Chapter 1
It was midnight when she died. The police had at least figured out that much. As for how she died, who killed her, or who she was... that was still a mystery. I had a strange fascination with death. Luckily for me, I was on my way to the morgue to help with the cremation.
As I approached the morgue, Ash stepped out. “Lilac! You made it!” She exclaimed, running up to hug me. quickly, I put my hands up and motioned to my tube. “Oh, right. Sorry..” Ash put her hand up instead.
I gave her a high five, before walking inside. Mrs. Kea was waiting for us, signing while talking. “We have to be quick with this one, and we have to be sure not to miss any injuries or multations. Got it?”
I nodded as Ash smiled. “Got it. Just you two, or will you need my help?” I signed as Ash spoke, so that Mrs. Kea could understand.
“We always need your help Ash. The only question is where. Secretary duties aren't important for today, c'mon back.” Mrs. Kea responded. It was a fairly quick process to just cremate, but this body was a mess. I quickly pulled over the tools needed, and watched everything Ash and Mrs. Kea did. Then I pushed the mangled body over to the oven, sliding it in. Mrs. Kea cremated the organs separately, while Ash cleaned up.
I smiled as we walked out, feeling happy at a job well done. The police had already started the DNA testing, so we didn't have to worry about saving any part of her. I knew I shouldn't have been so happy that some girl died, but I felt closer to the dead than I ever have with the living people around me.
I returned home, locking the door like I always do. If my parents came home tonight, they had their own keys. I headed up to my room, grabbing another food bag.
As I reached the top of the stairs, I heard something behind me rustling around. I whirled around, and thought I saw the faintest glimmer of an eerie purple light. I rushed into my room, grabbing my tablet.
“Hello. Is anyone there.” My tablet said, as I typed the words quickly. I got no response. As I looked out the nearby window, I noticed how dark it was. Normally, it wouldn't get this dark at all, and the darkest hour was still several hours away.
As I wondered about the strange lighting, something brushed past me. I reached out to grab it, turning around, but there was nothing there. I hoped it was just my imagination.
I stepped into my room, picking up my newest book. I was excited to read it, as it was about a serial killer who tried to revive his victims in order to kill them again. He was caught, sentenced, and about thirty interviews later, he was put to death for his crimes.
I opened it up, wrapping myself in my favorite blanket, nestling into my chair. “Arwin Hodge; Aspiring Necromancer. Hodge killed around thirty people, although he worked at a time where crime and murder rates were high, so he could have killed more. Many people know the name as the crazy guy that tried to kill his victims twice, although some believe he succeeded.”
Underneath the paragraph, there was in illustration of some sort of symbol, captioned as 'Believed to be the cause of Hodge's one success in necromancy, this symbol was found carved in the floor of Hodge's apartment, right after he was arrested.'
I brushed my finger against the page, in awe of the intricacy of the symbol. As my fingers brushed the illustration, my lamp bulb burst, making me jump. It wasn't dark, so I went over to check the bulb of my lamp.
It was shattered, no light emitting from it. I looked up to check if my overhead light was on, but those bulbs were shattered as well. I looked around for the source of the light, and my small mirror caught my eye.
I grabbed it, inspecting the image it displayed. I was in it, but there was some sort of figure behind me. I glanced back, and screamed siglantly. Behind me was a woman whose body was torn, scratched at a million pieces. She looked up at me, surprised.
“Can you see me?” she asked, stepping closer.
I nodded, stepping back. “Oh! Hi! I'm Sasha. Forrest, if you were wondering.” She said, stepping closer again. I stepped back again, grabbing my tablet from the ground. “Why are you in my house.” The tablet asked.
“Oh! I just followed my ash.” Sasha said, pointing to the hem of my skirt. Sure enough, there was a bit of ash on it. I must've gotten some on my skirt as I packed up the cremated body into the holding bag. “Your ash.” the tablet said.
“Yes. My ash. Why?” I looked Sasha up and down. “Because you don't look like the body I cremated.” The tablet responded for me. “That's because most of that damage was done after I was already dead, silly!”
I set the tablet down, not believing what I was hearing. “You're confused, aren't you?” Sasha asked. I looked at her. Of course I'm confused! There's a dead girl in my house! Sasha sighed. “You're obviously a necromancer. You accidentally tied me to you with that ash. Now you can see me, and I can't cross over to the afterlife until you either bring me fully back, or you untie me to that ash.”
How did she expect me to do that? I didn't even know I was a necromancer until a minute ago! I picked up the tablet. “Do you know how. Who killed you.” the tablet said flatly.
“I have no idea how necromancy works, but the girl who killed me didn't look human. Thats... pretty much all I know.”
“Not human how.” I asked. suddenly terrified. “She looked... dead.”
