Chapter Sixteen: Rocking Back and Forth

********

Look to the skies for answers that elude you in the ways of love and pain. The magi have a saying, 'Just because the sky burns, doesn't mean you must'. It essentially translates to 'Just because the sky is bright, doesn't mean you have to match it'. We magi value order and following your role and destiny above all else. It is what makes us better, makes us the greatest force to face. It is something that the necromancers never understood, which is why they died.

But even though we value those things, doesn't mean you have to be the best at it.

The Light Layer is the greatest of all layers. The magi have ensured that it is the one that all fear and respect. We do not just fall to petty things like words and action. It is not in our nature.

Yet I find this notion becoming more problematic, after every second the Necromancer walks among us.

As a child, I always thought ahead. When you make sure no one bothers you or touches you, you stay isolated within a dark quiet room, and it becomes easy to bring your mind to the future. Life finds a way to bring your mind to the forefront of a plane of disgusting reality and blissful ignorance. Then when you meet the two, I guess there's nothing left but to run.

After the successful search at the library, we went our separate ways for the time being. I found myself within the University's garden, the Grand Endeavour, where the nature and other related magi spend their time. The file was tucked safely in my bag, hurting my mind on the implications of the meeting between those two forces.

'Does that not mean anything?'

A good question. One that I wish to elaborate on later with the Necromancer.

Going down a stone path, I noticed a group of people standing around, talking excitingly. Students, from the looks of it. Interested myself, I went over, saying, "Hello there. What's so stirring that it gathers whole crowds?"

A magi looked at me. "It was just announced a few hours ago. The University is going to begin a military program within the next few weeks. And not only that but General Jacro is coming here tomorrow to announce the program. The Board of Directors is trying to get as many people to come as possible."

Another magi handed me a flyer. "The war with the demons has finally reached the edge. The magi are now willing to turn even academic houses into war zones. And I'm for one excited to join their program."

"Yeah!" shouted another. "Long live the magi!"

"I'm going to join!" said another.

"Down with the demons!"

They were all screaming, which caused my breathing to get heavy. Covering my ears, I ran, knowing full well that a professor doing this would seem cowardice. Like a fool in the rain. But I cared not. Getting away from the group, I found my breath again.

Click. Clutching my chest, I looked to make sure none followed.

Thank Kam. I don't pray often. But when I do, it's for reasons like this, and this alone.

The Directors have gone through with their plan then? To go through with the starting of turning Kal'en into a high military city. One that forges soldiers. While Kal'en contributed to the military, had a strong city program, it didn't merge education and fighting. Sure, there were warrior programs, but nothing like this.

I brought my hands to my head. Is this how it ends? The end of Kal'en?

No, what are you thinking Ursula? This isn't the end of anything, this isn't the end of anything. This it just the mere beginning. The war with the demons has gone on for thousands of years, never ending, never giving in. The demons would kill us all, would destroy the entire layers given the chance, and yet it has been the sole duty of the magi to stop them.

Breathing so hard, I let the flowers touch me. They're gift of solemnity is what makes me a good fit for nature. A flower is alone. Alone for purposes it refuses to comprehend.

You're not alone flowers, you have me.

Getting on wobbly knees, I found the garden was glowing.

"And what do you all want?"

XXXX

Blue Keeper reminded me of a bar that had seen one too many fights. Of course, we've all seen one too many fights throughout the winding path that is living. I once met a man who claimed he fought off an entire triad of vampires just to protect his home. And beer. No wonder the harden drink. We see bars like this and see our woe's, then cry into a bottle of regrets that have no place for memories or smiles.

Though if you really think about it, the fight that destroys us is one that smiles.

Sitting at the bar, Halina gave the place a once over. "Kinda like a pirate if a pirate was made out of copper and liked color."

"Hmm, that's a fun comparison."

"Yeah, I thought so." She got the bartender's attention, and ordered a scotch. "At least alcohol is the same."

"True that." Once I finished ordering, I then added, "Hey, where can I find people who work for Triton?"

The magi paused like a bug bit him, then he motioned towards the back. "That gentleman over there can help you. Though I wouldn't anger him."

"Thanks mate." After paying and getting some drinks, I took my own beer with me to the table. There sat one lone magi, a tough looking fella, obviously having seen better days. He was playing with a knife when I sat down. "What up. I'm looking for Triton."

The magi glanced up. He had a long scar running from his lip down his mouth over his chin and on his neck. He grimaced. "Who?"

Shit. Did I sit at the wrong table? "Uh, Triton. Leader of some rebels. I need to see him."

"And why would you need to do that?"

