It took three more incidents before Steve was able to stay conscious. A cycle of him waking, screaming, and passing out. By the 4th, Ryland decided to take it slow and it seemed to work. Now the former-necromancer was slowly coming to terms with the situation. As the minutes passed, he realized it wasn’t as crazy as it sounded. In a world of gods, magic, and monsters…what was a ghost or two?

Once Steve regained his composure, Ryland explained what had happened–-with a bit of added flare.

“And as I slammed my dagger into the devilish sorcerer’s neck, he was able to launch one final spell. With my team behind me, I decided to sacrifice myself to save the others….”

However, Steve was hooked for a different reason. He didn’t care about what Ryland did…but how he came to be. This was an untouched field and his inner scholar was salivating at the opportunity. Besides what else could [[Friend of the Dead]] do? He knew of other “friend” things and many were granted to heroic deeds! Yet…he himself didn’t feel that powerful. Unfortunately, Ryland couldn’t answer any of his questions. He knew nothing of the afterlife or the skills used to return to the land of the living. Once the ghost had finished the recap, Steve just pondered.

“So Faust is dead…”

He wanted to feel bad. He should have felt bad, but he felt a strange peace. He knew that Faust was a terrible teacher and was quite abusive. However, Steve had to do SOMETHING for the deceased man. Sighing, he got up and walked to the edge of the cave. Pulling out his apprentice seal, he quietly buried it into the earth. After a few quick words, he returned to the ethereal man.

“Sorry about killing em. I swear it was him or me”

“It’s fine, he was kind of an ass anyway” Steve retorted and began to pack up his bags.

Well with Faust gone, he was free to explore. But where was he going to go? Strapping on the remains of his backpack, he slid his wand into the belt and went towards the exit. As he stood in the light he turned.

“Well…You coming?”

“Yeahhhhhhh…bout that”

“What?

“The light…it uhh kinda burns, plus the body doesn’t exactly listen”

Steve rubbed his temples, he wanted to leave this stupid ghost. But at the same time it could lead to a whole new field of necromancy. Why did it have to be some cocky [[Rogue]]? Hell, he would’ve even settled for some form a [[Druid]]. At least they had some basic understanding of the ethereal flow. Retreating back into the cave, he laid down.

“Come on man! Don’t you wanna chat. It’s been so long since I’ve had a conversation” Ryland crouched down Steve's face.

“Nope” and the [[Friend of the Dead]] turned to sleep.

“Steve”

“Steve”

“STEVE”

“STEEEEEEEVE”

“STEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVE”

“WHAT!” Steve tried to ignore the Rogue but it was too much.

“It’s nighttime buddy? Ya ready to head out!” Ryland was filled with energy, hopping between his feet.

Steve groaned as he slowly stood to his feet. Rubbing his eyes, he felt a strange wetness on his arm.

“What th…”

“GET OFF” He lept back and wiped off the…gunk.

“Oh don’t mind him. He seems to like you, he just kind of watched you sleep”

That didn’t make it any better. While Steve had become accustomed to the dead, it was still unsettling when they starred. Let alone one casually touching you, that rotting flesh sloughing off and the slimy sensation creeping up the skin. Taking a breath, he calmed himself and walked past the swaying creature and met Ryland at the exit.

“Come on!” The ghost waved and the zombie shuffled forward.

“You got any extra treats? It’ll make the journey much easier” Ryland asked

Thankfully, the [[Friend of the Dead]] was always prepared.

“How did you manage with that” Steve asked.

Already they had to stop multiple times. The stupid zombie getting distracted nearly every other second and trying to wander off. Even with all the finger treats, the zombie was stubborn. While Steve was fuming, Ryland just laughed.

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“Yeah he is my body alright…Ya know Selman was always on me to stay focused. You kind of remind me of the [[Cleric]]”

Steve paused.

“Ryland, I am going to say this once and one once. Don’t EVER compare me to a dirty [[Cleric]]. Those bastards have killed so many of my class all in the name of their stupid god!”

“Yeah but what about followers of Deax? Don’t you both dabble in the dead?”

“Ryland, are you serious? You mean those of the god of death himself? What do you think [[Necromancers]] do? We cheat death, we steal from death, our whole basis is giving Deax the middle finger!”

“Oh…Well sorry! I am just trying to have a conversation. Don’t have to act like a ass”

Steve paused. He didn’t know. He is just a dumb [[Rogue]] caught up in some weird spell. Just keep calm.

