Esper Chapter 1: Echoed

Part 1

Nicolaus Thompson lackadaisically laid stretched out across his couch. He was barely even paying attention to the television that sat in front of him running the daily news.

“…The amber alert is still in effect. The missing child is 11-year-old Kylee Drummond, last seen…”

The fragrance of bacon and eggs filled his small three-room apartment, accompanied by a cheerful and slightly offbeat humming. Nicolaus’s eyes glazed over as he slowly entered a state of total apathy toward his surroundings.

“Nick…Nick!”

“Huh?” A shrill voice calling his name yanked him back to reality.

“Breakfast, dude! Come on.”

“…mmm…” The spiky haired, lethargic couch-potato remained motionless. As the television droned on, a slender pair of legs walked into frame obscuring his view.

“You’re going to ignore me?” That continued digging at Nicolaus, just barely caght his attention. “I’m not going to move.”

Nicolaus looked up at the frowning young woman with black, shoulder length hair billowing about as the ceiling fan blew down onto her head. “I really do wish I could ignore you.” He replied curtly.

“Rude! Guess what dude, I spent all morning cooking, so someone is going to eat it. Get off your ass, food’s ready!”

“Fine…fine.” Nicolaus got off the sofa and shuffled into the small kitchenette. At the table, the young woman placed a plate of bacon, eggs, and sausages in front of him.

“Dig in!” She sat down opposite Nicolaus who scowled at her intensely.

“Dani, stop that.”

“Stop what?”

“You’re about to start smoking. You already have a cigarette in your mouth.”

“Oh?! I didn’t even notice.”

“Right…”

“Seriously! I really didn’t notice.”

“That’s called ‘addiction’.”

“Okay, I get that, but I’m an adult; I can smoke if I want.”

“Right, you’re an adult. You know, Mom and Laurence have been worried about you ever since you moved away.”

“Oh my god! Are we really starting this now?”

“We all just want to know why this is the first time we’ve heard from you in nearly 3 years.”

“Can’t a little sister worry about her big brother?”

“Sure; but you should call home occasionally. Mom calls me all the time asking if you’re mad at her or something.”

“Why are you getting so hostile out of nowhere?! Look, I came here to check up on you. I was the first person on your emergency contacts list to pick up, remember? That means that I still have the same fucking phone number, which also means if anyone wanted to call me, they could’ve! The people at the hospital tell me that you’re involved in some crazy incident and a bunch of people died! So, I offer to watch you and make sure that you’re comfortable and safe; and this is the thanks I get?!”

“…I’m sorry…you’re right.”

“Wha…?”

“I’m sorry! It’s just…I’m sorry…I’m a little on edge lately.”

“Oh…ok.”

“…”

“Nick, you can talk to me about anything. I am your sister, so…”

“…Don’t worry about it.”

“No, seriously! If you want, vent!”

“Dani, I’m for real. Let’s just leave it at that for now. Plus, don’t you have to meet someone anyway?”

“How do you know about that?”

“I heard you on the phone last night.”

“Don’t eavesdrop; that’s rude. Also, he can wait. He’s always late anyway.” Dani muttered the last part, but Nicolaus still heard it.

“Just go. It may do me some good to have some alone time.”

“No, I can cancel.”

“Are you kidding me? Now you’re making me feel like a child who needs to be watched. Go!”

“Fine. I should make it back here by three, so…”

“So, I’ll try and mellow out a bit by then.”

“Geez…look at the time. I should get going right now as a matter of fact. Call me if you need anything! I’m not too far, okay? It’s in walking distance so I could get back here super quick!” Dani grabbed a backpack seated near the door and reached for the knob as she called back to her older brother. “Like I said, call me if you need anything at all, okay?”

“Okay, okay! Just go.” Dani closed the door behind her leaving Nicolaus to his food. He took a bite, and his expression soured immediately. “…Bleeh…her cooking sucks.”

Part 2

(And…now I’m here, somehow…) On that slightly overcast yet peaceful day at Trenton’s local park, children ran about having fun on the playground. Their parents watched them…and Nicolaus, who sat on a bench alone looking out of place. (I had a sudden urge to get out for some fresh air but having nothing to do in the middle of the day, feels weird. I bet everyone is staring at me.) Nicolaus released a hefty sigh attracting attention from even more adults. Their wary glares, as if watching a dangerous animal waiting to pounce, weighed on the nerve racked young man. Intending to leave, Nicolaus halted when a familiar face caught his eye.

His co-worker, Amala Singh shambled back and forth around near the park’s entrance.

(Is she okay?) Any attempt at waving her down went unnoticed as she ambled about in a daze. When Amala reached the edge of the park she turned around and wandered back in the opposite direction, as if a dog on a leash. After a minute or so of pacing, a police officer walked up and the two began conversing. The officer reached out and grabbed her by the arm, to which Amala violently shrugged him off! Despite her stature, the usually stoic, petite woman barked something incomprehensible at the officer! Whatever she shouted was in such a piercing and vicious tone everyone in earshot flinched! Nicolaus felt what could only be described as malice radiating from Amala. (Oh hell!) He dashed over to Amala and the officer! “Um…excuse me, what’s going on?”

“Sir, please step back!”

