'Ancient roots are spread beneath much of our land for miles. Few vampires and even fewer humans know of this life form. Beneath the ground it exists without a singular will. It's merely a conduit. A stream of consciousness flowing beneath the land. Memories imprinted upon it live on for centuries, bestowing ancient knowledge and power to those with the courage to seek it. Giving mere beasts the power to ascend beyond their primal origins.
And it's payment- is the spread. Like seeds that have fallen into the wind, it is carried throughout the world by those who seek its forbidden power. Researchers have wondered if it has an overarching goal besides propagating its own life but the system of roots aggregating around religious sites seem to suggest an influence by the gods instead-'
Kendra slapped the book closed. Gods an semi-sentient mushrooms. How quaint. There's a growl from outside the cottage. "Grandmother, is that another Ghoul?"
---
"Oy' ye fucker ge'outa the way!", Jack stepped back as a horseless wagon passed. "Fuckin' cunt.", the driver sneered at him as he passed before whipping his reigns sending the wagon forward. Jack flipped his collar out, trying to avoid the light rain. "Nothin'?", his partner asked. Jack shook his head. "For gods sake-" he said quickly; "-Then what are we supposed to do now?", With how these things usually turned out... They likely didn't have much time. But how was he supposed to know?
Jack only moved to Kaemol last month. He had no familiarity with the seedier parts of town- the best informants. "'Aven't got a clue, but wot else we got to go on?", Jack wanted to be frank with him, but he wasn't sure yet- if Cheney was the type to work with criminals, or one of the gungho justice types. Or worse yet, completely in the employ of the mob, now that's the real dangerous partner to have. There were always a few different types, and working with either came with it's nuances. Jack was starring up at himself from a puddle on the ground.
This was near where it happened, a young girl was reported missing. It wasn't the first disappearance either, but Jack wouldn't lie this one in particular was... Motivating. Sometimes you wait for more disappearences just so there'd be a new lead, new evidence. But not this time, this time they had a real fire under their asses. They've been disappearing since before Jack signed onto the towns Peacekeepers, part of the reason they requisitioned him. And not just children, people of all kinds.
He sighed. It was time to discover what kind of PK special investigator Cheney was. "Shall we head back to the office, then?", Cheney asked. "No." He looked around to make sure they were alone. "Hey Cheney?" Jack said as he pulled a cigarette from his coat pocket and a booklet of matches. He offered Cheney one but he shook his head. "Yea?" Cheney asked.
"Wot d'you make of the Gamblers? The Shippers?", Jack pretended not to look and gauged his reaction as he took a drag off his cigarette. "You mean the red light district?", "Yeah, them types. Might be they know summat 'bout all this.". Cheney had immediately began nodding slowly as he mentioned the gangs. "I see where you're headed with this. But they usually want a bit o' protection in return. You goin' bent on me, PK Jack?", Cheney had a annoyed look on his face as he said so. "Nah, course not. Ain't givin' 'em nuffin'. In times like these, you don't 'ave to. Only time I ask is when it's desperate.". "Hmm..." Cheney was looking him up and down as if his opinion of Jack suddenly changed. "Alright then, but just so we're clear, I don't deal with dirty PKs.", "Noted.", Jack was glad of the fact if anything.
Suspicion is smart. Cheney is the rarest kind of PK, the one who went with the flow and tried to make decisions as they came. It seemed at least. "So you know where I can find 'em?", "Yeah, I’ll take you there, but I’m not hangin' about. Like I said, I don’t want me name linked to that.", Jacked raised his hands. "Alright alright, lead on then.", and so Cheney walked with Jack across town, deep into the red light district. Sharp gazes cut from individuals who had their heads turned in other directions.
Flies buzzed around dung in the street and vendors sold skewered meats. The gem lights left to rot for years without changing flickering in the rain. This was where you went to get anything done, but it was a maze. Jack was glad Cheney agreed to take him.
Jack stood outside a dark alley. It was here, Cheney had said. It would've been difficult to find as all of these alleyways looked the same. A few burly thugs stood outside waiting, pretending to loiter. But really- they were bouncers. Jack walked over casually. One of the men stood erect after noticing him- he had black skin and bright white dreads. "Don’t reckon I’ve seen you 'round these parts before.", he said as Jack stepped over. Jack just flashed a hand full of silver. "I wanna chip'n.", Jack said.
The men exchange a pleased look between each other. It's possible to get in without paying, if you swing it the right way. But to Jack money was only a means to an end. "We can sort ya out with a spot at the low stakes table.", "That's fine.", "'Five silver for entry." the man held out a hand, Jack stepped forward and dropped the many coins into his hands.
"Alright, thanks." the man said and leaned back ignoring Jack. Jack sighed. "Just this way then?" he walked forward and the man with dreads put up a hand to stop him.
