shouldn¡¯t accept them or theirs! We are the future, we have the power! But it is not enough, my brethren.¡± Nigel said as Vanesa finished up and settled down beside Janet to listen to the speech. ¡°No, because we have the power, we must take action! A call to righteousness has gone out, and we must answer it! We mustn¡¯t be simply content to await the future, because every moment we do the future becomes more grim! There are dark times ahead, my brethren, dark times. So we need to live, live each day as if it were our last. For if not, it will be!¡±

    Vanessa sighed as she watched him orate, gesturing grandly. Whenever he talked, she couldn¡¯t help but listen. He had a way around people, a certain charisma that let people listen to him, and top-notch ideas that truly made sense. They were the ones who would inherit the Earth, after all. They needed to start thinking about how they were going to liv eon it. Ever since she had started taking Taboo and listening to everyone else¡¯s ideas, her mind and viewpoint had greatly expanded.

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to gobble him up with your eyes, girl.¡± Janet giggled, elbowing her as she stared at him.

    ¡°What? No, I was just listening carefully, is all.¡± Vanessa said, blushing lightly. ¡°I just think he¡¯s got the right idea. I¡¯m trying to pay attention, shut up.¡± she whispered back.

    ¡°-which is why it¡¯s not enough. Sacrifice, my brethren, we must all sacrifice something, whether it be time, money, or¡­well, whatever becomes necessary. We must not be content for the authorities in our lives to claim us and make us victims of our own pain and struggle. We must rise up and unite! We must take control of our present, or we will have no future! So take your Taboo! Expand your horizons! Unite under the banner of the Third Eye Society!¡± That was her cue.

    ¡°K¡¯kkklnnon, shaghothtowatha. Elnum ulm. Elnum ulm. Elnum ulm.¡± Vanessa chanted quickly. Sparks like fireworks popped above Nigel¡¯s head and an illusory flag, navy blue with their symbol, the eye surrounded by three V¡¯s and a g in gold. They had a real one made for ceremonial purposes but it was just much easier and faster if Vanessa handled it, apparently with aplomb if the cheers, applause, and chants of ¡°Third Eye! Third Eye! Third Eye!¡± were any indication.

    ¡°Thank you everyone! Please meet with our senior disciples for training and evaluation of your new powers!¡± Nigel took a bow, and stepped off the stage into the air. Vanessa waved a hand, dismissing the stage and spotlight. ¡°Ah, Vanessa! Good work, as always.¡± he said, coming to the ground next to them.

    ¡°Thank you, Leader Nigel. I-It¡¯s just an honor to help out, really.¡± she said, looking down bashfully. He kept staring as her with those intense blue eyes of his. Janet grinned and nudged her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so modest, sis! You¡¯ve worked really hard these last few weeks, you deserve a little praise! And maybe some more ¡®private lessons¡¯, just to make sure you¡¯re in tip-top shape.¡±

    ¡°Janet!¡± Vanessa said, shoving her half-heartedly.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­not too far off from what I was going to ask, actually.¡± Nigel said, smiling gently. Vanessa¡¯s eyes bugged out and Janet burst out loud laughing.

    ¡°Wha-? Really?¡± Vanessa said, equal parts afraid and hopeful. He nodded.

    ¡°While I don¡¯t believe your friend has quite the right idea, I¡¯ve seen your spellwork and have decided that you are the perfect candidate for the Inner Circle.¡± She held in a gasp. The Inner Circle was the elite if the elite in the Society of the Third Eye, the Leaders and their closest partners deciding on policy and new ways to take the group. Not to mention, special Taboo was offered to them, giving them more spells and knowledge. But she didn¡¯t care about that.

    ¡°Oh¡­are-are you sure? Me?¡± she asked nervously, and he smiled and nodded. ¡°Oh my. Y-Yes! Obviously, duh!¡± she said, laughing.

    ¡°Excellent. Please join me in the back. You see, there are several rituals that require both a man and a woman to complete, and I must say you are a fine example of a lovely young woman. Perhaps afterward, we can get a cup of coffee?¡±

    ¡°I-I¡¯d like that, very much. Thank you, Leader Nigel.¡± she said, smiling back. Janet gave her a thumbs-up and disappeared, mingling into the crowd.

    ¡°Wonderful. Please, step over into my office.¡± he said, leading her up the stairs.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Agent Crenshaw was escorted into the general¡¯s office by the aide, looking very harried with tons of papers spilling out of a folder.

    ¡°General Kimball will be with you shortly, sir. Is there anything I can get you, coffee, water, tea?¡± he asked, but Crenshaw waved him off, seeing his workload.

    ¡°No, thank you.¡± he said dully. The aide nodded and hurried off, looking frazzled. The entire Pentagon was on alert, agents, soldiers, and higher military personnel alike bustling back and forth. He hadn¡¯t been informed of anything, and that¡¯s why he had to come see the general today. After a moment, General Kimball walked through the door. His close-cropped hair and mustache had more grey and white in it than Crenshaw remembered, but the general stood as straight and proud as ever, especially for a man in his sixties.

    ¡°Crenshaw, my boy.¡± he said warmly, greeting him with a hearty handshake. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again, especially after that ruckus that you went through.¡±

    ¡°Yes, General Kimball. That mission¡¯s why I¡¯m here today.¡± Crenshaw said, sitting down when the general did.

    ¡°I suspected as much. You can relax, m¡¯boy. I promise you the chair isn¡¯t going to bite.¡± Kimball said wryly.

    ¡°Forgive me sir, but I have not been at ease lately. Besides, after that incident with the possessed house and the bed that tried to eat me, I respectfully decline.¡± Crenshaw said humorlessly, even as Kimball chuckled.

    ¡°At least you can fake a sense of humor. But to business.¡± Kimball said, taking out a document. ¡°I¡¯ve been investigating the matter myself. You said the NYPD showed up to interfere, correct?¡±

    ¡°Yes sir. Not only that, we were unable to collect Special Agent Havenbrooks¡¯ remains, as they locked the whole block down and nearly arrested us. If it hadn¡¯t been for Agent Cross, we wouldn¡¯t have escaped.¡± Crenshaw said.

    ¡°Ah yes¡­the lad.¡± General Kimball sighed, looking much, much older than his age. ¡°We do what we must.¡± he muttered under his breath. ¡°It is unfortunate, especially for one so young.¡±

    ¡°I agree sir. His knowledge was most valuable, losing him was a blow. However, he did manage to complete his original objective and identify the Taboo composition, as well as destroy the refinery and alert us to the moon phenomena.¡± Crenshaw said simply, stiff as a board.

    ¡°My boy, that¡¯s not what I¡­nevermind.¡± Kimball sighed. ¡°We¡¯ll address it later. But for now, how many casualties?¡±

    ¡°Two total, sir. Agents Loomis and Havenbrook. Williams was MIA, presumed dead until literally the last minute we were at the safehouse. He had a harrowing journey there, Samagan turned out to be a monster as well, he didn¡¯t see much of him, mostly stuck behind cover. But apparently the creature has scales, and there was a bad stench when we passed through the area. Williams knew the code phrases, the DNA scan came up clean, and there¡¯s no lingering metaphysical residue, I believe Agent Williams is who he says he is and can be trusted. However, with the exception of Agent Cross, all of us have sustained injuries. My own won¡¯t keep me out of commission long, but four of the five others will be out of action for months, at least. Hewett may never walk again, depending how the surgery goes. But we were unable to reenter the building due to the encroaching police presence, and my understanding was we were clear for the mission. If I may be frank, the hell, sir?¡± Crenshaw said sharply, frowning. Kimball leaned back in his leather chair.

    ¡°I understand you¡¯re upset. So am I. I personally approved the requisition form, you should¡¯ve been cleared as an FBI raid. But from what my people¡¯ve gathered, the cops knew nothing about it. They were just doing their jobs, and escorted Delacroix to his mansion.¡± Kimball said, a hard look on his face. ¡°He¡¯s wasting no time, either. Have you seen this?¡± He handed Crenshaw a flyer. It depicted a smiling group of teenagers on a warm, sunny day in the park. ¡®Trouble at home? Interpersonal conflicts? Slipping grades? You or your teen may be at risk. Please, reach out and get help, before it¡¯s too late.¡¯ it read, with a phone number and website. Crenshaw frowned. The symbol on the flyer was the same one they found with that cult.

    ¡°The Second Chance House?¡± he asked.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°It¡¯s a youth group, funded in great part from Metatech Pharmaceuticals. It¡¯s a volunteer organization to help kids, runaways, suicide prevention, that sort of thing. The poor, desperate, lonely, and disaffected. ¡®Course, you might know ¡®em better as the Society of the Third Eye.¡± Kimball said gruffly.

    ¡°They¡¯re going public?¡± Crenshaw asked in shock.

    ¡°And people are flocking to them in droves. Delacroix¡¯s made Scott Havenbrook a poster boy for the cause. ¡®If he¡¯d only been able to get the help he needed beforehand.¡¯ Pah.¡± The general spat into his trashcan in disgust.

    ¡°That¡¯s highly disturbing, sir. But if they¡¯re public now, shouldn¡¯t we know where they are and shut them down easily?¡± Crenshaw asked.

    ¡°I¡¯d love nothing more, but Delacroix and all his dealings are in the public eye. Even I don¡¯t have the clearance to authorize that, not unilaterally.¡± Kimball groused, mustache bristling. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m up to my neck already trying to find the spy in our organization. There¡¯s no go between my office and the precinct for that order, I have to know who it is before we can move forward.¡± he said. Crenshaw nodded in agreement.

    ¡°So what should we do, sir? Standby? Or did you receive that proposal from Agent Cross?¡± he asked. The general grinned and pulled out a file from the desk.

    ¡°It¡¯s a hell of an idea, I¡¯ll give her that. You¡¯ll continue the investigation, pick up the pieces best we can. We still don¡¯t know what Delacroix¡¯s after, and that worries me greatly. It¡¯s a long shot, but I approved it. The info this one might have could be the key that we need. It¡¯s thanks to your earlier investigation that we found her.¡± Crenshaw took the file and examined the contents, his eyes growing wider as he went through. ¡°Fun, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Sir, is there an electronic version I could send to her? I can head back to Craven Falls right away if you want, but If Cross can get there faster, the better.¡± Crenshaw said.

    ¡°I can e-mail it to her right now. Never would¡¯a thought of this.¡± Kimball said.

    ¡°Good. She needs to get moving on this, right away.¡±

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Everyone was sitting down nervously, save for the two as the desk. Cross growled and rubbed her temples. She considered Irishing up the coffee in front of her, but it was way too early in the morning for that. Leo hummed as he awaited his cup, absently holding onto the sword hilt sticking up from the ground. Though he believed the detective when she said they were the good guys, a little extra warning not to try anything never hurt.

    ¡°So, that creep possessing Brian last year¡¯s back, and he¡¯s allied himself with a pharmaceutical conglomerate to produce drugs that give people magic powers, and he¡¯s been distributing them to kids.¡± he summarized, and Cross nodded. ¡°I see. Do we know where he is?¡± he asked courteously, but the sword in his hand erupted into white-hot flame.

    ¡°Easy there, big guy. You¡¯re scaring the out-of-towners.¡± Cross said flatly, noticing them all jump and move back, guns half-drawn.

    ¡°Ah, forgive me. My apologies.¡± Leo said, nodding to the other agents and putting the flames out. ¡°My training with Mielios was quite fruitful, and I¡¯m more used to handling my sword now, but sometimes it¡¯s a little too responsive.¡± A terrified agent brought a mug of coffee with sugar and cream on a tray, shaking noticeably as she set it down. ¡°Oh, please don¡¯t be frightened miss. I swear to you, I don¡¯t hurt those who don¡¯t deserve it. That¡¯s why I received this blade in the first place. Please don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m only here to help put an end to this madness. I¡¯m sorry if I scared you and everyone else earlier, but I had little choice other than to break in in a forceful manner.¡± Leo said disarmingly, giving her what he hoped was a winning smile to put her at ease. She turned away, red-faced with a mumbled ¡°Don¡¯t worry ¡®bout it¡± and scurried off as fast as she could, still trembling. He sighed and added cream to the drink. ¡°No good. Even if I apologize, they¡¯ll still be afraid of me.¡± Cross stared at him blankly, then shook her head.

    ¡°That¡¯s-nevermind, it¡¯s not important. Anyway, I¡¯m glad you¡¯re here. To be honest, we¡¯re really hurting for manpower. Most of the agents here aren¡¯t qualified for the field, and they don¡¯t have experience in fighting the supernatural directly. With the kid¡­gone, we need all the help we can get. I¡¯ve seen how you handle yourself, you¡¯ve more than passed any test I could think of. Would you be interested in working with us, to help stamp out Taboo production and whatever scheme that thing is cooking up?¡± She venomously spat the word, sneering. She remembered what the kid had said, so there was no way she was going to say that name lightly. Leo frowned.

    ¡°Yes, that does bother me. What exactly is the head of Metatech and his¡­friend have planned? Why produce the Taboo? What¡¯s their endgame? If it was world domination, surely not calling attention to all this with the drugs would be a safer bet than this plan.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what we¡¯ve been asking since day one. And according to the analysis of what we recovered, they¡¯re producing the Taboo at a loss, practically giving it away.¡± Cross explained.

    ¡°Hmm. Well, I¡¯m not sure how much I can do, but if you need my help you have it.¡± Leo said, sticking his hand out with a big grin.

    ¡°Welcome aboard, Special Agent Manning.¡± she said, shaking it.

    ¡°Uh, ma¡¯am, only Agent Crenshaw has the authority to-¡± one of the aides began, but she whirled on him in a flash.

    ¡°Unfortunately, Agent Crenshaw is not here right now, so his opinion is moot. Special Agent Manning has as much right to the title and responsibilities as the kid doe-did. And without direct orders to the contrary, his deputization will stand. Understood?¡± she said, glaring harshly. The aide melted under her gaze.

    ¡°U-Understood, ma¡¯am!¡±

    ¡°At least I¡¯m old enough to enlist.¡± Leo mused, watching the aide nervously slink off.

    ¡°Thank heaven for small favors.¡± Cross said, when alarms started blaring again. ¡°Oh for the love of God, now what!?¡±

    ¡°Unidentified object, incoming from beyond Earth¡¯s orbit!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the trajectory? Is it a projectile?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s moving too fast, we can¡¯t scramble air support in time!¡±

    ¡°Is-is it slowing down?¡±

    ¡°Readings indicate .79 on the scale! It¡¯s got magic residue!¡±

    ¡°Initiate evacuation and self-destruct!¡±

    ¡°Belay that!¡± Cross shouted, grabbing the tech who called that out in a panic. He looked at her, and fainted. ¡°Guess not everyone¡¯s tempered by weird happenings.¡± she muttered, tossing him aside. ¡°Stay calm, people! Don¡¯t do anything rash! Someone get me eyes on the bogie, prepare for combat!¡±

    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am!¡±

    ¡°I may have my first assignment.¡± Leo said, the sword charm on his bracelet dangling as he began to stretch, working up for a fight.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see, probably-wait!¡± Cross barked. The monitors flicked to an outside camera, pointed at the sky. Falling from the clouds was a small humanoid figure, headed right for the flattened mall concealing the underground base. ¡°Is that-?¡±

    ¡°Could it really be?¡± Leo said, meeting her eyes.

    ¡°Outside. Now. Everyone. Stay armed, but do not open fire unless attacked or on my orders.¡± Cross commanded, and the other agents nodded and filed out, Leo at the lead with his sword drawn and already aflame.

    Once out, it was easy to see the small dot in the sky grow closer, and closer, and closer-and closer¡­and closer¡­and closer¡­and closer¡­and even closer, but still not there¡­and closer¡­and closer¡­

    ¡°What the heck is taking so long?¡± one of the agents muttered. The figure was slowing down with every foot it dropped. It appeared to be crawling down a thin, shimmering, but translucent line to the ground, and the operative word was crawling. Cross sighed, having kept her gun up and pointed at the white figure for nearly five straight minutes now. Everyone was getting tired and antsy, just watching the figure ever slowly descend.

    ¡°Hurry up!¡± Leo called out to it.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that easy!¡± the figure snapped back. Eventually she reached near the ground, crawling upside-down muttering ¡°Too high up, too high up.¡± nervously. She sighed in relief when her hand touched the asphalt, and the shimmering line disappeared. She bent and flipped right-side up, and Amber smiled at everyone.

    ¡°Uh, hi there every-why do you all have guns? I surrender! Peacefully!¡± she said fearfully, sticking her hands in the air.

    ¡°Amber? That-that is you right?¡± Leo said warily, seeing her for the first time since last fall.

    ¡°Leo? Good to see you, but what are you doing here?¡± she asked.

    Cross stared at her. Yes, that response was Amber. Cross thought she was gone forever, the kid made it sound like it. One of her charges, lost to space and transformed into a strange monster. The girl she had known since that night ten months ago, when her life changed, avenging her death and witnessing her resurrection. Twice. The girl who often listened to her, who Cross found herself tempering her temper and mouth for. She was an only child, but if Cross had ever had a little sister, Amber would be the one she¡¯d want.

    ¡°M-Miss Harris, do you want to eat people¡¯s brains, conquer the earth, or otherwise cause chaos for the people of this world?¡± she asked, and Amber recoiled in horror.

    ¡°What? Ew, no! That¡¯s disgusting! And terrible!¡± Her body language was the same as a humans¡¯, and the same as Cross remembered. Wordlessly, she crossed the circle around the girl and wrapped her in a hug.

    ¡°You¡¯re back. You¡¯re really alive, and really back.¡± Cross whispered.

    ¡°Y-Yeah?¡± Amber said awkwardly, returning the embrace.

    ¡°Right. Show¡¯s over, everybody! Guns down, everyone back to your posts!¡± Cross ordered, holstering her Glock. The agents muttered confusedly among themselves, but followed her lead.

    ¡°You know some weird kids.¡± one said as they tromped back. Cross rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Tell me about it.¡± She rounded on Amber, getting filled in by Leo with a grim expression on her paper-white face. ¡°So. What happened? Why are you here? I thought you were gone forever.¡±

    ¡°I am, pretty much.¡± Amber said, frowning. ¡°I¡¯ve been altered down at the genetic level. I¡¯ve got millions of siblings now, and tons of important duties under the uylata spider. She¡¯s only allowed me a week back here.¡±

    ¡°I-I see. And this spider-what exactly does she do that¡¯s so important? I¡¯m just asking.¡± Cross said cautiously, and Amber snorted.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not brainwashed. Well, not anymore.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s comforting.¡± Cross grunted.

    ¡°The programming the uylata does is to ensure the acolytes actually respond to the call, and imprints the instincts necessary to get to the group safely.¡± Amber explained.  ¡°The uylata are a collective of children of the uylata spider that aid her in forming and expanding the physical aspect of this universe, as well as preying on the void creatures that break through to eat space-time.¡±

    ¡°Oooo-kayyyyy¡­¡± Cross said uncertainly.

    ¡°But why are you back?¡± Leo asked.

    ¡°Because I saw¡­I saw Scott take a walk off a skyscraper. Thank you for telling me what¡¯s going on, I appreciate it. There¡¯s-there¡¯s nothing I can do for him now, I know that. But the bastards who took his life will pay.¡± she said, eyes turning a sunlight gold and glowing fiercely. Cross took an involuntary step back, instinctively sensing a predator. ¡°Oh, sorry. Um, if, if there¡¯s anything I can do to help you please let me. The power shared among the uylata is only among the uylata, but I can still do some stuff, like conjuring gravity webs, or¡­¡± She looked around, walked over to a Jeep, and with a heave of effort lifted it above her head. ¡°See? I¡¯m strong, too.¡± she said, sounding strained.

    ¡°Okay, okay, I believe you!¡± With a sigh of relief, Amber lowered it to the ground. ¡°Jesus, these kids¡­alright, if you¡¯re only here a week, we¡¯ll have you ¡®til then. Welcome aboard.¡± Cross said.

    ¡°Thank you very much.¡± Amber said, nodding gratefully.

    ¡°Um, I don¡¯t mean to sound rude, and am only saying this as a practical concern. Are you going to be wearing that the whole time?¡± Leo said. She looked down and realized she was still wearing the skinny jeans and tube top she¡¯d been wearing the night she¡¯d attended the party. Her sandals had long since broken and gone.

    ¡°Whoops! Oh, would anyone have a spare change of clothes or anything? I mean, I could go home, but I¡¯d rather not let Mom and Dad find out I¡¯m here, not yet. I¡¯d be awkward, I¡¯ve only got a week, and so much to do¡­eh heh heh¡­¡± she chuckled nervously. Cross sighed and called a female agent over.

    ¡°Take her to the decontamination shower, get her cleaned up, then get her a woman¡¯s uniform. Sorry kid, you¡¯ve got a choice of either a black suit or a black suit.¡± she grunted.

    ¡°That¡¯ll be fine.¡± Amber said, and they went off. Leo turned to her.

    ¡°So now that we¡¯ve got the old team back together, what¡¯s our next move?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about that. We still don¡¯t have anyone who knows about this magic stuff, unless¡­?¡± She glanced at him expectantly, but he sighed and shook his head.

    ¡°Sorry, I just learned how to fight. My sword¡¯s magic, but I really only know about vampires, zombies, and ghosts.¡±

    ¡°I was afraid of that. But that¡¯s alright. Since the kid¡¯s¡­no longer with us, I¡¯ve been looking into-¡± Her cellphone beeped. She saw the message from Crenshaw, and gave a dry, humorless smile. ¡°Well, finally something went right. Talk about a blast form the past. C¡¯mon, we¡¯ve got our first mission as a team. We¡¯ll be going to New Hampshire.¡±

 Chapter 19: Witchs Asylum

    Cross¡¯s car came to a stop. She, Amber, and Leo got out, Amber dressed in a suit like Cross¡¯s, their shoes crunching on the old dried leaves in front of the dark building, decrepit with age. Though it was July, a cool wind made the leaves on the tree rustle, and Leo shivered. His instincts were screaming at him that something was wrong in that place. He fingered the sword bracelet, ready to call upon the blade at any moment. Likewise, Amber wrinkled her nose. There was a foul, unearthly aroma wafting from the place.

    ¡°So I hate to ask this now, but can you do anything about that complexion of yours?¡± Cross said to Amber. ¡°I just realized.¡±

    ¡°Oh, right.¡± She closed her eyes and exhaled, her hair fluttering and her normal coloring returning. ¡°Better?¡±

    ¡°How do you do that?¡± Leo asked curiously.

    ¡°Oh, just repressing the genes relating to the uylata. Occasionally, a disciple will have to go among mortals or disguise themselves before they can join the uylata. So we can resume our normal forms until we¡¯re done. It¡¯s handy.¡± she said, trying to sound cheerful, but Leo could hear the somber note in her voice. He couldn¡¯t blame her.

    ¡°You¡¯re good, so let¡¯s go.¡± Cross said curtly, and they all walked up the path to the Hillcrest Mental Institution.

    Despite the peeling paint of the exterior, the inside was clean and well-lit, contrasting slightly with the old-fashioned furniture and style of the reception counter. The nurse looked up from her computer.

    ¡°Hello, how can I help you today?¡±

    ¡°Good afternoon. I¡¯m Agent Cross, I called a few hours ago.¡± she said.

    ¡°Oh yes. Oh dear. I¡¯ll uh, get Dr. Combs. Just a moment.¡± she said, clearly nervous. A few minutes after the page, the doctor arrived with two burly orderlies behind him. He was a short man with a slightly receding hairline and large glasses on a sharp face.

    ¡°Hello, Agent Cross. I¡¯m Dr. Combs. Pleased to meet you.¡± he said while shaking her hand, in a clipped tone that told her he was anything but. ¡°I cannot imagine what the FBI would want with one of my patients.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid the details are classified. You did sign the non-disclosure agreement?¡±

    ¡°Yes yes, nothing here will leave my lips.¡± Combs waved her off. ¡°Come, then. I¡¯m very busy.¡±

    ¡°And them?¡± Cross indicated the orderlies. Combs gave her a very thin smile.

    ¡°My men won¡¯t breathe a word of it either. But they will be accompanying us, and there¡¯s no arguing the point. I believe you will find their services invaluable. Come, let us be along.¡± He turned on his heel and walked away, the orderlies behind him. Leo shrugged at Amber and they followed. ¡°I was not aware the FBI recruited so young, Ms. Cross.¡± Dr. Combs said as they traversed the hallways. ¡°Your agents barely look out of high school.¡±

    ¡°Rest assured, though they are young their help has proven the difference between life and death several times in their tenure with us. That¡¯s why they¡¯re along, to obtain more experience with investigations.¡± Cross said curtly.

    ¡°Hmm. I also wasn¡¯t aware that agents could wear normal civilian attire.¡± he sniffed.

    ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯m undercover, most of the time. A special allowance has been made for me.¡± Leo said smoothly, and the doctor nodded.

    ¡°Very well. I just hope you do have experience with combat, there is a chance this could go poorly.¡± Dr. Combs said.

    ¡°Uh, why? We¡¯re just interviewing an inmate.¡± Amber said, eyebrow raised.

    ¡°You¡¯ll see.¡± Dr. Combs said cryptically, but was grabbed and yanked back by his collar by Cross.

    ¡°No, you¡¯ll tell us now. If there is any danger, I do not want my people to go in blind.¡± she said sternly. Dr. Combs wilted in front of her fierce gaze.

    ¡°Err, right. Let me assure you, the actual chance of her breaking free or causing any damage is minimal. However, she is¡­unstable, and prone to fits. We¡¯ve gone through three straightjackets, we haven¡¯t had to use those in over forty years. It would be best to stay on guard, and keep on your toes. That¡¯s all I meant.¡± he said. She narrowed her eyes, but let him go.

    ¡°Fine. But no more of that, got me?¡± she growled.

    ¡°G-Got it.¡± They resumed the march, a little more cautiously than before. As they went further into the hospital, the lights began to grow dimmer and flicker. The air conditioning was on, but it didn¡¯t seem to cool the place enough. There was a strange, musty scent in the air like decay, and Amber was almost gagging form the horrid stench.

    ¡°So what¡¯s up with the lights? And the smell?¡± Leo asked, dodging a drop of water from a pipe.

    ¡°Ah, yes. Ever since she arrived, we¡¯ve developed leaky pipes, and for some reason the electrical system¡¯s prone to malfunction. It¡¯s quite mysterious.¡± Dr. Combs explained.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see if she has any answers.¡± Amber said determinedly. Leo noticed her trembling.

    Eventually, they came to the padded cells, deep in the hospital next to the basement. The darkness was more pervading, thanks to the lack of windows. As they walked, Leo could swear the shadows on the wall moved by themselves

    ¡°Here we are. Normally, we¡¯d never even consider conditions such as this, even for a ward of the state. However, due to her hostility and tantrums, especially around other patients, we¡¯ve had no choice but to isolate her. Now I must stress we do take her outside and treat her as humanely as possible, but her hostility hasn¡¯t improved one bit. Please stay on guard, once you¡¯re in I cannot be held responsible for your safety.¡±

    ¡°We understand, doctor.¡± Cross said. He checked the window into the cell, and nodded. He inserted a large key into the old lock, and the door swung open. ¡°For safety reasons, we must close the door, but rest assured we will be outside if anything goes wrong.¡± he said, ushering them in. Dr. Combs slammed the door behind them with a resounding clang.

    Though the cell was padded, it felt like a dungeon. The lights barely illuminated the shadows, and despite the summer heat there was an unnatural chill in the air that made them shiver. It was very spacious, and they went over to the thin figure huddled in the corner, curled up in a ball.

    ¡°Excuse me? Can you hear me?¡± Leo asked gently. The figure seemed to be sobbing or muttering to herself. He got a little closer, and Dr. Combs winced outside.

    ¡°YEARGGHHH!¡± Without warning, the figure jumped up and snarled, biting at the air, only stopped by the restraints hooked to her straightjacket. Her grimy hair, once lush and raven-black, had fallen or been torn out in rough patches. Her scarred, marked, torn skin was yellowed and stretched thin over her frame, which had obviously lost an unhealthy amount of weight. Her eyes were sunken into her head, ringed by dark circles but practically glowing with madness. Amber put a horrified hand to her mouth.

    ¡°Oh my god. S-Stephanie?¡±

    There was absolutely no mistaking it. Despite the horrible condition she was in, there was no way Amber could forget the face of her best friend. Her murderer. Everything flashed through her mind; the years of happiness, the suffering as a ghost, the hell of Stephanie¡¯s face, smiling wickedly as she admitted to proudly killing her and carving out her heart.

    ¡°W-What happened to you? What¡¯s-I don¡¯t even¡­¡± She turned to Cross. ¡°I mean¡­I thought she was killed by the daemon. Actually seeing her¡­I can¡¯t begin to describe it¡­¡± There was something wrong with her. Amber didn¡¯t know what, but she could tell the foul smell emanated from her.

    ¡°Actually, she wasn¡¯t. It¡¯s unclear how it happened, but eight days later she was picked up by a state trooper a couple miles down the road, ranting and raving and thrashing, attacking anyone who got close.¡± Cross said, watching the girl snap at Leo like a wild animal. ¡°I don¡¯t know how she survived, and I don¡¯t know what happened, but I know she knows about that damn book that¡¯s giving us trouble, and if she knows anything about what¡¯s up we have to find out. Crenshaw¡¯s superior did some digging, and found out she was recently ID¡¯d."

    ¡°She certainly seems¡­less pleasant than I remember.¡± Leo said, falling back.

    ¡°S-Stephanie? Do you¡­do you understand me? It¡¯s me. Amber.¡± Amber said, bravely taking a step forward. Her knees were shaking. This was her former best friend, a witch who turned her other friends into a coven to perform evil rituals for dark power. She¡¯d made her peace with that a long time ago, and she had a mission to fulfill. How she felt wasn¡¯t as important as that, not right now. Stephanie paused, letting her head loll back to peer over her shoulder at Amber.

    ¡°You¡­I know you¡­heh hee hee¡­¡± she cackled in a cracked, broken voice. ¡°I killed you. I tried to kill you again. Why didn¡¯t you die, dearie? Why couldn¡¯t I EAT YOU!?¡± she suddenly shrieked, jumping at Amber and clawing at her with broken, yellowed bare feet.  The chains holding her back were taut as she snarled, one eye turning a solid black, except for the pinpoint of hellish blue light.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°Oh my god.¡± There was no mistaking that voice, subtly mixed in with Stephanie¡¯s at first but now at the fore. A chase through the cemetery replayed in her mind. ¡°Edith. Edith Warden.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s me, dearie! Ah haha hee!¡± Stephanie cackled, her skin bulging and twisting horrendously, like something beneath was trying to break free.

    ¡°No way.¡± That insane ghost, the one who hunted down and cannibalized the other spirits in Craven Falls, back. ¡°How did you get free? Scott sealed you in your own headstone!¡± Amber said, eyes flashing blue at the memory. ¡°What did you do to Stephanie!?¡±

    ¡°A case of possession.¡± Leo said sternly. He had snuck up behind her and clamped his meaty palm on the back of her head. After a moment with a faraway look in his eyes, he shook his head and let go. ¡°Mielios warned me about this. It¡¯s been what, eight months? I don¡¯t know how Stephanie¡¯s still alive.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like she will be for much longer.¡± Cross said, observing her this, decrepit state.

    ¡°Mielios told me about possession, when a disembodied spirit tries to take an alive body by force.¡± Leo continued. ¡°Problem is, it puts enormous strain on the host. Physical forms aren¡¯t meant to hold more than one soul. If the spirit is stronger, the host is taken over, unless the host is strong enough to eject the spirit themselves. If you get to it quick enough, even a full possession is fairly simple. But as of now¡­their souls have begun to fuse permanently. I don¡¯t know how to help her. They¡¯re stuck like this. No wonder she¡¯s in a mental institution.¡± he said sadly.

    ¡°Eee hee hee! Wanna know how I am? I-uh, I¡­I was, I was launched f-from my h-house¡­¡± Stephanie said, Edith¡¯s voice receding, along with the black eye. ¡°I-I found a grave, a gravestone. I-I b-brushed against it¡­and then¡­and then¡­I came out!¡± she cackled, the blackness coming back. ¡°Aheh heh heh, but I managed! I managed to cast a spell to stop me, and I-I interfered, so I couldn¡¯t¡­heh, I c-couldn¡¯t complete it right, and I, and¡­I, I, I somehow, I¡¯m me now, and she¡­her, h-her, I¡­I¡¯m m-me. I¡¯m, I¡¯m still me! No matter what, I¡¯m still me, dearie!¡± She descended into mad laughter, frothing at the mouth while Amber looked on, horrified.

    ¡°Jesus.¡± Cross muttered, watching Stephanie falling to the floor. Amber shook her head, then kneeled down. She helped Stephanie sit up, then grabbed her face, forcing her to look back at her.

    ¡°Listen, Steph. This is very important. That book where you learned¡­the ritual that killed me. We stopped you, but now we need your help. You¡¯ve read the book, the Libris Malefactorum Arcana. Now other people are trying to use that same book to cause more trouble. They¡¯re putting the spells into drugs, and giving them out to teenagers, and we have to stop them. Metatech Pharmaceuticals has to go down, and the president partnered with the Calamitous Ruination to do whatever they¡¯re doing. We need to know their endgame, and if there¡¯s anything you know you will tell us. You killed me, you owe me that much.¡±

    The skeletal creature stared into her eyes, one brown, the other solid black. Amber willed her, her longtime friend, to regain sanity enough to tell them something, anything that would help. Stephanie was still. Then, her head started twitching, neck cracking at unnatural angles.

    ¡°Hmm¡­owe. Owe for killing, dearie. Yes, it makes sense.¡± she said, squinting and giving Amber a crafty smile. Her nerves jangled at the mention of the Tempter, but the bitch in front of her was literally asking for it. Amber, the one who got that damn necromancer involved¡­yes, leading her to the Poisonous Thoughts would serve for a fine revenge. If there was one thing that could unite both Stephanie and Edith, it was their hatred. As long as it didn¡¯t boil over, they could tell her¡­yes, that would be fine. So she swallowed her pride and smiled, gritting her broken teeth. ¡°Th-The Serpent, be afraid of the Serpent. Worms his way, worms his way into your thoughts, your head. Never get him out, only way is to cut him out. H-he is the source of the m-magic, the author of the Arcana. T-The Last Alarm has b-been around since t-time immemorial, watching, waiting. But he won¡¯t get me, my head¡¯s filled up already.¡± Stephanie said, wheezing.

    ¡°Watching and waiting? Waiting for what?¡± Amber asked, frowning. Stephanie gave her a crooked smile, revealing missing teeth.

    ¡°H-His chance, dearie. He can do nothing, nothing while in shadow. B-But should he b-break full into this w-world, h-he will s-seek three t-things. The Silver Ring of Z-Zeus, the I-Idol of Abazuul, a-and the Amulet of Puluhtu. E-Each is p-portion of the material he n-needs for his goal, wh-which is not for mortals to know. Not know, not know! The Arcana h-hinted at it, along w-with terrible sp-spells and long-forgotten gods. A-A great devastation will f-follow, a fulfillment at l-last. Th-That¡¯s what is in the Libris Malefactorum Arcana, dearie.¡± Stephanie explained, twitching and writhing, but forcing herself to speak.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Amber said gently, getting up. Cross put her notebook away, grimacing.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t good. I can¡¯t be sure if it¡¯s what she¡¯s talking about, but the bass-relief above his office¡¯s door has Zeus posed under a circle, the kid said it was sucking up all the energy around.¡±

    ¡°I believe we must assume the worst for this case.¡± Leo said, shaking his head.

    ¡°That¡¯s what it¡¯s looking like.¡± she said glumly, pulling up pictures on her phone. And guess which company recently financed an expedition to find a sunken Spanish ship, said to be carrying the lost treasure of Abazuul. It¡¯s in the Staten Island Museum right now.¡±

    ¡°Then the only thing left is the amulet.¡± Amber said, furrowing her eyebrows. ¡°We have to find it before he does.¡± She turned to Stephanie. ¡°Do you have any idea where it is?¡±

    ¡°Eh heh heh¡­little Amber wants to know¡­¡± It was becoming too much. Both of their hatreds, tempered by their fear of the Last Alarm, were intermingling. ¡°Yessss, I can tell you. But you, you n-need to do something for m-me, dearie, oh bestie friend of mine.¡± she chuckled darkly.

    ¡°W-What do you need?¡± Amber asked.

    ¡°I need you to DIE!¡± Stephanie shrieked, jumping up with such force the chains on her restraints snapped, bouncing to come down with her sharp, clawed feet first and gnashing her crooked yellow teeth, prepared to rend Amber¡¯s flesh. Cross went for her gun while Leo surged forward, and Dr. Combs with the orderlies rushed to get into the room with sedatives; but her attack was too swift and surprising. No one would make it in time. ¡°TEAR YOU APART! DIE AGAIN, DIE FOREV-¡±

    Her frantic cry was cut off by a hand around her throat, stopping her dead. Everyone stared at Amber, lifting Stephanie with one arm, the ragged girl¡¯s feet dangling and flailing weakly as Amber¡¯s fingers clamped around her like a steel vice. Amber glared at her sternly, her eyes glowing a solid golden yellow, her skin beginning to pale.

    ¡°No. You, either of you, won¡¯t be playing with my life anymore. I¡¯ve overcome you both before, even combined you can¡¯t do anything to me, not this time. I¡¯ve learned too much, changed too much to allow this disgraceful behavior to continue. Stephanie, I may have loved you once and I hope someday you return to your senses, but you continue to go down a horrible, unforgivable path. Stay here and rot, and reflect on the sins you¡¯ve committed. And quite honestly, you and Edith deserve each other.¡± She flung the possessed girl into the corner, lightly for her but for Stephanie with enough force to bounce and drive the air from her lungs, hacking up spittle. The orderlies held her down and Dr. Combs injected the sedative, a questioning eyebrow thrown at Cross.

    ¡°I told you, my agents are young, but very capable.¡± she said coolly, keeping an eye on the spider girl. It was with a heavy, but unconflicted heart as Amber turned away and exited the cell, Leo following cautiously behind her. ¡°Thank you for your time, you¡¯ve been very helpful.¡±

    ¡°A word of warning, before you go.¡± Dr. Combs called out, adjusting his glasses. ¡°I¡¯ve seen many patients in my time, and they all have an unusual look in their eyes, almost like aglow. Your young charge seems to have that same light, to my eyes. So I advise caution around her.

    ¡°Buddy, you don¡¯t know the half of it.¡± Cross muttered as she left.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°You wanted to see me, Leader Nigel?¡± Vanessa asked, stepping into his office. With an afternoon of work, the members of this chapter of the Third Eye had managed to clean up the basement, first floor, and offices of the abandoned store, easily hooking it up to the electrical grid with their powers. Leader Nigel had his own office, where he managed meeting schedules, Taboo shipments, and gave out orders for jobs. No one knew exactly where the jobs came from, but they were always rewarded handsomely in cash and Taboo. Vanessa had only been on a handful of them, helping to sneak in and out of offices and museums for some exhibits, papers, or samples of materials. Her illusion spells had been a great help; no security system or guard had ever caught so much as a glimpse of them. Once upon a time Vanessa might have cared she was breaking the law. The rush from the Taboo and the needs of the group outweighed such petty concerns now.

    ¡°Ah, Vanessa. I¡¯ve been given a mission, a very very important mission.¡± he said, steepling his fingers behind the desk. ¡°In fact, it¡¯s because of our success rate that we were given this mission, and our success rate is largely due to all your efforts and skills. Your illusions have come a long way.¡±

    ¡°Aw, stop.¡± she said happily, blushing.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m serious. Mr. Delacroix was very interested in you when I told him about your powers.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s Mr. Delacroix?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Desmond Delacroix. You may know him as the president of Metatech Pharmaceuticals.¡± Nigel explained. Her eyes widened.

    ¡°Metatech? Is-is that who we get the jobs from?¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± he said, nodding. ¡°Though he supposedly is one of the plutocrats we oppose, in truth he is the founder of the Society of the Third Eye. He lets us run our operations with few guidelines and little oversight, and has personally developed the Taboo that enlightens us. I hear he¡¯s a regular user too. I hope to one day be half as great as him.¡± Nigel sighed, then continued. ¡°We have been given the task of retrieving a particular item for him from the private collection of a reclusive millionaire, Thurgood Lampwick. He resides on the top floor of his exclusive penthouse in New York City. We¡¯ve been tapped to retrieve it, as Mr. Delacroix is under too much scrutiny from the recent terrorist attack to obtain it himself.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I heard about that. Wow. Why would terrorists go after Mr. Delacroix like that?¡± Vanessa wondered.

    ¡°It is very likely a government official has employed those bastards because they want to stop his work. We can¡¯t let that happen.¡± Nigel said, his eyes blowing yellow.

    ¡°Hell yeah we can¡¯t! If he¡¯s the founder of the Third Eye, he¡¯s gotta be a good guy! If you need me, I¡¯m in! When do we leave?¡± she asked, pumping her fist. Nigel smiled.

    ¡°It does my heart good to see your passion. We leave tomorrow evening, we should be down in New York after sunset then. I¡¯ve rented a van for the occasion, I have four other candidates in mind for this. This is our chance to prove ourselves to our Great Leader, we can¡¯t mess this up. If we succeed, we¡¯ll be instrumental in paving the new world, and our names will go down in the new history.¡±

    ¡°Wow. I, I never thought of it like that.¡± Vanessa said nervously, reeling at the implications. ¡°I never really thought I¡¯d, y¡¯know, change history. I wonder if this¡¯s how the founding fathers felt.¡±

    ¡°Believe it. We are the Chosen, the children of enlightenment. It is not only our right to improve the world, it is our duty. Even if the rest of society can¡¯t see that and fights us, we must persevere. They will thank us all in the end. I¡¯ve received word that we¡¯ll be getting support via the leaders of two other cells of the Society from Britain and China. They¡¯re most formidable, so I expect no serious opposition. So go home and get plenty of rest, and pack everything you¡¯ll think you¡¯ll need. This is it. The dawn is at hand.¡± he said and she saluted happily.

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

 Chapter 20: Im Putting Together a Team

    ¡°Remember, keep your hands and legs to yourselves at all times, do not address anyone else, there is to be no touching or exchange of items one way or-¡±

    ¡°I know the routine!¡± Cross snapped with a scowl and a glare at the guard.

    ¡°Uh, right. Y-You have o-one hour.¡± he said, and led them into the room. There was a table, with three free chairs on the side, with two armed guards behind the door. It was highly unusual for a prisoner to receive visitors after hours, but the level of clearance the Unknown Agency had was scary.

    They shuffled in and took their seats, Amber and Leo to the side, Cross in the middle, seated directly across from the prisoner. Amber had barely said a word on the drive to here from the mental hospital, and couldn¡¯t keep her eyes off of the prisoner. Bess Clearfield, one of Stephanie¡¯s coven, stared straight ahead at Cross.

    Bess had changed since her death and resurrection. Her once-long hair had been cut short to her shoulders, and a prison diet had greatly reduced the slight chubbiness she had once possessed. There was a new look in her eyes as well, a look of hardness, reflection, and aged, suffered wisdom.

    ¡°Detective. It¡¯s been some time.¡± Bess said evenly, ignoring Amber staring at her.

    ¡°Miss Clearfield. It¡¯s been ten months since the incident. The reports say you¡¯ve been a model prisoner.¡± Cross said.

    ¡°Death has a way of making you reflect on what your life means, and how you wish to live it.¡± she said solemnly. ¡°But enough with the pleasantries. It¡¯s after eight, visiting hours are over. What did you want from me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be frank. We¡¯re in a tough situation, and need all the help we can get. In exchange for a full pardon, we require your expertise. Have you heard anything about what¡¯s going on outside?¡± Cross asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t pay much attention to what little news we get in here. What do you need me for, that you can¡¯t get from that necromancer of yours?¡± she asked dryly, and Amber looked down.

    ¡°Unfortunately, Scott¡¯s out of the equation.¡± Leo spoke up, ¡°Last week, there was a terrorist attack on the headquarters of Metatech Pharmaceuticals, and Scott was part of it.¡± He eyed the guards, then lowered his voice and leaned in. ¡°It was a sanctioned operation from the agency we¡¯re working with, but that¡¯s not the official story circulating. Scott lost his life in the attempt. The killer is the author of the book you learned your tricks from.¡±

    ¡°Author? Of the Arcana?¡± she asked, brow furrowed.

    ¡°You may know him better as the Calaminous Ruination, the Serpent, or the Poisonous Thoughts.¡± Amber said quietly, and Bess flinched as if stung.

    ¡°W-What!? Are you serious!?¡± she hissed.

    ¡°As the grave.¡± Cross said, then sighed as she realized it and they all stared at her. ¡°I know, I heard it myself. Consider it a tribute to the kid¡¯s memory.¡±

    ¡°Metatech has been manufacturing the party drug called Taboo, you¡¯ve heard of it?¡± Leo continued.

    ¡°Bits and pieces. I¡¯ve heard rumors from the newer inmates.¡± Bess said, shaken.

    ¡°It actually does give you magic powers, apparently they¡¯ve been coating it in liquid pages form that book and selling it to kids. Also, we know at least one daemon is working with them.¡± he explained.

    ¡°That¡¯s-hell, that¡¯s bad.¡± Bess said. ¡°And¡­and you want me to fight them!?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve recently learned of an objective they must obtain for their overarching goal, my partner is looking into it now. But we¡¯re currently down a very valuable magician, and you¡¯re literally the only one we know of with any magical knowledge whatsoever. We still don¡¯t know what their overall scheme is, but we do know it¡¯s bad for everyone else.¡± Cross said plainly, laying her cards on the table.

    ¡°But¡­I-I don¡¯t know that much myself. Stephanie was the one with the book, she¡¯s the one who taught us the mystic arts. It was hard, and we didn¡¯t have much time, so she taught us all different spells, a small variety, that we could all work together for greater effect and to shore up individual weaknesses.¡± she said hesitantly. Cross frowned.

    ¡°Hmm. That¡¯s disheartening, but at this point anything is better than nothing. We need a magical edge, even if you only have a cursory knowledge of what we¡¯re up against. I realize I¡¯m asking a lot, but we need all available personnel to pull together. Since the kid¡¯s gone, we¡¯ve got Leo, who knows a little bit about the creatures we might be facing, and if we add whatever you might know and can do to our forces it might tip the balance. What do you say?¡±

    ¡°I¡­I don¡¯t know. I mean, this is¡­¡±

    ¡°Please.¡± Amber cut in, begging with her eyes. ¡°We need you. We¡¯re down on anyone who can identify and use whatever magic we¡¯re going to fight. I don¡¯t know much about the Last Alarm, but I know whatever he wants he shouldn¡¯t get. He¡¯s been called into this world. We have to do everything we can.¡± she pleaded to Bess¡¯s frightened face.

    ¡°What? H-He¡¯s...but that¡­oh crap, oh jeez, this¡¯s bad. He¡¯s actually summoned?¡± Bess asked, hoping desperately, futilely, that this was a dream, or an elaborate practical joke.

    ¡°He¡¯s real, and he¡¯s here. I heard him talking to the kid as he made him roofdive.¡± Cross said. Bess cursed.

    ¡°Then what are we waiting for?¡± With a harsh, guttural intonation she stood up, the handcuffs falling off her wrists. The guards started forward but she raised a hand, orange slime oozing down her arm and extending into a tendril that scrutinized them with a single foreboding eye. ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it.¡± she said, the tentacle glaring. Leo raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Huh. You could¡¯ve escaped at any time you wanted. Why didn¡¯t you?¡± he asked as they stood up, Cross explaining to the guards that Bess was now fully pardoned and in their custody, flashing the Agency badge that would allow her to do so.

    ¡°Scott made me promise I wouldn¡¯t, and he had the power to enforce it, not them. But Amber was right. I did need to live, and reexamine my existence, and what I have done. The last few months have been¡­enlightening.¡± she explained, banishing the tendril. ¡°If you found me, have you found the other members of the coven? They would be able to help, too.¡±

    ¡°Unfortunately not. Carla and Courtney are still at large, presumably laying low. We¡¯ve actually found Stephanie, but with her current mental state she¡¯s not fit for recruitment. Besides, she¡¯s proven almost pathologically incapable of trying not to kill Amber, and I don¡¯t need my team tearing itself apart.¡± Cross said.

    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean we won¡¯t be getting any reinforcement. I messaged him before we got here, he¡¯ll be here as soon as he can. Still can¡¯t believe no one got his phone number.¡± Leo piped up.

    ¡°Really? That¡¯s great! He¡¯ll be a big help!¡± Amber said excitedly. ¡°But he kinda left in a hurry, so we didn¡¯t think of it. How¡¯d you get ahold of him?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m friends with him on Facebook. Did, did no one else think of that?¡± Leo asked, confused.

    ¡°Ugh, don¡¯t remind me. I haven¡¯t been on in weeks, people¡¯ll have been wondering where I¡¯ve been, oh god, Joy¡¯ll be flipping out.¡± she said aghast as they left. Bess regarded them with a raised eyebrow.

    ¡°You do know the whole planet could be in danger, right? Should you really be so¡­flippant?¡± she asked. They looked at her.

    ¡°Would constantly stressing and worrying help?¡± Leo asked in response.

    ¡°Well, no but-¡±

    ¡°Trust me, it¡¯s too hard to be freaked all the time under a threat, you kind of get used to it. I mean, the first time we squared up against an evil god with an army of vampires, things were pretty rough.¡± Amber said, to Bess¡¯s alarm.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°To be fair, once those ghouls showed up and Scott unleashed the giant three-headed dog, things did get better, even if I was dead.¡± Leo said, finger on his chin.

    ¡°What!?¡±

    ¡°I say it¡¯s because you¡¯re a bunch of godless immature teenagers, but what would I know.¡± Cross said sourly.

    ¡°But¡­I do have a god. He gave me a flaming sword and everything, even if he does have more tentacles than I was expecting.¡± Leo pointed out.

    ¡°And the uylata spider¡¯s pretty okay too, even if she does have to abduct mortals for the collective. The powers are neat, although my skin turning white is a tad hard to coordinate with.¡± Amber said, enjoying watching Bess nearly explode.

    ¡°WHAT!?¡± she shouted. Cross put a long-suffering arm around her shoulders.

    ¡°Get used to it, kid. Get used to it.¡±

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Vanessa stealthily slipped through the door as thunder boomed overhead, the light rain turning harder. She heard her parents chatting in the kitchen, chuckling as she went past them, unseen. She didn¡¯t really need to sneak around, but it felt more appropriate. Right now, it sounded like they were having a late-night snack with her and Riley. She peeked in, watching them eat cheesecake. Riley wasn¡¯t present, but they still had four places. She sighed; she hoped they weren¡¯t throwing the uneaten slices away, there was no reason to waste good food, even if they had been trapped in an illusion that everything was normal for the past two weeks.

    It wasn¡¯t that she wanted to bewitch her parents, but it was infinitely easier to move around if they thought she was usually home and around. Nigel had been right, like usual. The illusion spell was perfect, they¡¯d think everything going on in their house was fine, and wouldn¡¯t even register Vanessa or anything she did unless she wanted them to. Very useful, considering she was at the Society headquarters nearly sixteen hours a day now, often sleeping there. She did wonder if Riley was still preoccupied with Conner.

    She didn¡¯t bother hiding anymore once she checked her control was absolute as she walked up the stairs to her room, absently noting Riley¡¯s lights were out. Weird, she usually tried to stay up later during the summer. There was a flickering glow coming from underneath the door, and strange growling sounds. She was just watching a movie or something. Anyway, Vanessa had to hurry and pack!

    Vanessa entered her room and pulled out her suitcase. Nigel had said this would definitely be an overnight trip, and that if everything was successful she might not be coming back to this house again. The new world was almost at hand. She shivered, nervous but determined. She began throwing clothes and toiletries in her bag.

    BANG!

    There was a loud thump, and Vanessa looked up to see Riley panting, back against the door looking freaked.

    ¡°Riley?¡± Vanessa asked.

    ¡°What? Everything¡¯s fine, everything¡¯s ok!¡± she said quickly, opening the door a crack and breathing a sigh of relief. ¡°Phew...yeah, everything¡¯s good, no reason to panic at all. So, uh, how are you?¡± she said casually, leaning against the bookshelf and wiping the sweat from her forehead.

    ¡°What were you-¡±

    ¡°Nothing! Nothing at all, j-just a harmless little game, that¡¯s all!¡± Riley said, cutting her off. Vanessa looked at her strangely.

    ¡°Okayyyyy¡­.¡±

    ¡°So anyway-are mom and dad alright? They¡¯ve uh, seemed pretty out of it lately. Know what¡¯s up with that? I thought I saw ¡®em in the kitchen, they¡¯re acting kinda weird. I, uh, had to catch my show, so I didn¡¯t stop when I got a soda.¡± Riley said, desperately changing the subject.

    ¡°Oh, um, th-they¡¯re adults, who knows what¡¯s going on in their heads.¡± Vanessa said unconvincingly, causing Riley to raise her eyebrow this time.

    ¡°Alriiiiiight¡­¡±

    ¡°Yeah, probably just some kind of game they¡¯re playing, you know how long-time couples are.¡± Vanessa kept going. Riley blinked.

    ¡°N-No, not really.¡± she said flatly. Vanessa grinned and pounced on the opportunity.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°Really? So I guess that Connor¡¯s not anything to you then?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Oh, c¡¯mon. I¡¯ve seen you running around, you¡¯re spending all your free time with him.¡± she wheedled, resuming packing. ¡°Tell the truth, sis. Is he really just a friend?¡±

    ¡°What? No, that¡¯s-he¡­I¡­¡± Riley stammered, turning red. ¡°He¡¯s a boy!¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯re a girl.¡± Vanessa said, softening her expression. This might be the last time she was able to see her sister, and even if the brat was annoying Vanessa still cared for her. ¡°I¡¯m serious. Do you like him? Do you even know what that means?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah, I¡¯m not dumb!¡± Riley asserted loudly. ¡°But boys are dumb, and they¡¯re gross!¡±

    ¡°But is Connor dumb and gross?¡± Vanessa asked. Riley looked down.

    ¡°Well, no¡­¡±

    ¡°And he¡¯s a boy, so they¡¯re not all dumb and gross. You¡¯re just too young to really see it yet, but boys aren¡¯t any better or worse than girls are. Usually.¡± she added, recalling some of Janet, and even her past boyfriends. ¡°Trust me, in a few years you¡¯ll get what I mean.¡± Riley still looked confused, but unconvinced. Vanessa giggled. ¡°I went through the same thing. Now tell me. Do you think he¡¯s cute?¡±

    ¡°No way.¡± Riley scoffed.

    ¡°But is he bad looking?¡± Vanessa said, putting her hairbrush and other accessories away, along with a small purse.

    ¡°No, but-¡± A small bottle fell out of the bundle Vanessa was packing to the floor. Riley stared at the red pills. They looked extremely familiar. ¡°What¡¯re those?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. Just some medicine.¡± Vanessa said, quickly, trying to snatch it up but Riley getting there first.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have any perscriptions-¡± she froze as she saw the pills up close. Bright crimson, with no stamp or markings. Her mind flashed to the sample Scott was working on in the lab. ¡°What? Is¡­is this-?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s nothing you need to worry about.¡± Vanessa snapped, tearing it out of her hand. Riley stared at her, wide-eyed.

    ¡°V-Vanessa¡­is that¡­Taboo?¡± Vanessa froze herself, turning mechanically to her sister.

    ¡°How do you know about Taboo?¡± There was a flash of lightning and a roll of thunder, the rain driving against the roof and window as they stared at each other in silence.

    ¡°This-this¡¯s the same stuff that Scott¡¯s girlfriend took and was turned into a spider, or something. He told me it was real bad. Why¡¯re you taking stuff that¡¯s real bad?¡± Riley said, face hardening and heart thumping in her small chest.

    ¡°¡®Scott?¡¯ Who¡¯s Scott? I don¡¯t know any Scott, why¡¯d he tell you it was bad? Look, it¡¯s not what you think, this stuff helps you expand your horizons. It¡¯s just a tool that allows me to focus, and lets me think about and prepare for the future better. There¡¯s going to be some changes, big ones, coming soon, and I¡¯m going to be a part of it. I know you were told drugs were bad in school, but that¡¯s ¡®cause you¡¯re too young to understand better. It¡¯s more complex than that, there¡¯s a lot of issues my friends and I have to worry about, and the Taboo helps us get through it. It-¡±

    ¡°-gives you forbidden knowledge of magic?¡± Riley said quietly, her tiny voice cutting through Vanessa¡¯s hurried explanations. There was another moment of silence as Vanessa gaped at her little sister, and that was all the confirmation that Riley needed. ¡°I¡¯m right, right? You got magic powers, by taking these drugs! That¡¯s why Mom and Dad¡¯re weird, because you did something to ¡®em, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not¡­I, I didn¡¯t¡­¡± Vanessa stuttered.

    ¡°And you¡¯re packing. Why? Where are you going? Why are you taking so much stuff? Does this have anything to do with the Taboo? With your friends? Is that why I¡¯ve never seen you at home lately?¡± Riley said, connections forming and pieces falling into place in her mind.

    ¡°You¡­I¡­how did you¡­¡± Vanessa said weakly, fidgeting nervously. This little brat! She was always dumb as a post, when did she get so sharp? How the hell did she even know what Taboo was, unless-she didn¡¯t have some herself, did she!? ¡°I get it, this Scott told you about Taboo.¡± she said venomously, growing agitated, and Riley flinched at the name she spat. Vanessa narrowed her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m right. Did you take any? Is he supplying you? Do you have any here? Give it to me. Now!¡± She drew herself up over the nine-year-old, but Riley didn¡¯t appear intimidated, staring back at her with shining brown eyes.

    ¡°Yeah, he told me all about it, but he¡¯d never give it to me. He said it gives you power, but the chemical competition makes you weird and insane.¡±

    ¡°Composition.¡± Vanessa corrected, glaring at her.

    ¡°Right, chemical composition.¡± Riley said, glaring back. ¡°He said it makes your brain unstable, and if you¡¯ve got magical powers who knows the damage you could cause. He made me swear never to touch it. Vanessa, I¡¯ve never seen you act like this. You gotta quit it.¡±

    ¡°No, you don¡¯t understand. I¡¯ve never felt better in my life. I have new friends, and a boyfriend who really gets me, and teaches me so many wonderful new things. It¡¯s all thanks to Taboo. I¡¯ve never acted like this because I was so full of fear before. But now I am loved, and I have power. I can stand up to anything. I love this power, this feeling. And no one is taking it from me.¡± Vanessa said coldly, flexing her fingers. Riley shook her head, surreptitiously reaching into her pocket for the piece of chalk she always carried now. Scott¡¯s lab had plenty.

    ¡°Well maybe you won¡¯t listen to me. And maybe you did something weird to them, but I bet you¡¯ll listen to Mom and Dad.¡± She backed up towards the door. Vanessa saw it in her face; no matter what, Riley would try to stop her now. She always was stubborn.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. K¡¯eashgg.¡± She waved her hand, and Riley started as the door vanished, becoming as smooth as the wall.

    ¡°What!?¡±

    ¡°Little sister, it¡¯s past your bedtime. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not going to hurt you. I¡¯m just going to make everything normal again. Zgk¡¯lssh-avvana. Zgk¡¯lssh-avvana. Zgk¡¯lssh-avvana.¡± She began chanting, growing in size to twelve feet tall. Riley screamed, but no one came. ¡°No sound will escape this room. There¡¯s nothing to worry about, anyway. With one touch, you¡¯ll see the world like Mom and Dad.¡± Her skin had faded to a dull grey, and her face and teeth had become long and sharp. She slowly stretched an impossibly long hand out, ready to engulf Riley¡¯s head and erase her perception of reality.

    ¡°Nooooo!¡± she shrieked, frozen in terror. ¡°Help! Connor! Scott! Nooo!¡±The paltry spells she knew wouldn¡¯t even come to mind. Her sister was bigger and stronger than her normally, let alone magically. She was trapped in a corner, unable to move. It was over. Lightning cracked as her tears fell like the rain. She was alone and helpless. There was nothing she could do.

    In the next room, the Necronomicon trembled, shook, and flipped open.

    There was a small, dark foresty green flicker in Riley¡¯s eyes, and she suddenly recalled Scott¡¯s advice when fighting fellow magic users: ¡®First rule is: don¡¯t. You don¡¯t know what they have, or what they¡¯re willing to do. So if you wanna fight that, good luck. Running¡¯s your best bet. But if you can¡¯t, you gotta use what¡¯s between your ears. Always remember everything has a weakness. Even a seemingly all-powerful ancient deity can be banished back home, with the right spell. Now necromancy¡¯s not really suited for a straight-up confrontation without an army of corpses at your back, so you gotta think about what you have, and what you can do with that. But there¡¯s one spell that doesn¡¯t need sigils, or a long incantation, making it perfect for combat. Remember, necrotic energy, the force of the dead, isn¡¯t an absence of life energy. Life energy is made of the positive: happiness, calm, serenity, light, health, innocence, love, anything you wanna slap a good adjective on. Necrotic is comprised of pure negativity: sadness, fear, anger, hate, rot, corruption, malice. So if you need to fight, it¡¯s the perfect spell to harm or even kill your enemy, depending on how much you put into it. Remember this spell, it could save your life. Remember-¡¯

    ¡°SEKH!¡± Riley¡¯s brown eyes blazed a dark foresty green, swinging her hand at her sister¡¯s. The magic of illusion met the dark force of decay, the powers colliding and warping. Vanessa had more skill and experience in using her magical knowledge, so the outcome was obvious. Ordinarily. But Riley was terrified out of her wits, running on instinct and launching a desperate gamble. The necrotic energy responded well to such a strong negative emotion, and tore through the hallucinogenic spell like a steel beam through plaster.

    ¡°Augh!¡± Vanessa recoiled in pain, the piercing, burning sensation as her flesh began to rot just beginning to turn her hand black as the room snapped back to normal, her concentration shattered. She wiped it off, undamaged, but looked up as her door slammed.

    ¡°You¡­! Little rat! I knew you were taking Taboo! Get back here!¡± Vanessa furiously chanted and threw her door open, reality roiling and shifting as she chased Riley, riding on billowing smoke that obscured the view in the hallway that was lengthening to infinity before Riley¡¯s eyes. Riley ran as fast as she could, but her increasingly growing and witchlike sister would be on her in a heartbeat.

    ¡°H-Help!¡± she cried. Out of the shifting, smoky walls a door opened up, revealing a skeleton standing in a normal room. Unless the various mad chalk scribblings, ritual circle and candles counted as normal. She dove into the space and hugged the calcific undead. ¡°Thank you, thank you!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got you now-¡± Vanessa had caught up to the speedy child, ready to throw enough illusions so hard and fast and real it would rend her mind into pieces. Her hand was raised with a bolt of pure trauma, and then she saw Riley grinning and glaring with glowing green eyes at her.

    ¡°Get ¡®er, Bones!¡± Vanessa stared, the incantation dying on her lips. The spectral shifting of reality in the hall faded into the normal grey-black of night as she saw her nightmares come to unlife.

    Bones marched, clacking on the hardwood as he went, a grinning skull stripped of all flesh, empty sockets staring into her saucer-wide eyes. Her blood chilled, freezing in abject fear.

    ¡°N-No.¡± she moaned softly, taking a step back. Bones was almost in arm¡¯s length. No. No! NOOOOOOO!¡± She screamed and fell, scrabbling backwards as she was assaulted by the memories of previous undead, breaking into her home right in front of her eyes, dragging an unnatural intruder out and tearing him apart like vicious dogs. ¡°No! S-Stay away!¡± She gathered her wits and held up a machine gun, unloading two hundred rounds a minute into the skeleton. Bones didn¡¯t flinch. He had his orders, and the dead weren¡¯t bothered by pain or fear. It was like trying to trick a statue. ¡°Go away! Aiiiieee!¡± Vanessa threw herself back and clapped her hands together, bringing the walls to smash the skeletal zombie. He kept walking, unfazed. Riley watched in amazement. It was obvious by now Vanessa was using illusions, demonstrated as she created holes in the floor. Bones hesitated, trying to find a way around.

    ¡°Keep going! No matter what!¡± she shouted, and Bones strode forward on nothing.

    ¡°Get away! Stop! D-Don¡¯t come any closer!¡± Vanessa chanted desperately, conjuring walls, fog, strange gibbering and scary creatures to attack the skeleton. He kept going forward, mindlessly. ¡°No! I-I can¡¯t¡­aaaaaauuugghhhh!¡± Vanessa screamed, tears running down her face. Her back hit the wall. There was nowhere else for her to run. All her power, all her skill, useless in the rotted face of this monster. ¡°G-GET AWAY!¡±

    BOOM!

    The hallway exploded into a blast of flame, as bright as the sun and hot as a volcano. Riley ducked into her room, shielding her eyes. She knew she should be alright, and in fact there was no heat, but the sheer overwhelming flames felt like they should be melting her. The hallway looked like a molten steel factory, Vanessa huffing as she focused on the fiery column centered on the skeleton. A boney hand reached through the conflagration and wrapped itself around her throat.

    ¡°Urk-!¡± Bones stepped out of the flames, unaffected in the slightest. He grabbed her right arm and pulled it out so she couldn¡¯t use it as she tried to flail desperately, unable to overpower the dark magics animating his form, the phalanges restricting her air supply and restoring reality to normal. Riley crept forward, watching her sister try to struggle and slowly lose consciousness, weeping.

    ¡°Let her go.¡± she said quietly, and Bones obeyed. Vanessa dropped to the floor and curled up in a ball, unmoving, sobbing. Riley let her go for awhile, then laid a hand on her shoulder. ¡°Hey. Hey.¡± Vanessa glanced up at her, then at the skeleton in fear. ¡°Bones, give us some space.¡± Bones took a couple steps back, though easily within reaction distance.

    ¡°What are you doing, how are you doing this, why do you have that thing?¡± Vanessa whimpered. Riley sighed and threw an arm around her shoulders, kneeling down beside her. Vanessa may have been dumb, but she was still her sister, and did try to look out for her. Now it was her turn.

    ¡°I told you, I didn¡¯t take any Taboo, but I met someone a few weeks ago who¡¯s been giving me lessons in the best magical subject of all: necromancy.¡± She gestured to the undead behind her. ¡°It¡¯s real cool. I¡¯m not too good at it yet, but I¡¯m learning. Scott¡¯s the one¡­was the one who taught me. He¡­he died, last week. He was researching the Taboo for the government, an¡¯ they went on a mission to stop it, and he died.¡±

    Vanessa listened to the story in amazement. Her sister was being taught magic? And it sounded like he was Scott Havenbrook, an infamous creepy loser form school who went crazy and went on a crusade against Metatech.

    ¡°But¡­but why zombies?¡± she asked, glancing at the motionless skeleton. ¡°Why, out of all the things you could do, why choose¡­necromancy? It¡¯s horrible! It¡¯s gross and creepy, playing around with dead bodies!¡± Riley glared at her.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s hard, and gross, but necromancy¡¯s the best! We wouldn¡¯t be here without it! That bad guy that broke in last year, Scott killed him! There was a daemonic invasion, and Scott raised the cemetery to stop it! Zombies aren¡¯t evil or bad, they just do what you want ¡®em to. If you¡¯re bad, yeah they¡¯ll do bad, but if you¡¯re good you can use ¡®em to save people! Zombies are the coolest!¡± she proclaimed, passionately jumping up, her fist in the air. Vanessa stared at her baby sister.

    ¡°You¡¯re nuts, you know that.¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯re being a villain!¡± Riley countered, pointing an accusing finger at her. ¡°Taboo¡¯s bad! It makes you go crazy, and with magic powers you¡¯ll end up hurting people!¡±

    ¡°M-Maybe some irresponsible users, but the Third Eye Society encourages Taboo use to expand one¡¯s mind, to gain the power to help ourselves and others, to-¡±

    ¡°-make my brain weird like you did to Mom and Dad?¡± Riley asked. Vanessa fell silent. ¡°I don¡¯t care what you were thinking, you tried to use bad magic on me!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­that¡¯s not¡­¡± Vanessa struggled weakly. ¡°I-I mean, we¡¯ve occasionally had to s-steal some stuff, b-but it was only to get enough resources to build a better future! For us, and for you! Th-The adults stole our chances at a happy life, w-we¡¯re just taking it back!¡± she defended, clenching her fists.

    ¡°By using bad magic on me? If that¡¯s the case, I don¡¯t want anything you give me. Sorry, but that¡¯s crazy. You¡¯re crazy, and your friends are crazy. You know that, right?¡± Riley tossed back at her. Vanessa flinched. ¡°C¡¯mon sis, I can see this, you gotta know all this better than I do! Unless you don¡¯t think you¡¯re smarter than a nine year old?¡±

    Vanessa spent a long time staring in awkward silence at her sister, then down at her own hands. Was this really what she wanted to be? Someone who would turn violent against a child, her own blood, and couldn¡¯t deny her points? Was the bright future she was working towards really worth doing such things? Would she be able to live with herself afterwards?

    ¡°¡­I think I made a big mistake.¡± she said at last, her stomach falling to her shoes.

    ¡°Freaking duh!¡± Riley said, rolling her eyes. ¡°Now, gimme your cell phone.¡± Vanessa handed it over numbly, and Riley started typing quickly. ¡°I¡¯m texting Connor. He can help. If the Taboo¡¯s still around, it¡¯s my duty as a Necromancy Apprentice to stop it!¡± she said, standing as tall as her three-foot frame allowed. ¡°Just gotta figure out what to do next. Connor¡¯s good at that.¡±

    ¡°Err, yeah¡­¡± Vanessa said uncertainly. How was all this happening? Her mind began to replay the events leading up to this, then she gasped as she remembered why she was packing. ¡°Oh, no! We¡¯re gonna go to New York tomorrow, we were gonna steal something from this guy¡¯s place, Nigel said it was almost the last step to the new world we were making!¡±

    ¡°Then that¡¯s something I gotta stop. I-¡± The front door burst open and Connor ran in, out of breath.

