Chapter Five: A Truth

Halina looked at me, eyes wide. "I don't understand."

"I'm the last Necromancer. The last of my race." I sat down, everyone looking away except Halina. "There's no more of us. Just me."

I knew the others were trying their best to not make eye contact. This is a sensitive subject to me. No one really liked talking about it. I just hoped Halina would drop it and move on.

"But how is that possible? What happened?"

God dammit.

"How do I explain this? You see Halina, when major human events occur, there's usually a Hidden counterpart going on as well." I drank deep from my cup. The beer is a hard brew, sort of like a punch to the gut. It gave me a buzz. "When World War One happened, while the human sides were the Germans and Austrians versus Britain and France, in the Hidden realm, it was the Magi versus the Necromancers. The Necromancers went on a power grab, hoping to reclaim the Light Layer for themselves. As a result, they were nearly wiped out."

Fina decided to speak. "It was a terrible war. It unleashed the true powers of each side, and caused mass destruction in the Hidden world. Every race had to pick a side. And most joined the Magi."

"All joined the Magi," I corrected.

"But, you're still here though. So they were clearly not extinguished at the end of the war," Halina said. What a smart girl. This book of her's will not miss any details.

"You're right. Only about a thousand necromancers survived." I stared at my drink, watching bubbles form. This story is one I think about everyday. "Then World War Two happened. And history repeated itself. Without much kindness on the loser's side. After the war, only five families remained. But time has not been so pleasant. Now I'm the last one."

It felt like a great silence had overtaken the room. No one said anything. I didn't blame them. I never enjoyed talking about this topic either. It made me feel depressed. What a world, where I can't be happy all the freaking time. It's not fair.

"Maybe you should ask about something else, dear," Sasha said, finishing off her wine. "I think this is a subject best discussed by Ditto alone."

Halina looked like she wanted to cry. I do hope that doesn't occur, I can't deal with other's emotions well. Not that I'm cold hearted, but living alone and not having family makes it difficult to invest myself in other people. It's not as if I don't want to try, yet trying isn't the same as doing good. Like oil on a fire.

"Hey, I'll give you a more detailed explanation tonight," I said, taking a sip of beer, only to see that it's gone. "Just don't go feeling bad for me or anything. Now ask something else."

"Cheer up, love, Ditto is a hard nut. He'll open up eventually," Fina added, rubbing Halina's shoulder. I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Fina's not much of a comforter either.

"Alright. Well, that aside, what relations then do the Witches and Warlocks have with the rest you all?" Halina peeked at me, then went back to typing. The questions I'd be getting tonight, my head is already hurting. I guess that's what I get though. Keep things in, and you pay the price.

"Ah, witches. The greatest race to grace this layer," Sasha said with deep satisfaction. Everyone else groaned, but Sasha continued. "The Witches are the best negotiators within the realm. We are constantly being asked by others to be mediators. This usually puts us in good terms with the other Hidden."

"They are tended to be disliked by the Fae," I said, messing with my mug. The condensation made it more slippery on the table. "Since the Fae are primarily female, there's constant competition between them over beauty. Fae males tend to be left in the dust."

A dark look grew over Sasha. I hit a soft spot there. "Those competitions are dumb and you know it. Beauty is just some dumb construct invented by men to make women feel bad about themselves."

"True," I agreed. "Except the beauty competitions between the witches and fae have been nonstop since we all lived in the Light Layer. It's a constant battle over clothes and makeup. Whose leaders are the prettiest and who can have the most popular fashion season. It doesn't help when you add the humans stupid ideas either."

"Sasha is just jealous of my looks," Fina said, modeling off her features. "I'm gorgeous."

"More like scary," Paul muttered.

"Point is, that's what the witches and fae are like all the time," I told Halina. She typed without missing a beat. I wish I had that focus, that youthful energy. Maybe it's a human thing. I'll need to investigate more some other time.

"What sort of animals can shifters turn into?" Halina asked, her voice directed towards Buddy.

The professor gave a roaring laugh. "Almost anything under the sun, young writer. I personally am a bear. There's wolves, deer, cats, dogs, a few extinct animals. My personal friends include a doxen, an eagle, and a saber tooth tiger. Lot's of variety."