It was unfortunate, these three men were physically very strong. But that's all they had, no formal training. It was clear in how they stood. They could handle drunks and impoverished youths, but not trained soldiers. Or else they'd be inside, standing around whoever runs this place.
One of them stepped in close behind him, the other to his right. They were trying to rob him now. They'd find that he wasn't such an easy mark. Jack snapped back with an elbow, hitting the man behind him in the face. The man in dreads pulled a knife but Jack grabbed his arm, kicking the third man away. He twisted and smashed it against the wall of the alley, the knife went clattering to the ground.
For every punch they managed to land, Jack landed three. He would be sore tomorrow morning, but after a minute or so all three men laid beaten. He reached the heavy iron door they guarded. He knocked. The slat in the door opened. A pair of eyes- asian- looked back at Jack. Then at the bouncers lying about the alley.
"Lookin' for trouble, are ya?", "No trouble, just lookin' to bet.", the two had a quick back and forth exchange- "We only deal with appointments and regulars.", "I ain’t got the connections.", "Not my problem.", "It will be if you don't let me in.", after that Jack hears a voice behind the man. He looked back- "He's a nobody, tryin' to muscle his way into the game!", again Jack hears the distant voice of another man in response. Then the asian man asks; "You sure? Alright then. I’ll tell ya, you need to find better protection—those bums got beat by just one bloke.", the asian man looked back towards Jack. "Alright then. Ya' got coin?"
Jack raised a pouch and turn it towards the tiny window in the door. A shine of silver reflects in the mans eyes as they widen. "Alright. Don't try anything, we just keep those guys were bums, not like our real clientele.", "Of course.", the slat closed and he heard locks come undone.
The rot iron door opened, revealing the metal and stone interior. Mostly metal, as this was a mining town in the middle of a desert. Hardly anything was made of wood and if it was- it was imported. It was a small room and after another set of doors it opened into a much larger lobby. Full of tables and people playing poker. Jovial voices and the clattering of poker chips filled the room."Aha! Told ya I’d be takin' it all home tonight!", "That’s rubbish! How’s a bloke get all the aces all night long? Which god do you favor- Ishia?", "That dodgy stuff don’t fly around here, and you know it.", conversations like these could be heard around.
"Wait here for the next game." the man took him to a table and gestured to a stool. The metal table next to him was covered in green velvet- marked with white lines. One other already sat at the table. A bald man had a glass of wine and was puffing a cigar. He wasn't paying attention to Jack, simply reading a tiny book.
A blonde headed dealer walked to the flat edge of the semi-circle table and began shuffling and inspecting a deck of cards. He seemed green, like he was unsure if he was supposed to be here. New guy probably. An older women took another seat, she looked as if she just left a ballroom. Poofed up hair and makeup to make her seem more pale.
A scruffy guy about Jacks age- early thirties- took another seat a moment later. The final seat is taken by a young woman with bright red hair, she wore a slim fitting dress and it fit well. The five people- counting Jack- sat in a semi-circular around the host- the man shuffled cards nervously.
"Uh- chips." the host said, referencing towards the red headed player. She nodded and handed him several silver. Which he placed somewhere below the table and handed her back ceramic chips of varying color. One by one we exchanged our chips. "The games 5-card." Jack was pretty good at this one. It's essentially a basic game of poker.
Three cards would be shown face up in the center, and all the players could use the two cards they get to make hands out of them. Two more cards would be shown with each round of betting- increasing the stakes. Whoever had the best hand by the end of it would win.
Jack played the game, and no one said anything for a time. He did... Well... Enough.. He wasn't here to win. Just to survive awhile so he could socialize and find someone with their thumb on the heartbeat of this city. Many people did- they only guarded that information against people who would use it against them. But they would share it if they trusted you.
He stole glances at the other players, as well as the people around the room. A lot of mid-level operators congregated in spaces like these. Anyone of them could have the information he needed. They're aren't heartless after all. The criminal underbelly was a community like any other and looked after each other. Even against the law.
But when kids were hurt- that was a different case entirely. In Jacks previous city he knew many crime lords who routinely gave up the bad actors. People who commit crime on impulse, from a place of emotion- or desperation. It was bad for business, and the crime lords had no tolerance for it.
"Sir?", the dealer asked. Jack was surveying the room, perhaps too obviously. He snapped to attention. "Uh, call.", he places his chips in the center. The bald man seemed to take notice of that as he puffed on his cigar and looked at his own hand. "You play often?" he asked after a moment.
Jack looked up feigning surprise, "Yeah. Not here though. This is new.", the dealer placed another card on the table face up as another round of dealing began. "I thought so, ain't seen you 'round here.", "Yeah... Is that uh.. a problem?", "No, no problem. New people are always good."