“Hang on, please. This is…my friend, sir…” When Amala heard that, she glared like an animal backed into a corner. (For some reason…she’s a bit scary right now.) Those ferocious, piercing purple eyes cut down the man’s confidence. Despite standing nearly a foot taller in reality, Nicolaus may as well have been facing the towering visage of a twenty-foot-tall monster!

“Your friend, sir?”

“She’s been feeling under the weather lately, so we came to the park! You know, get some fresh air. The problem is, she got up and walked off while I was in the restroom.” A lie with zero composure. (Please buy this!)

“Sir…she screamed…something at me. I’m not sure what weird 3rd world language it was, but I have every right to pull her in for questioning.”

“Oh no, don’t do that! Amala, apologize!” She responded without a word, only shooting daggers with her eyes at Nicolaus. “S-She’s tired. Hehehe…”

“Just get her out of here.” The officer walked away leaving the two alone in an awkward silence.

“Umm…are you hungry?”

Part 3

The odd pair of Amala and Nicolaus ended up at a local café. Wall to wall, the happening establishment was filled with people sipping coffee or on their laptops. Nicolaus sat visibly uncomfortable at one of the tables. Drumming his long fingers, he looked for a waiter to come around. “What the hell is going on? Is no one going to come and take our orders?”

“…You have to go up and order yourself…” Amala muttered.

“Seriously? Alright, I guess…” Slightly embarrassed, Nicolaus scurried over to the counter and place an order. He returned to the table after a few minutes, mildly satisfied. “So…I’m guessing you’re not okay.”

“What gave it away? The bags under my eyes, the lazy gray sweats I’m wearing, or maybe it’s my sunny disposition?”

“I was going to say your crazy looking hair.”

“Real charmer, aren’t you, Mr. Thompson?”

“Wow…”

“Wow, what?”

“Didn’t think you actually knew my last name.”

“That’s awfully impolite. We’ve worked on the same floor for over a year now.”

“And yet, we’ve never had a casual conversation.”

“…I’m not good…with meeting people.”

“Fair enough. So, what’s with the outfit, anyway? I’ve only ever seen you looking your best since I’ve known you.”

“…I haven’t been sleeping well…if at all in a while.”

“How long is a while?”

“Since the incident.”

“Since then?!”

“Calm down, will you? It’s just…I keep having nightmares.”

“Nightmares, huh? Are these nightmares mostly full of blackness with lots of crying?”

“What?! How did you know?!” Amala shot up out of her chair drawing peoples’ attention! Nicolaus signaled for her to sit back down, which she did, cheeks reddened with embarrassment.

“And you told me to calm down.”

“Whatever. Explain!”

“Well, I’ve been having them too; ever since that night.”

“Then how…” The waitress called Nicolaus over to the counter before Amala could finish her question, twisting her stomach into a restless knot. Returning to the table after a few minutes, Nicolaus brought a cup of coffee, a sandwich, and a glass of soda along.

“I guessed you haven’t eaten today, right?”

“No, I haven’t. Thank you.” Amala took a sip of the coffee and continued. “How is it that you’re able to sleep? I really need to know.”

“I would’ve thought your first question would be how we’re having the same dream.”

“Later. Now, answer my question!”

“Okay, okay. I’ve been taking sleeping pills and playing brown noise while I sleep. It helps when everything else is drowned out.”

“What kind of pills? Can you give me a few? Can you recommend a headset? Is there some kind of special brown noise machine or something?”

“Slow down, alright?”

“I really need to sleep at night! You don’t understand!”

“Like I said, slow down. I’ll help you set it up later…relax.”

“Ok…” After taking another sip of coffee and a bite of her sandwich, Amala looked at Nicolaus suspiciously. “…How did you know I like caramel macchiato coffee and that I don’t eat white bread…?”

“Huh…oh, you know…I’ve…seen you having that kind of coffee a few times and you always get a sandwich with it, which I also noticed never had white bread.”

“…Creep…”

“Hey now…! It was Carl who really pointed it out to me…”

“Carl…Lincoln?”

“Yeah. Him…” The two sank back into their awkward silence. “Geez…” Nicolaus ran his fingers through the spiny black hair on his head and groaned.

“Let’s move past that for now, okay?”

“Hmm?” Nicolaus’s attention was drawn to the front of the café, noting another familiar face entering the establishment. “Is that Vernon over there?”

“What?!” Amala covered her head with the hood of her sweatshirt! “Where is he?”

“Standing at the door. Aw man, he’s heading this way.”

“Darn it!” Amala scuttled off to the bathroom, covering her unkempt hair the whole way. When Vernon approached, he removed his gloves gesturing for a handshake, which begrudgingly, Nicolaus obliged. His co-worker’s hands were coarse unlike his own, surprising the young tech, who believed Vernon to be the non-active type.

“How you holding up?” Vernon asked nonchalantly. Remembering his decision to try and better their relationship before the incident, Nicolaus swallowed any hard feelings.

“I’m fine. Are you okay?” A successfully normal reply from the cynic. Not bothering to remove his jacket, Vernon stretched to relieve the tension in his back.

“Actually, I just got back from the gym, myself. What are you doing here?”

“Getting some food with a…friend; they’re in the bathroom.” Nicolaus suspected Amala didn’t want to be seen. (Maybe she would’ve been embarrassed or something.)

