Simon pulled the dark-haired woman close. The icy breeze made her shiver against him. He looked into her large brown eyes and smiled. She was one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen.

“Simon, thank you for bringing me here.” She said.

“Eh, don’t mention it.” He replied. Simon looked out over the city. He didn’t even remember how he’d gotten on top of this skyscraper, but he didn’t care. He cupped her chin and raised her lips to his, closing his eyes as he leaned in.

“Oh Simon, you can’t kiss me before marriage. What will my father say?”

Simon opened his eyes to see Chang’s disgusting face, where the beautiful woman had been. He punched the man as hard as he could, throwing him off of the top of the building and sprang awake.

He rubbed his eyes against the harsh morning light bursting through the window. Through half-closed eyes, he could make out the shape of his newly accepted teacher.

“Wake up, kid. The day is long and we have a lot of training to do.”

After taking a moment to organize his thoughts, he stood up. Who was that woman? He’d never seen her before, he would’ve remembered. Maybe someone nearby? Once or twice before he’d locked onto a person’s mind while sleeping and found them in his own dream. She was perfect.

“Hey, are you listening to me? We have to train. You’re wasting time,” said Chang, pointing a ghostly finger at him.

Simon shook his head. “I can’t. I have classes today.”

Training so far comprised four hours of meditation, followed by a ten-mile run through the city. Well, it would have been ten miles if they could’ve made it that far with no ghostly interruptions. Many of the spirits thought it was funny to watch a ghost whipping a psychic as he ran through the streets. Though, according to Chang, this was the expected outcome.

Every time they came upon another ghost, Simon was supposed to read into that ghost’s aura and try to sense the ghost’s past. It hadn’t worked yet.

“Classes?” Chang’s face contorted confusedly. “Are you a scholar?”

“I guess you could say that.” Simon plucked the boots from beside the bed and put them on. “I’m studying to become a doctor.”

Chang snickered. “If you wanted to cut people up, all you have to do is use your powers.”

“Not that kind of doctor,” Simon replied as he walked down the stairs.

“Doctor’s are nothing more than butchers and liars.”

Simon stopped at the bottom of the stairs, turning to the ghost. “Did you get killed by a doctor or something? What’s your problem?”

Chang crossed his arms. “No, I just think you could do something better with your life is all.”

Simon waved his hand, ignoring the ghost’s comment. What did it matter what Chang thought of him, anyway?

He looked around the dark, empty house. With his mother at work already, he didn’t have to worry about talking to Chang in the open, but it was a habit to look around. Long ago, he’d learned what happened to those who talked to ghosts in public.

An uneventful walk to the campus was always a welcome occurrence, and apart from Chang’s protests about training, everything was peaceful. Simon walked towards the door of the Kelvin building, as he did every weekday, and waited by the bike parking racks for Ros.

Antonio Rossini was his best friend since middle school, but even Simon never called him Antonio.

“Excuse me. Could you help me find the Waller Science labs?”

The voice of a young woman in a large tan puffer coat and white hat shook Simon out of his own head.

“Yeah, it’s right over…”

The woman. The one from his dreams. It was her. A long, dark hair that cascaded over her shoulders and big brown eyes just like he’d seen in his dream. Her soft smile and tan skin made her appear to shine in the sunlight.

“Is everything okay?” She asked.

Simon smiled, running his hands through his hair. “Yeah, sorry. You just caught me off guard. I was expecting someone else.”

“Mhm. Mhm.” Chang grumbled beside him.

“The building is right over there.”

She thanked him and walked away. Simon couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. How was she in his dreams?

“Mhm, mhm. Just as I thought.” Chang murmured. “No talent with women, either.”

“What are you talking about?” Simon hissed.

“I just mean a man of your age should be married by now.”

Simon turned to the ghost. “Where’s your wife, huh? I don’t see her anywhere.”

Chang’s brow dropped, and he flew off into the distance. Was that all it took to get rid of the man? Maybe it was a bit too far?

“Man, you’ve got to stop talking to yourself,” said Ros. His thick Italian accent coating every word of the sentence. The light brown peacoat he always wore, his cleanly pressed white shirt and grey pants gave him an air of affluence. He was the kind of person to never have a hair out of place. The only thing that appeared out of place on him was his ugly rubber restaurant shoes.

“Yeah, I know. Maybe some day I will.”

Ros patted him on the shoulder and pushed a paper wrapped object into his face.

“Here, try this,” he said with an eager smile.

“What is it?” Simon asked.

“Just eat it. You know you’ll love it.”

Ros was right. He’d cooked nothing that Simon hated. The guy had an unmatched talent in the kitchen. He took a bite and, like always, perfect. It was to be expected. Ros had spent every weekend while growing up in his uncle’s restaurant. Rossini’s was the sort of the high-class establishment where everyone wore a suit or dress all the time.