    ¡°I (huff) got your (huff) message!¡± he gasped. ¡°Y-Your sister!? A Taboo cult!?¡±

    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s not a cult!¡± Vanessa protested reflexively. Riley glared at her disapprovingly, and even Bones¡¯s black eye sockets seemed to look at her with distain. ¡°Okay. It might be a cult.¡± Connor shook his head.

    ¡°This¡­this is serious.¡± he said.

    ¡°Right. Especially if these guys¡¯re gonna steal something that¡¯ll complete their nefurrious plans.¡± Riley said, stroking her chin. Sometimes she wished she had a beard.

    ¡°Nefarious.¡± Connor and Vanessa said.

    ¡°Whatever!¡± She locked eyes with Connor, and they both knew. The time had come, to unleash the seal on the forbidden text. ¡°Yup. This¡¯s officially too big for us. I don¡¯t think we can do this.¡± Connor gulped and nodded, pulling out his phone. He pulled up the number Scott insisted he have, and forbade them to use it except in the most dire of circumstances. ¡°We¡¯ve got no choice.¡±

    ¡°I know. Here goes.¡± He joined the girls upstairs and pushed the dial button. After a moment of ringing, the other end picked up.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Agent Cross answered.

 Chapter 21: Lessons Learned

    Cross said nothing as she maintained a white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel, but her teeth grinding together made her feelings clear. Amber, Leo, and Bess sat ramrod straight, not daring to move or otherwise draw her attention.

    ¡°Of all the harebrained¡­this is the worst¡­that-that goddamn #@%$&* punk bastard. He¡¯s lucky he¡¯s already dead, or else I¡¯d kill him.¡± She growled.

    ¡°Um¡­¡± Her gaze, sharp as a knife, turned in Leo¡¯s direction. He¡¯d never felt more afraid for his life, not even when he¡¯d died. ¡°W-Well, without this girl and her sister, w-we wouldn¡¯t have this lead.¡± he said, cowing.

    ¡°This is very true. This is a very good point.¡± Cross said in a clipped tone. However, her voice rose with every word in the next sentence. ¡°It is also a good point that HE SHOULDN¡¯T BE TEACHING CHILDREN NECROMANCY!¡±

    ¡°I completely agree.¡± Amber tried to soothe. ¡°If I know Scott, he made them keep it a secret from everybody, for their own good. He shouldn¡¯t have done it in the first place, but it¡¯s too late for that now. All we can do is play the hand we¡¯re dealt.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s still a bastard.¡± Cross said irrefutably. Amber sighed and nodded.

    ¡°Yeah, I guess.¡±

    ¡°N-Not to break up this wonderful conversation, but did this apprentice say what her sister was going to grab?¡± Bess said nervously.

    ¡°No. No she did not. Unfortunately, I was unable to gather that information before the conversation was over.¡± Cross said, far too calmly. The teens in the car recalled differently, as Cross managed to choke out a time and place for a meeting, then crushing her phone in her hand. What did she eat? ¡°We¡¯ll be there in twenty minutes. I¡¯m sure we can explain to the kids why they shouldn¡¯t follow the kid¡¯s example.¡±

    ¡°Hey, he wasn¡¯t that bad¡­¡± Amber said halfheartedly, not entirely believing it herself. As his former girlfriend, she felt she should stick up for him somehow.

    ¡°Be that as it may, it¡¯s quite beyond the pale to involve a couple of kids like that though.¡± Leo said.

    ¡°I¡¯m curious about the sister though. What kind of incantations and rituals does she know? Ultimately, Stephanie only taught us a handful of spells, I¡¯m curious as to what else was in the book. O-Only professionally.¡± Bess said, noting the looks she was getting from the rest of the car. ¡°I always wanted to know what Stephanie was keeping from us.¡±

    ¡°She should¡¯a kept it more hidden.¡± Cross growled, and they passed the town limits of Craven Falls.

    Shortly thereafter, they pulled up to Riley¡¯s house. Leo knocked, and the door was answered by a girl barely over three feet tall with dirty blond hair and bright brown eyes.

    ¡°Hi! You must be Detective Cross an¡¯ her friends, right?¡± Riley said. Leo leaned down and smiled gently at her.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. You¡¯re Riley, correct? We need to talk to you, but our most pressing concern is your sister. May we come in and meet her?¡± Suddenly, Vanessa¡¯s earlier advice about boys started to make sense.

    ¡°Yeah! I mean, yes, please come in.¡± she said, holding the door open.

    ¡°Where¡¯re your parents, Riley?¡± Cross said, breathing deeply to let her anger flow away. This kid wasn¡¯t responsible for¡­most of it. Riley laughed shyly and scratched the back of her head.

    ¡°Yeah, um, funny thing about that, sis kinda¡­put a mind whammy on ¡®em.¡±

    ¡°A ¡®whammy¡¯? Please explain.¡± Cross asked.

    ¡°Well she kinda¡­trapped ¡®em in an illusion that everything was normal and fine when they¡¯re in our house. We had a whole magic battle upstairs and everything, it was so cool! Scary, but cool! They didn¡¯t hear a thing, ¡®sides some thumping. They¡¯re asleep right now.¡± Riley explained, shrugging. ¡°Oh! But that¡¯s when Vanessa was kinda crazy, she¡¯s good now. We worked it out, no prob. We figured it¡¯d be better to leave ¡®em like that for now.¡± she added quickly and Cross groaned, holding a hand to her face. Yup, definitely the kid¡¯s apprentice; that particular vein hadn¡¯t throbbed in a while.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ugh. I don¡¯t like it, but¡­fine, I can work with it. Where¡¯s your sister?¡±

    ¡°Upstairs, with Connor and Bones. They¡¯re keeping an eye on her.¡±

    ¡°Bones? Are-are you talking about the skeleton?¡± Amber said, perking up at mention of a familiar zombie. It was¡­unsettling to have another necromancer in control of him. She realized that skeleton was the very first one she¡¯d seen Scott animate. Riley nodded enthusiastically.

    ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s great! We got him form Scott¡¯s lab, we figured y¡¯know, since he didn¡¯t need him anymore¡­and he¡¯s super useful! He saved my life!¡± she exclaimed. Bess pulled Leo to the back of the group.

    ¡°Okay, I don¡¯t know much about necromancy,¡± she admitted. ¡°But I do know it was over nine months before we could cast even a single spell when Stephanie was teaching us. And we were working at it hard every day, too. It was nearly two years before we began¡­began collecting parts for the ritual. Now I don¡¯t know how hard it is to raise a corpse or control one, but it took me five weeks to learn to start fires with my mind. From what I¡¯m hearing, she learned how to do this in about two weeks. Either Scot missed his calling as a teacher, or there¡¯s something not exactly kosher going on here.¡± she said. Leo thought about it, and nodded.

    ¡°You may be right. I really hope they didn¡¯t take any Taboo.¡± he said. Bess shook her head.

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s it. I don¡¯t know for sure, but I never heard Stephanie talking about raising the dead, and she seemed keen on getting Scott on her side. I don¡¯t think there¡¯s really any necromantic magic in the Libris Malefactorum Arcana.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s-she just happens to be really, really good at it, maybe?¡± Leo hazarded.

    ¡°Yeah. Not just her, but that Connor kid too. Three people who just happen to be naturals at sorcery and necromancy, in a town that just so happens to have the Necronomicon in it.¡± she said, nonplussed. Leo grimaced, acknowledging her point.

    ¡°Okay, here¡¯s what we¡¯re gonna do. Amber, Leo, take the kids to her room and talk to them. Find out everything he taught ¡®em, why, and make sure they¡¯re on the up-and-up. And see if you can persuade them that continuing their endeavors is a bad idea. Bess, you¡¯re with me. We¡¯re gonna interview this Vanessa, see where the Third Eye is headed. It sounds like if they get that amulet, they win. We have to stop ¡®em no matter what.¡± Cross said.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°You and Connor are going to come with us, okay? Can you show me your room?¡± Amber asked gently, offering her hand.

    ¡°Sure!¡± Riley said, grabbing the hand and calling to Connor. Cross and Bess went in Vanessa¡¯s room, and Riley led them all to hers.

    It was a typical room for a nine year old girl: light pinks, pastels, stuffed animals, fairy and princess toys and memorabilia scattered on the desks, shelves, and in the corner. There were several Disney posters with Belle, Anna and Elsa, and Rapunzel. Perfectly normal¡­but next to them were Day of the Dead posters, princesses smiling at undead ready to tear a man¡¯s guts out. And of course there was a large diagram of a magic circle on the floor, a hint of a charnel, foul scent in the air.

    ¡°Oooh, this isn¡¯t what she wanted at all.¡± Leo muttered under his breath.

    ¡°Interesting d¨¦cor.¡± Amber said, her voice hitting an interesting pitch.

    ¡°Yeah, right!? I was seeing if I could summon the spirits of the dead-that didn¡¯t turn out too well, heh heh.¡± Riley said, embarrassed.

    ¡°You know Scott said we shouldn¡¯t be doing this stuff, right?¡± Connor said.

    ¡°Well he should¡¯a told me himself. Oh wait, he can¡¯t!¡± Riley growled, sticking her tongue out at him. ¡°I know he said not to, but I¡¯ll never get any better if I don¡¯t try. I know that¡¯s what he would¡¯ve done!¡± she declared, and Amber and Leo shared a look. Hoo boy.

    ¡°Well, you¡¯re not wrong.¡± Amber said, inviting them to sit on the bed with her. Leo folded his arms and leaned against the door. ¡°Scott probably would do something like that. But there¡¯s a big difference between you and him, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s a lot better at it. Which is why I¡¯m trying to get good at it myself, so I can bring him back, so he can be alive again and teach us more. It was fun.¡± she said.

    ¡°The lessons were always interesting, even if they were difficult.¡± Connor added.

    ¡°Oh? What did he teach you? How was he? I can¡¯t really imagine Scott as a teacher.¡± Leo asked, and the teens were surprised at their reactions. Riley made a sour face, while Connor had a far-off, haunted look in his eye.

    ¡°He was a real¡­¡± Riley began, trying to find the words.

    ¡°Slavedriver.¡± Connor finished. ¡°He drilled sigils, incantations, diagrams, spells, methods of mysticism, over and over. And you can¡¯t mess ¡®em up because one wrong move¡¯ll raise an army of ravenous zombies that will eat you, or break a hole in reality an¡¯ a betentacled monstrosity will rip off your face and eat it, or you¡¯ll be possessed by something that¡¯ll make you eat your friends and family, so draw! Draw until it¡¯s impossible to get it wrong, even under pressure! No, not the animation circle again, please don¡¯t give Bones the stick, why are you giving Bones the stick, no, I¡¯ll raise the mouse this time, no, no!¡± He started trembling his hands unconsciously tracing mystic inscriptions in the air, lost to the room. Riley sighed and smacked his head. ¡°Ah! What? Oh.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, he does that, don¡¯t worry ¡®bout it, he¡¯s fine.¡± she reassured the worried-looking teens, waving her hand dismissively.

    ¡°Are¡­are you sure?¡± Amber asked nervously.

    ¡°Yeah, Scott was just really, really worried about us messing up. He had me draw the same circle once for eight hours, ugh it was horrible. But he was right, I didn¡¯t forget it when I was done.¡± Riley sighed. ¡°I hate it when he¡¯s right. And he was always right.¡±

    ¡°He was the one teaching us.¡± Connor pointed out.

    ¡°I see.¡± Amber said, nodding. ¡°It sounds tough. Why¡¯d you want to do it in the first place, then?¡± she asked, careful to sound curious, not judgmental. ¡°Necromancy isn¡¯t exactly a passion a little girl usually has. I know it sounded creepy to me when I was your age. Scott¡¯s shown me the usefulness of it, but I¡¯m still not exactly over the moon.¡±

    ¡°Because zombies are the coolest!¡± Riley declared, happily and loud, giving a big thumbs-up. ¡°Last Halloween some monster guy broke into our house. He was about to get us when boosh! A whole horde of zombies busted in an¡¯ dragged him out! They tore him to pieces, it was the coolest thing I ever saw in my life! And it turns out Scott was the one who animated ¡®em and told ¡®em to go out and save people, it¡¯s incredible!¡±

    ¡°Uh-huh.¡± Amber said, recalling the incident all too well. She had to admit, the enthusiasm this little girl had for a daemon being ripped to shreds was concerning.

    ¡°But now I¡¯ve studied under Scott, he¡¯s showed me the real appeal of necromancy.¡± Riley continued, turning slightly more serious. Her brown eyes were bright and shining with passion. ¡°See, before I thought zombies were just cool. Scott told me that to him, zombies were proof. Proof that with the right knowhow and some guts, it was possible to do something impossible, something amazing, beyond the composition of conventional wisdom.¡±

    ¡°Comprehension.¡± Connor corrected.¡±

    ¡°Comprehension of conventional wisdom.¡± Riley said without missing a beat. ¡°The natural order of things is to be born, live, then die. To live again, in any capacity, is to reject what is in favor of what should be. Necromancy lets you impose your will on fate, because fate does a crummy job of it. And necromancy¡¯s the ultimate art of self-expression! Right, Connor?¡± she asked the boy, who nodded.

    ¡°I have to admit, I wasn¡¯t thrilled when Riley enlisted me in her plan. But after seeing what he could do, after Scott agreed to teach us? How could I say no?¡± He shrugged. ¡°Opportunities to learn actual magic don¡¯t come around every day, and despite his¡­methods¡­¡± Connor shivered, getting that faraway look again. ¡°I find myself fascinated by all these spells. Did you know the Pythagorean Theorem doesn¡¯t apply in fifth-dimensional space, but does in the sixth? That¡¯s crazy!¡± he said, throwing his hands in the air. ¡°It¡¯s insane! Simply what it takes to channel that necrotic energy stuff¡­I don¡¯t know how he did it! Our fundamental understanding of the universe is flawed! There¡¯s so much out there!This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°But that¡¯s not all. Necromancy is so much more than raising zombies! There are ghouls, vampires, wights, ghosts, all sorts of creatures you could make. And the amount of customization that you can do simply by adjusting the magical formulas is outta this world! Like, Scott showed me if you just attach a third arm to a zombie, it can use it just as well as the other two! You can mix and match all sorts of stuff, he showed me his blueprints for the Zombie Titan Mk. 1!¡±

    ¡°Oh god.¡± Amber muttered, recalling the unholy amalgamation of bones and flesh to form a giant super zombie Scott rode in like a mech.

    ¡°God has nothing to do with it! Don¡¯t you see? With just a little info from the Necronomicon, we can do only what the gods were supposed to! Scott was a Prometheus! The existence of necrotic energy alone redefines, well, existence! And there¡¯s so much more, like¡­Riley, where¡¯s the Necronomicon?¡± he asked, not seeing it anywhere in the room.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­huh. It was here. I must¡¯a misplaced it.¡± Riley dismissed. Amber sighed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Please excuse us a sec.¡± she said, getting up and convening with Leo. ¡°Yeah, they kinda¡­¡±

    ¡°Took to Scott¡¯s influence like ducklings. He got his hooks too deep into them now.¡± Leo said quietly, sighing and shaking his head, but with a small smile on his face. ¡°But something remains to be seen. Let¡¯s see how much they absorbed.¡± He went over to them, and knelt before the bed.

    ¡°Okay guys, listen up. I¡¯m Leo, Leo Manning, and I have a question for you guys. Scott taught you a lot, it seems like. But assuming you continue your studies in necromancy, I have to ask: what exactly do you want from it?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Riley asked.

    ¡°I mean, what do you hope to achieve? Waking the dead¡¯s swell and al, but if you graduate from necroschool, what are you going to do with it?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna raise a ton of zombies!¡± Riley declared proudly. Leo nodded.

    ¡°Yeah, I get that. But what do you want to raise them for? Wat are you going to do with them after you¡¯ve got them?¡± he asked. Riley blinked.

    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Honestly, she¡¯d never given it much thought.

    ¡°You see? Even Scott didn¡¯t animate the dead if he didn¡¯t have a reason.¡± Amber pointed out.

    ¡°Um¡­¡± Connor sighed as Riley stared at them, wide-eyed and uncertain, her mind blown. Not make zombies when you didn¡¯t have to? Does not compute. ¡°B-But you could-!¡±

    ¡°Just because you can do something doesn¡¯t always mean you should. For instance, you can steal a car, doesn¡¯t mean that it¡¯s a good idea.¡± Amber said.

    ¡°Huh.¡± Riley grunted philosophically, the gears turning in her head. ¡°That¡¯s¡­I never really thought of that.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Connor deadpanned, and she kicked his leg. ¡°Hey.¡±

    ¡°I hope I¡¯ve managed to open your eyes about this stuff, at least a little.¡± Leo said, smiling. ¡°Necromancy allows you to do a lot of things, and I can¡¯t stop you, but I hope you keep in mind its¡¯ not a good idea to be messing with these spells, especially at your age. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯ve given me a lot to think about.¡± Riley said, nodding. Her brain was churning this new information over. Amber sighed in relief.

    ¡°And you, Connor?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t lump me in with her. I¡¯ve seen some of the stuff in the Necronomicon that has firmly convinced me how dangerous magic is.¡± he said, repressing a shudder. There were far too many spells that called for live sacrifices. ¡°I¡¯m just studying theory, at least for a good long while yet.¡±

    ¡°Good enough for me. Let¡¯s go get the detective.¡± Leo said, standing up.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°So, miss-?¡± Cross began, pulling out her trusty notebook.

    ¡°Dawson. Vanessa Dawson.¡± Vanessa said. She was curled up on her bed, hugging her knees to her chest. She looked haggard, like she¡¯d been put through the wringer.

    ¡°Miss Dawson. Or should I call you Vanessa?¡± Cross asked.

    ¡°Vanessa¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°Now then, Vanessa. Your little sister has informed me of the situation and what went down, but children are prone to leaving out details. I¡¯d like to hear what happened tonight from you.¡±

    ¡°Am I going to jail?¡± she asked dully. Cross raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Have you done anything that warrants jail time?¡±

    ¡°Heh. What haven¡¯t I done.¡± Vanessa snorted, looking down. ¡°For starters I¡­I take Taboo.¡± she said hesitantly, Cross and Bess listening silently. It was so much better in here now that the skeleton was gone, she¡¯d felt paralyzed. But now she was facing what she¡¯d done, and it wasn¡¯t pleasant. She went on despondently. ¡°I¡¯ve taken Taboo, and I¡¯ve done bad things. I used the powers it gave me to have Mom and Dad think everything was normal while I snuck out. I stole documents and artifacts from museums, and materials and money from other places.¡± The words were coming out faster and faster, like she couldn¡¯t get them away from her fast enough. ¡°And tonight I¡­tonight I¡­tried to attack Riley.¡± She was trembling, staring at her shaking hands with tears coming down her cheeks. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean¡­I never wanted¡­I, I only thought¡­b-but it turns out I-I¡¯m a monster.¡± she sobbed.

    ¡°I understand you¡¯ve been through a great deal of stress recently. However, I need to know what happened and what¡¯s going on. Please, just the facts for now.¡± Cross said, as gently as she could. Vanessa nodded.

    ¡°I-I c-came to pack. We w-were going down to New York City, and we might not be back for awhile, so I had a lot to do. R-Riley was watching a movie or something, and she got scared and ran into my room. W-We started talking when my bottle of T-Taboo fell out. She r-recognized it, I d-didn¡¯t know how, she knows what it does. She demanded I stop immediately, and-and I got¡­angry. I was¡­I was going to put her in an illusion of normalcy in her mind like Mom and dad, but not so¡­gently. And then¡­I¡¯m not s-sure what happened, Riley tried explaining it b-but I couldn¡¯t understand, she did something that hurt my hand, and she ran into the hallway. I followed, but then¡­¡± She gulped. Her shaking grew worse, accompanied by a far-off, hunted look in her eyes. ¡°T-Then¡­h-he c-came out. T-There w-was¡­was¡­a sk-skeleton, h-he¡­Riley told him to g-get m-me, a-and¡­no matter what I did, he just kept coming¡­he kept coming¡­t-the zombies just kept coming...tearing, ripping¡­blood everywhere¡­black blood¡­¡± She was whimpering.

    ¡°Hey. Hey!¡± Cross snapped her fingers in front of her face. She blinked and started.

    ¡°What? Oh, um¡­¡± she mumbled, rubbing her red face. The hot tears soaked into her sleeve. Cross was concerned.

    ¡°What was that about?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Err¡­l-last year, um¡­you, you know about this weird crap and magic, right?¡± she said.

    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s the organization that I work for¡¯s job to curtail such activity.¡± Cross nodded, eyebrow raised.

    ¡°Well¡­last Halloween, th-there was a guy. H-He broke into our house. I-It was just me and Riley. I swung an ashtray into his head, and he just laughed. The h-he started changing. He w-was a monster, like a demon. He-He was going to¡­I grabbed Riley and went into the kitchen, and outside was an e-entire army of zombies. T-The demon c-caught us, and there was nothing I could do. T-Then the zombies smashed in, and started tearing him to pieces. Th-They just kept coming, and uh¡­you know.¡± She curled up even further into a ball, her frightened eyes peering up at them over her knees. ¡°I-I still have dreams about it. T-They never end well. Crazy, right?¡±

    Cross sighed and rubbed her head, Bess shuffling uncomfortably. It was obvious why she turned to Taboo; a traumatic experience, no one would believe her, so she didn¡¯t get treatment. No wonder she would latch onto the first thing that would give her such control. This girl needed therapy, but that couldn¡¯t happen right now. She bent down to look Vanessa in the eye.

    ¡°Okay, I want you to listen very carefully.¡± Vanessa stopped sniffling and stared at her. ¡°What happened to you was a very traumatic experience, and very frightening one. I don¡¯t blame you for reacting negatively, this wasn¡¯t something anyone should have to go through or witness, let alone one as young as yourself. There isn¡¯t anything wrong with how you feel, or that you¡¯re scared.¡± Cross said, sternly but softly. Vanessa sniffed.

    ¡°B-But-¡±

    ¡°No buts! I am never wrong about these things, and I say it¡¯s okay. It¡¯s all right for you to be scared.¡± she snapped. ¡°Or are you calling me a liar?¡± Vanessa¡¯s eyes went wide as saucers and she shook her head. ¡°Good. Now, how you reacted is the problem. Did you tell anyone about the daemon or zombies?¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯d believe me?¡± she asked in a small voice.

    ¡°I understand. But it wasn¡¯t good to keep that bottled up. Look at what those feelings of powerlessness made you do. You¡¯re taking drugs, joined a cult, stole for them and have altered your family¡¯s minds, with intent to do the same to your nine year old sister. Does that sound right to you?¡± Cross said, emotionlessly laying down the facts. Vanessa¡¯s heart sank into her shoes. ¡°Yes, you reacted poorly, and made some questionable decisions. However, not all is lost. We need all the information you can give us about the Third Eye Society and what they¡¯re planning. I think that¡¯s a good start to making up for your mistakes.¡±

    ¡°M-Make up?¡± Vanessa sobbed in disbelief. ¡°H-How could I ever make up for what I¡¯ve done? I attacked Riley.¡± She stared at her hand, recalling how easily the spell for hallucination came to her. ¡°I-I¡¯m supposed to protect her, look out for her! And¡­and Mom and Dad! What have I done!?¡±

    ¡°Look, that¡¯s-¡± Cross started, but Vanessa was lost in despair and self-loathing.

    ¡°-a mistake? A mistake is getting the wrong answer on a test, not frying your family¡¯s brains! And-And I was happy to do it! I¡­I thought I was helping my friends by doing it! H-How could I call anyone a friend now, after what I¡¯ve done!?¡± Vanessa wailed. She clutched her head, wracked with so much guilt it was feeling like her skull would spilt open. ¡°I¡¯m a monster!¡±

    ¡°You shut your mouth!¡± Bess shouted. They both turned to the seething girl, who¡¯d had more than enough of this nonsense. ¡°Boo hoo, you got into a serious fight with your sister. You made your parents think everything was okay. You took some things that didn¡¯t belong to you. You think you¡¯re a monster because of that? Don¡¯t make me laugh.¡±

    ¡°And what would you know about it!? Did you do all those things, huh?¡± Vanessa rounded on her in rage. ¡°How can you say that!?¡±

    ¡°I murdered a girl and ripped her heart out with my bare hands.¡± she hissed coldly. Vanessa froze and fell back, stunned. She met Bess¡¯s eyes, flat and empty. ¡°I was part of a coven that harvested seven hearts of maidens in order to bring daemondkind into this world and become the rulers. That was a mistake. The girl you saw with us? She was killed by her best friend. What you did? Get over it. If you don¡¯t, the guilt will drive you mad. You will always live with what you did. But if you do nothing to repent for it, that is an even greater mistake.¡± She turned and stomped out into the hall, pacing and grumbling.

    ¡°Uh, that¡¯s-¡±

    ¡°And another thing!¡± Bess said, poking her head into the doorway. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be a monster! If I can find something resembling peace with myself, so can you! Jesus, how dense can they¡­¡± She went back to muttering in the hall. Cross gave her a thin smile.

    ¡°There you have it. Are you gonna take her advice or not? We need the info you have, not a guilt trip right now. If this plan of theirs succeeds, your parents and your sister will have more to worry about than what you did to them.¡± she said, and Vanessa nodded numbly.

    ¡°Uh, r-right. Okay, we¡¯re supposed to go down to New York tomorrow evening, me, Leader Nigel, four others, I don¡¯t know who yet, and apparently the leaders of other cells from China and Britain. We¡¯re supposed to get something from Thurgood Lampwick¡¯s penthouse, an amulet I think.¡± she said uncertainly. Cross¡¯s scribbling stopped.

    ¡°The Amulet of Puluhtu?¡± she asked. Vanessa nodded.

    ¡°Sounds about right.¡±

    ¡°Damn. Less time than I thought.¡± Cross growled. ¡°Alright, we have their objective. Ours is not to let it fall into their hands. What else can you tell me, how many members are there, your meeting place, etcetera.¡±

    It was an hour before Vanessa confessed and explained everything, Cross nodding along, a plan forming in her mind. She called all the others in with them.

    ¡°Okay, I have the situation. It¡¯s dire, but not unsalvageable. Thanks to the intel Vanessa has provided, we know where the Third Eye Society will strike next. Therefore, we¡¯re going to lay a trap for them. We¡¯ll ambush them in Lampwick¡¯s penthouse, round up three of the leaders at once. Hopefully we¡¯ll be able to shake ¡®em down to grab some dirt on Delacroix, do some damage that way, but the main concern is the amulet. If they get away with that, it¡¯s game over. I¡¯ve sent my report to Crenshaw, he¡¯s sending us a helicopter for ten a.m., meet up at headquarters.¡± she said.

    ¡°Sweet! A helicopter ride!¡± Riley said, pumping her fists and rolling on the floor. Cross glared at her.

    ¡°You two will not be going.¡± she said in a tone that book no argument. Riley laughed nervously and sheepishly sat up. ¡°I don¡¯t know what the kid said, and I don¡¯t care. You¡¯re entirely too young for any of this, and are hereby forbidden from practicing necromancy from now on.¡±

    ¡°But-¡± Connor started, then she looked at him. ¡°G-Got it.¡± he said, cowed.

    ¡°Good. Now, I was able to secure another team of agents, but I don¡¯t know how useful they¡¯ll be with all this magic stuff. Bess, Leo, Amber, your help is going to be invaluable. I need you to understand that we must do everything in our power in order to make this work. Therefore, while capture is the top priority, I am authorizing the use of lethal force. Use your best judgement.¡± Amber swallowed nervously, and glanced at the others. Leo nodded sadly, while Bess snorted and stared ahead emotionlessly. This was it, their last chance to counterattack. Scott¡¯s smile came to her mind. She nodded too.

    ¡°Good. Then-¡±

    ¡°Um¡­if, if I could say something?¡± Vanessa squeaked. Cross turned an eyebrow on her. ¡°Uh, I¡¯ve been giving it some thought, especially what Bess said. If it¡¯s alright with you¡­could I come too? Join your mission?¡±

    ¡°Are you sure? This is extremely dangerous.¡± Cross said harshly. This could be a trick, but the girl would have to be a very good liar to get past Cross¡¯s body reading and instincts. Then again, if illusion and misdirection were her specialty¡­

    ¡°P-Please.¡± she begged. ¡°I-I¡¯ve done some horrible things. This could be the best chance to make up for it, at least a little.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Cross growled. From what she¡¯d seen, she was telling the truth.

    ¡°She would be in a perfect position to help us out, both as informant and when it comes time to spring.¡± Leo said, hand on his chin.

    ¡°Her magic powers are scary.¡± Riley added.

    ¡°I know you don¡¯t have much reason to trust me, but-¡±

    ¡°Done.¡± Cross said, deciding.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Vanessa said.

    ¡°The kid¡¯s loss hit us too hard. So to make up for the lack of depth of magic, I¡¯ve decided to get as many people with a varieties of supernatural specialties as possible. I may not like what he does-did, but I can respect that he knew what he was talking about, and was able to use his skills in a variety of ways. TO be honest, I¡¯m not seeing illusions as useful as an army of the dead, but I don¡¯t think it can be beat in stealth. If you¡¯re willing to work with us, I¡¯ll extend the same offer I did to Bess-a full pardon in exchange for service. I¡¯m willing to give you a chance.¡± Cross aid, extending a hand and boring into Vanessa¡¯s eyes with her own. The illusionist took it and shook solemnly.

    ¡°I won¡¯t let you down.¡±

    ¡°See that you don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Leo jumped up, clapping his hands. ¡°It¡¯s getting late, and we have to get up early to prepare for the operation, not to mention I believe it¡¯s well past bedtime for the kids. Break off and meet at HQ before ten?¡± he asked Cross. She looked at the time on her phone, a little after midnight.

    ¡°Yeah. Alright people, you have your orders, dismissed. Bess, Amber, since you¡¯re not going home yet, you two can stay at the base. It isn¡¯t glamorous, but it¡¯ll do for now. Get some rest, and pray to whatever God you have. And you two will do nothing, correct?¡± She shot a glare at Connor and Riley, who vigorously nodded their heads.

    ¡°Course not.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t dream of it.¡±

    ¡°Who, us? Never.¡±

    ¡°Scout¡¯s honor.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± she growled, mollified. As they prepared to leave, one of the present teenagers or adult should have paid closer attention to Riley. Though her face was solemn, she had a secret grin as her hand was behind her back, fingers crossed.

 Chapter 22: Dropping In

    ¡°And so even though our production of Taboo took a serious hit, we have enough pills in reserve to flood the market for the next month.¡± Dr. Howards said, reading from the report. He leaned back in his chair and watched the others. ¡°That is, if anyone cares.¡± he said bitterly. Samagan looked bored out of his mind, gazing off into the distance, and Fausto was idly doodling on his report.

    ¡°Rest assured, I am rapt in attention.¡± Delacroix said from the head of the table. He clasped his hands in front of his goatee. ¡°I believe that was the special accelerated Taboo they destroyed, correct? How much do we have left of that?¡± Dr. Howards grimaced.

    ¡°Less than a quarter of initial stock, sir.¡± he said.

    ¡°Big deal.¡± Samagan interjected. ¡°It¡¯s all supposed to do the same thing anyway, why the fuss over this crap?¡±

    ¡°Because, Rohir, the accelerated Taboo is a concentrated dose, designed to enable whole chapters of the Arcana to be learned at once. The ones addicted won¡¯t be able to resist going wild.¡± Delacroix said calmly. ¡°Speaking of which, what is the progress of phase 3?¡± he asked the daemon.

    ¡°Everything is going according to plan. The leaders of the Third Eye cells have all been informed, and they have assured me that their groups are ready. With the exception of the team, every single one are standing by at the ready to perform the final ritual.¡± Fausto said, sitting up straighter. Delacroix nodded.

    ¡°Excellent, most excellent. Well gentlemen, phases 1 and 2 were resounding successes, despite setbacks. WE are on the cusp of phase 3, and I expect nothing less than success here as well.¡±

    ¡°As long as those damn kids can get that stupid amulet. Are you sure it was wise, entrusting such an important task to a bunch of pathetic humans?¡± Fausto said, frowning.

    ¡°Need I remind you it was a ¡®pathetic human¡¯ that called you all here and organized this plan?¡± Delacroix chuckled, smiling lightly. ¡°You all have many skills and talents, but I am afraid subtlety and restraint are in short supply among them. This team has been selected for their ability to slip in undetected, to avoid suspicion. I believe one of their girls will be most helpful in that regard. And I insisted that two of the other cell leaders come along, for additional firepower if necessary.¡± he explained.

    ¡°Hah, big bad devil¡¯s not good enough for the job.¡± Samagan said, leaning back in his chair and grinning. Fausto rounded on him.

    ¡°You¡¯re even worse, chumbrain! You¡¯re as subtle as a brick, you wouldn¡¯t even make it past the front door undetected!¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need stealth when you got power, and I got it in spades. All your fancy little tricks didn¡¯t help you when those army guys came, did they? You got sucked into he floor!¡± the head of security retorted. Fausto ground his teeth.

    ¡°And you got sucker-punched by those same humans, and even let one escape! Blood was on my hands at the end of the day, unlike yours.¡± he sniped.

    ¡°Bah! I was under orders not to reveal myself, something you dropped at the first opportunity!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a daemon, you dolt, we¡¯re not supposed to be honest!¡±

    ¡°And another thing!¡± Samagan said, slapping a meaty hand on the table and pointing at Fausto. ¡°The hell kinda name is ¡®Fausto¡¯? It makes you sound like a human!¡± The daemon stared at him incredulously, then sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, confirming once again that their security chief was that stupid.

    ¡°It¡¯s not my real name, moron! My real name is Mephitomonagnarious. I go by ¡®Johan Fausto¡¯ to disguise myself in the human world. I chose the name in honor of my great uncle, Mephistopheles.¡±

    ¡°Huh? Really? My name¡¯s just Rohir.¡± Samagan said, blinking.

    ¡°Gentlemen, if you¡¯re quite through, may we resume the meeting?¡± Dr. Howards said icily, glaring at both.

    ¡°We don¡¯t gotta listen to you, nerd.¡± Samagan grunted.

    ¡°But you do have to listen to me.¡± Delacroix said, having watched the exchange in great amusement. ¡°As entertaining as all this is, we do have business to conduct. Unless you¡¯d like to reconsider our deals?¡± he asked, and they both shook their heads, bug-eyed.

    ¡°N-No boss, we got it.¡± Samagan said. Delacroix nodded.

    ¡°Good. Johan, the rituals are prepared?¡±

    ¡°Ready and awaiting your signal, sir.¡± he said, patting his head. His horns had started to poke through.

    ¡°Then it sounds like phase 3 is a go. I have faith in our retrieval team. In the meantime, ship out all the remaining accelerated Taboo, give it away if you have to. Samagan, please ensure no one enters the building. I¡¯ll have my secretary declare us closed tomorrow, so please make sure my private helicopter is ready to go. And Dr. Howards-¡±

    ¡°Already on it. The special ritual site has been located. Since we can¡¯t use the ocean site, I¡¯ve managed to calculate an acceptable alternate in Australia. Aside from the obvious spots, it has the thinnest reality barrier on this planet.¡± he said, adjusting his glasses.

    ¡°Wonderful! Then let¡¯s conclude this meeting and get to work on our projects. Good work, everyone.¡± They got up and shuffled out, Dr. Howards pausing at the door and glancing back at Delacroix. The president smiled and waved him out.

    ¡°Are you there, my lord?¡± he murmured when he was sure he was alone.

    ¡°Just a word away.¡± the cold voice of Riepaimva said, slithering out of his shadow. ¡°Those employees of yours¡­they don¡¯t seem that sharp.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. But they have sufficient magical knowledge and muscle for our needs.¡± Delacroix said demurely.

    ¡°I don¡¯t quite trust that mortal, either. He seems shifty, the one in the labcoat.¡± came from the amorphous blob of shadow, narrowing its¡¯ burning pink eye.

    ¡°Dr. Howards? Perhaps. He is quite brilliant, you know. As knowledgeable as I am with the supernatural, the good doctor is uncanny. The things that genius mind can figure out¡­it is with no exaggeration that I say the reason we¡¯ve made so much progress is due to him. The entire Taboo refining process is his brainchild. I was lucky to snatch him up eight months ago. Of course, clever man that he is, he quickly agreed to help so long as he had a very prominent position in the ¡®new world.¡¯ I have no doubts he plots behind my back, making plans to betray me should I renege on our deal.¡± Delacroix said, smiling. Such men usually did, and were so predictable as a result.

    ¡°You¡¯re not worried?¡± Riepaimva asked.

    ¡°Why should I be?¡± he said, shrugging. ¡°I¡¯ve no intention of double-crossing anyone, so long as they keep working hard towards the ¡®new world¡¯, where bargains are fulfilled and the Earth is divided between ancient races and humanity¡¯s rule comes to an end. At least, those that were clever enough to strike a bargain beforehand.¡± he said slyly. Riepaimva let out a noise that was either a snort, a bark of laughter, or a praise to an elder being for all Delacroix knew. ¡°Which does remind me, my lord. I¡¯ve spent so so sooo much time trying to bring you into this world. I know the plan inside and out, but why are you still sneaking around in shadows? You are free to do as you wish, but I¡¯m puzzled at your seeming absences. Why do you not simply exert your power and be done with the rest of us mortals?¡±

    ¡°Are you questioning my will?¡± Riepaimva said, the eye narrowing dangerously. Delacroix immediately broke out into a cold sweat.

    ¡°N-Never, my lord! Never!¡± he pleaded, shaking. The shadowy mass crept up to him and extended a six-fingered hand, tracing a claw along Delacroix¡¯s nervous jawline.

    ¡°See that you do not. Though my power exceeds this planet, I must still tread cautiously. I am finally free to act how I wish, doing so will draw¡­unwelcome attention to me. Attention I neither want nor can afford at this juncture. Understand?¡±

    ¡°P-Perfectly, my lord!¡± Delacroix gulped.

    ¡°Do not try to feign intelligence before me, slave.¡± Riepaimva said, retracting the arm and slithering onto the desk. ¡°In any case, I provide you with aid and support beyond what you could dream of, even now. Do you doubt me?¡±

    ¡°No, I would never!¡± he said feverishly, kneeling before his dark master.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°Good. Trust me, I am doing everything I can. The plan is too important. It must be brought to fruition, no matter what.¡± Riepaimva¡¯s voice, always having a slick, gravelly yet somehow oily quality grew stiff and intense as the shadow spoke, almost like a religious fanatic. The pink eye was staring far, far away.

    ¡°I will ensure our dream comes true. We will not fail you, my lord.¡± Delacroix swore, prostrating.

    ¡°See that you do not. Let us hope your little team of magicians is more cunning than your subordinates seem to be.¡± With those last words, Riepaimva flowed and sank into Delacroix¡¯s shadow, leaving the president exhausted and alone.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The jungle was never truly silent. Thousands of birds cawed and trilled, while rodents chittered and skittered around dense trees, searching for food or mates and avoiding predators. Which had to be done, as the sun was lowing the sky and they were coming out in force. Speaking of which¡­

    In the jungle there was a mansion, a small, half-hidden path leading up to it. The mansion was unusual, as it had a long, low garage, and painted in camouflage to blend in with the foliage. Another unusual fact about the house was that it had no permanent resident, merely a caretaker that came by twice a month. That was because of the last unusual thing about the mansion: it had over two tons of pure cocaine hidden inside awaiting delivery, along with seventeen boxes of small red pills. They had been ordered to spread. However, unbeknownst to the cartel that owned it, there was something else currently unusual about the mansion. Namely, the fact it was about to explode.

    KA-BOOM!

    Surviving men and soldiers scattered, screaming and shouting, more than a few of them rolling on the ground to put out their blazing clothes.

    ¡°The hell¡¯s going on!¡±

    ¡°What happened!?¡±

    ¡°Nooo!¡± was heard in Spanish. The survivors regrouped, angry and confused, and all waving assault rifles and machetes. Two figures watched them from the treetops.

    ¡°Hmm. About¡­thirteen soldiers left. Should be no problem.¡± the first girl, clad all in black said, stretching on the enormous branch they were resting on.

    ¡°Ah no no no no no no no no. You had your fun, and you didn¡¯t take ¡®em all out, so it¡¯s my turn!¡± the second girl, dressed in a croptop and cammo pants said. She grinned mercilessly, her eyes shining under her baseball cap. The first glanced at her, then resumed stretching.

    ¡°You know my power¡¯s more effective than yours, right? You¡¯re too flashy.¡± That was the last straw for the second girl.

    ¡°Shut up! I said I¡¯m taking the rest of the cartel, and you ain¡¯t stopping me!¡± She stomped her boot on the branch, and it curled down to let her off. She ran towards the clearing, chuckling.

    ¡°Courtney, wait-! Hrmm, she never learns.¡± Carla said, muttering incantations and melting into the shadows.

    The cartel soldiers were talking amongst themselves when they heard a sharp whistle behind them. They turned to see a blonde American girl leaning her hand against a tree, grinning madly.

    ¡°Hey, our job¡¯s to take you guys out. No hard feelings.¡± Despite not speaking English, it was obvious she was responsible for the bomb. They raised their guns, yelling.

    Courtney laughed maniacally as she chanted, lifting her hand from the specially-made magic circle sticker she¡¯d planted on the tree. She snapped her fingers, and the bullets they fired were absorbed by the tree trunk, bending down to protect her. They gasped as it turned to them, hissing, a giant green and brown snake made of wood baring timberous fangs. They screamed and fled.

    ¡°Ah ha ha ha ha ha! You¡¯re not getting away that easy!¡± Courtney said, putting stickers on more trees and sending them after the soldiers, laughing as they were crushed or impaled. She didn¡¯t notice the one that snuck up on her until the gunbarrel was pressed against her head.

    ¡°Wha-¡±

    The soldier was about to pull the trigger, when Carla slid out of his shadow, cutting his throat with a knife and disappearing into another before he fell.

    ¡°You need to mind your surroundings.¡± she said, emerging from Courtney¡¯s shadow.

    ¡°Shut up! Rrrrrgh!¡± She put her frustration into her chanting, turning the next tree into a five-headed snake, sending it against the poor cartel members for maximum overkill. ¡°I hate it when you do that!¡±

    ¡°Then don¡¯t make me bail you out.¡± Carla smirked.

    ¡°Ah, it don¡¯t matter anyway. A grand a head! These guys are toast!¡± she snickered, watching the soldiers get ripped apart by monstrosities made from nature. ¡°You did take the bodies from the fire, right?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t compare me to you. I¡¯m not incompetent.¡± Carla watched the mansion burning, reflecting on how far they¡¯d come. ¡°Do you ever wonder what¡¯s going on in America? Or miss our old life, before all this?¡± Courtney gave it a moment of thought, ruminating in between the screams and the crunch of wood on bone. She thought of her old life as an average 16-year-old schoolgirl.

    ¡°Nah.¡± she grinned, throwing a grenade at a fleeing soldier. ¡°I¡¯m a badass witch mercenary who¡¯s taking on a Columbian drug cartel and winning. Last month we were in Morocco, and you said we got a job in Moscow lined up next, right? Lemme see, badass witch mercenary who gets paid thousands of dollars who¡¯s untouchable to these plebs, or sitting in a classroom hoping I can do math good enough to someday afford a mortgage, instead of the luxury hotel I can sleep in for the rest of my life. Gee, I wonder which one I like more. Embrace the moment, girl!¡± A soldier took desperate aim at her with his rifle. She snapped her fingers, and a wooden tail came down, turning him into a pancake.

    ¡°You know what? I think you¡¯re right.¡± Carla said, perking up. ¡°C¡¯mon, once we¡¯re done here we should hit the buffet at the hotel.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit!¡± Courtney cheered. ¡°Screw America! Screw our old lives! We¡¯re badass witch mercenaries, and we¡¯ll do what we want, when we want!¡±

    ¡°Sing it, sister.¡± Carla said, watching the mansion burn down.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    It was the last hour before dawn. The stars were beginning to fade, though the sun hadn¡¯t even crested the edge of the horizon, bringing with it a new summer day, unusually cool for this time of year. The moon, as always, remained full and fixed overhead. If it weren¡¯t for the engines, it would be a very calm and serene ride just below the clouds. He looked to the pilot, who gave them the thumbs-up.

    ¡°Okay, we¡¯re above the drop zone! Is everybody ready to do this!?¡± he asked excitedly.

    ¡°Yes, of course.¡±

    ¡°Yuppers.¡±

    ¡°Mmm.¡±

    ¡°Everyone got their supplies?¡±

    ¡°You know we do, you personally checked before we left.¡± she said, sounding exasperated at his enthusiasm. He took no notice as they pulled on their woolen ski masks and scarves.

    ¡°Yeah! Then let¡¯s go! Go! GO!¡± The pilot hit the switch, and the cargo bay door opened. Four figures fell from the bottom of the plane, diving through the air. ¡°This! Is! Awesome!¡± he whooped, though the words were lost to the air rushing past them. Though they were skydiving, the packs on their backs weren¡¯t parachutes. The silvery morning mist washed away in their descent, and the ground below was visible.

    ¡°Heads up, we¡¯re off target by 0.3 miles south! Impact in four minutes!¡± she said into their radios, and they folded their arms and legs together, shooting in the direction she indicated. They flew high over the treeline, the flattened mall coming into view.

    ¡°Here we go!¡± He, along with the others, swung his legs down, bracing for landing. The ground grew closer and closer. He loved this part.

    ¡°Waaaahhhh!¡± He turned to see one of his teammates disappear, yanked out of the sky by something too quick to make out. His eyes widened as the same thing happened to the rest of the team, both remaining members grabbed by a thin, translucent line and pulled into the rubble. The next thing he knew, something was attached to his chest and he was being reeled in like a fish on a line.

    He found himself upside down, immobilized onto a piece of broken wall. He saw his team stuck like him, translucent webbing gluing them all down. There was a girl, pale as the moon and glaring at him with crystal blue eyes, clinging to a wall.

    ¡°You guys are in a world of trouble.¡± Amber said, folding her arms.

    ¡°Wait, no! It¡¯s me, Amber! Kevin!¡± he quickly said, his arm managing to fight through the gravity web to show her.

    ¡°Avesh.¡± He watched in amazement as a thin line of concentrated gravity shot form her outstretched hand, pulling her to the wall he was stuck on. She removed his mask to see Kevin¡¯s glowing face, complete with a fanged smile. ¡°Hah. That¡¯s a relief. What the hell do you think you¡¯re doing, just dropping in like that? You could¡¯ve called, like normal people!¡± She chewed them out, cancelling the gravity webs. They smoothly tumbled to the ground with vampiric grace.

    ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± Kevin muttered breathlessly to himself.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but it sounded like an emergency and there were no normal flights available in any good timeframe, and customs would be too much of a problem anyway. I think Kevin left Leo a message, where is he?¡± Genevieve explained, taking off her mask and looking around for the jock.

    ¡°Ugh, he went home for the night. There¡¯s just four of you?¡± Amber asked. She saw a familiar face in Gregor, and¡­Will!? ¡°What¡¯re you doing here?¡± she demanded, dropping low to crawl quickly. Kevin let out an ecstatic squeak. The vampire gave her a flat stare.

    ¡°Good to see you too. The clan accepted me on the grounds Kevin¡¯s always watching me, like a parole officer. Wherever he goes, I go. Got it?¡± he grunted, making his feelings on the arrangement quite clear.

    ¡°Lord Harvaste had to stay behind, to oversee the rest of the clan. We¡¯re basically his lieutenants, so either we go, or only he goes, and to be honest¡­¡± Genevieve glanced form side to side, then whispered conspiratorially to Amber. ¡°He¡¯s been studying the world¡¯s changes since the seventies, and he¡¯s kinda hooked on online gaming.¡± Amber blinked.

    ¡°That guy? Really?¡± The ancient, imposing, super-serious elder vampire didn¡¯t seem the type. Genevieve shrugged.

    ¡°Apparently after you live over seven hundred years novel entertainment¡¯s an important commodity.¡± The girls noticed Kevin standing far too close in Amber¡¯s space, trembling and staring at her like a puppy, trying to be polite and failing. She sighed.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get you in for a full debriefing. And yes Kevin, go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Na na-na, na na-na, na na na nana na na-na, here comes the Spider-Man!¡± he sang, unable to hold back. ¡°Holy crap, I heard it but I couldn¡¯t believe it ¡®til I saw it, you really have spider powers! Ohmygod I¡¯m so jealous I¡¯d give anything to be a spider than a vampire! Do you have organic webs? How do you cling to walls? Is your strength proportionate, ooh do you have a spider-sense!? Is the skin color part of it you¡¯re paler than I am is that permanent, ooh have you thought about a costume, you¡¯re blood¡¯s not radioactive right?¡± he gushed, the words running together as he was lost. Amber sighed and put a hand on her forehead. Of course the comic nerd would geek out at someone actually getting spider powers.

    ¡°Leo did tell you what was going on, right?¡± she said over his questions.

    ¡°Yeah, but it¡¯s different seeing it in actionandholycrapyou¡¯reSpider-Man!¡± He felt so happy he would pass out. This only could¡¯ve been better if it¡¯d happened to him. Of course, he reasoned if that happened, he¡¯d never stop marveling at hi superpowers to actually get anything done. He¡¯d definitely be making the costume, though.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, fearless leader.¡± Genevieve grabbed him by the collar, dragging him away from his nerdgasm. ¡°We¡¯ve got a mission to focus on.¡±

 Chapter 23: Shiver with Antici...pation

    illuminate the skyline. Though the sun had crested the horizon, the space between buildings was still dark and cool despite summer.

    A truck rumbled by a side street, and the alley fell silent. A figure emerged from behind a pile of trash, dressed in loose jeans and a nondescript hoodie, drawn to keep his face in shadow. He glanced side to side, making sure the coast was clear. He trotted down the street, climbing a fence to come face to face with an empty wall of a building. He pulled out a can of spraypaint and rattled it, eyes glued to the blank space. He began to paint, deft strokes without hesitation or uncertainty. After a few minutes, he sprayed a dot in the middle and stood back to admire his work, before turning and running away, chucking the can into the trash.

    There, in dark yellow, was an eye surrounded by three V¡¯s and what looked like a lowercase spiraling g. The symbol of the Society of the Third Eye could be found painted on numerous buildings, street signs, and lampposts. The time was nigh.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Alright, everyone ready?¡± Nigel said, adjusting the mirror and double-checking their supplies. Vanessa was riding shotgun, a downcast expression on her face. The senior disciples Luke, Matt, Ethan, and Amy were squashed in the middle seats, while the other two leaders sat in the back. Vanessa stole a glance at them; they¡¯d both arrived late last night and they¡¯d hardly said a word to anyone. She¡¯d gleaned that the slyly grinning Asian teen was called Yun, and the perpetually frowning one was Jason. They huddled together, muttering, but Vanessa wasn¡¯t sure what they were talking to each other. They gave her the creeps.

    ¡°Something wrong?¡± Nigel asked, jolting her out of her reverie.

    ¡°Ah, nothing, nothing. Just...it¡¯s really happening. It¡¯s¡­really time to do this.¡± she said, forcing a smile to her face. Nigel frowned and brushed a strand of hair out of her face.

    ¡°Vanessa, what¡¯s wrong? You know you don¡¯t have to hide anything from me.¡± he said, and she nearly broke down at the soft comfort of his voice. She badly needed comfort.

    ¡°NO, it¡¯s just¡­are, are you really sure this¡¯s the right thing to do?¡± she asked nervously.

    ¡°What, getting cold feet?¡± Matt snorted derisively from the back. She shot him a glare.

    ¡°No, nothing like that. It¡¯s just¡­we¡¯ve been doing some, how should I put this, kinda shady stuff recently. Is that really what we want to base our new world on?¡± she asked, trying very hard to keep from shaking. These were possibly the highest-level magic users on the planet. They¡¯d know if she tried to disguise her nerves with an illusion.

    ¡°My dear, we all experience doubt, especially when faced with an endeavor of this magnitude,¡± Nigel began.

    ¡°Not me.¡± Yun cut in with heavily accented English. ¡°This is the best thing that happen to me, ever.¡±

    ¡°As I was saying,¡± Nigel continued, giving him a stinkeye. ¡°We all have doubts when faced with adversity. But if we stay the course and are not swayed form the path of righteousness, we shall have a brighter future for everyone, not just ourselves.¡± He noted her still troubled face.

    ¡°Um, yeah. I get that, but-¡± His lips met hers. He pulled back from her surprised yet pleased face. He¡¯d never shown any affection for her in public before, it was ¡®to avoid accusations of favoritism¡¯. ¡°Uh, Nigel-?¡±

    ¡°Leader Nigel.¡± he corrected, smiling confidently. ¡°The end of our journey is approaching. I want you with me, before and after. Okay?¡± he asked. She turned red and looked away.

    ¡°Okay.¡± she said quietly, heart sinking. She felt like she was being torn in two, but she recalled her sister¡¯s crying face as she scowled down at her, ready with dark magic to violate her mind. She shuddered. She would not become that monster again. Her duty was clear. She just hoped Nigel could accept it.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    "I understand that this is an unusual circumstance, Mr. Lampwicke, but-¡± Cross tried to say, but the wrinkled man cut her off.

    ¡°Balderdash! I don¡¯t care what your intentions are, my precious collection stays where it is!¡± he snapped, his jowls wobbling above his immaculately-pressed collar. He glared at the team with sharp beady eyes. Amber, Genevieve, Leo and Gregor were ramrod straight trying to make a good impression, but Will and Bess were slouched and looked sullen. Kevin was trying to look professional, but his eyes kept wandering to the glass cases on the walls and floor displays in the spacious penthouse apartment; full of rare gems, historical artifacts, and art enough to make his own museum. Thurgood Lampwicke looked down his nose on them in disdain.

    ¡°I assure you, Ms. Cross, that my security system is top of the line, beyond state of the art. I see no reason I should be subjected to the offer of ¡®protection¡¯ from children.¡± The quotation marks could be felt in his sneer.

    ¡°Mr. Lampwicke, I assure you that though they are young, my team has been hand-picked for their expertise.¡± Cross said through gritted teeth. Lampwicke glowered at her.

    ¡°Humph. I see no reason to believe such an outrageous claim. Even if these ¡®thieves¡¯ are coming, they will be stopped by security long before they enter my quarters.¡±This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but we¡¯ve been after these people for some time now, and this is the perfect chance to trap them. We can¡¯t do this without your help, Mr. Lampwicke. Please allow us to replace the amulet in question with a fake, and-¡± Cross pleaded, but he was having none of it.

    ¡°Nonsense! I won¡¯t allow it!¡± he shouted, turning red. ¡°The Amulet of Puluhtu is one of my most prized pieces! It cost over thirty million alone! I will not allow anyone to touch it!¡± he threatened, wobbling dangerously. It wasn¡¯t that he was just fat, precisely; though he definitely had a large belly, his skin was so wrinkled with age he jiggled while breathing.

    ¡°Sir, I know, and we are just trying to ensure that doesn¡¯t-¡±

    ¡°I have already ensured so! I have invested a considerable portion of my fortune into security! In fact, if anyone is to be suspected of thievery, it¡¯s you bunch.¡± he accused, glaring like a bulldog. Kevin snapped to full attention.

    ¡°Forgive me sir, I was merely admiring such an exquisite collection and mapping out possible entry and choke points for an ambush, per our job sir!¡± he said as diplomatically as he could, but Lampwicke snorted.

    ¡°Bah! I don¡¯t believe you for a second! Get out before I call security! I am Thurgood Lampwicke, I can buy and sell your employers, let alone you! Begone!¡± Cross sighed as he ranted, launching into a tirade that had everything to do with the no good youth of today. She didn¡¯t see any faster option, so it was with no small satisfaction that she pulled out her Glock and aimed it right between his eyes, shutting him up.

    ¡°Listen, we don¡¯t have time for this.¡± she said coldly, staring a hole into him. ¡°Our intel says they¡¯ll be in the city just before nightfall, so we have less than seven hours before they¡¯ll be here.¡±

    ¡°Just got the text, the other agents have arrived.¡± Amber said, checking her phone. Cross nodded.

    ¡°Good. Then two of them will escort Mr. Lampwicke to another location, while we go ahead with the plan and wait for the Third Eye.¡± she said.

    ¡°Th-Th-This is preposterous! I¡¯ll call the police!¡± Lampwicke blustered.

    ¡°Go right ahead.¡± Cross said with a savage smile. ¡°My judicial authority supersedes theirs. You do not know the stakes riding on this operation, so you don¡¯t get a vote. We have to stop them, no matter what. You have my word the Amulet of Puluhtu will not leave the building. If you try to interfere with this, then you¡¯ll have to go. It¡¯s a sacrifice, but one I¡¯ll have to make.¡± He stared down the black barrel into her blazing blue eyes, no hint of a bluff or deception. This crazy woman meant it.

    ¡°You-you will pay for this.¡± he said weakly, backing down. ¡°You won¡¯t get away with this. This is illegal.¡±

    ¡°Unfortunately, I have to discard legality for the moment.¡± Cross said, putting the gun away as the other agents entered the penthouse. ¡°Rest assured, we will do everything in our power to both capture the criminals and preserve your collection. I am sorry this has to happen, you will be compensated for your trouble.¡±

    ¡°Hmph. See that you do. I expect that you keep everything the way it is.¡± Lampwicke said, regaining some of his former haughtiness as he was escorted out. Cross sighed and collapsed onto the couch, cradling her forehead in her hand. She¡¯d had to go around the law to serve justice before, but this was ridiculous. Generally, people cooperated with the police. With the Agency, no wonder they had to lie and force their authority wherever they went. She suddenly felt unexpected sympathy for Crenshaw. She¡¯d only been doing this job for like three months; he¡¯d been doing it for years now. No wonder his people skills were nonexistent. She shook her head. There had to be a better way.

    ¡°Are you alright, Detective?¡± Amber asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.

    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s just, this isn¡¯t the path I envisioned when becoming an officer. I hate cops and other officials on the take, who put their own needs above the law. In the last year I¡¯ve had to violate nearly every principle I stand for. It¡¯s a little¡­overwhelming.¡± She tried to say it in her normal tough tone, but it just came out exhausted. Amber patted her on the back. It wasn¡¯t right, seeing the normally towering woman, so full of fierceness and strength, beaten down like this. There was a moment of awkward silence, and Amber had to say something, anything to help her.

    ¡°Um¡­cheer up! Yeah, you have to, b-but at least it¡¯s so everyone can make it out alright at the end, right? So everyone lives?¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s the only reason I can live with myself.¡± Cross growled. She stood up, looking over her troops. She hoped they would be enough. ¡°Alright people, let¡¯s get ready. We only have a few hours to prepare!¡±

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Bye Mom, bye Dad, I¡¯m going to the sleepover at Connor¡¯s!¡± Riley called over her shoulder, lugging a heavy, stuffed backpack. Her sister¡¯s spell did its¡¯ work and both of them didn¡¯t register anything unusual about that, despite only hearing about it now.

    ¡°Bye sweetie, have fun!¡± her mother called, barely paying attention.

    ¡°Goodbye.¡± she said softly, a sad look crossing her face as she turned away. Intellectually, she knew she was coming back, but it felt like she was leaving forever. In a way, she was. There would be no going back after this, one way or another. She wiped her face, definitely not misting up, and stared down the road determinedly. It was growing dark, making her eyes stand out more as they flickered with a dark, foresty green energy. Connor was waiting for her down the street, tapping his foot nervously as he leaned against the streetlight.

    ¡°You¡¯re good to go?¡± Riley asked with a raised eyebrow.

    ¡°They think I¡¯m playing videogames at your house. Which we could be doing, you know.¡± he said, voice hollow. He didn¡¯t even convince himself with that. She smirked.

    ¡°We could. But we should?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. I get you.¡± They made their way down the street, glancing fearfully from side to side. Though they passed a few people here and there, out enjoying the summer air, they went unopposed. Riley¡¯s heart hammered n her chest every time someone saw them. After thirty minutes of walking, they came to the hill. They stood in front of the gates of Amity Memorial Cemetery, the sky growing darker as clouds rolled in, thunder rumbling in the distance.

    ¡°Are you sure you wanna do this?¡± Connor asked seriously. She knew that whatever she decided, he¡¯d support her. She also knew that despite how he acted, he yearned to do this as much as her. She nodded.

    ¡°We¡¯ve gotta do this. It isn¡¯t right, otherwise.¡± She was shaking. She felt chills as her blood receded. She tried to will her legs to move, but they were like jelly. Trying to take deep breaths didn¡¯t seem to be helping, either.

    Suddenly, she felt warmth in her hand. She turned to see Connor smiling reassuringly, holding her hand in his.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m here with you.¡± he said. She smiled and unzipped her bag, pulling out the Necronomicon and held it under her other arm. Its¡¯ rough texture helped soothe her too. She stared determinedly into the cemetery, the trees groaning ominously in the wind, heralding the storm. They marched into the rows of graves, Riley¡¯s eyes flickering a dark foresty green, Connor¡¯s beginning to crackle a cold electric blue.

 Chapter 24: Ambush

    Though darkness had taken over dusk, in the hustle and bustle of New York there was far too much light for Vanessa¡¯s tastes. Lampwicke¡¯s hotel building wasn¡¯t exactly in the middle of Times Square, but it wasn¡¯t isolated either. In Midtown, it would be a tad suspicious if eight unfamiliar teenagers suddenly showed up and started walking into it. So Nigel had her weave her magics over them, disguising them as a cleaning crew. Ethan¡¯s magic had located the service entrance, and the security guard nodded as they passed through, Vanessa eyeing the camera nervously. She began muttering, covering the group in a special field that would allow them to pass unobserved by electronic devices. She¡¯d done all this before, but this time she knew there were observers watching very carefully.

    ¡°So we have to make it to the top floor, right?¡± Amy said, pushing an imaginary cart. She always felt weirded out when she didn¡¯t match Vanessa¡¯s pace and her hands sunk through what her eyes told her was a solid object. ¡°Is ID going to be a problem?¡±

    ¡°Just leave that to me.¡± Matt said, winking. He muttered something incomprehensible and touched her hand, morphing into a perfect copy of her. ¡°I get his DNA, and I¡¯m him. Any touch screens or retinal scanners fall before my skill.¡± Amy sighed.

    ¡°And if it needs a keycard, like all other hotels?¡± Matt froze, grinning.

    ¡°Heh. I¡¯ll deal with it somehow!¡±

    ¡°While I¡¯d prefer not to break and enter, we do have that option as a last resort. Although it¡¯s best if no one knew we were here.¡± Nigel said, and Vanessa winced as her heart tugged. ¡°Something wrong?¡± he asked her innocently.

    ¡°No, just trying to keep everyone¡¯s disguises on while blacking out cameras is hard.¡± she said.

    ¡°I believe in you, Vanessa. You¡¯ve done this before, you can do it now.¡± Amy said, comfortingly nudging her. She nodded and gave a brittle smile.

    ¡°There¡¯s a private elevator on the next right. It goes straight to the penthouse.¡± Ethan said suddenly, receiving another vision. His eyes stopped undulating, and he mechanically popped another pill of Taboo and fell silent. The others regarded him nervously. While his blessing of clairvoyance was a serious boon, the kid was twitchy and¡­unpredictable. He¡¯d proven prone to nervous tics, sullen silence, and aberrant behavior. Nigel believed it was because his mind was receiving information from different times and places than his current one.

    ¡°Right. Yun, Jason, I¡¯d like you to stay down here and guard the elevator, make sure no one gets on or off save us. We¡¯ll call you if we need backup, but I doubt that¡¯ll happen.¡± Nigel said, assessing the situation. The two teens shared a glance and nodded.

    ¡°Roger, boss.¡± Yun said, grinning.

    ¡°We will not let you down.¡± Jason added, eyeing up the lobby. So many potential materials¡­

    ¡°Good. Everyone else, let¡¯s make this quick and quiet.¡± They all piled into the elevator. Vanessa was silent, hands in her pockets, playing with her phone. It was hard to concentrate on the disguises while sending Cross the signal text.

    The doors dinged open, and they came to the lavishly decorated doors to the penthouse. The glass beyond the fleur-de-lies showed it was dark inside. It was only going on ten, so Lampwicke was probably out. It looked like Luke¡¯s skills wouldn¡¯t be necessary. Nigel saw the keycard lock, and nodded to Amy.

    ¡°Looks like I¡¯m up. Lzensktivos, avtagafda. Lzensktivos, avtagafda suhm. Lzensktivos, avtagafda.¡± She placed her hand on the door, muttering incantations. Her will slid into the electronic lock, her eyes closed as she created the correct electromagnetic frequency. With a ping, the lock disengaged and Nigel opened the door, holding a finger to his lips.

    They entered quietly, fanning out and turning on flashlights to search for the amulet. Vanessa shivered. This was it, it was almost time. She silently slid into a corner.

    ¡°Here it is.¡± Nigel whispered, gathering the others around the case. The amulet was a strange dark metal, holding a brilliant dark amber gem inside, nearly as big as a fist. ¡°Amy, would you take care of the alarm?¡±

    ¡°Sure thing.¡± She began muttering, reaching out her hand, when Ethan suddenly grabbed it, his eyes rolling back in his head.

    ¡°N-No, this is a fake. I can see the real one hidden in a safe on the first floor. We¡¯ve walked into a trap.¡± There was a moment of silence as everyone stared at him, including the hidden observers.

    ¡°Freeze! You¡¯re under arrest!¡± Cross proclaimed, coming out of the kitchen.

    ¡°They brought a goddamn psychic to an ambush!¡± Bess said, her and Leo bursting out of a closet.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Who are these people!?¡± Nigel shouted, he and the team jumping into a circle, back to back as the lights turned on. He stared in horror at the five figures dropping down from the ceiling, four all in black, one girl pale as paper.

    ¡°Just surrender quietly, and no one has to get hurt.¡± Amber said sternly.

    ¡°Please raise your hands and make no sudden movements or incantations.¡± Leo added, pointing his flaming sword at them. The Third Eye group were glancing and shifting around nervously, but Nigel had noticed one of his team wasn¡¯t with them. He stared at Vanessa in the corner, aghast.

    ¡°Y-You?¡± She looked up at him, eyes moist.

    ¡°I, I¡¯m sorry, Nigel. But who-what I was turning into, wasn¡¯t someone I wanted to be. And it doesn¡¯t have to be you either! I don¡¯t want to hurt anybody, but that¡¯s exactly what¡¯s going to happen if Delacroix gets what he wants! I found myself attacking my sister! We can¡¯t let this go on! Please, we have to stop this, before it¡¯s too late!¡±

    He was focused only on her, gaping like a fish. He swallowed, hard, and closed his eyes, silently weeping. He opened them, bulging with rage, and regarded her coldly.

    ¡°You-you traitorous bitch. You¡¯ll die like a dog with the rest of them. Ta¡¯esh!¡± he shouted, a blindingly fierce wind pushing out form him, blowing everyone over.

    ¡°The hell!?¡± Cross said, rising to a knee and firing at the leader, but Nigel was at the center of a localized maelstrom. The bullets were caught by the tempestuous winds and swirled around him as he rose, chanting sorrowfully as his eyes glowed teal.

    ¡°Scatter!¡± Amy cried, the Third Eye team taking advantage of the confusion. ¡°Exgebah!¡± She magnetically grabbed a stool and hurled it at one of the black figures, intending to bowl him over and escape. He caught it and dropped it to the ground, his eyes glowing a bright bloody red.

    ¡°Gonna have to do better than that.¡± Will taunted, his fangs sliding out.

    ¡°Villains! You won¡¯t escape!¡± Kevin declared proudly, his fangs exposed as well.

    ¡°The hell¡¯s going on?¡± Luke muttered desperately, ducking behind the couch as the battle was on. He worked quickly, sketching a magic circle on the floor in marker. ¡°Vampires? Freaking vampires are real!?¡± It would be hard to drop so many into the dream realm at once, but he had to try. He just had to hope it would still work on freaking vampires! But he needn¡¯t have worried; a fiery sword came down between his hands to crack the floor, disrupting the spell. He looked up to see a frowning Leo. ¡°Uh¡­¡± Without a word, Leo swung a knee into his head, knocking him out.

    The Third Eye team scurried and struggled to avoid the assailants and arrest. Matt had disappeared, and there were two Gregors running around. The team had been mostly chosen for infiltration, not a stand-up fight, and Cross¡¯s group would have won already had it not been for Nigel liberally blasting wind at them from the center of his own personal tornado. He shot a line of air so focused it was like a blade at Bess, but Will pulled her behind a chair in time, the wind pressure cutting through a reinforced glass case to shred the sculpture inside.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    ¡°Ooh, that sounded expensive.¡± Will winced. ¡°You know this magic crap, right? Any ideas how to stop this guy?¡± he asked her. Bess peeked over the chair at the embodiment of elemental fury, and shook her head.

    ¡°My specialty is creating semi-independent creatures and augmentations, but he could just blow them all away and cut through anything I could make with ease. Any fire I set¡¯ll be extinguished soon as I make it, and a shield spell¡¯s stationary, I can¡¯t use it to get closer to him.¡± Will glanced at Nigel, blasting away at the rest of the vampires, expressionless.

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying if you get close you can still shield against the wind?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yeah!¡± she yelped, ducking as a table crashed into the wall behind them. Will looked at Nigel again, swore, and nodded.