“So where are we going—map guy?” Ryland changed the subject.

“I figured we could go to the nearby town and restock. From there we can head into the main city. I have a few contacts that may be of assistance”

“Cool” Ryland said

Finally, some silence. As they walked under the night sky, Steve began to process his new class. [I walk amongst the damned]. What were the limits to the skill? He knew there was a passive aspect to it. The zombie treated him like another undead. It was strange; normally [[Necromancers]] kept up barriers or protection spells, Things like [Calm undead] or [Circle of Protection - Undead]. Yet here he was not expending any energy, just passively interacting with a flesh-hungry creature.

“Maybe” Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted once more

“Hey Steve! What made you want to be a [Necromancer]?” Ryland asked, clearly bored just walking.

“You know Ryland, you don’t always have to talk”

“Aww come on Steve. It is a innocent question”

“Well it doesn’t have an innocent answer. Just focus keeping your body with us”

“Psshh…fine”

Steve pulled out a piece of old jerky and savored the salted meat. It was one of the few rations that still had some form of flavor. Pulling out the map, he plotted the next few miles of walking. They were close to the town and he really needed a home cooked meal. Nothing would be better than a fresh tasting treat. A coolness hit the neck and Steve jerked back.

“Stop that!” he yelled at the rogue. The ghost was nearly touching his own cheek.

“What? I was just trying to see where we are. Hope you have a plan before sunrise”

“If you can control the zombie. We should be in town with the first rays of sunlight” Steve said

“Awesome”

Ryland wasn’t trying to be annoying but he was so bored. Normally he’d juggle his daggers, fiddle with some rope, or just mindlessly toss rocks at various targets. However, with a lack of physical body he was stuck just…walking. Why couldn't this man be more talkative? I guess the cold-hearted [[Necromancer]] held true. Every time he tried to strike up a conversation, it was quickly slapped down. Everything was building up inside his brain. It had been so long since human contact and it still felt like he was alone.

“Just stay positive Ry” he whispered

Soon they would be near society and he might be able to get some help. He still didn’t fully trust Steve. IT was his master that had killed him. Maybe the [[Necromancer]] was wrong about Deax. If there was somebody who could fix this whole situation it had to be a follower of death. Still, it wasn’t right to scorn the help…yet. So far Steve seemed like a decent guy. Might as well give him a shot. Worst case he could leave and hope to find somebody else.

As the time passed, the gates of the village came into view. A burden was lifted from his chest as he saw the flickering gas-lights. He was finally back in civilization. With the help of Steve, he would finally get his body back.

“Shit my body…Uhh Steve. Ya got any ideas what to do with the body?”

“I don’t know. I figured you’d find a spot outside and wait for me”

“What?!? The sun is about to appear. Where the hell would I go?”

“You didn’t think about that. By the devils of hell you really are useless. No wonder you got killed.” Steve was done being nice.

“OH I’m SORRY I am SUCH a BURDEN to the ALMIGHTY STEVE”

Steve wanted to respond…it took everything to calm himself. But this ghost was the most obnoxious thing he had encountered in a long while. Just think. He just needed to keep the body somewhat close. They could just bury it and come back later…no that wouldn’t work. The stupid thing was too stubborn and would dig out with ease. Wait…this wasn’t a normal zombie. Maybe…

“Ryland, this might sound stupid but let me try something”

…

…

…

“This isn’t going to work…” Ryland stared at his dressed up body.

“Look we just need to get it to the room. Once inside, I can lock the door and we will be fine”

“Yeah but…who would think THAT is a person”

“Ryland you are being dramatic. We just say he got sick during travel and needs a good night’s rest”

“Whatever. If I get killed. I swear I’m going to haunt you forever” The rogue responded

“I…ok fine. When we get close just do what you can to distract the guard”

With that, Steve grabbed the zombie’s arm and wrapped it around his shoulder. Thankfully, it didn’t look too dead. With the feast of flesh, most of the color had returned but that headwound was still quite visible. Steve took his time packing it with clay and attempting to color match…but it looked off. Hopefully, the darkness mixed with Ryland’s distractions would be enough to make the zombie blend. Taking a breath, Steve stared at the entrance. He could do this. He had carried many bodies in and out of cities. What was a zombie?

“Ok here we go.”

[[Calm undead]]

[[Command Follow]]

And the unlikely duo went to greet the village guard.