Necromance

by Armand Rosamilia

"You really don't trust me," she said.

  "Would you? You've already killed me once this month."

  She shook her head and held out the knife so I could safely grab it. "Here. If you have to defend yourself, or want to kill our father and end this madness. Either way."

  "You're the best big sister anyone could ever have," I said. I slipped the blade under the bed on the other side so it couldn't be easily seen and I could grip it, if I had to, in a pinch.

  "If he doesn't kill you tonight, I'll be back in the morning to get you out of here. I guess you're strong enough to fight your way from the hospital if need be," Kari said.

  I nodded. "I've seriously never felt better."

  Kari looked at the window. "He's pulling into the parking lot now, but you already knew that."

  I smiled. I was in trouble. Of course I didn't know that.

  * * * * *

  Father came alone with a smile and his hands in his pockets. He didn't say a word at first and he didn't sit down, standing halfway between my bed and the doorway.

  "Hey," I finally said. I had the television on and pretended I was channel surfing for something interesting to watch. I tried to keep my mind clear. If I had to think of sex with the nurse again to get rid of him I would.

  "No need for that," he said.

  I looked at my father. "If you want to talk to me, you need to stop trying to read my thoughts. Let's have a normal conversation for once." I made a big show of looking around and past him. "Where are your goons? You think you could take me in a fair fight if it came to that?"

  My father laughed. "Fair fight? I didn't train you to fight fair. I trained you to win."

  I couldn't argue with his point. If it came down to it, I'd choke him out with the IV and spend the next few hours chopping him up in the bathroom.

  "What do you want from me?" I asked. I didn't want to spend another night in this hospital.

  "I want to know why you're so intent on ruining everything I've built. We could be allies. Partners in the destruction of the world," he said.

  "You're being very dramatic."

  He laughed. "Am I? I have the raw power to move mountains and drain seas at my disposal, but need you to help me control it."

  I pointed at him. "Right there. Very dramatic."

  "Join me."

  "Luke, I am your father," I said in my deepest voice. He didn't get it.

  "I don't want to have to kill you," Father said.

  "I'd rather you didn't, either. But I'm not sure I follow why you need me to help you. You have quite a few other daughters who would do anything to get your attention. They're pretty bitchy to begin with. I'm sure they'd love to knock around mountains and shit. Go ask one of them."

  Father shook his head. "They aren't as powerful as you are."

  "Bullshit."

  He sighed. "I wish it were true. You think I want to be in this awkward position? I've been trying to hunt you down and kill you for years."

  I smiled. "And I've been trying the same with you. I guess you did teach me well. But I'm not changing my thoughts on you. The world would be better off if you were dead."

  My father smiled and it radiated evil. "Oh, I have no doubt the world would be a better place without me. In fact, I'll go so far as to say the world won't survive too much longer if I'm not killed."

  He wasn't being dramatic.

  "So... are you here to kill me? I'm not going to join your insane cause like my sisters all did," I said, watching to see if he thought I was the only one not in his corner, but masking my thoughts with puppies and a giant swimming pool filled with M&M's. Plain and peanut, of course.

  Father paced slowly back and forth across the threshold of the room, keeping one eye on me. "I've always wondered what I did wrong with you. Why you didn't take to the family business like all your other siblings did. I thought I'd created quite the little army of women to do my bidding."

  "And you did," I said truthfully. I remembered the hours spent in his dungeon. No, it wasn't like some medieval torture room; it was more like an underground wrestling arena. He'd pit me against a sister and we'd really beat the shit out of each other. The strongest sisters were held in high favor and got to eat dinner at his table. The rest had to eat in another room, out of favor.

  I didn't have many memories of growing up with Father since he more or less abandoned us at an early age, but I do remember all the training. The work I put in had kept me alive up until this point.

  "You aren't going to try to kill me," I said. "You still think in your arrogant egotistical way you can swing me back to the dark side with you. That would be the ultimate triumph for you, wouldn't it?"

  "I do like a challenge," he said softly and stopped pacing. Now he was staring at the window behind me.

  I wasn't going to fall for it. Whatever he was looking at could stay there. As soon as my head turned slightly, he'd pounce. Shit, he taught me the juvenile trick.

  "I need to go. Don't leave the hospital. We need to work this out." He stopped looking past me and stared into my eyes. "Seriously. There are things at work you cannot fathom. This is beyond you and me now. If we don't work together, it will undermine everything I've been working towards."

  "I have no problem with it all falling down around you," I said.

  "You'll see it my way soon enough, especially when you see what's outside your window," he said and looked past me again before backing out of the room. As soon as he got into the hallway, he was gone, and I heard him running down the hallway.

  Very dramatic.

  But I knew it could be a trick. Maybe he was using a spell to sound like he was running away but instead he was watching me from the door. I had no idea why, but you never knew with him. As a youngster he often did mean things just to see a reaction. Other times he would reward me, like when I killed a rat in the dungeon.

  And he was always pitting me against one of my bigger sisters. I did remember that. It toughened me up, but would it have killed him to take me out for ice cream or give me a hug just to be nice?