"So do a lot of shifters live in cities, or in packs in the wild?"

"Most live in the wild," Buddy said. You never know when you are near a shifter. They are everywhere, especially in national parks and forests. Take a lesson, hunters. You can't be sure what you're pointing the barrel of a gun at in the wild. "Many live in cities if there's more industry around. The biggest packs live in like Africa and North America."

"So what compelled you to live in a city?"

"I love the influx of debate and philosophy," Buddy said. "It enthralls me. A moth to a flame, so to speak."

And while the talking went on for another two hours, the talk about the Hidden became less and less as more drinks were placed in everyone's hands. Soon we were all laughing and enjoying past stories and enjoying each other's company. This is why I loved this bar. You don't need a lot to have fun, just a cold drink and happy friends.

"And then I--and then I stabbed the man in the foot," Fina said, finishing up her story. We all cracked up, making a bunch of noise and being rowdy. I wiped at my hands and checked the time.

"Hey, Halina. Let's wrap this up. I need to make some stops before we leave."

The woman nodded, but not before chugging down her beer. "Okay. Can I ask one more question first?"

"Yeah, I think we're all still sober enough."

Halina wiped at her face, drying her hands off on a napkin. I burped loudly. "You mentioned the Hidden government, and Magi laws yesterday. What are the Magi laws?"

Buddy cut me off before I could answer. "Those laws are followed by all Hidden, no matter where you live. Things like not making deals with demons, trying to become immortal. Slaughtering humans, waging genocidal wars. Not going to the Dark Layer. Stuff like that."

I stretched, sighing in the process. "Meet me outside Halina. I gotta pee first."

While Halina went about packing her stuff away, I traversed to the bathroom in the corner. Quickly doing my business, I opened the door to only be frightened by Sasha, standing there with arms cross. "Damn it Sasha, you scared me."

"Ditto, we need to talk."

"Okay, you got me, I put all the drinks on your tab." I shrugged unapologetically. "Sorry, but you get better paychecks than me."

"I--what? No, never mind," she said, closing her eyes in frustration. "I'm talking about the fact that you essentially adopted a human under your wing. I truly don't believe this is a good idea."

"What, all she wants to do is write a book, make me famous, and get on with her life." I tried to look confused. "Sounds good to me."

"Cut the crap Ditto. You are without a doubt one of the most dangerous Hidden alive." She got real close. Her blue eyes were startling. "You really think getting an innocent woman involved into your schemes and hero work will do her any good?"

"I promise to be careful. But this is my chance to get my name out there, Sasha. I'm tired of being crapped on by everyone."

"Ditto, look." She took a deep breath, face real stern. "I've known you for a long time. And I've always supported you. But I think it's time for you to tell me your secrets. The ones I know you have stashed deep down. What if something happens to you or the woman? What if you do something to Halina on accident? I can't imagine a world where even your 'hero' side can help you."

She had a point. Maybe it was time to squeal, to finally say what I've known for so long. To announce to the world all that I know, all the research and notes I put together. Time to turn a new leaf.

"Fat chance Sasha."

"I don't want you whining about any problems that you cause. Just let me help."

I patted her on the arm. "I love you Sasha. You are my best friend. But there are some things better left known to me and me alone. I'm trying to be a better person. A hero to the world. Plus, you keep secrets from me too."

"Those are council secrets, things we can only know about."

"Who am I going to tell? Huh? I have no more family. No more necromancer friends. I have few allies, and many enemies. What do you think is going to happen?"

"That you'll die!"

Her concern shook me, and I stepped back, getting a full look at the witch. "I can't promise anything Sasha. Not my safety at least. But you have my guarantee the girl will be safe under my watch."

Hopefully that was good enough to calm her. I don't know. It still seemed like she wanted to chastise me. Her hand was on her forehead, and foot stomping angrily. "Sometimes I can't believe you."

"Have a little faith. I know what I'm doing."

"Just get out of here. And keep an eye on Fina. I think she has the hots for your new friend." Sasha left, leaving me with a lot to think about.

