The Second Book of Babylon

by Barry Reese

  “Perhaps we could contact The Peregrine or Kayla Kaslov? Surely someone would be able to help us?”

  “If only it were so simple, Sylvia. The magicks involved are very old and complex. So far not even our combined wisdom has been able to find a solution.”

  A pretty, young blonde woman cleared her throat, catching their attention. Her hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail and from her mode of dress, she had apparently been working out when the attack had come. She wore black yoga pants and a sports bra, her toned body reflecting years of physical fitness. She appeared to be in her early twenties but, as with all magic users, appearances could often be deceiving. “Sorry I don’t know all of you already but my name’s Jennifer Black, practitioner of ancient Atlantean magic. I was visiting an old friend in the Everglades and staying with her for a few days when all this happened. I definitely sensed something demonic at work; a few relatives of mine have clashed with Lucifer in the past and I wouldn’t put it past him to have a hand in this.”

  M’Baku shook his head. “It is not like him. He traffics in lies and spiritual assault but not like this. But I agree that the stench of Hell is upon this.”

  Catalyst tilted his head, as if listening to something from afar. “There is a sudden shift in the fabric of our reality. Something is happening.”

  Abigail concurred. “Someone is attempting to summon one of us!”

  Jennifer suddenly let out a cry of alarm. When they looked at her, her body was beginning to fade from sight. “It’s me! I’m being pulled away!”

  Catalyst reached out a hand to her. “Don’t fight it, child! If I recognize the forces at work, you won’t be harmed! Use this as an opportunity to seek help for us!”

  Jennifer’s reply was lost as she suddenly disappeared from view.

  Abigail touched her old friend’s arm. “Where do you think she’s gone, Nathaniel?”

  Catalyst’s reply was chilling in its finality. “To meet her unfortunate destiny.”

  ***

  Highgate Cemetery, the final resting place of nearly 170,000 people. One of a group of seven burial grounds built around London when the “old town cemeteries” could no longer cope with the growing numbers of English dead. Since its inception in 1839, the cemetery has been a popular resting place for the rich and the well-known, most notably philosopher Karl Marx and author Douglas Adams.

  The grounds are full of trees, shrubbery, and wildflowers, most of which took root and grew without human influence. The grounds became a haven for birds and small animals such as foxes, and since the Black Mass, it was home to numerous small, magical creatures like pixies and sentient mushroom people.

  The area known as the Circle of Lebanon was topped by a huge Cedar of Lebanon and featured tombs, vaults, and winding paths dug into the hillsides. It was here that Topaz and Babylon had gone after leaving the Slimelight.

  “She comes,” Babylon said. “I have managed to reach her, even through the strange Barrier. Our family connection is strong enough to overcome almost any magic. But what if she refuses the bargain?”

  A strange look in the empath’s eye awakened Babylon’s curiosity but her tone was neutral as she said, “She’ll accept. Now go away and let me plead the case for you. Please.”

  Babylon nodded, having decided to trust her in this. He faded away, leaving only his empty armor in his wake. The armor lay on the grass, a faint glow the only sign of its eldritch origins.

  Topaz let out a relieved sigh as Jennifer Black materialized before her. The young sorceress immediately raised her hands in a warding gesture, prompting Topaz to take a step back. “Tell me who you are right now—and I better like the answer or you’re going to be very sorry.”

  Forcing herself forward, Topaz tried to project a sense of strength. Now wasn’t the time to be timid; this was the reason she was here, after all. “Jennifer, my name is Topaz. I’m an old friend of Nathaniel Caine—and a new associate of Babylon.”

  Jennifer noticed the armor lying on the ground behind the empath. She relaxed slightly. “Only Babylon. Dan is dead—and now Gideon Black is without a mortal host.”

  Jennifer pushed past Topaz and knelt beside the armor. She put a hand out near the metal but didn’t quite touch. “Oh my god... Dan’s dead?”

  Topaz looked around, noticing that a thick fog was beginning to encircle her ankles. She pressed on, hurrying her words. “Gideon has to bond with a member of the Black bloodline. They’re the only ones who are strong enough to house his powers for any length of time.”

