Chapter Fourteen: I Get Freaked Out

    Getting there took longer than expected, since when driving through the Spirit Layer, it's simply easier to drive straight and avoid the turns. But when you avoid the turns, the gps recalculates and you then have to adjust to get back into your line. After a few stops and frustrating go arounds , it took a total of forty minutes to reach Bellville.

    The street was deserted, not a soul to be seen. It was starting to get dark, making me squint past the shadows. "Where is this place?"

    "I'm thinking that way." Halina pointed at a sign, Veterans Park, and an arrow pointing up. "I guess just follow this street."

    A nice town, with a so-so paint job. Black would spruce this place up, a touch of grey, and maybe, maybe, a small amount of brown. Those three colors, or nothing at all.

    Once we got into the park's border, people began to appear. Mostly humans with cameras and TV trucks, many reporting the issue to whoever was watching. We decided to park here, moving past the media into a more mixed crowd of Hidden and humans. Only from observation, they were just civilians enjoying the eye of the press, mingling as though a pack of demons wasn't lurking a few meters in the bushes.

"Ah, I see the group in charge," I said. A large group of powerful smelling Hidden were by the police line set up, exchanging modest talk. Only two smelled like Big Boys. "They sure got a real force assembled here."

They're talking stopped when I appeared, joining the group like a little fuck. "What's up my home slices?"

The eight gave me odd looks. An odd assortment, with one shifter, three witches, three warlocks, a vampire, and no fae. Presuming my nose wasn't wrong, the closet witch and the vampire were the Big Boys. Their faces looked familiar......

"Excuse me? What do you think you're doing," the BB witch asked. She had a Spanish accent, with dark brown eyes. Her wand pointed at me dangerously. "This isn't for civilians."

"Oh, I know you now," I said. "You're Miss Emilia, master of fire and earth. I didn't know you lived near here."

The warlock next to me pointed his own wand, shiny metal with flames etched in. So tacky, even by a warlock's standards. He growled like a dog. "Strangers aren't allowed here. We are trying to stop a horde of demons from killing this town."

"Hey it's okay. I'm a hero." I indicated at my sword. "Look. A sword. A hero weapon."

The warlock still did not back down. "And who are you then?"

"Ditto Night, the Man Who Dies for Fun." My neck cracked as I rotated it. "And to make a long story short, I'm a necromancer. Now, I need estimates for how many demons we dealing with. It's smells like a lot."

The hard faced vampire, a rather big fellow who looked like a biker, bared his fangs. I think he was Huff, the Runner. A Big Boy notorious for watching his victims run before slaughtering them. "Do you think you can just waltz on in, demanding our help? We are heroes, protectors of the people. I do not take orders from nobodys."

"Damn bro, just wanted a guesstimate before I strolled on into demonville." Sorry folks, you probably won't be seeing a Big Boy in action today. I was hoping too, since they sure are amazing to watch. "Now I gotta go in blind. Thanks."

My words must have taken a second to get through, the group's bewilderment lighting up at once. Miss Emilia even grinned at my stupidity. "Are you serious? You can't possibly fight against a hive of demons. They'll kill you."

"That's what you think," I retorted. Walking away did not feel good, but no one can stand in my path. A path carved from my sweat and blood and heartache. "Come on Halina. We got shit to do."

Halina followed, but I tuned in to the chatter behind me. "Did he say necromancer?" someone said.

"I thought they all died out."

"He must be lying. How can only one survive?"

"Well, now he'll no longer be alive after this."

Those were the words of support and love that warms my ever growing heart every single mother fucking day. There will be a time when Ditto Night is known to these bitches, and will come to fear and respect me. Or at the very least stop calling me a liar.

"Um, should I really be tagging along," Halina asked. "I'm not sure I'm all that comfortable going into a hell pit."

"Well, you can turn back," I said. "If you do, stay by the Hidden. But I'm not going into the hell pit. Just knocking on the door is all."

"And if that angers them?"

"Then you run, and I hold them off. But I don't think they'll attack." I got a branch out of my way. It smacked Halina in the face. "Demons are violent, but if they were going to kill everything in sight, they'd already have started."