"Uh, to join him?" Hmmm, already this isn't going how I'd like. But that's just kinda a normal day for me. "I need to meet with him."

"Again. Why."

Gaaah! "Look, is Triton fighting the Sleeping Witch or what?"

Now the magi gave me a new look. He didn't stop playing with knife, but that's okay. "You know of the Sleeping Witch?"

Oh buddy, if you only knew. "Yes. I'm fighting her, but am searching for allies. I believe that he could be quite the valuable one."

Eyes drifting past us and into the room, the magi gave me a certain glance. "Follow me."

He stood, making his way for a door. I looked at Halina. "You better join. I might need a witness for what is about to happen."

"Don't play God like this."

"Ah, you read me like a book."

We followed, into the room that the magi disappeared to. My hand was tucked into my satchel. Resting on my gun. I am not getting fucking blindfolded and thrown into another room for this conversation. Not today.

I entered, seeing what looked like the saddest poker party on the planet. A small group of magi were playing cards around a pathetic table, one that was on the verge of falling over. The magi with the knife was standing by them, speaking quietly to a woman. Her eyes locked onto me, judging my sunglasses as though they knew they hid something not worth searching for.

"So, I hear you're looking to join us rebels."

Oh my Lord! Did I say I wanted to join you? No, I said I wanted to join Triton. I am no footsoldier. Remember what I said about war? That the poor die in droves? Strings must be pulled. And I never pull strings. I make them. Big difference.

"Not exactly. I wish to see Triton," I said, noticing the sniffing going on. I grabbed a chair, and joined the table. "Because I'm looking for an ally......to partner with I suppose."

That got a laugh. Rude. The woman who was more like a teenager in what seemed like well-to-do clothes smiled. "I'm Grandy by the way. And I'm afraid that's not possible. Triton is our leader. He isn't looking for 'partners'. The Sleeping Witch is a threat that needs only one mind to destroy."

"Look," I said, starting to grind my teeth. "Sit down. All of you either back away or clear the table, unless you have something useful to add. Because I have shit to say."

Grandy eyed the knife magi, who merely shrugged. She waved a hand at the others. "Go guard the doors. In case this is a trap."

I knew they felt nervous, but they did as commanded. Grandy sat across from me. "What's your name, if you're wanting to be so bold here."

"Ditto Night." I removed my glasses. "The Man Who Dies for Fun. And I want to see Triton."

"So you keep saying," said knife guy. Their fear increased. Suspicion on the highest level. "Why though?"

"To fight in your war against the Witch." Fine. Time to jump to the case. "Look. I'm the Last Necromancer. This is Halina, a human who is also along in my cause. And I'm here to offer Triton more allies, money, weapons, power. Things I'm sure you're in dire need of. One doesn't go to war against the whole Magi without consequence do they not?"

Well, two things happened after that statement. First thing, the two jumped away with magic glowing. Second thing, Grandy growled doglike, though I'm sure that wasn't her intent.

"A necromancer? That's impossible!" she cried out, dark skin now beaded with sweat. "They're gone! Dead!"

I faced Halina. "Hear that? They flatter me."

"Really? That sounds more like contempt."

"Now you flatter me."

"And are you not worried they'll try to kill you?"

I faced them a moment. A mere teenager whose magic was obviously just barely getting on two legs. And a magi who thought he has seen a lot of battles, but the truth is bigger than that.

"Er--not really. I mean, they can't really afford to fight me here." I waved my arms. "This room isn't soundproof. It's actually kinda shitty. Wooden. Unstable. In the middle of an inn. Fighting here means others will be notified something's going down. That means law enforcement. And I don't suspect they're that stupid."

"Uh, you know we can hear you," said knife guy.

"Hey. I'm talking here." I pointed at him with my thumb. "Ugh, can you believe this guy?"

"He does have a knife. Quiet death?"

"Is it ever quiet?"

She paused. "Oh, the woman is looking rather tense and confused. Do enlighten her maybe. Stop this torture."

While it appeared the words were finally starting to sink in, I cleared my throat anyways. "No, I am not here to kill you. I mean everything I say. I wish to give Triton weapons, allies, money. Everything he needs to build an army to defeat the Sleeping Witch. And if you'd so fucking kindly put away your weapons and magic, then maybe we can talk like fucking civilized people."

"What? No, we are not going to do that," said Grandy.

"You're no hero. Please, just sit down so we may talk."

She was going to say something, but knife guy held up a hand. "Come Grandy. Let's listen. Triton is looking for help."

"But Kol...."

The power shifted a moment. And she sighed. "Fine. Whatever. Make it quick. We have supply runs to make later."

