"You know, you sure were eager to just move in with a total stranger," I said as I was unloading another box from the car. This woman sure had a lot of stuff packed into such a small vehicle. Rather impressive, but also annoying. "I'd at least be skeptical. Like, hey, this man could be really bad, but you know what, fuck it, why not."

Halina grabbed some clothes, holding them by the hangers. "That's a risk I'm willing to take. That, and the Hidden don't really care about humans much, so it was a safe bet."

"You know so much already." We walked into my house, went across the living room, and into the spare bedroom that has a bunch of junk of mine. Why do I have a spare room? I'd thought one day I'd have guests on a regular occurrence. Boy, was I wrong.

"So, tell me, why do want to write a book about the Hidden?" I threw her stuff on the floor, and faced her. "Humans have never worried that regularly over us. Why write about our history and culture?"

She stretched, taking her time in answering. I wondered if it was a boring story or grand story. Probably the latter. "I first became interested when I was saved by a hero as a child. The imposing figure, tall, powerful. I fell in love." She blinked, and it seemed like she went back in time. "I've been doing research ever since. Unfortunately, there aren't many books on it, and the online forums are mainly on the hero's. So, little is known to me."

"Really? Who was the hero?"

"The Black Rose."

"Ah, her." Oh, that brought back memories. Of when I was little, and actually liked those bastards. "Yes, she was cool. I actually once studied magic under her. Then she died. And I turned her body into zombie. Good times."

"Haha, your joking right?" We went out and got more boxes, and Halina looked at me. "Right?"

"Probably." I shrugged, and smiled. "But no, I'm not."

After a few more minutes of getting boxes, we both decided to take a break and sat in my living room. It was nothing special, just some recliners, a couch, a coffee table, and a flat screen. I turned on the TV, drinking from a glass of water.

Halina sat next to me. "So why then did you agree to let a stranger into your home?"

"I'm not particularly afraid of humans," I replied. "And you don't smell dangerous. Plus, you're going to make me famous. What's not to like?"

"Oh," she said, then placed a laptop on her lap. Naturally. "Then mind I start asking some questions?"

"Go ahead." Cartoons were on. Nice.

"I was hoping to start with the basics. Like the history of the Hidden, where you're all from." She shrugged. "Something like that."

"History huh?" I said, turning the volume down a little. "The Hidden history. It's complicated. Do you know about the Layers?"

"Er--kinda. I've heard things, but nothing official."

I quickly explained the Layers, going over in detail who lives where presently, and explained there's usually not that much travel between each layer, most Hidden just stay where they're born.

"Fascinating. So, where do the Hidden come from?" She was typing furiously, a hard concentration face forming. Determination. I like that. "Origins? Your ancestral roots?"

"Roots? The Light Layer." Damnit, Cartoon Network was marathoning more Teen Titans Go. Oh, woe is me. "The Hidden originated in the Light Layer. And a collection of things such as overpopulation, territory disputes, and a few small wars pushed most of them into Earth. And that's how we got here."

"So why is it that the Magicians get the Light Layer all to themselves?" Halina paused when Spot jumped up and rubbed her fuzzy head on Halina's arm.

"Aw, she likes you."

"Hi there, um, what's her name?"

"Spot."

"Hi there Spot. You are a fluffy one aren't you?" Halina scratched her head, resulting in a purring sound. "So, the question."

"Why do the Magicians get an entire layer? Simply put, they are the most powerful. Magi have the strongest connection to magic. They have access to power the rest of us don't. And, they're the most human like. Their population has been growing more than any other Hidden. Plus, if we're being honest, the other Hidden like Earth. It's roomy, and they enjoy the human's company. Humans, while don't directly interact with Hidden, the Hidden however do. Earth is a comfortable space."

Halina seemed to be thinking. "Wait, none of you care that the Magi have taken your home?"

"No, not really."

"Interesting. While I'd like to go into detail about that later, I was wondering if there is a modern Earth Hidden form of government?"

Wow, that's a good question. "Yes, there is. It's weird. But you see, it's kinda like American government. National, state, local. There's a national council, with high representation of all the Hidden races on Earth. That actually matter. Then there are regional councils, that are in charge of their regions. The regions are odd, with a bunch of squiggly borders. I'll show you a map later. And then local, with city councils in charge of day to day life."

"So is this just a United States thing or world thing or....."

"World. While there are over a hundred human nations, that number constantly changing, there are only ten national provinces, I guess you could call them. Ten national councils."

She tapped her lip. Woman can't stand still. What's with humans and moving so much? I don't understand, which is saying a lot since I turn them into zombies all the time. "Tell me, why so few? Is it a population thing or what?"

"Geez, you sure ask detailed questions," I remarked, sipping more water. Spot crawled on me, and I scratched her ear.

Halina shrugged, throwing her feet on the coffee table. "I wanted to be a journalist for the longest time. When I was a kid I used to pest my parents with the toughest questions. So much so that they'd ground me from talking. And I was on my high school newspaper. So yeah, I like questions and writing."