I underestimated how big this hole was going to be. The size of a big house at least, pitch black and smelled like chaos and a good time. I told Halina to stay back some, as I ran down the small crater and peered into the abyss. "Hello! Is there anyone I can talk to?"

Backing up, I awaited the response.

"Anyone coming," Halina called out.

"No." I peered over again. I could sense the living creatures, hot blooded and angry. "Hey! I said I'm talking to you! I wish to speak to a demon! Don't make me come down there. Me, the Demon Slayer."

That got them moving. Retreating back to high ground, a dark winged beast flew up, landing heavily. Oh damn, this guy was at least a three, possibly a two point five. He lumbered over to me, breathing spouts of fire. "What is it? Who dares call themselves Demon Slayer?"

"Ah! I'm tired of explaining myself," I shouted. "So listen up. Why you all here? Is this a plot of the Sleeping Witch?"

The demon growled with rage. I quietly motioned Halina back. "The Witch? No, not for her. It is because she is mobilizing. The Magi play to her desires, unaware and stupid. More raids on the Dark Layer border, pointless. We would crush them if it did not play into her wants. Escape is only option."

"Oh my lord," I muttered. "Do I have to do everything myself? Are there any twos in that pit?"

"One. Rathkin, the Mighty. She wishes to assimilate this world, but we have not the power." The demon glared at Halina, licking his lips. "Humans are good food. I say we all come here."

"The Magi will come for you, you know." A two I could barely sense out of this mess. God, they'll have their hands full with this. "If you're afraid of the Witch, why not find and end her?"

"She is hidden from us. Surrounded by powerful magic."

Duh, I knew that. "What do the one's think? Do they plan on taking action? Ja'kulan? What does he plan?"

The demon showed a hint of emotion. "You are the Demon Slayer. Ja'kulan deems it fit to wait and see. He is no fool--"

We both froze.

I spun round. "Halina! Run!" The demon had already disappeared in a smokey escape. "Run! Go back to the Hidden! Now!"

Her mouth twitched, then she bolted back the way we came. She just left my sight when the trees blew back in a gust of wind, a bright white light emerging through the dark night. Their exact numbers was a mystery, but too many for me to even feel brave. The Angels had arrived, and the leader flew towards me.

"Shit."

The woman angel with huge white wings and long, blonde hair had a huge broadsword pointing at my body. Armor covered all the flyers. The urge to draw Ever Heart hit me hard, but I resisted. She spoke in brilliance. "Mortal, why is it you speak with the demons?"

Another came up, scowling in disgust. "A human ran past. Should we kill her?"

"No!" I yelled, tone high. "I just needed to see if the demons were attacking. I'm a hero, you see, a simple hero. Nothing more."

"Do not command me, mortal. You forget your place," the angel said. Her sword was still aimed at my face. She squinted, my stomach dropping to my feet. "You are the Necromancer. You have the smell of death. Do you conspire with the Demons, Necromancer?"

How to get out this. My mind was screaming and shitting together like a lost child. My senses told me thirty angels, a party here to slay the demons. I considered my options. They were not good. Fighting my way out of this would not work, not without ripping apart this park and causing casualties. Talking might be hard, but could lead to aggression. Slipping out with a portal would expose me.

Talking it is.

"Eh--no. Someone must be willing to stand in the way of danger and the good people." That sounds good. Please buy the story. Granted, these are probably under the control of the Witch. Meaning one wrong word, and I'm dead.

"A hero? Since when is a necromancer willing to help people," another said, this male coming down, actually landing and towering over me. Angels are huge creatures, beings who are feared by most and respected by anyone with a brain. I did not want to have to fight these holy bastards. His blue eyes freaked me out. "You dead raisers are not known for kindness."

"Well, you're not known for your good smell. So, like, what's the difference?'

The angel became angry, in an overreacted adult sort of way. He got in my face. "How dare you mortal? You dare speak to me that way? I'll kill you."

"Woah now." I backed up, raising my hands. "We're all friends. Go on ahead, kill the demons. Pretend like I was never here. So, I'll be going."

I turned, prepared to feel the blade in my back, yet all that happened was another angel blocked my exit. She was smaller than the rest, but cold stone faced like her pals who wanted to destroy me. "We did not say you can leave."

"Ah, but you didn't say I couldn't either." I cocked my head. "What's your deal short stuff? Didn't you hear? Gotta be this tall to ride."