A different player spoke next, a shrewd scruffy man- "Yeah... I run a mine 'round here. If we didn’t get new faces, we’d run out of folks.". His hairline was partly receded and his face was very pointed. "Shame what 'appens to the folks in the mines." the older women in a ball gown said sadly.
"It’s the city's main export, and the treasury keeps askin' for more and more each year. Don’t matter who gets bumped off in the process.", the shrewd man said that, but didn't seem to care about the actual lives so much as the effort of replacing them. He folded his hand throwing the cards into the center and the dealer swept them away.
Jack checked, which meant that the previous player hadn't raised since the last round of betting. "It's what you sign on for when you become a miner.", the young redhead said as she adjusted her elbow length gloves. "Should’ve picked somethin' less risky if they’ve got regrets.", the old women gave her a 'how could you say that' look. But she only shrugged.
Jack didn't overly disagree, there were always a poor class in cities that handled the less desirable work. But it wasn't always so risky. Cave-ins, premature detonations, the air becomes toxic- lots of ways to die in a mine. But the cities council decided it was humane, so it has nothing to do with Jacks job.
The final river card is displayed, 4 spades, no chance at a straight or full house. The winning hand is probably a flush two pair. He just had a pair. The players displayed their cards, besides the shrewd man who had folded. So the redhead had won, with a flush pair. "Don't be too sad boys, it's only a matter of luck." she smiled then made a mockingly sad face.
The dealer collected the cards and dealt another round. Over the course of the evening the young redhead was winning often. Jack nursed his drink, it was only his second- he needed to stay sharp. The players talked all the while, but of nothing about the case.
Jack was beginning to wonder if he was wasting his time, he's hinted towards the crime and if anybody knew anything they could've interjected by now. He figured he'd be more blatant as the the evening was drawing to a close.
He waited until someone brought something up that made for a half decent segue. The young redhead was having a good time and couldn't shut up. "-pshh, that's small money. My families weapons shop lost thousands in a robbery, can you believe that? Rob a weapon shop! Of all the places.", "They were successful weren't they?", the guy who owned a mining company said. "Lucky! We didn’t reckon anyone’d come in from the ceiling. It’s trapped- it's got, like... barbs and stuff, y'know? Slices through a person like butter. No need for magical barriers.",
"Ugh, so grotesque." the older women told her. She assumed another mocking face of 'how barbaric'. Then the bald man spoke; "But effective. I also find magical means of security unreliable. Traps with physical components are far superior. But in the end, it's better to be able to defend yourself.", "You would say that. What do you weigh, 300 pounds?", the bald man chuckled at the redheads comment. "The gods blessed me with a good constitution, yes." taking a puff from his cigar. "But it's important to train as well, no reason not to when a person has the means." This man constantly smokes, he's had someone bring him cigars and drinks all night.
"Lot of crime in this city? I 'eard 'bout a girl who went missin' recently—an' there’s been others too...", Jack says. Trying to bring it up casually. It was crude, a new person bringing up topics like this was suspicious. And something about Jack, it was impossible to hide. People with hidden depths within them often could sense their kin.
And those at this table- to Jacks luck- were such individuals. Honestly -the irony, how the odds were against him, but not in the actual poker. He sat at a vipers nest and the table pandered to him as if they were in the company of a lower class. Which he was grateful for. It made his job easier.
"Yeah, I’ve 'eard 'bout the disappearances.", the bald man said looking remorseful. "Sorry state of affairs. I reckon some poor soul’s lost their marbles. Abductin' folks, for what? For what purpose?", the older women said. "You're a peacekeeper aren't ya?", the scruffy man said.
The table went quiet, and the dealers hand stopped as he placed a stack of chips. Then he began dealing as usual. A player tapping the table to signal checking, waving a hand for folding and placing chips to call or raise. "You've been talking about crimes all night, and you got that PK vibe." had he?
"Sort of. I mentioned I’m new in town, didn’t I? I’m the new investigator. I handle the problems the town’s muscle can’t.", "No kiddin’? So wot’s this, then? Takkin' a break while folks go missin'?", he quickly tapped the table as the dealer looked towards him. "No.", Jack figured he'd show his hand. "Honestly, I-", before Jack can finish the bald man interrupts him. "Let's speak in my office." the bald man said placing his cards on the table. "Coin his chips, dealer." he stands up and two bouncers approach his side. He hands one his drink and turns to me expectantly.
Perhaps this was the man who spoke at the door? Crime lords are shady, and he probably expected someone like Jack to turn up eventually. Usually crime lords don't meet personally with new people so quickly. Maybe this town was different. Jack began to follow the man, the others at the table looked frustratingly at each other. Especially the red head. Almost half the tables money walked away.
Jack accompanied the bald man and his bouncers to a pair of double doors. This city had access to stone and metal as building materials- that's it. So every building was a fortress by default. The heavy doors swung open into a hallway, wide enough for the four of us to walk side by side while still being passed by the occasional worker.
