Chapter Eight: So Much Shit Going Down

    It was morning, around eight, as I stood in my study, reading over the anatomy of the shifter body. Of all the creatures, shifters were the beings that gave the most trouble to necromancers in terms of summoning. Rule six of necromancy--really there's no order to the rules. It's better to just know them. Rule six states that the more skill and power put into a zombie, the more you can get out of it. Shifters need a lot of concentration and energy to have them shift back and forth.

Another rule--the necro circle when summoned has only lasting effects. They must have constant energy poured into it. If one were to draw it out, and fuel it with blood, they can last indefinitely. As long as you keep feeding it of course.

Deep in thought, I failed to notice Halina sneak up behind me. "Whatcha reading?"

"Ah!" I yelled with a startled shriek. I backed away from the books. "Don't do that."

"For someone who literally deals with the paranormal, you sure get scared easily." She sat down on my couch, still in her Potter pajamas. What a mockery of magic. "What are you reading about?"

"Nothing important. Care to explain why you are up so early?"

"It's the big day. I get to watch Hidden government in action," she squealed, only the way a nerd could when they're excited. It was a nice though, to see a smile after yesterday being so shitty.

"Yeah. It's really great." I rolled my eyes. Nothing I love more than bureaucracy. Real thriller. "It's not as bickery as it is in the human realm. Most get along, here at least, rather well."

"Uh huh. That's cool." She got on her knees, and started looking at my books, running a thing finger along the spines. "This is quite the collection."

"Yes. Books have kept me company longer than anyone." I've been reading since I was five, when my mother used to read to me classic necromancer stories. My love for the pages between my fingers has grown everyday, and helps keep me sane. "There isn't much I haven't read."

"What about--"

"--No, I haven't read Harry Potter." That dashed her hopes. Halina mumbled some hurtful word, and I turned away, listening as she pulled out a book.

"Oh, what's this?"

"Whatever it is, please be careful." Going back to my own read, I failed to catch what she picked. "Some of these are priceless."

"Hey, there's a note written in here." Halina cleared her throat, a weird snotty sound. "Dear Son, it's your father, Frederick--"

"Stop!" I ripped the book out of her hands, a violent gesture. The writer gasped in anger from the sudden action. "That's personal."

Her hands went up in defense. "Geez man, sorry. I didn't know. Most people don't put personal do-not-touch items out for everyone."

"Most people don't live by themselves, knowing that guests are rarely ever coming over." Fuck, I don't want to be angry. This isn't how I wanted my day to begin, nor is it how it should stay. It doesn't accomplish anything productive. Sucking down my pride, I said, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. It's just, this was from my father. Or at least it was supposed to be. It's, one of the few things I have left of him."

The regular sized book had a hard cover, a grey diamond set in the middle. The leather was shaped with skulls and bones. The subject matter within wasn't--anything. The book was blank. It was planned on being used for a journal, before the incident. Now I'm not sure what to use it for. Opening it, my eyes scanned the words my father had written. "He planned on giving me this when I was eighteen as a research journal. I found it later when I was going through our stuff."

Halina became silent, her silence telling me to go on as far as I wanted. Fair enough. "Dear Son, it's your father, Frederick Martin Night. By now you'll be eighteen, and beginning your life either in college or off on your own. Whatever your choice, we will be proud of you. I know that things have been difficult. We necromancers must always live on edge, must always watch our backs. But we have each other. Your mother and I will always stand behind you, no matter the cause or effect. Remember never doubt the truth. Never let rumors consume you. Never stop living. I love you son."

I closed the book, and put it back within the tight space. I've memorized that paragraph like the back of my hand. It will never leave me, yet it will never define me. What the letter represents, I've not yet determined, because its just too important to put a label to it.

"Halina, I don't know what your relationship with your parents is." Her eyes said little. She hugged herself. "You never told me. And you don't have to tell me, because it's your business. But if you have good relations with your parents, remember to tell them what it's like to be with them. Because once they leave, what you've built, resides only with you."

Halina moved awkwardly, figuring out what to say or do. Her hand went back to the books. What did they feel like to her, I wondered.

"I'm going to take a shower," she said. "When do we have to go?"

"I'd say around ten. The meeting is at eleven, and I want good seats." After she went off, I sat down, sipping on orange juice. The past for some is a painful thing. Painful because they never like to remember, but they do and start to cry horribly.

For necromancers, the past is death. When my memories start overcoming me, what do I feel? Sadness, hurt, regret. A combination of those, but then I must overcome, because the past is death. Raising death is my talent, and if you want to be good at the art you must overcome.