Dear Lord in the sky, I thought she'd explode and slice me up right there. Her teeth gritted and hand found her battle axe. "Why you--"

"Watch yourself, Necromancer. You're on thin ice right now," the leader said. The swarm became agitated, wanting to hunt demons, but not enjoying my voice. What a predicament. "It is not wise to insult us."

There was no diamond pearl pendant on any of them, so I was at least in the partial clear. If I die, it was because my words would drag these fuckers down. But not today. "Er--my bad. Please forgive me, and let me go. Or, like, at least let me get the fuck out of here in timely manner."

The leader spoke with the second woman in their angelic tongue. Unfortunately, I could understand a fraction of the conversation.

"Let.......go.........not important......" The leader said.

"I've.........nothing.............ever..." Her second replied. Then the second looked at me. "An..........fool............won't know........."

"She...............Origin of Life.............not death......." Now that sparked my interest. Is this what the Witch is after? A myth? A fairy tale? No, the Witch is after the Layers. Why look for a fairy tale with no reward or gain? Pieces were rearranging themselves, forming a new picture. Fuck, I hate puzzles.

"Leave here Necromancer. You are not worth our time," the leader said. I nearly cried in relief. She turned in disgust. "Do not let me see you ever again."

"Whateves babe. I'm out." I made the peace sign, kissing my two fingers. The shorter angel scowled as I said, "Hope to see you around short stuff. We had fun here I think."

And I ran until the spectators came to view. Huffing and puffin like a maniac, the Hidden awed as my flying body came hurdling in. Halina was near Emilia keeping calm as I caught my breath.

"So you lived," Emilia said, almost impressed. "I thought if the demons didn't get you, the angels would."

Never had my knees felt so, not weak, just nervous. If conflict had begun, who knows if I'd be alive right now. I basically fell onto Halina. "Holy fuck, I didn't think angels would show up. Magi, yes. Not those bastards."

"Thankfully you went down there instead of us," Huff said. "None of us want to deal with those arrogant creatures. Next time though maybe wait to see what shows up instead of throwing yourself into the situation."

"I wasn't scared. Just.......petrified is all." I patted Halina on the head in reassurance. "Nice running. Any later and you'd probably have angels hunting you while I slayed those winged freaks."

The other heroes were twiddling their thumbs, maybe trying to act as though they didn't get one upped by a stranger. My left arm was hurting. Oh, it was stressed out real bad.

"You scared me so bad Ditto," Halina exhumed. "I didn't even know what was going on. I thought the demons were going to mess up this tiny town to death."

"We would have protected you," Emilia said. Now she glared at me in such a curious way. Like she couldn't decide if I was a serious man, or simply insane. "How is it that you, an anomaly, managed to live against creatures who live to purge?"

"Luck. Smarts." Praying to anyone who'll listen. "Only pissing them off slightly."

An explosion sounded. The spectators stopped their chatter to observe the dark forest. The earth tremored, and sounded as drums were beating the ground. The thirty angels won't be enough, but the demons won't finish them off either. I suspect a stalemate will ensue.

Huff came up to me. Even by vampire standards, he was huge. A fight with him would leave you twisted in extraordinary pain. "Those poor demons."

"They have a two down there," I said. Whatever the Mighty, as though I cared. "It'll be a costly fight, that's for sure."

"Are you really a dead raiser?" Huff glanced down at me. His wine red eyes had enjoyment written over them. "The last one?"

"Yeah. That's me, forced to live a life of ever growing sadness."

He touched his chin. "I once heard that if the necromancers were around today, they'd be considered some of the best heroes. And some of the best villains."

"And I heard that you can't lick your elbow. What's your point?" Besides aggravating me with his sympathy talk. Bro, can't you see your words mean nothing to me.

"Just wondering what you are then. A powerful hero. Or a villain." We watched jets of flame and light shoot into the sky. Away from the others, most out of earshot. Angels have to ruin everything, don't they? "Sides are what matters most in this world."

"I'm whatever I need to be," I grumbled. "For a vampire, you're chatty."

"And for a small man, you aren't intimidated by me." His gruff yet flowing voice made me wonder if he seduced his victims to death. How awesome would that be. "Most heroes are wary of Big Boys."