The bald man saw the trepidatious look Jack had and tried to console him- "Honestly, I’ve been waitin' for a bloke like you to show up. Think we might be able to work together on somethin'." Jack only nodded. They entered a stairwell that winded up, floor after floor they walked.
Jack was fairly in shape but even his legs burned a bit by the time they reached the top. The bald man was massive, 6"2 but wide as well as tall and he floated up the steps without effort. It was a strange sight, as his guards didn't have such an easy time of it.
They entered into an office. The walls were cluttered with paintings, portraits, framed letters or quotes- miniatures, hung weapons, taxidermist trophies, it was an impressive collection. It even had a hardwood floor- which was impressive as wood was an expensive import in this city. An ornate desk sat in the center-back of the room.
The bald man stepped over to a chair next to a fireplace. As they sat across from each other the bald man waved over someone dressed as a waiter. "Get me one of the Braizelles, and another glass of wine.", he looks towards me gesturing a hand questioningly. "I'm fine." I say.
"Come on, it'd be rude to refuse—it's vintage!" he raised his voice humorously. He wasn't sure he should be accepting drinks now that his affiliations were known, but Jack had no reason to mistrust the man. A crime lord had little reason to kill an investigator. "Okay fine.".
This office was a comforting room. With the rain now pouring outside the office window, the cold of the city had began seeping into the buildings. Drafting through the halls. Though there was no crackle of wood or anything like that to add to the ambience. The fire was fueled by an gas pipe.
"Right then, reckon we’re overdue for introductions. I must say, I’ve met plenty of investigators, but never at one of my tables.", the large man sat at a chair, it groaning under the weight. "Names Barnabe, but you can call me Barns.", the waiter walked over and handed them each a glass of wine.
"Nice to meet you too Barns- Jack." He reached out and shook the mans hand before leaning back into his chair. "I try to earn a bit o' respect before askin' for favors, but I’m runnin' outta time, so it’s a stroke o' luck I ran into ya.", he smiles and nods; "Well luck is what we deal in here... 'Aye it's quite dire, 'ave the peacekeepers any leads?", "None at all, the perps like a ghost, his tracks disappear after a few feet. They're good."
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
"From what I know, that ain't surprising. I reckon there’s some grander conspiracy at play here. Not just a lone actor, but somethin' bigger. It's right lucky you showed up when you did.", "How so?" Jack asked. "You went to me, and not some place like the Skewered Rat for one.", "You don't say...", he would have to thank Cheney later. "Yes, I believe I know who is responsible." He would REALLY need to thank Cheney later.
Then a waiter appeared carrying a small opened box of cigars, displaying them to the two men. Barns takes one. Jack shakes his head, and the waiter walks away. "-Wait! You Know who!? Tell me- quickly! Please- lives are at stake!", "Relax, Jack. -You haven't even taken a sip of your wine." he raised a glass to Jack. Jack hurriedly takes a sip, it was profoundly bitter and honestly quite bad. Jack attempts to conceal his displeasure, poorly- placing the glass on the coffee table between them.
The man swirls his wine in contemplation. "The Shippers—they’ve been expandin' their interests lately. They’ve got their shipments, wagons, escorts, and mailin', but I’ve heard they’ve been spotted in the meat quarter.", the meat quarter. A collection of butchers and farms to raise animals, and the criminal outfits associated with them.
They're located so that the citizens don't hear the screams of their food, so it's prime territory to conceal nefarious operations. "So the two crime lords are workin' together? The Shippers and the Farmers?", "No, don’t reckon the Farmers know or care enough to investigate. Little dealings like these often pop up between the middlemen in each outfit.". It was true, in times of peace there was no reason shippers and farmers couldn't work together to make a buck.
"What are they doing?", Barns smoked his cigar, then he stood and walked to the central window at the end of the room, looking out it. Kremole was known for its' tall slender buildings of iron and this building was only one of many such buildings.
"I’ve only just heard, so I’m tryin’ to dig up more. From what I’ve been told, they’ve been traffickin' people. But not just that—they’re catchin' and releasin' folks. And what’s worse, those they release seem to have no memory of it. It’s like they’re searchin’ for people with specific skills or somethin’.",
"That’s all you know? Some Shippers and Farmers traffickin' folks in the meat quarter? How are they gettin' ‘em? How’re they leavin' no trace? And why’re they doin' it?", Barns shook his head.
"Somethin' about only workin' at night... Somethin' to do with blood... I’ve only just heard of this, mate. I’m still piecing it together. You’re lucky I know this much.", Barns turned towards Jack flicking his cigar. He froze mid-motion and his jaw went agape.
"And you seem to know a fair bit...", a feminine voice said from the door. Jack turned and saw a slender figure leaning against the door frame, her arms folded with two daggers dangling. Guards were collapsed behind her, red pooling at the floor. It was the red head from before, her dress stained with blood.