    ¡°Alright. Hold on!¡±

    ¡°Wait, what¡¯re you-¡± She screamed as she was picked up and he leapt over the chair, cradled in his arms as he dodged and weaved past the flying debris and wind strikes. Nigel sent a cutting blast of air at them, but the vampire ducked and rolled to the ground, not five feet away from the tornado.

    ¡°Now!¡±

    ¡°Swvah!¡± The air in front of them suddenly died, causing Nigel to wobble.

    ¡°Sesn¡¯arasosh, evchka-snaghth, sesn¡¯arasosh, evchka-snaghth, sesn¡¯arasosh, evchka-snaghth.¡± he chanted, regaining control. He flung his arms out and let out a whoosh that knocked the others away, even interfering with the gravity webs Amber was trying to wrap him in. He loomed over the shield protecting the cowering vampire and desperately straining witch.

    ¡°That was not a good idea.¡± he said calmly.

    ¡°What¡¯s the plan!?¡± Bess screeched, and Will grinned sardonically.

    ¡°This.¡± His mouth suddenly elongated and lashed out, around the shield to the eye of Hurricane Nigel. It latched onto his astonished leg and pulled him screaming to the floor. As his concentration shattered, the whirling winds died, the debris clattering to the floor.

    All in all, Genevieve had Amy in an armbar, Leo was standing over Luke with his blade drawn, Ethan was on the ground, Cross kneeling over him, and Amber had the fake Gregor webbed up as Kevin zipped over to help Will hold Nigel down, preventing him from casting again. Will noticed Bess staring at him.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m part flea.¡± he said, as if that was all the explanation needed.

    ¡°What is wrong with you people!?¡± Bess shouted.

    While this was going on, Nigel¡¯s eyes met Vanessa¡¯s, sad and tear-streaked. He tried to keep struggling, but as they looked at each other his movements died. Tears fell from his eyes too.

    ¡°Is that it? Did we get all of them?¡± Cross said, cuffing Ethan.

    ¡°There¡¯s two more downstairs.¡± Vanessa said, unable to tear her eyes away from Nigel. Amber sighed, then noticed the captured Gregor managing to pull free of her gravity webs, impossible for a human.

    ¡°I¡¯m real! Grab him!¡± he cried in accented English and pointed at the other Gregor, hanging up his cell phone.

    ¡°And our backup has their hands on the real amulet right now.¡± the Gregor said, no trace of a European accent, a rictus on his face. The building began rumbling.

    ¡°W-What¡¯s going on?¡± Cross said. There was a huge tremor, then a boom, and amid a cloud of plaster and glass a colossal, screeching, orange, yellow, and black centipede burst out from the hotel. It hissed at the screaming crowd, then crawled up the building to glare into the window with enormous, baleful red eyes.

    ¡°Holy mother of f-¡± Will was cut off by a leg scything through the wall. The vampires, Amber, and Leo managed to grab their captives and teammates and jump away in time, but an entire wall was just¡­gone.

    ¡°Good evening. I¡¯m here to let you know that you¡¯re all going to die. Oh, not you guys though.¡± the centipede said, talking to the Third Eye team. Vanessa reeled in shock, recognizing the voice.

    ¡°That¡¯s Yun!¡± she screamed.

    ¡°They weren¡¯t kidding when they said he was a heavy hitter.¡± Matt said, dropping his Gregor disguise.

    ¡°Shoot him! Shoot him now!¡± Cross yelled into her radio, and the other agents opened fire with rifles from sniping positions on other buildings. The penthouse had been too crowded and chaotic to get a clear shot before, but now they couldn¡¯t miss. The centipede rumbled with laughter.

    ¡°Like rocks on a tank.¡± he said as the bullets plinked off his exoskeleton. He reached his neck in and stared biting at Cross and the others.

    ¡°Back! Get back!¡± Leo shouted, waving his sword in Yun¡¯s face.

    ¡°Worthless.¡± the bug taunted, parrying with his mandibles. ¡°Jason already have the amulet. Let them go or die slowly.¡± Leo smiled grimly.

    ¡°I¡¯d prefer not to go at all, thanks. Ha!¡± He slapped the flat of the blade against Yun¡¯s slavering jaws, rolling to the floor. He sprang up quick as a whip, impaling his sword to the hilt in the black carapace. ¡°Ignite!¡± Yun howled as Leo¡¯s sword blazed, the quarterback cutting and burning as he ran a line through the underside of his body. The centipede tossed and jerked violently, throwing Leo free and smashing the penthouse even more. Amber caught Leo before he hit anything, but Yun was bleeding and blinded with rage now.

    ¡°Haaaugh!¡± He started spitting globs of acidic saliva at them, not even caring he was supposed to be rescuing half of the people in front of him. Bess was forced to the front.

    ¡°Swvah!¡± The deadly loogie splattered on the shield, and everyone dove behind her.

    ¡°Yun! Watch it! Stop!¡± Amy cried.

    ¡°Screeeeee!¡± Yun kept firing, pissed beyond reason. That blade had hurt him worse than he thought anything even could anymore. He was determined to melt every single living thing in his path now. Bess groaned under the strain of having to hold the shield this long.

    ¡°Retreat! Retreat!¡± Cross shouted, but the walls started to crack as the centipede wrapped his body around the penthouse and began to squeeze, crushing everything. ¡°No!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not gonna make it!¡± Will cried.

    ¡°No, we have to-¡± It was then Genevieve noticed that Kevin was nowhere to be seen.

    ¡°RAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!¡± A black-clad figure broke through the ceiling, smashing a kick into the centipede¡¯s face that blasted him back, waving dazed in the air. The figure landed, cape whirling, and turned to them, burning red eyes in a black mask over a pure white slash of a fang on his chest. Genevieve sighed.

    ¡°Hurry! That won¡¯t keep him long!¡± Nightfang sprang to the door, shattering it with his vampiric strength and forcing the elevator door open.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on!¡± Bess demanded as they hustled into the hall, Yun undulating in rage behind them.

    ¡°That¡¯s Kevin, he¡¯s kind of a superhero.¡± Amber said absently as she smashed out the elevator floor. It would be too slow to get away, rappelling down on gravity webs would be faster.

    ¡°Why am I the normal one!?¡± Bess cried, fed up. All the vampires suddenly looked to the right, hearing something very faint.

    ¡°Incoming!¡± Gregor cried as Nightfang leapt to intercept the jaws bursting through the wall.

    ¡°Hurry!¡± he grunted, straining to hold the pincers apart.

    ¡°You heard him, let¡¯s-¡± Matt was about to descend on a web, but another section of Yun¡¯s body broke through the shaft below. ¡°Oh come on!¡± he cried as they backed off. ¡°How big is he!?¡±

    ¡°Go!¡± They ran back to the penthouse, with the gaping hole in the side of the building. Cross stared at it, making a snap judgement. ¡°Only one choice. Vamps, catch! Everyone! Jump!¡± she yelled, sailing over the broken wall into the night sky.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Amber said, but Yun¡¯s head broke through the wall, screaming in Mandarin. ¡°Go!¡± Screaming and flailing, they all jumped out. It was up to Amber and the vampires now. She casted gravity webs to snag them, gathering them all in a bundle while the vampires dove beneath to catch the group, to absorb the impact with their legs. Nightfang grimaced, reminded of the death of Gwen Stacy; it was too much, if they hit this hard it wouldn¡¯t matter if the humans were caught, the force would snap them apart. But what choice did they have?

    ¡°Ta¡¯esh!¡± A blast of wind shot down to the ground, slowing their descent. Amber looked at Nigel, stoically suppressing the speed as they landed hard, but not catastrophically.

    ¡°Nigel¡­thank you.¡± Vanessa said.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t doing it for you. I had to save my team.¡± he replied, turning away from her. Vanessa, crying again but unwavering from her choice, looked away too.

    ¡°Look out!¡± Cross hustled them across the street, away from the falling pieces of building as Yun rampaged. The assembled crowd was shouting and panicking, the sleeping residents of the city awakening to watch the giant monster thrash around.

    ¡°So¡­what¡¯s the plan, fearless leader?¡± Will asked Nightfang nervously. The superhero took in the captured group, the chaotic crowd, the giant centipede, and in the distance the now dark Metatech Pharmaceutical building.

    ¡°We have to keep these guys under guard, intercept this Jason, and stop that monster from wrecking the city.¡± he said, going over the objectives.

    ¡°Let¡¯s make it easy. Vanessa, Leo and I will go after Metatech, you guys and Amber stop that thing. That¡¯s a superhero¡¯s job, right?¡± Cross said with a sarcastic grin. She turned to the third Eye group, cuffing Nigel, who didn¡¯t resist. ¡°Get the hell out of here. I don¡¯t care about the rest of you, you¡¯re now officially too small to worry about. Stay out of trouble, if I see you mixed up in this again I won¡¯t bother with procedure, got it?¡± Not needing to be told twice, the remaining Third Eye team sprinted off, eager to be as far away from this mess as possible. But before he left, Ethan suddenly turned around, twitching and eyes rolling.

    ¡°I see¡­darkness. A great evil will cover everything in black, and laugh. Land will rise and seas will boil, the inexorable chaos destroying all you hold dear. You will die if nothing is done. A great evil will rise. Rejoice in madness.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± With that cryptic message, the teen ran off, and Cross had literally bigger fish to fry. ¡°C¡¯mon, let¡¯s move.¡± Commandeering an empty vehicle, leaving Amber and the others to deal with the bug.

    ¡°What do you think that¡¯s about?¡± Leo asked nervously as they sped off, narrowly avoiding the people in the streets.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, and I don¡¯t care. He¡¯s full of it, and I saw this movie before. Of course something bad¡¯s gonna come up. We¡¯ll kill it like every other time.¡± she said, determined to believe it.

    Back at the hotel, the centipede roared and reached out to grab onto another building, destroying things randomly. He had gone totally berserk.

    ¡°I can¡¯t make gravity webs strong enough to hold this one.¡± Amber said, raising her hands. Oh, if only the rest of the uylata were with her! ¡°We¡¯re gonna need to weaken him before I can web him up.¡± Beneath his mask, Nightfang grinned.

    ¡°This¡¯s completely impossible. Good thing heroes do just that! Forward! We¡¯ll surround him on the rooftops and take him down from there!¡± The vampires crawled up the skyscrapers, Amber hauled herself up with a web, and with a swirl of his cape Nightfang launched himself into the air, determined to save the day.

 Chapter 25: Even Death May Die

    Before night had truly fallen, and before both operations in New York began, blue candles were lit and placed around a pentagram, a chalk circle around the grave of Scott Havenbrook.

    ¡°No, they have to be exactly five and four-fifths of an inch apart, says it right there.¡± Connor said, repositioning one.

    ¡°Then you do it, I¡¯ll prepare the incense.¡± Riley said, taking and combining strange oils from various bottles into one and shaking it, dipping an incense stick into when it had settled. As a precaution, they had decided to burn incense that would ward off evil spirits, just in case. After all, Scott wasn¡¯t evil.

    ¡°Are you sure this¡¯s gonna work? We never did find his soul. I don¡¯t know what¡¯ll happen if we try the resurrection without it.¡± Connor said worriedly, biting his lip.

    ¡°It¡¯ll work. I know it. I can feel it.¡± she said, putting on the bravest face she could. Her stomach felt shrunken and dropping down into her body, but she had come this far. This was it. It was now, it was real, the moment of truth, where she found out if she was a real necromancer or not. She went over the incantation again.

    Connor was doing the sigils, and his hand was so steady there was nothing to worry about there. But what did happen when you tried to resurrect someone without their soul? The Necronomicon didn¡¯t say, and they had never asked Scott. Riley had to hope it would just pull his spirit into his body for revival. It had to.

    ¡°Okay, we¡¯re ready here.¡± Connor said, brushing dirt from his knees. Riley nodded. She checked the sigils and the circle again. Everything seemed right, so it was time to begin.

    ¡°Err-hem.¡± She raised the Necronomicon, reading the incantation aloud. ¡°Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Ael shith, tivam se ael nath! Follahl xerph''um estios! Ha! Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Ael shith, tivam se ael nath! Follahl xerph''um estios! Ha! Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Ael shith, tivam se ael nath! Follahl xerph''um estios! Ha!"

    The wind whipped up harder, and Connor glanced around fearfully as the trees creaked and swayed. He had a funny feeling it wasn¡¯t because of the storm. There was a sense of danger in the air.

    ¡°Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Zebightas, va¡¯anesh tyumjd algorrah messanaigos. Ael shith, tivam se ael nath! Follahl xerph''um estios! Quo! Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Zebightas, va¡¯anesh tyumjd algorrah messanaigos. Ael shith, tivam se ael nath! Follahl xerph''um estios! Quo! Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Zebightas, va¡¯anesh tyumjd algorrah messanaigos. Ael shith, tivam se ael nath! Follahl xerph''um estios! Quo!¡± Riley raised her hands higher, eyes flickering. She felt strange, energized, like something was flowing through her. She kept chanting.

    Connor saw the lake, barely visible in the distance, begin to swirl and bubble. The earth started to tremble. This didn¡¯t seem right; the Necronomicon didn¡¯t say this would happen. In fact, he didn¡¯t think it was supposed to take this long. She had been chanting for a few minutes now, Scott¡¯s body should have broken down into essential salts by now and reformed. Was this because they didn¡¯t have the soul?

    He peered anxiously over Riley¡¯s shoulder at the book while she chanted, almost in a trance. His eyes widened as his ears caught up with his brain. The spell she was chanting didn¡¯t match up to the text on the page.

    ¡°Uh, Riley¡­?¡±

    A branch snapped, and he whirled around to see two teens coming into view, one conventionally handsome but looking strung-out, the other unhealthily thin and horse-faced.

    ¡°Well, well, well. What do we have here?¡± Brad said, grinning. ¡°A couple of little ones doing something that looks pretty Satanic to me, huh?¡± The other one guffawed with laughter, showing his teeth.

    ¡°Hi. What¡¯re you doing here? What do you want?¡± Connor said, meeting Riley¡¯s pleading eyes while she chanted, and stepped in front of her.

    ¡°Chill, little dude. I reside a couple of houses down from the cemetery, and I saw some weird lights coming from here. My associate and I decided to check it out. Isn¡¯t that right, Dalton?¡± Brad said genially.

    ¡°Sure is, sure is!¡±

    ¡°But isn¡¯t this a sight. I wonder how two little punks like you got your hands on this stuff.¡± Brad continued, pulling out his last pill of Taboo and chewing it up. He swallowed and sighed satisfactorily. ¡°Ah, that hit the spot.¡± Connor¡¯s eyes zipped from one to the other in fear. ¡°Now, children shouldn¡¯t be out this late. However, my friend and I would be willing to overlook this transgression. For recompensation of your Taboo, of course. How fortuitous we have come across these little dears in our hour of need, wouldn¡¯t you say Dalton?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! We¡¯re outta Taboo, so we¡¯ll get theirs!¡± Dalton said, sniggering. Brad stared at his minion, then sighed and rubbed his face.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, but we don¡¯t have any Taboo. We don¡¯t do drugs.¡± Connor said nervously. How long was she going to chant?

    ¡°Oh?¡± Brad said, tilting his head. ¡°Then what¡¯s up with the circle of symbols and candles?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re just¡­playing?¡± Connor said lamely. Brad snorted.

    ¡°Sure kid, sure. Now why don¡¯t you do yourself a favor-¡± he said, reaching down to pull Connor up by the shirt with one hand ¡°-and hand over all the taboo you have?¡±

    ¡°Let me go! Let go!¡± Connor tried to struggle, but the teen laughed at his flailing. His muscular arm might as well have been a steel bar, as far as Connor was concerned.

    ¡°Grab her.¡± Brad ordered Dalton, and he went to pick Riley up, desperately chanting as fast as she could.

    ¡°No! Allaghvah, goochun esteros! I have to¡­ zebightas, va¡¯anesh tyumjd algorrah messanaigos! Finish this! Ael shith, tivam se ael nath! Follahl xerph''um estios! Quo!¡± she cried, kicking her legs to no avail.

    ¡°Whadda we do if they really don¡¯t have it, bossman?¡± Dalton asked. Brad grinned.

    ¡°Then we take our pound of flesh one way or another.¡± he said simply.

    ¡°No! Help! Scott! Scott!¡± Riley screamed.

    Lightning flashed, and thunder boomed.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Darkness. There was darkness everywhere.

    ¡°Wha-? Huh? What¡¯s going on? Where am I?¡± Scott said, looking around into the void. There seemed to be some kind of light around him, but nothing else. Suddenly, he heard clicking footsteps behind him. He turned to see something coming into view. The clacking sound turned out to be¡­Ms. Peabody?

    ¡°Huh? What¡¯re you doing here?¡± he asked accusationally, pointing a finger at the severe librarian. She regarded him over her bifocals.

    ¡°More to the point, do you know where here is?¡± she asked sharply.

    ¡°Huh? What kinda question is that? I dunno, everything¡¯s black!¡± he snapped.

    ¡°Indeed.¡± she replied snidely. ¡°But what happened before you came to be here?¡± she said, staring down her nose at him.

    ¡°Gimme a break. We were taking on the Metatech building, and I got to Delacroix on the roof.¡± he snarled. ¡°We fought, and I would¡¯a won but then¡­¡± His face froze as he recalled what happened. ¡°Then¡­that thing showed up, and then¡­and then¡­¡± He seemed to collapse into himself, deflating as he remembered the bastard making him walk to the edge, and off it. He hugged his arms around himself, trying to stop shivering. He looked up at her. ¡°I¡¯m¡­I¡¯m dead.¡±

    ¡°As a doornail, as the saying goes.¡± she deadpanned. He shook his head.

    ¡°But¡­but then what¡¯re you doing here?¡± he asked, a numb sensation creeping up his body. She sniffed.

    ¡°I thought that would be quite obvious. Look around.¡± Scott did, but there was only black as far as the eye could see, which wasn¡¯t even spitting distance across the pool of light. But-wait, no. It was faint, so faint as to be nearly imperceptible, but he could hear a faint whispering, whispering and¡­slithering, like a snake across paper. The words were too quiet to make out, but Scott could tell they weren¡¯t sweet pleasantries. They spoke of terrible truths and mindbending charnel realities.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Where exactly am I?¡± He turned on her with narrowed eyes. ¡°Who are you, Ms. Peabody?¡± She gave him a thin-lipped smile.

    ¡°At last, Mr. Havenbrook. That so-called genius brain of yours has figured out the question that is correct, even though you should know the answer as well.¡± She raised her hand and snapped her fingers. Instantly, the abyss was replaced by a vast desert, stars shining coldly overhead. Scott stumbled as he found himself on sand, Ms. Peabody staring at him imperiously from her throne atop a rocky outcropping. ¡°Welcome. This is a place of my memories, where I wandered for ten years, seeking the truth, and the world beyond that.¡±

    ¡°What is all this? Tell me who you are!¡± Scott demanded, readying for a fight.

    ¡°But you already know who I am, young man. I am the author.¡± she said, a hint of amusement on her face.

    ¡°Author? Author of what!? Listen, I¡¯ve had enough of being jerked around, and-¡± He froze as he jabbed a finger at her angrily, the answer coming to him. Suddenly, everything made a sort of sense. ¡°Oh my god. You. You¡¯re¡­you¡¯re¡­¡±

    ¡°Abdul Al-Hazred. Author of the Necronomicon.¡± There was a flash of lime green fire, and Ms. Peabody¡¯s form burned away to reveal a tall, dark-skinned man in a tattered robe and cloak sitting on the rock. He scratched his scraggly, grey-streaked beard and looked down on Scott with eyes of purest black. ¡°In the flesh. So to speak.¡±

    ¡°Oh my god, oh my god.¡± Scott said, freaking out. ¡°This¡­you¡­how!? I mean-I mean, this is¡­you¡¯re-!¡± His babbling was halted by the man holding up a hand.

    ¡°It is true, Scott Havenbrook. I am the one who first transcribed the dark text. I have travelled far and wide, collecting knowledge that others had deemed forbidden, but it was not until the end of my journey that I truly understood why. When it was deemed my time in the mortal realm was past, I was taken and my soul came to rest as one of the many spirits in the pages of the Necronomicon.¡± he proclaimed, the stars shifting into unfamiliar constellations overhead.

    ¡°Is-is that where we are?¡± Scott asked hesitantly.

    ¡°Yes. It was your fate, Scott Havenbrook, to fall here when you died. And for that I am truly sorry.¡± Al-Hazred said. Scott raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Huh? What do you mean?¡± Al-Hazred closed his eyes and crossed his legs.

    ¡°It is what is, and what should not be. As you know, fate and the future are set in stone, even for what you call gods. However-¡°

    ¡°¡®-they are those that shape the stone as well, carving chaos from order and form from nothingness. They are bound yet boundless, free to change what was and shall be forever-given the chance.¡¯¡± Scott quoted, rolling his eyes. ¡°C¡¯mon, that was like chapter three.¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± AL-Hazred said, half-opening an eye to scowl down at him. ¡°But if I might elaborate, my fate had been altered, due to my curiosity. It had led me to reside forever here, in this dusty desert like the one I knew. Such is the fate of all who delve too deeply into the forbidden knowledge I once sought and collected into the Necronomicon. I now act as a sort of guide, or guardian.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re the reason why the book keeps moving around on its¡¯ own.¡± Scott said, hitting a fist onto his palm. Al-Hazred nodded.

    ¡°It is one of my tasks to find those who seek what they should not, to reveal what they should not discover. Had you ever bothered to go to the library when it was busy, you would have discovered ¡®Ms. Peabody¡¯ was never an employee. She never existed.¡± he explained.

    ¡°What? But she was one of the town¡¯s librarians since I was in third grade, at least!¡± Scott said, his eyes widening as he realized. ¡°All along?¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Al-Hazred nodded, a small smile on his face. ¡°Time means nothing to me now. I had seen the one destined to find the Necronomicon next, and had moved to position it where it needed to be. Behold!¡± His head tilted back, and light shot out of his eyes. In the sky, flickering and translucent, was a great black mass of writhing shadow, standing over a blasted heath. There were several figures shrouded in light standing against it, but their forms too small and their lights too dim to drive it back. One small, human-sized figure made its¡¯ way to the center of them, holding a book and staff aloft, glowing with green energy. The mass opened and glared at it with a baleful neon pink cyclopean eye.

    ¡°Th-That¡¯s the Calamitous Ruination!¡± Scott gaped, and recognized the staff as topped with a soul-gem, an army of spirits flowing forth to attack the black mass. ¡°Is¡­is that¡­me?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Al-Hazred said, and the vision focused in on the figure. Though wielding the Necronomicon, and dressed in robes inscribed with mystical symbols, the obvious necromancer had long, dark blonde hair tied back in a ponytail, and wasn¡¯t even as tall as Scott was now. He could see the figure was still a teenager, and was actually a girl. He gasped at her face.

    ¡°W-What? Riley!?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Al-Hazred said, ending the vision and staring at him with solid black eyes. ¡°It is, was, and was to be. Recorded in the DNA of destiny, the being known as Riepaimva set his schemes on Earth once before, and was thwarted due to the interference of several magicians and the Great Ones they called upon. In the process, the oceans swallowed Atlantis. He is the forbidden one, destined to fail again and again, for no other Great One wishes for him to achieve his goal. But he is patient, and crafty. Though he lacks the power of others, he has scoured all of time and space, looking for even the meagerest scrap of knowledge, in order to further his ambition. He collected it in a book, much like myself. Those of your world, when coming across this knowledge, called it-¡±

    ¡°The Libris Malefactorum Arcana.¡± Scott finished breathlessly, cold dread seeping through him. AL-Hazred nodded.

    ¡°Yes. He has tried before and was killed, his special power broken and sealed into three objects, scattered across your world to elude him. However, this time is¡­different. He has come across your world, and a relic of his failed ritual, and has used it to divine that Riley Dawson was to play a crucial role in his defeat and sealing. Because of this, he wrought a terrible and subtle spell, woven from and into fate itself. He has caused her to be born seven years later than she should have been, an alteration to the flow of destiny too small to be noticed immediately, and by some unknown power all attempts at undoing this event have proven futile. She is the chosen one, but she is not of age. She is unable to use the knowledge contained in these pages, while his time is at hand and he may move freely. I am afraid Riepaimva has won.¡±

    There was a long stretch of silence as they looked at one another, one shocked beyond words, the other solemnly forlorn. The desert wind howled in the distance.

    ¡°But¡­that¡¯s¡­I mean, nothing can be done? That¡¯s it?¡± Scott asked.

    ¡°It is so. The Great Ones that concern themselves with this matter are outside your dimension, where they are locked even from the normal esoteric gods. They cannot interfere, despite their awesome power, not unless invited by the proper rituals. And it is too late to cast such a spell now, in any case. In a short amount of mortal time, he will complete his plan.¡± Al-Hazred said sadly, bowing his head.

    ¡°But¡­but-¡±

    ¡°No buts, ands, or ifs.¡± Al-Hazred shook his head. Scott looked down dejectedly.

    ¡°Then¡­then why me? Why did you give the book to me, if Riley was going to be the one?¡± he asked in a quiet voice, feeling smaller and more powerless than he had ever felt when he was alive.

    ¡°Because. The Necronomicon had to go to someone. And I saw you. You seemed to be filled with so much hatred, an ocean of malice and despair. I felt you could be a suitable candidate for the teachings of necrotic energy. I have seen your work. I wanted to let you know, you have made me proud, boy.¡± Scott broke into a small smile despite himself, but the old hermit¡¯s next words took even that wind from his sails. ¡°But you are deceased now. Your spirit is here, to reside forevermore in this lost tomb.¡±

    His words fell on Scott like a coffin lid, heavy and full of finality. He sank to his knees, then collapsed to all fours, shaking and beginning to cry. All his magical might, all his spells and brains and tricks, everything he had ever done or overcame, all of it, in the end was as nothing. It didn¡¯t matter now. This was it; he was dead, and soon everyone else would join him. His mother, his father, Clay. Their figures flashed by in his mind as he thought of them. His family, erased. So too would be Riley. And Detective Cross. And Leo. And Connor. And Kevin, and his mother. Lord Harvaste too, along with Genevieve, Gregor, and Will. All of them, going to die. He blinked. He realized¡­that was a lot of people.

    He reached back and rummaged in his pocket. After all, the cloths he was wearing when he died were here, so¡­yes. He pulled out a spectral copy of his phone, opening his contact list. He remembered once not long ago there was only his mother, father, and brother in it, and his brother was added under protest form both of them. But now, he saw Cross¡¯s number, and Leo¡¯s, and Connor and Riley¡¯s. He smiled as he sobbed. Really, a moldy old necromancer like him, unable to be anything but a villain. He thought he would spend his life alone, with any people around him attracted to all the money he¡¯d surely make through his work. How in the world had he gotten to know so many people? People who needed him, who respected his talents, who despite how he acted seemed to want to keep being around him and listened to him. It was slow, and seemed like only small things at the time, but even less than a year ago his contact list was as empty as his heart. For better or for worse, his life had changed. And he realized he liked his new life.

    Scott¡¯s fingers clawed through the sand as he formed a fist, pushing himself up as he thought of the reason for that change. The girl who, through just being there, being herself, had opened him up and introduced him to what he had now. The girl who had been thrown into his world, and proceeded to become a permanent part of it. The girl he loved, and through some twisted eldritch magic loved him back.

    Amber.

    ¡°Al-Hazred.¡± he choked out. ¡°I, I have to know. If anything supernatural hadn¡¯t happened. What would have happened to me, had I not found the Necronomicon? How my life would have gone?¡± The old hermit held up his palm, containing a lime green glow, emanating scenes like photographs.

    ¡°Had you not had the tome thrust upon you and you used it, your life would have been¡­a normal one. Your misanthropy would grow, experiencing the ups and downs of adolescence, and you would graduate high school very lonely. Your family would love and support you, but the world would be indifferent or scornful, on the whole. You would go onto college, where you would find and fall in love with a girl with similar interests to you.¡± Scott stared at her as she was projected, a slightly chubby goth chick with bright eyes and black lipstick. He nodded. He could see himself caring for her. ¡°The normal trials and tribulations of life would go by, where you would eventually marry her and have two children, with a job as a store manager for a sporting goods company. The money would be tight, but enough to live on and raise a family, with her work as an illustrator and freelance designer. You drive an old blue Civic, and are content to go to the shore every summer or two. You are happy.¡±

    His words hung in the air like a hanged corpse. Scott sniffed and grinned sadly, wiping his face.

    ¡°So I guess Amber and I never met, then.¡± he said.

    ¡°You bumped into her once in senior year. You pick up her notebook, apologize, and only see her in passing and when she accepts her diploma, salutatorian.¡± Al-Hazred said, narrating the scenes.

    ¡°Yeah, makes sense.¡± Scott stood there pensively, mulling over what Al-Hazred told him. ¡°Happy, huh?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Wrong! I¡¯ve heard what it¡¯d be like if I never found the Necronomicon, and that¡¯s a load of crap! After everything I¡¯ve seen, done, felt¡­¡± He closed his eyes and put a fist on his chest, thinking of Amber. He opened them to glare at Al-Hazred, glowing toxic emerald green. ¡°There¡¯s no way I could be happy with a boring, ordinary, normal life like that. Sorry, but this life is my normal. Even with all the bad things that happened, even if I died young, I can¡¯t regret even a single moment of it.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Al-Hazred said, standing up. ¡°Then, if you had a chance to return to the mortal realm, you would?¡± Scott raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Keep up, boy. I am asking you if you would like to return to life.¡± he said, jumping down form the rock.

    ¡°You can do that, old man?¡± Scott asked.

    ¡°No. It is beyond my power, beyond any on this side of the veil. There is no magic ritual that can restore you to life from here.¡± His black eyes glinted, and he smiled darkly. Scott took a step back; he was sure Al-Hazred¡¯s teeth weren¡¯t pointed before.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± he said.

    ¡°There is much that even you, who has studied the Necronomicon extensively, does not know. You have seen a bare fraction of the secrets within. There is another spell that can return you to the mortal coil, should you be willing.¡± Scott¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°Then what¡¯re we waiting for dude! Get casting!¡± he exclaimed. Al-Hazred held up a hand.

    ¡°This can be done, but it will not be easy, nor come cheaply. Should you do this, you will return to the mortal realm-but since you will be going from this side, you will not be alive as you were. And this passage requires a terrible payment: you will be indebted to the Great Ones for the rest of existence. They command, and you must obey, no matter what. DO you still wish to return, knowing this?¡± he said gravely. Scott snorted.

    ¡°How is that even a question? I got too much to do. Whatever comes, I¡¯ll handle it.¡± he said, grinning confidently.

    ¡°I thought as much.¡± Al-Hazred grinned back. ¡°Very well. You must have the knowledge to perform this darkest of rituals, and someone on the other side must be accepting of your return.¡± Al-Hazred cocked his head, listening to something very, very far away. ¡°It seems your young apprentices desperately cry out for you. They are being assailed.¡±

    ¡°WHAT!?¡± Scott exploded. ¡°The kids¡¯re in trouble!? Hurry up, I don¡¯t have much time! Show me how to do this!¡±

    ¡°Patience, my young friend. All in time, and time is nothing. There is only one way to know, and the price of knowing this is gaining the knowledge. Are you ready?¡± he said ominously, but Scott was about ready to tear his hair out.

    ¡°YES! C¡¯mon c¡¯mon, let¡¯s do this!¡± he shouted.

    ¡°Very well. I will share with you this knowledge.¡± Al-Hazred snapped his fingers, and Scott heard a thump behind him. He turned to see¡­

    ¡°Aaaaaggghhhhh!¡± A nightmarish apparition, a thick grey shimmering worm larger than he was, stubby tendrils oozing out and retracting as limbs to raise itself up, its¡¯ head a gaping maw surrounded by writhing tentacles and feelers, engulfing his head and swallowing him whole.

    All colors visible against infinite black, every strand of him ripped apart and born anew, inexorable pain among undeniable ecstasy, all of creation raveling before him. The inhabitants of existence, great and small, all failed in their illusions in the end, and there was nothing but cold, hard truth. He was the Key, he was the Gate; in that moment, the processes of mind was strewn out before him, and he KNEW.

    Scott found himself on the ground, panting. The worm creature lumbered off, clicking as it went. He clutched his head, still throbbing with newfound thoughts and knowledge.

    ¡°Ow¡­uh, wow, uh¡­ow.¡± He sat up, wincing, and turned to Al-Hazred. ¡°You¡­you bastard. It worked, old man. I know now. I know how. I only caught a glimpse, but I saw¡­everything.¡± he finished, words wholly inadequate to describe exactly what had happened.

    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s like that.¡± Al-Hazred said, smiling. ¡°Come now, it is time. ¡° He clapped his hands, and the sand formed into the magic circle that he desired. Scott got to his unsteady feet, blinking as he now recognized it, the ritual inscribed into his mind forever. He stood on the sigil he was supposed to. ¡°Are you ready?¡± Al-Hazred asked, grinning madly, his eyes shining with ebony darkness as the whispering voices rose in unison to chant, a thousand years of incantations passing in a heartbeat.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Scott said, grinning back, his eyes glowing a toxic emerald green. They put their hands in front of one another, and began to incantate

    ¡°Allaghvah, goochun esteros! Allaghvah, goochun esteros! Ael shith, tivam se ael nath! Follahl xerph''um estios! Ha! Allaghvah, goochun esteros! Allaghvah, goochun esteros! Ael shith, tivam se ael nath! Follahl xerph''um estios! Ha! Allaghvah, goochun esteros! Allaghvah, goochun esteros! Ael shith, tivam se ael nath! Follahl xerph''um estios! Ha!" they both recited in unison, a glowing green light forming between their palms. The world began to spin and whirl, shrieks of dark, unknowable creatures echoing around as Scott began to fade.

    ¡°Heh. You¡¯ve been prepping me for this for a while, haven¡¯t you, old man.¡± Scott realized. ¡°You¡¯re the one that stuck those tentacles in my brain last November, weren¡¯t you? That¡¯s how the knowledge seeped into my mind so easily. I know now.¡± His form was translucent, and growing dimmer as he floated up. Only his shining eyes remained bright.

    ¡°Perhaps not for this reason in particular. The timeline is quite muddled, the future is strangely unreadable.¡± Al-Hazred admitted. ¡°But as I saw terrible plans in motion, I needed to do something. Since you proved receptive, I thought you should be granted this opportunity.¡±

    ¡°Hah.¡± They both could feel eyes on them, witnessed as an ancient bargain was agreed to. Scott shook his head. Honestly, these elder gods and dark spirits were so predictable, and so boring. They really had nothing better to do than try to nail him down in a contract? Just how desperate were they? Well, if they wanted him that badly¡­

    He grinned.

    ¡°See you, old man!¡± he cried as he faded away.

    ¡°Don¡¯t die again!¡± Al-Hazred said, waving goodbye.

    ¡­they¡¯d have to deal with him, then.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Scott! Scott!¡± Riley cried out, being held up by Dalton, in sobbing tears.

    ¡°Relax, kid. Just give us the Taboo, and you¡¯ll be fine.¡± Brad said, nonchalantly waving Connor around. ¡°Besides, my neighbors are practically deaf, there¡¯s no one around to hear you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wrong! He¡¯ll come!¡± Connor said, attacking Brad¡¯s hand in vain. This guy was huge! What did he eat?

    BOOM.

    Thunder rumbled overhead, the wind making the candles dance as lightning flashed. Both Connor and Riley looked up. There was something¡­wrong about it.

    ¡°Only ones around here on a night like tonight are the dead, and I doubt they care.¡± Brad said. ¡°Now-¡± The lightning flashed toxic emerald green.

    The ground shook, and the grave trembled. As the lightning split the sky, the magic circle was disrupted as the coffin burst from the earth, standing straight up in defiance of gravity. All stared at it as it began to creak open.

    ¡°Uuughh.¡± A pale, torn and stitched hand started to slip out.

    ¡°Jesus! Dalton, get it!¡± Brad cried, but his minion was ahead of him.

    ¡°Ziiv!¡± The horse-faced boy was a blur, picking up a branch and thrashing whatever was inside like a blender, intent on liquefying the horror within before slamming it shut, grabbing Riley before she hit the ground.

    ¡°K¡¯vzah!¡± Brad pointed his hand at the coffin, and fire streamed out like a flamethrower, enveloping both it and its¡¯ contents. ¡°Hassaig verngnah leith!¡± The flame turned white, and the children screamed as the coffin was burned away, along with what was inside. The charred remains fell into the hole of the grave from whence it came.

    ¡°Ho-lee crap! These guys were bringing back the dead!¡± Dalton exclaimed, staring at the smoking hole.

    ¡°Peh. Trying to.¡± Brad spat in disgust, a shiver running up his spine. This whole thing felt familiar, somehow. But he had the power of flame, and nothing could stop him now. They turned to the wide-eyed kids. ¡°Your little ploy didn¡¯t work, not against our mighty powers. After that, don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t have any Taboo, you little goddamn brat. I should break your neck or blow you away for trying to scare us like that, you bastards don¡¯t-¡±

    It was then that Brad and Dalton noticed the boney fingers crawling across their shoulders to wrap around their throats from behind. They looked between them to see a charred, blackened, but still whole skeleton put its¡¯ skull between their faces, two points of hellish toxic emerald green light shining eerily in otherwise empty black sockets. The air had a sensation, a feel of cold dread and the barest taste of tanginess, like raspberry lemonade.

    ¡°Hello, boys.¡± Scott said, a permanent grin on his face. ¡°So just what exactly do you think you¡¯re doing with my apprentices?¡±

 Chapter 26: Bat Outta Hell

    The teens froze, a skull looking back and forth between them. There was no way this was happening, Brad burned whoever was in the coffin away! He should have been ashes!

    ¡°Let the kids go.¡± the skeleton said, clutching their throats harder. The sharp bones dug in easily. Dalton and Brad both set the children down.

    ¡°S-Scott? Is¡­is that really you?¡± Connor asked in amazement.

    ¡°Who else would it be? It is my grave, right?¡± He looked around at his plot. ¡°Really? Here? C¡¯mon, I wanted to be further up the hill at least.¡± Now!

    ¡°Vbajh!¡± Brad threw a tiny explosion into the skeleton¡¯s face and he and Dalton pulled free with his super speed. Scott drew himself up and stroked his jaw like a beard.

    ¡°Ah, pyromancy and velociomancy, huh? Not bad, but too sad that those skills pale in comparison to the greatest of them all¡­necromancy! Ha ha ha ha ha!¡± Scott threw his head back and laughed maniacally, his eyes shining even brighter as necrotic energy gathered in his palms, Riley cheering.

    ¡°G-Get us outta here!¡± Brad ordered, and Dalton grabbed him and chanted faster than he ever had, zooming off as fast as he could. Unfortunately, the direction they were facing carried them straight past Scott, so he only had to stick a shinbone out and¡­thud.

    ¡°Tsk tsk tsk.¡± he chided somehow, despite not having a tongue. ¡°It seems power doesn¡¯t equal brains.

    ¡°Dalton, you idiot.¡± Brad groaned, holding his head. He found himself hauled up by his lapels, and he was staring into the terrifying toxic emerald eyelights.

    ¡°You see, you picked a fight with my students, which means you picked a fight with me. Big. Mistake.¡± Despite his fear, Brad couldn¡¯t help but remember something similar, not too long ago.

    ¡°Go! Go, Master Scott!¡± Riley shouted, clapping! Then it hit him.

    ¡°Oh. Oh god. S-Scott. It¡¯s, it¡¯s you.¡± he said, trying to back up. He met Dalton¡¯s eyes, and the speedster nodded, petrified. Scott tilted his head.

    ¡°Huh? Should I¡­know you?¡± he asked.

    ¡°No¡­no¡­not again¡­¡± Brad moaned, trying to get away. However, Scott was now powered by magic, not his feeble former muscles, and Brad merely strained, unmoving, until Scott let go to snap his boney fingers.

    ¡°Oh, right! Now I remember! You two! You two were the dudes that tried to shake me down before school ended! Wow, small world.¡±

    ¡°They tried to beat us up for the Taboo we don¡¯t have!¡± Connor called out.

    ¡°So I see. That¡¯s bad, very bad. What else is bad?¡± he suddenly asked, whirling to his students.

    ¡°Drugs!¡± they answered in unison. He nodded.

    ¡°Good to see my wisdom isn¡¯t wasted. Now.¡± He turned back to the cowering seniors like a jackal upon rabbits. ¡°You guys¡¯re pathetic. Seriously, you¡¯re too old to be shaking down grade schoolers. Even worse, my apprentices.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re sorry! We¡¯re sorry!¡± Dalton said, sobbing.

    ¡°We¡¯ll do anything, just don¡¯t hurt us!¡± Brad cried. Scott stood over them imposingly, grinning and cracking his knuckles.

    ¡°Anything, huh¡­?¡± he said slowly.

    ¡°Y-Yes!¡±

    ¡°Good. Kids, pack up here. I wanna make a couple stops before we go find Cross and Amber. It seems we have a ride. Right?¡± he said, towering over them. Brad nodded wordlessly.

    ¡°Sweet! We scored a ride!¡± Riley cawed.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    It would have been slower going, what with New York traffic, the panicking people, and the fact they didn¡¯t have direct visual contact with their target. However, Cross had several advantages. One, the target was on foot. Two, they knew where he was headed, and¡­

    ¡°MOVE IT! MOVE!¡± she hollered, firing into the air, scattering the crowd. She took the turn hard, slamming and scraping against a Honda to keep speed.

    Three. She had decided to forgo subtlety.

    ¡°N-Not so fast, please!¡± Leo said as she pulled onto the sidewalk to rush down a side street.

    ¡°Nope! We¡¯re not losing him!¡± she barked. She caught a glimpse of a blonde haired young man duck down an alleyway. ¡°There!¡± She spun the car around, and Leo, Vanessa, and Nigel hung on for dear life as she forced the car down the narrow alley, scraping against the buildings.

    ¡°Th-This is v-v-very unsafe!¡± Nigel said as he tried to hang onto the seat with his legs, his hands still cuffed behind his back. His resolve to stay in the despair of heartbreak was being challenged greatly by this crazy woman.

    ¡°Can it! We can¡¯t let him get to Delacroix!¡± Cross shifted in her seat, aiming her gun out the window, too close to the wall but she didn¡¯t care. If it was a choice being injured and shooting a running kid in the back or letting the world end, her choice was clear. She fired twice, but her aim was off thanks to the roughness of the road. ¡°Damn it!¡±

    Jason skidded on his sneakers down another street, and Cross lost more of the paintjob following. She put her foot to the floor, and despite his desperate efforts she was too determined to catch up. And it seemed his choice of escape routes was less than fortuitous, as the alley came to a dead end. He was cornered, panting in the headlights.

    ¡°Gotcha now.¡± Cross growled, slowly advancing the vehicle.

    ¡°You¡¯ll never catch him. Just give up now.¡± Nigel said.

    ¡°You don¡¯t get a vote.¡± Leo said, trying to open the door, but the street was too narrow. He noticed Jason smiling darkly.

    ¡°Good chase, love. But the game is over.¡± he said, his eyes shining violet. He held up his hand, and from the shadows of the alley came massive tentacled beasts with glowing red eyes, crawling with clawed elephantine legs along the ground and on the walls. They had the car boxed in, and Jason saluted as he mounted one and it moved up the building.

    ¡°Damn it! He¡¯s getting away!¡± Cross said, scowling as the monster leapt over the rooftops towards Metatech.

    ¡°O-One thing at a time, Agent Cross!?¡± Vanessa shrieked, trying to shrink into her seat.

    ¡°I told you, the new world is coming. If that means we fall, so be it.¡± Nigel said, closing his eyes to accept his fate.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡± Cross unloaded the rest of her clip through the windshield into the nearest creature. ¡°You¡¯re on, Agent Manning.¡± Leo slid through the window and stood up on the hood. He raised his hand. Though the blade had been taken from his hand back at the penthouse, he could never be truly parted from it. He called, and it appeared, shining and bright. The beasts hesitated, sensing the pure righteous fury burning from it, from Leo.

    ¡°Time to slay some monsters! Go, Detective!¡± Cross slammed reverse as the creatures attacked with gaping mouths and whipping tentacles. Leo¡¯s sword flashed as he collapsed to a knee, slicing through them like a laser. Tentacles wrapped around his arm, but he remembered the training Mielios put him through and fell to his back, chopping through the rubbery appendages and looping them around the windshield frame, hanging on and twirling his sword around like a buzzsaw.

    Cross pulled out of the alley, only to see hundreds of the monsters, attacking anything that moved.

    ¡°You see!?¡± Vanessa screamed at Nigel. ¡°This is what¡¯s happening with their plan! This is what they want! Can you tell me that this is part of a better world!?¡± Nigel swallowed, hard.

    ¡°Th-This is reprehensible, but¡­¡± He saw one of the monsters bite deeply into a fresh corpse¡¯s shoulder, munching away. His breaths came in shallow huffs, stomach churning. ¡°T-This isn¡¯t right. J-Jason and Yun will be appropriately reprimanded, I¡¯m, I¡¯m sure.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, right. Delacroix used you, just like he¡¯s using these things.¡± Leo growled; his sword arm was a blur whenever one came near them.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­but¡­th-that¡¯s not¡­¡± he stuttered.

    ¡°That¡¯s true, and deep down you know it.¡± Vanessa said sadly, putting a hand on his shoulder. He turned to her, then made a show of sneering and looking away. This¡­even if it was going to be bloody, this was¡­

    He wiped his sweating head against the back of the seat. He blinked as he felt something pull away. As Cross shouted and drove, the monsters swarming and the centipede smashing towers in the distance, he saw his hair start to fall out in clumps.

    ¡°W-What¡¯s going on?¡± he whimpered, watching the chaos unfurl.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Not ten minutes after he had made his escape, Jason entered Delacroix¡¯s office and knelt, presenting the Amulet of Puluhtu. The president took it with a dark, triumphant smile, mirrored on the faces of his underlings behind him. He turned to Fausto.

    ¡°We have it. Begin phase three.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± The daemon saluted smartly, pulled out his cell phone, and hit send on a mass text.

    All over the world, the leaders of the Society of the Third Eye cells gladly began to lead their groups in harmonious ritual prayer, the specially designed magic circles glowing with evil light.

    ¡°A¡¯tumngooah, veenmnosis qu¡¯atla hwesh xorphingam bah¡­ a¡¯tumngooah, veenmnosis qu¡¯atla hwesh xorphingam bah¡­ a¡¯tumngooah, veenmnosis qu¡¯atla hwesh xorphingam bah¡­ a¡¯tumngooah, veenmnosis qu¡¯atla hwesh xorphingam bah¡­

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Clayton sighed as he pulled into the diveway and turned his car off. He just sat there in the seat for a moment, still feeling¡­unsatisfied, incomplete. Looking for something he was never going to find.

    With a heave he opened the door and lumbered out. Though that feeling still weighed heavily on him, it was starting to fade, at least a little bit. He and the dumbass dork did used to fight a lot, but he never wanted to see the nerd dead. Or a freakin¡¯ terrorist. He was family, after all.

    Clay opened the door and headed inside. His folks had taken it hard of course, but his aunt had insisted they come spend the weekend in her house in the country, to try and get away from it all. He snorted as he saw the now empty lawn from the window; at least the media circus had given up. They¡¯d moved on to the new flavor of the week, for the most part. He hoped they stayed away forever.

    The house was dark, and he didn¡¯t see much point in turning on the lights, when he was just going to his room. He was about to put his foot on the stairs when he noticed down the hall, the kitchen light was on. It was faint, but he could also hear a faint clinking. Immediately wary, he sank into his wrestling stance, but the clattering continued, seemingly unaware of his presence. He glanced around, and picked up the vase on the bookshelf, silently creeping to the kitchen. He saw the door to the fridge was open, and someone was muttering as they rummaged through it.

    ¡°-c¡¯mon c¡¯mon, why¡¯s all this junk here? We don¡¯t even use any of-ooh, cream cheese.¡± Clay didn¡¯t parse the voice before he brought the vase down on whoever was behind the door. It shattered and the person in the fridge cried out in surprise. Then Clay¡¯s brain caught up with his ears. It was a little deeper, sounded a little strange, but he had been hearing that voice for the last sixteen years.

    ¡°W-What? S-Scott?¡±

    ¡°Yikes! What the hell!?¡± Without thinking, Scott poked his head above the door, rubbing it. Clay saw a white skull with hellish glowing pupils rise up to menace him.

    ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!¡±

    They both screamed and pointed at each other, one meaty finger and one boney. Clay swore as he picked up a chair and raised it above his head, hoping it would be enough to break the bones of this monster. The skeleton, however, backed up with his hands in front of him.

    ¡°Whoa whoa whoa! Chill dude, chill!¡± he said, acutely aware he was even smaller compared to his brother now that he was missing his skin and muscles.

    ¡°What the hell!? The hell are you!¡± Clay screeched. ¡°Are-are you Scott!?¡± The skeleton scraped his jaw.

    ¡°Well, yea-no, wait. Hm-hmm. Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated.¡± he said, nodding and grinning, then he realized. ¡°Wait, they actually haven¡¯t. Damn it, that was a perfect setup, too¡­¡± He began grumbling to himself, and there was no mistaking it. Clay let the chair fall, weak in the knees. He grabbed the bones by the shoulderblades.

    ¡°It-It¡¯s you. It¡¯s really you.¡± he choked out.

    ¡°Eh heh, yeah. Good to see ya, bro.¡± Scott said, scratching his skull. ¡°I, uh, didn¡¯t expect anyone to be home. Where¡¯re Mom and Dad?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re at Aunt Brenda¡¯s.¡± Clay said, taking a moment to look him over. He realized Scott was wet. ¡°Why? How?¡± was all he could ask, unable to process anything more.

    ¡°Hmm, well, y¡¯see¡­um¡­I¡¯m kinda¡­a necromancer.¡± Scott said, going over many, many options in his mind, but at this juncture there was no point trying to deny the obvious. ¡°I found the Necronomicon a while back, been raising the dead ever since. The reason I¡¯m always holed up in my room and so tired during the day? This.¡± he said, sweeping up and down his body. ¡°Gotta say, was not expecting this, but my flesh got burned off while I was coming back. Covered in soot and dirt, that¡¯s why I had to use the shower. Oh, we¡¯re not gonna have hot water for ten minutes, I scrubbed good.¡±

    Clay just stared at his skeletal brother, mindlessly shaking his head. It took a moment before a response came to him.

    ¡°What? You-what? Necro-wha?¡±

    ¡°So eloquent.¡± Scott said, rolling his eyes. It was amazing how easily he could still do that gesture. ¡°Walk and talk Clay, walk and talk. I don¡¯t have a lot of time.¡±

    ¡°Are-do you only have a small time in this world to finish your business?¡± Clay asked. Scott opened his jaw to derisively correct him, but a thought occurred.

    ¡°You could say that, but it¡¯s not due to any time limit on my part. I could be spooky forever, wouldn¡¯t change a thing.¡± he said, going back to the fridge. He finally grabbed the half-eaten jar of pickles, and tossed the contents. ¡°I needed a sturdy jar for some special reagents.¡± he explained, walking off and beckoning his brother to follow. ¡°No, it¡¯s cause the world is ending.¡±

    ¡°What!?¡± Clay cried in alarm.

    ¡°Which is why I gotta work fast. Oh, don¡¯t look so socked, the apocalypse nearly happened twice now, I beat it back every time. With difficulty, mind you, but overcoming challenges such as these only cements my genius.¡± Scott said, his metatarsals clacking on the stairs.

    ¡°W-What? Twice? What?¡± Clay sputtered, flabbergasted. He couldn¡¯t keep up with this. ¡°Is...is that why you died? Why were you part of a terrorist attack, anyway?¡±

    ¡°What? Is that what they¡¯re saying I did?¡± Scott said indignantly. ¡°I have never committed terrorism! Except for the once, but that was really more of a foray into supervillainy!¡± he amended.

    ¡°H-Huh?¡± poor Clay said.

    ¡°Oh, you wouldn¡¯t remember. I just had some vampires to deal with, it¡¯s fine now.¡± he dismissed, waving it off. ¡°Long story short, the world is a very large and very scary and dangerous place. But no, I assaulted Metatech Pharmaceuticals ¡®cause they¡¯re behind the Taboo production for nefarious purposes. AS one of the only magicians available, the government contacted me to basically be the party wizard and solve their problems. And as a necromancer, I¡¯m not going to let a little thing like death get between me and getting paid.¡± he said determinedly, his pupils shining brighter.

    ¡°Wait. You¡¯re trying to stop that drug that¡¯s going around?¡± Clay asked. Scott nodded.

    ¡°Yup. Unfortunately, the company president¡¯s got an evil god on their side. Now it¡¯s time for some payback.¡± He opened his closet and started rummaging through his drawers, reaching into the crawlspace and dumping what looked like a box of slime into the pickle jar. It made a mewling noise, and he shook it vigorously, to Clay¡¯s horror. ¡°Yes.¡± Scott said, pulling on a pair of black jeans and belting them tightly. ¡°Even if I don¡¯t have anything to cover, and boy howdy does that upset me, I still feel better for having pants on, y¡¯know?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Clay said. All in all, he thought he was adjusting rather well to this strange new reality. ¡°So, I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s pointless to say none of this can be real.¡±

    ¡°By my beautiful boney butt, it be so.¡± Scott said, relieved he wouldn¡¯t have to go through the whole spiel. He stuck his feet in his boots and threw on a black t-shirt.

    ¡°So¡­what are you doing, anyway?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s it look like? Getting dressed.¡± Scott said. ¡°No one¡¯ll take a skeleton seriously, and I don¡¯t have pockets, very important for a wizard. You need the proper attire to suit the occasion, and while matching colors to my complexion is a little hard right now, black goes with everything.¡± He got out the black hoodie Amber gave him and put it on. It was strange; while he felt tactile and temperate sensations, they were very, very far away, and easily ignored. He reached into the closet and pulled out his long, sleeveless Necrysis coat. ¡°Robes and capes are old-fashioned, and I¡¯m a 21<sup>st</sup>-century necromancer. You get the same effect with an overcoat and hoodie, without looking out of place or ridiculous in bad lighting.¡± He slid it on and flung it back dramatically. He slipped on his leather gloves, and he finally felt ready. ¡°The kids¡¯ll be back from the lab any minute, where did we bury the dog again? Right, behind the lab in the woods¡­¡± he said absently, picking up his backpack and throwing magical ingredients and components into it.

    ¡°How do you know so much about fashion, anyway?¡± Clay asked, leering at him a little. Scott paused, and looked down at his necromancy outfit.

    ¡°¡­I guess I spend a lot of time around Amber. Y¡¯just¡­pick things up, I suppose.¡± he said, and felt a pang in his chest when he thought of her. Soon.

    ¡°C¡¯mon Master Scott!¡± came from outside, along with a car horn. Clay looked out to see two terrified teenager in a bright red convertible, with two children and a skeleton in the back seat. A disembodied hand jumped and waved in greeting on Bones¡¯s head.

    ¡°That¡¯s my ride. Stay safe Clay. I may not like you around all the time, but you¡¯re an okay guy.¡± Scott said, bumping his shoulder and opening the window. ¡°Remember, you can make a flamethrower from a lighter and hairspray. Might help.¡± He stuck a leg out.

    ¡°Wait! Where are you going?¡± Clay asked, stopping him.

    ¡°Like I said, a lot to do. People to see, places to be, scores to settle.¡± he said ominously, pulling his hood up. Clay shivered at the sight.

    ¡°Uh, bro¡­good luck.¡± he said, sincerely.

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Scott fell to the ground, then picked himself up and hopped in the car. ¡°So! How¡¯re we doing?¡± he asked the kids.

    ¡°We got everything you said you needed, Master!¡± Riley said perkily, saluting and holding two rather large pillowcases, one moving.

    ¡°And our friends weren¡¯t any trouble, thanks to Bones here.¡± Connor grinned, patting the skeleton.

    ¡°Oh sure, yes. No problem, no problem whatsoever, no siree. Heh heh, can we go now?¡± Brad said with a smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes. Dalton couldn¡¯t even manage that, quaking in the passenger seat.

    ¡°But of course! We have much to do, and little time to do it in!¡± he chuckled.

    ¡°Eh, not exactly what I meant¡­¡±

    ¡°I know!¡± Scott boomed, throwing back his skull to laugh. ¡°You.¡± He pointed a finger at Dalton, who nearly passed out.

    ¡°Y-Y-Yes? Sir!¡± he added quickly, and somehow Scott¡¯s grin got wider.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I like to hear. You are the key to my plan. You can increase or decrease the speed of nearly anything with your velociomancy, correct? Can you make this hunk of junk go faster?¡±

    ¡°Uh, yeah?¡± he said.

    ¡°Great. How fast can you make it?¡±

    ¡°H-How fast did you need it?¡± Dalton said nervously. Scott¡¯s eyelights gleamed.

    ¡°Perfect.¡±

    Then the world started to tear itself apart.

 Chapter 27: Counterattack!

    As the chanting of the Society of the Third Eye drew to a crescendo, the earth shook. Lights appeared in the sky, stars shifted their positions, and the waters of the seas became tumultuous.

    Sailing those seas was an oil tanker, the S.S. Yellowtail, battened down from the sudden storm that appeared with no warning.

    ¡°Hurry up! Hurry up! Get inside! These conditions are too dangerous!¡± the first mate shouted at the crew above the rain, before following suit. He found Captain Wallace on the bridge, watching the stormy seas with a troubled face.

    ¡°Chris, in all the years of voyages, have you ever seen the ocean like this?¡± he asked, frowning.

    ¡°Never, Cap¡¯n.¡± Chris said, shaking his head, and the water off his raincoat. ¡°There¡¯s never been a storm this quick. No sign, absolutely none. It¡¯s not possible for rain and winds like this to suddenly appear.¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± They all paused as the ship lurched, the choppy waters making it hard to stay upright. ¡°What¡¯s our heading?¡±

    ¡°Hell if I know, sir. All navigation instruments have stopped working.¡± the navigator said, trying not to panic.

    ¡°The helm¡¯s gone too. Wherever we end up, we¡¯re at the mercy of God.¡± the helmsman said, giving up trying to shift the wheel. Chris frantically tried the various instruments, but every one was dead.

    ¡°Do we have anything?¡± Captain Wallace asked, eyes narrowed at the raging water outside. This wasn¡¯t right.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got nothing but trouble, seems like.¡± Chris said forlornly, setting down the emergency satellite phone. It was dead too. He glanced at the clock, a cheap battery-powered thing the captain¡¯s granddaughter got him for his birthday. The smiling unicorn pointed a hoof at eleven, and the horn at five past. That¡¯s what it was five minutes ago. How could a device not even connected to the ship power down too? And why were the lights still on, then?

    ¡°Captain-!¡± the navigator cried, staring out the window past the deck.

    ¡°I know. I see it too.¡± Captain Wallace said quietly, watching a scaled hand twelve feet across reach out of the dark sea to grab the railing. A large, lizardlike monster hauled itself up onto the ship, making it tilt and roll, but somehow the boat stayed upright. The crew was coming out and scrambling at the sight of it, sitting on the deck. It stared at them with unnaturally intelligent, glowing yellow eyes. The people on the bridge rushed onto the deck.

    ¡°Calm down! Calm down!¡± Captain Wallace shouted at the top of his lungs, but everyone was shouting and stampeding while the creature watched them silently, unmoving. ¡°What are you!? What do you want!?¡±

    ¡°Captain Gerald Wallace of the S.S. Yellowtail, all on board this ship will now become mine. These serfs will serve me now, as shall you.¡± came from its¡¯ flapping lips. It tilted back its¡¯ head and began to sing, long, drawn-out, discordant notes that nevertheless held a terrible harmony, that made Captain Wallace¡¯s heart race and legs tingle. The crew was in a frenzy, gesticulating wildly and genuflecting, striking themselves as they laughed in madness or shrieked in terror, the captain couldn¡¯t be sure. He saw Chris, his first mate for six years, giggle as he gleefully stuck his own thumbs in his eyes up to the first knuckle.

    ¡°I can see! I can see! At last my liege, I can see!¡± he cawed, and Captain Wallace grinned, grinned as he shouted himself hoarse as the others, dancing and reveling as he tore off his coat and slammed his forehead into the deck, no pain in front of his new lord, only a new, mindless devotion.

    A wave rose up, covering the ship. When it receded, the S.S. Yellowfin was gone.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Aaagh! No!¡± Tiffany screamed, knocked to the ground by a tentacled monstrosity. This wasn¡¯t fair! Her dream was to come to New York to be a dancer! She hadn¡¯t made it yet! ¡°Help!¡± she screamed, not nearly loud enough. The street was in chaos, no one could come even if they wanted to. The beast opened its¡¯ slavering jaws and bit down.

    SLICE!

    The creature blinked in confusion, as did Tiffany. Its¡¯ teeth were gone.

    ¡°Gwooah!¡± The beast shuddered and slumped to the ground, a gleaming steel blade next to tiffany¡¯s face. She looked up to see the handsomest man there ever was pulling back his sword.

    ¡°Forgive me for being late, but I¡¯m quite busy at the moment.¡± Leo apologized, helping her up and running off to aid a man trapped underneath car, menaced by a monster. He quickly slayed the beast, and lifted the car up enough to let the man crawl out. Tiffany¡¯s heart was aflutter.

    ¡°This¡¯s getting us nowhere.¡± Cross growled, reloading her gun. They¡¯d had to abandon the car when these creatures appeared, crowding the lanes and making them impossible to traverse with all the people and rubble too. She plugged one with three shots, but all it did was make it turn around to her. Net positive, as it wasn¡¯t attacking anyone else, but she was forced to empty the rest of the clip into it to get a death rattle. It still charged her as it died, but she seized it by the tentacles and kneed its¡¯ face, finally ending it. Damn it, she only had two clips left. This peashooter wasn¡¯t going to cut it.

    ¡®This won¡¯t work.¡± Nigel said. He and Vanessa were grouped up behind her, still handcuffed.

    ¡°Thank you very much, Mr. Cult Leader!¡± she snarled, whirling on a tentacle trying to grab her. She stuck her Glock into the creature¡¯s eye and fired five rounds. The monster shuddered, but still tried to hit her blindly. Cross shoved it with a heave, leaving it to stumble away, unable to pinpoint anything with all the yelling and screaming.

    ¡°No, I mean these creatures are made of corrupted flesh and dark magic. Your gun won¡¯t be able to do much. You need much heavier ordinance or a banishing spell.¡± he said.

    ¡°You got a banishing spell?¡± she growled.

    ¡°Uh, no¡­¡±

    ¡°Then that¡¯s great, really great. Just where am I going to get my hands on a tank?¡± she snapped. ¡°Some of us don¡¯t have magic swords.¡± They watched Leo charge and stab one, incinerating it to ashes. ¡°And what happened to you? One get too close?¡±

    ¡°No, my hair just started falling out.¡± he said worriedly. ¡°And could you loosen these cuffs a little? They¡¯re starting to really chafe.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, right.¡± Cross snorted. Vanessa looked behind his back.

    ¡°No, wait. His wrists really are rubbing raw on ¡®em. It¡¯s like they¡¯re swelling up.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Cross said, looking. ¡°They were loose enough half an hour ago, what happened?¡±

    ¡°I¡­don¡¯t know.¡± Nigel said, trying to peer at his hands.

    ¡°Whatever. We don¡¯t have time for this right now, we have to get that kid before he-¡±

    The ground rumbled, and not thirty feet away the street buckled and cracked open, a chasm that led deep, deep into the earth. There was a tremendous flapping sound, and hundreds of leathery-winged creatures the size of terriers, all hateful humanlike faces and oversized teeth and razor-tipped claws poured into the night, attacking anything they could see. The sky turned a pale red as a dark hole opened up, a strange, stone-like temple floating through. Off in the distance, a ginormous tentacle emerged from the Atlantic to drag a section of bridge into the depths. There was a foul, charnel smell in the air, which practically hummed with vibrations.

    ¡°It¡¯s begun.¡± Nigel said breathlessly, transfixed. Cross grabbed him by the shirt and held him to her face.

    ¡°What¡¯s begun!?¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°Th-The end of the world.¡± he said, the stars burning brighter, the moon matching. ¡°Th-This is the final ritual to cleanse the world of those that stand in the way of progress. After these final hours, our glorious moment will rise to prominence, cutting the chaff away and ushering in a new age.¡±

    ¡°The¡­the barriers of reality are starting to break! Earth¡¯s no longer separate from other dimensions!¡± Vanessa cried, watching what looked like a telephone pole slither through the sky.

    ¡°What she said.¡± Nigel clarified, nodding at her. ¡°This is the final spell to bring the old guard down. There¡¯s going to be some rough times ahead, but once everything¡¯s calmed down and the chaotic beings are swept away, the corrupted establishment will be as well.¡±

    ¡°Uh-huh. And tell me, how exactly are you people going to do that?¡± Cross said, folding her arms. Nigel opened his mouth to answer, but suddenly realized, in the hustle and bustle of preparations for this day, Mr. Delacroix never did say what they were going to do to fix the world. He flubbed, desperately trying to recall anything through the haze of time, training superpowers, and euphoria of Taboo about this.

    ¡°Uh¡­¡±

    ¡°Go on, I can wait.¡± Cross deadpanned.

    ¡°Um, well¡­you see¡­¡±

    ¡°Do you finally get it, kid? You¡¯re a pawn, and he played you.¡± she said. Nigel looked up at her, angry.

    ¡°Hey, we¡¯re important! I¡¯m the leader of the Craven Falls cell!¡± he retorted.

    ¡°One of the best ways to manipulate people, especially those younger without much worldly experience, is to flatter them, give them impressive titles that don¡¯t actually mean anything, then give them the ¡°responsibility¡± and tools to help manipulate, sorry, ¡°guide¡± others. Essentially making them another cog to further the real ambition. You were Head Stooge, Nigel.¡± she countered calmly, and the more he thought about it, after seeing all this, the more worried he was she was right.

    ¡°Look out!¡± Vanessa forced them against the side of a building, hurriedly casting an illusion to make them look like recycling bins. A large, scaly wolf-like creature lopped by, sniffing with its¡¯ three noses, but unable to find the source of the scent. It galloped off, and she dropped the cover. ¡°Is now really the best time for this?¡± she said, head on a swivel.

    ¡°Heads up!¡± Leo slammed the face of a cyclopean monster into the wall next to them. ¡°Indeed, if we¡¯re to discuss matters I feel it would be best to regroup with the others. I don¡¯t believe they¡¯ve taken down the centipede yet, and even with all these things running around he¡¯s still the most destructive thing in the city.¡± he said, wiping the sweat off his brow. His shirt had been torn, showing off his massive, muscular chest.

    ¡°Right. There¡¯s too much to do, someone get a car. I need to check in with Crenshaw.¡± Cross said, pulling out her phone.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°¡­yes, yes I see. It¡¯s not just there, strange phenomena are happening all over the world.¡± Crenshaw told Cross, watching the centipede rampage through New York on the TV, flanked by bizarre, unnatural abominations pouring out of cracks in reality. ¡°Keep on with what you¡¯re doing. I¡¯ll be joining you soon, injuries or no.¡±

    ¡°So. Ah. Gonna be hard to cover this up.¡± Cross said, as the centipede burrowed its¡¯ way through an entire apartment building, bursting out the side and screaming to the heavens. Crenshaw sighed.

    ¡°I feared this day would come. We always knew we¡¯d need contingency plans, just in case this happened. As we speak, all branches of the military are being briefed and will mobilize in two hours minimum. Our agents abroad are debriefing other governments on the situation as well. We can no longer hide, Agent Cross. Our duty is now containment. Do what is necessary to protect the citizens of the United States.¡±

    ¡°Roger.¡± She paused. He was kind of a dick, but his fervor in actually protecting the citizens¡­she couldn¡¯t hate him. Like him, no. But hate him? Also no. ¡°Any word on Delacroix?¡±

    ¡°Negative. All agents are activated and scrambling now. This is the worst-case scenario.¡± he said, turning to the door as it banged open, the general storming in. There was a rumble far off in the hall.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, Crenshaw! Quit jabbering, we¡¯ve got company!¡± the general barked, unholstering his gun.

    ¡°What?¡± From the wall exploded a shower of wood, plaster, and a screaming maw on an elongated purple tendril. General Kimball blasted it to smithereens with his Desert Eagle inches from Crenshaw¡¯s head. ¡°C-Call you back.¡± Crenshaw said, hanging up.

    ¡°We¡¯re gonna need more than these things, lad. The whole Pentagon¡¯s infested with these things. Somehow the early warning alarms have been disabled, probably thanks to our saboteur.¡± Kimball holstered his gun and overturned his desk, opening up a compartment on the floor. ¡°I suspect it¡¯s one enormous creature, rather than a host of smaller ones, but we can¡¯t discount the possibility of a nest.¡± He reached down and tossed Crenshaw an RPG and a rocket.

    ¡°Sir, how long have you had these stored there?¡± he said in amazement, loading the weapon.

    ¡°Since the beginning, Agent. You can never be too careful when dealing with the unknown, after all. It¡¯s best to be prepared.¡± the general said, fiddling with something still in the secret compartment. ¡°You have your combat knife, right? Hardware¡¯s good and all, but you never want to be caught without a knife. Too reliable when it hits the fan.¡± The door opened, and his aide entered, looking frazzled. ¡°Ahh, lieutenant. Good to see you made it.¡±

    ¡°Sir, the place¡¯s in chaos! Are you alright!?¡± he asked nervously, trying to look everywhere at once.