"Alright Halina. I need to make one quick stop before we leave," I said, closing the door behind me. I started down the road, hands in pockets, while Halina strolled along beside me. There was definitely wrong with her. "Hey, what's up?"

"I'm sorry. I--I never realized that it was a possibility that you'd be all alone." The tremble in her voice made me stop, Halina finally looking up. "I--I just...I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. What happened is in the past. This the present. I'm the last of my kind." I grabbed her by both shoulders, and made hard eye contact. I can't let this be a barrier. Another person can't feel bad about my being. That's not supposed to happen. "Do not worry about me ever. Nothing can be done."

I know she wanted to say more, but she gave in and slumped in defeat. "Alright. I understand."

"Good. Plus, this will make the Necromancer section easier, won't it?" I kept moving, picking up the speed a tad. As I said before, I'm a busy guy. Can't waste a single step. "Population: one."

"I don't think that's a good thing."

"It will definitely confuse your readers won't it?" I laughed, taking a left turn down a more calm part of the city. Various signs showed things like vials and dragon heads, indicating we were surrounded by more processed magics shops. Things like potions and jewelry. Magic tools and weapons. Stuff like that.

I stopped before one of these magic shops, and went in hastily. It was a bookstore, filled with books and scrolls, multiple computers along the walls with a few people sitting at them. I went up to the front desk. "Hey, Hector. Where you at?"

There was a muffled echo in the back storage, and soon Hector popped his head out of the curtained portal. The warlock was a big guy, clearly enjoying the good things of life. His dark mustache and hair were greased up, making me think he had a date tonight. "Ditto! What can I do you for?"

"Hey, listen man. I need you to suggest me for more than just exorcist jobs," I said. Hector is a middleman of sorts. When there's an unusual problem inflicting you, and you don't know who to call, you call him. He has a large list of of hero numbers that he recommends depending on where you live. "I think it's time for me to step it up a notch."

"You got it brother. I've been getting a few more calls than normal, so I'll send some more clients your way." Hector began taping the cover of a book, talking as he worked. "So what's with this new energy? Not very like you."

"I'm trying to get my name out there. Can't do it without being willing to branch out."

"Ah, I like that. That's why you're the best Ditto. Willing to do new things without a second thought."

"While I'm here, can you find me this book?" I pulled out a piece of paper with a title on it. "I need it for a project I'm working on. Care to help me out?"

"Sure man, what are friends for." He looked at the title. "The Demons of the Jungle. I think I might have copy of this. Let me check in the back."

"Thanks Hector."

Hector went to the back, and I put my hands on my face, ignoring Halina for a moment. I needed a moment of peace, if only for a second....

The door opened, and heard a loud, "Hector!"

"Ah fuck," I whispered. The sound of heels came ever closer to me, and I cringed real hard.

"Well who do we have here?"

I opened my eyes, and stared down at the smaller woman. She was wearing a flowing black dress, with long red hair curling at the ends. I sighed. "Hello Valory."

"If it isn't Ditto Night, most troublesome, annoying, pigheaded man on the planet." Valory stared past me and at Halina. "Who's this pretty thing?"

"I'm Halina, a friend of Ditto's," Halina said, holding out a hand. "Nice to meet you."

Valory shoved past me and eagerly shook hands. I couldn't help but fight back the urge to punch the witch in the face. "It's a delight to meet you. I'm Valory Asore, a witch with the Witch Exorcist League. Look at you, such a pretty human. What are you doing here with a man as dumb as Ditto?"

"I'm writing a book about the Hidden, and Ditto is my consultant." Oh please for the love of everything holy don't ask the question. Don't ask it. Stop, please, for just this once. Don't ask the question. "What's a Witch Exorcist League?"

Mother Fuck.

"What a lovely question dear," Valory said, clapping her hands ecstatically. "The Exorcist League is a North American Province organization, whose members are witches, and we do things like get rid of ghosts and demons. I have been stationed here in Lake City."

All of a sudden she faced me. "And this happens to be the manner of business of why I'm here. I am confused as to why I have been getting less and less calls over the past few months. I suspected it might be because of you, but I was going to question Hector first."