“Good for you! I was sitting around all day, until I just got too bored. The job forcing us to take time off so suddenly has left me with nothing to do. If I knew I was going to have an impromptu vacation, I’d have wanted to go somewhere fun. After all, who wants to sit in the house all day, am I right?”

“That’s true. I ended up coming here with my friend on a whim. Do you come here often?”

“Nope. Never been here before as a matter of fact. Seen this place a few times, but never stopped in.”

“…Huh…”

“…”

(Damn…ran out of things to say already.)

“I’m actually glad I bumped into you. I need your help.”

(Talk about cutting to the chase!) The need to groan was stifled. “With what?”

“The incident. I need help researching it.”

“Researching the incident? You know the police are already doing that.”

“Oh, please! Those two-bit beat cops and third-rate investigators? They’re less likely to catch a criminal than a group of meddling kids and their dog! We need to figure this out ourselves.”

“I think you’re exaggerating a bit.”

“No, I’m sure! All the crap that happens in this city; it surprises me that we aren’t living in a bunker. My point is, I want you to help me.”

“I don’t know, man. Isn’t that illegal?”

“It won’t be anything big. Newspapers, videos, reports, and whatnot. That should be fine, right?”

“Maybe…”

“It’s not like you’re doing anything anyway, why not give me a hand?”

“I mean…”

“Come on don’t make me pull rank on you.”

“Huh?”

“Just kidding. Well?”

“Even if I say ‘no’ you’ll keep asking, won’t you?”

“Absolutely!”

“Fine, whatever. We’re not going to find anything; I want to go on record and say that now, but guess I’ll help.” Nicolaus gave in to Vernon’s coercion.

“Excellent! Grab Amala and we’ll start doing some research!” Vernon slipping back on his gloves.

“Okay…wait! You saw Amala?”

“Yeah. She was the one dashing off to the bathroom, right? It took me a minute to realize it was her, since I’ve never seen Amala looking so disheveled.”

“…I’ll let her know once she gets back here.”

“Alright. I’m heading out.”

“Hang on! Don’t you need my phone number or personal e-mail?”

“Don’t worry, I got it from the job’s address book already. I’ll text you where we’re going to meet. See ya!”

Nicolaus sat back in his chair and watched Vernon leave the café. (He already had my number? Guess I just played into his hands then.) Crouch walking past other patrons like a goblin to the table, Amala returned. Upon reaching her seat, Nicolaus explained Vernon’s plan while Amala kept an eye out, making sure that her other co-worker wasn’t coming back.

“Are you for real? He’s treating this just like work, always calling those dang meetings. I’ve got to go and change, get cleaned up and…ugh! I can’t have anyone important from work see me like this!” Using her small hands, Amala covered her face and groaned loudly.

(Important, huh?) Ignoring what he felt was a slight, Nicolaus suggested a solution. “Vernon said he’d let me know where to meet him. You’d better leave now if you want to change and stuff.”

“That’ll take forever! Drive me home!”

“What?”

“Drive…Me…Home!”

“Can’t.”

“Why?”

“No car.”

“How do you not have a car?”

“I just don’t, okay? Plus, I don’t see why I should drive you.”

“Does it matter?”

“Yes! You’re not telling me why I should drive you home yet.”

“Because…”

“Yeah?”

“You should!”

“That’s not a reason!”

“Still…come on.”

“Ugh…Look…where do you live?”

“On the other side of the city.”

“*Sigh*…I’ll ask my sister if I can borrow her car.”

“Thanks! You’re so nice!” Was said with the most winning, model-like smile.

“Anyone ever tell you that you are kind of a brat?”

“…” Amala visibly flinched, then started to giggle to herself. “Hehehe…nope! Never!”

Part 4

A luxurious, fifteen story tall apartment complex was exactly where the young misanthrope expected his co-worker to live. Nicolaus awaited Amala’s return to the car parked outside. Despite Dani’s car being visibly clean, the smell of cigarettes permeated the interior as if infused into the seats themselves. Nicolaus leaned back and pulled out his phone. Various stories on the internet wrote about the incident. Article titles ranged from ‘Mysterious incident claims Arizonian lives!’ to ‘Terrorist attack in Arizona?!’.

People on different internet forums discussed conspiracy theories left and right. (This whole research nonsense is going to devolve into the same exact BS as these boards. Maybe if we were to actually…) Nicolaus started fussing with his hair until a sudden knock at the window made him flinch! It was Amala, who’d changed into a blue dress, white strap heels and black leggings. Seeming to have put on makeup, and sweet-smelling perfume as well; the mixture of smells in the car elicited an audible gagging from Nicolaus.

“Alright, let’s go!” Sitting down in the passenger seat, Amala casually directed her co-worker.

“…” Amala was silently sneered at by Nicolaus.

“What?”

“We’re going to do research, not to a mixer, so…”

“Haha…very funny. So, where are we going?”

“Don’t know yet. He hasn’t gotten back to me with the details.”

“*Sigh*…great. Now what?”

“We wait, obviously.”

“*Sigh*…”

“…*Cough*”

“…it smells in here.”

“Yeah…I know.”