"Great. Love the enthusiasm." I wondered if there would be a point when truth would have to be a little blurry. "Why ten nations? The answer's pretty simple. Some Hidden like living with humans. Many integrate themselves into human society. Many of the provinces have about 20 to 30 percent Hidden living alongside humans. Odds are at one point in your life you have had a Hidden neighbor."

"How does that solve the problem?"

"Because when a province takes a head count, goes 'Oh shit, lots of Hidden live with humans, and rather follow human rules', which means less overall governing. Hidden will follow the human laws pretty well, which means they'll be in less trouble. Less trouble, less worries."

"But what about enforcing laws within Hidden cities?"

"Hmm, let's see if you can guess this one. Tell me, when a human fights a human, what separates them?"

"Well," she said, TV still playing in the background. I laughed at Robin. What a moron. "Let's see. I guess a few things. Training, weapons, how fit one is."

"True. Yet what binds them together?"

"Er, I don't know. Nothing I guess."

"Wrong!" I exclaimed, lifting my hand in a wild gesture. "The laws of physics binds you. Sure, one man can be stronger than another, but that doesn't guarantee the winner, does it? Give a man a gun, and he can kill another. Give another man a gun, and he can kill the original gun yielder. Humans are physically the same, so there are no physical surprises, and the only other variables are numbers and current technology. A gun beats a knife, so what do you bring to a fight? A gun. Predictable."

"But that isn't the same for the Hidden?"

"No, of course not. Think about it," I said, looking at Halina, ruffling my black hair a little bit. "You're a witch, and you plan on robbing another witch's house. You know what the guaranteed result will be? You both are going to get hurt. Because you don't know the other variables. What if she has a shifter friend over? A warlock? What if the witch is more knowledgeable and stronger than you? Has human weapons? You break into a human's house, most they'll have is a weapon of some kind. A shifter could have pups, a warlock familiars, a vampire servants. You'd have to study them for weeks."

"But that doesn't explain something like gangs, or a large group of Hidden."

"Which is why there is another solution. You already know one of them."

Halina blinked, and snapped her fingers. "Heros."

"Yes, hero's are one answer. There are usually a few employed by most cities. But the other," I said, before drinking more water, "is what we like to call the Big Boys. Powerful Hidden that can stop gangs, or large organizations that mean harm."

"Seems a little sexist, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, but the women Big Boys are scary as hell, and you'll call them whatever they say. Big Boy is just a broad term. There's this one Big Boy, a witch named Uthal, and is literally one of the most frightening women to ever exist. She is a force, makes the most respected and powerful Hidden quiver."

"Including you? You're scared of her too?"

I cackled. "Of course not. I once had to stare her down over the last muffin at breakfast. She got the muffin, but I didn't quake."

"For someone who's not known by humans, you sure are popular by some big names."

"That's not true. Not at all. The smart big names know me. The overconfident ones have no clue that I exist. The average Hidden's never heard of me either. Believe me, I'm not popular."

"What happens then if a Big Boy turns evil?"

"Now that's a question. One of four things. The first is simply a group of Big Boys or heroes gather to stop the Hidden. The second is requesting some Magi. There's a few that specialize in that. The next is go to the Assassins Network. They'll kill anything for money. And fourth and final is going to the Angels. But that rarely ever happens."

"Why? What's so bad about the Angels?"

I froze up. "Maybe another time. Angels are a longer story."

There was a momentary silence, and I laughed out loud. "He's beating that meat. To her legs. What kind of kid's show is this?"

"What about necromancers?"

I turned a slow, deadpan turn. "Huh?"

"Why not tell me a few things about necromancers? I don't really know anything..."

I felt like dying. And not for fun. "How about later for that too. You know what, it's been a long day. Let's stop the questions for now. I'll make dinner, and you can unpack your stuff. Make yourself at home. And the wifi password is DeadGuy789. Capital D and G."

Halina looked disappointed, but nodded. It was weird how perfect her features were. Unsettling. "Alright. Sounds good. I'd actually like a tour of the park later if you'd show me."

"Gotcha. It's not that big. But rather pretty." We got up, and I was reminded of something. "Wait, I have some quick house rules."

"Really? Someone as chill as you?"

"Yes. This is serious." I pointed across the hallway. "That room over there. Don't touch anything in it without permission. Don't read anything without permission. Hell, don't breath on anything without my permission. Understood?"

Halina gave a happy thumbs up.

"And the other thing for now. Do not go up stairs. Never, ever, ever. You are only allowed on the first floor. Repeat what I just said."

"Never go upstairs ever. Only allowed downstairs."

"Good. Great. Now I'll make dinner."

Halina went to the spare room - her room now - while I stood there a moment more. The grey fluffy cat looked at me, and meowed. "Yes, I'm aware. But, I just wanted more company. Ya'know?"