    ¡°We¡¯re fine. We could use all the help we can get, though. What¡¯s the situation?¡± Crenshaw asked, making sure the RPG was in order. ¡°Has there been an evacuation yet? Where¡¯re the anomalies?¡±

    ¡°Right here.¡± the aide said, throwing his hand down and a massive tendril burst from the ceiling. Crenshaw managed to juke away in time, while the general ducked behind the overturned desk. The aide calmly pulled out a gun and shot the desk, where General Kimball was. Crenshaw stared, wide-eyed and heart missing beats, then levelled the barrel at him.

    ¡°The hell is wrong with you, lieutenant!¡± he howled, finger itching to pull the trigger. The aide glanced at him.

    ¡°Go ahead, fire. You¡¯ll die from the blast too.¡± he said coolly, sounding unconcerned. Crenshaw¡¯s hands began to shake. The purple tendril rose up between them.

    ¡°W-Why?¡± Crenshaw asked, trying to stall while he thought of a solution. He had to put this thing down to go for his gun, he¡¯d never make it before Richard reacted.

    ¡°Simple really. I hate working for you people. You don¡¯t appreciate what I do. I make Kimball¡¯s life so much easier, and all I got was a ¡°Thanks, Richard, good job Richard¡± over and over. But did I get any time off? Did I ever get a break, did he ever go easy on me when we were overworked? Any raises or bonuses in two years? Pah!¡± He spat at the smoking desk. ¡°I¡¯m almost twenty-five, I can¡¯t do this forever. And when the Third Eye leaders noticed me and my partner¡­¡± He patted the slimy tendril lovingly. ¡°Well, they made me a better offer, and I took it.¡±

    ¡°You¡­you kept the message from reaching the NYPD, didn¡¯t you.¡± Crenshaw said, his hands shaking from a different reason now. Richard smiled as more tendrils drilled through the ceiling and wall.

    ¡°Now that worked out wonderfully. You wouldn¡¯t believe the bonus I got for that. That kid was high on the Third Eye hitlist, you know that? Something about past affronts, and no longer usable.¡± He giggled, his eyes turning into the same purple tendrils, leaking a disgusting green slime. He pointed the gun at Crenshaw and the tendrils tensed, ready to strike. Crenshaw breathed deeply, preparing to fire. As long as it took the bastard that killed General Kimball out too, he was fine with dying.

    ¡°Richard, Richard, Richard.¡± They both turned to the desk. ¡°I¡¯m sorry you feel slighted, but that¡¯s no excuse for this. And my desk is bulletproof.¡± General Kimball appeared over the edge, and pulled the trigger on his flamethrower. Richard screamed as flaming gas hit his face, staggering off flailing and collapsing in a heap. The tentacles moved, but several more gouts of flame torched them, forcing a retreat. ¡°Are you alright, son?¡± he asked a shocked Crenshaw.

    ¡°Y-Yes sir. A flamethrower? An RPG? A bulletproof desk?¡± he asked, getting hold of himself.

    ¡°Always pays to be prepared, in our line of work.¡± Kimball said, tapping his nose. ¡°I know you rarely have time or the resources, but it gives you an advantage. Now hurry up, soldier. We¡¯ve got to take this thing out before you get to New York. I¡¯ll handle things with the others in DC, you gotta join up with Agent Cross.¡± He marched out of the office, brandishing his flamethrower.

    ¡°So sir, I believe we¡¯ve found the saboteur.¡± Crenshaw said, following. Kimball grinned and raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Was that a joke, son?¡± he asked.

    ¡°If you want to take it that way.¡± Crenshaw said dryly, pausing and running as more purple tendrils broke from the floor.

    ¡°Ha! Think I will!¡± Kimball laughed, keeping pace. It was funny, he thought as they dodged around the tentacles, making their way to the center of the building, where they seemed to be coming from. Crenshaw did seem down in the dumps now, but over the last few reports he seemed to be a bit less dour than normal. Agents Cross and Havenbrook seemed to be a good influence, and General Kimball could only thank the Maker for that. He sent a quick prayer for the teen¡¯s soul; he would¡¯ve liked to meet him.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Stooooop!¡± Scott cried, the car screeching to a halt, Dalton letting go of the chassis and falling into his seat, spent and panting. Scott handed him a chocolate bar with nuts.

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t like peanuts.¡± he said.

    ¡°Eat it, it¡¯s for fuel, not taste.¡± the skeletal Scott demanded. ¡°Casting so much can take it out of you, there¡¯s some trail mix and cupcakes in my bag. You¡¯re not done yet, unfortunately. I¡¯m gonna need you to accelerate me as fast as you can.¡±

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t fast enough?¡± Brad protested. He¡¯d been forced to drive in a straight line through the countryside, buildings and people included. He didn¡¯t get it, but something about how fast they were going, along with another spell of Dalton¡¯s, made it so they could go 400 mph phasing through solid objects. It was goddamned terrifying. Scott turned his skull, and the others followed his eyeline. Scott had directed them to Queens, and Brad¡¯s eyes widened as he saw it. Riley laughed.

    ¡°How¡­how many are there?¡± Connor asked in awe.

    ¡°Over three million.¡± Scott said, and jumped over the car door. ¡°Can you smell it? That¡¯s the scent of death.¡± He peered over to the glowing sky, where the centipede monster was destroying buildings, cars, anything in his path. ¡°Well, this seems like the perfect time to get away with some pillaging and looting. But first, we¡¯re gonna need some reinforcements. C¡¯mon.¡± He yanked Dalton and the kids out of the car, and they proceeded through the gate of Cavalry Cemetery.

 Chapter 28: Hells Bells

    ¡°Notgoodnotgoodnotgood!¡± Amber jumped and leaped over cars and between buildings, frantically swinging on a gravity web to a minivan that was perched precariously on the edge of a fissure in the street. There was a screaming family trapped inside, there was no time to lose. ¡°Avesh! Avesh! Avesh!¡± She webbed the rear end to the asphalt, then tore the doors off. ¡°Hi, sorry ¡®bout that, you should run now!¡±

    ¡°Everyone out!¡± The father, mother, and two children practically flew out of the car, the father only pausing to unbuckle a baby in the back.

    ¡°Look out!¡± A massive chunk of debris was falling towards them. Amber reared up to catch it, glancing at the man and his child. She knew it would go bad, but there was nothing else to do.

    ¡°Haaa!¡± Nightfang broke through like a comet, shattering it to pieces. They all cried out as stones fell on them, but despite some scrapes and bruises, all of them were alive.

    ¡°Ow. Everyone okay?¡± Amber asked.

    ¡°Thanks Spider-Girl! Batman!¡± the little boy said.

    ¡°Good. Move! Fast as you can!¡± She urged them off, then turned back to the insectoid monster. ¡°I don¡¯t think this¡¯s going very well.¡±

    ¡°I know. All this¡¯s messed up. You see the sky?¡± Nightfang said, looking up at the red tinge and mysterious temple. ¡°And there¡¯s all these other monsters around!¡± The watched Gregor finish savaging a tentacle beast, only to groan and leap up to a fire escape as a gang of them surrounded him. Nightfang shook his head. This was too much. ¡°And with the centipede¡­¡± he murmured, watching it crawl from tower to tower. His hand fell to his belt. Was it time to use his secret weapon? Lord Harvaste did say it was only for the direst of emergencies¡­

    Amber grit her teeth, and her fists. This wasn¡¯t right. None of this was right. These monsters, attacking these helpless people. Her job as an uylata was to expand the physical universe, and prevent its¡¯ collapse from the void creatures. This, she decided, was only a microcosm of that.

    ¡°Listen up. We should switch. You guys should take care of evacuation, and leave the bug to me.¡± She glared at it, her eyes flashing golden yellow.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Nightfang asked.

    ¡°Yes. You guys aren¡¯t as mobile as I am, but there¡¯s more of you, you can help more people than I can and provide support. But if anyone has the best chance against this thing, it¡¯s me. I have experience.¡± she said, cracking her knuckles. Nightfang gulped. The air around her was different, a chilling aura that screamed predator on the hunt. He nodded.

    ¡°Listen up team!¡± he said into his headset. ¡°Back off trying to attack Yun, switch priorities to saving civilians and support! We¡¯re gonna let Amber handle it!¡± He gave her a thumbs-up and leapt away, crawling up a building and flitting between masonry, hurling debris at monsters with bulletlike force.

    ¡°You sure this¡¯s okay?¡± Genevieve radioed.

    ¡°Yeah. I trust her. You should¡¯a seen the look in her eye. We¡¯re backup for this one.¡±

    Back down on the ground, Amber took in long, deep breaths, kicking off her shoes. She would need grip and mobility. She stared at Yun, the monstrous centipede smashing the buildings and burrowing through the street, his laughter booming above the destruction and screams. She snarled. It was time to stop holding back.

    It was a strange thing, being an uylata. Though she wasn¡¯t a spider herself, the instinct to hunt, capture, and consume like one was ingrained into her, an automatic defense against the insectoid voidbeasts. That long body, wriggling enticingly as it moved, it was triggering her adrenal gland. Her hands shook with anticipation, wiping the drool from her mouth. In a way, it reminded her of being a ghoul.

    She shuddered as she remembered, closing her eyes. The strength was similar, so she was mostly used to it. But so was the appetite, sort of. She was growing ravenously hungry, her body screaming to liquefy his innards and drain him to a husk. Her teeth sharpened into fangs. Yes, similar to her time as a ghoul, trying to hold her instincts back. She was so fortunate to have Scoot keep her in check, but he wasn¡¯t here this time. He never would be again. And this creature was one of the ones responsible for that, no matter how tangentially. He would destroy the city if left unchecked, and kill thousands of innocent people. She knew death first-hand, a torturous hell she wouldn¡¯t subject to her worst enemy to. Everything just¡­stopped, when you were dead. She hated to do this, but hated people to dying more.

    That first part was a lie, though. What she really hated was how much she liked it; it was impossible to deny the rushing of blood, the thrill of the hunt, the power singing in her bones and tendons and muscles, driving her on to rip, smash, crush, bite. It started when she became a ghoul, but she never forgot that feeling of release, release from civilized thoughts to primordial throbbing. She locked the feeling away, forcing her wild instincts down, but no matter how much she hated to let loose like that, a part of her always longed to run wild, let go and never look back. Amber smiled sadly. She was so screwed up, ever since Stephanie killed her.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever be normal again. But at least if I do this, no one will have to die.¡± She opened her eyes, and gave into her instincts.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Dalton lay on the ground, panting, a wet cloth on his face and Riley fanning him. His entire body was coated in sweat. For the last two hours he had been casting nonstop, rushing and accelerating many different and diverse projects.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Riley asked.

    ¡°Gonna¡­die¡­¡± he said, trying to gulp down air.

    ¡°Ahh, don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s not as bad as you think.¡± Scott said, finishing up the last sigil on the overcomplicated circle. This one was different: it required at least thirty minor circles drawn in different places under the overarching magical inscriptions, and it was hard to work with such aged material and not have it crumble. But work he did, and the ritual was almost complete. All that was left was to recite the spell and it would be ready. Along with his own¡­modifications.

    ¡°Boss, the speakers are set up.¡± Connor said, overseeing some zombies hooking up the electrical gear. The massive equipment hadn¡¯t been easy to get into the museum, but then Scott said just to smash the entrance in. They wouldn¡¯t care with all the other things happening in the city. He shuddered as he recalled seeing the carnage, even going as fast as they were. Connor felt guilty looting the stores, but it was necessary for the project Scott had outlined. All he could say was, his teacher was mad. ¡°And so am I, for following him.¡± he muttered to himself.

    ¡°Excellent! We¡¯re almost ready! Here¡¯s my phone, I¡¯ve already loaded the playlist, heh heh hee hee hee hah hah hah hah!¡± Scott cackled, giving Connor the device and rubbing his hands together. Oh, this was going to be fun.

    ¡°Is¡­is this really gonna work?¡± Brad said, going over the circles with an untrained eye. He¡¯d been told to sit in the corner and shut up while they worked, and the truly frightening amount of zombies had persuaded him from arguing.

    ¡°Of course, it is me we¡¯re talking about after all! Ha ha ha ha ha!¡± Scott crossed his arms and threw back his head, projecting confidence. ¡°You¡¯re about to see the culmination of science, sorcery, and genius! Who else would¡¯ve thought to use his enemies¡¯ own delivery vessel as his own?¡± He snapped his fingers. ¡°Oh yeah, you can leave now, we no longer need the car. Dalton, you stay though. I¡¯ll need your services again.¡± The boy on the floor whimpered. ¡°Not now, don¡¯t worry. But you¡¯ll have one more job before we¡¯re done, then you¡¯re free to go. And trust me, you¡¯ll be grateful you did it afterwards. Y¡¯know,¡± he said, crouching next to the velociomancer. ¡°Have you ever considered a career as a magician? You could make a killing shipping goods, with as fast as you can go. Companys¡¯d pay through the nose. You¡¯d be a millionaire before twenty.¡±

    ¡°R-Really?¡± Dalton said, leaning up. ¡°Y-You think so?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, they¡¯re always looking to transport stuff faster. Amazon alone would literally throw money at you until you were buried for a contract.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, but, I¡¯ve already got a plan. Me an¡¯ Brad¡¯re gonna work for his uncle.¡± he said, trying to smile but Scott¡¯s bones freaking him out.

    ¡°Yeah, now butt out.¡± Brad said, quickly trying to scoop up Dalton and leave.

    ¡°Not so fast.¡± Scott put a boney hand on his arm, and Brad shivered. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say your uncle works for the mob or something?¡± Brad gulped. ¡°Why the hell would you wanna limit yourself like that¡­I wanna say Dennis? Is it Dennis?¡±

    ¡°Dalton.¡± he said, confused. What was this guy saying?

    ¡°You¡¯ve got a lot more potential that working for the mob, they¡¯ll just have you stealing stuff and breaking knees really good if they find out what you can do.¡± Scott shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s not where the money¡¯s at, though. You wanna get rich, you take your abilities into the public sector. Everyone needs stuff moved, you can make it happen yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Requiring three stones baked in moonlight, three sacrifices of goats and approximate calculations of reverse orbital velocity.¡± Dalton recited blankly, then blinked. ¡°You really think so?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Dalton!¡± Brad shouted, trying to drown out the necromancer. ¡°We already got it figured out, you really wanna do what this freak says!?¡±

    ¡°Dude, you can make fire without combustion, even in a vacuum if I¡¯m recalling the rules of pyromancy right. Why would you wanna waste your life on criminality, when you could be making criminally insane amounts of money?¡± Scott pointed out. ¡°You get literal mountains of cash, you don¡¯t need to break the law; hell, with that much, you make the law.¡±

    ¡°Life advice I don¡¯t need from a freak like yo-!¡± He was suddenly cognizant of every zombie, from fresh corpse to skeletal husk, surrounding and staring at him. They blinked in unison as Scott grinned. ¡°Ahem. Uh, what I meant to say, was that we¡¯ll consider it carefully after we get through all this.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought.¡± Scott said. Connor¡¯s head poked over the side of the ship.

    ¡°We¡¯re ready!¡±

    ¡°All right! You ready, crew!¡± he shouted, turning to the assembled crowd of zombies. They raised their hands and cheered, waving and beginning to board.

    ¡°This wood¡¯s old, are you sure it¡¯ll hold the weight?¡± one of them asked as he walked up the gangplank.

    ¡°You leave that to me.¡± Scott patted him on the back as he took his place at the bow, eyelights shining in concentration. ¡°Zagh¡¯hnae! Vruuisk! Lyserisk v¡¯berfrgno kiinmgh asterous mon eil vaxxeous et na heilm! Sowah! Sowah! Sowah! Zagh¡¯hnae! Vruuisk! Lyserisk v¡¯berfrgno kiinmgh asterous mon eil vaxxeous et na heilm! Sowah! Sowah! Sowah! Zagh¡¯hnae! Vruuisk! Lyserisk v¡¯berfrgno kiinmgh asterous mon eil vaxxeous et na heilm! Sowah! Sowah! Sowah!¡± He waved his hands as he chanted, the circles beginning to glow with a toxic emerald green light, spreading the same color ethereally over the ship, groaning as it began to raise from its¡¯ hold. ¡°Hit it!¡± he called to his apprentice, and Riley pressed play.

    Through the mostly silent district, bells began to ring as there was a trembling, small creatures scurrying away. The museum rumbled and split open to the wial of guitars, an army of zombies marching forth to do battle with the forces of darkness as the drums kicked in, guided overhead by a shimmering ghost ship, the same that had found the Lost Treasure of Abazuul, ACDC blaring from the gigantic speakers attached to the stern, a mad necromancer laughing maniacally on the figurehead.

 Chapter 29: Yo Ho

    ¡°Ah-ha ha ha! Run!¡± Yun boomed, swinging his tail into the corner of a building, crumpling it. The concrete sagged and fell, and he relished the screams of the people below as they scattered before him. ¡°That¡¯s it! Run!¡± He stamped his legs down one after the other, making a woman flee for her life, until¡­¡°Oops.¡± He smiled as he sighed. Oh well, the timing on that trick was too hard. There would be plenty more chances to practice.

    He raised his head high, grinning with a slavering jaw full of mandibles at the full moon in a red sky, a temple over the city. The boss¡¯s plan had begun, and he howled with joy. He was truly free now, free to run rampant and do whatever he pleased. It was a heady feeling, and he was intoxicated on it. He dove down, burrowing through the asphalt into the concrete of another building, cracking it in half as he went. This body! So strong! So quick! He never would¡¯ve known the spell to combine with his servant if it weren¡¯t for Mr. Delacroix. He never would have known this strength, this freedom without Taboo.

    ¡°Hail Delacroix!¡± he cried, stretching from atop a skyscraper, his voice echoing over the panicking city. The other monsters, what happened after this; nothing concerned him now.

    ¡°¡­rrrrRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAHHHH!¡±

    WHAM!

    His head snapped to the side as something collided with it, hitting like a brick.

    ¡°Wha-whoa!¡± His head was dragged down by an incredible force, then snapped to the opposite direction. ¡°Wha-!¡± Half his mandibles were suddenly immobilized. ¡°Hah?¡± His eye slid back in its¡¯ socket.

    There was a girl, glaring down at him from the side of a building with pure white skin in a suit. Her eyes were blazing a solid crystal blue, and a golden-yellow glow emanated from her body.

    ¡°Rrrrrraaaah!¡± She bent and leaped, soaring over his head in a mighty bound. There was a translucent thread in her hand, attached to the side of his face. He saw her land and pull, and his head was slammed painfully into the ground.

    ¡°Bitch!¡± he growled, but she was already moving, sticking the gravity web to one of his legs.

    ¡°Avesh! Avesh! Avesh!¡± she chanted, leaping and twirling as she casted more gravity webs, laying it on him like silly string.

    ¡°Enough!¡± He roared, ripping the web with a burst of strength and rearing up. He swung his tail, but she vaulted over it like a gymnast. ¡°Die!¡± He dropped his entire upper body, trying to crush her with his weight, and she couldn¡¯t dodge in midair.

    ¡°Avesh!¡± Or so he thought. She tugged on the conjured web, zipping out of the way. He turned to catch her when she landed, but a black form appeared and served her like a volleyball, both rocketing in different directions. He snarled. Those bastards again! They were all so hard to hit, and they kept trying to get in his way!

    His head turned to trace her path, only to see another guy dressed in black jump and crawl up a building. Suddenly, his lower legs tangled up, and he fought to stay upright. Something smacked into his back to make a cracking sound and he fell over, the white girl webbing him to the ground, another black figure darting off. Yun chittered in annoyance, using his free legs to dig through the street. After ripping the strange strands apart, he focused his senses. The vibrations of their movements told him exactly where they were, even though the cacophony of the chaotic street. He slithered through the ground and exploded through the asphalt, screeching and baring his fangs to bite down on that annoying girl. She caught his mandibles, but her strength wasn¡¯t enough to keep his jaws from closing-until another guy in a cape showed up and held his mouth open too.

    ¡°¡¯hat¡¯s ii aake!¡± He reared up and flung them at another building, but that bitch just threw out another line and used it to swing away! ¡°Graaaahh!¡± Determined to squash them now, he skittered over and attacked, enjoying the fear in their eyes.

    ¡°Hang on!¡± Amber cried, ignoring the burning in her legs to leap and swing to the safety of another skyscraper. Yun screamed and whirled around.

    ¡°Up!¡± Nightfang said, using every ounce of his vampiric agility to climb up the building, his fingers and toes digging into the concrete for a breath of a second, rocketing upwards with his cape straight back. Amber was hopping and swinging as well, the chittering centipede crawling up the wall to pursue them. She only paused occasionally to shoot gravity webs at Yun, trying to slow him down.

    ¡°Crap! Not good!¡± She had underestimated him. In the company of the uylata, she would have overwhelmed him by now, but her efforts weren¡¯t enough to overcome his sheer size and power. She could do it, she knew she could, she could see what she needed to do; she needed more than a two-second window to web him up properly.

    They reached the top, nowhere left to run, and Yun was on them.

    ¡°Keep moving (huff), keep him distracted.¡± Nightfang panted, the exertion getting to him. He needed a drink, badly. The duo jumped and darted, throwing webs or pieces of concrete, trying desperately to keep the centipede unfocused. But it was only a matter of time until¡­

    ¡°Gotcha!¡± Yun timed Amber¡¯s leap, and his mandibles once more closed on her, snatching her out of the air. She struggled, but she didn¡¯t have a good vantage point to web him, and wasn¡¯t strong enough to break free. Yun shook his head like a dog, and she lay still, dizzied. She watched as a human face formed just over the mouth.

    ¡°You are trouble.¡± Yun growled, wanting to bite down but savoring her discomfort first. His teeth were ready to pierce through her body. ¡°You try and smack me around, but I show you your place. Beneath a hundred feet.¡± He snickered, but started when she spat in his eye.

    ¡°I¡¯ll rip off every one of your legs! You can¡¯t scare me, Yun! Not even if you kill me!¡± Amber declared defiantly, still trying to break free. She shook her arm loose and grabbed the tooth pinning her down, heaving as much as she could. It wasn¡¯t enough. He was going to close his mouth, crushing her.

    ¡®I¡¯m going to die. Again.¡¯ she thought, fighting to the end.

    ¡°Then di-huh?¡± Yun¡¯s head turned to the noise, growing louder. Amber heard it too, the sound of¡­violins?

    ¡°What¡­the¡­hell¡­?¡± she said, watching the spectacle before their eyes.

    A glowing pirate ship sail through the sky towards them, blaring music with an assembled mass of speakers.

    ¡°Oh my God. No¡­no way.¡± This wasn¡¯t possible. Yet, who else?

    ¡°Da ¡®ell?¡± Yun said in Chinese, cocking his head. He had heard that song before, somewhere¡­but the ship was headed right for him, so he had to do something.

    Nightfang planted his feet and drew his fist back. Now was his chance!

    WHAM!

    Yun felt a tremendous impact in his stomach, the underside of his armor. All the air was forced from his lungs, blowing Amber from his mouth into the sky. She hurled through the air, noting places to shoot a gravity web when suddenly she landed, a thin, hard pair of arms holding her in a bridal carry.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°Nya ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!¡± Scott laughed, the ship rising into the night. ¡°Sup, bitches! I¡¯m BAAAAAAAAAACCCCCKKKKKKKK!¡± He looked down at the pale girl in his arms, one eyelight winking. ¡°Hey babe. I¡¯d plant one on ya to celebrate, but I¡¯m a little lacking in the lips department right now.¡±

    Amber stared at him, openmouthed and shaking her head. She didn¡¯t know what to do; laugh, scream, or cry. She let out a choked noise that sounded like all three, tears streaming down her face.

    ¡°T-The Pirates of the Caribbean theme?¡± she asked, wiping her eyes. Yes, he was certainly dead, but¡­ he was here.

    ¡°I thought it was appropriate. Right, Captain!?¡± he called.

    ¡°AYE, SIR! Rousing song lad, ROUSING SONG! We¡¯ll show ¡®em what for, what what!¡± Captain Blackwell shouted, his ghostly mustache bristling and waving his saber. ¡°Raise more sail! We¡¯ll catch the updraft, then show that devil true hell! TALLY-HO!¡±

    ¡°Roger!¡± The crew scrambled to comply, skeletons in the rigging unfurling phantom cloth, the zombie deckhands hauling rope and loading cannons, ghosts flitting in, out, and through the corpses.

    ¡°Kinda a skeleton crew, but they¡¯re a good bunch.¡± Scott said, grinning. ¡°Get it? Skeleton-¡±

    ¡°I got it.¡± Amber said, holding a hand up and touching his skull. ¡°What¡­how?¡± she could only say.

    ¡°Long story short, I met the author of the Necronomicon and he showed me how to come back. Dead, yeah, but hey, I¡¯m still the life of the party even when I don¡¯t got a pulse! Ha ha ha!¡± He laughed, and Amber covered her face. She could not even right now.

    ¡°Can you put me down now? I¡¯m safe.¡± She said, but he only hoisted her up higher.

    ¡°No. It¡¯s been too long since you were in my arms, I¡¯m not letting you go.¡± Scott said sincerely, and her heart skipped a beat. Her face turned less pale.

    ¡°Uh¡­y-yeah. That¡¯s, that¡¯s great and all, but you¡¯re kinda boney, it¡¯s uncomfortable.¡± She said.

    ¡°Oh.¡± He put her down. ¡°Ah. Well then. Uh. Hey! There¡¯s a giant monster! We should do something about that!¡± he said awkwardly, pointing at Yun trying to eat Nightfang.

    ¡°R-Right.¡± Amber said, crawling forward on the bow.

    ¡°Captain, aim and fire on the centipede!¡± Scott ordered as they strafed the building.

    ¡°FIRE!¡± The cannons roared, the ghostly cannonballs hitting with full force then dissolving. Scott cackled. With ectoplasmic cannonballs, they had an effectively unlimited supply of ammo. The centipede screeched as his exoskeleton started to dent and crack.

    ¡°He¡¯s trying to get away!¡± Riley shouted, watching Yun waver and crawl down the building.

    ¡°No he won¡¯t, lass! HAR TO PORT!¡± Captain Blackwell commanded. ¡°Take us lower! Don¡¯t let the blaggard slip free! Young master Scott?¡±

    ¡°On it!¡± Scott picked up a microphone, cutting out the music. ¡°All zombies converge on the centipede! Swarm him! Tear him apart!¡±

    The speakers blared the orders, and Yun froze as he reached the street. He¡¯d been too distracted to notice, but now he saw the roads completely filled with undead, climbing over each other in their haste to attack, nearly three million strong. Yun turned from side to side, the dead in every direction, still being fired on from above.

    ¡°Huurrrrk!¡± The centipede spit acid at the crowd. A patch of them began to dissolve¡­and continue on as scarred skeletons. ¡°No, no, no, no¡­¡± he muttered, backing up.

    ¡°Scott! He¡¯s got only one choice left, he¡¯s gonna-!¡± Amber¡¯s warning was too late, as the centipede tore through the wall of the building, using it as an escape tunnel to burrow below. ¡°Damn it! If I could only get down there!¡± she cried, pounding her fist on the railing.

    ¡°You got it!¡± Scott said, grabbing the helm and spinning it, lurching down to the side, the children giggling. Amber was suddenly staring at the ground, headed into it at top speed.

    ¡°Scott? Scott!? SCOTT!¡± She shrieked as they¡­passed through the street harmlessly, the necrotic glow illuminating the sewers below.

    ¡°It¡¯s a ghost ship! I rigged it so who and whatever¡¯s aboard can pass through solid matter like ghosts can! Took some doing, but I had this concept in mind for awhile!¡± Scott said, steering the ship through the underground.

    ¡°There! Off the starboard bow! Connor said, pointing. The dirt and concrete crumbled and Yun tunneled out, locking eyes with Amber and halting in place.

    ¡°Oh, would you look at that. He¡¯s in a tight, enclosed space and can¡¯t move much. That work for you, Amber?¡± Scott said innocently.

    ¡°Perfectly!¡± She launched herself from the ship, snarling in midair. ¡°Avesh!¡±

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Nigel moaned as they sped down the street, slumped over on Vanessa¡¯s lap while she stroked what was left of his hair comfortingly.

    ¡°There there. It¡¯ll, uh, all be alright.¡± she tried to say soothingly, but no one was convinced. Cross and Leo kept stealing glances at him from the front seat, and Bess wracked her brain trying to understand what was happening. His body had swelled up and grown rotund, and his eyes were bloodshot and bulging while his lips had swollen up even worse. He groaned as his headache increased. He could feel his face flattening out.

    ¡°I don¡¯t feel good.¡± Cross grit her teeth. She hated to say this to a guy in this state, but there was no time to sugarcoat it.

    ¡°Listen, Nigel.¡± she said as she navigated, avoiding a rat the size of a loaf of bread. ¡°We don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong with you. I¡¯m sorry, but you might not even last the night. I¡¯m going to sound cold for this, but if you know anything about this ritual or how to stop it, I¡¯m gonna need you to tell me before it¡¯s too late.¡±

    ¡°What? He could be dying and that¡¯s all you can think of!?¡± Vanessa said hotly.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Cross snapped. ¡°Look around! People are dying! The city¡¯s overrun with monsters! Anything that needs to be said has to be now, before the world goes to hell anymore!¡± Vanessa winced.

    ¡°That¡¯s-¡±

    ¡°N-No, she¡¯s right.¡± Nigel flubbed, rolling and jiggling as the car jostled. ¡°I-I don¡¯t think I¡­have much time. And this¡­this isn¡¯t what I wanted.¡± he said quietly, looking at the ceiling. They passed by someone screaming, followed by a crunch, then¡­silence. He closed his eyes. This carnage couldn¡¯t possibly be what the better world should be founded on, it couldn¡¯t be what Mr. Delacroix had promised. He tried to take a deep breath, but his blubber choked him and made him cough.

    ¡°Aus-Australia.¡± he said at last, nearly sending him into another coughing fit. ¡°He-he said his final destination was Australia. Something about the barriers of reality being weaker there. If¡­if you want to undo what¡¯s been done, go there.¡± he said, laying his head down, spent.

    ¡°Australia. Great. Just great. I hope Crenshaw¡¯s got a jet we can-¡± Cross grumbled, then turned the corner. The car came to a stop, and they all stared. There was an innumerable number of undead clogging the road, crammed in so tight they were packed on top of each other, peeling away from a building. A decaying grandma ninety years old shuffled up and tapped on the window. Cross lowered it, wide-eyed.

    ¡°¡¯Scuse me, but the road head¡¯s closed, as you can see. We got monsters to find, so anybody who¡¯s got a life to lose shouldn¡¯t be out on the street, yeah?¡± Though it was a little old dead lady, the voice was a deep, gruff baritone more suited to a biker. Cross wordlessly turned to stare straight ahead. After a moment, she silently pressed the button, and the window slowly slid up.

    ¡°This is¡­weird.¡± Bess said.

    ¡°Hey, you mooks listening?¡± the lady said, a pale green ghostly head leaning out from the body through the door. Cross jumped.

    ¡°Ahh! Got it!¡±

    ¡°Good. Now get outta here, or the boss¡¯ll have my head, and I only just got it.¡± The ghost went back into the zombie and she wandered off, muttering about tourists. Cross¡¯s knuckles were white on the wheel as she turned and locked eyes with a pale Leo.

    ¡°That just happened, right?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Y-Yeah, b-but¡­¡±

    ¡°I know. Is¡­is¡­¡±

    ¡°What? What¡¯s going on?¡± Vanessa said, the people in the back unable to see the ghost.

    ¡°I mean, really though¡­who else?¡± Bess said, leaning forward for a better look. She may not have been able to see ghosts, but this army of the dead was too familiar to be anything but. Cross felt a very, very familiar headache coming on.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening? Why are there so many of them?¡± Vanessa said, shrinking into her seat. She was having flashbacks, seeing a daemon being ripped to shreds again.

    ¡°There¡¯s no doubt about it. I don¡¯t know why, I don¡¯t know how, but¡­¡± Cross sighed.

    A massive glowing pirate ship rose from the ground, cracking the street open not from its entrance, but from the head of the giant centipede it was dragging behind it, suspended in the air by gravity webs. There was a skeleton on the prow, head thrown back and laughing madly.

    "Cower, foolish mortals! Cower before the awesome might of necromancy, and its fearsome, awesome master! Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!"

    ¡°¡­the kid is back.¡± she finished. Though her head was cradled in her hand to ward against the throbbing, there was a faint smile on her face. She should¡¯ve known her headache wouldn¡¯t disappear so easily.

    ¡°Hey guys! You see this!? Seriously!?¡± Nightfang said, landing with the other vampires next to the car.

    ¡°Yeah, I see it. I don¡¯t believe it, but I see it.¡± Will said, taking a picture with his phone.

    ¡°Okay, I really don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on anymore.¡± Genevieve said, then a rope ladder was dropped from the hull.

    ¡°Ahoy! C¡¯mon up! The boss needs to see you!¡± Connor called from above.

    ¡°Avast me hearties! We¡¯ll keelhaul ya if ye don¡¯t hurry, landlubbers!¡± Riley said. Somewhere she had found a pirate hat and waved them up.

    ¡°Okay, now I don¡¯t know anymore.¡±

 Chapter 27: Wheeling and Dealing

    Once on board, Cross¡¯s group was escorted by the apprentices, marveling at the ghosts and zombies doing work on the ship.

    ¡°¡­and that¡¯s our room, we¡¯re supposed to stay in there if there¡¯s trouble. But no one really cares if we¡¯re in there or not.¡± Riley said, pointing at a cabin.

    ¡°The boss¡¯s been really busy. He found a guy who can magically speed things up, I¡¯m surprised he didn¡¯t catch on fire.¡± Connor said, avoiding a zombie swabbing the floor. It groaned at them as they passed.

    ¡°This is...unusual.¡± Leo said as they came on deck.

    ¡°Like boss said, when you run with a necromancer, you travel in style.¡± Riley said, giggling. Oh, the expressions on their faces! This was too much fun! ¡°He¡¯s in the captain¡¯s quarters. Oh, speaking of¡­¡±

    ¡°By JOVE! Jolly good to have you aboard, jolly good!¡± Captain Blackwell bellowed, forcing his hand in theirs, shaking vigorously in turn, often accompanied by a hearty slap on the back. At least for those who could perceive him.

    ¡°What? Who¡¯re you talking to?¡± Vanessa squeaked, trying to stay away and not touch anything. Nigel moaned as he was carried in a stretcher manned by skeletons.

    ¡°Hmm, poor lad. He didn¡¯t get dengue fever, what what?¡± Blackwell asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think so, it seems to be related to what¡¯s going on, maybe. It started at the same time, at least.¡± Leo said.

    ¡°Damnable shame. Don¡¯t worry, our medics¡¯ll have him on his feet in no time, what what!¡± the captain said, slapping him on the back. Behind him, Riley saw the chain coming out of his back jostle.

    ¡°Hey Captain, something¡¯s bugging me. Why¡¯re you here? I thought you were bound to your house.¡± she asked.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s thanks to young master Scott, lass.¡± he said, patting his generous belly. ¡°I have little idea how, but he said he needed someone with sailing expertise, and I, having such expertise, immediately volunteered my services. The Simmons¡¯s elected to stay behind, but the lad severed my spirit¡¯s chain and connected it to the S.S. Dead Man¡¯s Hand here, as you can see. I say, it was a shock and a half to be in command of a flying galleon, what what!¡± he explained, sweeping his hat off to gesture at the ship. ¡°Indeed, though I am the captain of this fine vessel, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s a bit in name only. The lad¡¯s in charge of our heading, and the one who supplied us with the crew. I just make sure we get where we¡¯re going sound as a church bell. Fortunately, in nearly sixty years of sailing, I¡¯ve only had three shipwrecks! Jolly good record I say, JOLLY GOOD!¡± He puffed out his chest and laughed uproariously, and Cross, Leo, and the kids had to cover their ears. Being at ground zero when he laughed boisterously was murder on the eardrums. ¡°Come! The lad is in his quarters now. I certainly don¡¯t need sleep, what what!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Vanessa whispered to Leo.

    ¡°The ghost ship has a ghost captain. We¡¯re seeing Scott now, maybe he can help you to see spirits.¡± he said.

    ¡°Great.¡± Vanessa groaned, and they were led to the stern as the sky was growing orange, the red tinge doing funny things to the sun¡¯s light.

    ¡°What ho, lad! Are you busy?¡± Blackwell said through the door, knocking loudly. ¡°I have the rest of your gang!¡±

    ¡°C¡¯mon in.¡± The doors were opened. The group entered, Cross at the lead. Scott was sitting at a new oak desk, Amber to the side, going over the Necronomicon.

    ¡°Hey, everybody! Guess what! Turns out death isn¡¯t-¡± Cross didn¡¯t stop, she wrapped her fingers around his neckbones and hauled him above the table.

    ¡°WHY! CHILDREN! APPRENTICES! WHY SHIP! WHY SKELETON! EXPLAIN, NOW!¡±

    ¡°Good to see you too, detective.¡± he said cordially, not affected in the slightest by her squeezing. She shook him and judo flipped him to the floor. ¡°Y¡¯know, that doesn¡¯t actually hurt me anymore.¡±

    ¡°Shut it.¡± Cross growled, kneeling over him. ¡°You¡¯re lucky you¡¯re dead already. I¡¯m thinking of killing you again, just to be sure.¡±

    ¡°Ha! Good luck with that!¡± Scott guffawed.

    ¡°Uh, Detective? Maybe wanna get off so he can talk to us?¡± Amber said. Cross snorted, but hauled him to his feet.

    ¡°Explain.¡± she said in a tone that brook no argument.

    ¡°Of course. Well, as you can see, I died. Turns out though if you use and abuse the Necronomicon, it sucks out your soul when you die. I met the original author, Abdul Al-Hazred. He explained how I could get back, and I got eaten by a worm that gave me KNOWLEDGE.¡± he said, his eyelights flickering. ¡°After snatching up a guy who can speed things up, we got everyone together and headed here, sounded like there was trouble. So then, how was your day?¡± he asked, folding his hands beneath his chin.

    ¡°Not as good¡­because I think that¡¯s the air force out there.¡± Leo said worriedly, looking out the window at the helicopters approaching. Cross¡¯s cell phone buzzed.

    ¡°Oh joy, it¡¯s Crenshaw. He¡¯s on a chopper, and wants to know what a pirate ship is doing flying above New York.¡± she said flatly.

    ¡°Perfect. Invite him down, will you? We should get everybody here, and we don¡¯t want to get blown out of the sky.¡±

    Once a bewildered Agent Crenshaw had been filled in on the situation, a line was dropped onto the deck and he was ushered to the captain¡¯s quarters by a cheerful zombie. He stood, staring at them, blinking.

    ¡°I see you¡¯ve had a weird time of it, too. I never imagined the end of the world would involve all this.¡± he said.

    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s your first time, you¡¯ll get used to it.¡± Scott said, then turned serious. ¡°Now, we¡¯re all together, but we¡¯ve still got Delacroix and the Serpent to deal with. That¡¯s bad. Anyone know where they are?¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t precisely, but we know he¡¯s on route to Australia. Apparently reality¡¯s weaker there.¡± Cross said, and Scott stroked his jaw.

    ¡°Hmm, should¡¯ve known, makes sense. Well, if I¡¯m right, we¡¯ve got a couple days before he can complete the ritual. I know which one he¡¯s using, normally it takes about ten years for the proper incantation to be recited and the proper circles drawn.¡±

    ¡°Ten years? But that¡¯s-¡± Crenshaw started, but Scott cut him off.

    ¡°-going to happen in two days, max. See that guy over there?¡± He pointed to Dalton, resting on a couch with a cool cloth over his face. He waved. ¡°He¡¯s a velociomancer. That means he knows spells that can increase or decrease speed as he sees fit. Now, he learned it from Taboo, which is made from the Libris Arcana Malefactorum, which the Poisonous Thoughts freaking wrote. I have no doubt he¡¯s been using those spells. Hell, I have.¡± Silence followed this proclamation.

    ¡°Um, S-Scott?¡± Amber said nervously, brow knit. This wasn¡¯t good. ¡°I hate to uh, bring this up. But. Uh. I¡¯m, I¡¯m an uylata now. The uylata spider, she-she only gave me a w-week to be here. I¡¯ll need a day to get back, it took me twenty-eight hours to get here. I, I don¡¯t know if I have enough time.¡± The words tumbled out, breaking her heart to say them, but duty was duty. Scott knew that. He would understand. Right?

    He turned on her, eyelights dimming.

    ¡°A week? A week. Huh. And it¡¯s almost up?¡± he said. A somber mood fell on all of them. His bones rose and fell as he sighed, then stood in front of her. ¡°Listen, I need to know. Do¡­do you have to go back? Do you want to go back?¡± he said. Amber bit her lip.

    ¡°I mean, of course I do. It¡¯s important work, a job that needs to be done. But that doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t want to stay with you. I¡­I love you. All of you. You¡¯re my friends, my family. I don¡¯t want to give that all up!¡± she said, misty-eyed. She knew she¡¯d have to go through this. But she never thought she¡¯d have to do this with Scott. ¡°But¡­the uylata are my family, too. They need my help, the universe has to keep growing to keep up with all the matter. I can feel them, even now so far away. I need to help alleviate that burden. So I have to. It¡¯s, it¡¯s too important. For you guys, too. You know that, right?¡± She couldn¡¯t stop the tears now.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°So you¡¯re just going to leave, no questions asked.¡± Scott said, his voice cold, unless you knew him. He was trying to keep it together.

    ¡°I don¡¯t¡­I don¡¯t have a choice. Mother Spider needs me. Needs all of us. How can you ask me to abandon that? I-¡± She was trembling, and Scott couldn¡¯t take it anymore.

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I asked!¡± he shouted, thumping his fist on the desk. Everyone flinched; it was super awkward watching them fight, but nobody felt it right to interfere. ¡°I asked you once, I¡¯ll ask again. I want your honest answer. Do you want to go back or not?¡±

    ¡°No, you dumbass!¡± Amber yelled, eyes blazing yellow. ¡°Of course not! I¡¯ve got a good place, but everyone else I¡¯ve known and loved is here! I wanna stay here with you forever! But-¡± Her tirade was cut off with a boney finger to her lips, a grinning skull in her face.

    ¡°Attagirl. All I wanted to hear.¡± He grabbed the Necronomicon off the desk, pulled out a piece of chalk and began to draw on the floor, to the confusion of everyone else.

    ¡°Scott? What are you-¡± Amber began.

    ¡°I¡­needed to know. If, if you still wanted to¡­y¡¯know.¡± he said, burying his face in the book. ¡°Now, if you wanna stay, you should¡¯ve brought it to my attention right away. I need to¡­negotiate with her anyway.¡± he said, drawing sigils. ¡°This¡¯ll let us get in touch with her. ¡®Course, we don¡¯t have any offerings, so it might take awhile¡­¡±

    ¡°I can speed this up.¡± Amber looked around, then held out a hand to a corner. ¡°C¡¯mon little guy. I need your help.¡± A small spider crawled into her hand. ¡°Here you go.¡± She placed it in the circle, and the runes lit up. The spider froze, and a phantom of the uylata spider appeared in the cabin. Everyone except Scott, Amber and Leo gasped, feeling the barest whisper of a fraction of the spider¡¯s presence.

    ¡®Amber! Oh, you¡¯ve called!¡¯ they felt telepathically. ¡®How are you? Is everything alright? How-YOU.¡¯ she thought, noticing the grinning Scott.

    ¡°Me. Hi there, Scott, Scott Havenbrook, professional necromancer, we¡¯ve never met but your reputation precedes you, how¡¯ve you been?¡± he asked cheekily, extending a hand.

    ¡®Amber. He is¡­why are you with him. His very presence is¡­obscene! Come away from him right now!¡¯

    ¡°Mother spider, please.¡± Amber begged.

    ¡°Now now, is that any way to talk to a potential future son-in-law?¡± Scott said.

    BBZZZZZZZKKKKRRRRRRRRKKKKKKKKK!

    After the world came back, Bess rubbed her ear, trying to get the ringing out. Oh right, telepathy. It was literally all in their heads. Amber was trying to soothe the spider, glaring daggers at Scott.

    ¡°Calm down, calm down, he¡¯s just an ass. Right?¡± she shot at the skeleton.

    ¡°Eh, she don¡¯t like me only ¡®cause my soul¡¯s stained with dark magic.¡± he said simply.

    ¡®Too right! Amber, this rude boy is a horrible influence! He should have stayed dead!¡¯

    ¡°Mother uylata!¡± Amber snapped sternly.

    ¡°Kinda harsh, don¡¯tcha think? Especially when if you¡¯d be willing to listen to me, I could get you about, oh say, a million new disciples in a year.¡± he said nonchalantly.

    ¡®That¡¯s-huh?¡¯ The spider was taken aback. ¡®What are you talking about? There¡¯s no way you could find a million worthy mortal converts in such a short amount of time.¡¯ she snorted.

    ¡°Bet¡¯cha I could. Let me ask you something: how many mortals do you get, in Earth time? On average?¡± he asked sincerely. She glared at him with eight glittering eyes, but could sense no deception in the rot of his mind.

    ¡®About-from all worlds, five every 4.38862 years. But that¡¯s only after extensive observation.¡¯

    ¡°And brainwashing. But I¡¯m talking volunteers, people who wanna make a difference in the world, err, universe.¡± Scott nodded. ¡°Look, your method¡¯s fine and dandy, but there¡¯re a lot more mortals around now, and you¡¯re too busy spinning the universe to spy through your spiders personally all the time. It¡¯s a demanding job, trust me, I know demanding jobs. But this¡¯s a problem for employers on Earth, too! That¡¯s why we humans invented things called ¡®job fairs¡¯ and ¡®recruitment drives!¡¯¡±

    The group stared at him in shock. He¡­he was really proposing this to an Elder God. Bess¡¯s eye was twitching, and it didn¡¯t seem like it would stop anytime soon.

    ¡°What? Really?¡± Vanessa said, sounding unsure. Scott nodded.

    ¡°Yeah! See, there¡¯s a whole load of qualified employees around, but their either unaware or uninterested in a better job than the one they have now. Similar concept to your position; there¡¯s a ton of people, good people, people who¡¯d probably meet your standards if they only knew. It¡¯s the twenty-first century, we gotta update your hiring practices and advertising campaign.¡± he said animatedly, gesturing wildly with his phalanges. ¡°Fact of the matter is, your current methods are too old and slow to keep up in today¡¯s fast-paced mortal market.¡±

    ¡®My methods have served me well for millennia longer than you have been around.¡¯ she thought indignantly.

    ¡°And that was fine¡­millennia ago. Today your business has to grow and evolve, or you¡¯ll get left behind. Now, you provide an important service and great benefits, but the people don¡¯t know. You gotta advertise, get your name out there! There¡¯s tons of people, thanks to our society, that feel like they can¡¯t do anything or are disenfranchised with the status quo. You can give ¡®em an out, along with a family, a sense of belonging, magical powers and immortality. I¡¯m pretty sure the DNA alteration and brainwashing could fix a lot of mental problems, too.¡± he said, wondering aloud.

    ¡®The disciple¡¯s physical and genetic irregularities are recoded to be standard to the lifeform¡¯s DNA¡­¡¯ the spider thought, intrigued despite herself.

    ¡°Yeah! Forget about conscription, you¡¯d have so many volunteers you¡¯d have to drive them away with a stick!¡± Scott said confidently. The spider squinted all eight eyes at him. She had seen many beings in her infinite time across multitudes of worlds. She had seen war, and birth, and lives lived, all different in the specifics, but usually following the same patterns. She was an expert judge of behavior. And all that experience was telling her there was no falsehood in his actions. He sincerely believed this would work.

    ¡®A million¡­¡¯ she pondered. While he was a thrall of that one, the stench of corruption unmistakable, she could not deny that a million new disciples would be¡­helpful. ¡®You present interesting ideas. But I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m all set for now. All I want is my daughter back.¡¯ she thought. Sensing the blood in the water, he moved in for the kill.

    ¡°Well, that is a shame. It¡¯s unfortunate we couldn¡¯t reach an accord. Oh well, maybe Ardc¡¯rassen would be more interested.¡± he said, putting his hands behind his head and leaning away. The uylata spider froze.

    ¡®That shameless sun-eater? Hmph, do what you will.¡¯ The spider turned away, realizing she made a mistake. Scott grinned. It was too late, he had her now.

    ¡°Well, Ardc¡¯rassen is only one of the other Elder Gods who expressed interest in my ideas. Even some of the Great Ones started floating me offers. Maybe I¡¯ll take Lagdinras up on his offer to meet with Zet-Mathaig.¡± He grinned as he saw the phantasm visibly flinch.

    ¡®Z-Zet-Mathaig?¡¯

    ¡°Mm-hmm. Truth be told, kinda got an in. Leo¡¯s a champion, he can get me insider access.¡± Scott whispered conspiratorially, pointing to a confused Leo, who was bewildered when the spider turned to him.

    ¡°What? Uh-¡± He caught Scott pointedly glaring at him. ¡°Uh-right. Yeah, we¡¯ve got a meeting in two weeks, should we live through this.¡± he said with a charming smile. The spider could see the brightness of the champion¡¯s light, and knew he actually was of Zet-Mathaig¡¯s flock.

    ¡°So y¡¯see, I was gonna offer you an exclusive chance at prime Earth mortals, but you¡¯re not interested. For the low, low price of only two little favors, too. Damn shame.¡± Scott sighed forlornly. Amber, Cross, and the rest of them were all staring at him, mouths agape in horror, admiration, or both. Scott smiled; these elder gods, they met plenty of supplicants, but never had to deal with hucksters in their entire existences. Probably, he reflected, because they would disintegrate or eat whoever tried to pull a fast one on them. But he wasn¡¯t cheating anyone out of anything, it was just a hard sell, was all.

    The spider wavered, but she had to know everything before she refused for good.

    ¡®What¡­what would those favors be?¡¯ she asked. And like that, he knew he had her.

    ¡°Nothing much, really. First one is you should¡¯ve seen coming, releasing Amber from eternal service, She¡¯ll be free to come and go as she pleases, do whatever she wants with whomever she wants for the rest of her days.¡±

    ¡®Hmm. And I suppose you will forbid her from returning to me, should she wish it?¡¯ the spider sniffed disdainfully.

    ¡°Not at all! It¡¯s her life, she gets to do what she wants with it. I¡¯m hoping she¡¯ll live here, but I can¡¯t tell her what to do. Sound good to you, babe?¡± he asked her, eyelights bright and nervous. All she could do, with her knees weak and tense muscles was give a bark of laughter and shake her head helplessly.

    ¡°Yeah. That¡¯ll do fine.¡± she said, feeling¡­she didn¡¯t know what.

    ¡®Hmm. A million new disciples for one, who has business elsewhere. I suppose that could be arranged. What else did you want?¡¯

    Scott put his hands in his pockets and rocked on his heels, grinning but feeling nervous inside. This was the make or break; but he reassured herself there was no way she could say no.

    ¡°Two¡¯s simple, really. A pledge form you and yours to completely follow any order I may issue, without hesitation or restraint, and place every single resource you have at my disposal, to use as I see fit.¡± he said.

    ¡®WHAT! That¡¯s ridiculous!¡¯ the spider said telepathically, the phantom image waving her legs in anger.

    ¡°Rest assured, it¡¯s only temporary, just until this little mess s cleaned up. But you¡¯re gonna do it, and do it happily.¡±

    ¡®No! No amount of potential recruits is worth what you propose! How dare you even conceive of such an insult!¡¯ the spider thundered. The power emanating from the projection was palpable, forcing the group back, finding it hard to breathe. Even Amber looked uncomfortable. Scott however merely stood there, smiling serenely.

    ¡°Here¡¯s why you¡¯ll agree. You know what the Last Alarm¡¯s up to?¡± he asked.

    ¡®Hmph. What another does on a planet is none of my business. I must expand the universe.¡¯

    ¡°Actually, it does concern you. All of us, in fact. Every single thing that has ever existed. See, thanks to the Necronomicon¡¯s little brain-blast, I caught a glimpse of what he¡¯s really after, what his goal is.¡± His bones shivered, but he steadied himself and stared at them all.

    ¡°He wants to wake Azathoth.¡±

 Chapter 28: Why Wont You Die!?

    There was silence form the spider. Amber glanced from her to Scott, not sure what was going on. The uylata spider had grown very, very still.

    ¡®That-that cannot be true.¡¯

    ¡°It is, unfortunately.¡± Scott said, nodding slowly. ¡°Straight from Yog-Sothoth himself.¡±

    ¡®You lie! You lie! You-¡¯ the spider cried desperately, fear emanating from every ounce of her being. Cross suppressed a shudder. If a being this big, ancient and powerful was terrified, what did that mean they were in for?

    ¡®If I discover any word you have uttered about this is untrue, your suffering will be legendary!¡¯

    ¡°No. You know there can be no falsehood about this subject. No one wants that to happen, no one would ever go so far, in any circumstance.¡± Scott said grimly.

    ¡°But apparently this guy does.¡± Cross said, speaking up. Something was different, both Scott and the spider were too solemn and on-edge. ¡°So explain to the rest of the class. What¡¯s an Azathoth?¡±

    ¡°Azathoth is-hmm, he¡¯s¡­um, kinda like¡­¡± Scott started and stopped, wracking his brain to find the words.  ¡°Aza-no. I¡¯d better start with this. I want you to imagine something for this. There is a being. An omnipotent god. Sees all, knows all, freaking is all. An unknowable, incandescent being composing the universe, all of it, in every possible time and dimension. That is Yog-Sothoth. He knows everything, because he is everything. You are Yog-Sothoth, I am Yog-Sothoth, all is Yog-Sothoth. But somehow, he¡¯s locked out of time and space, only able to interact with anything through the proper ritual. Now, there are Elder Gods, beings of unknowable power, like the spider here. Above her are the Great Old Ones, impossibly ancient and deceased beings, who shall remake the universe¡­when it is time. But beyond the circle of understanding are the Outer Gods. They are immeasurable, unknowable, and completely terrifying. Yog-Sothoth is the greatest of these, with what is said to be infinite knowledge and power.

    ¡°And Azathoth is far beyond even that.¡±

    There was a pregnant, worried pause before Scott continued.

    ¡°Azathoth is at the complete center of the universe, attended by dancing gods to the beating of vile drums and the thin monotonous whine of accursed flutes. He is shapeless, mindless, sleeping. His court call him the ¡®Blind Idiot God¡¯, due to his mindlessness. Of course, alien scholars debate the fine details, but what is known is Azathoth could eliminate or remake the universe with a thought, and we are powerless to do anything about it. Azathoth dreams existence, and so waking him up is bad. Literally no Great Old One or Outer God wants that to happen, let alone mortals such as us. I have no idea why the Calamitous Ruination wants to do it, but that¡¯s his goal. And we have to stop him, no matter what. Or else the entirety of everything will be erased.¡±

    There was silence for a long while.

    ¡°Holy crap.¡± Nightfang said, echoing the group¡¯s thoughts.

    ¡®Indeed. In light of this¡­situation, I fear I have little choice but to cooperate. Amber?¡¯ the sider asked, turning her attention to her. She stood up straight. ¡®This is what you wish?¡¯

    ¡°It is, Mother Spider. But, I will never forget you, or Xx¡¯lpng, or the rest of the uylata. If you want, after we get through this, I can help you with the¡­recruitment drive, here on Earth.¡± She had a vision of a spider in a suit at a cheap plastic desk, a banner behind it interviewing people.

    ¡®If only we all shared that confidence. Very well. Amber Catherine Harris, I release you from your service to the uylata. Go, my child.¡¯

    Amber felt a funny buzzing, a vibration through her body down underneath her bones. Suddenly, she felt lighter, like taking off a coat. She blinked, her body briefly glowing and the light dissolving into sparks.

    ¡°Thank you, mother spider.¡± she said, bowing.

    ¡®You¡¯re welcome. Don¡¯t forget, you can call or visit anytime you wish. My door is always open.¡¯ the spider projected, then turned her attention to Scott. ¡®We have an accord. We shall ally, temporarily. I shall spread news of this to all that I am able, though if he escapes to the center of the universe there is little that I can do. That is a space allowed to only the highest ones.¡¯

    ¡°Yeah, figured. Delacroix and company spent a lotta time and energy making sure you guys couldn¡¯t interfere, even if someone could destroy Earth they wouldn¡¯t make it in time. And I guess they think no mortal power can touch ¡®em.¡± Scott sighed.

    ¡°Maybe, but all we have to do is prove them wrong, my friend!¡± Leo said confidently, giving everyone a winning smile.

    ¡®This one speaks truth.¡¯ the spider thought, a hint of a smile in her towards Leo. ¡®I will do what I can do. When you have need of my services, ask Amber. She is no longer in servitude, but she remains an uylata. We will always be there for you, my child.¡¯

    With that last telepathic message, the projection of the uylata spider ended, and the arachnid scurried off.

    ¡°Well. That was a thing.¡± Will said.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m still a little confused. Yog-Sothoth is everything? And infinite? And Azathoth can break the universe when he wakes up?¡± Genevieve asked Scott.

    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s¡­hmm.¡± Scott considered the question. ¡°Err, think of it like this: Yog-Sothoth is the software the universe runs on, while Azathoth is the hardware, the physical computer itself. One wrong command, one thing goes wrong with the system, boom. The entirety of everything, gone.¡± he explained.

    ¡°That¡¯s real bad. Why hasn¡¯t anyone done anything about this?¡± she said, looking alarmed. He shrugged.

    ¡°The Outer Gods do what they can to keep him placated and dumb. There¡¯s not a whole lot anyone can do, except ride the tiger and pray he stays asleep.¡±

    ¡°Huh.¡± Genevieve said, the haunted look of one who had just discovered the hidden chaotic and fragile nature of the universe on her face.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s kinda a bummer. Don¡¯t worry ¡®bout it too much though, if you do you¡¯ll go nuts.¡± Scott said cheerfully. He looked over the vampires. ¡°It occurs to me, why are you here? I don¡¯t think I ever got in touch.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Leo called us to help. We are here representing Lord Harvaste, as we are his best and brightest, the finest of the clan.¡±

    ¡°Well, I guess that¡¯s one way to get the fang gang here.¡± Scott said, and Genevieve¡¯s eyes went wide.

    ¡°Oh, please don¡¯t let him hear you say that-¡±

    ¡°Come on Fang Gang, we know what we gotta do, there¡¯s nothing to it but to do it! Who¡¯s with me!¡± Nightfang cheered, holding out his hand to rally his troops. Genevieve, Gregor, and Will all stared flatly at Scott.

    ¡°I blame you for this.¡± Genevieve said, sighing. There was a knock on the door, and a skeleton popped his head in.

    ¡°Boss, the head¡¯s attached to the winch, we¡¯re ready to go when you are.¡± he said.

    ¡°Perfect. Start bringing him up, we¡¯ll be there in a sec.¡± Scott said, then turned back to the group. ¡°So we got a lot to do in not a lot of time. We¡¯ll head out tomorrow, they shouldn¡¯t have completed the ritual by then. Hopefully.¡±

    ¡°Look, if this¡¯s really as dire as you say it is, shouldn¡¯t we leave right away? As in, now?¡± Bess said, frowning.

    ¡°Because they¡¯ve been preparing for this for a long time, and we don¡¯t know what defenses they have. WE should hit ¡®em full force with everything we¡¯ve got, and that requires prep of our own. If we get there and can¡¯t actually do anything, that¡¯ll be the worst case scenario.¡± Cross spoke up.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how much military support we can count on. Australia¡¯s a long way off, and every branch has its¡¯ hands full trying to keep everything together here.¡± Crenshaw said, watching the Air Force choppers patrol the city, gunning down all the monsters they could. Cross frowned.

    ¡°Mobilizing a military unit would take too much time, and I¡¯m not sure if it would matter anyway. All we might be doing is presenting a target. Looks like the best chance is up to us.¡±

    ¡°W-Well, we can do it, right? Right? You guys did before, you can do it again, right?¡± Vanessa asked, feeling very scared. The end of everything. She wrapped her arms around herself, shaking.

    ¡°We have no choice, therefore we will.¡± Leo said, thumbing his sword bracelet.

    ¡°What he said. Now c¡¯mon, we got a lead to investigate.¡± Scott strode out onto the deck, where the zombies were lowering the centipede¡¯s severed head to the boards.

    ¡°Ew. Why is this here?¡± Bess said, making a face.

    ¡°Because Amber did a bang-up job, and he¡¯s not dead yet. Good work by the way Amber, very fierce.¡± Scott said.

    ¡°Thank you?¡± she said, raising an eyebrow. Scott went over and smacked the head between the eyes.

    ¡°C¡¯mon out, you¡¯re not fooling anyone!¡± he shouted.

    ¡°Uh, Scott, what are you-¡± Amber started, but a crease appeared in the forehead, splitting open and out slid a slime-covered Yun, coughing and blinking in the light.

    ¡°Hey there, friend.¡± Scott said. Yun wiped his eyes and saw that he was surrounded by the group, Cross and Crenshaw pointing guns at his head.

    ¡°Uh. Surrender?¡± he said, putting up his hands.

    ¡°You goddamn bet you do.¡± Cross growled, hauling him up and pulling out a pair of cuffs.

    ¡°How is he still alive?¡± Bess asked, examining the corpse.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s easy. It¡¯s similar to the Zombie Titan, he just merges with the creature. It¡¯s easier because it was alive. I don¡¯t know-huh?¡± Yun had shoved Cross off-balance onto Crenshaw, and suddenly started crawling around like a bug.Stolen novel; please report.

    ¡°You won¡¯t catch me!¡± he snarled, zipping past the surprised group¡¯s feet.

    ¡°Everybody, get him!¡± Scott pointed, but that just turned Yun¡¯s eye to him. The sorcerer considered his resources, but this was an emergency. He ripped his wrist open with his teeth, and out shot another centipede, snapping its jaws. This was merely an offspring of his servant, not nearly grown or hard enough to cause city-wide destruction, but more than enough to crush Scott.

    Amber watched in horror as she saw the centipede expand, falling on Scott¡¯s bones and smashing them to pieces, the world going quiet as she stared at the broken body, the hollow skulls¡¯ eyelights fading to black. No. No. NO. Not again. She turned to Yun, fighting the undead crew, smashing and breaking them as they tried to apprehend him.

    ¡°Dude! Just give up! It¡¯s over already!¡± Nightfang cried, holding back tears as he tried to corner the teen, fighting his stiff back and leg muscles. It had been far too long since any of the fang gang had a drink, and they¡¯d been going full blast all night. Yun was looking tired as well, but was significantly more refreshed than everyone else, since it wasn¡¯t his body he was using to attack. He mounted his centipede and it reared up like a horse, hissing.

    ¡°Ah ha ha! Delacroix will be pleased! I¡¯ll break you all!¡± he declared.

    ¡°Damn it all.¡± Cross muttered, lining up a shot. Of course the minute the kid came back he¡¯d die again; there was no time to mourn right now. Crenshaw put his rocket launcher down and pulled out his pistol, but like Cross couldn¡¯t get a clear break with the chaos. Leo sighed and activated his sword, but he didn¡¯t know how much he could-

    ¡°¡­eeeeeaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUHHHHHHH!¡±

    ¡°Uh-oh.¡± Cross muttered. Everyone¡¯d seen what just happened, and now they saw Amber glowing like a lightbulb, every muscle and vein bulging out in her body, seething with pure rage. The entire ship shuddered, the sheer emotion Amber was going through palpable.

    ¡°You!¡± she said, mouth full of fangs. She leapt over the dead crewmen and tried to bite Yun¡¯s head off.

    ¡°Whoa!¡± He slid to the side, the insect monster sweeping its tail into Amber. ¡°You¡¯ll see him again soon!¡± he taunted. Amber got up, not even feeling the pain, but the centipede caught her again with the tail, knocking her into the captain¡¯s door and keeping her there. She snarled and thrashed like an animal, the only thing on her mind making him pay. Unfortunately, her fury was so great she couldn¡¯t focus and slip out.

    ¡°Everyone stay or I crush her!¡± Yun bellowed, ignoring Amber¡¯s curses and yowls. ¡°My servant can crush steel! She will die like the bone-man!¡±

    ¡°N-No¡­we, we just got him back¡­and now Amber¡­¡± Riley sniffed, being led to the back by Connor, trying very hard not to cry.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± Cross said, not lowering her gun but not advancing any further. Damnit, now it was a hostage situation! Amber quieted down, still gnashing her teeth. She tried to push the bug away, but Yun was telling the truth, and she was still tired from earlier. She tried to slip away, but her wriggling earned her a kick from one of its¡¯ legs. Without the other uylata, she didn¡¯t know if she could survive if it pressed the attack. Yun glanced between them all, searching for a way out.

    ¡°Drop your weapons!¡± he demanded, and everyone placed their implements on the deck. ¡°Now, here¡¯s what I need. I need-¡±

    ¡°-three pizzas no pepperoni, a million dollars in a briefcase, and a gassed-up chopper to Mexico. Right?¡± Scott asked, thunking his boney behind on the centipede right next to Yun, eyelights shining. He laughed as Yun let out an indignant squawk, everyone staring at him wide-eyed. The centipede chomped down on his shoulder quick as lightning, and flung him as hard as it could to the deck, shattering his bones on the prow.

    ¡°Aw, c¡¯mon man.¡± To the Chinese teen¡¯s horror and the wonder of everyone else, the pieces of bone began to shake and reassemble themselves, the undead crew he¡¯d smushed earlier regenerating as well. ¡°I just reformed.¡±

    ¡°Yahh! Kill it!¡± The centipede spat acid at the reforming skeleton, and the bones melted¡­before flowing out of the acid like putty, coalescing onto the calcium frame.

    ¡°See, the thing is, I¡¯m dead. And once you¡¯re dead, there¡¯s not a whole lot that can kill you if you¡¯re already-¡±

    SMASH!

    The tail lifted from Amber and drove into Scott, but the skeleton merely began to reform again.

    ¡°Yeah, not gonna work. I¡¯m undead, dude! You can¡¯t kill what¡¯s already dead!¡± SMASH!

    ¡°I¡¯ll try!¡± Yun said, backing up his centipede away from the swirling bone shards. ¡°Jump!¡±

    ¡°Grab him!¡± Scott commanded, and zombies, skeletons, and ghosts rushed to the centipede, holding it down as it screeched and flailed. But its tail was still free!

    ¡°As I was saying-¡± CRASH! ¡°I¡¯m dead. But not just-¡± SMASH! ¡°An ordinary zombie. See-¡± WHAM! ¡°I can rise up-¡± POW! ¡°Over-¡± THWOCK! ¡°And over-¡± SLAM! ¡°And over-¡± Whud! ¡°Again.-¡± Smack! ¡°You keep trying, but-¡± Wham. ¡°You¡¯re just not in my league.¡± Thwack. ¡°Y¡¯see, you should¡¯ve thought twice when you tried to challenge-¡± Smack.

    The tired centipede could hardly lift its¡¯ tail anymore. Yun shook as the skeleton kept walking forward, over and over, no matter if he was broken.

    ¡°Do it now!¡± Yun screamed, and the centipede tried to lash out and bite him. Scott caught the monster¡¯s tongue, and with a whispered flurry of bizarre, eldritch words, the insect shuddered and died. He loomed over Yun.

    ¡°-a necromancer!¡±

    Chanting, Scott raised his hand and thrust into Yun. His eyes went wide as the boney arm yanked back, pulling him with it. Yun collapsed to the deck, Yun staring in horror.

    ¡°What-What is¡­¡± He gulped at seeing his body, his entire spectral form emanating a pus-yellow light.

    ¡°Did you-did you kill him?¡± Cross said, holstering her gun and walking over. It was against her first instincts, but she wouldn¡¯t blame the kid. Hell, she¡¯d do the same thing.

    ¡°What? No! I don¡¯t wanna share the same metaphysical space as this wannabe. I just yanked his soul out for safekeeping, he¡¯ll be easier to handle this way. His body¡¯s just sleeping, like how we got around those vampires last year. He¡¯s alive-kinda.¡± Scott rounded on the blank Yun. ¡°Now, you¡¯ve been a huge pain. Y¡¯see this¡­¡± He looked around, and grabbed an old watch off the wrist of a recently deceased zombie, scribbling sigils on it with a marker.

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need it anymore. You see this watch?¡± Yun nodded dumbly, still in shock. ¡°Good. It¡¯s your new home. Kz¡¯smkgreeve!¡± He slammed the soul into the watch, and Yun screamed as his ghost spiraled down into the tarnished timepiece. ¡°There, instant prison. Don¡¯t break it ¡®til you¡¯re ready, you¡¯ll let his spirit out. I figured he needed a time-out.¡± he said, tossing it to Cross. ¡°Get it? Time-¡±

    ¡°Finish that sentence and I will blow your skull apart.¡± she growled, pocketing it.

    ¡°Gee, I-urk!¡± His bones were suddenly squashed together. Amber was hugging him close, his apprentices attached to his legs.

    ¡°You-you bastard! Don¡¯t you-don¡¯t you ever scare me like that again!¡± Amber sobbed into his ribs.

    ¡°Okay! Okay! I¡¯ll be good! Just don¡¯t die again!¡± Riley wailed.

    ¡°Please please please tell us before anything like that happens again! We need you, boss!¡± Connor said, fighting back tears of his own.

    ¡°Huh? Err¡­what?¡± Scott said, bewildered, trying to keep his balance form the bodies hanging onto him. ¡°What? What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°I thought you died again, you dork!¡± Amber sniffed, starting to calm down.

    ¡°Yeah, you were in pieces! We just gotcha back, we don¡¯t want you to go away again.¡± Riley said, clinging fiercely to his jeans.