“You know; I was wondering…”

Nicolaus’s phone began to buzz. He picked it up as fast as possible to escape the awkwardness building in the car! “Vernon says to meet at his place, which is on the other side of town. I’m going to need some gas soon.”

“Hang on! You said his house? Ugh! I need to change again, wait here!”

“Oh no you don’t! If you get out of this car, I’m leaving you here!”

“Come on!”

“No! We’re going, now! Buckle up!” Nicolaus flipped the car into gear and drove off!

Part 5

Nicolaus and Amala followed the long, forested road past a running creek, just outside of the city. Secluded in the woods, within a pristine mountain clearing sat their destination, a beautifully designed, picturesque home.

“Wow!” Amala’s eyes widened at the splendor of the charmingly secluded dwelling. The residence, for a project manager of Vernon’s level, was unbelievable! It looked closer to that of a young heir’s abode.

“This guy…” Nicolaus said under his breath.

“Guess I didn’t over dress.” Gleefully strolling up to the door, Amala called back to a seething Nicolaus. “You are coming, right?”

“I’m coming!”

Nicolaus shuffled over alongside Amala as she rang the doorbell. Vernon quickly answered with a smile! “Amala, Nick’o! Come on in!” Vernon led Nicolaus and Amala inside. Slick hardwood floors, new age architecture, huge flat screen television and fine leather couches; the inside looked as glamorous as the outside. Nicolaus tried to appear unimpressed until he noticed the koi pond and bright red sports car parked in Vernon’s backyard. “Go ahead and sit wherever. Oh, right! Yo, they’re here!”

“Huh? What’d you say?” From the night of the incident, the red-headed waitress, Katie Vang appeared atop the spiral staircase! Clearly shocked by the sight of her two other acquaintances, Katie shot a nasty look toward Vernon. She walked down the stairs, forcing a half-cracked smile across her pale, slightly freckled face. “H-hey…been a bit.”

“Guys, you know Katie from the bar; and Katie you already know Nick’o, and this is Amala! I’ll be right back, going to get the stuff I dug up! You guys go on, sit…sit!” Vernon excitedly ran upstairs as the others sat down on the expensive furniture.

Everyone deliberately avoid eye contact, preferring to watch the room plunge into a dead silence. Minutes passed before Katie broke the stillness with a sigh. “How are you guys pulling through?”

“…” Amala remained quiet, staring at Katie almost in a daze.

“Umm…something on my face?”

“Huh? No!” Amala quickly turned her back to the others.

“Uhh…” Nicolaus interjected. “I-I uh…have been doing fine, personally.” Amala remained distant, facing the outside, away from Nicolaus and Katie.

“What’s her problem?” Katie asked Nicolaus in a hushed tone.

“I think her, and Vernon may have something going on.” Nicolaus whispered.

“Oooohhhh…” The perky waitress smiled at her acquaintance. “I’m glad you’re alright, Spike.”

“Same to you, Red.”

“Alright, people! Here’s what I’ve dug up, with minimal research, I’d like to add.” Vernon said carrying a laptop and two huge binders filled with files!

(Minimal…he says.) The others thought.

“Check out this thread.” Vernon brought up a forum on the Internet.

“Come on, man…” Nicolaus said throwing his head back in an exaggerated fashion.

“Hang on, Nick’o. Just give it a look.” A few people on the forum talked back and forth, repeating profanities, and racial slurs, except for the few attempting to have a serious conversation. Theories floated ranged from a gas pocket’s release underneath the mountain, to a chemical spill.

“Chemical spill…gas pocket? You guys do remember the lights and crap, right? There’s no way all the stuff we saw was anything like that.”

“I thought so too! But the more I dig, the more common answers like this seem to be circulated.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s suspicious. This has been happening for a bit now, at least a month. These lights, we’re the first people that they affected in this way. Also, I don’t know if you guys have been keeping up with the news, but the Newtonville lights haven’t appeared since we were up there! And more so, I can’t find any actual witness accounts! There’s something being covered up. You agree with me, right Amala?”

The silent girl swiveled her gaze to the others, then returned to watching nothingness through the backdoor. “Maybe…” A somewhat dismissive response.

“Do you have anything else you dug up?” Katie said pushing her back further into the couch cushion.

“Sure, sure. Here’s some stuff people have written on the subject, and some videos!” Vernon brought up more and more articles for a few hours. The group debated the ideas as most of them were ludicrously inane. Many internet threads were filled with people yelling vapid obscenities at each other and claiming it was either aliens or terrorists. Everything came up as a possible catalyst, even an ancient evil reawakening, but that was said in jest by Nicolaus; Katie was the only one to chuckle. After a while the sun set and the night sky became painted with stars. Vernon ordered food, and departed to retrieve it, leaving the others alone in his house.

Amala turned on the television and with a small yawn her eyes began to flutter. She was clearly exhausted the whole time though soldered on. Katie got up from the couch and walked over to the kitchen. “Hey, Spike! Can you help me with something?” She shouted to the front room.

“Yeah? Be right there.” Nicolaus left the front room to join Katie.

“Hey, sorry. I just wanted to talk to you alone for a second.”

“What’s up?”

“It probably looked bad when you guys came in and just saw me here. I just wanted to clear that up before things got weirder between all of us. However, at this point, the little Indian girl and I are probably not going to become close friends.”

“Well, none of it’s my business.”