I held up my hands in defense. "Sorry Valory that you're just a bad exorcist. Maybe the League should replace you."

"I'm a bad exorcist? Well, the next time a retirement home is being haunted by an old lady, I'll be sure to call you."

This bitch, I am literally almost up to here with her. "That woman was on the verge of death and you know it!"

"Okay love, you tell yourself that." Valory walked around me with a sway in her hips. Remember when I was talking about rivals? Here's one, and I hate her with every fiber of my being. She's so stuck up, that I can't even be wrong without her telling me I'm wrong. I can't even be pretend wrong. Valory once stole a job from me, even though I was hired to do it. And you know what? Those people still payed her. "Halina, darling, you can find a much better consultant than this twit. I think I know just the witch for the job."

"Okay, back off you ten ton pound of zombie feed. Can't I have this one thing?" I reached for my sword. "Or maybe we have to finally settle this the old fashion way?"

"Any day you dirty necromancer," she pouted, lips up in a righteous victory, and her quartz wand in hand. We were staring razor blades so hard at each other that I didn't even notice Hector walk back in.

"No fighting in my shop. I pay good money for this location. None of this petty garbage here." Hector slammed what I assume was my book down, creating a sharp crack. "Valory, how can I be of assistance?"

"I want to know if you are taking my business away from me?" Valory asked, tapping her foot endlessly. The sound took up the book store, and that irritated me to no end. "I refuse to be snubbed by this worm of a man."

"We can talk after I sell Ditto this book." He handed it over. For a book about demons, the thing was very heavy, and dusty. Who doesn't read about demons anymore? "That'll be a hundred dollars."

"God damn Hector," I said pulling out my wallet. This is why I'm always looking for paychecks. I spend my money on stupid shit like this. "Here you go. Thanks again. And sorry about this pile of crap here."

"This isn't over Ditto. You will repay this debt you've incurred," the witch threatened.

"See you in hell," I yelled over my shoulder as I got the fuck out there. The day where I don't have to see that woman is the day I've officially died. I won't know true happiness until that bitch is out of my life forever.

"You know, you could try and be a little nicer," Halina said, as though my own evil thoughts were being broadcasted. "It could mend you."

"I never started it Halina. She initiated everything. I can't even think when she's around." I hoped I was pouting down the street, because that's how I felt. For being the last of my kind, you'd think I'd get more sympathy. But no, I get garbage from garbage people. No wonder I curse all the time. "Valory Asore has plagued me the day I came to Lake City. No, the day she came to Lake City. I was here way longer. And she shows up and pretends she owns the place. I know a witch on the council. Who does she know? No one, 'cause no one likes her."

"I just believe that violence isn't the answer to all your problems," Halina said, as though a child was present. I can't blame that tone either. "Civilized people use big boy words."

"Words are for chumps. You ever hear the dead complain about anything? No? It's because they're dead. Valory would whine a lot less if she had the same symptom."

Halina huffed in annoyance, a sound I barely noticed when the crowd got thicker. Sun in my eyes, I toppled into a woman, who fell to the ground. "Er-sorry miss. I didn't see you there."

I reached out my hand, offering my help to the fae, and noticed the pearl necklace around her thick neck. The fae woman merely smiled. "No trouble lad. I guess I wasn't looking either."

I quickly apologized, then hurried Halina along, and tried not to turn back. "Did you see that necklace?"

"This is what I was talking about. Less violence Ditto."

"The necklace Halina, what did it look like?" I asked, silencing her off. I'm seriously not that violent a person. Ask any of my few friends.

"Just some pearls, I guess. One in the center of a gold piece." She shrugged, not really caring. "Nothing special."

Nothing special. That's exactly how I would describe it. "Your schemes," Sasha had told me. This wasn't a scheme though. A mistake maybe, that, uh, evolved into a scheme. I shook my head. No, it's nothing. Not yet at least.