I smiled. "Halina. Take note. The art of negotiating."

"And what ghosts are applauding?"

"Fuck. You really are coming at me, aren't you?"

********

After stumbling out of the garden, my head still ached with an argument that I couldn't choose sides for. The screaming went on back forth back forth.

I fell on a tree. No, I was never going to make it anywhere. Not like this. Onwards I went though, determined to get what I was after.

Which was what?

My pen clicked, getting my head back sorta into the game. The magi love games. But not every game is worth playing, in my own experience. The game of sides was still going on, but the screaming stopped. Though that doesn't mean it got better.

And why is the University of Kal'en going to war with demons? Why was the school doing this? The Board had previously said it might consider helping in the effort, but knowledge was supposed to remain neutral on campus. We aren't all soldiers.

I finally made it out of the garden. The flowers whined, complaining that they never got an answer. The trees remained silent through all this. Yes, I know you've seen everything. Nothing is a surprise to you and your horrific sense of patience.

I won't find my answers! This isn't about me!

My feet got caught up with each other, and I came crashing down outside the garden's offices. I couldn't move. The trees! They were ignoring me, yet giving me nothing but torturous stares. While the flowers watched, starting to screech. Their voices were starting to make me cry.

And as the tears ran down my cheeks, words tumbling out of my mouth like liquid stupidity, a door opened. Katlen with a few others came over me, her strong hands grabbing my shoulders.

"Ursula. Ursula! What's going on?" Her voice raised, and I curled up even more. "Oh my Kam. Ursula. What happened?"

"The flowers. They wish me to pick a side," I mumbled, clicking as fast as my thumb would function. The sky started going dark. "The--the--"

"What? Ursula, are you okay?"

"The Necromancer......" I blacked out.

Of course the trees found that worth noting.

XXXX

The guy with knife, Kol, began the conversation like how any reasonable, rational magi would.

"So, how in the hell is there still a necromancer?"

Halina laughed.

"Well, to answer your question--I won't. Because it's none of your Goddamn business." Why can't no one focus on the problems at hand? Oh yeah, because they can't see without glasses. "And I must confirm--you are all fighting the ancient entity known as the Sleeping Witch correct?"

"Yes," said Grandy. "We have reason to believe she's infiltrated the Pillar and military. She's mobilizing for some kind of war, one that we're not sure of, but must stop."

Ah! There we go, that's what I like to hear. Information they're lacking. Knowledge I can hold hostage. Oh, the dream is alive boys. We're eating tonight.

"See, young magi, is that the Sleeping Witch isn't just here, in the Light Layer. She also holds influence in the Earth Layer, where armies are also gathering. And your hero Triton can't do this alone. Resources are important for any war, and I have what he needs."

Grandy and Kol looked at each other. Doubt. Not cool.

"So, you, a necromancer--"

"--The, if you'd be so kind," I interrupted.

"Uh, yeah," Kol said, rubbing his arm. "So, you, The Necromancer, want to help fight against the Sleeping Witch?"

"I already am. And doing a better job than you guys. No, I'm not here to start. I'm here to find the means to finish. That, of course, aren't more necromantic in nature."

Because if I bust out real necromancy early on in the game, then you get the Pillar snooping in more than they already are. And none of us desire that.

"Doing a better job? You're one man, what the hell can you do?" asked Grandy, who let fire and water flicker across her fingertips. "We've been doing all the heavy duty stuff. Taking down military outposts, killing Witch agents, recruiting for the cause. Gaining supplies. Finding support."

"Well, you found support. And you'd be bettering the cause if you'd get ahold of Triton for me." Getting annoyed by Grandy's magic, I used mine to raise a skeleton mouse out of the dark corner. It ran up my leg and onto my shoulder. "It's not easy, being me. It's not easy, doing what I do. Right Halina?"

"Yes. Can confirm."

"But while it's hard, I'm actually pretty good at what I do. Because right now, you're both thinking how can I promise what I promise? Where's his proof?"

"Exactly!" shouted Grandy.

"Yet it's as you said before. I am one man. It takes time. Weapons don't grow on trees. Money isn't easy to rip out of hands." Fucking rich. Screw them. "Though, I can promise an army at any time. Granted, they'd all be dead. But any army is an army, am I right? Doesn't really matter if their hearts beat as one or not at all. Has any of this sunk in yet?"

"As a rock," murmured Kol. "There's still the issue of trust."

"Goddam. What can I do then?"

Grandy sorta shrugged. Kol scratched his head. "Uh....."