"Who are yo-" Barns began to say. "Uckle-" he groaned in pain, reaching for his throat- gripping a dagger handle, he staggers across the room, about to collapse. One dagger was now missing from the womens grip.
Barns steadied himself on his desk, opening a drawer and pulling a vial from within. "Tssk- aren't you're hard to kill?", Jack whipped around from his chair knocking it over. He threw his trench coat back revealing two short swords hung within, he twirled them out from their sheathes and crosses them in front of him. He was an investigator, not a killer. But he could hold his own.
"Awe, let's hope you're better at this than you are at cards.", the redheaded women tilts her head to the side with a coy smile. "I'm an investigator, and if anything happens to me the entire force will be up in arms!", Jack shouted. The women cackled in laughter, an ugly laugh that stands in stark contrast to her beautiful face. She looked at Jack with tears in the corner of her eyes, she wiped one. A dagger clattered to the floor and Barns said; "Investigator- get down." Jack dropped and *WOOMF* Jack felt warmth pass him as a ball of fire exploded at the door.
Jack looked up towards the flames and saw a cindering empty doorway. "Where'd she go?" Jack asked as he looked around, then he saw Barns. His throat wound was mostly healed, but now the women stood at his side, her remaining dagger wedged in between his ribs.
He coughed blood and went to grab her arm but she yanked the dagger out causing him to fall to the floor. "Uh, can we talk about this? Maybe you could pay me to keep quiet?" Jack knew she wouldn't buy the lie, but it was to buy time as his eyes whipped around the room. Did the crime lord have anymore weapons like that?
The women sucked on one of her bloodied fingers. "Oh, that is a vintage." she said, looking towards Jack. "Seriously, you guys don't have any investigators right? I could be that investigator." Jack shuffled sideways towards the door. Her face became agitated. "No, we have one. Though he seems to be very incompetent...", She looked disappointed for a moment, but then resumed her good spirits, "But! That's fine. Things happen in love and war." She looked at Barns' body and nudged him with a foot. "...I might have my lord turn this one...", "Your lord, a crime lord?", She cackled again. "Crime lord, that's rich. You're funny, you know that? Maybe I'll keep you too...", she said, dragging a clawed finger along the desk as she approached Jack.
"Ohp, where are my manners? I'll let you and your friend finish your conversation first.", she said walking past Jack. He kept his swords crossed defensively as she did. She walked out of the door and up the stairs. "Come find mommy once you're done Barney!" she said behind her as she left.
Jack felt a presence behind him. He turned to be starring into the bloodied chest of Barns. "Come look at this!", he roared, and swung his arm into Jack clothes lining him. He flipped into the end table shattering it into two. "Fuck!", jack pulled a large shard of his wine glass from his back, then picked up his swords.
Barns was up again. Fighting for her. Why? His eyes- they're glowing red, he's smiling eerily. "Oy' mate- whatever she did to ya', snap out of it. I don't want to have to hurt ya'.", Barns only chuffs and stomps over. Jack took that as a sign to go on the offensive, he ran forward a few feet before dropping to his knees in a slide.
Big guys like these you had to chop down like trees. He swirled around with quick strikes slashing Barns. "Play fair ya' hooligan!", He roared in anger. Jack could survive this, that women had underestim- Barns flashed across the distance between them, leaping to him in an instant-
-punching the center of the cross his swords formed. The weight behind the strike was explosive. Jack tucked his elbows into the flat part of his blades, anchoring himself to the ground. But then his feet lifted off the ground and he felt himself flying into the desk with a thud.
"Right where were we?" His undead form seemed to have a penchant for random phrases. Maybe she brought him back, but only parts of him? He picked Jack up by the scruff of his shirt and lifted him off his feet. "Let's do business." he snarled. Then jack heard a slight whistling sound.
He looked past Barns and saw a gas pipe hanging out of the ceiling- likely knocked loose by that fireball. It was dangerously close to a flickering flame on some bookshelf.
"Oh shit." 'BOOM!', both Barns and Jack are launched by the explosion out of the window. And they fell. His life flashed before his eyes, the women, his wife, the fights, becoming an investigator. His children back in Luna. All the people he saved. The portrait of the little girl who would likely be doomed if he died. The visions looped over and over. It felt like an eternity. How tall was this building? He began to think before it all went black.
---
Then he awoke, almost immediately. It was like a dreamless sleep. He was- being held? "-stupid Aster, killing my friends! Stealing my toys!!", her heard a crying voice say. He blinked away the darkness and his eyes adjusted to the broken building exposed to the night air. What was going on? "I'll make new friends! Friends they can't kill!" The girl held his head up, sniffling. She removed her hands and he floated there. He couldn't turn his head. "Oy- who are you? Where am I?", he said eyes darting around. He felt... Different.