  Jennifer stood up quickly, sensing where this was going. She shook her head firmly. “Oh, no. I’m not doing it. I can’t and I won’t. Contact John Galahad or somebody else. My first priority is getting Catalyst and the others out of limbo. Then I’m going back to school. I don’t have time for this.”

  “Please, Jennifer! You have to! Gideon is needed here! A great evil is coming!”

  As if to punctuate the point, a cloud of darkness rushed over the two women, enveloping them in an impenetrable mist. A male voice purred as the mist seemed to pull back, slowly forming its way into the shape of the pale vampire known as Bloodshot. “Well, now, isn’t this interesting. I come here on the scent of Babylon and I find two tasty morsels just waiting for me to take a nibble.” Bloodshot smiled, revealing his sharpened canines. “Shame about old Daniel. Couldn’t help but overhear the bad news... I always wanted to be the one to take him out. Ah, well.”

  Jennifer whispered a strange word—“Shirak”—and a mystic flame suddenly surrounded her right hand. It barely pushed back the darkness, which seemed to clutch at her like a rapacious lover. She felt a cold, clammy touch of fear and it made her knees weak. She had been trained in magic since childhood but that didn’t stop her from feeling terror when confronted with the unknown. If anything, it heightened her fear—because she knew better than most what kinds of things lurked in the shadows.

  Bloodshot and Topaz both faded from view, obscured by the lengthening shadows and the thick fog. Jennifer took one step forward, overcoming her own fear in hopes of helping the other woman, but a short scream made her wonder if she was already too late.

  Topaz tumbled out of the darkness, falling into Jennifer’s arms. The young witch allowed the flame around her hand to dissipate so that she didn’t accidentally burn the empath. Blood ran thick and wet from the gypsy’s neck, soaking Jennifer’s arms and sports bra.

  Topaz stared up at Jennifer, a glazed look beginning to settle upon her eyes. “Bloodshot. He’s... you have to do this, Jennifer,” she gasped out, each word causing a fresh bubbling of blood from her throat. Her full lips were speckled with red and white. “I knew... I knew he would... it’s worth it if you... do it.”

  Bloodshot reappeared, his white features stained with red. His tongue flicked out to lick away a bit of blood that clung to his upper lip. “Don’t listen to her, girl. You don’t have to do anything except give in. I’ll make it quick.”

  A horrible compulsion began to overtake Jennifer and her eyes flickered over to the armor that lay on the ground. The blue piping that lined the suit seemed to glow with some inner illumination. “Innocent blood,” she whispered. “Just like Daniel always said.”

  Bloodshot surged forward quickly, his teeth flashing in the glow of the armor. “It ends now.”

  Jennifer looked at the dead body of Topaz before letting the poor woman fall. She took a step back, crouched and placed her hand atop the armor. “No,” she said, “It’s only beginning.”

  Cosmic energy shot forth from the metal, wrapping around her arm in silvery tendrils. She felt her flesh peeling away painfully as the armor bonded with her. Deeper than physically, it was becoming a part of her very soul. For a brief second, Jennifer thought she saw raw bone appear through her flayed skin... and then pulsing metal, a new skin that had been forged of starlight and torment, covered all.

  “Fuck me,” Bloodshot cursed.

  Standing in front of the vampire was a reborn Babylon, now a m
erger of Gideon Black’s immortal soul and Jennifer Black’s young spirit. The form remained masculine in appearance, but the voice seemed different somehow; it was like a man and woman were speaking simultaneously. “Innocent blood has been shed. Retribution is at hand!”

  Chapter III Man and Woman

  Highgate had seen its share of stories, to be sure.

  None of them were anything like the one that Babylon and Bloodshot intended to write. Theirs was one of their shared hatred and righteous fury... for years, they had been locked in an ongoing feud and it seemed fitting that they now fought in a cemetery, for both wished the other dead and gone.