"Most heroes don't invite death into their lives. Or kiss it on the lips." I checked my phone, not even realizing how much time had passed. "There's no point in staying any longer. I'll see you around Huff. Maybe that will solidify my side to you."

"Maybe, hero, maybe. I think I'll remember not to underestimate you," he said, rather monotone and unconvincing. "Or maybe you're just a huge fool who's bullshitting his way past everyone."

"If you consider us allies, Huff, then I promise you'll be making a wise decision in the future." Then I pointed at Emilia. "And if you can persuade her to be allies as well, that'd be stupendous."

"Allies? Is there something I should be worried about?"

This was a big risk. I had no apparent way of knowing if he was aligned with the Witch. My instincts screamed no though. Nothing I've seen before has indicated that the vampires are wanted allies from her. Makes sense too, since vampires can live for half a millennia or more.

Ah fuck it, might as well. Never doubt the truth. And a truth is gotta risk it for the biscuit. "If you see a diamond pendent with a pearl or circle set in the middle, that's bad news. I'm against them, and am in search of help. I'd appreciate if I had your support."

"Support? Against what?"

"Something bad. Something that seeks to consume the world," I said. "Meh. It doesn't matter. Here's my number if you're interested later."

He seemed dumbfounded yet perplexed, which was a good sign. Not bothering to hear a response, I turned to leave. "Halina, let's go. We're done here."

XXXX

I was back at my kitchen table, reading over the notes Fina had collected for me. While it was late, it wasn't late enough for Halina to be asleep, as she watched some movie. It felt so strange having someone else to share my house with. The silence used to haunt me, bring me to the verge of tears on some nights, as I reminisced about a time when I had loved ones to talk to. Who wanted to be with me.

I rolled up my long sleeve shirt a little, shooing the bad memories out and focusing back to the notes. What was clear is that the shifters, fae, and angels had joined with the Witch. Those who were far more wild, unpredictable, and downright scary in a fight. Also because they all had a leader who could rally them if need be. I do not see getting any of them back on my side in the future.

Nothing indicated what that blue drug was. After examining it myself, it wasn't anything that could bring immortality. It was an odd compound of magics that I wasn't really sure about. One of the ingredients was a more concentrated mind clouding potion known as High Sky. A high dose of this could make anyone do anything, even resort to murder and crime. Or maybe that was just extra motivation.

The ghost's energy hit me. Sighing, I turned on my ghost vision and stared at the once old man. "What is it?"

It pointed out towards the front. "You have intruders. Hiding among the trees."

Oh come on. Can't I get a break, even once. I stood, and went to the living room, slowly. "Hey Halina, I'm going to need you to hide in your room, if that's okay?"

"What? Why?" She went to turn of the TV, but I held her hand back.

"We have guests," I said calmly. "And things might get rough. Stay there. I'll do my best not to die. Again. Do not rush. Do not feel panicked. Just sit there and wait."

She nodded, smiling in an ironic way. "I hope it all goes well."

"We'll see. But it should be fine," I grinned. "Nothing will go wrong."

We separated, her to her room, and me to my study where I grabbed my satchel and sword. I stuffed my bag with very useful weapons and potions. Hopefully this will keep me alive.

I walked out the door, onto the porch. "Where they at?"

The ghost pointed towards my left. "That way. I believe there are three of them."

I cracked my necked. Since I missed out on one fight today, might as well take advantage of this one. Stepping down, I called in a booming voice. "Hey mother fuckers! I know you're there. Come on out and face me like the brave souls you are."

There was a rustling from the forest. As I went towards the noise, three figures appeared. The middle was the fae that Fina had described, with the red tattoos and silver hair. The left was a warlock holding a bow and arrow, a tall but smaller man. And the third was a shifter. But something was off about him. A very wrong smell to him.

"At last Necromancer, we meet," said the fae, smirking as she drew two short swords. "How I longed for this fight, against the worthy dead restorer."

"Eh--and who the fuck are you?"

That threw her off her confidence. "I am the assassin Red Sara, here to take your heart for the Witch. Your friend led me here, giving me the chance to finally impress the great Sleeping Witch."