    ¡°Wah-? G-Guys, I¡¯m fine. Really. I¡¯m dead, it doesn¡¯t matter, I can¡¯t die again-¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you say that! Of course it matters!¡± Amber snapped, grabbing his jacket. ¡°It was horrible, watching you die over and over again! I did not come back to Earth just to let you get offed!¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t that hurt?¡± Connor wondered.

    ¡°Nah, don¡¯t have nerves anymore.¡± Scott said absently, completely off-guard. He¡­he was dead, a walking corpse, dried-up old bones. Sure, he expected Amber to be weirded out, but it wasn¡¯t like there was any need for them to worry about him, he¡¯d already proven he couldn¡¯t get more dead. ¡°Jeez guys, you¡¯re overreacting a little, don¡¯t you think?¡± he asked cluelessly.

    ¡°Shut up.¡± Amber said, pulling closer to him. ¡°Just¡­shut up and never do that again, okay? I¡¯ll let you off the hook if you do that.¡±

    ¡°Oh my, such a ¡®big, bad necromancer.¡¯ Truly terrifying.¡± Cross smirked. If skeletons could blush he¡¯d be beet red by now.

    ¡°I, but-I¡¯m fine, why-?¡± he said.

    ¡°Ha ha!¡± Leo clapped him around the shoulders. ¡°Just think a sec: what would you have done if Amber kept dying over and over, then just said she was fine?¡± Scott¡¯s skull tilted.

    ¡°Uh, well¡­now that you put it like that, um, yeah. Okay. Th-Thanks, guys.¡± He looked at them, awkward, lost for words, and more than a little touched. ¡°You can let go now.¡±

    ¡°Only if you never die again, okay?¡± Riley asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s-¡±

    ¡°Okay!?¡± She turned on the full force of her fiercest glare, and he had to fight a laugh down.

    ¡°Okay. I won¡¯t die anymore. I promise.¡± He said gently, and she nodded and let go. Connor released his leg too, but still stood close, along with Riley. ¡°Um, I get it. Really. I do need my hands though.¡± he told Amber, and she reluctantly slackened her grip.

    ¡°Now then.¡± Cross clapped her hands, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°We¡¯ll move out in twelve hours. Go prepare. Rest, relax, talk to your families, do whatever needs doing. We¡¯ve got some time to make things square. And that¡¯s more than enough time to get you two home.¡± She turned a stern eye to the children, who shrunk back. Scott sighed and stepped in front of them.

    ¡°Actually, no. They¡¯ll be coming with.¡± he said, and the stares he got would have melted a lesser man. Even the zombified crew was completely silent.

    ¡°Why.¡± Cross said, not willing to get worked up over this. Yet. The volcano could build up.

    ¡°I know they¡¯re young, but they¡¯re in this too. Riley and Connor both helped revive me. They may both still be learning, and not able to contribute much, but even a little is better than nothing, and as far as I¡¯m concerned they¡¯ve earned their place. Ordinarily, I would agree with you. But when the complete annihilation of the universe is on the line, it¡¯s all hands on deck. It¡¯s not much, but they¡¯ve proven they know necromancy. If they offer even a small chance to help we have to take it. As it stands, they¡¯ll be of more use than nearly the entire U.S. army. Assuming you guys want to, right?¡± he said turning to them. Connor and Riley both stared at his nonjudgmental eyelights, then shared a look. This was real.

    ¡°If you need my help, I¡¯ll do whatever I can.¡± Riley said, her tone calm and determined, more serious than she had ever been.

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know how much I can actually contribute, b-but there¡¯s no real choice. We h-have to fight to survive. I¡¯m in.¡± Connor said nervously, trying to steel himself for what lie ahead. Scott nodded.

    ¡°There you have it, detective. They¡¯re coming with.¡± Both he and Cross stared each other down, toxic emerald eyelights clashing against hard, stormy blue.

    ¡°No they¡¯re not. I have to put my foot down. You and the girl were bad enough, I cannot authorize literal children in this operation.¡± Crenshaw tried to interject.

    ¡°And in case you didn¡¯t realize agent, it¡¯s my ship, with my undead army, my plans to counter this, and they¡¯re my responsibility. You¡¯re more than welcome to do your own thing, but if you wanna hitch your cart to this pony you¡¯ll understand that I¡¯m taking suggestions, not orders right now.¡± Scott said, turning his green glare on Crenshaw. The agent shivered and backed down. Looking into those lights¡­he had seen more than one vision of Hell as part of the Agency. Those eyelights reminded him too much of what they fought against. He sighed; unfortunately, he was still the best ticket to stop this madness.

    ¡°Very well. We are allied, but this ship and its¡¯ crew fall under your jurisdiction.¡± he said, adding a mental note to have a gunship tail the galleon. Scott locked eyes with Cross again, neither backing down.

    ¡°This¡¯s insane, you know that.¡± she said.

    ¡°The worse that happens is they get erased, along with everything else. The next worse thing is death, which is no problem to cure.¡± he countered.

    ¡°And the mental trauma?¡± she inquired, eyebrow raised. Scott shrugged.

    ¡°Something we¡¯ll deal with, if it happens, if it even affects them. It might be too late for normal therapy anyway; they could already read the Necronomicon before I taught them anything. They¡¯re already messed up, just a bit. Apparently Riley, and I guess Connor, were supposed to have been a few years earlier and have received the Necronomicon by now. But destiny¡¯s gone screwy, so I got it instead. We gotta wing it.¡± There was a tug on his coat. He looked down to see Riley, eyes sparkling.

    ¡°Does that mean I¡¯m the Chosen One?¡± she asked in wonder.

    ¡°No.¡± was the answer form every single person on the ship, including crew.

    ¡°You were supposed to be in an alternate timeline, it has little bearing on this one.¡± Scott said, and she pouted. ¡°But yeah. If they can help, they should. This wasn¡¯t a decision I made lightly, but as their instructor I believe they should be with us.¡± He grinned down at them, and they smiled back. Cross pondered. She knew him well enough to know that if she pressed, really pressed, he would acquiesce. But. He did have a point. They were too young. But in the face of complete annihilation, she supposed that didn¡¯t matter. She looked as the little kids-no. The little necromancers.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m doing this. Alright, they can stay. But!¡± Cross cut off their cheers. ¡°They will not engage with anyone. They will stick to support only, and follow my instructions to the letter. Understood?¡± They both saluted, nodding. Scott grinned.

    ¡°Alright guys. Why don¡¯t you go to your room and get ready? I¡¯ll give you your assignments later.¡± Scott said.

    ¡°Sir yes sir!¡± Riley barked, saluting again sharply. She grabbed Connor¡¯s arm and dragged him off.

    ¡°And that should go double for everyone. We move out in twelve hours. Get some rest, you¡¯ll need it.¡± Cross commanded. Everyone nodded and shuffled off to rest, prepare, or just pray. She went up to Scott. She knew, but she still had to ask.

    ¡°I know you¡¯ve been busy, but do their parents know about any of this?¡±

    ¡°Oh hell no.¡± Scott said brightly. Cross sighed and put her hand on her head.

    ¡°Wonderful.¡±

 Chapter 29: Dont Know Whether to Laugh or Cry

    ¡°So, that brings us to now, sir. Orders?¡± Crenshaw said, finishing his report on the videocall. General Kimball stroked his mustache carefully.

    ¡°Hmm. This¡¯s even bigger than we thought, but the stakes¡¯re more¡¯re less the same. I can¡¯t say I like everything that we got, but it does seem to be the best way to go about it for now.¡± There was a pause as he mulled something over. ¡°Agent, I¡¯d like you to answer something honestly.¡±

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    ¡°What do you think of Special Agent Havenbrook? You said he¡¯s a skelly now. Is he¡­on the level?¡± he asked gently. Agent Crenshaw took a moment before answering.

    ¡°Special Agent Havenbrook is disrespectful, arrogant, and emotional. Then again, that¡¯s how he was when he was alive. I believe there have been no major psychological changes or issues since he became post-mortem, although it¡¯s only been roughly eleven hours currently, so long-term effects are possible.¡± he answered in a clipped tone. The general nodded.

    ¡°That¡¯s good, then. I was worried we¡¯d be fighting a war on two fronts. And I understand that he did actually bring an army with him. Can you show me?¡± he asked. Crenshaw picked up the laptop and held it over the side of the roof, where he¡¯d chosen to make the report away from the others. On the streets below, the mass of zombies had divided themselves up into squadrons, spreading out to rescue survivors and work with the Army to take on the strange creatures that had popped up. Crenshaw watched a company of soldiers open fire on weird shadowy humanoids, held in place by the undead. After they¡¯d dropped, a zombie examined the new holes in his body, laughing and joking with the soldiers.

    ¡°They seem to be cooperating rather well, sir.¡± Crenshaw said.

    ¡°Not much of a surprise, if a monster wants to help I¡¯m not going to say no.¡± Kimball said, stroking his mustache. ¡°And you say your necromancer can repair the undead?¡±

    ¡°Yessir.¡±

    ¡°Useful, very useful. The times, they are a-changin¡¯, and we must change with them. It¡¯s good to see we might not face as much resistance as I¡¯d feared.¡± he said, gears in his head turning. Crenshaw frowned.

    ¡°Sir, you¡¯re not thinking what I believe you¡¯re thinking, are you? You-you know what creatures of this ilk, and magicians like Special Agent Havenbrook have done.¡± he said, very concerned.

    ¡°I understand your reservations, son. But forgive an old man in his senility. I was just idly wondering.¡± Kimball said.

    ¡°Sir. The day I believe you¡¯re not cooking something up is the day water ceases to be wet.¡± Crenshaw said, somehow in a flatter tone than normal. The general chuckled.

    ¡°All I¡¯m saying is that it appears the days of secrecy are over. Can¡¯t cover this up. I¡¯m just thinking we might as well take the good with the bad. In any case, we¡¯re busy here, so I have to go. Did you need anything else? More equipment or anything? I can¡¯t spare much, but¡­¡± Suddenly, Crenshaw perked up, the closest thing to a grin on his face.

    ¡°Actually sir, there is one thing.¡±

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Leo sat on the bed in his cabin. His phone was in his hand. He knew he should call his family. He did want to call his family, see how they were doing, let them know he was alright. He¡¯d seen the missed calls and texts since the apocalypse began. And he would call them. But, above all else, there was someone he wanted to call the most. Sighing hopelessly, he dialed her number.

    ¡°Leo! Thank Ziggy-Math or whatever god he is!¡± Evangeline said, sounding relieved. He chuckled.

    ¡°It¡¯s Zet-Mathaig. And good to hear you¡¯re okay. I was worried about you, ever since this all start-¡± There was a scream on the other end of the line, and he stood up. ¡°What was that? Eva!?¡±

    ¡°Relax big guy, relax. See, I was at the gym when all this crazy crap went down, and we got attacked by these weird hopping mouth things. Most of the guys screamed and ran like the pussies they are, but I rounded up a coupl¡¯a guys worth a damn and we went to town. We got a couple strung up in the back, some nerds form the university wanted to study ¡®em. I say just torch ¡®em, but what do I know aboot anything, huh?¡± she sighed, and Leo relaxed, slowly lowering himself to the bed.

    ¡°Okay. I was worried about you.¡±

    ¡°Aw, ain¡¯t that sweet!¡± she laughed. ¡°Y¡¯know, most guys wouldn¡¯t give a crap if I was at the mercy of vicious monsters, they know I¡¯d handle it. I mean, they¡¯re right, but it¡¯s nice to see you care.¡±

    ¡°Always and forever, sweetie.¡± he said with a warm smile, meaning every single letter. God, he was going to marry that girl. She giggled, embarrassed.

    ¡°Stop, you! Anyway, I figure you¡¯re at the center of this trouble again, aren¡¯t¡¯cha?¡± she asked knowingly.

    ¡°Yup.¡±

    ¡°With that Scott kid?¡±

    ¡°He is a trouble magnet. Or gets pulled into it, I¡¯m not sure which is worse. In any case, I¡¯m needed here. The world and more will end if nothing¡¯s done, and-¡±

    ¡°-you can¡¯t just sit back, not while you can help.¡± she finished. ¡°That¡¯s okay, big guy. Go ahead and be the big hero. As long as you come back and let your princess show you her gratitude for being rescued.¡± Leo just took a moment, drinking her words in. With all the intel gathering and fighting, he was drained and stressed. Just hearing her, knowing how she felt, melted all of that away.

    ¡°I will, Evangeline.¡± he said, the smile in his voice.

    They talked for hours, until Leo fell asleep.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Of course, things had only attained a transient peace around Scott and company, thanks to their efforts. The rest of the world, especially where it was difficult for the military to mobilize, was a different story.

    In Colorado, there were multiple earthquakes, cutting off power to the sleepy town of Pineway. All through the night there had been ominous rumbling and strange noises coming from the mountain. The citizens had slept fitfully, awaking to strange eyes out their windows, clattering from trash cans, and in several cases hard, frantic knocking on doors in the middle of the night. When those brave enough went to check, there was no one there.

    The morning had hell break fully loose, the strange happenings in New York spreading out like a wave. Gibbering monstrosities roamed the woods, a general store had half collapsed, as if a giant had sat on it. Bat-winged eyeballs flew low in an orange sky, circling those too small to defend themselves from being carried away. And the mountain kept rumbling, all through the chaos.

    An emergency evacuation had been ordered, the rumbling getting louder and more frequent by the hour. Everyone was on-edge, the air different form yesterday. You could taste the trouble coming.

    ¡°C¡¯mon baby, we have to go now.¡± the Finch widow urged her daughter, packing her car tight. She glanced nervously around; there were no monsters, which was actually unnerving. What would they be hiding from?

    ¡°But what about Mr. Finn, mom?¡± the young girl asked. ¡°He¡¯s in an aquarium, he can¡¯t get away!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Finn¡¯ll be just fine, honey.¡± she lied smoothly. A goldfish was not high on her priorities right now. They had to leave. Never mind where to, they just had to go. ¡°Now get in the car.¡± she said, holding the door open. Her daughter was about to get in, hesitating thanks to the concern over the fish, when the world suddenly went still. They both knew instantly that something was wrong right now-

    They both screamed as the world titled, heaving through the air. The car flipped down the road as the street buckled and rose, flinging everything away. The mountain rumbled as part of it broke away, a large mound of rock sliding forward across the ground. It went along contentedly, unconcerned that it was headed along the main street of a human town. The Finch widow took one look at the mountain coming straight for her, saw the car on its¡¯ side, and snatched up her bawling daughter to run, ignoring the dizziness.

    Birds and eyes flew before the moving mountain, leaving a massive swath of devastation in its¡¯ wake. Its¡¯ progress was slow, but inevitable.

    Edward Haas was among the panicked townsfolk, but he wasn¡¯t fleeing. He had lived in this town for nearly fifty years, and he wasn¡¯t going to run. If he was going out, it¡¯d be in defense of the only home he¡¯d ever known. He¡¯d brought his hunting rifle, wading through the crowd. It might not have been much, but Ed was the best shot in the county. If it had any vulnerable spot, he would find it, and he would kill it. He marched firmly on, watching the Finch widow come down the road carrying her daughter into town. They lived up where that thing was coming from, didn¡¯t they-ahh. He squinted, barely making out the remains of their road and house.

    ¡°Come on you bastard!¡± he shouted, levelling the rifle as it approached. He felt the futility of trying to shoot it. It was so big, it was covered in rock, there was no way. There wasn¡¯t¡­wait. He tilted his head as the behemoth got closer.

    It appeared it was alive after all. Though irregular and misshapen, the triangular outcropping did cover a fleshy head. It seemingly turned this way and that, its motion caused by thousands of relatively tiny, rock-tipped claws. It was literally crawling forward. But as it went, lines and cracks appeared, shaking off dirt and rock, exposing yellowish flesh and rows upon rows of blank, purple eyes.

    ¡°Gotcha.¡± he whispered. He breathed slow, steady. The rifle was pointed straight at one of the eyes. Suddenly, the thing noticed him and focused all its¡¯ eyes on him.

    ¡°Too late.¡± Ed grinned, shaking off a wave of dizziness. Looking too close up to this thing gave you one hell of a case of vertigo. Pushing all other thoughts out of his head, he fired.

    ¡°Oh my God!¡±

    ¡°Noooo!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s he doing!? Stop!¡±

    Ed blinked. He wasn¡¯t looking at the beast. He was holding his rifle straight, the smoking barrel pointed at¡­

    The Finch widow was on her knees, mouth moving without sound. In her arms, in a pool of red was her little girl, a gunshot wound on her head. He stared in horror as she wailed.

    ¡°N-No¡­I didn¡¯t, I didn¡¯t mean¡­¡± he mumbled helplessly.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you! Why!¡± a man said, in his face. Ed gaped at him, barely listening. There were screaming people running from the destruction, from the monster, from him¡­

    He saw the mother cradle her child, stained crimson. He saw only one thing to do. He awkwardly put the barrel of the gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger.

    BLAM!

    He blinked; more people were screaming and scattering, ducking now to avoid gunfire. The man who¡¯d been shouting at him lay at his feet, bleeding out. The rifle was nowhere near pointed at him. He stared into the mocking gaze of the behemoth. The gun fell to the ground, he fell to his knees, and howled.

    Throughout all this, the creature trudged serenely on, unperturbed.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°I say, what have we here, hmm?¡± Captain Blackwell asked, watching the children struggle to bring a crate into their cabin. He reached out and poltergeisted it into the room.

    ¡°Thanks, Captain. It¡¯s some, uh, materials from the boss. He said it would help protect us, and there¡¯s instructions.¡± Connor said, squinting at a piece of paper. Blackwell leaned over to see. It was covered in strange runes and sigils that just looked like squiggly chickenscratch to him, and it seemed to Connor as well. ¡°He said this spell is based on one he created himself, but this makes no sense.¡±

    ¡°Lemme see.¡± Riley examined it. It had a ritual to raise the dead obviously, but these modifications¡­they almost seemed like¡­

    ¡°It¡¯s almost like these animal pieces¡¯ll be assebumbled into a human shape.¡±

    ¡°Assembled.¡± Connor corrected tiredly.

    ¡°No, I mean assebumbled. Look, it¡¯s gonna be all bumbled and jumbled up into something weird and new.¡± she said. Connor raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°You said that on purpose?¡± She stuck her tongue out at him. ¡°Anyway, if you put it like that I can see how ¡®phu¡¯ leads into ¡®ka-athet.¡¯ If that¡¯s what we¡¯re working with, I think it¡¯ll-huh?¡± His eyes fell on the note at the bottom of the page. Scott had written: Now everything should work. But this¡¯s the most important part of the incantation. When all other rituals are finished, you have to give a courageous shout from the bottom of your heart full of justice. You have to-

    Connor groaned and rubbed his forehead.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, Connor!¡± Riley said enthusiastically, prying open the crate. ¡°Eyyyaaaaaaahhhh!¡± She sprang away from it.

    ¡°Oh my word.¡± Captain Blackwell said, examining the contents. It seems the lad had raided more than human remains; there was a veritable pet cemetery contained in the box, overflowing with cats, dogs, lizards, birds, and even a decaying python.

    ¡°Eww. Why-why did the boss do this?¡± Connor asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± Riley wailed. The captain inspected the paper again, especially the diagrams.

    ¡°Hmm. While ¡®tis truly revolting, it seems young master Scott has deemed this adequate protection for his charges. I do recall a tale of his dealing with something of this nature before, what what. While it is an unholy affront to God and decency, ¡®praps you should listen to your master and SALLY FORTH!¡± he boomed. Connor glanced at the crate full of corpses doubtfully.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    ¡°I guess¡­¡±

    ¡°Do we have to? Those poor kitties¡­¡± Riley said.

    ¡°C¡¯mon. You wanted to be a necromancer, now you¡¯re gonna do it!¡± Connor barked, getting out his chalk.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    It had taken three hours, but they had done it. As the dark foresty green and brilliant electric blue flashes faded away in the circles, they stared at the pile of bones in each, panting.

    ¡°That¡­was hard.¡± Connor said, exhausted.

    ¡°You¡¯re telling me. But-but it was worth it.¡± Riley cracked a smile. It was gross at first, but once she suppressed her gag reflex and gotten down to business, it was fun. They had to figure out which animal had been assigned to each diagram, sort the pile and decipher the arrangements. But now, at long last, the spell was complete. The zombies were ready. Now the only thing left was¡­

    ¡°C¡¯mon c¡¯mon, let¡¯s try ¡®em out!¡± Riley said, bouncing on her feet. They worked so hard, now was the chance to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

    ¡°Really? Right now?¡± Connor said. He was working back to normal, but the final piece of the puzzle was so¡­humiliating.

    ¡°Yes right now!¡± We gotta know if they work!¡±

    ¡°She has a point, you know.¡± Blackwell said, walking through the wall. He¡¯d been in and out to attend to his duties, but wasn¡¯t about to miss this. ¡°Always best to test the new cannons, see if they¡¯re ship-shape, what what!¡± He stroked the tip of his mustache, chuckling at the joke. Connor turned back to the bone pile, blushing.

    ¡°It¡¯s, well, just¡­ugh, fine.¡±

    ¡°Yay! C¡¯mon Connor, let¡¯s do it!¡± Riley said, eyes sparkling and fist pumping, all tiredness forgotten.

    ¡°Alright¡­¡± he said unenthusiastically. Riley picked up the paper, making sure the passphrase was right.

    ¡°Riley! Battle Change! Ma-how-¡±

    ¡°Mahou¡± Connor corrected.

    ¡°-Mahou Shojo Zombie Neko Shine, nya!¡±

    ¡°Connor. Battle Change. Wolf Lightning Zombie Power. Activate.¡± he said dully, a hollow look in his eyes.

    ¡°You gotta get more fired up!¡± she chastised, grinning.

    ¡°Raaaah.¡± he said flatly.

    But Scott¡¯s installed passcodes worked. The animal bones rattled and shifted, rolling across the floor onto the children, climbing up their bodies. Undead muscle coating the insides of the bones stretched sinews out to encase their limbs and torsos. The multi-fused skull of a cat chomped down on Riley¡¯s head, providing a helmet. Plumage bloomed form her elbows and shoulders, while a wild mane of fur sprouted from the skull. A shaped dog skull formed to protect Connor¡¯s humiliated face, blue eyelights flaring in the sockets. His armor had two heavy bracers attached to the gauntlets, and the back of his greaves. He looked into the dark foresty green of Riley¡¯s cat eyelights.

    ¡°Happy now?¡± he said.

    ¡°Oh yeah!¡± she cawed, checking out her new armor. ¡°These battle suits are awesome! Check this out!¡± She reached down and hefted her bed up above her head. ¡°So cool! It¡¯s so light!¡±

    ¡°It should be, you¡¯ve got undead muscle doing the work for you.¡± Connor deadpanned.

    ¡°CAPITOL miss, just CAPITOL!¡± Blackwell roared, applauding. ¡°I see he¡¯s given you some serious protection, what what! But lad, what¡¯s that on your arm?¡± Connor examined the-was device the right word? There seemed to be a slight whooshing sound, as if someone was taking a breath. He frowned.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I-huh?¡± There was a feeling of fullness, pressure on his arm. He could feel the armor¡¯s muscles straining. If he flexed here, and untensed there-

    BOOM!

    ¡°Whoa!¡± There was a hole in the side of the cabin. Connor stared at it, then at his arm. Leo gave them a fearful glance through the new window.

    ¡°Whoa-ho! Neat!¡± Riley said.

    ¡°The hell!?¡± Connor cried.

    ¡°Hmm. Did you read the back of the note, young master Connor¡± Blackwell asked, telekinetically holding it up. ¡°Seems like full schematics on the back. It appears the lungs of the beasts you¡¯ve condensed appear to be layered on those cylinders, making an ¡®air-cannon¡¯, says here. By Jove, never would have thought of that.¡±

    ¡°I have a cannon?¡± Connor asked incredulously.

    ¡°Ooh, let me see!¡± Riley read, and her eyes got wide. ¡°No way! You got air jet boosters on your legs too, for bursts of super speed!¡±

    ¡°Oh, goody.¡± Connor said absently. When he¡¯d agreed to learn necromancy, he¡¯d never imagined this.

    ¡°Yeah! And I got claws, and-wow!¡± She flexed her arm, and the snake shot out, biting the air. ¡°Says I can grip far away stuff with this! And check it out, I got air boosters too. Huh? But why¡¯re they on the back of¡­¡± She trailed off as her eyes got even wider, and flexed her shoulders. The room was too small for them to fully unfurl, but wings unfolded from her back. ¡°I can fly!¡±

    ¡°Says here you can glide.¡± Connor said reading, but she retracted her wings and dashed to the deck. ¡°No!¡± Connor raced after her, but she had too much of a lead. ¡°Wait, duh!¡± With a burst of air that nearly sent him careening out of control, he was at her side screaming in no time, peering over the railing. ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea!¡±

    ¡°Aww.¡± she said.

    ¡°Indeed, miss.¡± Blackwell said, floating through the deck. ¡°I should think it the height of impropriety if young master Scott had to resurrect you before there was any real trouble. He gave you these to protect you, so you should use ¡®em responsibly.¡±

    ¡°Mmm. Guess you¡¯re right. What does ¡®impro-¡¯, ¡®impra-¡¯¡±

    ¡°It means we¡¯re taking these off and eating dinner.¡± Connor said, dragging the girl necromancer below deck.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send someone to repair the wall!¡± Blackwell called cheerfully after them.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Hey.¡± Genevieve said, crawling to the top of the pile of rubble where Will was sitting. They were out on patrol, doing some overtime volunteer work, as Nightfang put it. He couldn¡¯t sleep, knowing there were still people who needed help out there, so he was going to go out and find survivors, but his team had caught him. Unwilling to let him go alone, they had to ¡°volunteer¡± too.

    ¡°Hey. Will replied, running a hand through his short hair to shake the dust out of it.

    ¡°What¡¯s up? How¡¯re you doing?¡± she asked, settling in beside him. He gave her a wry look.

    ¡°Kevin¡¯s off picking up some survivors. He trusts me not to run off, I¡¯d appreciate it if the rest of this little ¡®team¡¯ could do the same.¡± he said bitterly.

    ¡°That¡¯s not-¡± she said, deflating, but he dismissed her with a wave of his hand.

    ¡°Spare me. I know you¡¯re here to keep an eye on me, even if you can¡¯t admit it. It¡¯s not like I haven¡¯t given reason not to, I guess.¡± he said, and let out a sigh.

    ¡°That¡¯s not true!¡± she said angrily. She really was just here to see how Will was doing. She was from America too, but she had over thirty years of distancing herself from her past, and most of that time was in another country. She hated seeing her home nation wrecked, she didn¡¯t think someone so fresh from mortal concerns would fare well. ¡°This is a big thing! You looked so despondent, I wanted to see if I could cheer you up!¡±

    ¡°Really.¡± he said flatly.

    ¡°I mean it!¡± Genevieve snapped.

    ¡°Humph. Well, you¡¯d be the first one in a long time if that were true.¡±

    ¡°Oh, please. Kevin tries to include you in clan stuff all the time. He does everything he can to make you part of the team! Remember that blood cake he made for your birthday?¡± she said.

    ¡°I wish I could forget.¡± he said, making a face. That culinary experiment had been a disaster. Lord Harvaste had forbidden him form the kitchens afterward. ¡°But I get it. He does a lot for me, and everyone else. You¡¯d have to be blind not to see it. But you ever see the way everyone else looks at me?¡±

    Genevieve fell silent. Unfortunately, she had. Kevin did his best, but Will voluntarily joined the people who had turned the clan into mutant vampires. She knew they stared and whispered. She knew he wasn¡¯t exactly Mr. Popular with, well, anyone in the castle.

    ¡°There has been bad blood in the past¡­but I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll fit in, if you give them a chance to get to know you!¡± she said encouragingly. Will snorted.

    ¡°Right. Tell me, how am I supposed to do that, if they don¡¯t give me one?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Genevieve blinked in confusion. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°You know why I¡¯m never at meals? Why I¡¯m always in the turret or my room?¡± he asked. Now she understood. When they first arrived, they¡¯d gone to the training hall, while some newbies were leaving. She supposed it wasn¡¯t because they were finished.

    ¡°¡­I thought you liked to be alone.¡± she said weakly, mentally kicking herself. She was one of the ones in charge! Why didn¡¯t she see this sooner?

    ¡°I do, but not all the time.¡± He noticed the look on her face. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t worry. I don¡¯t blame you, or anybody else. Overseeing two hundred freshly-turned vampires? And nearly all of them mutants, with differing physiologies? I don¡¯t envy you, that¡¯s for sure. Sometimes, things slip through the cracks.¡± he shrugged.

    ¡°But people shouldn¡¯t be one of them. Why didn¡¯t you tell me? Or Kevin? We¡¯re supposed to stop this sort of thing.¡± she said.

    ¡°Yeah, run to teacher and tattle, that¡¯s a great way to be included.¡± Will said sardonically. ¡°Get real. How they see fit to treat me¡¯s their choice, and it¡¯s hard to change somebody¡¯s mind like that. ¡®Sides, I kinda deserve it.¡± He looked up into the orange sky. Though it was mid-morning, the sun wasn¡¯t itching on his skin like it usually did. Vampires didn¡¯t burn in the sun, but neither did they go out into it voluntarily. The night was better, wrapping around them and filling them with energy. But since last night, that fizz had been gone. That extra spark disappeared when the sky turned red. Will had taken comfort in the power it had filled him with.  Now, it didn¡¯t feel like anything.

    Genevieve frowned, both at his words, and at herself. She was the main vampire in charge of the new ones¡¯ condition, she should have noticed this. Whenever she¡¯d seen him, he was either brooding in a corner or with Kevin. But he always went into training enthusiastically, and fighting back boredom determinedly when the tutors had them in class. She knew he threw himself into being the best vampire he could be, as a way of repenting. Did no one else see that?

    ¡°Will¡­¡± she said slowly.

    ¡°Ah. We¡¯ve got bigger problems right now. Join me for dinner?¡± he asked, unhooking the blood ration form his belt. She stared, then sighed. This wouldn¡¯t be resolved overnight.

    ¡°Sure.¡± she said, smiling. He could tell it was fake, but he found it reassuring anyway. She took out her canteen. ¡°Cheers.¡± They clinked containers, then imbibed.

    ¡°Ahh. Needed that.¡± Will said contentedly. He could feel the blood working its¡¯ way through his system, repairing the damage and easing the strain on his muscles and joints. Sometimes, it was good to be a vampire.

    While they were having their chat, Gregor had been busy. He had been leading a group of survivors away from some tentacle-cyclops things. The group had been desperate and scared, one step away from an angry mob, armed and ready to try and fight the things. However, he¡¯d also seen the monsters rip apart a car with ease and chow down on it, so that would go poorly. He¡¯d called out and managed to get them to follow him, but the grumbles of the New Yorkers were clearly audible, even without his superior vampire hearing.

    However, he¡¯d forgotten something else about vampiric abilities: they naturally moved silently. The fact slipping his mind, and the other two engrossed in thinking and their meal, he crawled up the rubble lighter than a whisper.

    ¡°Hello!¡± Gregor said, popping up behind them. Genevieve had been drinking her ration, was so startled she spewed it out.

    ¡°Ack! Don¡¯t do that!¡± she snapped, trying to wipe her chin.

    ¡°Oh, sorry.¡±

    ¡°Just be careful, we-¡± She noticed the small crowd, maybe thirty people, all staring at her blood-smeared face, red splashes in front of her.

    ¡°Oh, you got some on your-¡± Will turned, mouth half-outstretched to lap up the blood on the ground by reflex, and stared at the crowd. They were muttering nervously.

    ¡°Oh, no.¡± Gregor whimpered.

    ¡°They¡¯re monsters too! They just lured us here to eat us themselves!¡± someone cried, and the muttering turned ugly. They began to fan out, clutching their weapons.

    ¡°Please, I can assure you that though we have to subsist on blood-¡± Genevieve started, rising and trying to wipe her face. She was cut off by a brick sailing at her head. She caught it effortlessly, but that did nothing to calm the crowd down.

    ¡°She admits it!¡±

    ¡°Just one isn¡¯t enough!¡±

    ¡°Throw everything you got at ¡®em!¡±

    ¡°Surround ¡®em!¡± The vampires stood back to back as the crowd circled the rubble. Genevieve glanced side to side nervously. Somehow, she doubted they¡¯d believe they were only here to help. The mob was armed with two-by-fours, kitchen knives, bottles, mops, whatever was handy. They couldn¡¯t really kill the vamps unless they just stood there and let them, which Genevieve had no intention of doing. But the real question was how to get away without hurting anyone. They were throwing bricks and rubble, forcing the vampires to duck and catch the missiles, pinning them down even further.

    ¡°Crap.¡± Will muttered. He caught her eye. ¡°I don¡¯t like it, but it looks like we got no choice.¡±

    ¡°I am forced to agree, Genevieve.¡± Gregor said, dodging a steel rebar piece.

    ¡°No! We can¡¯t do that!¡± she said as the crowd got closer. No! They were here to help, not massacre innocent people! But with the rage the mob was feeling, they needed an outlet. Why was this happening! She desperately tried to think of a way out, but it was looking more and more like there would be carnage.

    ¡°ENOUGH!¡± Everyone looked up as a shadow blocked out the strange sunlight. A black mass billowed and folded into Nightfang¡¯s cape as he landed, glaring at the crowd with burning red eyes. ¡°There will be NO senseless violence here today!¡± He glanced back at his team. ¡°Everyone alright?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s another one! Get him!¡± The mob surged forward. Nightfang took it all in. Too many, all at once. Nothing to climb or bounce off of, buildings too far away to jump too. Frustrated, scared people lashing out, who didn¡¯t deserve death. There was only one thing to do.

    He reached to his belt, unhooking and dropping two flasks of red liquid. They shattered, the sigil on the flasks briefly glowing.

    ¡°Ak¡¯entath mevigos avun!¡± he shouted. The blood reacted to the magic and his will, springing forward along the ground, spiderwebbing into hundreds of cords, wrapping around the ankles of the crowd with a grip as strong as iron. The advance of the mob was halted, unable to walk. The vampires stared at Nightfang.

    ¡°You¡­know hemomnacy?¡± Gregor said in awe.

    ¡°Harvaste started teaching me. Said it was only for emergencies, I can see why.¡± the hero grunted, a dull, painful ache spreading through his body. The strain was more than usual, he¡¯d never had to shape this much blood before. ¡°I¡¯m not very good at it yet. Since we don¡¯t usually have a lot of time to work, I asked to learn how to make restraints first. It¡¯s tough.¡± He gave them a lopsided smile as the crowd freaked, unable to move. Nightfang stood up straight.

    ¡°Alright, listen up! Citizens of New York, please forgive the current situation, but I had no choice but to temporarily restrain you! You will be released, I promise. Now, I¡¯m going to come clean. Yes, we are vampires! However, we are not horrible bloodsucking creatures of the night! For as you see, I am the vampiric superhero, Nightfang!¡± He thrust his chest out with his hands on his hips, displaying the fang on his chest like Superman. ¡°We have strengths and abilities that are extraordinary! And I have dedicated my undeath to using these powers in the pursuit of truth and justice! Rest assured, we will allow no harm to come to you while we are around! These foul fiends shall never triumph over our combined might! I know what has happened is frightening, but we cannot give in to fear and violence! So I ask of you, stand strong, in body and mind! I assure you we only drink donated blood, we are here to help, not harm! We are allies! We shall defend you, at all costs! Nightfang, and the Fang Gang!¡± He finished with a fist pump into the air.

    The crowd stared at him. The other vampires stared at him. A passing flying eyeball stared at him. There was no sound.

    ¡°No, no, why.¡± Will muttered, sinking his head into his palm.

    ¡°Your name sucks!¡± someone called from the group.

    ¡°Hey! I thought hard to come up with a good superhero name!¡± Nightfang snapped, searching for who had said that.

    ¡°The ¡®Fang Gang¡¯ is lame, too!¡±

    ¡°Believe me, I know! But I¡¯m not in charge!¡± Genevieve called back. Nightfang turned to her.

    ¡°You think it¡¯s lame?¡± Her eye twitched.

    ¡°Is this really the time for this!?¡± she exploded.

    ¡°Well, the mob¡¯s been neutralized, no one¡¯s crying for help, and there¡¯s no monsters attacking.¡± Nightfang reasoned. ¡°D-Does anyone think it¡¯s cool?¡± he asked the crowd.

    It is a well-known fact that angry mobs are volatile and unruly, emotion and herd mentality replacing rationality. However, being locked in place, with a vampire in a superhero costume asking if his team appellation was cool, was surreal even by the standards of the last twenty-four hours. It shocked most of the crowd back to calmness.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s cool!¡± came from the back. Nightfang stamped his foot and waved in that direction.

    ¡°See! This guy knows what I¡¯m talking about!¡±

    ¡°Hey! Over here, more survivors!¡± Everyone turned to see a softly-glowing ghost hovering above an APC, parking next to the lot. A contingent of soldiers and undead zombies came out.

    ¡°Is¡­everything okay over here?¡± the sergeant asked, not sure whether or not to raise or lower his rifle.

    ¡°Oh, yeah. Everything¡¯s fine. There was some trouble earlier, but it¡¯s all sorted out now.¡± Nightfang said, undoing the blood manacles. The sergeant raised an eyebrow. The ghost floated down and whispered something to him.

    ¡°Ah. Nightfang, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes sir!¡± he said, saluting.

    ¡°Right. We understand your presence, and thank you for your help. We¡¯ll escort these people here to the evac zone.¡± the sergeant said, his men fanning out and herding the crowd toward the street.

    ¡°Is there anything we can do to help? That¡¯s why we¡¯re here.¡± Nightfang said, and he chuckled.

    ¡°No sir. We¡¯ve actually got most of the city under lockdown, we can take it from here. We¡¯ve been informed about your mission, you should go rest while we focus here. We¡¯ve got jobs to do, too.¡± he said.

    ¡°That¡¯s awesome.¡± Nightfang smiled, seeming to untense his body. ¡°We¡¯ve been going all night, trying to save people.¡±

    ¡°All night.¡± Will groused, but was elbowed by Gregor. The sergeant nodded.

    ¡°It¡¯s gonna be a long one for us too. But you can do more good by resting up and getting ready. I know I would in your position.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I was worried about everyone, but if you¡¯ve got things under control here I¡¯ll take it as the cue to leave. Thank you. I promise we¡¯ll make everything all right.¡± Nightfang said confidently. The unspoken threat of what would happen if they failed hung in the air.

    ¡°Good luck, soldier.¡± the sergeant said, extending a hand.

    ¡°You too, sir.¡± Nightfang said, shaking it. ¡°C¡¯mon Fang Gang, let¡¯s go!¡± They bounded off and climbed up an apartment building, headed back to the ship.

    ¡°It¡¯s still not a cool name, you know.¡± Will said.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. How is everyone? Are you all okay? They didn¡¯t get you guys, did they?¡± Nightfang said.

    ¡°Worried about us, Fearless Leader? You know they couldn¡¯t actually hurt us.¡± Will said, hopping over a ledge and running along the next roof.

    ¡°I know. However, it¡¯s a superhero¡¯s job to save everyone, but not just from danger. I¡¯m glad I could stop them before anyone got hurt.¡± he said, glad his mask covered his face. The vampires behind him shared a smirk.

    ¡°Roger, Fearless Leader.¡±

 Chapter 30: Reflections

    Cross heaved a sigh and collapsed in her chair, jacket thrown haphazardly on the bed. The poor sunlight was the only illumination in the room, pooling on the desk she was slumped over.

    ¡°Christ.¡± she muttered, a hand on her head. You¡¯d think by now she¡¯d have a handle on the whole end of the world thing, having lived through two such events. But it was hard back then, and this time¡­.this time¡­

    She glanced out the window, watching a fat, bizarre furred, winged thing float across the city. What was she doing here. She was currently hovering above New York in an honest-to-God pirate ship, powered by a necromancer who was half her age, and they had to save the universe from collapsing. She repressed a bark of mad laughter. If she started, she was never gonna stop.

    ¡°Mmmph. Damn it.¡± she grunted, sitting up. Reflection was good, was necessary. But too much led to drowning in dark thoughts, and that led to a pity party, and if there was one thing Cross could never get accustomed to, was doubt. Regret was an old, familiar companion, but hesitation and uncertainty were poison. She cracked her knuckles. No, the decision to follow the kid, she couldn¡¯t fool herself about who was really in charge, was the correct one. She just felt so¡­listless.

    Not useless, not exactly, but close. All this wasn¡¯t in her wheelhouse. Everyone else had magic, or the backing of a god. She had¡­her own two fists, her wits, her gun, and her wits. She smirked. They¡¯d seen her through before, they¡¯d see her through now. Looking out of the window at the now quiet city, normally so full of life, she had to believe that, no matter what.

    But, if things had been different¡­she wished the kid had never gotten involved in this. Or Amber. Or Leo, or Kevin, or any of the rest of them. Cross was an adult, and though she didn¡¯t like it, she could take the pressure. She was meant to take the pressure. These kids needed to worry about videogames, and cars, and dates and part-time jobs and homework, not whether or not they would all be alive come the end to tomorrow. All that stuff about Yogs and Azathoths and saving the universe, it was too big. She couldn¡¯t wrap her head around literally everything not existing. But she could focus on not dying, and keeping all these kids aliv-well, in decent shape. Dying, she thought dryly, was a condition that could be mitigated.

    Still, she scowled as the thought crossed her mind. None of this was right. It wasn¡¯t fair to ask these children to save everything. She¡¯d watched over the kid for the better part of a year now, and though many things about him had changed, his firm belief that no authority could ever be of help to him had not. And she couldn¡¯t blame him. What was it like for him growing up, she wondered. What was it like for the Taboo users, suddenly having power thrust into their hands, with no one to turn to? On reflection, there was ono wonder Delacroix¡¯s cult grew as fast and as large as it did. Any guidance, any direction would be welcome.

    While thinking, she absently began cleaning her gun and assessing her ammo. Two full clips, one in the chamber, three loose bullets. She recalled how many it had taken just to stop one of the things Jason had let loose on the city. She shook her head; it wasn¡¯t enough, but what else could she do?

    ¡°What else, huh¡­?¡± she said softly. That was what had been bugging her throughout this whole ordeal. What else could they, the police, the Agency, the world have done? These kids were growing up fast, and they had powers beyond imagination. If they¡¯d wanted to, a dedicated cabal of Taboo users could have toppled the U.S. government. Hell, a lot of them would want to. She realized that not a day went by where she wasn¡¯t grateful the kid wasn¡¯t like the Taboo users they¡¯d met. Clever as he was, that would be a recipe for disaster, one she didn¡¯t think anyone could stop.

    But the question remained, if they got through this, where would they go from here? What would they do with the young people? They had the knowledge for their powers, regardless whether or not they had the drug in their system, the kid had been quite clear on that. So, what could they have done? Where did they go from here?

    She pointedly did not wonder what she would have done, had she been offered a Taboo pill when she was their age.

    Cross grunted. She supposed such questions would have to wait. Although now that she thought about it, there were a couple answers. Nothing that would help now, but an idea had begun to sprout in her mind.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Nigel moaned on the bed the undead crewmen had none too gently dumped him on. His condition was getting worse: his belly had swollen up even more, his throat was closing, a thin, milky membrane was forming over his bulging eyes, and his skin was turning blue, probably due to his throat closing. Vanessa fretted by his side.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, everything will be alright.¡± she said softly, putting a blanket over his quivering mass.

    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me.¡± he said, rolling over. He tried to snap sharply at her, but he just sounded tired. Vanessa furrowed her brow.

    Scott had come in, looked him over, and proudly declared he had no idea what was wrong with him. When she pleaded to do something, anything to help him, he scratched his skull, lost.

    ¡°I mean, I¡¯m a necromancer, I don¡¯t know too much about diseases, let alone what¡¯s happening here. If you want me to cure him, let him die and I¡¯ll bring him back from that. I can do that now if you want.¡± he offered, holding Nigel¡¯s head in his hands to snap his neck. Vanessa quickly stopped him, stammering that wouldn¡¯t be necessary while Nigel stared up at him in horror, freaking out.

    ¡°At least we know the worst won¡¯t come to the worst.¡± she said awkwardly. Nigel huffed. At least before he left Scott cast a spell that allowed them to see spirits. Of course, now Vanessa had undead to freak out about, but she dealt with it by worrying about the cult leader. ¡°Do you need anything? Another pillow, more water?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Nigel asked, voice as clipped as he could make it. ¡°Why are you still here? You betrayed the Third Eye Society, and you got the information you wanted out of me. What more do you want?¡±

    ¡°Nigel¡­you yourself admitted telling the others about where Delacroix is was the right thing to do.¡± she said, as delicately as she could manage. Nigel shifted irritably.

    ¡°I-I know. But you¡¯ve done your job. Why must you insist on tormenting me?¡± he croaked.  She paused, taken aback.

    ¡°Why? But¡­it¡¯s because I care about you, that¡¯s why-¡±

    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you leave me alone!¡± he wheezed, turning to face her. ¡°If you really care about me, why did you lead us into an ambush! Why did you pretend to be one of us, why did you have to get so close! You could have gotten all the info you needed from the outer circle, why-¡± He collapsed into a coughing fit. She handed him a glass of water, and he gulped it down greedily. His throat was so scratchy and parched.

    ¡°You have to relax, you¡¯re only gonna make it worse.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me what to do, traitor!¡± he said, pointing an accusing finger at her. ¡°All you¡¯ve done is get close so you could stick a knife in my back!¡±

    Throughout all this, Vanessa had tried to keep an even temper, understanding what he was going through. But now the last straw had landed on the camel¡¯s back.

    ¡°Yeah? And what about you! All you¡¯ve done is helped some old rich guy unleash Armageddon!¡±

    ¡°What? But-¡±

    ¡°No, you listen! You keep saying I betrayed you, but you don¡¯t even realize you¡¯ve betrayed humanity! The entire planet and more is in trouble! And it¡¯s a direct result of what you did!¡± she cried, knocking the words he was going to say back down his throat. He looked down sullenly. There was a long stretch of silence while Vanessa got her breathing under control.

    ¡°It¡¯s not like I don¡¯t know that now.¡± he said quietly. She wasn¡¯t about to let him go.

    ¡°Well y¡¯know what? Me too. I bought into the third Eye crap wholesale. I lied, I stole, I bewitched my family, I really hurt my nine-year ¨Cold sister. But now I realize where I went wrong. I can see what Delacroix¡¯s doing now. You can¡¯t honestly say I was on the right path, can you?¡± Her gaze was hard as iron, and fell on him as heavily.

    Amidst the turmoil of his body, his mind was equally turbulent. It alternated between too many thoughts at once, roiling in emotion, and utterly blank. How appropriate that he was on a ship. He shook his head, wilting.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t supposed to be like this. It was supposed to be good.¡± he whispered, more to himself than her.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not.¡± Tears were coming down her face. He could tell, because they puddled at her feet. ¡°I know you had good intentions. I know you wanted to change the world for the better. But you were lied to, manipulated and turned loose to draw others in. Draw me in.¡±

    ¡°I¡­I really cared about you. I thought we had something special. But I guess that was just another illusion you gave me.¡± For a long time, they didn¡¯t move. Only the puddle of tears shifted.

    ¡°Vanessa¡­¡± Nigel said listlessly. He didn¡¯t even know what he was going to follow it up with.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s alright. We just gotta deal with what happened. But I know what I should do. If you ever figure it out yourself, I¡¯ll see you then.¡± She turned and went to the door, but paused. ¡°And just so you know. After realizing what I was doing. I may have betrayed your cause. But I never betrayed you.¡± With that she left, slamming the door behind her.

    Nigel gaped, watching her leave. He grunted and rolled over, and tried to get to some sleep. He only got a fitful rest after a long while, plagued by dreams of troubled depth and darkness.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Scott closed the door in the captain¡¯s quarters, threw his coat on the bed, and collapsed into the chair. Amber was at his side in a moment.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked, watching him cradle his skull in his phalanges. He turned an eyelight to her.

    ¡°Oh, nothing much. Just everything.¡± he moaned, leaning back and stretching. He grunted and she winced, able to see his spine shifting and clicking back in place. ¡°I¡¯m exhausted. I don¡¯t even get tired anymore, but you¡¯d never know it form how I feel.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a little surprised you can feel anything right now. I¡¯d give you a shoulder massage, but¡­¡± She shrugged helplessly. He chuckled.

    ¡°I know. Still, I¡¯m up and walking around, that¡¯s not bad for a dead guy.¡± he said.

    ¡°Yeah. Um. Speaking of which.¡± She considered for a moment, concern plain on her face. It was a bit of a difficult subject to bring up, but she could see it in how he moved, how he held himself. ¡°How are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Eh, I¡¯m wormchow, but other than that I can¡¯t complain.¡± he said flippantly, but Amber put a hand on his shoulder and looked seriously into his eyelights.

    ¡°No, Scott. No jokes. Tell me what¡¯s going on. Really.¡± He stared into her crystal blue eyes, and she could feel him start to shake, his bones rattling.

    ¡°I¡¯m-I¡¯m okay. Really, y¡¯know?¡± he said, wrapping his arms around himself. ¡°Really. I am. N-Nothing that¡¯ll stop me. Everything will be okay, I know it. B-But you¡¯re¡­you¡¯re kinda right, kinda¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay.¡± she said soothingly, hugging him.

    ¡°It¡¯s, it¡¯s just, this¡¯s it, this¡¯s really it. This isn¡¯t just the end of humanity, it¡¯s the end of everything. We¡¯ve got only one shot to stop this, but I¡¯m, I¡¯m freaking out here. And I¡¯m our best hope. Me. I¡¯m freaking dead, for crying out loud! I got shoved off a roof and had knowledge shoved into my head and got resurrected and now I have to make a plan to stop the Last Alarm and save everyone and everyone¡¯s looking at me and counting on me and-¡±

    ¡°Shhh, it¡¯s okay. It¡¯s okay. Let it out.¡± Amber whispered, gently rocking him. The words bled out of him like poison, devolving into nonsense and babbling, but he felt better with every syllable out. Eventually, the words dried up and they just sat there, together.

    ¡°It¡¯s just, it¡¯s just when this all began. When I went to the graveyard that night, I never thought it would lead to this.¡± he said at last. ¡°Remember that night?¡±

    ¡°How could I forget. I was so despondent. Then you came and could actually talk to me. I was overjoyed.¡± Amber said, smiling.

    ¡°You jumped me.¡± Scott said flatly.

    ¡°Well yeah, you would too if you had the first person you could actually interact with come up.¡± she said primly, turning pink. One of Scott¡¯s eyelights winked.

    ¡°I knew you couldn¡¯t resist my manly charms.¡±

    ¡°Uh-huh. What gave it away, the total confusion or screaming in terror?¡± Amber deadpanned. He sighed and hugged her.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Boy, it¡¯s been crazy. Like, two apocalypses since then. Sheesh.¡± He turned introspective. ¡°Y¡¯know, the first one was kinda fun, in a way. Desperately making plans, raising zombies, thwarting daemons, it was cool.¡± He sighed. Then this mess started. The Calamitous Ruination¡¯s nothing like the daemons. They just want into our world to rule it. He wants to destroy everything. It¡¯s nuts.¡±

    ¡°Tell me about it.¡± she said. He rubbed his face.

    ¡°It¡¯s just, everyone¡¯s looking to me to stop him. I know it¡¯s ¡®cause I¡¯m smart, and powerful, and tough-¡±

    ¡°And humble.¡± Amber added, rolling her eyes.

    ¡°-but this, this¡¯s crazy. More than usual. I don¡¯t even know how to drive, and everyone expects me to save the universe. I mean, I do my best. I¡¯ve got plans, I¡¯ve got machinations, gears are turning, things are in motion¡­but what if it¡¯s not enough? There¡¯s no second chance here, and a part of me¡¯s screaming to get this ship in gear and go after him right now. I know we can¡¯t, but I want to. And¡­and another part just wants to take the ship and fly off somewhere, never come back, just get away from all of this.¡± he said quietly. She looked worried, but he reassured her with a gentle squeeze. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I promised. I¡¯m never going to run again. But¡­¡± He looked down.

    ¡°The best chance we got is a bag of bones who¡¯s died to him before. I¡¯m, I¡¯m just a necromancer. How can I really fight a god?¡±

    There was a long stretch of silence. Then, Amber snorted, bursting into laughter.

    ¡°Ha ha ha ha hah! You¡¯re ridiculous sometimes, you know that?¡± she said, wiping tears away. If he had eyebrows, he would¡¯ve raised one at her.

    ¡°Excuse me? I told you, I¡¯m worried. We¡¯re fighting a god here! I¡¯m confiding in you, and you¡¯re laughing at me!?¡± he said incredulously. She hugged him tighter.

    ¡°You dummy. I know you¡¯re worried. I am too. But you¡¯re stronger than you think. I don¡¯t care about what plans you do or don¡¯t have. I don¡¯t care that we only have one shot at this. I don¡¯t care we¡¯re fighting a god. I¡¯ve seen you raise the dead, resurrect people, bust open a drug ring, invent new spells, invent new zombies, kill mutant vampires, smack down other sorcerers, solve my murder, get the better of a deal with a daemon, sail into New York on a ghost pirate ship to kill a giant monster, and prevent two apocalypses, not to mention saving my life how many times now. I know it¡¯s rough to always be counted on, but there¡¯s a reason everyone¡¯s looking to you to save them right now. Even if you can¡¯t see a way around this right now, I have no doubt you will when it counts. I believe in you. You¡¯ll make it work. You may be the villain, the big, bad necromancer, but to me and everyone else, you¡¯re our hero.¡±

    He stared at her. There was silence again, but this time it was a warm, comfortable quiet, nothing more to be said. Scott focused on the girl in his arms, just having that comfortable weight and warmth to her. He was glad he didn¡¯t have tear ducts, otherwise he¡¯d be bawling like a baby right now.

    ¡°Yeah. You¡¯re right.¡± he said gruffly.

    ¡°I always am.¡± she said with a grin. He stood up.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what we have against us, how many or who. Let them plan, let them scheme! My counterplans will always conquer! I¡¯ll do it! I¡¯ll save everyone! Because I am Scott Havenbrook! I am a genius! I am a master necromancer! I have magic! I have a ship! I have an army of the dead! I have defeated countless threats before!  Against all odds! Against all odds, I came back from the dead! Against all odds, I have a girlfriend! There¡¯s nothing I cannot do! Mwa ha ha ha! Ah ha ha ha ha ha!¡± Scott cackled madly, throwing back his head, eyelights blazing bright. Amber sighed and shook her head, smiling.

    ¡°Simmer down, boy. Although, I am curious. Your new zombies seem to be more¡­lively than what I¡¯ve seen you raise before. What¡¯s the deal?  A whole crew of zombie seamen and a ground force of¡­ew.¡± She realized what she said as Scott snickered, but pressed on. ¡°How¡¯d you get them?¡±

    ¡°Oh, that? That¡¯s easy.¡± he said, grinning. ¡°My little jaunt into the Necronomicon taught me more than just one spell and the Poisonous¡¯s Thoughts plan. I picked up a couple new tricks. One of them happens to be how to pull souls back from the beyond.¡± Amber¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°You mean¡­¡± she said breathlessly.

    ¡°Yup! As long as the ghost is still around and hasn¡¯t been reincarnated or oblivionated, I can call ¡®em up, temporarily at least. No more time limit for summoning ghosts, I can get ¡®em from this world or the next. And since I had some mindless zombies handy, no I didn¡¯t call you.¡± he said to Arnold Palmer, who crawled back into the backpack. ¡°Since I can¡¯t be everywhere at once to give ¡®em orders, they needed brains. Err, minds. So, I got a giant magic circle and had all the ghosts who volunteered to help possess all the zombies, so boom! Instant self-directed army, able to think and speak!¡±

    ¡°Wow, very impressive. I¡¯m glad for the help, but aren¡¯t you worried about the ghosts¡­fading away?¡± she said nervously, fearfully recalling the fate she had almost fell to. Scott chuckled and waved his hand dismissively.

    ¡°Au contraire, dear Amber. See?¡± He snapped his fingers and was suddenly covered in glowing spectral chains, leading in all directions. Amber started in shock, instantly recognizing the spell and knowing what it meant.

    ¡°Scott! Are those the chains that you bound me to, so I wouldn¡¯t disappear!?¡± she shrieked.

    ¡°Yup!¡± he said proudly.

    ¡°You¡­idiot! The strain of that would be enormous, for that many ghosts!¡± she said, grabbing him frantically, afraid he might slip away at any moment. Now that she understood how magic worked, she knew what the backlash would be if too large a spell was attempted.

    ¡°Oh yeah, I know. The strain for doing this is enough to kill me.¡± he said lightly, grinning. Amber blinked, then groaned. ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t exactly have to worry about that anymore. I¡¯m an unloving necrotic battery! Ha ha ha!¡± She smacked his shoulder. ¡°What gives?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t make me worry like that, idiot.¡± she muttered, looking down. He grinned.

    ¡°Aw, don¡¯t worry about it. There¡¯s not a lot that can hurt me, now that I¡¯m dead. My soul¡¯s bound to my bones, and my bones can¡¯t be destroyed so long as I can channel necrotic energy, which is simplicity itself even as a ghost. I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡± he said, taking her hand. She looked up, red as a tomato.

    ¡°You¡­you promise? I-I don¡¯t want to lose you again.¡± she said quietly.

    ¡°It¡¯s a promise. After all, I¡¯m a necromancer. Death is my specialty.¡± he said, seriously.

    ¡°Mmm. I guess.¡± Amber said, still blushing.

    ¡°And death could never keep me from you, my lovely darling, apple of my eye and most precious treasure.¡± he said as straight-faced as he could, and she burst out laughing.

    ¡°You serious? That line was too cheesy, even for your stunted sense of humor.¡± she chuckled.

    ¡°I know, right? But-¡± He slid his arm around her and tried to waggle his eye sockets at her. At least she thought so. ¡°Did it work?¡±

    ¡°Oh my god.¡± Amber put a hand on her face. ¡°You¡¯re a dork.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not a no.¡± he snickered. She peeked at him through her fingers, then glanced at the bed in the corner. She sighed.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got a big fight ahead of us. It¡¯s gonna be hard, but I¡¯m glad I could spend this time with you.¡± She sighed again.

    ¡°Trust me. We¡¯ll get through this.¡± He smiled at her, and she smiled back. ¡®Somehow.¡¯ he thought. ¡®I will never let anything happen.¡¯

 Chapter 31: Call Waiting

    ¡°Are-are you sure this is a good idea, Scott?¡± Amber asked nervously as the necromancer completed the last circle on the floor. The curtains had been drawn, and black candles had been arranged around the ritual circle. She shivered at the sight of it.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a good idea, it¡¯s the best idea!¡± Scott replied, dusting his hands off. The candles made strange, sinister shadows dance on his skull, eyelights glowing ominously. ¡°Trust me, this¡¯ll work. They¡¯ll die with everything else if Azathoth stops dreaming.¡±

    ¡°O-Okay.¡± Now that she had an actual understanding of magic, she could see just how vile the sigils he¡¯d inscribed truly were. They spoke of madness, and darkness, and pain. Scott double-checked the Necronomicon, nodded, and began to chant.

    ¡°Alzahmed, den, athlathakin. C¡¯etous, in¡¯a bakagauan et spirtous almehd houn. Alzahmed, den, athlathakin. C¡¯etous, in¡¯a bakagauan et spirtous almehd houn. Alzahmed, den, athlathakin.¡± The air vibrated, and the room began to shake and tremble.  ¡°C¡¯etous, in¡¯a bakagauan et spirtous almehd houn. Alzahmed, den, athlathakin. C¡¯etous, in¡¯a bakagauan et spirtous almehd houn! Come! I call you, by my power, come! Webxeneus!¡±

    The candles flickered, snuffing out into a darkness greater than mere absence of light. A foul, charnel smell emanated from the circle as it began to glow a bloody crimson red. A dark yellow shape rose form the center of the diagram, barely repressed demonic giggling coming from below its¡¯ sharp blazing red eyes. Amber trembled. It was terrifying summoning a daemon again, even with her new strength.

    ¡°Who calls the great daemon Webxeneus, Render of Flesh and Spiller of Blood? Who has called forth wisdom beyond the sages, evil beyond the blackest of hearts? Who has-¡± Suddenly, the daemon stopped, blinking his glowing eyes, then narrowed them as he saw his summoner. ¡°You.¡±

    Abruptly, the glow faded, the darkness receded, and the daemon zipped back through the circle.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Scott said, cocking his head. He shared a confused glance with Amber.

    ¡°Is-is that supposed to happen?¡± she asked.

    ¡°No. I didn¡¯t even know they could refuse a summons like that.¡± he said. He relit the candles, checked that the circle and spell were right, and tried again.

    ¡°Alzahmed, den, athlathakin. C¡¯etous, in¡¯a bakagauan et spirtous almehd houn. Alzahmed, den, athlathakin. C¡¯etous, in¡¯a bakagauan et spirtous almehd houn. Alzahmed, den, athlathakin. C¡¯etous, in¡¯a bakagauan et spirtous almehd houn. Alzahmed, den, athlathakin. C¡¯etous, in¡¯a bakagauan et spirtous almehd houn! Come! I call you, by my power, come! Webxeneus!¡±

    This time, not even a flicker. It felt like he was making a call straight to voicemail.

    He tried again, with the name of a different daemon. Nothing. A different one. Nothing. Again, and again, and again, nothing at all.

    ¡°This¡¯s ridiculous. Why won¡¯t they come? A daemon always answers a summons, no matter what! It¡¯s part of their whole deal!¡±

    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re doing it wrong?¡± Amber offered. Scott didn¡¯t even dignify that with a remark.

    ¡°Hold on, I¡¯m gonna see if something else¡¯ll work.¡± he said and stomped off, annoyed.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Alzahmed, den, athlathakin. C¡¯etous, in¡¯a bakagauan et spirtous almehd houn. Alzahmed, den, athlathakin. C¡¯etous, in¡¯a bakagauan et spirtous almehd houn. Alzahmed, den, athlathakin. C¡¯etous, in¡¯a bakagauan et spirtous almehd houn. Alzahmed, den, athlathakin. C¡¯etous, in¡¯a bakagauan et spirtous almehd houn! Come! I call you, by my power, come! Webzanus!¡±

    ¡°Webxeneus, not Webzanus.¡± Scott corrected, and the nine year old nodded.

    ¡°Come forth!¡± Riley clapped her hands, and the circle glowed, the lights faded, and the bald, horned, dark yellow daemon rose again, starting into his shtick.

    ¡°Who has-¡±

    ¡°Hi there.¡± Scott said. Webxeneus¡¯s eyes widened, and he dove back into the dimensional rift. ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t!¡±

    Tarantulas dropped down from the ceiling, covering the daemon¡¯s face, gripping with its¡¯ claws and chittering with all its¡¯ heads.

    ¡°Ah! Get off, get off!¡± The daemon flailed around in the circle, bumping off the edges as he tried to remove the undead abomination.

    ¡°Are we sure they can help?¡± Amber deadpanned. Eventually he tore Tarantulas off his face and flung him away, seething.

    ¡°You¡­dare¡­¡± he growled.

    ¡°Well, you keep trying to run away! What was I supposed to do?¡± Scott said unapologetic.

    ¡°You will never have a contract with-¡± Webxeneus began, but Scott cut him off.

    ¡°Ah-ah ah, I wasn¡¯t the one who summoned you.¡± he said, wagging a finger. ¡°She was.¡± He pointed at Riley, who smiled and waved cheerfully.

    ¡°Hi!¡±

    Webxeneus¡¯s glaring eyes narrowed, the left twitching dangerously, but she truly was his summoner.

    ¡°I¡­I see.¡± he said, trying to regain control of the situation. He cleared his raspy throat and folded his wings back like a cape. ¡°S-So. Despite your age, you have summoned me. What is your bidding, mistress?¡± the daemon said, bowing low in a show of humility.

    ¡°Hey, got a quick question. Why¡¯d you run away when I called you?¡± Scott asked. Webxeneus wheeled on him furiously.

    ¡°You! After what you¡¯ve done, there will never be another contract with you again! You are responsible for the death of Hastazemous!¡± Scott stared blankly at him, his jaw dropping.

    ¡°Holy crap-I¡¯m blacklisted!?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± They all stared at Scott, who put a hand on his chin, removed it to speak, then replaced it as he fell silent again.

    ¡°I mean¡­I mean-wow. I never thought, I didn¡¯t even know¡­wow. I¡¯m, huh. I¡¯m a little proud of myself for that.¡± he said.

    ¡°Exactly why no daemon will ever deal with you again!¡± Webxeneus thundered, then turned back to Riley. ¡°What is your bidding, my mistress? You have called me to serve, and serve I shall.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you can deal with him. I¡¯m out.¡± Riley said, walking to the door. ¡°Bye Mr. Daemon!¡± He stared after her. Not in all his thousands upon thousands of years had Webxeneus experienced someone calling him then just¡­walking away. He turned, slackjawed to Scott, unused to this feeling of dismissal.

    ¡°Welp, you heard the lady. Let¡¯s talk.¡± Scott said, his demeanor turning serious. Webxeneus snorted.

    ¡°As if, wretch. She and I never entered into a bargain, and if she does not negotiate I cannot either.¡± He turned and prepared to sink into the middle of the circle.

    ¡°Even if it involves waking Azathoth?¡± Scott said calmly. Amber watched as the daemon flinched, turning to him slowly, like a robot.

    ¡°What-What did you say?¡±

    ¡°I said that¡¯s what¡¯s going on right now. Now ordinarily, I¡¯d have nothing to do with your kind ever again. But I believe the complete destruction of everything warrants daemonic intervention.¡± Webxeneus stared into the skeleton¡¯s eyelights. He knew there was no joking about this.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°This¡­is true, then.¡± he said. Scott nodded. ¡°Very well. Why have you turned to us in this matter? There are others more¡­suitable, in a situation of this nature.¡±

    ¡°You think I haven¡¯t? I¡¯m getting everyone I can to help stop this. If Delacroix¡¯s plan goes off you get offed too, and he¡¯s using daemonic help to do it.¡± Scott said. Webxeneus¡¯s eyes narrowed.

    ¡°I SEE.¡± He was quiet for a moment. ¡°Unfortunately, I am only a middle-ranked daemon. I cannot alleviate a problem of this magnitude on my own, but I can alert those higher up. Will you allow me to do so?¡± Amber wondered to herself if he had higher-ups, or lower-downs.

    ¡°Go ahead. Just don¡¯t take too long.¡± Scott said.

    ¡°Rest assured, there will be great haste.¡± Webxeneus vanished, and the normal lighting returned. Scott crossed his arms, waiting.

    ¡°Do we really want to get them involved in this?¡± Amber asked.

    ¡°Want? No. Need? Oh yes. One of their own¡¯s trying to end them, you can bet they¡¯ll be salty about that.¡± Scott said. Amber nodded.

    ¡°Yeah, I guess. Will they get back to us today or-¡±

    A small pillar of flame shot from the center of the circle. Out stepped an aged blonde gentleman in an exquisite suit, carrying an elegant, silver-tipped cane. Immaculately tailored and precise, with no wasted motion he looked them both over and bowed at the waist.

    ¡°Good evening, Miss Harris, Mr. Havenbrook. I have been informed that there is a matter that requires urgent attention. I am the Prince of Hell, the archdaemon Mephistopheles. May I please kindly be allowed out of the circle?¡± he asked politely.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Scott said, smudging the chalk with a boot.

    ¡°Scott!¡± Amber cried in alarm. The skeleton and daemon both stared at her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Amber. He needs to work here, I gotta give him free reign. He¡¯s not stupid enough to do anything with so much at stake. Join me at the desk.¡± Scott said, taking his seat.

    ¡°Your beau speaks the truth, fair mademoiselle. I shall not harm even a hair on any of you. Indeed, that is why it is often I who am sent to negotiate affairs such as these. Please, a token of peace.¡± He held out a bouquet of gorgeous red roses to her, fragrant and elegant, perfectly cultivated.

    ¡°Um, t-thank you.¡± she said, but as he turned she quickly set them down and moved away.

    ¡°So.¡± Mephistopheles said, draping himself over a chair with careless ease and somehow complete professionalism. ¡°I have heard from my subordinates that someone is attempting to stop the Daemon Sultan from dreaming. I require more information before I feel comfortable acting, however. This is a matter of grave import.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re telling me. I¡¯ve already died to these guys before. The man who¡¯s instigating this is Desmond Delacroix, head of Metatech Pharmaceuticals. However, I suspect he¡¯s just a puppet for the true mastermind, the Calamitous Ruination.¡± Scott explained. Mephistopheles raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°The Last Alarm? He has resurfaced? I thought him banished, for good.¡± he said.

    ¡°You know about him?¡± Amber asked.

    ¡°Indeed, my dear. He¡¯s rather infamous. In ages long since passed, the Serpent attempted to cause dimensional collapse in order to reach the center of the universe, which is locked to nearly all, save from the Outer Gods. His desire was to wake the Blind Idiot before. Fortunately, other powers managed to stop him before anything truly dreadful happened. It resulted on the downfall of Atlantis. We daemons were involved only tangentially, being summoned to battle his minions, but even we do not wish to cease existing, no matter how awful our innate conditions are.¡± he said, sniffing disdainfully at the thought of his compatriots.

    ¡°You seem presentable enough, not like the other daemons.¡± Amber said.

    ¡°Hastazemus was powerful, yes. But far too uncouth and coarse to be considered one of the true archdaemon elite. I am much more refined, as befitting one of my position.¡± he said primly.

    ¡°And exactly what type of position is that?¡± Amber asked. Mephistopheles smiled devilishly.