  Babylon cared nothing for the history surrounding him. He was living history, a man cruelly condemned to eternal life as a cosmic force for vengeance. And vengeance was calling out to him now... “Your evil ends here, Bloodshot. Though I have spared you in the past, do not be so certain that I will do so again. Topaz was an ally, if not a friend. By harming her, you have personally offended me. Again.”

  Bloodhost grinned. “I’m shaking in my boots, Babylon. I don’t know what weird gender-bender you’re on right now, but I know that inside you is one scared little girl. If I rip your skull off and drop it in the Thames, will she die with you? I hope not... I’d love to sink my teeth into that pretty neck of hers. Bet she’s gonna taste sooooo sweet!”

  Babylon’s only response was to point one clenched fist in the vampire’s direction. The night was suddenly rent asunder by a burst of cosmic fire that shot forth from the armored being. The energy burst struck Bloodshot right in the face, shattering his nose with a satisfying pop and lightly burning the skin surrounding his mouth and nasal cavities.

  Bloodshot howled like a banshee, clutching at his injuries in disbelief. “You bastard! You ruined my face again2!”

  “It is only the beginning of your pain, murderer.”

  The vampire swiped out with his claws, leaving long scratch marks on Babylon’s armored chest. Though he was no mortal man, the armor was in effect the hero’s “skin” and he felt the pain of attacks upon it. Babylon staggered back while Bloodshot lunged for another blow.

  Dodging the attack, Babylon drove a fist hard into the back of Bloodshot’s head as the killer passed. With inhuman speed, the two old foes began trading blows. Babylon could have taken to the air and put distance between himself and Bloodshot but he chose not to; there was something within him that needed the visceral thrill of physical combat, especially now when he was still reeling from the realization that Dan was dead and he’d been living a lie for months.

  Gasping with exhaustion, a bloodied Bloodshot backed away and waved a hand, summoning another wave of fog-enshrouded darkness. Babylon was engulfed in it and for a moment he was completely blind—and at the mercy of his longtime foe.

  Gideon could feel Jennifer’s mind within his, locked away but still accessible. Though he’d been bonded with Galahad for a brief period, Daniel had been his companion for most of the last century, and it felt somewhat disturbing to have this feminine presence within him. He could sense her repulsion at their union but her mind was also listing a litany of spells that she thought they could use to combat their foe.

  Babylon felt his lips begin to move. Though his beloved Magdalena had known witchcraft long ago, Gideon himself had never felt an affinity for it. Now, however, the word “Shirak” came forth easily and with it a bright mystic light that surrounded his form.

  While the magic didn’t push back the darkness, it was enough to let Babylon see that Bloodshot was fleeing the scene. Suddenly aware that he’d been spotted, the vampire yelled over his shoulder, “This isn’t over, Babylon! I made the mistake of thinking I could catch you unawares but next time I’ll plan accordingly. Your new host is going to join Daniel in Hell!”

  Babylon started to follow but halted when he felt the change starting to come upon him. It was unusual in that with Daniel, he almost always initiated the transformation back to his human host. This time, it was Jennifer that was instigating the switch and he was unable to stop her. Cosmic energy swirled about him and the armor receded, revealing the human woman beneath.

  Shivering from fear as much as from the cold, Jennifer ran a hand through her hair and whispered, “I can’t believe this. I really can’t believe this!”

  While Gideon had been in control, she’d been shunted off to some other place—the Void. It had been terrible, utterly silent and dark, and she felt guilty for having forced Gideon back into it. No wonder he was so dour as Babylon; spending most of your existence in the Void couldn’t be easy on anyone’s psyche. How did Daniel handle it for so many years... ?

  Jennifer moved over to the prone form of Topaz and she knelt in the dirt beside her. The woman’s blood still flowed freely and Jennifer placed a hand tenderly over her wounds. She hoped that her meager spellcasting abilities would be enough to heal the woman. Now that things were calmer, she realized that Topaz might be a boon in helping her free Catalyst. Besides, she couldn’t let someone die if she could help it.

  The words she whispered were ancient even in the days of ancient Atlantis, snippets of prayers to Gods long lost to man. Light glowed around torn flesh, knitting it back together.