"And I am Dead Eye the Ranger, the man who never misses." The warlock loaded an arrow into the longbow, cold breath hissing. "We've been looking long and hard for you."

"I suppose you three are the only one's who know of this place?" I drew Ever Heart, the purple illuminating the night. "That's good. Better to hide the bodies then."

Red Sara laughed hysterically. "The only one who'll be dying is you. Jack, shift you fool."

The man named Jack shifted to a panther, but was grey and much larger than any normal panther. An unending, along with a grade A assassin and a once hero.

I rolled my shoulders. "It's been awhile since I had a real fight. And it seems I'll have to wait a little longer." I pointed Ever Heart at Red. "Death is for all. None shall escape this night."

I shot forward, as fast as a leaping snake. Red Sara had no time to do anything else except parry. But even as her muscles readied, I kicked the panther in the nose, pushed Red back and shot at Dead Eye. The warlock avoided my attack, retreating to the trees. No time to think about him though, with a panther jumping at my face.

Ever Heart cut along its large nose and mouth, sending it back to recover. Sara and I now clashed blades, each of us trying to get the upper hand. I'll admit, the fae was fast. Fast enough that I couldn't get a clear shot with my gun. Ducking underneath a flurry of blades, I dropped the gun, pierced the panther deep within the belly, flung it away and chucked a vial of red liquid where an arrow came from. It exploded for a moment before the flames dying immediately down.

A kick sent me farther into the dark woods. The sound of arrows came, and I dodged and ran as best I could, avoiding throwing knives and a volley of arrows. Quietly, I summoned four zombies from my cellar. Ducking behind a tree, my senses told me Red was near.

Counting to three, I rounded and grabbed the fae, slamming her to the ground. "Anyone else know of this place?"

She hissed, wings suddenly popping out and she took off, kicking me in the face. Ignoring her for the moment, I fled from another barrage of magic arrows. They exploded in fiery tempests and lightning storms. Dead Eye taunted me. "Can't escape my eye, dead boy. I'll kill you."

And he would have had not my zombies showed up in time. My two bigger ones blocked the arrows, taking the brunt of the force. The other two tackled the panther, these armed with blades. Once I raided - don't tell anyone - the three musketeers burial sites. Turned out, they still are masters of the blade, even in death.

They fought off the unending as I hid for shelter. Ducking behind a pile of rocks, I cut my left hand, and wrote out the symbols for fire, ice, and jet on my left palm in blood. When in doubt, use blood. I saw the fae flying above the trees, blacking out the stars.

"Alright bitch," I said, lighting my palm ablaze. "Let's see how you like this."

A flamethrower like stream cut through the trees and sent the fae spinning. I think I missed. Peering around my hiding spot, the panther was being slashed up by my loyal soldiers. Getting up, my hand turned cold and a hail storm ripped apart the unending, sending it back in a shriek.

Now you see the problem of fighting three enemies. As soon as the panther left, the warlock finished off my bigger zombies. Not a surprise, these weren't that special. Just huge. The last one went down in a colorful show of magic, Dead Eye walking through in an cool strut. Wow, I'm actually jealous. His handsome face smiled and prepared to fire another shot. Rookie mistake.

The beam of ice and fire obliterated the arrow and nipped him in the shoulder. The sound of wings made me turn and lift my sword, steel crashing steel. Red Sara charged me with longer knives this time, clearly set on killing me.

"You burnt my wing!" Her snarl was brutal. "For that your death will be horrible."

"More horrible than my normal life? I accept your challenge." We danced with our swords, my one versus her two, a beautiful dance. We circled, sparks giving our eyes a deadly feel. Moving my foot, I sprung in a sharp attack, getting her on the defensive, when she ducked and a panther was flying over.

I didn't even flinch. Ever Heart took off the shifter's head, ending that before anything else.

The thrum of the string was all I heard. Bending to the right, the arrow pierced my shoulder, pain now spreading over my body.

But that wasn't even the worse of it.

"Ditto!" Halina's voice cut through the battle as a knife to butter. Fuck, what was she doing out?

Dead Eye and Red Sara reconvened, nursing their wounds. The assassin cursed. "No witnesses."

Dead Eye ran towards Halina, who in turn tried to get back to the house.

No. No!

My blood boiled. Not with anger.

But with Demon.