Spot rubbed her head on my leg. I nodded. "You get me."

I went into my small kitchen, and rummaged through the fridge. Picking out some hamburger and butter, my mind kept wandering about this deal. I'm going to be honest, the life of a hero - or non hero I guess - is difficult. I have to fight dangerous entities all the time. It's no walk in the park, like what I do on a regular basis. Maybe I'm overreacting. I haven't gotten that hurt. Okay, I'm lying. I have. There's a reason humans don't fight Hidden battles.

But what do I know. In all truth, everything will probably work out fine. Halina will write her book, I'll be famous, and we'll both be happy. Wait, will she be helping pay for food? Fuck, I really should have thought this through.

I began searing the meat, and I thought about being recognized by normal people. Actually being thanked by large communities than just the individuals I save. Being a nobody, it's not how I want to die.

An hour later, and Halina and I were eating at the small kitchen table. I had to bust out another chair, since I usually eat alone. It was dark outside, and the bugs were buzzing, making a calming noise.

"Wow, you're actually a good cook." Halina ate the burger and fries up, smacking her lips. "I'm really surprised."

"It's what happens when you live by yourself. For a long time." I ate a few more fries, and pushed the plate over. "Here, finish these."

"You don't want them?"

I shrugged. "I don't eat much. Just when I need the energy." I nudged the plate. "Take them. Don't let the fries go waste."

"Whatever." She began eating. She was wearing a long-sleeve shirt and sweats. I'm guessing no tours of the park today. I can't blame her though. I'm pretty tired myself.

"You asked me a lot of questions," I said, breaking the silence. "So tell me about yourself. You jump into my home, moving in on the day you ask. So what's your deal?"

"What's my deal?" Out of the window I could see the moon on the lake. How shiny. "I'm from Pennsylvania, I was born there, but my family is from Kenya. I went to Penn State and got a degree in creative writing. And have had on off jobs as a journalist, all the while searching for answers of the Hidden."

"Huh, interesting." You can tell a lot about a person from how much they say about themselves in a few sentences. Must be some rough stuff in there. "So have you actually published anything? Or just newspapers."

"A few small things, but nothing that's got me rich and famous."

"Is this going to be your big break then?"

She shrugged, very indifferent like. "I don't know. It depends on if people want to read about the Hidden."

"That is a risky bet, Halina." A thought occurred to me. "Say, how old are you?"

"I'm twenty-five."

"Geez, I never considered you'd be near my age."

"Why, how old are you?"

"Twenty-seven."

She almost spit out her drink. "Twenty-seven? You have such an old vibe to you though."

My jaw dropped. Old. Old? "What? I'm plenty young. Twenty-seven is prime time."

"Then why do you just seem so," she struggled to find the right word, "I don't know, ancient. Like you do things other twenty-seven years don't do."

"I'm a fucking necromancer. I raise the dead," and I added emphasis here, "for fun. I've talked to dead presidents. Want to know who shot Kennedy? I can tell you. I've gone threw ancient history. Want to know what happened at Roanoke? I know."

"Oh, so you're pretty knowledgeable, huh?" She leaned on her elbow, raising an eyebrow. "You know what's up huh?"

"I guess. Whatever. You still haven't told me much about you. Hobbies? Interests?" You'll learn later why, but I don't like talking about myself. "What are the young people into these days?"

Halina burped. I sniffed carelessly, getting a whiff of burger "Hobbies I guess include reading. Love to read. Running. I'm a runner, and I love running to music. One of my favorite things to do. Surfing the internet. Normal things."

"Fun, fun. I personally like TV. That's the greatest invention humans have ever made."

"So, I know we were done with questions about the Hidden, but I have one that I need to ask."

"Sure," I said. What's the worse it could be.

"Am I missing any races?" She got out a list on her phone. "I have Shifters, Magi, Witches, Warlocks, Vampires, Fae, Angels. What else then?"

"Demons are one." I thought for a moment. "And the only other race are necromancers."

"Necromancers are a race," she said, surprised. "Not just like a branch of Magi?"

"We are our own race," I said, and took a long drink of pop. "Odd, huh?"

"Yeah, I guess so."

I stared at our plates. I felt lost somehow, looking at those dirty utensils. "Hey, listen. It's getting late. I think I'll do the dishes, then retire for the night. Feel free to stay up and watch TV or whatever. I'm just going to be in my study."

I feel like Halina was worried about something. But whatever it was, she didn't say it. "Uh, yeah, sure. That sounds fine." She stood, and before going, said, "I want to thank you. For taking me in. I've never really been kicked onto the streets before. I was scared, of what was going to happen to me. So thank you a bunch."

I sighed, and as she left, I called out. "Hey, how about tomorrow I take you to Lake City, the local Hidden city. There's no better way to learn than to experience."

I thought she would explode by the look on her face. "Yes! I'd love that!"

She went off, squealing, and I just had to smile.