When suffering becomes reality, that is the plight of the necromancer.

XXXX

The courthouse was very....extravagant in terms of architecture. It was limestone, with statues of imposing figures standing on tall pillars, looking out into the lake. Those poor bastards, getting baked by the sun, having to let the birds crap on them without any say. Being a statue must not be fun, to say the least.

Halina looked rather nice, a sundress of gold color with red shoes, and a red backpack to match. Maybe she wanted to stand out more than she already did as a human. She caught me looking. "What's up?"

"Do you just like looking nice, or are you trying to make me look bad?"

Halina examined herself, smiling at her appearance. "It feels wonderful to look good. And this is important. Don't want to show up underdressed."

Myself had only changed up a little, with baggy jeans on, my satchel, and leather jacket with the grey diamond. No sword today. That's slightly unprofessional at a council meeting. "I guess you're right."

"So are these meetings popular?" We went up the large stone stairs, going past a few people out talking. A few eyed me, taking a quick peek. Not everyday the local necromancer shows up to an important event. "Will there be a huge crowd?"

"Meh. Probably. The last time a council member was replaced was about five years ago." I remember that vividly. The arguments went from dawn till dusk. "But this time is different. Council members come and go, either by retirement or die peacefully in sleep. But it's no small thing to brutally assassinate a member, and one whose extremely powerful as well."

"How you even become a member? Voting?" Halina paused as I pushed open the huge wooden doors, with the words Power to the Wise engraved in it. The council room was huge, the dome filled with windows letting in light. The tall curved council table sat before rows of benches, already filling up. I pointed to a seat, and she followed. "Or are they just appointed?"

"Appointed. When a member decides to leave, they recommend a replacement. The council votes, and that's that."

We sat on the left side, near the middle, with only a few people around us. Halina took everything, enjoying see so many Hidden. "I've never been one for politics. I find them dreadfully boring. But this looks entertaining."

"I've been to a few council meetings. And they are boring." I leaned back, turning to see the entrance. The door opened up, and came through Buddy, being trailed by a bunch of students. This was a good mixture of college kids, about ten in all. I caught Buddy's eye, and he came and sat behind us, his students joining him. "Hey Buddy. See you brought the extra credit crew."

"Those who work the hardest will succeed with flying colors." Buddy gave Halina a wink, putting his leg on his knee. "Class, this is my good friend Ditto Night. He's a great lover of knowledge like myself."

"You smell weird," said a young lady, the second person down from Buddy. Clearly a shifter, the woman was of asian ethnicity, I'm thinking Japanese, with long silky black hair. Her nostrils flared.

Buddy's face turned horrified. "Niko, that's no way to speak to a stranger. We aren't children."

The class sniggered, with Niko raising her hands. "Sorry Professor. He smells weird though, nothing I've ever smelled before."

"It's okay Buddy. I got this." I faced the girl, arm on the bench. "What do you shift to might I ask?"

"A red tail hawk."

"Good. You are an intelligent lady correct? Let's see how much you've learned from my friends class. Tell me, what don't I smell like?"

"Hm, you don't smell like a fae. Or a shifter." She got her nose close to me, sniffing like she had allergies. "Not--not like a witch, but possibly a magi. No warlock either."

"What do I look like?"

"Like a warlock or vampire." She lifted a eyebrow. "Are you a half breed? A cross between a vampire and a warlock?"

"Wow, I've never thought of that." That was a kick ass cover. "She's smart. I'm using that from now on."

"You are what then?" The rest of the class was looking at me too, interested in the answer. The curiosity of youth, the greatest gift to the earth.

"I am a necromancer, Miss Niko." Can't blame her for not knowing. Our scent is very, very, rare now. I wonder if I can become a perfume. Make the ladies love me. "You probably learn that our race is gone. But there is one left. Me."

"Woah," one kid said. The whole class began mumbling to themselves, like when a new kid enters schools. Great, I'm going to be a legend among these students. That or a freak.

While they were talking I saw Paul walk in. I waved him over, and he sat next to Halina. "Paul, way to finally show up."

"Yeah, Paul," Buddy retorted. "Here we are, waiting for the council to begin, and you nearly miss it."

"Busy. Sorry." Paul's black hair covered most of his face, but I thought I saw a smile under those locks. There were a few minutes before the meeting, so we chatted about mindless things until the presiding hero came out, clearing her throat for everyone to remain silent.

"The emergency council will begin," the hero said. Huh, never seen her before. A fae, her blue skin tattooed black. New in town I guess. "May I present the council."