“It’s bread I made, stuffed with everything I had left over in the kitchen. It actually tastes decent.” He smirked.

Simon hesitated to take another bite, but it was too good to pass up.

The rest of the day continued as normal. He had three classes that day and waited for Ros by the doors once he finished. They shared every class but one. Thankfully, Ros’ last class was also one of the last day of classes offered, which meant most people had just returned to their dorms or homes to rest. Simon preferred it that way.

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

“So, what are we going to do today? I’m free for anything,” said Ros..

“No idea, man. I feel—”

Something within Simon shook. His heart dropped and he could feel his face warming up. What was it now? The feelings intensified and deep within his mind he heard… panting? Like an exhausted dog.

“Everything okay?” Ros asked, grabbing him by the strap of his bag.

Simon thought about how to answer, but the sound drew louder and nearer until it was no longer just in his head. He turned in its direction across the open courtyard. From behind the physical education building, leapt a dog the size of a small bus. With slobbering jowls and teeth that were large and thick enough to be seen from this distance. Simon clutched Ros’ arm and pulled him along, making a dash in the opposite direction.

“What is that!” Ros shouted. His long legs meant his strides went farther than Simon’s.

“A dog I think!” Simon answered.

The creature bounded towards them, destroying and knocking over everything in its path. It barreled through a fountain, increasing its speed as it locked eyes with Simon. It must be after him. But why? That didn’t matter. He would have to get away from Ros as quickly as possible.

Without a word, Simon turned left, allowing Ros to continue on without him. The dog monster followed him without hesitation. He’d memorized the campus and knew there was really only one place for him to go, the football field. The team had finished their season, so the field should be empty.

Simon jumped over the gate onto the field and pushed forward. He needed to get this dog away from people. A forceful bark blasted Simon halfway down the field. He tumbled over himself, scraping against the ice covered grass and dirt. As he struggled to stand, the thing came to a stop just a few yards from him.

Black fur-like quills lined its entire body and tail, which ended in a vicious spike. Four eyes blinked simultaneously and paws bigger than Simon’s torso patted the snow beneath.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay. I like puppies.” Simon gasped, still reeling from the earlier attack. The creature’s lips curved in an even more unnatural way.

“That’s good because I like the way psychics taste.” A voice like a rockslide responded. Its lips didn’t move, but the voice was clear.

“I haven’t eaten in so long. I’m starving.” Drool like acid dripped from its mouth.

Simon focused on the creature like Chang had taught him. He prodded with his own aura at the creatures, but… there was nothing there. Like an emptiness. Not darkness or evil, just nothing.

A football soared through the air and bounced off of one of the creature’s eyes. Ros sprinted out from the hall leading to the locker rooms and threw another ball. Of course, they did nothing but irritate the beast.

“Two for one, even better.” It howled, turning to look at both men at the same time.

Ros stopped at the demonic sound of the voice. “No, signore.”

“Go away, dumbass!” Simon shouted. “Why on earth did you come here?”

“Next time, I’ll let you die, no worry.” Ros sprinted past him.

Within a second, the beast caught up to them. One swipe of a paw was enough to put both men on the ground. Simon groaned and clutched his chest. Breathing was painful. He sought a way out, but trapped between the beast and a wall, there was no way they’d escape.

At that moment, he did something that felt awful. “Chang.” he whispered. “Chang, I need you.”

The beast chuckled, laying its head on its paws. “Oh Chang. Where are you?” It mocked, with a voice resembling Simon’s.

Fine! If he won’t help, then it would be up to Simon to take this thing out. Beside him, Ros groaned. Simon took a step forward and summoned his power into his fists. A shot to the body wouldn’t work on something this big. Simon just wasn’t strong enough. Maybe a shot to the eye could bring this thing down.

“I admit it’s humorous watching you plan, but my hunger grows by the minute.”

The beast stood up, towering over Simon and Ros. Its mouth gaped, revealing rows upon rows of teeth with breath like rotting fish.

A flash of light struck the beast in one of its right eyes, toppling it over. A quick roll and bounce and back onto its feet, it went.

“Couldn’t survive a day without me, huh?” Chang’s voice rang out in his mind.

“Where were you? Didn’t you say you’d help me get stronger or something?” Simon asked as he did his best to drag a half conscious Ros off of the field.

“I’ve been here all day.” Chang responded.

“Another one?” The beast mused. “Food really is easier to come by in the human realm.”

“I suggest we run.” Ros groaned, jumping to his feet. Sweat dripped from his forehead, staining his white shirt. He stumbled forward and went down on his knee. “Never mind.”

The beast swiped its paw once more, barely missing Simon, who dropped to the ground. It laughed before letting out a small bark. Just enough to flip Simon into the air.

“Chang, do something!” Simon yelled.