  I slipped out of bed, watching the doorway, and crept to it. I poked my head out suddenly, hoping to catch him off-guard.

  Instead, a little old lady in a wheelchair was slumped and snoring softly. Could it be Father using a simple spell to hide?

  I didn't think he knew I had no powers. And, if I still did, I'd see right through this thin disguise.

  "I see you, Father," I said, trying to sound convincing. "I'm not sure what your game is now."

  But it wasn't him. The old lady didn't move. He'd really run away like a little bitch. Hmm...

  I needed to turn around and go back into my room and see if whatever he saw was still out there. What could it be? Did I really want to see it?

  The hospital wing I was on seemed to be running like normal. Normal sounds, normal nurses and patients.

  I turned around slowly and took a step back into the room, standing in the same spot in which Father had stood and looking at my now-empty bed.

  Nothing out of the ordinary in the room or at the window. It was dark outside but the lights from the hospital and the parking lot lights gave it plenty of, well, light.

  I decided not to be a baby and just go to the damn window and be done with it. I also decided I'd close the blinds tonight... you know, just in case. I was on the top level of the hospital but I'd seen enough weird shit in my time to know I was never truly safe, no matter how high up I was.

  Everything looked cool. No one was scaling the walls or hovering in the air watching me, both always bad signs. I was just about to turn away when I saw... something not right in the parking lot.

  At first I thought it was a trick of the light, maybe shadows moving because of a breeze. But it was more than that. I find it hard to describe, but I'll try my best. It's something I've never seen before, and I thought I'd seen everything.

  Black shadows the size of people moved around the parking lot, walking into and through cars, leaving faint red traces as they
touched any object. They had a dark crimson ring around their shapes and I could see the hint of glowing red eyes.

  I could see them...

  But no one else could, because a couple walking through the parking lot walked right into their midst and dozens of them swarmed, running in and out of the couple.

  Both people began to clutch their chests before falling to their knees. They were down in seconds and the shadows kept swarming over them.

  I banged on the window for whatever reason.

  It was a stupid one, because the shadows stopped moving and turned to look at me with those red eyes. Even from this distance I could see the evil and hate.

  Then they began to rise slowly in the air and head my way.

  I was fucked.

  Necromance 8:

  Bar Hop

  I needed to escape from the hospital, because, if the black shadows came after me, everyone in their way would be killed. And there were too many patients, doctors, nurses and visitors. I was sometimes ruthless and maybe didn't care about people enough, but I couldn't have hundreds killed because of me.

  And I knew the shadows were coming to get me.

  I grabbed what little clothing and the few items I had and ran into the hallway. When a nurse stared at me, I stopped running and smiled.

  "Hoping the cafeteria isn't still closed," I said.

  "I can get you something."

  "I'd rather take the walk. Lying in bed all day is making me antsy," I said.

  I wondered if she was a Fiend or some other denizen of Hell keeping tabs on me. Without my powers I had no clue.

  Holy shit. If I couldn't see Fiends and Vamps and Imps anymore, how was I able to see the shadow creatures? It made no sense. But I didn't want to dwell on it right now. There was no time. The creatures were about to enter the hospital and I had to get away from the guardians trying to keep me inside.

  The nurse must've been a normal person because she went back to whatever it was she was doing and I took the stairs. I didn't want to get trapped in an elevator if I could help it. Things never ended well in an elevator.

  I was trying to figure out the best way to leave the hospital as I got to the ground floor in the stairwell and saw the exit sign. Could it be that easy? My luck had run out a while ago. The door had an alarm on it but I'd be long gone by the time anyone could investigate. I was sure there was a camera but who really cared. I had no known address and I would be gone like the wind if I could escape past the shadow creatures. I thought it like it would be such an easy thing to do.

  "Going somewhere?"

  I sighed. Yep, if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. I turned and smiled at Cute Doctor who was really a Fiend. He stood on the landing above me and took two steps down.

  "I just needed some fresh air," I said. "Care to join me?" I knew there was no way I could outrun him, and with those shadows hovering around the building looking for me, I was screwed no matter what.

  He shook his head. "It isn't safe outside. You need to go back to your room. Right now."

  "I'd rather not, if it's all the same to you. I think I've overstayed my time in the hospital. What if someone who is really sick needs the bed? I hate being selfish. How about you let me go and tell my father you turned away for a second and I was gone," I said. Hell, worth a try.

  "I can't let you leave the hospital. Believe me when I say it is the only safe place for you right now," Cute Doctor said. He took another step towards me and his hands were in his white jacket pockets. I could only imagine what he was hiding: a giant needle or a gun or Hubba Bubba bubble gum. The last one would be the nicest, of course.

  "I understand you have a job to do. I get it. Keep me locked away until my father gets what he wants or kills me. You're tied to him because he summoned you. Again... I get it." I pointed at the door. At this point I had nothing to lose. "But the black shadow creatures are swarming and looking for me, and I need to run before they surround the hospital and kill me. If that means fighting you to leave, I'll take my chances."

  He looked alarmed. "Black shadows? Already?" He pulled his right hand out of his jacket and he wasn't holding delicious gum. He was holding a .22. "This is going too fast. Believe me when I tell you, I am not the enemy anymore. I am here to protect you."