XXXX

    It was night time, and I was enjoying myself on the couch, watching old reruns of Seinfeld, with Spot sleeping on my lap. Normally when I did this, I'm all alone, with nobody to talk too except for my thoughts. The TV made for great company for only so long before you felt that driving insanity form within your mind. I guess, I became happy when Halina walked in.

"Guess it's time to answer questions, huh?"

Halina sat down, opened her laptop, and sniffed. "I won't put this in the book if you don't want. It can just be between us."

"No, that's alright. Humans know better than anyone about genocide," I commented, giving a big smile. "Like I said, the past is the past."

"Then what happened?"

"Well, you already know about the Dead War. The war between necromancers and everyone else. It was a terrible, terrible war, that devastated whole cities, and left nowhere untouched." If you couldn't tell, we Hidden like naming things after the obvious. I don't really know why. But if it's in our line of vision, odds are that's what something will be named after. "It took every ounce of energy on both sides to even move the war in a direction of victory. Waves after waves of zombies, wave after wave of magic. Absolutely horrifying."

"Then World War Two happened."

I nodded. "Yeah. This time the war was a little different. It wasn't just one sided. In fact, the necromancers didn't even start the war. The Shifters did, and managed to get the Necromancers as allies. The results, as I said, was only five families survived."

"Then what happened that you are the last?" Halina asked. She was surprisingly professional about all this, making me wonder what kind of emotions are going through her head right now.

"Over time, the five families were either killed off, or some tragic accident cursed them. The second to last family, the Wedcoms, were killed off in a car crash, about twenty years back." I stroked Spot, knowing that the next explanation was going to be less fun. "And then there's my family. The Night family. After the Wedcoms were killed, we were the last three: my Mother, my Father, and me. We settled here in Lake City, and you have to understand, relations between Necromancers and Hidden were tense after the Dead War. Not all the time, but more so than often. Yet, after the Shifters War, it was only tense if you messed with a necromancer."

"Is that what happened? An incident of some kind?"

"Yes, unfortunately," I stated. Spot's warmth made me feel better. I smiled. "My parents owned a magic repair shop in Lake City. Things were calm most of my life, until one day some drunk warlock pushed my mother while she was out. She tried to get away, but he kept persisting, eventually using magic. My mother-- she retaliated, accidently killing the man. The event was seen by a few witnesses, and a riot started."

I let Halina type, waiting patiently. She was waving me on to continue. "Don't stop for me."

"The riot came for us, and my parents refused to unleash their wrath. My dad was struck with a bolt of light magic, killing him instantly. So me and my mother ran. She tried to protect me, and took the blow of a sword. I left her, horrified as she was hacked to pieces. I ran into a shop for protection, hoping they'd leave me alone.

"The elderly Shifter couple running the store got quite the shock when a mob was outside, wanting to tear the place apart." I shook my weary head, the memories stirring like a river. "I was thirteen. These people defended me, saying what's the good in killing a child. To leave this to the council. And, to my surprise, they agreed."

I didn't have to turn to see the pain in Halina's eyes. I didn't have to turn to know the story was causing torment. But I pressed on. "The council, they believed this was too big an issue to deal with themselves. The Last Necromancer. How can such a small city council decide on such matters? So I was sent to the magicians, to the ruling magi group, the Pillar Magi. I was brought before them, and forced to defend myself. I knew that I was alone, so when asked, 'why should you get to live?', I said because the last one must be worth something right? The last of his race, must be worth something." I laughed without humor. "They said yes, I could live. But there were restrictions to that life."

"Restrictions?" Anger like broken glass came out of her voice. "They put restrictions on you? How could they do that? It's not like you can end the world by yourself."

"Because the magi never liked the necromancers." More laughter rolled off my lips. "These restrictions included; I needed handlers, I couldn't go out myself. My education would be limited. I couldn't go to the Light Layer. If I ever hurt anyone, I'd die. If I did something they didn't like, I'd die. If I had kids, they, myself, and the mother, would die." Spot rolled around, her nice blue eyes blinking at me. I pet her nose. "And for a few months, they watched me. You were right from before though. What could a lone child do? How exciting is it to watch a thirteen year old, with no resources and family? So the magi eventually stopped caring, and I was left to my own."