The girls eyes grew wide hearing his words. "I-it worked! Amaraya was right! Yes!" she said hugging herself jumping up and down. Slowly, he felt his limbs. They were locked in place around him. He saw black shapes swirl through the air. "Oop! I'm not done yet!" the girl said moving her hands in front of her. "Sorry Skele!"
She was a child, about the age of the missing girl. "Hey- I think I've been looking for you." Jack said. The girl cocked her head to the side curiously, her cheeks were red from crying and her nose was a bit snotty. But her eyes- her eyes glowed violet.
"What did they do to you girl? Untie me, and I'll get us out of here!", he said his eyes shifting left to right. The girl looks confused. "Did I get something wrong?" she said, walking over to a book opened on the ground.
This couldn't be the meat quarter. Jack told himself. It looked like the ruins of some castle, a broken stone tower. Banners tattered blowing in the wind of the open starry sky above. The wind was so strong it even blew the nearby redwood... Trees? Yes, the trees were shaking in the wind. He wasn't in Kremole anymore. How long was he unconscious?
"Girl, answer my questions." Jack demanded sternly. She picked up the book. "Oh! Here it is! My Familiar, you are now in my service, state designated purposes- oh I'm supposed to tell you what to do... You are to play with me and listen to me.... And protect me... Find my toys... And stop Asmodeus from killing my cats." She started rambling off things.
Jack just starred back incredulously. "Girl, I'm not doing any of that. Well, most of it. I'm here to rescue you- I'm an investigator. You were kidnapped right? Where are the other prisoners?", Jack asked.
The girl looked back into her book. Sniffling and wiping away her snot with her free hand. "Okay, now I'm supposed to say this part I think- 'Goddess Mariva, please grant me your divine favor and allow these magics. So that we may protect ourselves in these times of trepi-trepipastion", "Trepidation.", Jack corrected.
"-trepipation. If my service pleases you, then please grant me this familiar." she said shutting the book and picking up a knife that was on the ground. "Whow, -what are you?", she poked her finger with the blade. Wincing at it. "Hey kid don't do that! Stop!", she slowly held out her hand over the ground in front of her. A singular drop of blood hit the ground.
Slowly purple light filled the room, a circle of runes on the ground glowed. Jack felt himself coming together, as if his arms and legs were separate parts of himself. "It's working! That was so easy!" she raised her hands over her head. "Thanks Mariva!"
Jack collapsed to the ground, he lifted himself uneasily. He saw- bone fingers? He started looking down the length of his body. He was made of bone he started running his fingers over his body in disbelief. "Oy, this isn't funny. What kind of afterlife is this?", the girl stood there cradling a book in her arms looking at him with a smile. She just did some blood ritual and she's the picture of innocence. What in the world?
"What is this? What spell was that?", he asked her. "I didn't know you were supposed to ask questions...", this time it was Jack who cocked his head at her. "Not that I mind it! I'm glad you can talk! Amaraya said Mirava could make the spell stronger if I preyed hard enough!"
Jack sighed, the girl was evidently some necromancer and he died from his fall. He never heard of necromancer reanimating the souls of the dead though, only their bodies...
"I don't know anything about Amaraya or Mirava, are they crime lords?", "No, one is a Dread Lord, is that like a crime lord?", Jack just starred back.
"What spell was that!? Why am I just bones!?", the girl shied away in fear walking away with the book, "I'm sorry...", "-That's fine! ...Just answer my questions, I'm not mad... I promise.", "I casted 'Find Familiar' from this book! Amaraya says this book is special because of the divine flavor.", she probably meant 'favor' Jack thought.
So he was brought back to life, as a familiar? Is that how familiars are made? He's heard of the spell, that certain mages at the highest level could conjure a cat or something of the like- but nothing like this! This is like some mix of necromancy and what god-infused magics clerics and the like used. "Where are we?", Jack asked. "Some old castle..." she said it like he was stupid.
Suddenly a look of epiphany went over her face. "Oh I know! I have something to show you! Come on!" she said excitedly. "Oy, where are we-" Jack began to ask but the air around them suddenly shifted.
A bolt of purple energy struck a wall. Sparks of violet would erupt from nowhere as a shimmering translucent sphere appeared, large enough to encompasses the two. 'WHOOMF!', in an instant the space around them changed. They were still in a castle, but this one was well lit and well intact.
The little girl walked over to a chest and started rummaging around. "Fuckin' hell mate..." Jack said as he stumbled around the room disorientated by the shift. It was an opulent room, like a princesses. He swung open a pair of glass doors and looked out into the night.