“I know that, but still…”

“Still…?” Nicolaus averted his eyes as Katie attempted to force eye contact.

“I was up here jogging when I came across this place, and then Vernon came out of nowhere. He said that everyone was coming over, so I just waited with him for a bit, that’s it. Oh wait, he also showed me all his vinyl records! That’s everything.”

“Like I said…it’s none of my business.” Though Nicolaus did feel a bit of relief. (I’ve got no reason not to trust her.)

“Since we’re hanging out again, I thought it would be best to be honest with you and avoid any weird situations. I didn’t want you thinking I rejected you for him or anything…”

“…” A seemingly unintentional roadblock was dropped right in the of that exchange by Katie.

“Wait…No, I didn’t mean to…”

“It’s cool. I know what you meant.” Nicolaus noted Katie’s slip of the tongue. He hadn’t paid any attention to it before, but in collaboration with her story, the young waitress wore workout clothes. Black shorts with a green streak running up the side and matching jacket. He also took notice of her long, toned legs, to which the spiny haired young man turned his head to avoid gawking. (Better keep my eyes upward or I’ll end up staring at those all night.) “That’s what you wanted to talk about, right? You know, if we spend too much time in here Amala will probably think we’re conspiring against her. She’s pretty paranoid after all.”

“Also, a little scary.”

“Yeah, but she seems…okay; if not a little spoiled.”

The two returned to the front room greeted by Amala’s light snoring, fast asleep on the couch. Nicolaus and Katie continued their conversation while the television droned on in the background, fading from the scene as the two engaged in relaxed banter.

“So, what exactly do you do again? I mean your job.” Taking a sip of water, Katie inquired.

“Computer security. I’m just a tech really, and lately it’s just been sitting and waiting. The presidential conventions that came through a while ago were the biggest projects I’d ever worked on.” Nicolaus took pride in his work and being able to gloat about it made him happy, despite his typical pessimism.

“Get to see the president?”

“Well…no, we all just kind of sat in the office all day.”

“Heh!” A smug smirk flashed across Katie’s lips. “I got to see the president! Even shook his hand.”

“Seriously?”

“He came by the tavern. Apparently, he loves that place, since it’s around where he grew up.”

“I didn’t know he lived down town.”

“Yeah! Cool, right?” Katie said, puffing out her chest in a prideful manner, both metaphorically and literally. Having noticed that, Nicolaus reflexively averted his gaze, appreciating the brief sight of Katie’s pronounce chest.

“Sure is taking Vernon a while to make it back. I wonder what’s taking him…” An odd feeling suddenly overwhelmed Nicolaus. Cold and murky sensations claimed his mind and overwrote all the thoughts in his head!

“He-hey Spike…” Katie called out. “I don’t…feel too good.” She slid down onto the floor with a hand covering her face.

“S-Same…” Voices began echoing in their minds. They were the voices of a little girl and a bunch of indistinguishable murmurs. Laughing, singing, crying, screaming, pleading, they echoed louder and louder becoming unbearable! “Ugh…shit…!” Nicolaus held his head in-between his hands, tightening his grip, with finger nails digging into his scalp!

“Spike, are you hearing this too?!” On the floor lay Katie, clutching her head as the sound grew so intense it became painful!

“I can’t even…what the hell is this?!” Then suddenly, it stopped. “What?” Amala shot up from her slumber startling the two as they tried to recover from their previous episode. She scanned the room for a minute and then turned to Nicolaus and Katie.

“…I…uh…” Amala was attempting to look composed, but the stream of tears, and heavy breathing proved to thoroughly undermine that. “…” Quickly, she hid her face.

Nicolaus winced slightly, pulling himself up off the ground. “Are you two okay?” Katie nodded.

“W-What happened?” Still clearly distraught, Amala spoke while failing to wipe away the endless stream of tears.

“No idea. It was like …a headache, maybe. I think we both felt it, right?” Another nod from Katie gave confirmed. “Whatever it was, was just like the dream we talked about before, but…this time there was screaming, crying and other stuff.”

“And some little girl too!” Katie added!

“…What was the girl…screaming and crying about?”

“I couldn’t make anything out. What about you, Katie?”

“I heard something about dancing, I think.” Katie climbed onto the couch.

“…” Amala fell completely silent.

“Amala, what’s the matter?”

The front door to the house opened! Vernon staggered in, flanked by the two teenaged boys who’d also survived the incident. Vergil Trask, a thin, teenaged white boy; rather tall and lanky with snow white hair, adding to his semi-ghostly appearance. Joining him was Harper Wolf; a shorter Asian boy with thick glasses, thin hair gelled up into a point and a rather portly exterior.

“Yo…” Vernon stumbled over to the couch, plopping down beside Amala, nearly bouncing her up off her seat! “…oh, right…sorry. Food’s over there in the bags the kids are carrying.” Vernon groaned loudly, color drained from his skin. “The weirdest thing just happened to us. I bumped into these two at the store, and we were on the way back here then… Harper, you tell ‘em. You guys felt it too, yah? Oh, by the way this is Vergil and Harper, pretty sure you guys remember them from the incident.”

“Yeah, I don’t even…it just fucking…” Failing to compose himself, Harper’s enthusiasm was interrupted by Amala.