The crowd clapped, all standing in a huge applause. However you feel about politics, we sure do love our representatives. The fae settled us, introducing the first member coming to take her seat. "Council member Setti Sella, representing the Fae."

Setti took her seat, dressed out in fine clothes and jewlery. Except where her wrists were wrapped in bangles, her neck adorned only one item, which I couldn't quite make out. I saw only a gold chain, not what was attached to it.

"Council member Henry Walker, representing the Vampire." The tall vampire walked out as solemn and depressing as any vampire could get. He slowly made his way to the seat next to Setti, and they quickly acknowledged each other. No emotion from either.

"Council member Sasha la Rose, representing the Witch." I cheered as Sasha took her place, one chair down from the other two. One empty seat between them, one that made it clear Edwards was never coming back again. Sasha nodded at her co-workers, and the three became still again.

"Council member Dean Beckham, representing the Shifter." The skinny man who looked like a business person in a nice grey suit sat down beside Sasha, and they shook hands, revealing the bracelet with a diamond and pearl pendant. I'm rarely wrong, let that be a lesson.

"And finally, Council member Quinn Black, representing the Magi." The beauty walked with such grace I thought she might float, her own suit a brilliant purple that made me shiver. Say what you want about the magi, but some are rather pretty.

"Hey, I thought you said the magi live in their own layer," Halina whispered, getting close to my ear. Toothpaste breath, a nice minty scent. I hope my breath was alright. No, wait, focus Ditto. You can't fool around with foolish thoughts. I'll sneak a tic tac from Paul later.

"They do, but some cities have a decent magi population. And since Lake City is the district capital, a magi needs to be present." 

"The members have assembled. The meeting shall begin." The fae hero went beside the magi woman, looking stern and cold. Who does she think she is? Acting all tough, I could take her. Can't I go one day without these bitches always calling me out?

"As you all have heard," Sasha spoke, her voice gaining volume. "Yesterday, our good friend Edward Hughes was murdered. We have all mourned, and continue to mourn. But for the moment, we must pick a replacement for the Warlocks."

"Under the normal circumstances, Edward would have named a successor," Setti said, her voice soothing yet stern. "But he never got the chance to name one officially. The council met last night to name candidates, and we have narrowed down our choices to two warlocks. The first," Setti directed everyone towards the front, "is a young warlock who was being mentored by Edward, Trent Callus."

The warlock stood, and I saw the necklace over his suit and tie: the diamond and pearl. Goddamn, this was becoming so obvious. It's like they want me to be the ones who stop these fools. Can't even try to hide their allegiance.

"Good day Council. I believe that I am the best choice for Edwards spot. He's been tutoring me in the way of politics since college. That is all."

He bowed, and Setti introduced the other option. "And we finally have Grant Kelly."

This guy looked like a hippie. Long brown hair in a ponytail, a human peace symbol necklace, loose brown clothes. Sunglasses. Damn, who came to this guy as a choice? What the hell, he didn't look professional at all. But hey, a change in pace around here if I've ever seen one. Maybe he'll do a good job.

"What's up, my lovely compadres. It's beautiful afternoon, isn't it?" He gave the universal sign for peace, then sat down like he didn't say anything. The silence that followed was the most awkward thing I've ever heard. We've all done some drugs now and again, but I don't think you're supposed to be stoned before an important date.

"Er-thank you Grant," Quinn said, trying to make the best out of the situation. "We will now begin the questioning process. Sasha, will you start?"

Sasha gave a firm nod, then waved out two podiums. The candidates came and stood behind each one, briefly testing the microphones. Sasha began. "The council is responsible not just for Lake City, but the entire Water District. What, I ask, will be your first proposal to help the Water District? Trent, please start first."

Trent cleared his throat, as though he already had the position. "Thank you Sasha. I am well aware of the air travel situation being constantly backed up, and in some places rather dangerously. I would propose an ordinance that helps us work with the humans in letting us know airplane paths and trying to construct our own radio towers or rest areas for those flying."

After giving his piece, Sasha said, "Grant, when your are ready."

This ought to be good.

"We here in Lake City are a center of trade to those in this area, and perhaps the world or whatever," Grant said. The way he spoke put a calm over my body, like listening to background noise while reading. "We, like, do our best to try and keep the water of Lake Erie clean. But sometimes leaks happen, and things get gross man. I suggest we invest in a system of background checks for boats and magic items, and require only the cleanest transports here unless the corporations meet our requirements."

Halina gave a thumbs up. "Not bad for a man who forgot how to shave."