    ¡°Commanding from high up, naturally. As befits someone of taste and power.¡±

    ¡°Yeah yeah, daemons are great and you¡¯re the best of the best. So what can you bring to the table here?¡± Scott said, losing patience.

    ¡°Hmm. In this matter, I can bring much. Though I rule over only an eighth of our dimension, once I confer with the other daemon lords it should be simple to ensure their cooperation. Now then, you said one of our own was working with Mr. Delacroix? Hmm.¡± He snapped his fingers, and an imp flew out of the circle, holding a file. As he took it, the imp bowed and disappeared in a flash of fire.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see, Delacroix, Delacroix¡­ah, here he is. Yes, he made a deal with Mephitomonagnarious some years ago. Hmm. Unrestricted servitude, in return for the barrier between this dimension and ours erased. Not the first time we¡¯ve been promised that, but his credentials were excellent, so the deal was accepted. Mephitomonagnarious seems to be working diligently, and has no prior record of rebellion, nor any inclination to either it or nihilism, if I may say so.¡± the daemons said.

    ¡°How do you know? He¡¯s pretty strong and seemed pretty crafty, he could be hiding it.¡± Scott said. Mephistopheles smiled thinly and chuckled.

    ¡°Because I¡¯ve know the lad all his life. He¡¯s actually my great-nephew, my sister is a succubus. I can say with authority he is most likely unaware of Delacroix¡¯s true goal, if that¡¯s the case.¡± He closed the folder and it burned away. ¡°It shouldn¡¯t take but a moment to contact him.¡± He traced an evil-looking glowing circle in the air with his fingertip, forming a pentagram with obscene sigils that made both Scott and Amber shiver with unease. ¡°Hmm? Hello? Mephitomonagnarious, are you-?¡±

    There was a mighty crack and Mephistopheles was blown out of his chair, sending him slamming into the wall upside down with incredible force, landing on the floor in an undignified sprawl. All three of them gaped at the glowing neon pink eye sealing the circle off, then it vanished.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯s taking calls right now.¡± Amber deadpanned.

    ¡°This-insolence! The absurdity of it!¡± Mephistopheles thundered, standing up and fixing his suit. ¡°The Poisonous Thoughts has cut off all forms of magical communication! We¡¯re blind in there!¡±

    ¡°Crap. That¡¯s not good.¡± Scott muttered, thinking. Mephistopheles returned to the table, a great deal more agitated.

    ¡°Mr. Havenbrook, I find myself forced into an allegiance with you, despite your¡­history with our kind. To be frank, I was impressed with your performance. I can respect skill and ingenuity, even in a foe. We will require both, and sadly lack such intelligence in great numbers on our side.¡± he said. Scott shrugged.

    ¡°What can you do? Genius is hard to come by.¡±

    ¡°I would settle for even subpar brainpower.¡± Mephistopheles growled. ¡°Regardless, I offer you these terms. I can guarantee you the full might of all of our resources, should you allow us into this realm. All we ask in return are a mere few trifles, and we shall ally and quash this threat.¡±

    ¡°No dice.¡± Scott said immediately. Mephistopheles blinked.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I said no way. A few trifles? Hah. We don¡¯t have time for games, man. Either you¡¯re in, or you¡¯re out, no weaseling. Help us and you go back to the pit where you came from, or be erased. I will accept no other offers. Do we have a deal?¡± Scott put his chin on his fist, glaring at the daemon with toxic emerald light. Mephistopheles turned his lips up in a thin, cruel smile.

    ¡°And if you¡¯ll remember, Mr. Havenbrook, it was you that released me from the circle. Do you know how much freedom that grants me?¡± he said sinisterly. Scott shrugged.

    ¡°I honestly don¡¯t care. Go ahead, slaughter every single one of us. Crack open the barrier of reality. How long do you think you¡¯ll rule? Sixteen hours? Doesn¡¯t seem that great to me. And I hoped for someone who so vaunted intelligence, you¡¯d be a little smarter than that yourself.¡±

    They stared at each other, gold versus green. Mephistopheles chuckled.

    ¡°You drive a hard bargain, Mr. Havenbrook. Alas, I am a daemon, and must give at least a token effort. What do you require?¡±

    ¡°Can you teleport my ship and three million zombies to Delacroix¡¯s location in Australia? I don¡¯t know where it is.¡± he said, and Mephistopheles paused.

    ¡°You do ask for the sky, Mr. Havenbrook.¡± Scott grinned. ¡°It is¡­possible, but will be¡­difficult. Even for one of my power, I¡¯m not sure that I can-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not done. I also need as many warriors, warbeasts, and archlords as well as any allies you can wrangle. You didn¡¯t think I wouldn¡¯t be opening the barrier between our dimensions, did you?¡± Mephistopheles paused again, narrowing his yellow eyes but giving him a thin smile.

    ¡°I see. Perchance were you a daemon in your previous life? You make a very juicy offer, but it will not profit us in the end.¡± he said. Scott shrugged.

    ¡°Well, you get to keep living. Sounds good to me.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. If you¡¯d be interested, would you consider an offer of conversion from lowly mortalhood to daemonhood? I feel you¡¯d make a good one, and you¡¯d easily come back to life.¡± Mephistopheles offered, smiling.

    ¡°Sorry, I got other plans. I¡¯d never make a deal with you scumsuckers if I didn¡¯t have to again!¡± Scott said, eyelights bright. They both laughed uproariously while Amber wiped off her brow. The tension was loosening.

    ¡°Very well, Mr. Havenbrook. I find we must strike an accord. But, we have to make it official.¡± He stuck out his hand.

    ¡°One job, everyone clears out after, no one does anything else?¡± Scott asked, clarifying.

    ¡°Mr. Havenbrook, I never break a bargain.¡±

    ¡°I know. But I know how you can twist and weasel that bargain. You¡¯ll leave this dimension alone.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t dream otherwise. We have a large stake in this too.¡± Mephistopheles said. Scott nodded.

    Bones met daemonic flesh and shook. A flash of fire tossed out the contract, which Scott snatched out of the air.

    ¡°I¡¯ll hold onto this.¡± he said, pocketing it.

    ¡°Very well. Just call my name, and I shall appear. We will be ready by sundown.¡± With a bow, he vanished and Amber finally relaxed.

    ¡°Whew. He was creepy.¡± she said, sitting on the desk.

    ¡°Yeah, but he¡¯s one of the best. He¡¯ll do what he says.¡± Scott leaned back, hand on his head. ¡°I guess we just get ready ¡®til then. Can you help me prepare to crack open a hole in reality?¡±

    ¡°Sure. Happy to help.¡± she said dully. How ironic that she had to help the daemons now. Scott sighed, commiserating. He also looked her over, slouched on his desk.

    ¡°By the way, you get that suit from Cross? Looks the same.¡±

    ¡°Yeah?¡± she said. Scott nodded approvingly.

    ¡°You keeping it? It¡¯s kinda doing it for me.¡± he said, grinning. She sighed and smacked his bulbous skull.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be a perv. We¡¯ve got work to do.¡± She stood up and went to the closet to retrieve supplies, but glanced back at him. ¡°Just so you know, the suit was a write-off. Just a spare, they told me to keep it.¡± She smiled as his eyelights grew brighter.

    ¡°Gotcha. Oh, watch out-!¡±

    ¡°Yaaaaaah!¡± She screamed as Tarantulas, Arnold Palmer, and Bones stood there holding out supplies, the rat-headed monstrosity sitting comfortably and extending its¡¯ necks to offer bags form Bones¡¯ ribcage. She slammed the door and shot Scott a dirty look.

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

 Chapter 32: Stand Together, Stand Proud

    This was it. They had slept, they had eaten, they had prepared, and several trucks driven by zombies had shown up, loaded with enormous cargo covered in tarps two hours ago. Scott had cackled madly, but now it was calm. It was time. They all watched the sun sink low in the sky, returning the baleful orange to a deep blood red. Even the crew stood silent and still, watching the new nightfall.

    Leo was on deck first. He stood tall and proud by the helm, his sword charm twinkling in the fading light. He stroked it to reassure himself and felt the faintest comfort of the god he served. His expression and demeanor was serious, but he was smiling determinedly.

    Genevieve and Gregor were next, shuffling from below deck like the walking corpses they were. Gregor was blank and trudged his feet like he was walking to the gallows, but still he walked to join Leo. Genevieve tossed back her shining black hair confidently and strode forward bold as could be, hoping no one would see her hands shaking.

    Cross exited her room and appeared on deck next, her grim step only matched by the look on her face. The ghosts and zombies gave her a wide berth, the aura of pissed-off annoyance palpable around her. She was dressed in her normal, unsuited attire, her detective¡¯s badge visibly hanging form her neck.

    Connor and Riley were the next ones to join, Captain Blackwell following while a crate floated next to him. Riley was uncharacteristically reserved, while Connor looked like he wanted to cry. They both went forward, knowing it was both necessary and their teacher needed them. The captain lowered the crate to the floorboards and hovered silently, looking forlorn at the crew.

    Bess walked heavily up to the deck next, dark circles under her eyes and cracking her knuckles. She had a bandolier of markers and chalk, potions and pouches hanging from her belt. She had been up practicing and preparing, and wore a scarf of oily orange material.

    Will and Kevin appeared next, quickly climbing up the side of the ship. They were both scarfing down genuine, 100% bona fide New York hotdogs with a topping no one suspected was ketchup. If they were to go out, they could say they had a real traditional New York experience. Kevin smiled weakly, not dressed in his costume while Will scowled sullenly, glancing at all of them like he had to memorize their faces.

    Crenshaw was next. They watched the helicopter lower a large box into the hands of the zombie crewmen, who talked with the agent before bustling it away. Crenshaw went to the others. Words failed him, so he saluted smartly. Cross nodded.

    A wobbly Vanessa joined them, teetering across the boards but gaining control with each step, remembering her purpose. She looked like she¡¯d been crying, but she didn¡¯t have an illusion to conceal it.

    Deep below deck Nigel, attended to by a ghost that had been a nurse in life, tossed and turned weakly. He was haunted by dreams of a voice calling him, and the memories of a girl standing over him, trying to reassure him that it would be okay.

    They all stood there quietly, even the zombies. The stars shone blankly overhead, in arcane formations heralding the end of days. There was a crack as a door burst open, and all heads turned to the captain¡¯s quarters.

    Black boots strode across the deck, his belt heavy with pouches, reagents, and a dagger. His sleeveless coat flared out behind him in the wind, his sable hoodie covering his white skull. Toxic emerald green pinpoints shone form the darkness of the hood, a pale white blonde girl with her hair down next to him in a suit. The zombies knelt as they passed, and he nodded as he went. They strode across the deck, and he turned to face them.

    ¡°Everyone¡¯s here.¡± he said, nodding at each off them in turn. They nodded back. He cracked his neck and turned to address them and the crew. He picked up the microphone to the jury-rigged mass of speakers.

    ¡°Alright! This is it! We face long odds today!¡± he said, his voice booming. Even the military and rescue workers stopped to watch the ship. ¡°I cannot guarantee survival, but I can guarantee that won¡¯t matter! We are not fighting for our lives! We are not fighting for our freedom! We are not fighting for any reason that complicated or noble!¡±

    ¡°Our enemy seeks to wake the Blind Idiot God, who dreams all of creation into being! I say to you, this must not come to pass! For we face a challenge even more basic than life: the struggle and right to exist at all! Our foe seeks to take even that form you, and cast everything you know and love to oblivion! Men, will you allow this to happen!?¡±

    ¡°NO!!!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! We go now to preserve not just ourselves, but eternity! We have no time for petty squabbles among ourselves! And we are not alone! I am a necromancer, and the dead rise to stave off oblivion! Leo is the agent of a strange eldritch god, and he constantly works to protect us! We shall join him in battle! Amber is the disciple of a goddess, and She is on our side! Though they are unfamiliar and frightening, we join together to save one another! We shall unleash Hell upon our enemies! Literally!¡± He nodded to Amber. ¡°Do it.¡±

    She nodded and held up the detonator. With a nervous glance at Scott, she pushed the trigger, and the small explosives they¡¯d acquired form Crenshaw went off around the Metatech building.

    The magic symbols woven around the building, so carefully placed by Delacroix, were targeted and redirected according to Scott¡¯s designs, and the explosives strategically destroyed key points, warping the energies and falling into a hole in reality. The building crackled and flashed, the concrete and mortar breaking apart into a glowing black hole, through which monstrous fiends gibbered and danced.

    ¡°Mephistopheles!¡± Scott cried as the horrors poured out, made of flesh and sludge and shadow and fear; dripping, flying, marching, slithering forth in a daemonic parade of all shapes and sizes. The onlookers gasped as the legions of Hell came into the world, screaming, silent, or crying.

    ¡°Good sir, the army is ready.¡± Mephistopheles said, appearing beside Scott in a flash of fire. But he was not alone. There was a large, red, six-eyed, imposing daemon with seventeen horns, sneering imperiously down at them, his wings folded like a cape to conceal his body. There was a tall, lithe, dangerous-looking humanoid, his head ringed by insectoid eyes and a probing, drooling fly¡¯s mouth. Knives, wands, and guns were strapped to his scantily-clad body, lovingly caressed by long-nailed fingers as his wings buzzed. There was a black-winged¡­obelisk, five feet tall and covered in constantly rotating eyes. And finally, there was a dark-cloaked, dark haired human looking woman with golden eyes playing disinterestedly on her cell phone.

    ¡°Allow me to introduce the main four Archdukes of Hell, and Supreme Overseer Daemons. Asmodeus, Beelzebub, Azazel, and Lilith.¡± Mephistopheles said, gesturing to each in turn.

    ¡°So. This is the whelp who dared cross us?¡± Asmodeus huffed, leaning down to look at Scott¡¯s skeletal face.

    ¡°Hi there! Glad to be working wth you. Still sore about last time?¡± he said cheerfully. Asmodeus blew smoke form his nostrils.

    ¡°Rest assured, boy, that were the situation not so dire I would rend you down to your soul and crush it like an ant.¡± he growled.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    ¡°Good thing for me it is then. Have you been briefed, or should I explain it to you in words small enough you can understand?¡± Scott said brightly, and Amber jabbed him in his side.

    ¡°Don¡¯t antagonize the daemon lord!¡± she said through gritted teeth.

    ¡°Your woman speaks truth. Heed her.¡± Asmodeus said, then stomped to the side.

    We have been made aware of the situation. We will do what we can to aid you. Azazel spoke up somehow, in a voice like whispered fears. And due to the nature of both our bargain and the Serpent¡¯s goal, we shall depart this world in peace when done. Rest assured.

    ¡°Zzzk, kan weee getz goinnng now? I¡¯vv wanted to zzzzkin Delacroix vvvor awhile nnnow. Let¡¯zzz go, go, go!¡± Beelzebub buzzed impatiently.

    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s do this. I¡¯m getting bored.¡± Lilith said absently, texting. She shifted, and it was quickly and abundantly apparent she wasn¡¯t wearing anything under her cloak.

    ¡°Um.¡± Scott muttered, casting his eyelights down from the¡­impressively stretched and buttoned fabric. Amber scowled, while Leo stared ramrod straight ahead, while Kevin, Crenshaw, and Will tried to be surreptitious in their glances. Lilith grinned, putting her hands above her head and stretching, making everyone notice.

    ¡°See something you like, bone boy?¡± she said, sidling up to Scott.

    ¡°Uh¡­¡± was all that came to his mind, super grateful he was just bones right now.

    ¡°He¡¯s fine.¡± Amber said, squeezing next to Scott. Lilith winked at them.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. You¡¯re welcome too. End of the universe, we should have some fun beforehand, go out with a bang.¡± Behind her, Scott and Amber saw every eye on the archdaemons go wide and they vigorously shook their heads at them.

    ¡°We¡¯re okay.¡± Scott said, his voice high-pitched as Amber blushed and pulled him away from her.

    ¡°Down, girl. They¡¯re not for you.¡± Mephistopheles admonished, picking up his cane threateningly. They could all see him start to sweat.

    ¡°Mmm, fine. But if you change our minds¡­¡± She winked and made her phone reappear.

    ¡°Yeah. Um. Right.¡± Scott said, trying to gather himself. He stared at the rest of the group, then rallied. ¡°R-Right! Today, we are joined by the darkest denizens of the daemon dimension! A horde of Hell, ready to rip! But they are not the only ones!¡± he said into the microphone, then turned to Leo. ¡°They here?¡±

    Indeed.

    The red sky burst into flame, a gigantic circle of fire opening up allowing a host of new monsters, strange tentacle beings, glowing furry beasts, singing eyes, iridescent insectoids, and spinning flaming wheels into the world. Most of them spread out across the sky into the horizon, but a contingent led by a golden eye, surrounded by six balls of fire descended to the deck, flanked by winged serpentine creatures with forty-seven legs apiece.

    ¡°We are joined by a heavenly host, servants of a god sent to protect and aid us! This is the turning point of everything! Not once has any of these beings, us included, have worked together like this, on this scale! But the time has come to cast aside former designations and come together as ONE! Together, we shall LIVE!¡±

    Scott¡¯s words reverberated through the city, to cheers and cries and curses, more than a few people and zombies crossing themselves or genuflecting.

    ¡°Lagdinras. So¡­good of you to come.¡± Mephistopheles said carefully.

    Yes, it Is. We are Here to Spread the Light of Zet-Mathaig, Supreme Arbiter and Adjudicator.

    Lagdinras communicated, the words appearing in their memories, nothing said physically or mentally.

    We are Willing to Work with Vile beings such as You, provided You Fulfil your Part.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t dream of anything else.¡± Mephistopheles said, but Scott found himself shepherded away by Asmodeus.

    ¡°Look filth, I do not like you. But I can tell you from experience, don¡¯t trust that eyeball. He¡¯s tricky.¡± the daemon whispered conspiratorially. Scott stared blankly back.

    ¡°Kay?¡± he said, and found himself in a steel grip as Asmodeus grabbed his shoulders, desperately staring into his eyelights.

    ¡°And for the love of anything you believe in, stay away from Lilith! Understand!?¡± he nearly screamed, trying to keep his voice a whisper.

    ¡°Got it.¡± Scott said flatly.

    ¡°Good.¡± Asmodeus released him, and Scott shook his head. Honestly, they were getting to be more trouble than they were worth. Crenshaw stepped forward, directing zombies to place wrapped packages on the deck.

    ¡°It¡¯s not so impressive after demons and all that, but I¡¯ve also brought something to the table, to bolster our conventional firepower.¡± He whipped the wrapping off one of them, revealing a large gun nearly four feet long, mounted on a tripod. ¡°The Mk.19 automatic grenade launcher. Shoots M430 grenade rounds, at a rate of 60 rounds rapid, 40 sustained. Deadly within 5 meters, wounding range up to 15. Effective firing range about 1500 meters, maximum range 2212 meters. Normally mounted to tripods, they¡¯re a little under a hundred pounds, so your zombies might be able to handle them alone. I brought five of them, with 4000 rounds per gun. Is this acceptable?¡± he explained.

    ¡°Crenshaw?¡± Scott asked. ¡°I think I love you.¡±

    ¡°Ditto.¡± Cross said, going over and plunking down next to one, her entire being radiating MINE. The daemons sneered, but Cross could only smile at the superior firepower now at their disposal.

    ¡°Alright. This¡¯s gonna be good! Mephistopheles, ready to go?¡± he asked the daemon, who bowed.

    ¡°Merely say the word we await your command.¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Everyone turned to see Dalton approach the deck, Brad nervously biting his nails in a corner. He came up to Scott, trembling and sweating. He wanted nothing more than to run away, but the horse-faced boy forced himself to stay put. ¡°I-Iwannahelpyou!¡± he rushed out.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Scott said.

    ¡°L-Look. I¡­I heard what¡¯s at stake here. I¡¯m, I¡¯m not much, b-but I got velociomanc-cy, so I f-figured¡­¡±He gulped down a lungful of air. ¡°I, I gotta do my part. We all n-need to. Besides, n-no one ever said I h-had anything to offer before.¡± he said, looking down.

    ¡°Ah. Gotcha.¡± Scott ran a hand over his skull, thinking. Dalton wasn¡¯t part of the strategy from here on out, and his demeanor and lack of combat experience would be a hindrance, not a help. Even the kids had more experience with life or death situations, combat, and knowledge of how to use their meager powers. They¡¯d come out on top before, he could trust them. It took everything Dalton had just to stand there. But stand there he did, wanting to help. Scott couldn¡¯t ignore that.

    ¡°Tell you what. This¡¯s actually perfect. See, with your abilities, I¡¯d have to re-plan our whole strategy around you, and even with velociomancy we don¡¯t have the time. I expected you to up and run, to be honest. But you¡¯re a lifesaver, or at least you¡¯re gonna be.¡± He slid a boney arm around his flinching shoulders. ¡°See, we gotta go cut off the source of the disturbances, but I¡¯m worried about the place here. There¡¯s a whole bunch of dimensional breaches and monsters running around, and the people here can¡¯t be everywhere at once. Unless they have spells that can increase their speed to a million times infinity. Right?¡± he said, grinning.

    ¡°Right.¡± Dalton nodded back. ¡°How can I help?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s an Abrams squaring off with some kind of octopus in Brooklyn. Backup won¡¯t be there for at least twelve minutes.¡± Crenshaw said. Scott pointed.

    ¡°Y¡¯see? There ya go! Just stick with the army guys, they¡¯ll help you. But-hmm. Mephistopheles, can this guy get a bodyguard? One who can help identify the supernatural danger?¡±

    ¡°But of course.¡± Mephistopheles snapped his fingers, and a short, burly, bald, shirtless, lime-skinned daemon wielding scimitars appeared on the ship. ¡°Astelocaccus here is a fine, experienced warrior. He will make an excellent protector for the lad.¡±

    Hold.

    A metallic birdlike creature with six wings stepped forward at Lagdinras¡¯s command.

    You shall Not Tempt a Magician with such Trickery. Verrinungan shall accompany Dalton, to Protect him as well.

    ¡°Good to meet you, Sir Dalton. I am Verrinungan.¡± the bird bowed, a ruby glittering on his chest before fluttering to Dalton¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Ha! A liddle widdle birdie wantsta be a fighter.¡± Astelocaccus sneered. The gen glowed and Verrinungan shot a laser that just missed and singed Astelocaccus¡¯s ear, freezing him mid-guffaw.

    ¡°I believe you will find my strength adequate.¡± he said, producing a tiny monocle and fastening it over his left eye.

    ¡°Yeah yeah, have a pissing contest later. You in too?¡± Scott called to Brad, huddled in his corner. ¡°Pyromancy¡¯d be a big help.

    ¡°No! Just let me go home!¡± Brad cried, trying to assume a fetal position. Scott shrugged.

    ¡°You heard ¡®em. Get ¡®em outta here.¡± Mephistopheles muttered and waved his hand, and both Brad and a Dalton who appeared to be regretting his life choices along with his congitent disappeared.

    ¡°They are at their desired locations. If everyone is ready, I believe we should depart.¡±

    ¡°Right! Everyone ready!¡± Scott shouted into the mic, receiving a chorus of cheers from the assembled armies.

    ¡°We have been for the last ten minutes.¡± Cross deadpanned.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go!¡± the skeleton thundered. Mephistopheles, along with the other four daemon lords, began to chant. The air began to quake, and vibrations ran through the ship and three armies. Black sparks broke out over everyone, and with a boom they vanished, spirited away to their final showdown.

 Chapter 33: Final Boss

    ¡°¡­exlemous, cvnemmige, zahamion tol.¡± the figure in the robe finished chanting, then stood up. He took the wicked-looking ceremonial knife form the pedestal, covered in sigils. ¡°Glory to Lord Riepaimva!¡± With that, he slit his own throat and fell, his blood seeping out into the magic circle they were seated at, chanting while the circle grew brighter, drawing the ichor into it. Delacroix nodded.

    ¡°Good, very good. You are the final pieces of the puzzle. Your sacrifice shall pave the way to victory.¡± he said to the other robed people sitting, performing the ritual. They nodded, still chanting. Seven down, six to go. Delacroix left, passing through the field that made time pass faster. ¡°Is everything proceeding smoothly?¡±

    ¡°About as well as could be expected.¡± Fausto said, glancing over the railing. The sun shone through the cave entrance, playing over the metal walkway above the hollowed-out rock, where a massive encampment of teens, young adults, and guards were milling about checking weapons or spell ingredients. All of them were feasting from the enormous pile of red pills in the center of the floor.

    ¡°Any problems?¡± Delacroix asked.

    ¡°Nothing we couldn¡¯t handle.¡± Samagan said, grinning with rows of sharp teeth. ¡°Everyone here¡¯s on-board for what¡¯s next. They¡¯re just a happy bunch of volunteers.¡±

    ¡°Excellent. Glad to see we¡¯ve ensured that.¡±

    ¡°Speaking of which, looks like we have company.¡± Fausto said, looking to the side. ¡°It feels like a massive magical displacement¡­¡±

    There was a dull boom in the distance. The three of them rushed out of the cave, shielding their eyes from the sun.

    An enormous cloud of dirt was kicked up in the distance. Slowly, the black wave crested above the horizon.

    From the earth, the dead had risen to march. From the depths of Hell, the daemons had come to strike. From the heavens and space above, the disciples of Zet-Mathiag had come to defend. They poured across the dusty plain, roaring, screaming, flying, ready to destroy the base and tear it asunder, along with anyone who dared oppose them. Samagan gaped; the sheer numbers assembled against them were an exponential multitude greater than the Third Eye forces.

    ¡°Did they intend to drown us in bodies?¡± Fausto said in wonderment. So many zombies, and daemons. What was going on?

    ¡°Boss¡­?¡± Samagan said, turning worriedly to Delacroix. The company president took in the might of the assembled armies concerned, but smiling darkly.

    ¡°Gentlemen, they do have a force much greater than ours. Fortunately, they still have the same problem. An infinite number of lesser like them is no match for greaters like us. Not if we apply the appropriate¡­leverage.¡±

    ¡°But-they¡¯re daemons. It looks like everybody¡¯s here. And¡­is that a flying galleon?¡± Fausto said. They all saw the spectral ship hover above the writhing masses, blaring rock music. Delacroix tilted his head.

    ¡°That¡¯s new.¡± he admitted.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± His shadow roiled and stood, a fierce neon pink eye burning in the blackness of its face. ¡°Do not worry about the daemons. Fighting them is a necessary step to liberate daemonkind.¡± Riepaimva said, waving a six-fingered hand in mystical ways.

    ¡°A necessary step¡­got it.¡± Fausto muttered, a glowing pink eye briefly appearing on his forehead. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s disappointing, but they¡¯ll see reason later.¡±

    ¡°Any other problems?¡± Riepaimva turned his cyclopean eye on Samagan, who shrank back and shook his head. ¡°Good. Delacroix, prepare your children. They will have clean up to do.¡±

    ¡°Where are you going, my lord?¡± he asked. A thick, sharp line of teeth gashed his face apart in a smile.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to apply leverage.¡±

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Ayers Rock. 2,831 feet high, over 530 million years old, the only structure natural or otherwise for miles. Also known as Uluru by the aboriginal people, this formation had been known in myth and legend since its¡¯ discovery. However, the sandstone structure was actually formed around the thinnest part of reality on Earth, like a scab over a wound. Before even Atlantis sank, some time after Ry¡¯leh became home to its¡¯ caretaker, rock had formed around the gap in spaces, the continent rising up around it, absorbing and bleeding off the eldritch, otherworldly influences.

    It was here that Delacroix had first discovered the path to the Libris Malefactorum Arcana, and where he returned to with his god in tow, reuniting the three sacred tools to Riepaimva¡¯s plan: the Circle of Zeus, the Golden Monkey of Abazuul, and the Amulet of Puluhtu. It was here that the ritual was held, and here that Scott and company flew to.

    ¡°Whoa! Ayers Rock! Cool!¡± Scott said, his coat billowing in the wind. The army swarmed towards it like termites. ¡°Sorry, UNESCO.¡±

    ¡°Feel sorry when we¡¯re all still alive!¡± Cross snapped, making sure her grenade launcher was loaded. ¡°I see something!¡±

    The troops were running in a line, starting to spread out and surround the rock. But before they could, there was a darkness, a tar black spot that rose up, story upon story, blotting out the sun. The zombies and daemons halted in the face of such a colossal creature, unfurling two ebon arms ending in six-fingered hands, a blazing pink eye opening and blinking on its¡¯ face. Those on board the Dead Man¡¯s Hand could only gape as Riepaimva¡¯s form rose and grew, glaring down at all of them.

    ¡°H-Holy¡­¡± Connor said.

    ¡°Crap.¡± Riley finished. There was a moment where all parties merely stood, gazing at and sizing each other up. And up. And up.

    ¡°Kill that bastard!¡± Cross cried into the microphone, taking aim and shooting grenades as fast as she could. That broke the spell of immobility, and the crowd surged forward, covering Riepiamva¡¯s shadowy feet and legs.

    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    ¡°Pathetic fools. You can¡¯t hurt me.¡± the god laughed, striding forward. His footsteps made the earth shake and flattened zombies and daemons wherever he stepped, popping them like grapes.

    ¡°Stand strong!¡± Scott cried as Crenshaw opened fired along with the zombies, their explosives joined by the roar of cannons, a bellowing Captain Blackwell waving his saber to direct.

    ¡°Alright, prepare yourselves.¡° Mephistopheles said to the other archdaemons. They sat down and closed their eyes, muttering incomprehensible syllables as they communicated telepathically with their forces. The daemons suddenly fell into formations and began launching coordinated, concentrated attacks. Riepaimva grimaced and took a step back, away from the thrown spells and stabbing blades.

    Everyone saw. It was hard not to notice.

    Press on!

    Lagdinras commanded, his golden iris glowing. The balls of fire spun and whirled around him, shooting six streams of holy fire into the black mass, making the god grunt in pain.

    ¡°He¡¯s weakening!¡± Crenshaw said.

    ¡°Swarm him! Tear him apart!¡± Scott ordered.

    ¡°This¡¯ll help!¡± Amber began leaping around, shooting gravity webs at the malicious god, anchoring him to the ground behind them.

    ¡°Gaaaaaaahhhhhh!¡± Unable to retreat, Riepaimva surged forward, crushing the wave of attackers on him. He screeched, reaching out a six-clawed hand to crush the ship.

    ¡°All together!¡±

    ¡°YAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!¡± The four vampires leapt as one, kicking the hand with all their might. Instead of knocking it back, they blew out a hole in the palm instead. Riepaimva snarled, pulling back his hand to heal it.

    ¡°He¡¯s made himself too big! I think he¡¯s stretched himself thin!¡± Mephistopheles thundered.

    ¡°Waaaahhhh!¡± Riepaimva clutched his leg, a quartet of siege spears from the cannon of a daemonic war elephant sticking out.

    ¡°Pull!¡± the attendant daemon cried, whipping the beast. It growled but obeyed, backing up with powerful legs, daemons and holy messengers alike pulling. Together, they ripped a black mass free from his leg.

    ¡°Whaaaaaat!¡± Riepaimva pinwheeled his arms and fell onto his back.

    ¡°Now¡¯s our chance! Get him!¡± Scott cried. His zombie army marched, using all of their undead strength to gouge holes in the shadowy god, his body shrinking as more and more of it was torn away.

    ¡°No! K¡¯za2gf!¡± Riepaimva pointed a finger and black lightning shot out, coursing through the crowd like snakes. Daemons, angels, and zombies were fried, but the surge of bodies made the mass execution irrelevant. ¡°No¡­how¡­¡±

    ¡°On him, lads! SALLY FORTH!¡± Blackwell shouted, heard over the din. The cannons pelted him with fire as they sped towards him.

    ¡°Get ready! Scott, let¡¯s go!¡± Leo said. Scott nodded and took his offered arm. ¡°You! Hold him down!¡± he shouted at the daemon lords, gesturing with his sword.

    ¡°Do not presume to-¡± Asmodeus began, but Beelzebub slapped him upside the head.

    ¡°C¡¯mon! We don¡¯t hazzz time vvvor thizzz!¡± He buzzed his wings and jumped, the other daemons following his lead. Asmodeus snarled but rocketed off too. They slammed into Riepaimva like meteors, pinning him down as the army swarmed and helped.

    ¡°When I stab him, you do that spell that kills people!¡± Leo bellowed at Scott.

    ¡°You mean channel necrotic energy?¡± Scott scratched his skull.

    ¡°Right! Whatever!"

    ¡°But I have to be touching the target tooooohhhhaaaaaa!¡± Leo held Scott, much lighter as bones, and jumped off the ship, blade pointed straight down with the screaming skeleton in tow. ¡°Amber!¡±

    ¡°Holy jeez! Avesh!¡± Amber shot a gravity web onto Leo¡¯s back, so they wouldn¡¯t go splat. But there was plenty of lead as the wind rushed past them, right until-!

    GA-SHUNK!

    ¡°NOW!¡±

    ¡°SEKH!¡±

    Riepaimva screamed as the holy sword stuck into his eye, pure rot streaming into his body from the blade. He tried to thrash and writhe, but the army and daemon lords kept him down. Cracks appeared in his body, white light shining through as Leo and Scott bungeed back to the ship.

    ¡°What!? Did you do it!? Did we win!?¡± Amber cried as she and Scott embraced.

    ¡°Yay! Yay! We won!¡± Riley crowed, dancing.

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t believe it, but I think we did.¡± Scott said, dazed. ¡°Maybe it was a good idea to bring everybody.¡±

    ¡°Heads up, he¡¯s getting brighter!¡± Kevin said, shielding his eyes as he looked over the side. ¡°Is that normal!?¡±

    The air began to vibrate, a palpable swell of power building up to release. Everyone¡¯s hair stood up. Scott took one look over the railing and gasped.

    ¡°It¡¯s-it¡¯s a temporal eddy! He¡¯s a god, he exists in all dimensions, including time! I¡­I think his wave-form is collapsing, undoing him from all points in time at once!¡±

    ¡°What!?¡± Leo cried, the glow getting brighter. It started to spread, engulfing everything at once.

    ¡°Everything he¡¯s done is undoing itself! That means-¡±

    The world went white.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Birds chirped as sunlight streamed in through the window. It hit Scott Havenbrook in the face, making him twitch and grunt. He opened a bleary eye and glanced at the time. Three minutes after his alarm was supposed to have gone off. He yawned, stretched, and flumped back to his pillow.

    ¡°Yo dork, get your ass outta bed. Mom¡¯s calling!¡± Clay said in passing as he tossed his wet towel on Scott¡¯s head.

    ¡°Eat me, buttmuncher.¡± he said muffled, but got up. He blinked in the light. Another boring day of school ahead. He groaned. He¡¯d been having a dream. It was a good one, but now that he was awake he couldn¡¯t recall what it had been about.

    Shrugging, he climbed out of bed and set himself to prepare for another day in his unexciting life.

 Chapter 34: The Real World

    ¡°¡­so you see, prepositions are useful, but starting sentences with them is¡­¡± Mr. Grant droned on and on, and Scott tuned him out. It would be easy enough to pass the test, and that was all he cared about. He sighed as he looked at the calendar by the open window. School wouldn¡¯t be out for another month yet. The wind teased the class invitingly, beckoning to come out on this perfect day.

    But alas, class had to happen. For some reason. Scott shuffled in his seat, adjusting his knees so he could read the book under his desk, some blas¨¦ sci-fi novel. Something something digital, something something cyberattack, robots¡­bleh. Even the school¡¯s library was unexciting. He glanced around, looking for anything that could hold his attention for more than a second.

    His eyes fell on the school newspaper his neighbor had, the winning smile of Leo Manning holding a trophy aloft.

    ¡®Golden Boy of Craven Falls Scores Again!¡¯ the headline ran. Scott snorted. Sports were so dull, and he couldn¡¯t stand those preppy types like Leo Manning. He was probably stuck-up.

    After a torturous half-hour, the bell finally rang. It was time for lunch.

    He dropped off his books and changed them at his locker silently as the crowd flowed around him, like a rock in a stream. Everyone was chatting, but he didn¡¯t think he¡¯d uttered a word since he arrived. His skin prickled, and he turned to the left.

    Down the hall the great big doors of the library were open, to let out some of the heat. Their library was actually a subdivision of the towns¡¯, and the ladies who worked at one worked at the other. He saw Ms. Peabody, the town¡¯s head librarian staring what he could swear was straight at him across the hall, and he shivered despite the warm day.

    ¡°Creepy.¡± he muttered, picking up his books and headed to the cafeteria. He saw a guy a couple rows down struggle to carry a stack of books, both text and comic. The guy slipped and nearly fell into one of the basketball team, Will something. The article mentioned him too.

    ¡°Hey, watch it!¡± Will said, almost knocked over. They guy mumbled an apology, looking down. Apparently it wasn¡¯t sincere enough, because Will knocked the books out of his hand and walked away fuming. The guy hurriedly scrambled to collect the comics with a desperate look on his face.

    Scott watched it all dispassionately. It was better to be an observer than a target. He walked past him to lunch.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°I tell you, my neighbors¡¯ kids are too loud. Mr. Crenshaw¡¯s gotta reign ¡®em in, he¡¯s always away.¡± Brian said, munching on a sloppy joe.

    ¡°Mmm. But you make bank babysitting ¡®em, right? You getting that new game?¡± Scott said, picking at his chicken nuggets. Brian nodded.

    ¡°Yeah, but that¡¯s the only good part about it. Well, Connor¡¯s okay, but that Riley¡¯s a nightmare. She¡¯s too energetic.¡± he said, thudding his head on the table. ¡°She¡¯s gonna have a record by the time she¡¯s sixteen, you can tell.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Some people are just meant to be trouble, I guess. Probably some psychological issue.¡± Scot tossed the rest of his tray.

    ¡°Probably. Oh, speaking of which, you hear about the girl who flipped out this morning?¡± Brian said, head still on the table.

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, weirdest thing. She just started randomly screaming and running. I heard the assistant principal nearly got his arm broken trying to restrain her, I think the cops got called in.¡± he said. The bell rang, signaling it was time to go and for a surge of new people to rush the cafeteria. Scott shrugged don his backpack and left with Brian, but he heard his name called, faintly.

    ¡°You hear that?¡± he asked Brian.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Someone calling me. Think it was a girl.¡± Scott muttered, scanning the room, but it was too crowded. Brian snorted dismissively.

    ¡°Yeah right. You got a girlfriend I don¡¯t know about? Why would a girl be calling for you?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, guess so. C¡¯mon, I don¡¯t wanna be late.¡± Scott shrugged and left, Brian at his heels.

    ¡°Scoooott!¡± He didn¡¯t hear.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Alright. Pencils down. Pass your papers to the front. And just so you actually learned something: smoking, alcohol, and marijuana are what, class.¡± Mrs. Cross said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

    ¡°Baaaaad.¡± everyone chorused dully. Health class was such a pain.

    ¡°At least you got that straight. Damn well better.¡± she added under her breath, then noticed a hand. ¡°Yes, Gregor?¡±

    ¡°Such things are legal in my country. I can drink there no problem.¡± the exchange student said. Cross sighed and nodded.

    ¡°Yeah, European traditions are different. It does affect the brain and growth, but in relatively miniscule amounts you¡¯ll be fine. Just don¡¯t get sh-crapfaced often and you¡¯re good to go.¡± she said wearily.

    ¡°We¡¯re teenagers.¡± the class chorused, not for the first time.

    ¡°Gah. Let¡¯s just watch the video.¡± Cross snapped, wheeling out the TV on the cart and getting out the DVD. As the lights turned off, Scott stared out the window. It really was a beautiful day, the perfect temperature and flooded with sunlight. He glanced back at his teacher. God, she was unsuited for this job, everyone knew it. Her father was some big-shot policeman, but she failed out of the academy and moved here from Nahumville. He watched her tap her foot impatiently, glancing at the clock. The vein in her forehead was bulging.

    Ah well. It didn¡¯t matter.

    He turned and stared out the window. Hour and a half before he could leave, fifteen before he had to come back, sixty more years of the same everyday life. He slumped in his desk. Everything felt so empty and dull, not just around him.

    His eyes wandered the grounds, and caught the corner window of the library. Ms. Peabody was staring up intently at his window. Scott shifted uncomfortably and sat up, blocking her with the wall. What was her deal?

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The bell rang and students flooded the halls, rushing to get to the last period of the day. Brian joined him, they had Social Studies together.

    ¡°Sup. Almost done!¡± Brian said cheerfully.

    ¡°Thank God.¡± Scott groaned. Today had been too long. He felt like there was a dark, heavy blanket on him, weighing him down, constantly muffling the world. Brian tilted his head.

    ¡°You okay? You sound weird.¡±

    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m fine. Just the ennui of a forward-looking youth, gazing into the abyss of the future and finding the dread abomination staring back with the gravity of a thousand suns.¡± he said. Brian blinked. ¡°I¡¯ll get over it.¡± Scott clarified, and Brian nodded.

    ¡°Gotcha. Hey, you hear about that crazy girl? They said she managed to escape, she¡¯s been missing ever since fifth period.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Scott asked, eyebrow raised. This could be interesting.

    ¡°Yeah, I saw ¡®em try to take her out of one of the back entrances, they literally had to drag her away! It¡¯s nuts, you ever hear anything like it?¡± Brian said.

    ¡°Can¡¯t say I-¡± As they rounded the corner, Scott plowed into someone going the other way, knocking all their stuff down and them both back.

    ¡°Oh, sorry!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, here, let me help you.¡± They both knelt to pick up their things. She was a blonde girl with clear blue eyes that apologized politely as she helped gather notebooks. Scott frowned. He was sure he¡¯d seen her before, what was her name¡­

    ¡°Are you¡­Amber? Amber Harris?¡± She looked up at him.

    ¡°Yes? And you are?¡± she asked nicely. Of course. One of the most popular and brightest girls in the school, while he had the charisma and presence of a limpet.

    ¡°Ah, just thought I recognized you. We sat in the same Social Studies period last year.¡± Scott said, turning red. Why was he talking to her?

    ¡°Oh yeah, I think I remember. Stan, right?¡± she said, handing him his stuff.

    ¡°Scott.¡± he said as he gave her the notebooks.

    ¡°Well, good to see you again. C¡¯mon guys, we have to go.¡± she said, urging her posse on. The popular clique, Jenny, Stephanie, and Bess rolled their eyes at him and followed.

    ¡°Whoa, she was a babe. You get a feel?¡± Brian asked lecherously as Scott frowned, concentrating. There was something bugging him, but for the life of the skinny teen he couldn¡¯t figure out what. He turned and watched her walk away.

    ¡°Amber!¡± She turned at the sound of her name, and it took him a sec to realize the word had passed through his lips.

    ¡°Yes?¡± she asked politely, but clearly impatient. He stared, unable to think of anything.

    ¡°Sorry, it¡¯s nothing.¡±

    ¡°Okay, have a good day!¡± she said and they left, the other girls giggling at him. What¡¯s up with you today, man?¡± Brian asked, and Scott shook his head.

    ¡°Dunno. Let¡¯s move.¡± He turned and went up the stairwell, the throng of the crowd filling the space between them like a wall.

    Scott yawned as they approached the door to the room, mentally dulled. Thank god it was last period. He trudged down the hall, trying to shake off the feeling of d¨¦j¨¤ vu from earlier. They were the last to arrive, still in time but the door was already closed. He put his hand on the knob when the door next to it burst open, a strung-out junior jumping out with messy hair and wild eyes. She desperately grabbed his arm.

    ¡°You! It¡¯s you! I¡¯ve been looking all over for you!¡± she said quickly, voice hoarse and barely above a whisper.

    ¡°¡¯Scuse me?¡± he said, eyebrow raised. ¡°Do I know you?¡±

    ¡°Yes! Yes you do! Do you know who I am!?¡± she said excitedly. Scott and Brian shared a worried glance.

    ¡°Sorry, can¡¯t say that I do.¡± he said, trying to discreetly tug his arm away. Her hands were like an iron bar. She stared at him with manic eyes.

    ¡°No! You do! But you just don¡¯t know that you do! It¡¯s not real, that¡¯s why you don¡¯t know me!¡± she said, tightening her grip.

    ¡°What¡¯s not real?¡± he said worriedly, desperately looking for a way out of this situation. Brian dithered uselessly behind him.

    ¡°Everything! Nothing here is real!¡± she gasped desperately, then reigned herself back. ¡°L-Listen, I know it sounds crazy, but you have to believe me! The school, the town, today-none of it¡¯s real! It¡¯s all just an illusion!¡±

    ¡°Riiiiiight.¡± Scott said, signaling to Brian to open the door and get the teacher behind his back.

    ¡°No, it is! I know! I think I¡¯m the only one who can know! I¡¯ve-I¡¯ve tried everything I can think of, but I can¡¯t undo this. And since it¡¯s not real, I don¡¯t have my powers. I think we¡¯re in some kind of hallucination!¡± she said, nearly in tears.

    ¡°Uh-huh.¡± Scott said, gently taking her and turning into a corner, giving Brian the opportunity to slip inside. ¡°What powers do you have?¡±

    ¡°None, now! And I wasn¡¯t the only one¡­you did too!¡± she wailed. He blinked.

    ¡°What? Really? Cool. What could I do? Shoot fire? Fly super fast?¡± he asked, but she barely heard him.

    ¡°You, me, Amber, Bess-we all had powers, magical knowledge to unleash spells! And¡­you¡¯re dead.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Scott said, suddenly growing cold. This was getting creepy.

    ¡°I know it sounds weird but listen! You¡¯re dead! Six feet under! B-But you crawled out of your grave, and now you¡¯re a skeleton, and...¡± she trailed off, seeing his concerned face. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s true. You died. You were shoved off a high rise. But-I don¡¯t know the details-but you came back.¡± She wasn¡¯t the only one shaking anymore. He looked down at his hand. Warm, pink flesh. She was crazy. He was alive. How could he be anything but?This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    The door opened and the teacher poked his balding head out.

    ¡°Something the matter here?¡± he said. There was pounding on the stairs, and several police officers came up.

    ¡°There she is!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t let her get away this time!¡±

    ¡°Crap!¡± she said, panicking. ¡°Run!¡±

    ¡°Whoa!¡± She bolted, nearly tearing his arm off. Having no choice but to follow, he dashed down the hall with her.

    ¡°I kicked ¡®em in the balls earlier-I don¡¯t think that¡¯ll work again!¡± she said, ducking and dragging him around the bend. ¡°Here!¡± They dove into an empty classroom and crawled underneath the window.

    ¡°Look, I¡¯m sure you¡¯re sane and all-¡± Scott lied, ¡°-but this¡¯s taking it-¡±

    ¡°Shhh!¡± She covered his mouth, desperation giving her a mad strength. They listened to the cops as they jogged down the hall, and counted to five. Then, they relaxed.

    ¡°Okay, miss. I¡¯m super late for class, and I¡¯m gonna be super in trouble for running from the cops! I gotta get back-¡±

    ¡°Vanessa.¡± she said suddenly.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Vanessa Dawson. You¡¯re Scott Havenbrook, 15, and currently dead. Any of this ring a bell?¡±

    ¡°Only a warning bell that I¡¯ve got a stalker.¡± he said, inching away. She grabbed his face.

    ¡°No! Listen!¡± she whispered fiercely, staring into his eyes. ¡°You¡¯ve been reduced to a skeleton, but command armies and have a flying ship. You¡¯ve negotiated deals with gods and daemons. My little sister Riley and her friend Connor are your apprentices. The leader of the vampire superheroes and the captain of the football team are your best friends. You keep fighting with a detective, or a government agent, whatever Cross is. Amber Harris is your girlfriend. Does any of this sound familiar?¡±

    Scott stared at her incredulously. She may well have just said the moon was made of cheese, and was selling rockets to get there. He could recognize every word in that sentence, but strung together?

    ¡°You really are crazy if you think that¡¯s true. Leo Manning my best friend? Vampire superheroes? Flying ships? Amber Harris. One of the most popular girls in school. My girlfriend.¡± He snorted, tugging himself free. ¡°You¡¯re delusional.¡± He stood up.

    ¡°No! Wait!¡± Vanessa cried hysterically, flailing. ¡°Listen! It¡¯s all true, I swear!¡±

    ¡°Get real. Good story, but I¡¯ll wait for the movie.¡± he said, opening the door.

    ¡°No-!¡± She gnashed her teeth. Something. There had to be something to convince him. But to an eye untrained with illusions, how could-that was it.

    ¡°Scott! If everything is real, what color are your eyes!?¡±

    ¡°Green.¡± he said, rolling them as he left.

    ¡°Then why are they brown!?¡±

    He stopped dead. That was¡­true.

    ¡°No, see, I was born with brown eyes, but...¡± Now they were green? Eyes didn¡¯t do that. But he was sure the last time he had looked in a mirror, they were green. But¡­he had grown up with brown eyes, for over fourteen years. But his eyes were green, that was a fact. He shook his head.

    ¡°See!?¡± Vanessa said.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s¡­¡± There was a bathroom a couple doors down. He hurried there, Vanessa on his heels. She found him staring in the mirror, looking at his perfectly ordinary light brown eyes.

    ¡°No¡­no, this isn¡¯t right.¡± he muttered. Yes, they were brown. That¡¯s what they should have been. But that was wrong. Why was that wrong?

    He gazed deep, deeper into the mirror. That¡¯s the color he¡¯d always seen. That¡¯s what they should have been. But he looked deeper. There, in the middle of his pupils. It couldn¡¯t have been a trick of the light, not for both at that angle. There, in the center of each black circle, there was¡­there was¡­

    He turned away. No. This crazy girl couldn¡¯t be telling the truth. That was insane!

    ¡°Look.¡± she said hesitantly, gently putting a hand on his shoulder. ¡°I know this must hurt. I know it sounds nuts. But you have to believe me. What I¡¯m saying is real, not what you think is reality.  I thought I was crazy too, when I started noticing strange things this morning. But when I thought about it, it all added up, and my memories came rushing back. I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t leave you like this. We need you.¡±

    ¡°Suh. Suppose what you say is true. Why? What next?¡± he said gruffly, not looking up. She bit her lip.

    ¡°I¡¯m not a hundred percent sure. I was hoping you could help me figure it out. When I broke the spell for me, I felt something shift. I¡¯m hoping the more people I get to recognize this is an illusion, the easier it¡¯ll be to break free for good. I¡¯ll stake my life on it. You saved my sister, and me. I have to save you.¡± she said earnestly.

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to believe you.¡± he said, leaving the bathroom.

    ¡°But do you?¡± Vanessa asked, and spotted the cops rounding the corner. ¡°Crap!¡± She grabbed Scott¡¯s arm and ran, but they were staked out at the exit around the side. They saw her and got out radios and tasers. ¡°Double crap!¡± She glanced around furtively, Scott still downcast and silent. There! The stairs! ¡°C¡¯mon!¡±

    They hustled up the dark stairwell, full of cobwebs. It only lead up, but she was hoping they could find a path to another exit. She could hear shouts and boots from the authorities far too close for comfort.

    ¡°Hurry up!¡± They came to a door, but it was locked. ¡°Oh, for the love of-!¡± She tackled it as hard as her thin frame would allow. Scott watched her in alarm.

    ¡°Hey, are you okay?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be worse if they catch us! I don¡¯t know what¡¯ll happen if we get caught, but I guarantee it won¡¯t be good! Rrrgh!¡± She rammed the door with her shoulder again and again, and it gave way. They stumbled out onto the roof, the sky illuminated by the bright warm sun. ¡°The roof!?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t let them go!¡± Panicking, the teens ran to the far side of the roof, cops and teachers rushing out to corner them, literally.

    ¡°Stay back!¡± Vanessa cried desperately. They slowed their approach, watching warily and fanning out. Vanessa flung her arms out and stepped in front of Scott. He was the best chance of stopping this madness. He had to escape, no matter what.

    ¡°Look, girl. Just calm down. No one is going to hurt you.¡± an officer said, slowly stepping forward with his palm up. She glanced at the three-story drop behind them.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get any closer! W-We¡¯ll j-jump, I swear!¡± she shouted, trembling and crying.

    Scott stared blankly at it all.

    The cops slowly maneuvered around, the teachers in the back.

    ¡°Listen, we don¡¯t want to hurt you or your friend. Just calm down and let him go. We can talk about this.¡±

    ¡°No! Go away!¡± she screeched, backing up until they hit the railing. Oh God, nowhere left to run. The cops could see it was an empty threat, and were moving in. ¡°I¡¯m warning you!¡± How would she wake the others if she was in a jail cell? Forget that, how could she even get them out of here, trapped as they were?

    Scott stared at his hand. He could see the outline of bone underneath the skin.

    ¡°We just want to help. Calm down, we can talk this out.¡± the officer said soothingly, trying to keep her attention forward while his squad shuffled around the sides.

    ¡°Just leave us alone! We¡¯ll jump, really!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t do anything you might regret.¡± he said calmly, stepping forward. ¡°I know you don¡¯t really want to jump. He doesn¡¯t either. Just calm down and we can sort this out.¡±

    ¡°No! Get back! You¡¯re not real! None of you are! Stay-¡± She felt something move behind her back. She turned to see Scott balanced on the railing. The cops gasped, torn between rushing to catch him and staying put to not startle or provoke him.

    He gave them a sickly grin. He felt warm, he felt whole. The day was beautiful. There was nothing he was pressured to do, and a whole life to look forward to. And he never felt more dead inside.

    ¡°Hey. Listen up.¡± Standing here so high up, feeling the breeze, felt so familiar. He couldn¡¯t remember, but he felt it in his bones. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what you do. I think-I think it¡¯s too late.¡± He glanced at the library, where Ms. Peabody was staring up at him through the window. She was smiling. He remembered what he saw in the mirror, in the pupils of his ordinary brown eyes.

    Two points of toxic emerald green.

    ¡°I¡¯m dead already.¡± He grinned, spread his arms out, and fell back head-first. The wind whipped at him as he fell, the ground approaching qui-

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Amber Harris was idly sitting in her science class, doodling while listening to Mr. Woodward. She¡¯d never scored too high in this class, but her grades were good enough and it was late enough in the year that she could afford to slack off a little. She caught Bess¡¯s eye and they smiled. They¡¯d made plans to go out on this perfect day, grab some Dairy Queen at the mall. Only like forty minutes left. She glanced absently to the side, and saw¡­someone swinging into the window!

    CRSSSHHH!

    ¡°Yeah-heah! Clear the way! I¡¯m a necromancer on a mission, comply or die!¡± A grinning skeleton had swung into class, standing atop a desk and laughing maniacally. A frazzled girl swung in after him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t do that! My powers aren¡¯t that strong yet!¡± Vanessa cried. When he took his swan dive, he woke up on the ground, his ego reasserting his self-image into the illusory reality. Flesh melted from his body, and he stood up. The cops backed away, and Vanessa had felt something shift again. Suddenly, she could recall some of the knowledge she had lost.

    ¡°We have to make this reality break!¡± she called down to Scott, and his eyelights shone like torches.

    ¡°No problem! All we gotta do is throw the impossible around, right?¡± was his reply.

    A squad of cops stampeded to the door, drawn by the screaming. Scott turned his attention to them and laughed, jumping at them.

    ¡°Sekh! Avitios ehthnemgh, av¡± itios ehthne;ugh, voloutous vhah!¡± He made one cop rot into corpsehood where he stood, and another collapsed convulsing, his bones starting to slip out of his skin.

    ¡°That¡¯s horrible!¡± Vanessa said, chanting and conjuring giant snakes to restrain the others.

    ¡°Meh, they can¡¯t actually die. So I¡¯m cutting loose!¡± He turned his green gaze upon the scattered students, screaming and crying and trying to escape. He locked eyes with Amber, paralyzed on the floor. He walked towards her.

    ¡°Y-You can¡¯t-¡± Mr. Woodward tried to get in the way, but as Scott was powered by magic instead of muscle, he shoved him into a wall without even looking. He came and stood above a shaking Amber, holding out his hand.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I know it¡¯s scary. But you need to wake up.¡±

    This was insane. This man was dangerous, he¡¯d just killed two people before her eyes, and had threatened the class and the teacher. Every instinct shouted to run away from this monster.

    She had no idea why she took his hand.

    ¡°Who-who are you?¡± she squeaked as he hauled her to her feet. He pulled a hand across his face, letting the illusion reassert itself for a moment. ¡°S-Scott!?¡±

    ¡°Guess this thing has some use after all.¡± He dipped and kissed her, putting all the passion he had into it. The class gasped as his head melted back to bone, but also at Amber. The color was draining from her skin, leaving it chalk white.

    ¡°H-He¡¯s killing her!¡± someone screamed, and the bravest guy in class tried to tackle him. When he leaped, Amber caught him with one arm and set him down.

    ¡°Hi.¡± Amber said to her boyfriend. He grinned. ¡°You sure can make an entrance.¡±

    ¡°My specialty, after zombies.¡± he said cheekily.

    ¡°I¡¯ll explain on the way. How do we free her from the illusion?¡± Vanessa asked, a snake slithering up with a yelling Bess. Scott stared at her.

    ¡°Slap her ¡®til she wakes up?¡± he suggested.

    ¡°You bastard! I¡¯ve already paid for my crimes, you don¡¯t have to hit me!¡± she yelled, then went wide-eyed. ¡°Wait.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like she¡¯s back. C¡¯mon.¡±

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Kevin, right?¡± Scott said, slapping an arm around the terrified teen¡¯s shoulders.

    ¡°Y-Y-Yeah?¡± he gulped. He was cornered in the library by four weirdos, all looking strange. The frazzled girl, the disgruntled girl leaking orange slime, the super pale girl, and the walking skeleton.

    ¡°We come from a faraway dimension where chaos and crime run rampant. We are the peacekeepers, but we are running out of time. A great evil threatens to devour the world, and we have tracked you down, as you are the only one who can stop it. Can you be a hero?¡± Scott asked seriously.

    ¡°Oh c¡¯mon. Like that¡¯ll work.¡± Bess said under her breath.

    ¡°But¡­I¡¯m no superhero. I¡¯m just an ordinary guy.¡± Kevin said, breaking down. She stared at him cockeyed.

    ¡°Fear not. For you see, you already are.¡± Scott said, giving Vanessa the signal.

    ¡°Help! Someone, please help me!¡± came from outside. Kevin sprang up like a bolt of lightning.

    ¡°This looks like a job for Nightfang!¡± he said, tearing his shirt apart to reveal the white crescent on the black uniform.

    ¡°Told ya.¡± Scott said, and Bess grumbled.

    ¡°What do you wanna bet he says that every time?¡±

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Sorry about this.¡± Amber apologized profusely, dragging Gregor and Jenny screaming and clawing on the ground to her with gravity webs.

    ¡°What do you want!?¡± Jenny screamed hysterically.

    ¡°I vant to suck your blood!¡± Nightfang said, flaring his cape and baring his fangs. She frowned.

    ¡°Wait, but Gregor and I are already¡­¡± Comprehension dawned, and she turned red.

    ¡°If any of you call me Jenny again, I¡¯m going to kill you.¡±

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Mrs. Cross, are you really happy here?¡± Bess asked innocently while Cross graded papers.

    ¡°It¡¯s my job. I chose it.¡± she said gruffly, without looking up. ¡°Now get outta here before I give you detention.¡±

    ¡°I¡­see.¡± Bess said. Cross¡¯s entire demeanor said ¡®go away.¡¯ She sighed. Looked like there was no talking to her after all. She nodded at the door.

    ¡°What ho!¡± Scott burst in, dancing wildly. ¡°Ha ha! Let chaos reign! I¡¯ve outwitted those dumbass cops, there¡¯s nothing they can do to stop me! I shall become the greatest villain in the history of ever!¡± he declared, illusory zombies groaning behind him. Both he and Bess flinched when they saw her expression when she stood.

    ¡°Kid, you¡¯re in for a world of trouble and hurt. You do not insult fellow officers like that.¡± she growled, cracking her knuckles.

    ¡°Hmm? I thought you were a teacher?¡± he asked innocently.

    ¡°That¡¯s-¡± She rubbed her head, and the spell was broken. ¡°¡­kid, I don¡¯t know whether to thank you or kill you.¡±

    ¡°Little late for that.¡± Bess deadpanned.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°So if you little girls think you can beat us, we¡¯ll gladly do whatever you want.¡± Will said, grinning with the rest of the team. ¡°But you¡¯ll do whatever we want if we win. Just don¡¯t cry when you lose.¡± Amber, looking normal, rolled her eyes and nodded.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, can we just get this over with?¡± Genevieve said, casting a glance at Bess. Would she be able to handle it?

    ¡°And don¡¯t cry when you lose.¡± Bess said, rolling her neck. Will and the others smirked; three girls against the whole team? They were nuts.

    ¡°Your funeral.¡± The whistle blew, and the ball sailed into the air. The forward jumped, way higher than Bess could¡­but a tendril made out of orange goo reached up and snatched the ball away.

    ¡°Genevieve!¡± Bess passed it, and the vampire sped between the opposing team, dribbling at triple speed.

    ¡°Hardly even a challenge.¡± she scoffed, allowing them to try and gang up on her. ¡°Amber.¡± She nonchalantly passed it over her shoulder, where Amber jumped from her position as guard, caught it at half-court, then dunked it, turning white.

    ¡°Alright! That¡¯s two points, right?¡± she asked, hanging from the basket. The team all stared at her, agape.

    ¡°You know, you could do that too, if you just betrayed humanity and became a vampire mutant.¡± Genevieve said, leaning on Will¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°It was one time, woman!¡± he snapped, then realized. ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°Oh is right.¡±

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The vampires knocked on the door, and it was answered by Riley.

    ¡°Hello?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Hi there! We¡¯re going door-to-door, selling cookies and other treats for the basketball team.¡± Will said, gesturing to the cart stacked with illusory goodies. ¡°May we come in?¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Riley said, drooling and blinded by the snacks. She led them into the living room, where Crenshaw was watching TV and Connor was reading a book.

    ¡°Riley, you can¡¯t keep buying everything these kids sell for fundraisers.¡± Crenshaw said tiredly.

    ¡°Good thing we¡¯re not. We¡¯re actually vampires, horrible accursed monstrosities-¡± Gegor began, but the cart exploded.

    ¡°-and we¡¯re here to save the world! We protect those in need, using the supernatural powers of undeath for the grand cause of JUSTICE!¡± Nightfang said, kicking away the cart. Connor took one look at the undead creature acting with such¡­flourish, and immediately groaned, the memories flooding back. Crenshaw snorted, remembering as well.

    ¡°Wow! Cool! Let¡¯s do it!¡± Riley cheered.

    ¡°Great! You remember?¡± Genevieve asked, and she looked at her, puzzled.

    ¡°Remember what?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll help her.¡± Connor said, rubbing his temples.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Whistles blew and highschoolers tackled each other as Amber landed on the football field, holding Scott, Vanessa, and Bess. Everyone started screaming and running, but Leo trotted right up to them.

    ¡°Ah, good! I¡¯m glad you managed to snap out of it. I only figured it out myself like a few hours ago. I wasn¡¯t sure how to approach you, so I was going to wait ¡®til after school.¡± he said, smiling abashedly. All three girls¡¯ hearts skipped a beat.

    ¡°Uh¡­that was easy.¡± Bess said, and Vanessa fought down her blush and raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. The only reason I knew was because I know illusion magic intimately. How could you?¡± she asked. Leo shrugged cluelessly.

    ¡°Dunno. Things just didn¡¯t feel quite right. We¡¯re three months earlier than what we should be, the school¡¯s not in an uproar from those explosions, it was either I was crazy or we were trapped in some kind of advanced simulation or hallucinogenic effect, and my mind is in excellent health.¡± he explained. They stared at him.

    ¡°But I still can¡¯t follow the path that mind takes.¡± Scott muttered.

    ¡°Anyway. What¡¯s say we get out of here?¡± Leo said, smiling and giving a thumbs-up.

 Chapter 35: The Little Merman and the Maid

    ¡°H-Hello? Is-is anyone there? Nigel croaked, wandering around belowdeck. There had been a lurch as they teleported, and his ghostly nurse had gone to check things out fifteen minutes ago. When she didn¡¯t come back, he lurched to his swollen feet, wrapped a blanket around his shivering jowls, and started to try and find someone. ¡°Hello?¡±

    The ship was silent save for an occasional creak. He plopped laboriously up the steps, wheezing as he came to the deck. But he gaped when he saw them.

    Scott, Amber, Leo, Cross, Bess, Crenshaw. The kids. The vampires. The crew, ghost and zombie alike. All were staring mindlessly at the gigantic rock ahead of them. No, just into that direction. Their eyes were glazed, unresponsive. There was commotion below them, but he could see the massed armies standing stock-still, mesmerized.

    ¡°H-Hey.¡± he said, shaking Cross. ¡°Wake up.¡± She stared ahead, not even registering. He waved a hand in front of Will¡¯s eyes, nothing. He knocked a zombie with a ghost half-sticking out down, with no response. Everyone was totally frozen.

    ¡°W-What¡¯s going on?¡± he mumbled. How had this happened? What did happen? They were hanging dead in the orange sky. He went back and forth, flopping down painfully on uneven feet, his body shaking. He shouldn¡¯t be doing this, but it looked like he was the last one standing. The last one¡­

    ¡°Vanessa!¡± He gulped and waddled over to the stern, where she was standing outside the captain¡¯s quarters, still and blank as the others. ¡°N-No.¡± He shook her, but she was as unresponsive as the others. He let his fat, swollen fingers drop.

    ¡°What¡¯s the point.¡± Vanessa had made it clear she was done with him, and he was done with her, after what happened. Right?

    Suddenly, the boat rocked.

    It wasn¡¯t much, but the ship definitely lolled to the side. He flopped over, but before he could reach the railing the grappling hook dug into the ghostly wood. A dusky hand grabbed the side, and Samagan hauled himself up.

    ¡°Finally. Those guys¡¯re too slow.¡± he muttered. He saw the frozen crew, and grinned. ¡°Piece¡¯a cake.¡± He cracked his neck, cracked his knuckles, and grunted. He sloughed off the magic disguising his true form, growing in height and bulk. His skin receded, leaving deep blue scales that glittered in the sunlight, his face warping and twisting as his nose flattened and his eyes widened, his lips swelling as his teeth grew longer. Fins sprouted form his elbows, shredding his coat as his feet burst from his shoes, growing nearly two feet long and becoming webbed. His nails sharpened into claws as he flexed his hands, extending and retracting the webbing between his fingers. He hunched over, his spine curving as his neck split, the gills opening. He stretched his muscular body.

    ¡°Ahh, feels good. Shouldn¡¯t take a moment to-huh?¡± He spied Nigel, staring at him in horror instead of ahead, but no less still. Samagan grinned. ¡°Sup kid. Thought you looked familiar. Lemme just kill these guys and we can go back to Delacroix.¡±

    ¡°Um, yeah.¡± Nigel said in a daze. He watched Samagan flex and stretch, his claws sharp. He didn¡¯t really care about any of these people, after all. They¡¯d arrested/kidnapped him. Even if Delacroix was wrong about the process, ultimately the goal of a better world and society was a worthy one. Nigel, having seen the horrendous sweep of New York, tried to tell himself some sacrifices were necessary. Besides, there wasn¡¯t anything he could do to stop this behemoth anyway.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡± Samagan lumbered up to Vanessa. Nigel flinched.

    ¡°Wait, her too?¡±

    ¡°Yup. Boss says everyone dies, no matter what. But I guess you can live, you¡¯re with us. Right?¡± Samagan answered. Nigel stared at the claws, telling himself she betrayed him. She didn¡¯t matter to him anymore.

    The claw came down on the helpless girl.

    ¡°No!¡± Nigel flung himself forward, grabbing Samagan¡¯s arm and making it miss.

    ¡°The hell, man!?¡± he thundered.

    ¡°I-I can¡¯t let you hurt her! You gotta s-stop!¡± Nigel cried, hanging off his arm. He felt lightheaded, waves of dizziness coursing through his body as his swollen fat jiggled. He felt like he was going to throw up, but he saw the wickedly curved claws and hung on harder. ¡°You can¡¯t!¡± he gasped.

    ¡°What the hell¡¯s wrong with you!?¡± Samagan snarled, easily lifting the young man up and slamming him to the deck. Nigel groaned in pain, blackness building behind his vision, but out of the corner of his eye he saw more figures climbing up onto the ship. ¡°Stupid kid! No one, but no one¡¯s gonna stop me! Not when we¡¯re close to conquering the land once and for all!¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Nigel moaned.

    ¡°Yeah. Delacroix¡¯s gonna use Azathoth¡¯s power to wipe out all the surface dwellers. No more humans! ¡®Cept Delacroix¡¯s team, I guess. Then the Deep Ones¡¯ll be free to take over! We¡¯ve been stuck down there too long, letting humans progress too much. Now we can¡¯t win when Dagon calls us to retake the Earth. You know how much a nuke can blast? We¡¯d be sunk! But with Delacroix¡¯s help we can finally erase the stupid apes and colonize the surface! I¡¯ve been waiting for this for nearly a hundred years, some punk ain¡¯t gonna put me down!¡± he decaled, thumping his chest.

    ¡°Wrong¡­Azathoth wipes everything¡­¡± Nigel moaned, but Samagan kicked his side, doubling him over.

    ¡°Heard that song¡¯n dance before. Bossman¡¯s got a plan, and I¡¯m the fishman to help him do it!¡± Samagan said, enjoying the pain on Nigel¡¯s face. ¡°Now watch as I tear this little lady¡¯s head off!¡± He raised his hand and started to slice down.

    ¡°N-No¡­¡± This was it. He may have felt sick, he may have been in pain, he may not have had full control of his body, she may not even love him anymore. Probably didn¡¯t. But if he didn¡¯t do something now, she was going to die. He reached down deep for the strength to stand.