“You heard a little girl screaming and crying about having to dance Swan Lake, while her father yelled at her that ‘it would make her a proper young lady to learn ballet’…” A sour explanation came from the brooding woman as the room fell into yet another deathly silence.

“…” The stillness of the room was ludicrous!

“…Well, somebody say something…!” Nicolaus had lost all patience!

“What’s there to say?” Vernon got up from his seat. “If you needed any proof that something weird is happening to us…there you go!”

“W-what do you mean, man?” Almost joyously, Vergil finally was able to join the conversation by making that statement, until everyone looked toward him. “Sorry.”

“I mean; this whole day has been one constant string of weird coincidences.”

“Like us all meeting up across the city despite most of us never hanging out beforehand?” Nicolaus remarked. “Okay…so there’s a ton of really crazy shit happening, and we’re all involved. Everyone…who survived the incident.”

“Yeah! I’ve…got nothing else to add. Aside from, ‘wow’ and I told you so!”

“Is this really the time for that? Anyway…I’ve got an idea. How about we go and take a look?” Everyone was confused by Nicolaus’s half proposal. “I mean, if we need answers, then it’s best to go to the source, right?” Again, silence. “Uh…is that a ‘no’?”

Part 6

Two cars drove along one of the numerous dirt roads on the outskirts of Newtonville, only lit by moonlight and twinkling stars. Newtonville rock, a ridge outside of a small sleepy town, and site of the incident; that was their destination. Trailed by Vernon’s bright red sports car was Nicolaus’s sister’s old and reliable black sedan. On Vernon’s side, smothering silence between Amala and Katie made him wish he’d opted to ride with the teens in Nicolaus’s vehicle instead.

The two school boys texted back and forth, despite being no more than a few feet apart. “Dude, did you see what Lefty just said to Pete?” Harper called to Vergil who sat in the back seat.

“Y-Yeah…crazy.” Was muttered in response. Nicolaus grumbled complaints under his breath.

“What’s wrong, Nick?”

“Yeah…y-you feeling sick?”

“Oh, I get it! He’s upset ‘cause he’s riding in the car with us, and not the girls!” Harper let out a hefty belly laugh. “That redhead is hot. You see the chest on her? Damn!”

“S-She is really pretty.”

“Now that I think about it though, she’s not what you normally go for. The short one’s more your type, Verg. She’s got that whole ‘better than you’ look down. Pretty face and probably big money, but she looks too young, for me. I guess some guys would probably be into that, but I’m all about those curvaceous spitfire type women!”

(Oh, God…I pray I never sounded like these guys when I was a kid.) Part of Nicolaus knew he did, in fact, sound like the teenagers. Thoughts of jumping from the car and running back to the city ran through Nicolaus’s mind. “*Sigh*…Give me a break.”

“Hey, it’s okay. Me and Vergil aren’t really that popular with the ladies either.”

“W-what do you mean? Weren't you and L-Laura going out for like half a year?”

“Pfft! I don't want to hear this from you pussy-slayer! Maggie Prince has been eyeing you like a hawk the past few weeks!”

“She thinks I'm actually g-good at schoolwork.”

“Hah, no way, man! Then she’d think I was good at school too; no one thinks that! Even my parents don’t think that!”

As the conversation droned on Nicolaus seriously considered leaping from the car. “Isn’t that the ridge?” Vergil pointed out. They’d finally reached Newtonville rock. Vernon stopped his car suddenly, almost making Nicolaus crash into the back of him!

“Hey!” Vernon shouted to Nicolaus’s group from the open car window. “You see that?” Ribbons of police tape blocked the main path up to the ridge! He waved them over to the side of the road, signaling that he wanted to talk.

Nicolaus did as instructed, feeling apprehension slowly build. “Now what?”

“Depends. You want to actually break the law?”

Nicolaus scratched his head for a second, but then recoiled in pain. (Oh right. I dug my nails into my scalp.) With trace amounts of blood underneath his nails looking back at him, the mysteries surrounding his life begged for answers. (This is probably a bad idea…but…) It wasn’t often the cautious young man made decisions without an expected fallout, however, insecurity compelled me. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

Vernon smiled. “Glad to hear that! That’s an executive decision if I’ve ever heard one.” Vernon and Nicolaus gathered their passengers and informed them that they’d be heading up the ridge by foot. As everyone walked up to the police tape, apprehensive slowed their accent. It was just yellow police tape, but felt more like a stream of lava than a thin strip of cautionary plastic.

“I’m actually hoping we don’t find anything…” Katie said under her breath, but it was loud enough for everyone to hear. “I mean…”

“We came all this way! It’d be pretty boring if nothing happened though.” Harper laughed nervously, scratching at his cheek.

“Now’s the time to bail, if anyone wants to. No matter what…I’m going.” Nicolaus said as he pulled up the police tape and climbed underneath! He held it up so that if anyone wanted, they could follow.

A myriad of quick glances were exchanged amongst the group, with uncertainty as the hurdle preventing anyone from being the first to join Nicolaus. Amala simply walked underneath and joined him on the other side, much to everyone’s surprise! Vernon and Katie followed suit. Vergil and Harper waited, almost frozen with nervousness.