  The process was grueling and after several minutes, Jennifer was forced to admit defeat. She sagged back on her heels, sweat pouring from her skin. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. She hoped that the empath’s soul would be at peace.

  ***

  Havarti the Troll waddled across the carpet of Jennifer Black’s Manhattan apartment, holding a towel around his waist. He was still dripping wet, having jumped out of the shower when the phone had begun ringing. With a cigar hanging out the corner of his mouth, Havarti scrambled up onto the couch to reach the telephone. He hated being trapped in a world full of oversized hairless apes, all of which towered over him. Nothing was at the right height.

  Still, this place had better food than the World of Shadows, that was for sure—Hot Pockets were absolutely amazing.

  “Hello?” he answered, catching the phone just before the answering machine turned on.

  Jennifer breathed a sigh of relief on the other end of the line. She’d been lucky enough find a good Samaritan that gave her enough change to call home, but she’d been positive that Havarti wouldn’t pick up.

  Wiping off the dirt and blood that still lingered on her hands, she glanced around the dark London streets. Aside from a few goblins sharing a pint outside a nearby pub, the area was quiet. Hiding Topaz’s body had been a loathsome task but she didn’t think going to the police was a smart idea—way too many questions and she’d have far too few answers to satisfy them.

  “Havarti! I’m so glad to hear your voice!”

  Havarti frowned at the phone. “Who the hell is this?!”

  “It’s me, Jennifer. The gal who’s let you stay rent-free at her place for way too long?”

  “Ah. Now I recognize you. All that excitement over hearing my voice threw me for a loop. I’m used to you screeching like a harpy, instead.”

  Jennifer swallowed her retort. Havarti was an interesting personality, but beneath all the gruff, he really did have a heart of gold. “Havarti, please listen to me. I’m in London and I need you to—”

  “I thought you were in Florida visiting Laura.”

  “I was but I was attacked and—”

  “You were kidnapped? You tell me who did it and I’ll kick their asses!”

  “Havarti!” Jennifer fought to keep her temper. The little troll could be exasperating. “Please stop interrupting me. I’ll be staying here for a little while but I need you to get in touch with a few people for me. I’m also going to need you to wire me some cash.”

  Havarti grabbed a pad of paper and a pencil. “Okay. Who ya need me to call?”

  “Look in my address book under Caine, Nathaniel. Call his number and tell whomever answers that I know where Catalyst is and I’m working on freeing him. Then I want you to call John Galahad. Tell him I’m in London a
nd I really need his help. Tell him it’s about Dan and Babylon.”

  “Will do. You gonna be okay, kid?”

  The protective note in Havarti’s voice brought a smile to her face. “I’ll be fine. As soon as I find a place to stay, I’ll call and let you know.”

  She hung up before Havarti could press any further. The truth was, she didn’t have much of a plan. Topaz had warned Gideon of a great darkness approaching and it was a similar feeling of dread that had led Babylon to England in the first place.

  Obviously, whatever evil was on the way was related to the attacks on the world’s sorcerers. But who would be powerful enough to take out so many magic users?

  Jennifer’s stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten in ages. With no money, though, she wasn’t sure what to do. A wry grin suddenly came over her face. Gideon didn’t need to eat, or sleep for that matter, though he often preferred to hide during the day when his armored form attracted more attention. Highgate had plenty of places he could hide and she could get some rest in the Void, as unpleasant as that option sounded.

  “Okay, Gideon. I need you to take over for a while. If you think of someplace I could stay that would have a nice, soft bed, let me back out. Okay?”

  There was no answer, of course, but she hadn’t expected any. She moved away from the pay phone, taking cover in the shadows. The goblins down the street saw a flash of light but it wasn’t until a silver and blue figure streaked upward into the sky that they really took notice.

  ***

  Portland, Oregon

  Johnny Galahad set the phone down on the receiver and let out a long sigh. His family was in the middle of a three-day stopover in Portland, but he’d known somehow that he’d be leaving on his own sooner than that. Being attuned to the mystical side of things made him pretty good at sensing the approach of dark times.

  Of course, he hadn’t expected to receive the news from a chain-smoking troll.