Huh, not bad. Not bad at all. Maybe the fool Trent will have to work a little harder than he thought. Hard to say, but I must admit, this Trent fella gives me a weird, sexy, top henchmen in the villain's castle kinda of vibe.

I'll skip the boring stuff. Needless to say, they argued and answered their questions with a rather odd dynamic between the two. Both gave clean responses, no one stuttered, very few mistakes. The crowd was given a more entertaining show than they thought they'd receive.

Once it was all said and done, the councillors went into a back room to discuss.

"So what you think Buddy? Either one seem prospective to you?" I noticed the students were still looking at me, which I did not care for. I think my scowl turned their attentions away. "Any one you'd pick?"

Buddy stroked his clean chin, humming softly. "Not sure. Both had a good sense about them. They both are young, clearly ready to sink their teeth into the council and its politics. Personally, I like the Trent fellow. I've talked to him a few times before, and his head seems in the right place."

"That, and Grant looks stoned," Halina remarked, chugging down a water bottle. That was true, but he seemed to know everything that was thrown his way. Trent though, he did seem more ready for the job just from his demeanor. Clever boy, even I kinda like him. But it would be better if he did not get onto the council, where his influence could be made. The diamond and pearl......

"Hey, you kids know that before Buddy became a professor, he was super into drugs?" I laughed as Buddy's students all gasped in shock. The professor didn't look happy, but I continued. "Yeah, he did everything you could imagine. The human shit too. I think his heart stopped once, because I remember a soul leaving briefly."

"I did not do every kind of drug. I had my standards." Oh yeah, Buddy looked super pissed. "Ditto, if you refrain from mentioning my past, that'd be splendid. Like a stone that has been weathered down."

"Okay man, I got you. But remember kids, too many drugs can lead you to my doorsteps." I pointed to all of them in a random order, including Halina whose glare became killer. I shrinked into my seat. "But uh, I won't turn you into my army if that's what you think I'm implying."

"He was," Paul said.

"Shut it Paul!" I snapped. "Nobody asked you."

The vampire sat still, doing nothing. Damn, he was good. Little could move that man.

"Well, I think that Trent is the better choice," Halina said. Not after tonight she won't. "He seemed very confident. That's good in a man."

"Meh. I could care less." Either one just meant I had to work slightly harder or maneuver myself to try and outsmart them in another way. In the end, it was no matter.

The fae hero clapped, and we all got silent. The members returned, some looking angry, others looking happy. All looked relieved to have solved the problem for now.

"After careful deliberation," Sasha said, who quickly glanced at me, before returning to the paper in her hands. "We have made our choice, in a 3-2 decision. Trent Callus, you have been picked to represent the Warlock. Congratulations."

The crowd erupted, where I could merely sigh.

XXXX

    Once everyone had left, only Halina, Buddy, the other council members, and myself remained. While Sasha and Buddy were talking, Halina standing with them in a quiet awkwardness, I went up to Quinn as she spoke with Trent.

    "Quinn, love of my life, what's going on?" I eased on in, flailing my arms as much as possible. "How are you on this not fine day?"

    "Ugh, what do you want?" Quinn's freckled tan skin was hidden beneath the purple suit, her long black hair tied back in a pony tail. As you know, I don't like the magi, but Quinn sure made my day whenever I saw her. "Can't you see I'm talking?"

    "Ah, yes, Mr. Callus, the winner of today's ordeal." His disinterest shined like a beacon that only a mother could love. Fuck, another bitch. "Grade A act up there my friend."

    "And, uh, who are you?" he asked in such a snotty tone I nearly made him tea. His quick one over made me shiver. "I was speaking with Miss Quinn."

    "This is Ditto Night," Quinn said. "The Necromancer."

    I gave him the old finger guns. "What's shaking? Say, what's your policy on giving rare species their own mansion? I've brought it up multiple times, with very little results."

    "Are you serious?" He looked at Quinn, who just gave him a shrug. "Mr. Ditto, I'm sure we can discuss this later. Or never. But I am very busy now, so if you'd mind?"

    "Oh yeah, no problem bro." I went in to shake his hand, but not before locking eyes. "Games are games you know. Back and forth, back and forth......." I released, giving Quinn a wink. "See you later my gorgeous. It's never a dull moment around you."

My friends stopped talking as I walked up, waiting for me to speak. "We all good on tonight?"

They gave their nod of approval.

"Good. If something comes up, put it in the group chat." I made my way for the door. "I'm super hungry right now though. Halina, you ever had perch? That's the best shit ever."