“Listen…guys. If you want to stay here, then go ahead and wait in the car. Like Nick’o said, now’s the time to bail if you want. This is a trespassing, after all.” Vernon spoke to the boys sympathetically. Harper earnestly pulled the tape up by himself and joined the group! Everyone awaited Vergil’s decision, being the last one on the opposite side of the cautionary tape.

“No pressure, Vergil.” Nicolaus stated, seeing that the teen was more uncertain than his friend.

“Come on, man! Don’t be a pussy!” Harper shouted at Vergil!

“I-I’m not a pussy!”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah…” Vergil reluctantly crawled underneath the tape. With that done, everyone started toward the top of the ridge.

Amala began lagging behind which caught Nicolaus’s attention. He slowed down to check on her. “What’s up?” The barely audible grumbling coming from Amala set Nicolaus off as to her increasingly sour disposition.

“Nothing.”

“You’re lying.”

“How would you know?”

“Pretty obvious. Almost one hundred percent sure of it.”

“…I’m nervous, okay?”

“Then why’d you come along?”

“I don’t know, dude - er, Nicolaus.”

“Dude is fine; and thanks for before. I think you being the first to nut up gave the others the push they needed.”

“Right…”

“Speaking of which, why’d you do it?”

“…Don’t worry about the ‘why’. Actually, you want to pay me back? Those pills you mentioned; I want some.”

“Alright, alright. Doesn’t really give me an answer though, but you got it.” Amala smiled at her small victory.

The bone chilling breeze began to howl as Nicolaus and company finally reached the top of the range. Stars shinned in the night sky over Trenton, glowing brightly and bustling with life off in the distance.

“Alright, ladies and gentlemen…enough gawking! Let’s fan out and see if we can find anything - anything at all!” The commanding tone of Vernon’s voice shook everyone, but they all did as told and began searching the area.

“Damn, I guess he’s the alpha in this group. Right, Verg?” Harper and Vergil walked off into the more wooded area together.

“I-I guess…”

“*Sigh*…” Nicolaus audibly sighed while palming his face.

“Hey, Vernon! Nicolaus and I are going to search over here, okay?” Katie called out to Vernon who gave an ‘OK’ signal. “Come on, Spike.”

“Alright.” Branches snapped between dirt and sneakers as Katie and Nicolaus’s wandered through the nearby wooded area. Aimlessly searching for anything that seemed out of the norm, only stillness held over the forest. “I’ve got no idea what to even look for.”

“Me neither. Spike, I’ve got a question. What’s with you and Vernon? I get that you’re not really friendly, but don’t you think you’re being a bit much?”

“You’re probably right; it’s his draining personality that gets to me.”

“True. Thing is…you are kind of a downer too though…oh no, I mean–”

“I know. My mother used to tell me that too. I guess I’m letting past experiences with that kind of person sway my opinion of Vernon. But seriously, you really don’t pull your punches.”

“It’s completely by mistake, I promise!”

“Don’t worry; having a friend who’ll kick you in the pants when you act like an idiot is important for someone like me. Carl, despite his rampant sarcasm, used to do that. He’d come up with dumb ideas all the time, so in those cases I’d be the one playing the voice of reason.”

“Carl Lincoln? You guys were close?”

“A little - we were kind of, I guess. I’d known him since we’d first started working for the department. He was sort of my boss at first, but things changed pretty quick as I got promoted and he got demoted.”

“How’d that happen?”

“Every once in a while…he’d take some jokes too far.”

“Like?”

“Jokes…about women we worked with.”

“Ah.”

“Things about their bodies…within ear shot of some people who didn’t really-”

“I get it, I get it.”

“See, thing is, I don’t like keeping a large circle of friends. Probably a remnant leftover from the high school days.”

“Then, you were a loner back in high school! I was right!”

“Not really by choice…”

“Huh?”

“Nothing.”

“Well…Antonio and I usually just chill at home. So, we don’t spend too much time with our friends, either.”

“Antonio? That - uh, his name?”

“Yeah. That’s my boyfriend. He’s way bigger than Vernon, which is why if you meet him you can’t tell him about me hanging out over Vernon’s place alone. He’d probably eat him alive!”

“Doesn’t sound like a bad thing to me.”

“Haha…”

“May as well head back. I don’t see anything.”

“To be fair, we have been talking almost this entire time and not really looking.”

“Good point.”

The two searched the area, leaving no rock unturned. After a few minutes, they finally gave up and walked back toward the meeting spot. Along the way they heard a conversation up ahead. The voices consisted of Amala and Vernon, but also one they were unfamiliar with.

“Hang on, Katie.” Nicolaus peered out from behind a tree. He saw a tall, skeevy looking police officer talking to Amala and Vernon. “Crap. Knew this would go south.”

“What’s going on?”

“The police are…” Then it hit Nicolaus. (That’s the same officer from this afternoon…the one from the park. That can’t be a coincidence.)

“Spike…what’s up? The police are…?”

Amala took notice of Nicolaus as she looked off to the side. She didn’t want to make a scene, so she began mouthing words to him. [From…this…afternoon] Nicolaus, not being a master of lip reading was just barely able to understand what was being conveyed. Clear distress plagued her face, though she didn’t want to draw attention to her hiding accomplices.