    ¡°Gaaaah!¡±

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Vanessa¡¯s eyes had rolled back as she muttered the counterspell, the illusion weakening enough to do so now. She woke with a gasp, blinking gin the light. She rubbed her head, her body stiff from standing for so long.

    ¡°How-how long were we out?¡± she said.

    ¡°RRRRRRAAAAAAAHHHHH!¡±

    ¡°HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!¡±

    Vanessa turned and shrieked. Behind her was an eight-foot tall fishman behemoth, murder in his black eyes. But standing in his way, holding his arms back, shaking but not giving an inch, was Nigel.

    ¡°Dude! You¡¯re gonna die! Just let me kill them and be done with it!¡± Samagan barked.

    ¡°Nnngghhhh-! I¡­won¡¯t¡­¡± Nigel¡¯s blubbery face contorted in pain, his stomach rumbling. Samagan saw the weakness and pressed down harder, forcing Nigel to a knee. ¡°Ta¡­esh¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too weak for tricks like that!¡± Samagan raised a leg and kneed him in the face. Pain blossomed through his skull, but Nigel tried to hang on with his slackening grip. Samagan grunted; that usually tore a human¡¯s head off.

    ¡°Nigel!¡± Vanessa screamed. Unfortunately, everyone else was occupied. Jason climbed over the top and had brought more black tentacle beasts, gnashing their teeth and whipping their tendrils, trying to kill them.

    ¡°Aaah!¡± Riley screamed as she dodged a grabbing tentacle. Surrounded on all sides by enemies, her boss and all other protectors too busy with monsters of their own, there was no one to help her or Connor. She grinned. It was time! ¡°You losers! You don¡¯t know who you¡¯re messing with!¡± She flung both her arms up dramatically. ¡°Riley! Battle Change! Mahou Shoujo Zombie Neko Shine! Nya!¡± The box on the deck clattered, and the bones burst out, rolling over and encasing her in the protective undead armor, flashing dark foresty green light playing over her body. The skull bit down over her face, the eye sockets lighting up. ¡°Hyaaah!¡± She slashed a tentacle with her claws. ¡°You too Connor! Hurry!¡±

    ¡°R-Right!¡± he scrambled over to the box, ducking under the monsters. ¡°C¡¯mon! Cover me!¡± he commanded the zombie armor. To his horror, they remained unresponsive. ¡°W-What?¡±

    ¡°Idiot! You can¡¯t transform unless you say the words! Duh!¡± Riley called, using the snake head to wing around and slam into a monster about to eat him. He stared at her.

    ¡°She¡¯s right!¡± Scott said, grabbing a beast. ¡°Sekh!¡± The monster howled and rotted. ¡°Do it or die!¡±

    ¡°Oh come on!¡± Connor shouted. Jason rode a monster over to him, flanked by three more.

    ¡°Kill that child, dear sister.¡± he said. Riley had to engage with the others, while Jason smile das the beast grabbed him with her tentacles.

    ¡°C-Crap! I hate this!¡±

    ¡°Too bad. I don¡¯t care.¡± Jason informed him. ¡°Rip his limbs off.¡± Connor screamed as the tendrils tried to quarter him. ¡°Aaahh! Fine! C-Connor! Battle Change! Wolf Lightning Zombie Power! Activate!¡± Jason blinked.

    ¡°What the heck are you-¡± Jason was cut off by a blinding flash of light, the electric blue magic responding to Connor¡¯s command. Suddenly, there was a figure with a wolf-like mask standing before him, pointing a hand at him. ¡°What the-¡±

    BOOM!

    Connor¡¯s air cannon went off, blasting a hole in the monster carrying Jason. He stared at his creation dumbfounded, then the other air cannon went off.

    BOOM!

    Connor didn¡¯t aim directly at the man on top, but angled so the shot was cushioned by the corpse. Jason was flung back like a cannonball, slamming into the railing. He groaned and slumped over.

    ¡°Right. Let¡¯s go!¡± Connor jumped around with Riley, the air boosters on their legs and back making them too fast to grab, blasting and slicing monsters with ease.

    ¡°That¡¯s my apprentices!¡± Scott said, grinning. ¡°But how many of these things are there!?¡±

    ¡°Dunno! Keep fighting!¡± Amber said, webbing tentacles together.

    ¡°There¡¯s too many of them! We need reinforcements!¡± Cross growled, unable to turn the grenade launcher on them. While no doubt it would kill them, she, Crenshaw, and the other zombies didn¡¯t want to blow up their allies.

    ¡°On it!¡± Bess cried, popping a vial from her belt and splashing it on her orange scarf. It immediately went rigid and bubbled, disgorging into five short, stocky, tree-like creatures with a ring of eyes at the top of their heads. ¡°Get ¡®em, guys!¡± she commanded, and they leapt into action, working in concert to pick the monsters up by each leg, and with disproportionate strength hurl them over the side of the vessel, one by one. ¡°Elckneck gah nehf! Elckneck gah nehf! Elckneck gah nehf!¡± she chanted, whipping out a knife that grew orange wings, hovering around her and slicing anything that came close.

    ¡°No one¡¯s gonna save you! I¡¯ll crush every last one of you!¡± Samagan bellowed, glaring at Vanesa. She shrank back, muttering incantations. He burst into flame. ¡°Ha ha! Gonna have''ta do a lot better than that! Deep One hide is incredibly tough, I don¡¯t even feel it!¡± Vanessa gaped at him. He thought the fire was real, but was too dumb to care. Or was it smart!? How could she beat someone like that!? ¡°After him, you¡¯re next.¡± he promised, the flame snuffing out. She backed up to the rail, whimpering.

    ¡°N-No! You won¡¯t¡­lay a¡­¡± Nigel wheezed, losing his grip. Samagan kicked him in the ribs.

    ¡°You may be tougher than you look, but you¡¯re dying, it¡¯s obvious. Just lay down, and I¡¯ll send that little girl to join you in a minute.¡± he cried, surging forward. Nigel felt like his spine would break.

    ¡°H-Help!¡± Vanessa meekly said. It was the only thing Nigel could hear.

    ¡°YAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!¡±

    Samagan grunted as his momentum was halted.

    ¡°You¡­you won¡¯t hurt her!¡± Nigel growled, his eyes slits. He was forcing Samagan back as he got to his feet, the clawed flippers leaving gouges in the deck.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°W-What!?¡± Samagan said. This kid was nearly as strong as him! ¡°Die!¡± He rained headbutts down on the young man, but his skull was simply too thick. He watched as Nigel¡¯s body reshaped, the flab and swelling deflating into hard bulk and corded piscine muscle, fingernails sharpening into webbed claws and shoes shredding from flippers. His skin glistened as it broke and fell away, bright teal scales covering his body. Vanessa trembled as she saw Nigel¡¯s metamorphosis into a fishman too.

    ¡°You won¡¯t lay a finger on her! Got that!? I WON¡¯T LET YOU!¡± Nigel thundered, pushing Samagan back.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be a son of a bitch, cuz! You¡¯re a Deep One too!¡± he said, grinning. ¡°Never seen growth all at once like that! But you¡¯re not a fighter like I am!¡± He pulled his arms back and bit into Nigel¡¯s new gills, making him howl and let go. Samagan ripped free, Nigel panting as he backed up, holding his neck. ¡°See, I¡¯m one of the strongest guys we got. I know tons of stuff about our bodies. Shame you won¡¯t get a chance to learn too.¡± He stepped forward menacingly.

    ¡°Bastard¡­¡± Nigel muttered, feeling the warm blood slick over his hand. It was over. He wasn¡¯t strong enough, he wasn¡¯t even human, and Vanessa had left him. Everything was lost. Everything-

    A hand touched his shoulder. He faced her.

    ¡°Nigel! Please help! You can do it, I¡¯m here for you!¡± He blinked. He turned back to the approaching Samagan.

    ¡°Ta¡¯esh ganm wovinogh, Ta¡¯esh ganm wovinogh, Ta¡¯esh ganm wovinogh!¡± passed his fishy lips at incredible speed, far surpassing Samagan¡¯s lumbering motion. The spell had come instantly to mind. He held out his hands and the wind exploded into a sphere around him, lifting his weight off the deck to glide at the elder Deep One. Samagan tried to swing a fist, but Nigel barreled ahead, the wind around him making it hard to smack him. There was no question Samagan was stronger, he had nearly half as much the muscle mass as the now beefy Nigel; but Nigel zipped and zoomed around him faster than Samagan could keep up.

    ¡°Stand still! Haaa!¡± He roared and raised his arm to club down fiercely. A fatal mistake. Before he knew what was happening, Nigel shoved a hand into his gaping maw.

    ¡°Corvilast fgh¡¯thatens!¡± Nigel shouted, fingers waving mystically. He opened his hand and a great storm of wind burst forth, forcing down Samagan¡¯s throat. He made a spluttering sound as his eyes rolled back, something snapping inside of him, and he knew no more. He fell to the floor with a thud.

    He turned back to her.

    She stared at him as she moved to him, almost in a trance as the battle raged around them. She gingerly, hesitantly touched his arm. He looked down.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m not sure what happened. I¡­I guess I¡¯m like that guy now.¡± he said, poking his belly. Big, but rock hard abs behind the flesh. He was feeling hungry.

    ¡°Nigel¡­you stopped him. You saved me.¡± Vanessa said.

    ¡°Yeah. You¡­mean too much too me.¡± he said bashfully, turning away. ¡°I-I¡¯m feeling better.¡±

    ¡°Are you gonna join up with Delacroix again?¡± she asked. He stared at her. How was she not questioning all this? He had too many questions, that was for sure!

    ¡°That¡¯s all you can think about!?¡± he burst out.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I need to know. We can sort out all this later, if there is one. It¡¯s weird, but there¡¯s been too much weird to care right now. Besides, teal¡¯s my favorite color.¡± she said, giggling. He considered.

    On one hand, Delacroix had sent Samagan to kill them all. On the other¡­yeah, didn¡¯t need any more than that. He smiled.

    ¡°Looks like I have a long way to go before I can make the world a better place.¡± he said, somewhat bitterly while looking at his webbed hand. ¡°But I think I have some answers to find first.¡±

    WHAM!

    ¡°Shape of Water later! Fight these things now!¡± Scott said, dragged back along the floor by a tentacle as they both jumped.

    ¡°R-Right!¡± Nigel grabbed the tentacle as Scott channeled necrotic energy through it, making the creature turn into mush. ¡°D-Does this happen a lot around you?¡±

    ¡°More than I would like.¡± Scott said getting up, bumping into Cross. She whirled around, pointing her gun at his face. ¡°Hello there detective. Please don¡¯t shoot me.¡± he said. She glanced at them both, then dropped it.

    ¡°It¡¯s only you. What¡¯s with him?¡¯ she asked. Scott tilted his head at the fishman, looking him over.

    ¡°Hmm, looks like he¡¯s actually a Deep One. Somewhere along his family tree, somebody got freaky with a fish guy or gal. Ehh. Y¡¯know, it makes sense, if all this magic and eldritch energy¡¯s being thrown around, it could have forcibly accelerated your body¡¯s transformation. Or fish puberty, as I say.¡± he said primly. Nigel raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°You are very strange.¡±

    ¡°Tell me about it.¡± Scott said, looking around. Almost all of the monsters were done for. ¡°C¡¯mon, we¡¯ve gotta mop these guys up.¡±

    ¡°Right.¡± Cross pointed to the grappling hooks. ¡°Scott, you go unhook those, Nigel, you go protect Vanessa. She¡¯s no good in a straight fight like this.¡± They nodded.

    ¡°Right.¡± Nigel started to move, but Scott snapped his fingers.

    ¡°Oh, Cross?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± she said. Without warning, he reached up and snapped her neck. Vanessa screeched and nearly fainted, while Nigel stared at him in horror.

    ¡°WHY!?¡± he bellowed.

    ¡°Watch.¡± Between Scott¡¯s boney hands, Cross¡¯s body shifted and morphed, her features flowing together until she turned into a deceased he.

    ¡°M-Matt!¡± Vanessa gasped, recognizing the shapeshifter.

    ¡°Is that who this is? I just knew someone was impersonating Cross.¡± Scott answered. Matt¡¯s ghost shook itself free of his body, glowing a pale lavender.

    ¡°W-What? How did you know?¡± he asked, incredulous. Scott grinned.

    ¡°It was a flawless physical transformation, but Cross never refers to me by name. She always calls me kid. Now, if you wanna come back to life, stick by your body, I¡¯ll bring you back later.¡± With that, he unceremoniously dumped Matt¡¯s body over the side.

    ¡°Hey!¡± his ghost yelled, following. Both Nigel and Vanessa stared at the skeleton as he whistled, dusting his hands off as he joined the others.

    ¡°I think we¡¯re clear!¡± Genevieve said, scanning the deck. ¡°I¡¯ll check belowdeck, just in case.¡±

    ¡°Allow me, my dear.¡± Captain Blackwell said. He sank beneath the floorboards and made a sweep. Behind a barrel, to his astonished eyes was a red-faced, gagged, apoplectic Cross. ¡°GOOD HEAVENS!¡± he said, undoing the gag.

    ¡°WHERE THE HELL IS THAT LITTLE CREEP!¡± was heard above, somehow louder than Blackwell, followed by thrashing.

    ¡°I think we¡¯ve found the detective.¡± Scott deadpanned.

    ¡°I¡¯ll help her.¡± Gregor said, sighing and heading down.

    ¡°Okay, is everyone alright?¡± Amber said, checking the kids over. A barrel rolled across the deck.

    ¡°Not¡­exactly¡­¡± Everyone gasped and stared at Leo, sprawled out behind the barrels and crates. He was smiling, but covered in blood, clutching his left¡­side. ¡°It looks worse than it is, really.¡± he said, trying to smile. There was blood coming from his side. It wasn¡¯t coming from his arm, because it was no longer there.

    ¡°Holy crap, you lost your arm!¡± Scott cried.

    ¡°I noticed.¡± Leo said. Everyone started frantically running around, trying to get bandages or panicking.

    ¡°Okay, okay, we can fix this,¡± Scott said, trying to keep calm. ¡°I mean, I can just kill you and bring you back. Where¡¯s your arm?¡±

    ¡°Over there. And there. And there.¡± Leo said, nodding to various pieces of gore. They saw the blood trail to a monster that came up with the others, with a mouth like a garbage disposal. It was lying still, with his sword sticking out of it. ¡°He got the jump on me.¡± Leo admitted. ¡°But I was able to cut the grappling hooks before any more of those things could get up here.¡±

    ¡°Yikes.¡± Scott said, examining the railing. Then he froze. The rest of the army hadn¡¯t snapped out of it yet. There were hundreds of magicians and monsters not on their side, utterly decimating their forces. The zombies, Zet-Mathaig disciples, and daemons were unmoving as they were slaughtered.

    ¡°Oh my god.¡± Scott said quietly. He turned to Vanessa. ¡°We need them free! Now!¡±

    ¡°I did break it! B-But it¡¯ll take a minute for the magic to dispel that far from here!¡± As she spoke, their forces were indeed waking up, but a full two-thirds of them had been eliminated. The army disjointedly began fighting back, but they had no coordination. This far from the battlefield, it was just a jumbled mess of figures, explosions and warps in space-time opening randomly on the field. Scott checked his phone¡¯s clock and shook his head. They had lost nearly half an hour.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got no choice. We have to leave them like this and trust they can handle the scrubs. I don¡¯t think they¡¯ve got any more in reserve, so we have to move in now. And with Leo like that¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me.¡± Leo said, smiling. He held out his remaining hand, summoning his blade. It ignited, and he breathed deeply. Then slammed the fiery flat of the blade into the stump and held it there.

    ¡°Oh god!¡± Amber cried, trying to help him, but he shook her off. He was sweating, red-faced, and grimacing, but didn¡¯t make a sound as the flesh sizzled. After a moment, he let it go and fell to a knee, examining the seared wound.

    ¡°Good. Don¡¯t think I lost too much blood. I¡¯m glad I¡¯m ambidextrous.¡± Everyone just stared at him.

    ¡°That was metal as hell.¡± Scott said.

    ¡°Totally.¡± Nightfang agreed, nodding.

    ¡°What is wrong with you people!?¡± Nigel said. They turned when they heard a smacking.

    ¡°Wake up! Wake up!¡± Riley cried, slapping the comatose Mephistopheles. ¡°You¡¯re supposed to be strong and can do anything with your magic, right? Wake up and help!¡± The daemon roused.

    ¡°Ugh-wha-¡± Slap! ¡°My dear, I am awake.¡± he said irritably, and she shrunk down under his gaze.

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Rrrgh-a strange dream.¡± Asmodeus rumbled, rubbing his head. He opened his third eye and learned what transpired, sharing the information telepathically with the other archdaemons.

    ¡°It zeeems many daemons havvv perished.¡± Beelzebub said coldly.

    ¡°We no longer have the raw numbers to overwhelm them anymore. I am also quite peeved. I suggest we take matters into our own hands.¡± Azazel turned to Scott. ¡°Go. We four shall assure victory here. Mephistopheles, please accompany them.¡±

    ¡°With all grace.¡± the daemon said, cracking his knuckles.

    ¡°Got it. Good luck, and uh¡­can you do anything about his arm quick?¡± He pointed to Leo, smiling hopefully, and all five of them winced.

    ¡°While healing¡­can be done,¡± Mephistopheles said as delicately as he could. ¡°Normally we have to prepare for such spells, usually a potion that requires ingredients found not in our home dimension. It is not something we can do easily, and not among our gifts. After this, of course, but as of right now¡­¡± he said, looking away.

    ¡°I understand.¡± Leo said.

    ¡°We could graft a daemon¡¯s arm to him, there¡¯zzz plenty ovvver there. Or rip one off one another daemon. Zzze any you fanzzzy?¡± Beelzebub asked. Leo quickly shook his head.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright, it¡¯s alright!¡±

    ¡°Zzzuit yourzzzelv.¡±

    ¡°Then let us crush those fools.¡± Asmodeus snapped his wings open and took to the air.

    ¡°Kevin, we should go too. There may be something in their lair that we can use to disrupt the ritual, I¡¯d like to sneak in.¡± Genevieve told Nightfang. He briefly considered, and nodded.

    ¡°Right. Take Gregor and Will. Sneak in, back us up if we need it. Be safe.¡± he told his team, and they nodded.

    ¡°Always.¡± she said, then they jumped over the railing.

    ¡°Good luck.¡± Azazel said, taking flight with the others.

    ¡°finallyfinallyfinallyfinallyFINALLY!¡± Lilith cried joyously as she descended. The other archdaemons gave her a wide, wide berth as they moved. ¡°Aha! C¡¯mon you maggots! Let¡¯s have some fun!¡± She joined the fray and threw off her cloak to reveal¡­

    ¡°Oh my dear sweet Zet-Mathaig.¡± Leo said, aghast. Amber¡¯s hand automatically covered Connor and Riley¡¯s eyes in horror.

    ¡°What is she-? Is she-?¡± Bess said, squinting in disbelief.

    ¡°Aha hah hah hah hah hah hah! C¡¯mere, you!¡± Lilith said as she plucked a hapless tentacle beast from the ground. Then she¡­SPLORCH!

    ¡°Oh my God!¡±

    ¡°I think I¡¯m going to be sick.¡± Nigel said, holding his stomach. Crenshaw was, vomiting over the side.

    ¡°That, that¡¯s just not right.¡± Scott said uneasily.

    ¡°Why do you think she is the uncontested ruler of her domain? She is the Mother of Monsters for a reason. May I suggest we focus on disrupting the ritual?¡± Mephistopheles said quickly, not looking at the scene below.

    ¡°R-Right. Full speed ahead!¡± Scott ordered the zombie crew, and they sailed on to the rock.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Fausto shivered as he stood next to Delacroix. No, next to his shadow. The thing contained inside. It was impressive, really. Scary, but impressive. Riepaimva had strolled out, chanting as he did. He held up a hand, then a nova of white light erupted form his palm. Delacroix had pulled him back into the cave, and a minute later Riepaimva came back, ordering the others sent out to exterminate the pests outside. Over three million, so casually dealt with.

    There was no doubt he was a god.

    ¡°All hail Lord Riepaimva!¡± The last of the blood was spilled, and Delacroix grinned as the circle¡¯s heavy, oppressive air doubled in intensity. The space above it shimmered and cracked, a light that was terrible to behold shining forth.

    ¡°All hail.¡±

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FWOOOM!

    Everyone could feel it. All eyes turned to Ayer¡¯s Rock, the purple stormclouds growing at the center. The dimensions had shifted, cracking through to the center of the universe.

    ¡°Oh no.¡± Scott whispered. The sun was blotted out as the wind whipped up, Nigel doing his best to keep them steady.

    ¡°We¡¯re too late!¡± Bess screamed.

    ¡°No we¡¯re not! We can still make it!¡± Cross snapped. ¡°Can¡¯t we?¡± she asked Scott. He picked up the microphone.

    ¡°We need to bust that place wide open, now!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Mephistopheles grimaced. With so much interference from the funky weird energies, his daemonic magic felt unstable.

    Allow Me.

    Lagdinras summoned all of his power, the six flames burning brightly. They targeted and shot into beams, sawing off the top of the rock. Glowing gold, the eye shook as the massive slab of stone was levitated off of the rest, veins bulging unnaturally in his eyeball.

    ¡°Are you okay, Lagdinras!?¡± Leo shouted.

    Hurry! I Cannot hold This long!

    came from him, sounding incredibly strained.

    ¡°Right! FULL SPEED AHEAD!¡± Scott commanded.

    ¡°Gooo!¡± Beelzebub hollered, he and the other archdaemons encircling the ship, keeping the magicians and monsters at bay while they sailed in. The Dead Man¡¯s Hand tilted down, sailing into Ayer¡¯s Rock, towards the unnaturally-lit crack in reality.

    ¡°Here we go.¡± Scott muttered, before they passed on through.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Delacroix and Fausto walked, the daemon nervous and shaking with every step. They were in the complete void of space, stars shimmering in all directions. This was not native ground to a daemon.

    Their destination was still far off, a large, greenish-purpleish cloud the size of a country. At least he thought it was; distance and size were hard to judge here, they kept shifting. It was a hunch, but he suspected that everything might have been all different sizes at once.

    ¡°At long last. Finally, the goal is in sight. No Outer Gods can interfere, the sealing Lord Riepaimva performed will keep them out.¡± Delacroix said, his shadow rearing up behind him. Suddenly, he stopped. His legs froze, he looked at his shadow, opening a blazing pink eye.

    ¡°It appears someone has found a loophole.¡± Riepaimva said.

    Space quaked. Reality folded and unfolded, stretching forth dark green tentacles. A truly massive body, dwarfing solar systems emerged from a hidden pocket dimension, springing the ambush. It had no exact definite shape, constantly shifting and writhing. But three large burning eyes of fire opened somewhere in the center, glaring down at them with total disapproval.

    Zet-Mathaig had appeared.

    ¡°Seems Mr. Goody-Two Shoes himself has come to try to stop me.¡± Riepaimva said. Fausto was frozen in terror, and Delacroix was glancing between the enormous entity and his master, heart in his throat.

    The Incarnation of Justice bellowed and whipped a tentacle around. Strangely, it had a gigantic chain in the coils. The chain snaked light-years away in an instant, attaching to a sun with no life around it and pulled back, swinging the celestial body over itself like a morningstar.

    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s the Wielder of the Purifying Sun alright. I can¡¯t hope to match his pure power.¡± Riepaimva said, nearly giving his servants heart attacks.

    ¡°M-Master?¡± Delacroix meeped worriedly. Riepaimva grinned a Mobius grin.

    ¡°But I am not as I was when Atlantis sank. I have learned the secrets of the universe! I know everything I need to! This fool will not stop me, as you will see! I will wake Azathoth!¡± He produced the master copy of the Libris Malefactorum Arcana, much thicker than the others he¡¯d left on Earth, scribed by plucking the knowledge straight from the brains of sage beings and placing them to the paper.

    Zet-Mathaig roared, swinging the solar weapon. Riepaimva chanted, reality bending around him. The battle was joined.

 Chapter 35: Make Him an Offer He Cant Refuse

    Space folded and zipped past the spectral ship in a kaleidoscope of dark colors. An age passed, but for those on board it was barely five minutes.

    ¡°Tell me straight, kid: how screwed are we?¡± Cross asked Scott. The skeleton considered.

    ¡°Very. This is the absolute worst-case scenario. No matter what, we can¡¯t let the Last Alarm wake Azathoth. To be honest, I was kinda planning on disrupting the ritual, I know a couple things I could do to suck him into limbo with that. You want a plan? Sorry, I¡¯m winging it as much as you now.¡± Scott said with a shrug, suppressing a hysterical giggle. Not good, not good, not good¡­

    ¡°B-Boss, are we gonna die?¡± Riley asked him. He smiled and patted her head.

    ¡°No. Oblivion isn¡¯t death. But we¡¯re gonna make sure that doesn¡¯t happen.¡± he tried to say reassuringly, but it sounded hollow.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Even if there isn¡¯t a plan, I know we¡¯ll win. We have to.¡± Amber said.

    ¡°Right. Oh boy, get ready. We¡¯re almost there.¡± Scott said. The strange tunnel-ness of the lights faded, and they found themselves in the vastness of outer space.

    ¡°Holy crap!¡± Connor exclaimed. ¡°Wait, I can breathe!?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s cause of that.¡± Scott said, pointing a boney finger. A gigantic pileup of purplish-green clouds swirled in the distance, vague figures dancing and cavorting around in a circle. Even from here, they could faintly make out the thin whine of monotonous flutes. ¡°That area is deceptively hospitable. Anything could live there. If they had the nerve.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not though.¡± Amber said. She could faintly hear drumbeats, and they were maddening.

    ¡®Fear not, child. You are stronger than you think. You will not be overcome by those silly instruments. I am currently watching through your eyes. Steel yourself, I am with you. We all are.¡¯ the uylata spider¡¯s thoughts suddenly came to Amber, enveloping her in a soft yellow glow. Her eyes flashed crystal blue, and she felt the strength of the uylata pour into her, like casting off a heavy weight. She smiled as she could hear the telepathic voices of her brethren. ¡°The Mother Spider is with us.¡± she said.

    ¡°Good, I think we¡¯re gonna need all the help we can get.¡± Cross muttered. ¡°How you holding up?¡± she asked Leo, holding onto his stump of a side.

    ¡°Good enough to fight. We can¡¯t let the universe be destroyed. That¡¯s all that matters right now.¡± he said, smiling grimly. Suddenly, he paled. ¡°W-What? Did¡­no.¡±

    There was a noise behind them. They all turned to see an enormous mass of flesh and tentacles fall, bleeding strangely-colored blood. Three burning eyes in the center gasped and closed. Leo gaped in abject horror. Every nerve felt paralyzed.

    ¡°No. That¡¯s¡­that¡¯s¡­¡± Though he had never laid eyes on the creature before, there could be no doubt.

    ¡°Zet-Mathaig itself. He¡¯s dead." Scott said quietly.

    Far away on Earth, Lagdinras suddenly stilled, along with the other messengers and holy disciples, knowing what had happened to their lord.

    ¡°No no no, this can¡¯t be happening.¡± Leo said in disbelief. His wrist grew heavy, the sword charm reverting to a normal sword and falling to the deck. He wordlessly picked it up. It was still of fine, exceptional make, unnaturally balanced, hard, and sharp. But that strange, mystic quality was simply¡­gone. He tried to light it aflame. It remained cold and lifeless.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, he¡¯s dead, but that can¡¯t keep one like him down. He¡¯ll be back¡­eventually. I hope.¡± Scott tried to reassure him, and Leo nodded wordlessly. It felt like a comforting blanket had been thrown off, exposing bare flesh to extreme cold.

    ¡°Ha ha ha! Arrogant fool!¡± A colossal black shadow loomed over Zet-Mathaig¡¯s remains, blotting out stars. A glowing pink eye burned in the mass as it shrank back into Delacroix¡¯s shadow. ¡°I have scoured the universe for aeons! There is no magic that I have no knowledge of! Complacent idiots! While your kind was plotting how to rule this wretched multiverse, I was seeking out greater and more esoteric knowledge! So now, after all this time, my practice and my plans have paid off! At far too long last, I shall wake Azathoth!¡±

    ¡°Hey you! Bastard!¡± Riepaimva stilled. He turned his black head. There. In front of him. Again. In his little flying ship, with his big speeches and plans. The little necromantic speedbump.

    ¡°How-how in the world¡­¡± Delacroix wondered. This shouldn¡¯t be possible.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. I don¡¯t know how they broke through the spell, but we can break them easily enough now.¡± Fausto said, flexing and shredding his disguise. This couldn¡¯t be possible.

    Yet that necromancer was once again here.

    ¡°¡®Bastard.¡¯ I¡¯ve been called that so much it should be one of my titles.¡± Riepaimva said, drawing closer and smaller to inspect the thing standing between him and his goal. ¡°What are you doing here? I thought your resistance was crushed.¡±

    ¡°Yeah see, that¡¯s the thing; we don¡¯t wanna be crushed!¡± Scott proclaimed, striding up to the prow. ¡°If you wake him up, everything goes bye-bye! He dreams all of reality into being! This¡¯s, for lack of a better word, stupid! You¡¯ll be erased too if he wakes up!¡±

    ¡°Now, we¡¯ve had our differences. I¡¯ll admit we started out opposed to each other. But if only for a moment, think! I¡¯ve seen what you can do, and heard what you¡¯ve done in the past. You¡¯ve gone beyond just searching for spells, you¡¯ve done the same as me and invented new ones, and devices to capitalize on them! You¡¯ve clawed your way up to here, the top of the cosmic food chain! I can empathize with your struggle. I¡¯ve been looked down on too, and I¡¯ve made everyone who¡¯s ever mocked me or necromancy regret it. As have you. You were sneered at by other gods, the history¡¯s recorded in the Necronomicon. After Atlantis, you were sealed in a sub-dimension, cast out from interacting with anything else, and nearly all methods of summoning you from that hell were destroyed. You and me, we¡¯re not so different form one another. We both stand at the pillars of our fields now, leaders of our respective forces.¡±

    ¡°But we don¡¯t have to be enemies! Just think of the possibilities, what we could accomplish if we joined forces!¡± All eyes on the ship went wide. ¡°Join me, and we can rule the universe together!¡± He held out a hand imploringly, but was yanked back by Amber. Riepaimva was still, apparently frozen in shock.

    ¡°S-S-Scooooott! What the #$@% do you think you¡¯re doing!?¡± she whispered fiercely at him.

    ¡°Shut! Up!¡± he whispered back through gritted teeth, his voice going higher with every word. ¡°If he actually agrees to this, I can get him to agree to other, more peaceful things and the universe won¡¯t be destroyed!¡± He turned back to the god. ¡°All your power and knowledge, combined with my ingenuity and ambition! We would want for nothing! All would be forced to bow before our combined might! Together, we could do anything!¡±

    ¡°Oh my God.¡± Cross muttered. The logic was there, but her trigger finger was itchy.

    Riepaimva was silent, the hot pink eye staring down at him incredulously. Then, he began to shake.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    ¡°You¡­you¡­how DARE you! Filth! Rotten corpse! With that you¡¯ve proven you¡¯re the bastard, not I! My mission is a holy one! I have waited aeons for the chance to complete it!¡± he declared angrily, sweeping out his arms. A pink aura crackled to life, around him, his eye blazing brighter. Delacroix and Mephitomonagnarious took a step back, ducking away from the gods¡¯ rage. Said god pointed an accusatory finger at Scott.

    ¡°You are the lowest, vilest scum there is! I cannot believe you would dare try to distract me from my duty! The sacred duty given to me by my lord and creator, the Daemon Sultan himself!¡±

    Scott gaped at the eldritch being before him.

    ¡°W-What? You mean¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes! Lord Azathoth CHARGED me with waking him! That is my explicit purpose! That is why I exist! Because I must wake my lord, and destroy everything! Existence is a sin, an abominable, unforgivable sin that must be cleansed! You wretched foolish mortal cannot comprehend how much each and every unit of time that passes in which the universe continues to exist PAINS and DISGUSTS me!¡± Riepaimva shouted to the heart of the universe, frothing at his fang-filled mouths. Scott¡¯s mind raced.

    That was it. Everything was connected. If everything was a projection of Azathoth¡¯s being, then Riepaimva¡¯s existence made sense! Scott understood at last. It was similar with humans. The brain produced suicidal, dark thoughts like the sudden image or urge to throw oneself from a great height, or slicing into one¡¯s veins with a blade. The Last Alarm, the Poisonous Thoughts; his titles suddenly made sense. Everything this being had done since its¡¯ creation was in service of destroying everything. There was, could not be, any other true goal.

    ¡°Crap.¡± Scott said. ¡°Ok then.¡± He picked up the microphone and said into the speakers, ¡°Negotiations have failed! Plan B! Plan B!¡±

    ¡°No. There will be no more plans for you.¡± Riepaimva said, holding up a six-fingered hand. He chanted, light building up in his palm, ready to unleash a supernova on these pathetic fools.

    ¡°H-Hold on!¡± Cross shouted. The surge of light and heat shot out, accelerated millions of times faster than a natural supernova. Scott dropped his hands to the floorboards.

    Amber screwed her eyes shut, preparing for the end¡­and it didn¡¯t come. The light winked out behind them, having passed through them harmlessly.  Scott grinned.

    ¡°The Dead Man¡¯s Hand is a ghost ship. Ghosts don¡¯t interact with matter.¡± he said, and the god frowned.

    ¡°Very well. Let¡¯s see if you can live through this, then.¡± He sliced his own palm open, bleeding ebon ichor, chanting dozens of incantations from misshapen mouths opening everywhere on his body, the splashes of black bubbling and writhing, forming into bizarre, monstrous entities that descended to the ship, howling.

    ¡°Is¡­is that hemomancy!?¡± Nightfang said, watching his master¡¯s skill turned against them.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s more like my magic!¡± Bess corrected, recognizing some of the words. At least, the spell was based on the principals of biomancy.

    ¡°Crap, he¡¯s got us, if I make the ship phase again we can¡¯t affect him either, not if he doesn¡¯t want us too.¡± Scott muttered frantically.

    ¡°Finish them. I go to wake him.¡± Riepaimva said, striding towards the center.

    ¡°Here they come!¡± Leo cried, readying his sword as the horde of monsters, along with Mephitomonagnarious rained down upon the ship.

    ¡°Scott! What do we do? How do we stop him!?¡± Amber said, staring into his eyelights. Scott went still, his mind in overdrive.

    ¡°We have to distract him. We can¡¯t kill him, not like this, gods can¡¯t truly die, though they are really dead¡­¡± He scanned the area, trying to take everything in at once. The ship, the Calamitous Ruination, the monsters, the corpse of Zet-Mathaig¡­wait.

    He had it.

    ¡°Right! Maximum force!¡± He slapped a boney hand on the deck. ¡°Crush those fools!¡±

    The first seething wave of snarling monsters was almost upon them. Suddenly, a gigantic fist swung out, smashing into the horrible mindless creatures.

    ¡°What!?¡± Delacroix gaped, stopping his charge.

    FWOOM!

    Fire blossomed through the ranks of the horde, launched from three mouths. Delacroix stared in wonder as three enormous shapes dropped from the hull of the ship and began to engage the army.

    ¡°Get ¡®em, big guy!¡± The Zombie Titan Mk. 1 groaned and swung his massive fists, splattering the monsters left and right.

    ¡°Oh! We got a doggie!¡± Riley squealed, watching the Zombie Titan Mk. 2: Cerberus howl and rip at the horde with its three canine heads, Scott laughing as he pressed a remote, triggering the flamethrowers at will.

    ¡°I-Is that-?¡± Amber gaped at the Zombie Titan Mk. 3, Yun¡¯s colossal centipede servant/body, head reattached and snapping pincers, animated by Scott¡¯s magic and attacking the forces it was previously aligned with.

    ¡°Reduce, reuse, recycle!¡± Scott gleefully gloated. ¡°A monster like that? Hell yeah I want it! Now!¡± He grabbed the helm and spun it, turning the ship to point at Riepaimva. ¡°Damn the monsters, full speed ahead!¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t!¡± Mephitomonagnarious said, floating down before the ship, aiming a ball of fire at them.

    ¡°No. You won¡¯t, my boy.¡± Mephistopheles said, appearing and placing a hand on Mephitomonagnarious¡¯s winged shoulder. He glanced at the elder daemon.

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand. Move, old man. This will lead to the liberation of all daemonkind.¡±

    ¡°No, lad. You¡¯re confused.¡± Mephistopheles said sadly, shaking his head. ¡°What did that thing do to you?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the one that¡¯s confused!¡± Mephitomonagnarious snarled, swiping a hand at Mephistopheles¡¯s teleporting face. ¡°That won¡¯t save you!¡± He pulled out several red pills, and swallowed them. ¡°My contractor has given me powers beyond yours!¡± His eyes glowed red, and he began muttering incomprehensible words in a harsh tongue. He reached between folded space and pulled his uncle out of warped reality.

    ¡°This will be more difficult than expected.¡± Mephistopheles said coldly. ¡°Scott! I will deal with this! Leave me!¡± he called.

    ¡°Way ahead of you!¡± Scott shouted, sailing towards the god, the ship besieged by a diminished horde of monsters. ¡°Alright, listen up! Amber, Bess, Connor, Riley, you¡¯re with me and the Titans! Everyone else, you guys hold him off! It¡¯ll be hard, but just try to buy enough time. I believe in you!¡± He grabbed Amber and they jumped on Cerberus, Bess and the kids sliding down the centipede.

    ¡°What¡¯s the plan!¡± Amber said as the zombies broke off from the ship, pursued by abominable creatures. Scott grinned, having the time of his undeath.

    ¡°Do what I do best!¡±

    They arrived, and Amber instantly grasped his idea, shaking her head.

    ¡°You¡¯re crazy, you know that?¡± she said in bewildered wonder.

    ¡°You have yet to see the full extent of my necromantic genius!¡± he declared. He motioned Bess over. ¡°You right handed or left?¡± She raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Right, why-¡± she started to ask, when he grabbed her left wrist, pulled out a wickedly curved dagger and plunged it into her arm, chanting. Everyone jumped and screamed, Bess frantically trying to pull away.

    ¡°Don¡¯t squirm, you¡¯ll only make it worse!¡± Scott barked, slowly pulling it out. He examined the blade, grinning as the blood formed into blazing red runes that wriggles like worms on the knife.

    ¡°WHAT! WHY!?¡± Bess screamed, holding her arm as Amber and the kids stared in horror.

    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be such a baby, you¡¯ll live. The blood had to be taken from someone unwilling, and I wasn¡¯t about to stab my girlfriend or the kids.¡± he explained, and she stared at him, mouth open and brow furrowed.

    ¡°You-you bastard!¡± she said, seeing the logic but still apoplectic. ¡°You can¡¯t just-¡± Then it hit her. She blinked. ¡°¡­unwilling blood?¡± Scott nodded.

    ¡°Reverse flux of consecrated energy matrix A2 + C2 x B3¡Â1013 with necrotic deposits ¦¸ for each metaphysical cashe, binding points A-G to space-time coordinates L-Q.¡± he said, and Bess widened her eyes.

    ¡°But what about influx form Sirius and Venus? 13 ¡À 450, which ¡Ù ¦Â x 667, depending on what kind of sacrifice is made in which phase of the moon. The entire parallel paradigm could be thrown off!¡± she countered. Scott raised a boney finger.

    ¡°We¡¯re a the exact center of the universe in all dimensions, point ?. Too far away for that to have any effect, I can substitute ?(¡Þ)? for either of those reagents, due to the cosmic flow.¡±

    ¡°I see. That¡¯s¡­that¡¯s brilliant! I mean, if all metaphysical energies can be gathered¡­¡± Bess trialed off, rubbing her chin. This could work!

    ¡°It¡¯s like a magnet. Remember, the path of least resistance? Trust me, Outer Gods don¡¯t die, not exactly, but physical remains are physical remains. I¡¯ll also need a couple of your creations to get back on board and retrieve something. Kinda forgot on the way over.¡± Scott said abashedly, and she nodded determinedly.

    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely insane. I can get whatever you need.¡± Bess said.

    ¡°Whuh? What are you talking about?¡± Amber said, watching the exchange like a high schooler in physics listening to a debate between theoretical quantum physicists. Scott turned to her solemnly and held her close.

    ¡°Amber. I need you to listen very carefully. I know I have done¡­questionable things in the past. I know I¡¯m not the most¡­sensitive. But this is the end of everything. Do you trust me?¡± she said, searching her eyes with toxic emerald green eyelights.

    ¡°Yes.¡± she said, no hesitation. She was getting worried, but the one thing she knew was when Scott started in like this, he had da plan to win. She could feel the uylata with her, thrumming the power through her veins. She would do whatever it took to save everyone. The skeleton nodded.

    ¡°Good. We need a human sacrifice. Please stab yourself in the heart with this.¡± He held out the dagger to her. She stared at it, then at him blankly.

    ¡°¡­what.¡±

    ¡°Hurry up, we need to move! You need to die!¡± he said, panic mounting as he saw the battle raging behind her, the monsters on their way.

    ¡°What!?¡± Amber screamed.

    ¡°Woman! Just stab yourself!¡± Scott screamed back, panicking. ¡°Hurry up! Do it! Do it!¡±

    The monsters arrived, slobbering and ready to kill.

 Chapter 36: Love (Your) Craft

    ¡°Hang on!¡± Nightfang cried, heaving the helm to the right. With his vampiric strength and reflexes, he was a better choice than the zombie. The ghost ship sailed in front of Riepaimva, broadsiding him with the cannons and grenades.

    ¡°What is this.¡± the eldritch being said, clearly annoyed. Less than a mile to the Daemon Sultan¡¯s court, and they pop up again. Cockroaches. They¡¯d shaken off most of the monsters, but still pressed forward to face a god. ¡°Fools.¡±

    ¡°GIVE THE BLIGHTER EVERYTHING YOU¡¯VE GOT!¡± Captain Blackwell bellowed, chopping into a black beast with a spectral saber.

    ¡°Aye-aye, Captain!¡± Cross growled, hefting the rocket launcher from the turret and aiming a stream of grenades up to Riepaimva¡¯s face.

    ¡°Insolent. Ach¡¯lthenos gvocka, ach¡¯lthenos gvocka, ach¡¯lthenos gvocka,¡± he incanted, all the remaining monsters there smashing together and forming into a large mutant mass, twenty feet tall, squashing skeletons and zombies when it landed. ¡°Play with that for now. Daddy has business elsewhere.¡± With that, he began to move around the ship.

    ¡°No!¡± Leo cried, pointing his sword at the god in defiance with his remaining arm. ¡°If you want to wake that thing over there, you¡¯ll have to kill each and every one of us to do it! We will not stop otherwise!¡± he shouted proudly, blood still running down a cut on his head.

    ¡°Very well. Terms accepted.¡± He gestured to the monster. It roared and reared up, but the team was ready.

    ¡°Zessshing-onatoth!¡± Nightfang cried, biting his arm open. The blood flowed out like a ribbon, wrapping around the abomination¡¯s legs. He grunted in pain, but Nightfang held like a hero as he grunted and hefted, knocking it over. Leo walked over and shoved his blade through the thing¡¯s eyes. Though it was missing the power of Zet-Mathaig, it was still a supernaturally exceptional sword. The creature moaned as the flame of life was extinguished, Leo turning to glare at Riepaimva.

    ¡°Send whatever you want, you¡¯ll never get us with those little tricks. My cause is righteous and my friends are with me. You¡¯ll have to do better than that.¡±

    ¡°Humph. You¡¯re righteous, all right. No left in you.¡± Riepaimva snorted. ¡°Very well. Since you are literally asking for it, taste my power. Zagthen, zagthen, zagthen, entimeous¡­¡± Riepaimva¡¯s neon eye burned, and every person aboard the Dead Man¡¯s Hand felt like their heads were caught in a vice. Nigel collapsed to the deck, visions of slaughter filling his mind. The streets of New York were painted red, monsters attacking innocent people. They were chewed, clawed up, and mangled ceaselessly. And he was helpless to stop it.

    ¡°Euuuuaaaaaaghhh!¡± Vanessa saw herself attacking Riley, making her brain bubble and boil out of her nose and ears. As Vanessa placed a hand on her little sister¡¯s head, chanting, Riley whimpered and went comatose. Vanessa could feel the smirk on her lips, and she tried to rip them off.

    ¡°NO! NOT AGAIN!¡± Nightfang screamed. His hands were on his mother¡¯s mutated head, twisting and snapping. Over. And over. And over. He screamed again, twisting and turning.

    The crew was affected as well, each ghost wailing in torment and regret, visions filling long-dead minds, torturing them. Some thrashed, some prayed for it to cease, others just stood there aghast.

    ¡°Urg¡­¡± Cross muttered, holding a hand to her head. Girls hung from nooses, charging suspects were gunned down by her own hand, witches attacked. She could hardly tell what was really happening. ¡°No-we, we have to¡­¡± A girl¡¯s corpse hung from the ceiling, staring at her with dead, bulging eyes. Why couldn¡¯t you save me, they said. She looked to her left. Blood and gore, gruesome human remains from every crime scene she¡¯d ever been at littered the ground. To her right was every abuse victim she¡¯d come across. There were¡­there were¡­

    There were far too many children.

    ¡°NO!¡± Gathering all her focus, she balled a fist and slammed her head, concentrating on the pain. ¡°This¡­this isn¡¯t real. It¡¯s another one of his tricks.¡± she growled, gritting her teeth so hard they strained. She shook her head violently. The ship. Focus on the ship.

    The visions didn¡¯t quite disappear, but faded. She looked around, and saw she was the only one free from Riepaimvas¡¯ spell. ¡°God I hate this crap.¡± She saw Crenshaw staring ahead, eyes twitching, the grenade launcher at his feet. ¡°Crenshaw, you alright? Need you to move-¡± She placed a hand on his shoulder to push him aside, but everything went black for a moment.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Suddenly, it was her and Crenshaw, watching a less grey General Kimball swearing a much younger, less lined, and overall¡­lighter Crenshaw in with a group of other young men.

    ¡°Soldiers, today you embark on a new journey to protect these United States. Your contributions will never be known, nor officially recorded. But it is the goal of the Unknown Agency to curtail things like what happened in that German village. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Sir yes sir!¡± Crenshaw replied smartly, saluting with a¡­and Cross had to pause, with a smile.

    ¡°The hell is this!?¡± she said, turning to the older Crenshaw. He was shaking, muttering ¡°No¡­no¡­don¡¯t do it¡­¡± over and over. Another man elbowed Crenshaw playfully.

    ¡°Well, he can keep a secret no problem. He never told Mel about that time with his mom!¡±

    ¡°Shut up, guys.¡± presumably Mel said tiredly, and they all laughed. It was strange to see the dour agent laughing happily.

    ¡°C¡¯mon Justin, I¡¯m buying today. I still owe you from last time.¡± young Crenshaw said, leading the man who joked out. He snorted.

    ¡°Dude, you¡¯ll never be able to pay me back, you¡¯re hopeless with money.¡± Justin said, and Crenshaw rolled his eyes.

    ¡°Yeah yeah.¡±

    Cross watched in astonishment as the scene shifted, Crenshaw trembling under her palm. There was a long, dark corridor in some kind of lab, Crenshaw bleeding and frantically pounding on a sealed door.

    ¡°Justin! Justin! Don¡¯t do this man, don¡¯t do this!¡± he cried into a radio. Cross could barely make out Justin through the reinforced window to the darkened room, smiling sadly.

    ¡°That¡¯s a nugatory, man. I have to.¡±

    ¡°No! What¡¯s going on!? We got your distress call and now you¡¯ve sealed yourselves off!?¡± young Crenshaw shouted, pain on his face. ¡°What was that last message about? Why did you kill everyone!? Don¡¯t do this!¡±

    ¡°Sorry man, can¡¯t let you know what¡¯s up. Class three entity. You know what it is, what it does, it lives on. This¡¯s the only way to kill it. We¡¯re the last ones. You ready guys?¡± There was a chorus of sad agreements. ¡°Sorry. Goodbye.¡± The radio projected gunshots, and Cross turned away from the flashes of muzzle fire form the window. Both Crenshaws stared helplessly at it, transfixed.

    Then the world shifted, playing out the same story again.

    ¡°We do not have time for this!¡± Cross snarled. ¡°Crenshaw!¡± she bellowed loud enough to make him turn. Just enough so she could deck him with a right hook.

    ¡°C-Crss? Yumn¡­¡± The shared vision faded as Crenshaw slumped in the corner, K.O.¡¯d.

    ¡°Hey, hey! Wake up!¡± She shook him, slapping his face, but he was out. ¡°Crap. At least he¡¯s out of that nightmare.¡± She glanced at Riepaimva, walking back to the clouds. ¡°Crap.¡± She reached down, grabbed Crenshaw¡¯s M19, and hauled both his and hers to the railing. ¡°EAT THIS!¡± She let loose full auto with both grenade launchers. Aim wasn¡¯t important, the only thing was to get Riepaimva¡¯s attention. And as the grenades exploded on the black body, hitting the clouds on either side, Riepaimva did indeed notice. He turned his baleful pink eye directly on her and her alone. She froze as chills ran through her body. So much pure, furious hate.

    ¡°What does it take to be rid of you pests?¡± Riepaimva said, raising a six-fingered hand, a familiar chant being sung. Light gathered in it as he performed the spell.

    ¡°Uh-oh.¡± Cross said. ¡°Wake up! Wake up! We gotta move!¡± she shouted, trying to turn the helm but only spinning in place. How did you fly this thing!?

    Riepaimva fired.

    ¡°GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!¡± Captain Blackwell roared, the supernova once again passing through them as his ghostly power made them intangible.

    ¡°Holy crap!¡± Nightfang cried out, the intense light snapping them out of their traumatic visions. He saw the captain kneeling on the floor, panting. ¡°Oh no!¡±

    ¡°Afraid I won¡¯t be putting on a repeat show, lad.¡± he said, doffing hi shat. He seemed dimmer, and more translucent than normal. ¡°I¡¯m, I¡¯m spent. If t¡¯wernt for young master Scott, I¡¯d be with the Lord now.¡±

    ¡°Chill, chill, you¡¯ll be okay.¡± he said, trying to comfort the ghost.

    ¡°No. He won¡¯t.¡± Riepaimva was suddenly there, looming over the ship. ¡°You have tested my patience for the last time. Enough. Hev¡¯wgathos, venietesze.¡± was chanted hundreds of times at once, from mouths opening on his body. Nightfang, Cross, and Nigel all tried to attack, but bounced off a forcefield materializing not twenty feet from the hull. ¡°That should keep you mice in your cage. Just watch as I wake the creator and end this charade of reality.¡± He turned once again to the clouds holding Azathoth¡¯s presence.

    ¡°So that¡¯s it!¡±

    ¡°Oh for Azathoth¡¯s sake!¡± Before him, standing bloody but defiant, the last one between him and his goal. Having snuck off the ship, proud and ready, pointing his sword with his remaining arm: Leo. He grinned.

    ¡°I thought it was strange, but now I see your game. You¡¯ve got certain biological advantages over us, but you¡¯re not really that much stronger than even me, aren¡¯t you? Zet-Mathaig, the uylata spider, all of them are bigger and more powerful than you. When they worked their mojo, I¡¯ve never seen them cast a spell like Scott does. But you¡¯re throwing them around like candy. For all your talk of superiority, you really don¡¯t have that much, do you?¡± he said, the pieces coming together. Riepaimva narrowed his eye, staring at the champion.

    ¡°You¡¯re a clever one, aren¡¯t you.¡± he said at last. ¡°If you¡¯ve figured that much out, I suppose I could congratulate you. I am considered barely a wisp, cosmically speaking, by myself. However, this changes nothing.¡± His eye burned hotter, the waves of malevolence emanating from him palpable. ¡°I have compensated for my¡­deficiencies. I know thousands of rituals, thousands of spells, incantations, and sigils. No matter the source of my power, I am far beyond anything you could imagine. If you tried to know all I do your mind would rupture. Now, little fool¡­¡± He reached down, grabbing Leo and bringing him up to eye level, the boy¡¯s stabs futile without the might of Zet-Mathaig. ¡°What do you think you can do about it?¡±

    Leo struggled and strained and stabbed, but nothing would loosen the grip. The god squeezed tighter, making him cry out in pain as his ribs contracted.

    ¡°You¡­won¡¯t win¡­¡± he gasped, trying to swing the blade but failing. There was a familiar blackness building behind his eyes. Yu never forgot your first death, after all.

    ¡°I have. There is nothing anyone can do. I have overcome all obstacles in my path. My era-long plans have come to fruition. And there is nothing you can do to stop me, you weak, pathetic little man.¡± He turned and flung Leo into the ship through the forcefield.

    ¡°Yaaaahhh!¡± Too fast, the deck was coming up too fast! The whole crew watched in horror as Leo flailed desperately, no one able to move in time. What could he do, what could he do! He was about to be splattered! He twisted and turned, there! The mast! If he could grab that-but his trajectory was too far away. He reached stubbornly, reaching, reaching¡­ ¡°Whaaaa!¡±

    Something popped in his shoulder, and a green tentacle burst out of Leo¡¯s stump and wrapped around the mast, stretching fifteen feet. He swung, bleeding off momentum before dropping heavily to the deck-Battered, bruised, but very much alive.

    ¡°Leo! What happened!?¡± Nightfang cried, the group rushing over. He panted, staring at his new appendage.

    ¡°This is unexpected.¡± he said, then looked up. ¡°But¡­but that doesn¡¯t matter. I failed.¡± He hung his head as they watched Riepaimva smile, striding into the clouds. He knocked shrines and altars aside, scattering the perpetual dancers with a single spell. The relentless drums stopped, and the horrible creature still sitting played his reedy flute desperately, oozing and trembling as the Calamitous Ruination loomed over him. The other gods cowered, helpless. The endless, chaotic mass of Azathoth bubbled and roiled. The end was here.

    ¡°Time to wake up.¡± He smiled with too many teeth, and reached down to snap the flute.

    He stopped. In the silence, there was one voice still chanting incantations.

    ¡°Aztock, turath, neb emuu kashnoth serbaph jslatmon ha! Aztock, turath, neb emuu kashnoth serbaph jslatmon ha! Aztock, turath, neb emuu kashnoth serbaph jslatmon ha! Aztock, turath, neb emuu kashnoth serbaph jslatmon ha! Aztock, turath, neb emuu kashnoth serbaph jslatmon ha! Hey! RIEPAIMVA!¡±

    There was a glow as the clouds beneath parted, that accursed toxic emerald green. The universe seemed to shake as the great corpse of Zet-Mathaig rose, groaning in a bizarre, elephant-like baritone. The enormous body rose up before Riepaimva like a wall, blocking him from his master as the tentacles waved.

    ¡°No no no no no no no¡­¡±  Riepaimva whispered breathlessly. There, fused waist-deep into the mass of flesh above Zet-Mathaig¡¯s eyes, flinging off his black coverings, was a bone-white skeleton, pupils glowing green.

    ¡°Aha ha ha ha ha ha ha!¡± He gestured wildly, spreading his arms as the god rose as a subservient zombie, ready to obey his commands. ¡°It worked! I can¡¯t believe it! It worked! I mean, of course it worked! I am a genius, after all!¡± Scott¡¯s voice echoed across the silent universe.

    ¡°You¡­wretched mortal! How DARE YOU! You think¡­you think a GOD is your PLAYTHING!?¡± Riepaimva shouted, subtly chanting and growing extra arms. A double ridge of spines protruded along his spine, his rage and magic transforming him into a fiercer, more feral state. Scott grinned down at him.

    ¡°Usually no. But zombies? Zombies are my jam. And if the subject of reanimation happens to be a lifeform commonly referred to as divine, well¡­¡± The skeletal shoulders shrugged.

    Everyone on the ship stared at him wordlessly. There could be no words. He had animated and controlled undead before, even on a large scale. But this¡­but this¡­

    ¡°He¡­he¡­¡± Vanessa gaped. Leo¡¯s mouth opened and closed.

    ¡°S-Scott-please be careful with my god.¡± he whimpered, impressed and terrified beyond anything else.

    ¡°That¡¯s it. I give up. That¡¯s it. How-how even the hell!¡± Cross said, throwing her hands in the air. ¡°You. Get me the strongest alcohol on board.¡± she told a trembling zombie, pointing a finger.

    ¡°B-But we don¡¯t h-have any!¡± he protested.

    ¡°Ugh. Figures.¡± Cross leaned back against a wall and crossed her arms. If it was out of her hands, she could sit back and watch the show. The kid pull a hell of one on.

    ¡°HA HA HA! I feel great! The rush! The power! So this is what it is to be a god!¡± Scott declared, cackling madly. ¡°My ritual worked! Truly, necromancy is the ultimate art! There can be no other!¡±

    ¡°Necromancy is a minor skill that should have been lost aeons ago! This perverse corpse puppetry is as obscene as you!¡± Riepaimva shouted. Scott grinned mercilessly, the eyelights glowing brighter.

    ¡°Oh? So you say? And who¡¯s gonna kick who¡¯s ass with said so-called, ¡®minor art!?¡¯¡± Zet-Mathaig¡¯s zombie roared, lashing out with his many tentacles. Unfortunately, Riepaimva completed his spell and vanished. ¡°Where-?¡±

    ¡°Here, fool!¡± There was a black fist aimed right at the skeleton, but Scott lazily waved a hand and a tentacle sprouted, blocking the hit.

    ¡°Ah-ah ahh, it¡¯s not that easy!¡± he taunted, pulling the tendrils he¡¯d snaked behind Riepaimva back, tripping the god. ¡°Gotcha!¡±

    ¡°Please.¡± Riepaimva rolled his eye, before merely stepping back from the flailing limbs. Scott stumbled as Zet-Mathaig fell down, not stopping. Riepaimva peppered the zombie with spells.

    ¡°You are a mortal. You cannot even conceive of what it takes to fight on our level! It would be funny if it weren¡¯t so pathetic!¡± He grabbed a tendril and ripped it off, reshaping it into a jagged blade covered in evil symbols. ¡°You are weak.¡± He sliced into Zet-Mathaig, letting loose a strange fluid that passed as blood. ¡°You are stupid.¡± He cut through tentacles like mowing grass.

    ¡°No! No! Stop!¡± Scott cried, jerking and flailing as tentacles fell away, desperately trying to halt the attack. Regrowing more limbs was child¡¯s play, but soon the Elder God would¡­

    ¡°You are done for.¡± Riepaimva had hacked his way to the heart of the zombie, where the skeleton had been ensconced. He gaped at the cyclopean eye in abject terror. ¡°You thought you could actually make a change. This was destined to happen, there is no other outcome. You are stupid. How could you even think this was a good idea? You¡¯re nothing. Just a little boy running wild with a side act. YOU have no place in this world. And I will rectify the sin of existence.¡±

    ¡°No! Nooooooooo! Get away!¡± The bones threw out a hand, shooting more tentacles. Riepaimva easily dodged them, coming into range.

    ¡°No!¡± Nightfang gasped.

    ¡°Tell me this isn¡¯t happening.¡± Leo muttered in disbelief.

    ¡°Kid, no¡­¡± Cross said, unable to process what was happening. The kid was supposed to show up with some big crazy new thing and save the day. That¡¯s how it had ben. That¡¯s how it should¡¯ve worked.

    ¡°I¡¯m scared!¡± Vanessa cried, clinging to Nigel.

    ¡°I am too. But it¡¯ll be over soon.¡± he said, smoothing down her hair but unable to tear his eyes away from the fight. From Scott losing. From Riepaimva¡­

    CRUNCH!

    At the last second, Scott had managed to form a protective barrier of zombified god tentacles around his bones, but Riepaimva smiled with all his teeth.

    ¡°Weak.¡± Riepaimva swung another black fist. ¡°Weak!¡± Again. ¡°Weak!¡± And again. ¡°Weak! Weak! Weak!¡± Over and over with all of his fists, snarling like an animal, abandoning spells, techniques, and weapons to just pummel him in primal rage. ¡°Weak weak weak weak weak weak weak WEAK!¡±

    The tentacles cracked and broke. There was a moment of pure horror as the skeleton was exposed, then the fist met. Again and again. Zet-Mathaig roared and crumpled, the skeleton smashed into the flesh. Over and over.

    ¡°You have no business here! You have no right! Die, and die again!¡± The fists smashed into him without pause, breaking and crushing him into a pile of calcium, unable to be put back together. Riepaimva held his arms up and shouted triumphantly.

    ¡°No¡­he can¡¯t¡­¡± Leo said in horror.

    ¡°KIIIID!¡± Cross yelled, eyes wide and wet. It had been hard to watch, but harder to look away. There was nothing left of Scott but space dust now.

    ¡°At last! All will be set right! The universe¡­the universe will end!¡± Riepaimva scrambled over the corpse of Zet-Mathaig. ¡°At long last, this accursed existence will end!¡± On the ship the ghosts cried spectral tears, wailing. The humans, fishman, vampire, and betentacled Leo joined them, screaming helplessly or sobbing, clinging to one another for solace. Could comfort that it was, for the end was not only night, it was now.

    ¡°There will be nothing, nothing but what lord Azathoth creates when he regains his senses!¡± Riepaimva crowed in victory.

    ¡°Oh really? How do you know that this isn¡¯t a pleasant dream he¡¯s having, huh?¡± Riepaimva froze. Those on the ship stared in shock.

    No. It couldn¡¯t be.

    Riepaimva mechanically shifted his eye to his feet, where the bones of Scott lay smashed to pieces, mostly dust. They were unmoving, and as he looked closer he could see the unmistakable sense of necromantic magic fading. Scott wasn¡¯t merely dead, he was gone.

    ¡°Personally, if I were an omnipotent mindless god-being, I¡¯d find all this highly entertaining. I wouldn¡¯t want it to end.¡± Scott¡¯s voice. But no ghost, shade, specter, or spook to speak. What was¡­? ¡°Hey, down here. Over on your left.¡± Riepaimva examined the smashed bones, then looked a little further. He gaped. There, embedded into the flesh, was a large speaker, exactly the kind that was on that damned ghost ship.

    ¡°Wha¡­wha¡­¡±

    ¡°Yoo-hoo!¡± All eyes turned. Space broke and unfolded, Bess chanting frantically as she opened the pocket dimension Zet-Mathaig had holed himself in to spring the ambush.

    Scott grinned and held up the microphone.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    ¡°And a big thanks to my main minion Bones, who played the part of decoy so well!¡± he declared with a flourish. He was flanked by his apprentices, their eyes rolled back as they uttered forbidden syllables form the Necronomicon in a trance, unable to stop. They were surrounded by the corpses of the monsters Riepaimva sent after them, the Zombie Titans standing over them imperiously.

    ¡°Get on with it bone boy, I¡¯m tired.¡± Bess said, panting and falling to a knee. The other three had to concentrate on the ritual, while she and the zombies had to do everything else. Her fingers and throat ached from casting so much.

    ¡°You¡­you tricked me!?¡± Riepaimva said. ¡°H-How!? I can see in over 400 dimensions, how-¡±

    ¡°Ah, but can is very different from did. Did you look at my decoy close enough?¡± Scott relied gleefully. ¡°Look at me. Other than my mind, I¡¯m just a skeleton. I had a skeleton minion. A spare black robe, and we¡¯re the same. Add a hidden speaker and voila! The show was ready.¡±

    ¡°You-but-gaaah! It was such a simple trick, I could have seen through it at any moment! You mock me, filth! Who in their right mind tires to fool a god with puppets!?¡± Riepaimva foamed angrily. The extra casting mouths were opening, ready to chant. He was growing spikier as he got more worked up.

    ¡°No one, that¡¯s who. Fortunately, my mind ain¡¯t quite right.¡± Scott grinned. ¡°And I really have to thank you. You¡¯re the one who allowed me to pull it off with such aplomb.¡±

    ¡°W-What!?!?¡± Riepaimva sputtered.

    ¡°To capture my stylistic flair, I couldn¡¯t just have a mindless zombie. However, it just so happens I ran into one of the Taboo users you¡¯ve been using awhile back .He had a mere smattering of necromantic knowledge, but he applied it very creatively. Quite talented, I must say. I killed Bones and reanimated him¡­sloppily. Wouldn¡¯t hold up long, but it didn¡¯t need to. After all, talent borrows. Genius steals.¡± He held up his hand, the faint strings of dark magic connecting to the remains of Bones.

    ¡°But you have miscalculated. I¡¯ll crush you now!¡± Riepaimva cried, cull of cold fury. He raised several hands to wipe away the fool. Scott just grinned.

    ¡°Heh, glad you enjoyed my magic trick. Oh, but a magician never reveals his secret, not until it¡¯s too late anyway. I¡¯d make a killing in Vegas.¡±

    BBWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMM!

    Riepaimva¡¯s eye went wide.

    ¡°Speaking of which, allow me to introduce my very lovely assistant.¡± Scott said and stepped to the side, revealing Amber. Her skin was paler than white. Every vein bulged, trying to contain her rushing blood. Her fists were clenched and her teeth were grit as she held it together. Crystal blue lights flickered around her as she wrenched the ritual dagger from her chest, blood splattering everywhere but she didn¡¯t seem to notice. She tossed it aside, and Scott dove to catch it.

    ¡°Babe, this was expensive, not to mention now has great magical significance!¡± he chided.

    ¡°Sorry.¡± she said, an odd tenor in her voice. She turned her eyes to Riepaimva, glaring. She opened her mouth, and Zet-Mathaig roared.

    It was there. The golden sunlight yellow spectral image of Zet-Mathaig, waving angry tentacles at the puny Elder God. Amber took a step forward, the power and anger emanating across the universe. Riepaimva took a step back.

    ¡°You shall not prevail. I will avenge both myself, and every life you¡¯ve ravaged in the name of your pointless destruction!¡± she thundered.

    ¡°W-What¡¯s going on!?¡± Nightfang said. Scott answered with a grin.

    ¡°We had Amber possessed by the ghost of Zet-Mathaig. What, you think a wizard does the heavy lifting himself? That¡¯s what pawns are for!¡± Scott cackled madly as Amber was there, smashing Riepaimva¡¯s eye in with both fists, sending him reeling.

    ¡°Grr...I killed you once, I can do it aga-urk!¡± Amber flew through his black body, blasting a hole in it.

    ¡°You¡¯re the reason both of us died in the first place. You can¡¯t escape.¡± she said, moving the spiritual tentacles into the hole. Riepaimva howled as the ghostly tendrils infected him, ripping apart his form from the inside out.

    ¡°Not yet!¡± Riepaimva grabbed his own head and twisted it off before his body disintegrated, hurriedly casting every recovery spell he knew. Form his neck the black tarlike substance bubbled, reforming a new body. He narrowed his eye at amber, watching him calmly.

    ¡°I see you¡¯re more vicious than that narrow-minded fool.¡± he said, and Amber nodded.

    ¡°You have to be eliminated. Nothing is safe until you are.¡± she said simply. She leapt, the spiritual mass soaring over Riepaimva¡¯s head. ¡°Avesh!¡± From every single tentacle came a blinding stream of gravity, concentrated enough to make a black hole. But before Riepaimva was struck, he teleported. Amber landed and raised an arm to block the supernova exploding on her back, reducing the force down to nothing. She turned to him angrily, smoking. ¡°Those tricks won¡¯t save you this time.¡±

    ¡°I see you¡¯ve picked up a few yourself. Death has been good to you.¡± Riepaimva said, surreptitiously opening an eye on his side. Azathoth was right there. The goal wasn¡¯t to defeat this girl, but to wake the creator. His back opened a mouth, chanting a spell. Black creatures formed from his essence and crawled off while his body flung spells at the possessed girl. They made it to the clouds, when-

    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

    ¡°TALLY HO! GOOD SHOW, GOOD SHOW LASS!¡± Both the cannons and Captain Blackwell thundered, blasting the monsters as Nightfang turned the ship, free form the cage.

    ¡°Shut your trap and fire!¡± Cross snapped, letting loose with the M19.

    ¡°Ah, my lady Cross! Such a spitfire! It reminds me of this one Spanish beauty, who-¡±

    ¡°Talk later! Explode now!¡± Connor said, jumping onto the ship, Bess on his back. Riley landed a second later. Bess immediately started throwing spells and curses at the monsters amid the fire.

    ¡°Zombies secured! We can¡¯t let him get to Azathoth!¡± she cried.

    Riepaimva blinked as he dodged and slithered through spiritual tentacles. How? How had this come to pass? These stupid little monkeys were so far below him. They thought they were playing heroes. Just like the rest of them! All of them, all of them, they couldn¡¯t see what was right. This reality was not the one that truly mattered. They weren¡¯t real, none of them were, none! All merely figments Azathoth dreamed up mindlessly, as ephemeral as a mirage. Why couldn¡¯t they see that they didn¡¯t even deserve to exist?

    ¡°You rotten wretches will not get in my way!¡± he cried. Glancing to the side, Mephistopheles had Mephitomonagnarious in a headlock, both struggling mightily but there would be no help form him. He looked forward as he threw yet another supernova, and it was pushed out to the far reaches of the universe by the girl. Even Zet-Mathaig couldn¡¯t merely ignore those! ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why are you so strong!? Zet-Mathaig alone couldn¡¯t have made you this powerful!¡±

    ¡°Because I¡¯m not alone!¡± she boomed, echoing through existence. ¡°My friends are here, as is my family!¡±

    There was a psychic shout as the uylata roared in agreement, the mother spider prominently joining in. Riepaimva could feel them, see them clearly as their collective power surged through Amber. Zet-Mathaig¡¯s supported both. And he could see the strong will of the girl determined to protect everyone, all coming together and shining brighter than the stars. He hissed; such power even his spells had a hard time affecting. If he kept fighting like this, he would never be let near Azathoth again. He narrowed his eye, but grinned. The ultimate destruction of everything did deserve a grand finale, after all.