“Fine, fine.” The ghost replied. “Imagine your body covered in that gold light that’s around your hands.”

What light was he talking about? Simon thought, lifting Ros up by the collar. Whenever he used his powers, there was a warmth and a strength in whatever spot of his body he focused his power into. Maybe if he spread it out, he could strengthen his whole body? But that would severely weaken him.

Simon Dragged Ros along, running for both of their lives with the massive dog on their tail. He breathed in deep and told the warmth to cover all of him. Like a fire, it spread throughout his body, covering even his eyes until he felt he was going to cry. After it had spread, the heat emanating from him evened out and cooled slightly.

His stride became longer. Each touch of his foot against the earth becoming lighter and lighter until he barely felt the ground beneath him. In an instant, he found himself at the other side of the field and sprinting up the stairs. The creature howled behind him.

“Hey, not bad, kid,” said Chang, floating alongside him. “Now, let’s see you hit that dog with everything you’ve got?”

Simon dropped a screaming Ros at the top bleacher and turned back. He felt so light, like nothing could even touch him unless he wanted it to. He was wrong.

The beast whipped its spiked tail around, smacking into Simon’s left side. Pain enveloped his chest and he let out a yelp, slamming into the concrete stairs of the stadium. He bounced a few feet forward and had no time to recover as the creature beat its tail against him again. Simon crashed into centerfield.

“You can’t keep taking hits like that. Dodge! Haven’t you ever had a fight?” Chang screamed into his ear.

Simon pushed him away, rising to his feet. Back on the upper deck of the stadium, Ros was finally coming to and standing on his own two feet. Even from this distance, Simon could see his friend’s blue eyes wildly darting from side to side.

He needed the monster gone now. This was too much destruction and there would be too many questions if someone saw him here. Simon clenched his jaw and prepared for the thing bounding towards him. It’s mouth fully open, ready to swallow him whole.

It came crashing down over him. Gaping maw hitting nothing but the ground as Simon slid under it. That was easy. He jumped over the things swiping tail, landing next to its right hind leg. He struck hard at the creature’s belly. A seething howl let Simon know he was on the right track. He jumped, completely clearing the dog’s back and landing on its other side. Another strike and another. With each hit, he put more and more of his body into his swings.

“Come here, you insect. I will devour your soul.” It roared, and the field trembled, but this time Simon didn’t falter.

“Keep going, kid, we’re almost there!” Chang screamed a little too excitedly.

Two more hits had the creature stumbling. It limped over to one side, shaking its head and puking up something… No, someone. An arm, followed by a leg.

Simon did his best to keep himself from puking as well. This thing had actually eaten someone!

“Stop hesitating, kid!”

The scent of blood and bile permeated the air. Simon wanted to keep going, but he was sick to his stomach.

The creature reared its head and raised its tail, stabbing spike first in Simon’s direction. Simon reached out and caught the thing.

“How could you?” Simon whispered. The beast tried to pull away but couldn’t.

“Release me, psychic.” It howled.

“How could you?”

Simon watched as the things four eyes blinked repeatedly. Monsters like this shouldn’t exist. They were truly evil. He took a step forward and thought he saw the thing tremble.

The beast breathed in and roared with all its might. Dirt, chairs, and concrete blasted into the air, but Simon didn’t budge. He looked down at the tattered remnants of his jacket and shirt and pulled them off. He could see it now. A golden shimmering light shining out from his skin. That had never been visible to him before. He grabbed the tail with both hands and yanked the monster closer.

The creature turned to run, but Simon’s grip was too strong. Again Simon pulled, this time even harder until the beast was right in front of him. He raised his right hand and struck out at the monster’s head. Light erupted from the screaming beings’ eyes as it convulsed violently. Simon pushed his fist deeper into the thing until his light consumed every bit of it. Flames ignited on the tips of the beast’s quills, burning it to a crisp.

Beneath it, the ground opened up. A wave of heat melted the surrounding snow. Simon stepped away, still holding the beast. Monstrous red hands sprouted from the darkness of the opened earth and dragged the smoking, whimpering beast below. Simon almost fell into the pit as he was still holding onto the creature’s tail. In a matter of seconds, the hands and the giant dog were gone from sight.

“What in the fuck was that?” he mumbled.

Chang, shrunken down to the size of a fist, floated down and sat on Simon’s shoulder. “That’s what happens when you exorcise a demon.”

“A demon? Those are real?”

Chang responded, “Yes. Sometimes lower leveled demons escape their realms and enter this one. They love humans. Something about our greed and sins or some such business. You did good, if this was your first time. We truly must show you how to keep your clothes on, though.”

“Okay, which one of you is going to explain all of this?” Ros limped his way to Simon. “You or the little white man?”

Simon’s eyes widened as he and Chang stared at each other.

“You can see him?” Simon asked.

Chang flew up to Ros’ face. “You can see me?”