"Look, do you guys want know why the Witch is starting war?" Getting two eager nods, I went on. "The Witch wants caller blood. Lot's of it. This war is about the fate of every living thing. And it all starts with the magi."

Kol pursed his grizzled lips. "That makes sense. It would explain why the war with the demons has gotten even worse these past few years."

"Then can you get me a meeting with Triton?"

The two magi glanced at each other. Grandy finally said, "We'll see what we can do."

"I want to know tomorrow night. At this address." I wrote down the hotel and slid it over. "And if I am kept waiting, then we'll have problems. So let's try our best now, shall we?"

Halina chimed in quickly. "Um, are you a teenager?"

"Yeah, so what?" asked Grandy, looking offended.

"Nothing. Carry on."

Tucking back her hair, Grandy said, "Fine. We'll get you your help Necromancer. For the name of peace and freedom."

Ugh. Those aren't really worthy causes, but I'll let it slide. "Thanks. Glad to be working with you. I'll be on my way, and have a nice day."

I was out of there faster than a jock in a library. Ha! I can hear the complaining from here.

Halina caught up, and soon we were making our way for the hotel.

"Why did you want to know she was a teenager?"

"Curious. It seems strange that they'd let a child be in charge."

I considered. "Though, if one is a good leader, then age matters not."

"Kids are stupid."

"Yes, but so are humans, so what point are you trying to make?"

She watched her own reflection go by in a shop window. "I guess that should we really be hoping that a teenager will be able to do what we want?"

The city was bustling with more filigree cars and magic and whatnot. It reeked, but there's only so much you can do before insanity kicks in. I for one would love to burn this town down. Next thing on the agenda for sure.

"I can barely get myself to do what I want. Who gives a shit if she fails? We know where they're stationed. If need be, I can go in there, force the info out of them, and add their bodies to my collection. Magi are dumb. But sometimes the gears grind just enough for a coherent thought to break thru."

Halina sighed, a woman with no taste for negativity or bribery. "What if she dies in this?"

"Then you can mourn. But farmers don't name sheep for a reason."

"And that's how you see them? Sheep?"

Oh come on! I can't catch a break. "Sure. Whatever. It's not like they--"

I heard a crash. Up ahead two vehicles got into bad accident. A faint scream hit my ear. It was almost like tripping. Falling to my knees, I coughed violently as my head pounded sentimental like.

"What happened?"

"Where am I?"

"What's going on?"

"Calm down. You'll all be safe soon."

Ah, there's that sentiment.

Fingers brushed my back. "Ditto? Ditto! Oh God, are you okay? Can you hear me?"

Her hands jostled me, while I stared at the concrete ground. I swallowed blood, making real care to not have it show. Fuck Ditto, you're getting weaker. And sloppier. Keep yourself together, don't waver. Don't falter. It's not going to get better, and if you let them know, you'll risk everything.

Halina helped me get up as I started to enter reality again. Worry plastered her face. What? Does this not happen to humans normally? She got me against a wall. "Ditto, what the heck? I've never seen you do that. Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm good," I said, though the breaths were obviously weak. "Yeah. I just.......tripped. Hit my head. Let's get back to the hotel. Where I can rest."

"Are you sure? We can got to a hospital....."

"No, no, I'm good. Plus, you wouldn't like it anyways."

She cocked her head. "Why?"

"Because most health care here is free." I got on both feet, back to my normal self. At least as much as my pretending mind would let me. "Thanks though. For caring."

The worry never left. In fact, she reeked of it. Great, now I have to deal with this embarrassing event for who knows how long. Wobbling along with Halina's support, I couldn't help but think that if she weren't here, would I be still on that concrete? Watching ants go by with hurry. Not letting their emotions get in the way of their quest.

"Though that accident looked pretty bad too," Halina said after some time, huffing from my weight. "Almost like the plight of woman."

"Judging from the predicament we're in, just like in whole, maybe you should let the selfishness belong to me."

"Screw you, you dirty man. I'm allowed to make metaphors."

We came to a cross walk. People eyed me. "And what kind of example are you showing for those with ears?"

"One that doesn't need the opinion of a man who can barely walk straight." Halina grabbed me closer, tucking back some of my hair. "Get this mess cut."

"Make me!"

When time ends, do you think we'll still be having talks like this? Those that make children look at you with quizzical eyes and tilting heads? Or adults weeping tears that are tearless? Who knows. People I've learned are good at forgetting.

"And when you're ready, tell me."

I laughed at Halina. Well, almost all of them.

———————————————

Dedicated to the UnicornAwards and whoever reviewed my book. Fuck them 🖕