It was a massive castle surrounded by farms and villages. The sounds of people talking and working. Then he heard the crack of whips and shouts of pain too. He shuddered and quickly closed the doors. "Girl, I think this may be a dangerous place.", "Not for us- This is my home." she walked up holding a stuffed guinea pig in her arms. "This is Phil!" she said holding it up to Jack. It was crudely knitted and had buttons for eyes. "Uh, hey Phil.", "Oy' heya Ribs, how are ya'!" she said in an accent like his. She laughed, "See? That's how you talk.", "Yes very humorous." he said.
"What am I supposed to do?" he asked out loud. As if some god would hear him. It was ridiculous, he failed to find the girl. And who knows how long he's been dead? His investigation is likely over.
And why was he here now? Something to do with divine favor, but that was far from a complete answer. He's never heard of this goddess... This Mariva. But perhaps he could meet with this 'Amaraya' fellow.
The girl was playing the the stuffed doll. She looked up at the skeleton. "Uh.. Help me? Be nice to me? Amaraya said you would be a good familiar so long as I did the spell exactly like he said... So... Just know this stuff. Okay?" Jack was at a loss for words. "...What's your name?" he asked.
"I'm Penelope." she smiled at him. "Come on, let's go outside I want to show you something else!" she said leaving the room. Jack followed her.
None of the servants seemed to intervene or ask why a skeleton was walking the halls. Even the guards hardly sparred him a passing glance. You'd think someone would ask some questions at least, but they seemed fearful of drawing Penelopes attention.
He did hear whispers from some of the servants. "Miss Penelope created a familiar.", "I'm glad for her, her family treats her so badly, perhaps now they'll respect her.", "Don't let her family hear you say that." Jack looked towards the maids and they scurried off.
The girl stopped at a row of rose bushes. "My mother helped me plant these, she says I can come here to talk to her anytime! Look!" she walked over to a fountain with the figure of a women sculpted into it. The roses grew around it in a circle, with stone benches around.
Penelope leaned over the fountain and looked into the clear waters, Jack stood next to her. He noticed he only saw his reflection in the water. His eyes were glowing fiery orbs floating in sockets. It was strange how accepting he was of his new form. It felt... Familiar.
Sure, there were things about no longer having flesh he would have to get used to. But he was alive again, he's sure he would have time to process some kind of existential crisis later.
But he got very focused whenever he started investigating, and there was certainly a case here... This girl, shouldn't be capable of magic like this at her age. And this castle, the sounds of screams... It wasn't normal, none of this was natural.
"Mother... I did it! I made a familiar! He's not very smart... but he's nice!", after a moment the water glowed. "..Yes Venrick, please take care of that... Daughter? I'm a bit busy at the moment. We can talk later.", "Okay! I think the roses are blooming, you should see them! Also-" the glow of the fountain receded. The girl starred a moment longer, before turning and sitting at the base of the fountain.
Gods, how sad was this girls life? "I'm sure she's doing something important.", Penelope looked up at Jack, almost forgetting that he was there. "Oh yeah! Want to play a game? You can help me gather materials for another familiar!",
"Sure, kid, but d'you really think it's wise messin' around with magic like that? Seems a bit dodgy. Maybe you could introduce me to this Amaraya bloke.", just then a few other children approached. Similar to her age. Did the king have multiple wives? They looked very different. A blonde one led that the trio as they approached.
The girl hid ineffectually behind Jacks bone legs. "Hey Penelope- let's play a game!" the boy said. "I don't want to play with you Aster.." Penelope said uneasily. Clutching Phil to her chest. "Don't be stupid! We're supposed to play together- I'm your brother! And you're always playing by yourself. What's this? A skeleton?", they stopped and looked at Jack. "He's my friend- I made him." she said. "Well technically my mother-" Jack began to say but Aster acted as if he didn't exist and kept speaking.
"-YOU made him? Don't lie. Your teacher did it didn't he?", "He taught me how...", Aster didn't seem to believe her. "...Well... he can play too, can't he?", a girl with green eyes stepped up as she said so, eyeing Jack up and down. "I-I think so.", "Good! This game is better with more people!", Aster said walking closer.
Something about the boy rubbed Jack the wrong way. His eyes were cold. A lot of the stares around here were. Jack instinctively stepped in-between him and Penelope, causing Aster to raise his eyebrows. His paternal instinct was taking over. He didn't know what kind of pull these children had around here- it seemed like a lot considering how the staff were acting. -But Jack wouldn't let brats like him get their way.
"I know! Let's play treasure hunt!" the boy said. He raised a hand and pinched two fingers together. "Aster- No!" Penelope said running forward to him. *Snap* suddenly everything for Jack is a blur, he's spinning through the air. 'Sploosh' he feels his skull sinking into the fountain.
He felt himself scattered across the garden. His many bones in different bushes and lodged between bricks. "Aah!" Jack heard a person scream- muffled by the water of the fountain.