  "Sorry if I think you're fucking lying," I said. I reached for the bar on the door to get away.

  "If you open it, I will shoot to kill. You cannot fall into their hands. I swear I can explain everything but you need to trust me for a second." He glanced down at the floor. "We can go to the sub basement and hide. I know where we'll be safe until morning."

  "I'm not buying your story," I said. I knew we were running out of time but I was so sick of these games. I didn't know who was on what side and who was lying to me, and since I couldn't tell The Fiends from the humans it was even worse. Every person walking around was a potential threat, and I could do nothing to stop someone from getting the jump on me now.

  "We don't have time for this." He walked quickly down the steps, still aiming the gun at my head, but I hesitated, not opening the door. What if he was telling me the truth? I didn't want to be attacked by the shit outside.

  I let him hook my arm and push-drag me down the steps and into the lower bowels of the hospital.

  * * * * *

  We entered the basement levels when a flashlight beam was shined in our eyes from the hallway. I put my hand up but the person shining it was being an asshole and putting it right in my face.

  "Who goes there?"

  "Doctor Shands," Cute Doctor said. "I need to check on something."

  The light didn't move from blinding me.

  "With her? What's going on?"

  "Things have changed. Our orders have changed. I need to sneak her out of the hospital through the emergency escape tunnel," Cute Doctor said and started walking slowly towards the light.

  "I never received any orders."

  "I'm giving them to you now," Cute Doctor said.

  "You're not authorized to tell me anything and you certainly aren't allowed down here."

  "What about Ralph?"

  "What about him?"

  Cute Doctor pointed. "Here he comes."

  The light's arc moved down for a second and I heard a grunt before the flashlight fell to the ground. I couldn't see a damn thing. Cute Doctor grabbed my hand and led me down the hallway. We passed a man in a security uniform lying on the ground.

  "Is he dead?" I asked.

  "Of course he is. I can't take the chance of him coming to and warning the others, especially Ralph."

  "Who the fuck is Ralph?" I asked.

  "The head of security. He's also the guy who's been keeping tabs on you. I'm surprised you haven't noticed him hanging around. I thought you'd sense his intent the minute you woke." Cute Doctor stopped and stared at me, the flashlight beam rising up to my crotch. I knew it wasn't a mistake he'd stopped there, either. "What's going on with you? Did the near-death experience mess with your head?"

  Near death? Shit, I thought I'd been dead and gone to Hell. What if my soul had taken a detour? I was so confused right now. "I just need some time to get my head together. I'm fine. There're too many players right now and too much going on. Are you taking me to my father or rescuing me? I'd like to know."

  "I work for your father."

  "Great." I acted casual as I balled my fists to fight my way out. No chance this guy was delivering me to my father.

  "But I'm getting you as far away from him as I can," Cute Doctor said and stepped back. "It isn't time. He's rushing all of this and the Council will not be happy."

  "Which council?"

  Cute Doctor sighed. "The Council of the Cauldron."

  "Is that a shitty Nu-Metal band or something?" I asked. I really had to ask.

  "No. It is a higher power. Higher than your father; although, he is trying to usurp their power by setting things into motion before their time. Like you."

  "What do I have to do with anyth
ing?"

  Cute Doctor began walking again and, using the flashlight, motioned for me to follow. "I'll explain everything once we get out of town."

  I followed him through a smelly, dirty and wet area of the underground which looked like it hadn't been used in years or maybe decades. We were under the city and following a path that kept getting narrower, until we had to squeeze between two ancient brick walls. At one point, I thought my tits would wedge me in but I managed to free them and continue.

  The alleyway opened up again and began to rise until I saw light ahead. There was a street light above. We climbed a rusty ladder and pushed aside a grate, coming onto a quiet street perhaps three blocks away from the hospital. It was hard to tell, but I knew we'd gotten away from the property. That was good enough for me right now.

  Best of all: no black shadows.

  I wasn't going to blindly let him lead me like a puppy, though. I stopped and put my hands on my hips.

  Cute Doctor took three more steps before he realized I wasn't pacing with him. He turned and stared at me.

  "I hope you have a game plan," I said.

  "I do," he said quickly but it didn't sound like he did. He started looking up and down the street.

  "I want to hear it," I said. I knew I was being a bitch but I still felt like I was walking into a trap. Call me stupid, but once your sister kills you and sends you to Hell you start to question people's motives.

  He looked around before finally pointing. "There. We hide in the bar until whoever is chasing us gives up or moves away. Then we go to the second phase of my plan."

  I laughed. "You don't have a second part, do you?"

  "I'm making this up as I go along, in case you hadn't already guessed. I have no idea what I'm doing. I just know tonight was supposed to be your last night. I saved you," he said.

  "Forgive me if I don't thank you profusely. I still don't trust you."

  "I'll buy you a beer," he said and began walking.

  "No. You'll buy me a shot and a beer."

  We went inside and the place was dimly lit and had enough gaudy flashing lights to feel like we were in a dingy bar in Las Vegas instead of Jacksonville.