"What happened then? Surely, you weren't just kicked to the streets?" Halina reached out, as though she wanted to pat my shoulder, but quickly pulled back. Humans and their need to satisfy. Their need to nurture, it's oddly funny as it is humiliating. "Did you live with someone?"

"No, strangely enough. I built this house, using my parents inheritance." I remember designing it with a contractor, his shock when a child was telling him how to build a house. "See, the reason I have a place here in this park is because I got rid of a ghost problem plaguing a bathroom stall. So after telling them I was endangered, they let me build my home, and promised this would be my safe place."

"The magi backed off just like that then? They didn't like have spies following you?"

"I guess they had people watch me from afar for awhile," I said, drinking some water. I haven't talked this much in a long time. "But I always outsmarted them. Of course, every once and awhile they send a 'handler' of sorts to check up on me. I could care less, because I'm not afraid of them anymore. I'm afraid of very little anymore."

"I just can't believe this. Why would the magi distrust you so much? It baffles me," Halina said. Spot got off of me and went to Halina, rubbing her face on the corners of the computer. "They really didn't care."

"Personally, I was grateful. The magi are a nuisance if anything else." I got serious then, looking at the writer. "Halina, this is my deal in life. I have two goals. The first is to attain as much truth and knowledge as possible. The second is to prove that I can be good, that I can be a hero. And all of this is because the magi told me that I couldn't do any of those things. That I couldn't gain knowledge, or be a hero. That's why I'm locked out of the Light Layer. That's where the most magic knowledge lies." I couldn't help but grin at this next part. "My entire existence is to spite the magi, is to show them that I, Ditto Night, will never be silenced. Will never be stopped. And this is why I'm here now."

My life has been what I would call a mess. A teenagers room in the middle of summer. I've done so much to try and appease my hunger for knowledge. I've travelled all across the world, in the name of me, my heritage, my family. Death is the only deterrent that will ever stop me, the only unmoveable object that this unstoppable force can't break thru.

"I'm sorry Ditto. I can't possibly understand what you went through," Halina said, her flying fingers pausing, possibly done for the night. "I mean, what kind of weight is put onto your shoulders?"

"None, because I control the weight." I gave a sad sigh. "We all go through our own experiences, we all have to fight our own problems. Once you understand that, concepts like stress become obsolete. Now, can I see this blog of yours? I want to see my fame come to light."

"Oh yeah. I don't have much yet, because I didn't really know that much." Halina pulled up a new tab on her computer, and brought up a bright purple page. The words Necromancer for Hire were in big bold letters, and I laughed. She scratched her head. "I didn't really know what to put yet."

"Put something like, 'Services include Exorcism, Fighting Demons, and kicking ass', or whatever. Maybe some stories I've done."

"That's a start. Is it alright I put in your number? People can't contact you if they can't reach you."

"Hell yeah. Put my email address as well." I stretch out, making a weird noise. Being stuck in such an organic body is annoying at times. Get things like fatigue and hunger, horrible when inconvenient. "By the way, how many followers you have?"

"Um, about three hundred," she said sheepishly. I cocked my head in utter bliss, then proceeded to say, "Three hundred is not a lot."

"I know. I'm making strives, but I'm not that popular either." She typed some more, writing some message I didn't care about. "I'll get there, and have a lot of dedicated followers. They'll help me. You're not mad are you? Please don't throw me out."

I shrugged, not making much emotion plain shown on my face. "Why would I do that? If the magi taught me anything, it was to give people chances."

The writer nodded, giving me my own insurance. Never giving up is the only way to not fail. Never stopping is the only way to guarantee success. To quit is to let that specific dream die. And since I know death better than anyone, you better make sure the death of a dream is something you desperately want.

Or it might haunt you forever.

It was around midnight when Halina went to bed, wishing me a good night. Once the door clicked to a close, I got up and went to my study. I sat down at my desk, and pulled out my first journal, flipping to the back few pages, and stopped at a large drawing. What I stared at was a simple picture: a diamond with a circle set in the middle. The circle represented something much more however. Since I'm an alright artist, this item didn't need much detail added.

It was a pearl.