    ¡°I¡¯m not done yet! Ill face you with everything I have! No one is stronger than I!¡± he bellowed, putting his hands together at his side as nuclear radiation began building up, taxing even his divine prowess. Had to make this good.

    ¡°You won¡¯t win! I¡¯ll stop you!¡± Amber cried, surging forward, the hopes and dreams of everyone entrusted to her, her friends beside her as she raised a furious shining fist.

    ¡°Pathetic fool! Your desperate hope will be your downfall! The only thing that matters is power, and I¡¯m stronger than you, mortal!¡± he cried as his mouths chanted, springing out black tendrils to attack her as she flew at him. They were erased by the holy light emanating from within her. He howled, letting loose a blast of force that Amber cut through, approaching him screaming. He grinned. These hero-types, they were so predictable.

    ¡°Diiiiiiieeeee!¡± The nuclear fusion blast suddenly curved, aiming at the ghost ship. Everyone froze at the deadly light.

    ¡°Nnng-!¡± Amber used all of her might to knock it away, then lashed out with her tendrils, Riepaimva doing the same, millions of tentacles hitting and retracting to hit again at the same time.

    ¡°I¡¯m better than you!¡± Riepaimva said, whipping and parrying.

    ¡°I won¡¯t lose! I can¡¯t!¡± Amber declared, shouting and pushing with all of her might.

    ¡°Sucker.¡± Riepaimva said, watching the fight. He¡¯d secretly shrunk down and left a hollow copy to battle her, sure to be destroyed any minute now. He¡¯d never lost sight of the true goal of Azathoth. That was the only thing that mattered. He grinned and cackled as he ran to the chaotic cloud of shapeless form at the center of all.

    ¡°Lord Azathoth! Lord Azathoth! WAKE!¡± he cried, almost there.

    ¡°What!?¡± Amber said, pausing in the trading of blows.

    ¡°In Your name, I now wake-gak!¡± A large tentacle had wrapped around his neck, yanking him back.

    ¡°WA HA HA HA HA HA HA! Whoa! The power! The sheer magnitude of this POWER! HA HA HA HA HA!¡± Scott laughed. He rose, his body now actually fused to the grand corpse of Zet-Mathaig. He raised the tentacle to his eye level. ¡°Now what have we here? A silly little mouse thinks he can conquer me!? Ha!¡±

    ¡°You¡­you¡­I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Riepaimva screeched, trying to claw at him, all magic forgotten. Scott laughed again.

    ¡°Pathetic fool! You really thought you could win. Sorry, but I¡¯m on the case. You nearly had it, too. A villain can always get one over on the good guys, and you did so perfectly.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Amber protested. Scott smirked.

    ¡°But you see, your ability to predict heroes was also your downfall. You¡¯re only focused on winning, while I¡¯m five steps ahead! You¡¯re a villain, which makes it easy to read for a villain-type like me, Riepaimva.¡±

    ¡°You played the game, and played it well. But you weren¡¯t as smart as me, and weren¡¯t ready to take on a NECROMANCER! SEKH!¡± He made Riepaimva cry out as he shot him full of necrotic energy, and flung him to Amber. She pummeled him with ghostly tendrils and knocked him back to Scott, whipping and rending him with Zet-Mathaig¡¯s physical ones, bolstered by necrotic energy. Back and forth they savagely beat the helpless god, unable to form even a coherent thought for a spell. At least, no matter what happened, he would carry on, even if he died. Existence would fall!

    Scott grabbed him and threw him up like a basketball.

    ¡°This¡¯s the end for you! No more sealing, you¡¯ll just come back! Prepare, RIEPAIMVA!¡± Both he and Amber shot above him, glaring down. ¡°You think you can¡¯t die? THINK AGAIN!¡±

    They slammed their tentacles on him, blasting him straight down. The black shadowy mass disappeared into the swirling Nuclear Chaos below.

    Riepaimva fell through¡­clouds, would be the closest sensation. He slammed onto the¡­ground? He groaned and stood up, pain wracking his essence. Beaten by two Zet-Mathaigs¡­ugh.

    ¡°W-Where-?¡± He looked around. Bluish, purplish, greenish, whitish, blackish mist billowed around him. There were¡­unknown shapes slithering just beyond his perception. What he could see was a rock. Shaped somewhat like an opening clam, with six outcroppings suggestive of stubby legs. His eye widened.

    ¡°L-Lord Azathoth¡­¡± he said breathlessly. This was where Azathoth was joined to the physical realm.

    The rock shifted, and cracked open.

    Mysterious shapes whirled inside, but out came a black elongated neck. It stretched up, swaying like a snake. Riepaimva stared at the mouthless, humanlike head. His eye blazed as bright as it could as he looked into the two.

    ¡°Wh-no. NO! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!¡±

    The left eye, the left eye, contained¡­.

    EVERYTHING

    The right eye was pure, absolute

    NOTHING

    Riepaimva clutched his head and shrieked in mortal terror as he stared into the eyes of Azathoth. There was literally nothing he had seen in his existence like this. He struggled to do something, anything, as seeing, his mind trying to comprehend Azathoth ate away at his personal existence, erasing him from reality. He was not alive. He was not dead. He simply was¡­not.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Outside the swirling chaos, they could hear Riepaimva¡¯s screams, until they ceased. Scott, hardly daring to believe it, jumped and crowed his victory to the heavens.

    ¡°It¡¯s over! It¡¯s OVER! WE DID IT!¡± he shouted jubilantly.

    ¡°Yeah!¡± Amber cried, waving her spiritual tentacles. Cries of joy broke out on the ship, everyone celebrating.

    ¡°Finally.¡± Cross sighed in relief, a smile crossing her face as she sat back and wiped her brow. She needed a stiff drink and a full night of sleep.

    Until the mass of Azathoth rumbled.

    Everyone could feel it, stomachs and spirits dropping as Azathoth stirred. Scott gaped in horror.

    ¡°N-No.¡± he gasped. ¡°He¡­he WAKES!¡± This was it. Amber laid a hand on his shoulder.

    ¡°I have an idea. Mother Spider!¡± she called quickly.

    ¡®I am here, child!¡¯ the spider said telepathically.

    ¡°Take it, the power of Zet-Mathaig! Spread your telepathy to everyone!¡±

    ¡®Uylata, expand your minds!¡¯ the uylata spider commanded. The uylata concentrated. Their telepathic powers, directed and aided by the mother spider and empowered through the spirit of Zet-Mathaig reached across the multiverse, penetrating into the thoughts of all living beings.

    ¡®Please! There¡¯s no time to lose!¡¯ Amber psychically implored. ¡®There was an evil god, trying to wake something that¡¯s going to destroy everything!¡¯ Flashes of understanding, the flow of battle appeared throughout the minds of all. ¡®Through great effort, we managed to defeat him. But Azathoth¡¯s waking up! You can feel it! We have to try and put him back to sleep! Please, help me! We need¡­we need to calm him down! We need to sing him a song! Please, everyone! Join in! We can hear you, and everything will be alright!¡¯

    ¡®Lullaby, and goodnight, with pink roses bedight, with lilies o¡¯erspread¡­¡¯ she began. The uylata joined in, as did everyone on the ship.

    ¡°You¡¯ve gotta be kidding me.¡± Scott said in disbelief.

    ¡°If you¡¯ve got a better idea¡­¡± Amber said, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡®Soft and warm is your bed, close your eyes and rest your head¡­¡¯ Scott sang in his mind.

    It seemed hopeless. The uneasiness and shaking grew, the hasty plan not enough. Then, it happened.

    ¡®Hey, wasn¡¯t that that kid on the news?¡¯

    ¡®Necromancer! A necromancer trying to stop Azathoth!¡¯

    ¡®Why is a necromancer trying to save us? I though they cared naught but for destruction!¡¯

    What are the uylata doing? They¡¯ve stopped their duty for this!? We must help them!¡¯

    ¡®The hell is that thing!? Make it go away!¡¯

    ¡°Then sing! Sing a lullaby!¡¯

    ¡®Scott! When you get back, you¡¯ve got so much explaining to do!¡¯ Scott gulped. That last one felt¡­maternal.

    But the message was heard. On Earth, even through the confusion, people began to sing. Out loud wasn¡¯t necessary.

    The bird-creatures began to trill on the planet Kr¡¯ell. The insectoid sages of Pluto inscribed soothing messages with their brains. The living fires of Stonvgzloik-27 crackled and popped, hoping to send the creator of all back to sleep. Everyone, all races and species came together, unified in song, gently lulling the Daemon Sultan, the Nuclear Chaos, the Blind Idiot God back into a nice, deep rest.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Deep, deep in the far corners of whatever, wherever else Azathoth truly was, he stirred, shifted, then fell back into a blissful, peaceful slumber.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Okay, good plan,¡± Cross said, keeping her mental voice joined with the rest. ¡°Is he asleep yet!?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still around, aren¡¯t you!¡± Scott snapped, but wondered the same thing himself.

    ¡°I¡­I don¡¯t know what to do from here! The kids I babysat were asleep by now!¡± Amber said. Azathoth¡¯s ever-shifting¡­form? Billowed and retracted, over and over. It was impossible to tell if he was back to whatever passed for normal.

    ¡°Allow me to take it from here.¡±

    There was a flash, a whirlwind of silver energy and white light sweeping across the cloud. Wherever it went, whatever it touched was righted. Shrines were rebuilt, alters set up, dancers back in their eternal gyrations, the vile drumming and flutes restored as if nothing had ever happened. Amber blinked, then descended to the deck of the ship, Scott infusing with his divine zombie to join her.

    ¡°Okay, what¡¯s going on?¡± he asked, looking around and only seeing confused faces.

    ¡°My handiwork. Have to say, Mr. Havenbrook, it seems we owe you quite the debt for your work.¡± He turned around and saw a tall, pale man, dressed entirely in an immaculate white suit. White shoes, pants, shirt, vest, jacket, hat, not a speck of color save his skin. He was smiling, his eyes squinted up. ¡°Yes, quite the debt indeed. Forgive me for my tardiness, but that Riepaimva was a thorough one. Quite the caster he was, making it so even we couldn¡¯t get near the center of the universe. Don¡¯t know where he got that from, but I¡¯m glad it died with him.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s this joker?¡± Cross said tiredly. She just wanted to go home to bed. The man smiled wider.

    ¡°A joker? Hah. Good enough a name as any, I suppose. On behalf of all of us, let me congratulate you Mr. Havenbrook, Miss Harris. Just call me Mr. Joker.¡± He winked at the skeleton, shaking his hand. Amber unconsciously slid away; there was something¡­off, about him. Even with the might of Zet-Mathaig and the uylata behind her, his presence made her uneasy.

    ¡°Thank you sir! Always a pleasure to save life, the universe, and everything.¡± Scott grinned, shaking back eagerly.

    ¡°Hmph. And we thought you were mostly harmless.¡± Both Scott and Mr. Joker grinned wider.

    ¡°My job here is to clean up and put right everything, nothing more. My bosses¡¯ll be on my case if not. So we really should relocate from here, it¡¯s not safe for you or anything else."

    ¡°Right. Captain! Take us home. Sekh!¡± Scott cast, channeling necrotic energy to repair every zombie and restore every ghost.

    ¡°Roger sir! SET SAIL, LADS!¡± Capitan Blackwell boomed, waving his saber as the undead crew got to work.

    ¡°So, um. Mr. Joker. Forgive me, but who are you?¡± Amber asked the man as politely as she could. He stroked his chin, smiling.

    ¡°That is an interesting question. I¡¯m called many things, have done many things. Rest assured, you need not worry about that right now. I¡¯m just here to clean up, make sure everything gets back to normal. Or as close to normal as anything is. Chaos is the rule of the universe, you know. But that, I find, is what makes things so interesting. A little more to starboard captain, if we¡¯re to-¡± The ship rocked as Mephistopheles and Mephitomonagnarious crashed into the deck, still wrestling. Mephistopheles had his arm wrapped around his nephew¡¯s throat, choking him out.

    ¡°Give up, boy!¡± he said exasperated.

    ¡°Ghhk-nvr!¡± Mephitomonagnarious managed to grunt. Joker smiled and tapped Mephitomonagnarious on the forehead.

    ¡°Sleep.¡± The daemon slumped over, and Mephistopheles relaxed at last, wiping the sweat from his head. ¡°There you are sir. All brainwashing gone, all contracts nullified. Would be hard to keep going in any case, now that Riepaimva¡¯s gone.¡±

    ¡°Oh? And who are you to-¡± Mephistopheles took one good look at Joker and his mouth snapped shut, his eyes wide. ¡°A-Ah, y-y-yes. T-Thank you for your generosity, my lord.¡± he said, bowing low.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine. We can talk later.¡± Joker dismissed, and Mephistopheles whimpered. Cross and Bess shared a worried look. ¡°So Mr. Havenbrook. Most of the cosmic loose ends are being tied up. Save¡­¡± He glanced at the enormous zombie of Zet-Mathaig, trailing the ship, and Amber¡¯s glowing form. Scott cracked his neck and sighed.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡±

    ¡°Personally, we¡¯ve never seen eye-to-eye, but we cannot have mortals commanding gods. It simply will not do.¡± Joker said.

    ¡°I get it. Simple enough fix.¡± He stared at Zet-Mathaig, eyes dim in thought. ¡°Just one thing first.¡± He put his boney fingers to his jaw and whistled. ¡°Yo! Big guy!¡±

    ¡°Wait, how did he-¡± Nigel frowned, but Vanessa laid a hand on his shoulder.

    ¡°Don¡¯t question it. That way lies madness." she said with hard-earned wisdom. Scott was grabbed by a tentacle and they fused again, illuminated by a brilliant toxic emerald light.

    ¡°This power really is amazing.¡± he said, almost sadly. ¡°So let¡¯s put it to use.¡± With Zet-Mathaig¡¯s otherworldly senses, he could easily reach Earth with his magic. He began to chant, enveloping the entire planet in necrotic energy. ¡°Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Ael shith, tivam se ael nath! Follahl xerph''um estios! Ha! Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Ael shith, tivam se ael nath! Follahl xerph''um estios! Ha! Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Ael shith, tivam se ael nath! Follahl xerph''um estios! Ha!"

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Ms. Finch stared off blankly at the ruins of the town. Ed was curled in a ball several feet away, the corpse of the man not far. Neither had moved since the creature had passed through. Tears had long since dried in the twenty-seven hours since all hell broke loose. Now there was only stillness and ashes.

    She clung to her daughter¡¯s body, cold and stiff. Rigor mortis was setting in. The Finch widow didn¡¯t care. Her light, her life was gone. The only thing she could do was try to hold onto whatever remained, no matter what. She knew she had to let go. That Ellie was never coming back. But she had to¡­eventually.

    FWASH!

    The land shook, waves of great and terrible, chilling power sweeping across everything. She stifled a scream as it felt like the hand of Death trailed down her spine¡­and moved on. For one frightening instant, grief was gone as everything was enveloped in a toxic emerald light.

    IT faded as quick as it came, and Ms. Finch pulled her daughter¡¯s body closer, cradling it. What now? What horrible thing was happening now!?

    ¡°M-Mommy?¡± Ellie croaked, coughing and blinking her eyes, Ms. Finch stared at her in rapture. Her heartbeat and pulse were back, her body starting to warm up. But she was cold, far too cold yet. The Finch widow wrapped her jacket around her daughter, weeping. ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡± she said weakly.

    ¡°Oh, oh God! Baby! You¡¯re back! You¡¯re really back! Praise the Lord! Oh God, oh God¡­¡± Ms. Finch collapsed, sobbing. Ed raised his head.

    ¡°You bastard! You shot me!¡± the man said, his body healed of the bullet wound. Suddenly Ed was hugging him.

    ¡°You¡¯re alive! You¡¯re alive! This ib gread, ebrywun¡¯s alibe!¡± he blubbered, tears and snot streaming down his face.

    All those who met their end in town were starting to get up, shaking off the dirt and debris, wondering what happened.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Mom?¡± Ellie said, trying to put it together. ¡°Where are we? Where¡¯s Mr. Finn?¡±

    There. You¡¯re welcome. Everybody gets one. Make good use of it.

    rang in their heads at once. Not just in Pineway. Everywhere on Earth, for one instant all death in the previous day had been reversed. There was panic, there was laughter, there was fear; some died again right away, thanks to natural causes or precarious positions. But much, much, much more lived than perished, healed completely with the dark, arcane arts. Above all else, there were tears, and they were tears of joy.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Whew.¡± Scott said, hopping back on the ship. ¡°That was tiring.¡±

    ¡°S-Scott, you¡­¡± Leo was smiling and beaming at him, so proud of the formerly misanthropic skeleton. He grunted and folded his arms.

    ¡°What was I supposed to do, huh? Everything¡¯s messed up, it was the least I could do.¡± He saw Leo smiling, and sighed. ¡°Go ahead.¡± He was pulled off his feet into a hug, much tighter than usual thanks to Leo¡¯s new appendage. ¡°Hnn! You¡¯re¡­strong¡­¡± he gasped.

    ¡°Oh, sorry. This¡¯s-uh, heh heh.¡± he chuckled helplessly and scratched the back of his head, waving the green tendril. Bess was staring at Scott.

    ¡°But¡­but¡­you don¡¯t need to breathe!¡± she protested in defense of biology. Joker snickered.

    ¡°Ah, precious.¡± he muttered.

    ¡°Boss! You did it! You¡¯re the greatest!¡± Riley shouted, grabbing his waist and swinging from it. ¡°This¡¯s great! We¡¯re heroes!¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Can I be put down now, please?¡± he asked. Riley was still wearing her zombie armor.

    ¡°Sorry.¡± She gently set him down. ¡°But this¡¯s awesome!¡±

    ¡°Yeah! You both did very, very well. Thank you. I don¡¯t think I could¡¯ve cast that spell without three necromancers. Good job.¡± he said, hugging them both.

    ¡°So¡­we get ice cream?¡± Connor asked hopefully. Scott sighed and grinned.

    ¡°Yes, you get ice cream.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Both kids pumped their fists.

    ¡°Oh lord, he¡¯s infected them more than I thought.¡± Amber said, and Leo patted her shoulder.

    ¡°Hey, it could be a lot worse.¡± he pointed out. She sighed again and nodded, smiling. She glanced at her shoulder, the tentacle still resting on it. This was her life now. Then again, as she glanced at her pure white skin, she wasn¡¯t one to talk.

    ¡°Alright!¡± Scott clapped his hands and touched Amber¡¯s heart with a finger. ¡°Let¡¯s get this show on the road. Avzech¡¯nus, avzeemus, cl¡¯thgata hun¡­¡± He chanted, and Amber felt the overwhelming power drain away as her mind became hers alone once again. The gigantic ghost of Zet-Mathaig appeared next to the ship. ¡°Okay. Connor, Riley, candles! Circle!¡±

    ¡°Right!¡± They scrambled to prepare a magic circle on the deck, overseen by Scott. He had the zombie lay a tentacle in the middle of it.

    ¡°That should work, right?¡± he muttered. ¡°Alright. Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Ael shith, tivam se ael nath! Follahl xerph''um estios! Ha! Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Ael shith, tivam se ael nath! Follahl xerph''um estios! Ha! Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Ael shith, tivam se ael nath! Follahl xerph''um estios! Ha!¡±

    The zombie stilled as its¡¯ corporeal form dissolved into essential salts. The divine spirit leaned back as it was covered in swirling blue dust, illuminated from both without and within, a soft glow that comforted all who saw it. With a burst of energy and light, Zet-Mathaig rolled its¡¯ tentacles and roared across the universe. Leo¡¯s sword appeared in his hand and burst into flame once more, warming his heart.

    ¡°Wow.¡± the champion said breathlessly. With that, Zet-Mathaig waved its¡¯ tentacles and departed, crawling off into distorted space from whence it came. Joker nodded.

    ¡°The god¡¯s in his heaven, and all¡¯s right with the world I suppose.¡± he shrugged.

    ¡°Which does remind me,¡± Scott turned to him, eyelights glittering. ¡°I seem to owe someone a debt for my return. I believe I¡¯ve paid that in full, and then some.¡± Joker laughed, slipping his hands into his pockets.

    ¡°Why Mr. Havenbrook, that¡¯s a good one. You made a deal, boy. One that indebts you to us forever. There¡¯s no getting out of it.¡± he said with a dangerous smile. Scott tilted his head.

    ¡°Really? Okay, let¡¯s just go wake Azathoth again, put everything back the way it was before I-¡±

    ¡°NO!¡± everyone screamed and reached to stop him. Scott paused and grinned, turning an eyelight to Joker, more desperate than anyone to stop him, Joker gaped, then pulled his hat over his eyes.

    ¡°It seems you have the advantage, Mr. Havenbrook.¡±

    ¡°As always.¡± Scott said, leaning against the railing. ¡°Besides, I don¡¯t think that decision¡¯s up to you. Think that¡¯s with the boss of all y¡¯all. We¡¯re square. Got it?¡± There was a moment wi6th Joker looking off into space, then he smiled.

    ¡°It seems you¡¯ve managed to pay off that debt, Mr. Havenbrook. A very dangerous game. That means we can do another deal in the future. This isn¡¯t over between us, all of us.¡± he said, his eyes shining silver. Scott merely grinned.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t dream of it. After all, I got a stake in all this now, wouldn¡¯t want my hard work going to waste. Rest assured, this isn¡¯t the last time you see me.¡±

    ¡°After all, I play games to win.¡±

    Joker burst into laughter, rubbing Scott¡¯s bald skull and skipping to the edge of the prow.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Havenbrook! I like your style! This is one of the things that makes humans so interesting! I look forward to seeing the moves you make. Ta.¡± He bowed and hopped backwards off the ship, vanishing in space.

    ¡°That guy was creepy.¡± Amber said.

    ¡°You have no idea, miss. At least he¡¯s gone now.¡± Mephistopheles said, wiping his brow. As the ship turned to head for the crack in reality, Amber hugged Scott close.

    ¡°It¡¯s over, right? At last?¡± she asked, feeling safe and warm in his boney arms.

    ¡°Yeah. Told you I kick ass.¡± Scott grinned. She sighed and smiled.

    ¡°So you do. But that Joker guy was weird. Who was he, Scott?¡±

    ¡°On our side for only this instance. It¡¯s a long, horrible story for that one.¡± Scott answered. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you later, if you¡¯re not feeling squeamish. I¡¯ll tell you what, though; he¡¯s totally gnarly.¡±

 Chapter 37: Lord Of Decay

    With a rush of wind, the Dead Man¡¯s Hand appeared out of the rift, hovering in the sky above Ayer¡¯s Rock. Amber smiled as the sky was clear, the sun sinking low.

    ¡°Heeey! You¡¯re back!¡± Lilith waved cheerfully, dressed in her robe once more. The daemon lords teleported onto the ship, looking weary but mostly whole.

    ¡°It wazzz a zzzzimple matter onzzze the leader wazzz gone. Cleanup took a couple hourzzz.¡± Beelzebub explained, going over the rest of the daemonic host. Only about a third of them remained, but they stood guard over the captured Taboo users. ¡°Azzz a bonuzzz, we didn¡¯t kill them zzzo they could faze human justizzze.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. Your actions will be noted.¡± Cross said, nodding stiffly. She hated being indebted to these things, but there had been too much bloodshed today already.

    ¡°So¡­where do we go from here?¡± Vanessa asked.

    ¡°Home, hopefully. And somehow this will reverse itself.¡± Nigel said, going over his scaly body. Scott tilted his head.

    ¡°You know that¡¯s permanent, right? Even if I killed and resurrected you, you¡¯d still be a Depp One. It¡¯s in your DNA, dude. Speaking of which, who wants to learn how to bring the dead back to life?¡± he asked the kids, who jumped with their hands up.

    ¡°I do! I do!¡± they both cried.

    ¡°Alright! Let¡¯s get that guy¡¯s soul outta that watch¡­¡± He led the kids away, leaving Nigel staring helplessly at the skeleton¡¯s back. Vanessa giggled and wrapped an arm around his waist.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. We¡¯re here, were alive. And you decided to help, truly help. After all that, we shouldn¡¯t sweat the small stuff so much.¡±

    ¡°Wise words, human filth.¡± Asmodeus growled, then turned to Mephistopheles. ¡°We are ready to depart. We shall transport the miscreants into a holding facility for the Unknown Agency, and recall our forces. The contract is nearly over. I will entrust the rest to you. Join us when you are finished with your mission.¡±

    ¡°It would be my pleasure. Oh, could you drop off my nephew with my sister? I¡¯d appreciate it.¡± He threw Mephitomonagnarious onto Asmodeus¡¯s shoulder. The larger daemon snarled at the innocently smiling one, then they all disappeared, leaving the plain filled with possessed and smushed zombies.

    ¡°Oh, right.¡± Scott grabbed the microphone. ¡°Everyone, you all did a great job. Thank you for your service, you have ensured the future of the planet, and your descendants.¡± A cheer went up, Scott letting them have a moment before snapping his fingers. Millions of spectral chains fell away as the ghosts moved on, leaving only mindless corpses behind. ¡°Bury yourselves and stay there.¡± Scott commanded, and the undead began to do just that. ¡°Except you guys!¡± he hurriedly told the zombie crewmen, throwing themselves over the side.¡±

    Leo! You¡¯re Alive! How Joyous!

    Lagdinras communicated, hovering above the football captain.

    Are you All Right? My Perceptions were Limited, but I could See most of what transpired. You were very Valiant.

    ¡°Aw, thanks.¡± Leo said bashfully. ¡°But I kinda have a question. Will my arm ever be the same again?¡± he said, brandishing the appendage.

    Ah, Nothing to Worry about, All you need to Do is roll it back up, and it will Form your arm once more.

    ¡°Really?¡± Leo concentrated, pulling not back, but back¡­and it folded into his left arm, good as new. ¡°Oh wow, cool!¡± He furled and unfurled his tentacle, shifting back and forth.

    Oh Leo, I¡¯m so Proud of You. You¡¯ve sprouted Your first tentacle.

    Lagdinras emitted, sounding teary-eyed.

    ¡°Thanks, I-first?¡±

    Cross shook Crenshaw, who finally woke up.

    ¡°Whuh? Cross? What-what happened?¡± he asked, still in a daze.

    ¡°We¡¯re all alive, the kid brought everyone back by reanimating a god.¡± she said flatly, and he looked at her in alarm. ¡°I¡¯ll give you the debriefing later. Just know everything¡¯s ok for now. And I¡¯d really like to go home, so¡­?¡± she asked Mephistopheles.

    ¡°Indeed, madam. Ready when you are. But about the rift in reality-¡±

    That will be Sealed by Us. Trouble yourself Not on Our Account.

    Lagdinras emitted sternly.

    ¡°Good. Let¡¯s get out of here.¡± Scott said, stretching. ¡°Home, Jeeves.¡±

    ¡°As you wish.¡± Just like that, they were gone.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Look, Riley and Vanessa are both missing, I¡¯m going to look for them!¡± Mrs. Dawson snapped, ripping the small monster trying to eat her side mirror off the car and punting it away.

    ¡°But honey-¡± Mr. Dawson said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you start! I need to find them, now!¡±

    The sun was blotted out by an enormous wooden ship floating down in front of their house. The gaped as a gangplank extended down, and Riley, Connor, Vanessa, and a large aquatic humanoid walked off, the kids¡¯ backpacks bulging with what looked like bones.

    ¡°Byes, boss! See you next week!¡± Riley called and waved, and a skeleton waved cheerfully back.

    ¡°See you guys! Remember to go over those notes!¡± he said, and the ship floated off, creaking in the wind. The parents stared at the group before them.

    ¡°Hi Mom hi Dad! I¡¯m back! I helped save everybody an¡¯ I¡¯m apprenticed to a necromancer, do we have snacks? Ooh, cheese and crackers?¡± Riley said, trying to walk by but caught in a deathgrip by her mother.

    ¡°My parents¡¯ll be worried about me, so I should go. See you later!¡± Connor said, running down the street. Vanessa walked up to them, holding the hand of a wide-eyed, super nervous fishman.

    ¡°Mom, Dad. I¡¯d like you to meet my boyfriend. This is Nigel.¡±

    ¡°H-Hello!¡± he squeaked nervously. They stared at him, then at her.

    ¡°We should sit down and talk. I have a lot to tell you.¡±

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Aw baby, I¡¯m glad you¡¯re okay!¡± Evangeline picked Leo up in an encompassing hug in front of her hotel. She¡¯d come down to be with his family both in case he made it, and¡­if he didn¡¯t.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you, Eva.¡± he said, giving her a peck. She raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°That¡¯s all I get?¡±

    ¡°For now. I know you, it won¡¯t stop at just that.¡± Leo chuckled, and she giggled. She drained the rest of her energy drink and crushed it on her forehead.

    ¡°Still. You stood up to that crazy guy, trying to do the¡­thing that would kill everybody. I didn¡¯t get the full picture.¡± she said, tossing the can. Leo winced, picking it up and depositing it in the recycling can responsibly.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­probably for the best you don¡¯t know. It was weird. And scary. But! It¡¯s over now. Um, and speaking of which¡­¡± He shuffled nervously, looking down bashfully while scratching his head. She practically melted at his adorableness. ¡°See, the experience kinda¡­changed me.¡±

    ¡°Changed? How changed?¡± Eva asked suspiciously, her heart on overdrive. Her Leo? Changed? What could he have seen that would take away from his awesomeness? Would he¡­would he still be able to be with her?

    ¡°Well, my arm kinda got ripped off¡­¡±

    ¡°WHAT!¡± she shrieked, looking him over.

    ¡°It¡¯s ok, it¡¯s ok! Um, sorta. Turns out, thanks to serving Zet-Mathaig, I kinda grew a replacement¡­¡± He stretched out his left arm, then unfurled it. It morphed into his tentacle, elongating five feet before shrinking back to the same size as his other arm. Eva stared at him blank and wide-eyed.

    ¡°E-Eva? I know it¡¯s weird. But, I don¡¯t want to keep anything from you. I can put it back to normal whenever I want.¡±

    She still stared at him blankly.

    ¡°Um, dear? I-I¡¯m sorry this had to happen. I apologize if it freaks you out. But it¡¯s like I have a prosthetic, kind of.¡± His spirit sank as she just continued to stare at him, motionless. This was it; she¡¯d put up with a lot, and this was the final straw. She¡¯d leave him because of the freaky mutation. ¡°I understand if-¡± Still blank, she grabbed him. She picked him up. She tucked him under her arm, no easy feat, and started walking back into the hotel.

    ¡°Eh? E-Eva? Where are we going?¡±

    ¡°You. Me. Room. Now.¡± she said, her eyes shining with...passion.

    ¡°B-But I have to see my family-¡± he protested weakly. She cut him off with a kiss.

    ¡°No talk. Bed now.¡±

    Leo smiled. What else could he do, after all? He kissed her back and let her lead him up to the room.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Nightfang sighed happily as he made his way as he slid down the building, Crenshaw tucked in his arms. His team had been teleported back without him, an oversight by the daemon. After calling them, the ship dropped them off at the Agency¡¯s base under the old Kruger mall.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    ¡°Why did we have to jump from the ship in the air!? They had a walkway!¡± Crenshaw protested.

    ¡°Aw, but that¡¯s not cool enough. Besides, I can handle it no problem.¡± Nightfang gave the agent a toothy grin.

    ¡°Rrgh¡­teenagers. What are your plans now?¡± Crenshaw asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna get my team, then we¡¯re gonna visit my mom quick. After that, we¡¯ll catch the first flight back to Romania. I hope they¡¯ve got some blood rations left, I¡¯m hungry.¡± He saw them gathered around a laptop held by an agent at the entrance. ¡°Hey guys, what¡¯s up? We won, and¡­¡± No one was listening. It seemed they were in the middle of an argument. He exchanged a glance with Crenshaw. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°Kevin! You¡¯re his disciple, maybe you can talk some sense into him.¡± Genevieve said in exasperation.

    ¡°Huh?¡± He tilted his masked head. Gregor was frowning severely, but Will was covering his mouth, trying to hold back laughter.

    ¡°Listen, listen to this, man. This¡¯ll make your night.¡± he giggled.

    ¡°I do not see vhat da problem ist. Eferyting vorked out in da end.¡± Lord Harvaste said over the speaker.

    ¡°That¡¯s not the point!¡± Genevieve snapped.

    ¡°My dear girl, you should learn to trust your elders. I know vhat I um doing.¡± came from the laptop.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Nightfang asked.

    ¡°While we were away, the situation reached home as well. Lord Harvaste managed to repel the monsters, but then he decided to help everyone else. He¡¯s been defending Europe, and-¡± Gregor explained, but Will cut him off.

    ¡°Harvaste-he livestreamed the whole thing!¡± Will guffawed, holding his sides. Nightfang stared at the screen slackjawed, while Crenshaw put his hand over his face, muttering. He saw a sign held up to a first-person view, explaining that they were a vampire, and couldn¡¯t be recorded, but they were definitely real. The camera leapt from a roof to tear into a couple of floating mouths trying to eat a squad of cops.

    ¡°He¡¯s been at this for the last sixteen hours.¡± Gregor said sourly.

    ¡°My fiews are at ofer vordy million.¡± Harvaste said primly.

    ¡°And our secret¡¯s out!¡± Genevieve howled.

    ¡°True. But dere ist no reason to hide any longer. Da vorld almost came to an end, und you haff aferted it. Fery gut chob. Howefer, ve must look to da future. Da vorld vould uncofer us soon anyfay. Und dis vey, ve can control how ve are seen. Ve are no longer bloodthirsty monsters stalking in da night, ve are falluable allies who can protect da vorld vhen it sleeps.¡± Harvaste explained, and Nightfangs¡¯ eyes lit up.

    ¡°Yeah. Yeah! I can get behind that!¡± Genevieve groaned and palmed her head.

    ¡°Should¡¯ve known.¡± she muttered. ¡°But, Lord Harvaste. If you wanted to reveal us, why didn¡¯t you discuss it, and why did you advertise with your gamertag!?¡± There was a pause before the elder vampire answered with as much dignity as he could.

    ¡°Da horde of creatures appeared in da fillage in da voothills. I vas online at da time, und ve vere dealing vis some grievers. Some ov my team ist from da fillage, und I could not do nothing. So I vent to safwe dem, but avter da creatures vere repelled I had to deal vith dem freaking out, dey only calmed down vhen I told dem I vas LordBloodMajic71. Things kind ov¡­escalated vrom dere.¡± he said bashfully. Nightfang¡¯s team stared at the laptop save Will, rolling on the ground laughing.

    ¡°Dat vas vhen I learned ov da situashun, und since eferyone vas being attacked by monsters I saw no choice but to deploy da clan, under my direction. Ve had little choice. But da people seem to be responding to da refelation vell, so, I decided to expand da operashun. Iv ve are doing dis, ve are doing dis correctly. I haff learned much vrom da new generashun. Iv ve haff da public¡¯s understanding und support, ve can be accepted. Dis ist not da nineteenth century anymore. Dough dis vas not my virst choice, I veel ve haff an opportunity to integrate into society. Dis ist da tventy-virst century, avter all. Und da kida are cheering vor us, it¡¯s qvite amazing.¡±

    ¡°Lord Harvaste¡­¡± Gregor said, rubbing his face.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s great! Think about it guys, we can operate in the open if the public accepts us! We can take the Fang Gang global!¡± Nightfang said, eyes glowing red with excitement. There was silence as they switched their stares to him.

    ¡°¡­my boy, dough I vish to let you haff autonomy, und dough I do not vully understand your ideas, I am supportife. But no. Dat ist a fery, fery dumb name.¡± Harvaste said over the net.

    ¡°Thank you!¡± Genevieve cried, throwing her hands in the air.

    ¡°Aw, but I liked it.¡± Nightfang said.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After dropping Bess, Crenshaw, and Nightfang off, it was just Cross, Amber, Mephistopheles and Scott left aboard.

    ¡°Oh my lord, today has been a day.¡± Cross said, leaning on the railing. She gazed at Captain Blackwell ordering zombies around. Then she looked out over town. Some damage, mostly intact, but there were strange creatures still fluttering in the sky. She watched an eyeball with bat wings flap past.

    ¡°Unfortunately, while the opening of the gate to Azathoth¡¯s realm should be shrunk and go back to normal shortly, the same cannot be said for the extradimensional entities summoned to create chaos.¡± Mephistopheles said. Cross banged her head on the wood.

    ¡°Fantastic.¡±

    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s nothing. Now that the supernatural¡¯s been proven real, I¡¯m sure there¡¯s gonna be tons of guys after whatever magical doodad or spell they can. Just because, for purposes both nefarious and benign, and one¡¯ll be more abundant.¡± Scott said cheerfully.

    ¡°Don¡¯t make me snap your neck.¡± Cross growled.

    ¡°Anyway, now that everything is roughly in order and people have been teleported to their desired locations, I believe that concludes our business here, Mr. Havenbrook.¡± the daemon said.

    ¡°Yeah, guess so.¡± Scott looked down, thinking. ¡°I just can¡¯t help feeling there¡¯s something that we forgot.¡±

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Back in New York, Dalton screamed as he tried to steer the speedboat through the air, Verrinungan holding onto a top hat with his wing while he clung to the side. Astelocaccus laughed uproariously as he fired a machinegun into the pursuing tentacled giant sauropod monster.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you supposed to disappear with the rest of them!?¡± Verrinungan cried.

    ¡°And miss this!? No way! You guys are too much fun! Ha ha ha ha ha!¡± He tossed a grenade, and the explosion rocked the boat in the air. ¡°Right kid?¡±

    ¡°AAAAAAUUUGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!¡± Dalton shrieked, the ground coming up fast.

    ¡°See? We make a great team!¡± the daemon beamed, and Verrinungan sighed, flying ahead to pull the boat up.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Meh. I¡¯ll get it later.¡± Scott dismissed. ¡°I¡¯ll leave cleanup to you guys.¡± he told Cross, who grunted. ¡°So yeah, that¡¯s everything. Thanks for your help, the contract¡¯s up, may we never see each other again.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. Your ban remains, but it was a pleasure not having existence annihilated with you. And as promised, we have not harmed this world in any way. Farewell.¡± Mephistopheles bowed and vanished. Suddenly, papers started raining from the sky, as far as they could see.

    ¡°What? What is this?¡± Amber grabbed one. It had instructions in several languages, and a diagram with a list of ingredients.

    ¡°Oh, that son of a bitch!¡± Scott snapped, going over a handful. ¡°He¡¯s blanketing the whole planet in instructions of how to summon daemons! He must¡¯ve triggered this to happen when he left! Grrr, how could I have overlooked this when I let him run free!? That¡¯s-!¡± He sighed. ¡°Honestly pretty clever, sidestepping the issues I laid out nicely. Of course he¡¯d be all too happy to perfectly comply. Crap. I am too tired to deal with this right now.¡±

    ¡°Same. Just drop me off at my apartment, I wanna sleep for the next day and a half. Then I¡¯ll handle it.¡± Cross said, and Scott nodded.

    ¡°The captain can take you there. No sense in making that trip, we live here.¡±

    ¡°So what are you going to do now?¡± she asked. Scott considered.

    ¡°Y¡¯know I-really don¡¯t know. I mean, first I¡¯m gonna resurrect myself. And the captain¡¯s gonna go back to haunting Blackwell Manor, with the ship underground. Then¡­I don¡¯t know. I know I could use a vacation, though.¡± he said, cracking his back.

    ¡°Same here.¡± Amber agreed. ¡°Honestly, by now I thought I¡¯d be in space, expanding the universe near infinitely. I never thought I¡¯d be here again. I¡¯ve got to check in with my parents, my friends, try to get in touch with the uylata...it¡¯s been a busy summer already, and it shows no sign of letting up soon.¡± she said, sighing. Looked like a lazy summer of relaxing with her boyfriend was out of the cards.

    ¡°Tell me about it. I¡¯ve got to clean all this up. And you will be helping.¡± Cross griped and pointed at Scott, who nodded tiredly. She leaned back. ¡°But yeah. As for specifics, I¡¯ve only got a couple left for now. One of them is seeing the higher-ups about how we go from here.¡± She cracked her knuckles, looking into the horizon. ¡°Let¡¯s face it kid, you can¡¯t run around wild anymore. And while we have the Taboo users in custody, we can¡¯t just lock ¡®em up forever. But they¡¯re still gonna have their powers, not to mention what seeing all this¡¯s gonna do, now that the impossible¡¯s possible.¡±

    ¡°So what are you going to do about it?¡± Amber asked.

    ¡°If I have my way-and I will-there¡¯s gonna be some changes around here.¡± Cross narrowed her eyes and smiled dangerously.

    ¡°Yeesh. Go easy on ¡®em, detective.¡± Scott said. Cross raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Nah. Give ¡®em hell.¡± He grinned. ¡°Alright. Captain, can you see the lady home?¡±

    ¡°Of course young master Scott, OF COURSE!¡± the ghost bellowed, saluting. Cross gave him a withering look, then rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Right. I¡¯ll see you later then. Kid?¡± Cross smiled at him. ¡°Take care.¡±

    ¡°You too detective. C¡¯mon Amber, let¡¯s go.¡± he smiled back, genuinely.

    ¡°Cool. Bye, Detective!¡± Amber waved, grabbed Scott, and leapt over the railing, descending with a gravity web.

    ¡°My my. Certainly one way to make an exit.¡± Captain Blackwell said, adjusting his spectral spectacles. Cross shook her head.

    ¡°Crazy teenagers.¡±

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Ael shith, tivam se ael nath! Follahl xerph''um estios! Ha! Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Allaghvah, goochun esteros. Ael shith, tivam se ael nath! Follahl xerph''um estios! Ha!" There was a bright spark of light as his bones dissolved into blue powder, reforming around his soul. After a moment, Scott blinked his eyes in the sunlight.

    ¡°Ahh. It¡¯s good to be whole again.¡±

    ¡°Yeah yeah, it¡¯d also be good to be clothed again.¡± Amber said, covering her eyes. Scott grinned; well, mostly covering her eyes. He grabbed the clothes off the tombstone and dressed. He stretched.

    ¡°Good to have muscles again. The clacking was a little loud.¡± Amber and Scott embraced, holding each other under the willow tree, next to her grave. For a moment, they just stood there in the cemetery; it was quiet, only the wind rustling through the tree and over the grass. The day was warm, the air was clear, and they had each other. There would be chaos and trouble and explanations due, certainly. But not ¡®til later.

    ¡°I missed this, you know.¡± Amber murmured softly, relaxing in his arms. ¡°The uylata are nice. But they can¡¯t replace what I have here, right now.¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m one of a kind.¡± Scott chuckled, and she laughed.

    ¡°Very true.¡±

    ¡°Ahh, if only this could last. But you¡¯ve gotta get home, and I still have to see if they rented my room out yet.¡± he said.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Neither one moved. They just stood there, letting the long-forgotten and hard-earned peace wash over them like the wind and sun.

    ¡°Oh yeah.¡± Amber said. On the way there, they¡¯d passed by his grave, and she¡¯d remembered the date, July 22<sup>nd</sup>. She checked her phone, and sure enough, that¡¯s what it was. ¡°Happy sixteenth birthday.¡± she said, kissing him.

    ¡°What? It¡¯s my birthday?¡± he said, wide-eyed. ¡°Wow. In all the commotion, I totally forgot. Well, guess I picked a good day to come back from the dead.¡± She giggled.

    ¡°There! There they are!¡±

    ¡°I thought I saw something drop from that flying ship!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Havenbrook! Miss Harris! A few questions, please!¡±

    They turned to see what looked like the entire population of Craven Falls converging on the cemetery, with all of the reporters in the tri-state area in the lead. And at the head of that pack was¡­

    ¡°SCOOOOOOOOTT!¡± Rebecca Havenbrook, his father and brother close behind, Amber¡¯s parents trailing them. ¡°GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE!¡±

    ¡°Uh-oh.¡± Scott muttered, looking around panickedly, searching for a way out of that swarm. His eyes fell on his backpack, a decaying rat¡¯s head poking out.

    ¡°Looks like our time¡¯s up.¡± Amber sighed.

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Scott grabbed the bag, and took out the Necronomicon. ¡°Maybe, maybe not.¡± The book fell open in his hand to the spell he needed. He grinned. ¡°Cla¡¯thsta, evxisnon emtath, cla¡¯thsta, evxisnon emtath, cla¡¯thsta, evxisnon emtath, cla¡¯thsta, evxisnon emtath!¡±

    ¡°Scott?¡± Amber watched as a blue crack formed in the air, opening up into a hole in reality, torn by slithering tentacles, shining brightly. Scott stepped towards it, then turned to her.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Let¡¯s take a vacation, a real one, just you and me. We can deal with all this later. Do¡­do you want to come with a moldy old rotten necromancer like me?¡± he asked, nervous and hopeful, hand outstretched.

    ¡°YOU¡±RE NOT MAGICING YOUR WAY OUT OF THIS!¡± came from the parents. She considered. She looked into his toxic emerald green eyes, and grinned.

    ¡°You make a very tempting offer, Mr. Necromancer. Yeah, Havenbrook¡¯s not a good name for that."

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯ve decided. My professional name isn¡¯t going to be Havenbrook. You¡¯ll like it, it¡¯s French.¡± he said.

    ¡°Oh?¡± she said. The crowd was swarming up the hill.

    ¡°I¡¯m a necromancer. Necromancer Scott, Scott de Kay.¡± He grinned. She laughed.

    ¡°Oh my god, no. That¡¯s terrible. You¡¯re terrible, no.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, that¡¯s what¡¯s going on the business card. So, wanna go on vacation? Get away from it all for a while? Just us?¡± His heart thudded pleasantly in his chest, looking at her, readying to duck away from the crowd. He breathed the sun-warmed air in deeply.

    ¡°Oh, why not? Where are we going? For how long?¡± Amber asked, taking his hand. Scott grinned.

    ¡°Wherever we want, however long we want. After all, we¡¯ve got the rest of our lives.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Havenbrook, Miss Harris!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s happening!?¡±

    ¡°Scoooooott!¡±

    The two teens stepped through the portal, and they were lost to the world. Slimy tentacles reached out and grabbed the light, pulling it closed with a clap. And thus, the teenage necromancer made his way to his next adventure.

 Chapter 38: Grave New World

    Seven years later¡­

    A chill wind blew through the evening air, making the boy shiver as he walked through the dark streets. It was that strange time in October when the sun was down and the streetlights were on, but the moon and stars weren¡¯t quite out yet and the sun¡¯s light still crested the horizon. The sky was the deep blue of almost night, and would be when he reached his destination: Amity Memorial Cemetery.

    He glanced form side to side, the streets deserted. The residents of Craven Falls knew better than to come near at night. He should too, but¡­

    The gates weren¡¯t locked. He slipped through with barely a creak, and made his way up the gravel path. Mist was already beginning to hang between the trees. He was all alone as his feet crunched on the bright leaves littering the ground. He stopped, watching an owl hoot and take flight, then resumed his march.

    ¡°Brrr.¡± He¡¯d brought a scarf, but his jacket was wholly inadequate for the cold at night.

    He made his way through the graves, past the silent tombstones and angel statues, feeling like they were judging him. He¡¯d brought a flashlight, but there was enough light to make out the path, and¡­if he was honest, he didn¡¯t want to draw attention to himself. They said there hadn¡¯t been any¡­activity in years, but no one had been brave or foolish enough to check after dark since.

    ¡°So what does that make me?¡± he muttered softly in a Southern drawl. He made his way to the grave, the fresh dirt obvious in the dim light. He pulled out a trowel and began digging.

    After twenty minutes of labor, the shoebox had been uncovered. He gulped and pulled out the paper with the strange design on it. Shaking, he read the words out loud.

    ¡°Astenorath, c¡¯tagha. Evdetorum gaphixum victora maleficinum est spiiritous dernacht. Astenorath, c¡¯tagha. Evdetorum gaphixum victora maleficinum est spiiritous dernacht. Astenorath, c¡¯tagha. Evdetorum gaphixum victora maleficinum est spiiritous dernacht.¡±

    The wind whirled around him as the box shook, a dark red light seeping out from the cracks. He stared, petrified. Had¡­had it worked?

    There was a scratching sound, and he pulled it over, opening the lid in wonder. His pet rabbit Cabbage raised his head, red eyes sparkling in the rising moon.

    ¡°C-Cabbage! You¡¯re back, you¡¯re really back!¡± the boy sobbed, hugging the warm, fluffy animal.

    ¡°Yeah yeah, that¡¯s great kid. Now get offa me.¡±

    ¡°H-Huh?¡± The boy gaped as Cabbage struggled free, landing on the ground. He shook himself and smiled. There were a lot more fangs now than he remembered.

    ¡°Heheh, this¡¯s great! Finally, its¡¯ Camphrinopheus¡¯s turn to wreak some mayhem!¡± the rabbit chuckled.

    ¡°W-What? Cabbage?¡± the boy said in confusion. The rabbit turned a beady eye on him.

    ¡°I¡¯m not Cabbage, you dolt. I gave you exactly what you wanted: your rabbit returned to life. I¡¯m just¡­borrowing the body for awhile. Thanks for inviting me to this world, but now¡­I¡¯m hungry.¡± The rabbit snarled with sharp teeth and lunged at the boy¡¯s throat.

    ¡°Noooo!¡± He managed to bat the rabbit away and got to his feet, running up the hill as fast as he could, ducking behind tombstones.

    ¡°You can¡¯t hide forever, boy!¡± the rabbit snarled, growing larger and meaner with every step. The boy panted, his back to a tombstone as the monster passed, howling. He let out a choked sob.

    ¡°C-Cabbage¡­what went wrong?¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t use a necromancy spell, dummy.¡± The boy froze and turned. Silhouetted in the full moon cresting the hill, there was a young woman sit ting comfortably on a gravestone. She had big platform boots, fishnet stockings, a red skirt, a studded leather jacket and a black shirt with a skull, x¡¯s in its eyes. Her pale blonde hair was shot through with streaks of black, a Burtonesque punk princess. She was munching on a Twinkie.

    ¡°See, what-mmm, cream-what you used wasn¡¯t a resurrection spell, it was an invocation for a daemon to come and grant you a wish. But they always take more in return, so dealing with them¡¯s a sucker¡¯s bet, usually.¡± she explained.

    ¡°B-But Cabbage¡­¡± he moaned.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s an adorable name! His soul¡¯s at peace, it¡¯s just his body running around possessed by that thing. A nuisance, really.¡±

    ¡°There you are!¡± the rabbit roared, charging up the hill, breath fogging in the air.

    ¡°Aaaaaghhhh!¡± the boy screamed, cowering. The girl licked her lips.

    ¡°What¡¯s your name, kid?¡± she asked.

    ¡°H-Henry!¡± he screeched.

    ¡°Today¡¯s your lucky day, Henry. Grab ¡®im!¡±

    Hands burst from the ground to seize the daemonic rabbit and halt his movement. Blackened nails ripped into fur, grabbing at ears and paws.

    ¡°What is this!?¡± Camphrinopheus cried. Henry stared at the tableau before him. The girl vaulted off the tombstone, striking a pose.

    ¡°You tried to raise the dead, but it went wrong. I¡¯ll show you a better way. Why? ¡®Cause I¡¯m a necromancer!¡± She grinned madly.

    ¡°Rotten filth!¡± The daemon rabbit thrashed, breaking the undead arms. ¡°I¡¯ll devour both of you!¡± he said, glaring.

    ¡°Uh-oh.¡± she meeped, Henry staring at her incredulously.

    ¡°Uh-oh!?¡±

    ¡°W-Well, I need solid bodies to work with, if they¡¯re too old-yipe!¡± The rabbit was running at them, slavering, his eyes burning bright in the dark. ¡°Ha! Time to run! Move your legs kid!¡±

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Atten-hut!¡± Inside the pristine training room, the assembled¡­crew saluted as best they could. Cross narrowed her eyes as she paced in front of them, letting them sweat.

    ¡°You lot have been selected as the best of the best. I¡¯ve been informed of your training results, but that does not impress me. You know what does? Not you!¡± She pointed to the eager squad leader, who dutifully closed his mouth and stepped back. ¡°Start from the left.¡±

    ¡°Um¡­discipline?¡± the young soldier said, eyeing the prospective agent next to him. The drool was distracting.

    ¡°Nope. Next! Wait, Ebble?¡± Cross asked, cocking her head as she recognized the ghoul. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°Ebble protect and serve ma¡¯am! And he get paid with opportunity to eat extra body parts!¡± the dog-faced underground ghoul said, nearly knocking himself out with his hand in salute. Cross stared speechless for a moment, then rallied.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t know it was you when they said they¡¯d recruited a ghoul. Very well, what impresses me?¡± she asked.

    ¡°¡­flowers and choc¡¯late?¡± he hazarded with a blush, holding out a wilted bouquet and half-eaten box out to her.

    ¡°I¡¯m married, Ebble.¡± she deadpanned.

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°Next!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t even know why I¡¯m here. I¡¯m in magical research.¡± Bess said, annoyed. Cross glared at her, but Bess was nonplussed. Fighting a magic god together for the fate of the multiverse left her unimpressed.

    ¡°You have one of the most difficult roles in this team. I need 100% dedication. What impresses me?¡±

    ¡°Intelligence?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a standard requirement. Next!¡±

    ¡°R-Results?¡±

    ¡°Next!¡±

    ¡°Diligence!¡±

    ¡°Next!¡± She went down the whole line, each prospective agent. She grinned internally; they were nearly ready, but they wouldn¡¯t really be prepared until they actually had a few missions under their belt. And she had to make sure they knew what they were getting into, and why. She shook her head.

    ¡°All good answers, and all wrong. Those are requirements, I need you to have those already. Squad Leader Manning, please inform us of what impresses me, what you need to be successful.¡± Leo stepped forward.

    ¡°What ones needs to succeed is heart, ma¡¯am!¡± he said, saluting. Cross nodded.

    ¡°Right you are. We place our lives on the line for others, taking the place of victims and giving monsters predators instead. I have seen pure destructive evil, and I have seen the wielders of the blackest arts imaginable. I have also seen the dark forces bent to the service of good, especially to a kid with a good heart and a good head, even if it isn¡¯t screwed on properly. And this definitely isn¡¯t for the faint-hearted. Leo, show them what can happen should they pursue this career.¡± He saluted and turned to his team. Taking a deep breath, he flexed.

    His body exploded, his left arm bursting into three waving tentacles, his torso a mass of muscle trailing into several feathered spindles on place of normal legs. Seven small white feathered wings extended from his right shoulder along his spine, and a third eye opened on his forehead while a halo of fire ignited above his hair. Everyone gasped and started in shock, except for Bess.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°Oh, you grew a couple more wings.¡± she said.

    ¡°Yup!¡± Leo nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s time you knew what a champion of Zet-Mathaig looks like. I mean, these didn¡¯t really hurt to grow, but it still looks weird.¡± Leo said, gesturing to himself with his normal right arm.

    ¡°This-This is normal?¡± a trainee asked. ¡°Are we gonna turn into that?¡±

    ¡°Oh, no. This¡¯s just me, and I can revert back whenever I wish. Of course, this form doesn¡¯t get so many strange glances nowadays, but it¡¯s kinda hard to fit through doors.¡± Leo said, scratching his head. He could freely walk in the streets of New York and other highly-populated areas and only catch a passing look, compared to the other strange creatures and mutated humans living there. But he was restricted from travelling alone to prevent being mistaken for a monster. They didn¡¯t want another case like Idaho.

    ¡°So you see, this is the level of weirdness you might be subjected to. You may have to give up your lives, and possibly your bodies and futures. Chief Crenshaw will be back tomorrow with assignments. Who¡¯s in?¡± Cross said, glaring at them. They all glanced at one another, then all stepped forward. They earned a thin-lipped smile form her.

    ¡°Perfect. Welcome to the National Supernatural Protection and Regulation Bureau.¡±

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Duck!¡± The girl forced Henry¡¯s head down as the rabbit daemon pounced, teeth slicing through a gravestone. ¡°Boy, that was close, huh?¡± she said as they ran.

    ¡°Are you insane!?¡± Henry cried.

    ¡°Maaaaaaybe a little. Up we go!¡± She grabbed him and had zombie hands rise, walking up their hands like a staircase up a tree.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna die, I¡¯m gonna die, I¡¯m gonna die¡­¡± Henry said over and over, clutching his knees to his chest.

    ¡°Oh, we are not gonna die. Besides, even if you do I can fix it. Ahh, there we are.¡± She pulled out a marker and a small glass vial. She quickly drew a strange, unearthly symbol on the empty vial, then threw it to the ground. ¡°I choose you! Get ¡®im, Fido!¡±

    The daemon laughed, but it was suddenly cut short by a ghostly mastiff growling at him. The dog barked, and the rabbit hopped back.

    ¡°Die!¡± Camphrinopheus opened his mouth and shot a fireball at the specter, but it charged through and bit down on the daemon. ¡°Aaagghhh!¡±

    ¡°See? Told you I could handle it.¡± the girl said, slapping Henry on the shoulder. Unfortunately, that made him tip over from the branch, and she scrambled to grab him; she fell herself.

    ¡°Aaaagh!¡±

    ¡°Yipe!¡± The ghost dog turned and seized Henry¡¯s jacket before he hit the ground, floating in midair. The girl wasn¡¯t as lucky, landing hard in the bushes. ¡°Oww!¡±

    ¡°Oh my! Oh man! That¡¯s hilarious!¡± the daemon guffawed, and the girl scowled.

    ¡°I¡¯ll show you!¡±

    ¡°And a great job you¡¯re doing so far.¡± came from behind her. Camphrinopheus lunged at the new person, but bounced off a barrier of pure shapeless ectoplasm surrounding him. She turned to see Connor¡¯s hand pushing his glasses up over the smuggest face she had seen yet.

    ¡°You! Are! Late!¡± she said, pointing an accusing finger at him. ¡°We were supposed to meet an hour ago!¡±

    ¡°Sorry, Riley.¡± he said, giving her a hand up. ¡°But I ran into some old friends.¡±

    The rabbit daemon leapt upon them from behind, taking full advantage of their inattention. Suddenly, his momentum was halted and he fell to the ground.

    ¡°What the-?¡±

    ¡°Avesh.¡± From the cobblestones came the clicking of heels. A blonde secretary came out of the darkness, with stockings, skirt, jacket, scarf, and bunned hair; the picture of professionalism. From her hand trailed a translucent shimmering line. ¡°We¡¯ll have none of that tonight, thank you.¡±

    ¡°Graaah!¡± Camphrinopheus leapt at her, mouth open to chomp down. Ha! He¡¯d show her-

    He didn¡¯t know what happened. One second, she was in front of him. The next, she was upside-down, sailing above his head. He tracked her in disbelief as she soared to the tree, landing and standing upright on the trunk. She grimaced and subtly scooted down closer to the ground. ¡°What!?¡±

    ¡°Oh boy, you done messed up good.¡± There was a sudden chill in the air, everyone felt it. All eyes turned to the path, shrouded in mist and darkness. There was a sinister hum, then ominous chanting in Latin preceded the man emerging from the shadows.

    Dark reddish-brown hair. Tall and thin, but filled out, with visible definition in the perfectly tailored black suit. A dark goatee around a mouth grinning like a wolf. And set above that grin were two toxic emerald green eyes, nearly sparkling in the moonlight. He cut an impressive, menacing figure as he strolled through the graveyard, dark, indistinct shapes following behind him. ¡°I am your doom, come to collect.¡±

    ¡°Scooooott!¡± the woman shouted in annoyance. She threw two more lines out and yanked, pulling the speakers out of the zombie¡¯s hands and sending them tumbling. ¡°How many times have I told you not to play that stupid song everywhere you go!?¡±

    ¡°But Amberrrrrr,¡± he whined, shuffling his feet. Camphrinopheus blinked; all the menace this guy was building up was gone. ¡°It¡¯s so cool! I make such a good entrance with it!¡±

    ¡°No.¡± she denied sternly, leveling a steely gaze at him. They still couldn¡¯t go back to that grocery store. He kicked a pebble.

    ¡°You¡¯re no fun.¡± Camphrinopheus shook his rabbit head. What was wrong with these people?

    ¡°Boss!¡± Riley went over and tackle-hugged a laughing Scott. ¡°It¡¯s been so long! Where¡¯ve you been?¡±

    ¡°All over, kid. Did you get taller? You got taller! Hey Amber, she got taller!¡± he called.

    ¡°I can see that.¡± she deadpanned, with a smile.

    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ve been all over the world. The president of Deadline Industries is a very busy man, you know!¡± he said, puffing out his chest. He smiled weakly, his eyes twitching as he sagged. ¡°So, so busy. The world¡¯s only professional necromancer is constantly in demand. Oh! Hey Amber, did the UN approve my idea?¡± he hollered.

    ¡°They rejected it, said they needed something both less morally objectionable and more sophisticated than zombies in hamster wheels for clean energy.¡± she said, consulting a notebook.

    ¡°The principle is sound!¡± Scott protested.

    ¡°I left some messages, we can work something out with your engineers on Monday.¡± Scott blew her a kiss.

    ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re the best secretary.¡±

    ¡°Personal assistant.¡± she corrected tiredly. ¡°And do I really have to wear this suit all day, even off the clock?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Scott said gleefully. ¡°You¡¯re the best sexy secretary ever, you gotta dress the part!¡±

    ¡°Oh my god, you¡¯re such a dork.¡± she said, palming her face.

    ¡°You know you love it.¡± he said, wagging his eyebrows. Camphrinopheus took the opportunity to attack, aiming for Scott¡¯s chest to rip his heart out. Scott smoothly sidestepped the slavering jaws, pulling Riley out of the way, and whistled.  An ancient and massive Chinese Imperial warrior armed with a quan dao, a headless suit of armor carrying his head in one arm, a giant sword at his side and a massive lance in the other, and a grizzled G.I. from World War II appeared, the soldier levelling a rifle at the daemon. ¡°Get him. Riley, some zombies please?¡±

    ¡°Sure, boss!¡± She called up three of the zombies she¡¯d created, and Scott muttered foul, forbidden incantations while Amber covered Camphrinopheus with gravity webs.

    ¡°G¡¯shclhifta zhaun!¡± Scott clapped his hands, the zombies and ghosts merging to distort and bring them to rotten life, wielding their weapons expertly.

    ¡°Uh-oh.¡± Camphrinopheus gulped. The undead warriors set upon him, thrashing and tearing him apart while the group gathered and chatted.

    ¡°So boss, it¡¯s been like a year! Where¡¯ve you been? What brings you back?¡± Riley asked excitedly.

    ¡°It¡¯s been eight months.¡± Connor said.

    ¡°Well, we¡¯ve been dealing with various problems and projects we¡¯ve been contracted with.¡± Scott explained. ¡°But that actually leads me to why I¡¯m here. I¡¯m exhausted!¡± he blurted, sticking his tongue out. ¡°I¡¯ve been running this way and that, and I¡¯m practically dead myself!¡±

    ¡°Thought you could fix that.¡± Amber smirked. He shook his fist at her.

    ¡°Anyway, I talked to Cross and the government, and we reached a deal. I¡¯m gonna be sticking around here for awhile, while I make my lesson plan. Psst. Riley, Connor. You might wanna save up for college. I¡¯m going to be teaching necromancy classes at Miskatonic University next year.¡± Riley¡¯s eyes went wide and she grinned, clapping her hands together.

    ¡°Ohmygosh that¡¯s fantastic! We¡¯re accredited now!¡± Scott raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been tutoring her.¡± Connor said. She shot him a look.

    ¡°So how have you two been? What grade are you in now?¡± Amber asked.

    ¡°Tenth!¡± Riley said proudly.

    ¡°And I¡¯m a junior.¡± Connor added.

    ¡°What, really? Time flies. So does that mean you¡¯re going to college? Fancy majoring in necromancy?¡± Scott asked, grinning. Connor shook his head.

    ¡°Boss, I already know just about everything you do. Going to school for it would be a waste, because I¡¯ve decided. I¡¯m majoring in medicine. You¡¯ve opened up a lot of avenues for recovery with necromancy, I want to see how much further it can be applied to keep the living alive.¡± he explained.

    ¡°Ahh, I get it. Cool! Good luck, my man.¡± Scott said, shaking his hand.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°But Miskatonic has an excellent medical program, and if you minored in necromancy you¡¯d be officially certified, so there¡¯d be no legal issue. I know what you can do, if you work with me you¡¯ll never have to attend class and still get an A.¡± Scott said. Connor blinked.

    ¡°That-that makes sense.¡± he said.

    ¡°We¡¯ve had lots of experience brokering deals. Turns out being a magician is half magic, half negotiation.¡± Amber said, then snapped her fingers. ¡°Speaking of which, did Legendary still need those fifty disposable zombies?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Sis needs ¡®em for the next movie.¡± Riley nodded.

    ¡°And how is Vanessa?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s doing good. Oh! Did you see the pictures from Robbie¡¯s eighth birthday party!?¡±

    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t! Show me, show me!¡± Amber gushed. Riley pulled up the pic on her phone. Amber scrolled through the photos of the chubby little boy, Vanessa smiling and hugging her son. ¡°Aww, that¡¯s adorable! And look at him, he takes after his dad.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s an early bloomer.¡± Riley said, glancing down at Robbie¡¯s wide face, bulging eyes, and stubby fins on his elbow. ¡°She said he¡¯s got a lot of rashes from his scales coming in.¡±

    ¡°And Nigel¡¯s still undersea?¡± Scott asked.

    ¡°Yeah. Says the treaty with the UN¡¯s almost done, their country and religion¡¯s gonna be officially recognized at the end of November or something.¡± Riley said.

    ¡°And I heard recruiting for your religion¡¯s going well too. I see the posters and ads everywhere.¡± Connor said to Amber. She chuckled.

    ¡°It¡¯s not really a religion, even if there is a god.¡± she said weakly.

    ¡°Makes it hell on the holiday visit list though.¡± Scott grumbled.

    ¡°Aaaaaauuuugggghhhh!¡± Camphrinopheus flopped on the ground next to them, panting and trying to get away. Henry had been watching petrified for all this time, and now the daemonic rabbit desperately pulled itself across the grass, the bottom half of his torso missing. The soldiers loomed over it and the quan dao came down, finishing it.

    ¡°Good work.¡± Scott said as the ghosts exited the undead bodies, and the rabbit¡¯s twisting back to normal, now free. ¡°Who¡¯s the kid?¡± he asked Riley.

    ¡°Henry. He just missed his rabbit and tried to bring him back, I guess.¡± Riley said, shrugging. Scott waved a hand in front of Henry¡¯s face, but he didn¡¯t react. Scott sighed.

    ¡°Hey. Hey! Wake up!¡± he said, lightly slapping the boy¡¯s face.

    ¡°He-he killed my rabbit.¡± Henry said.

    ¡°Yup. But your rabbit was actually a daemon. Nasty things, they¡¯re like cockroaches. You gotta clear them out before they get a foothold, or you¡¯ll have an infestation. Here.¡± Scott handed Henry a card. It had a skull on it, with various numbers and websites. Emblazoned on top was¡­

    ¡°Scott de Kay? You¡¯re him?¡± Henry said incredulously. Scott grinned and nodded. ¡°No way! You¡¯re famous!¡±

    ¡°And rich, don¡¯t forget about rich.¡± he gloated. ¡°But there¡¯s a line for therapy on the back. Call that, they can help.¡± Henry looked at the card, then the necromancer in wonder.

    ¡°¡­can you bring Cabbage back?¡± he asked in a small voice. Scott glanced at the corpse, then stroked his beard.

    ¡°Did he die of old age? Originally?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah.¡± Henry admitted.

    ¡°Mmm. Well, I could, but chances are he¡¯d just die again in a week. Sometimes, you have to let things go. If you don¡¯t, the ones you love could turn into ravenous murderous hellbeasts.¡± he said comfortingly, putting a hand on the boy¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°I¡­I guess.¡± Henry said, saddened and horrified. Scott nodded.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. He¡¯s in a better place.¡± he said. His eyes were twinkling like the stars, with toxic emerald green light. Henry looked down at his pet sadly and nodded. ¡°Unless, of course, you wanted to make him into a zom-¡± His mouth was suddenly closed in a steel grip, Amber holding his jaws shut.

    ¡°No, no, no.¡± she said firmly. Scott rolled his eyes and nodded. She knelt by Henry. ¡°Part of growing up is learning when to let things go, and let the dead in peace.¡± she said gently.

    ¡°I-I know. But h-he was my only friend, we just moved here and¡­¡± Henry fell silent, sniffling.

    ¡°And part of growing up¡¯s also recognizing when the rules need to be broken, when and how to change thing¡¯s to go your way. That includes the rules of God and nature! Right kids?¡± he asked Connor and Riley.

    ¡°You said it, boss!¡± Riley gave him a thumbs-up.

    ¡°You¡¯re a lunatic.¡± Connor deadpanned. Scott cackled madly, throwing his head back.

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± He turned to the teary child, hugged by Amber. He grinned. ¡°If you want friends, you gotta impress people! And nothing impresses ¡®em like magic!¡±

    ¡°R-Really?¡± Henry said. Amber rolled her eyes and smiled. Yet another one.

    ¡°Of course!¡± Scott smelled the autumn air, cool and sharp and ripe. The full moon hung in the air, full of magic, the light casting strange shadows on the ground. The graveyard was dark and spooky, the scent of leaves decaying, promising the season of fear and fun, where witches ran wild and wolves and ghosts alike howled as the dead rose to dance. He grinned sharply, a shadow of a skeleton on his face as he saw that the elder signs were abundant. The stars were right.

    ¡°I¡¯m a necromancer! And you can be, too!¡±