“Found ‘em!” A sudden call from deeper in the woods startled Nicolaus and Katie, but they remained hidden! Another officer, much shorter and stockier came along dragging Vergil and Harper by the collars of their shirts!

“Alright, now where are the other two? Kevin, you go ahead and take these kids down the ridge. I’m going to find the others.” The skeevy officer said as he pointed down the hill. Amala sucked her teeth, which caught the officer’s attention. “Excuse me?!” In a shrill response, he stood imposingly over Amala!

“…” She went silent, aiming a fierce glare at the officer.

“You got a problem with me, sand rat?!”

“Yes, I do! You’ve been following me all day, haven’t you?” Amala snapped back with no fear in her posture! Despite her diminutive stature, no reservations were had when it came to someone insulting her.

“Heh! I’ve been following you all day for a damn good reason - don’t go thinking that you’re special or something!”

“Niles, stop! Remember…?” The other officer, Kevin, stepped in.

“…Fine…you’re right, but…” Officer Niles said as he gripped Amala up by the arm!

“Let go! Do not touch me…!” The color instantly drained from Amala’s face, staring down the barrel of a gun.

“Niles!” The other officer shouted!

“Don’t worry, just reminding this little bitch who’s in charge?”

“…” Tears formed in the corners of Amala’s eyes as her knees buckled.

“Whoa, whoa…let’s just stay calm!” Vernon raised his hands and approached the officer. Feeling threatened, Niles quickly turned his gun on the fit man!

“Get the fuck back, asshole!” He then turned his attention back to Amala. “Now, tell me where your friends are.”

“This is completely against protocol, Niles!” The other officer named Kevin stated.

“Wait here.” Nicolaus whispered to Katie. “Excuse me…” He stepped out from behind the trees with his hands held up!

“Oh! There’s the other one right there.” Officer Niles said as he pointed to Nicolaus. “We’re only missing one now.”

“We won’t put up a fight. Just what…you said before, what did you mean?” Probing for information in clever ways wasn’t Nicolaus’s forte, so he just flat out asked.

“What…? Just get over here!”

“No…I mean…I’ll come, but I want to know what you meant…when…” Nicolaus’s eyes widened in awe; as behind the officers, part of the sky began changing colors! Purple hue consumed the dark night sky as if smoke billowed upward from a growing fire. “Uh…” The already frightened, spiky haired young man could hardly muster a words as he stumbled back. Simply pointing was all Nicolaus manage to direct the others’ attention. Everyone turned to see the sky changing colors, but then they realized it was only a small part of the sky. It was the airspace above Amala that the ominous purple haze was stemming from! Eyes red and puffy from just barely holding back tears, she stared holes through Officer Niles!

Niles backed away with his gun trained on Amala! “T-They said something was weird about them! Should I shoot—” Before he could finish his sentence, the purple mist like substance formed something of a large ghastly hand! It swung down on both of his outstretched arms, then with a gruesomely thick and loud cracking sound, broke them at the elbows! The man shrieked in agony! His fellow officer in response drew his sidearm, prepared to open fire on Amala, but…

“Wait!” Nicolaus said as he reached out his hand to stop the officer! As he did, a whirlwind of blue mist, not dissimilar to the one that emanated from Amala, aside from color, blew toward officer Kevin! The mist wrapped itself around Kevin and catapulted him clear off the ridge at a breakneck speed!

The last sounds that came from Kevin as he was thrown out of sight were his screams, and then a loud meaty thud! Everyone went silent at the inhuman spectacle.

“Agh…y-you fucking…monsters!” Officer Niles wretched in pain, vomiting as his stomach churned, and ambling toward Amala! She fell back onto her rear attempting to distance herself! “You…fucking sand rat cunt…do you know…what the…ugh…what you did?!”

“St…” Tears roared down her cheeks, as Amala continued to crawl back. “Please…I don’t…stay away…”

“Get away from her!” Katie yelled out as she ran towards the officer, with a hope of intervening!

“You little…bitch…I’ll fucking wring your neck! I’ll…fucking kill you!”

Amala shirked and covered up! When she did, the purple mist once again appeared, flying towards the enraged officer and pushed into his chest. All at once, Officer Niles’s entire torso explode outward! Blood and guts blew backwards completely layering Katie! Nothing was left of the man, but legs, both broken arms, torn clothes, and his head, which rolled over toward Amala. Agonized eyes stared pitifully into Amala’s own. Overwhelmed completely, she could no longer take it, passing out onto the ground. Katie, on the other hand, looked down at herself…covered from head to toe in another person’s blood and guts. She took a few seconds to register what had transpired, but when she did, puked.

“Ugh…ugh…wh—what the fuck?! Oh god! What the fuck?!” Katie shirked at the top of her lungs! Nicolaus was still stunned at the fact that whatever blue mist came from him had just potently killed a man, while Vernon and the other boys were horrified at what they’d just witnessed.

“Um…” Vernon tried to compose himself at least to just get out some words. “Y…you…um…hang on…I…no…” It wasn’t going well. The wind began to pick up, carrying frigid air along. That cold winter’s night wouldn’t be forgotten by anyone who’d come to the mountain’s ridge. From then onwards, it would become a driving point of both ambition and guilt; constantly pushing all those involved past their breaking points, destroying them and remaking them into something new, some great and others…vile.

End of Chapter 1