"Stop the bleeding! Here, give me your apron!" a mans voice said. Aster laughed, "I already found a treasure!", he said. "Lord Aster?" The man asked. "Move aside.", "But Lord, she's bleeding...", "Who cares about that? She has one of the pieces!", there's cries and whimpers from the servants as they leave the court yard, avoiding anymore possible bloodshed.
"Skele, where are you?" Jack heard Penelope cry nearby. "I'm in here!" Jack shouted. A pair of violet eyes look into the fountain. Then a pair of hands plunged into the water, to Jacks horror her flesh immediately began forming blisters and burning. "Penelope stop- it's hurting you!"
She quickly lifted his skull from the fountain. Her arms healed almost instantly. Aster laughed. "All that for one piece! Stupid!" he said, Jack looked over her shoulder and saw Aster holding an armful of bones smiling. One was bloodied. The other children were still searching for more. Penelopes eyes were full of tears again. "Give me those bones Aster!"
Raw furry began burning in Jacks non-existent heart. "Nevermind them Penelope. They're a bunch of brats.", Aster gave a stare. How good was his hearing? He didn't say that loudly enough for him to hear. Jack had to be careful, these evil children clearly had some kind of power...
Penelope held his head as she collected pieces of him, Jack guided her and eventually she ended up with the lions share of the bones. And a brave young maid began to help her, standing away from the distant servants who watched idly.
It seems her mother was the one struck by the stray bone. She tearfully held a handful of bones herself, she held them out to Penelope "Here" she said. "Thanks..." Penelope said. The trio approached. "I think I win!" Aster said, arms full of the largest bones. "Okay you win! Now give him back!", Asters face turned sour, "Why should I, I won didn't I? The winner should be able to keep the treasure... I know! Let's bury it! That's what you do with treasure!", "No!"
"No, Penelope. Let him. It's fine, you have my head, we can just get the pieces later..." I whispered as quietly as I could. She sniffled. "Okay...", the trio left to find a place to bury the bones.
The young maid was next to Penelope, she was a few year older, mid teens or so. "I'll help... I'm Maria." she said. "I'm Penelope... This is Ribs.", what, Ribs? What kind of name is that? "Hi Ribs.",
"Will your mother be okay?" Penelope asked. "I think so... She just needs time for her leg to heal.", "I'm sorry... I know humans don't heal fast...", the little maid clenched her fists. "It's not your fault. That brat did it.", Penelopes eyes go wide. "Shhh! Don't say that! You'll get killed.", "I don't care, I just get so mad when I see them treat you like that- and no one ever does anything. And they hurt my mom!", ""Both of you, hush. There’s a time and place for chattin' about things like this. Ugh." Jack said. "What?", Maria asked. "You won't like where they're burying me..."
---
Later Ribs, Maria and Penelope were in a type of meeting room, a foyer that wasn't far from her bedroom. The castle was divided into living quarters for each royal family member, it seemed. Not only did they each got their own rooms, they got kitchens, foyers, an entire section of the castle.
They were playing with her stuffed toys at the center, and Ribs was drying his bones next to a fire. He was cleaning them of cow manure. Some of the staff helped, though they wouldn't talk to him.
So much had happened, he found himself in another world, in another life. He didn't have time to worry about himself, he had a duty. As someone who is familiar with lose and sacrifice, he was still an amateur compared to Penelope. All this wealth and power... And these brats lived like psychos. Penelope was the only one that seemed human and normal.
"I am queen Penelope- killing people is bad!", the girl mimed using a doll. Maria had a stuffed horse. "But I'm the Bandit King, and hurting people is my job!", she said in a gruff voice. "Well then ...I'll send you far away so that you can't hurt anyone Bandit King!", a purple sphere appeared around the stuff horse and it disappeared. Maria gasped, then looked at Penelope with a surprised expression. And the two laughed together.
Jack thought his own world was writhe with crime and injustice, but this world made his seem innocent peaceful. Whoever this 'Amaraya' was, Jack must meet him as soon as possible. He guided Penelope, taught her to be stronger, because he knew her life would be difficult.
A goat born into a family of lions. Jack could see it, there was opportunity for great change for this... Kingdom? He had heard someone call it a domain before. But what was the difference?
These little brats are dangerous, and Jack suspects the older ones are just as bad. Vampires. That's what they were called. A society ran by blood thirsty corrupt monsters. Just like his own world, only, it was in a more literal sense.
Where were the parents? Were the king and queen just as evil? Why do they have slaves? Why do they make them suffer like this? Why were they so powerful? And what devil thought it wise to gift such power to children? There were many questions already, and Jack knew he had a lot of work to do. He didn't have time to worry about his new form, his strange new powers, questions liked how long he would live for, that was all low on the list of his priorities.
And his priorities were clear. Protect Penelope and Maria, meet Amaraya, and learn about this Mariva god.