Chapter 2
After my initial mental breakdown, Sasha brought me to the nightclub she had met her killer at. As we were arriving at the NIghtingale, the bouncer stopped me. “How old are you? Minors aren't allowed in.” He said, pointing to a sign.
“Eighteen.” My tablet said for me. “I am not a minor.” The bouncer looked me up and down. “ID?”
I pulled it out, handing it over. it was a few years old, but it had my birthday on it, so it should work. The bouncer grunted, letting me in. Sasha led me over to a table, which she claimed to be the one that the girl had approached her at before she died. I sat down, ordering a Gimlet mocktail. She couldn't drink it, but it was nice to have it there.
Sasha floated next to me. “I could possess you. then you could talk and eat, right?” i thought about it. My disorder was mental, although my vocal cords were weak. I nodded, giving her the go-ahead.
She floated over to the necklace I had made to contain the ash, and i could feel her entering my body. When she took a sip of the mocktail, i could taste it. I could swallow. It tasted so good, i was so glad Sasha had possessed me. As we sat, several men came up to us offering to get us another drink, but sasha waved them off. One guy refused to leave, sitting at our table, grabbing my hand, and making me really uncomfortable. “Can you stop? I'm not interested!” Sasha said, after the guy ordered us a drink despite her protests.
The man got up, suddenly angry. “I'm offering you a good time! You an ugly little bitch, nobody else will want you. take what you can get!” He exclaimed, grabbing my arm. Sasha glanced franticly around, looking for the bartender. We locked eyes, and the bartender came over.
“Is there a problem ma'am?” He asked, glaring at the man.
“Yes, this guy is harassing me. Could you help?” Sasha said, pulling her arm away.
The guy left, muttering something about girls. The bartender followed the man, probably to kick him out of the bar. We sat back down, waiting for a bit longer. Sasha locked eyes with a girl. “Thats her.” she whispered.
Sasha waved the girl over, and when she got closer, i saw what she was talking about, but only faintly. her skin had a whitish tint to it, and her eyes looked fake .
None of the drunk people around here would notice, and i probably wouldn't have if i wasn't looking. Sasha was acting drunk, trying to get the girl to sit down. “C'mon! sit with me~” She said faintly. The girl smiled, coming over. “How much have you drank, sweetheart?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Olny a few!” she said, defensive. she took another drink of the mocktail. The girl smiled. “Nice to meet you, I'm Candilynne.” she said, sliding the mocktail away from me. “Lalic... no... lilac.. I'm.. Lilac.”
Candi smiled as Sasha reached for the mocktail again. I noticed Candi's strange clothing. She was wearing an extremely long-sleeved turtleneck, and jeans. no skin other than her face was showing, and her cheek was bandaged up.
“Wanna come with me tonight? i'll make sure you don't get too hungover.” Candi asked. Sasha looked up. “HOW would i get hungorevr if im not dunrk?” Sasha was purposely slurring her words, which was selling the act.
“I think you might be getting a little drunk, Lilac.” Candi said, smiling again. “C'mon, just let me treat you tonight.”
Sasha shook my head. “No.... notonight.. i have work in the maroning..” She said, standing up, finishing the mocktail.
“Well at least let me drive you home! you are in no state to drive yourself, or walk.” Candi grabbed a water bottle from a nearby waitress. “And drink some water!”
Sasha accepted the bottle, struggling to open it. I groaned internally. Was that on purpose? 'No, i really cant open it.' Sasha thought, her thoughts in my head.
Candi took it back, opening it as Sasha looked away, embarrassed.
Candi gave it back to us, and sasha took a drink. “Thanck you~” she said, trailing off. “I should go.” Sasha said, walking towards the door. As soon as we got outside, Sasha left my body.
I took a few steps forward before feeling dizzy. Did the bartender forget to make my drink a mocktail? Candilynne stepped out. “Oh, your still here!” She exclaimed, walking up to me. “Are you alright? you look... well.. you look drunk. more drunk then before.”
I groaned softly. Everything was spinning. Sasha had disappeared, probably trying to possess me again. I smiled weakly, waving Candi off. Sasha was able to possess me again, and stood up.
“I'm fine..” She said, but i could tell she was feeling the same way as me.
“Let me drive you home.” Candi said, not really asking.
“I said i'm fine.” Sasha said, walking forward. “My house is super close, it would be a waste of gas.”
Candi grabbed my arm. “Then let me walk you home. It's dangerous out alone, especially with that murderer around here.”
Sasha pulled away. “Really, its not that far. I'll be fine..” Sasha said, continuing to walk.
“No, really. its not a problem for me, i just wanna make sure you get home safe!” Candi said, walking beside me.
Sasha tripped, our eyesight flickering. “Fine.. you can walk me halfway.” She said, having to lean on the building to stay up. “But i want someone else to come too.”
Candi frowned. “Do you not trust me?” She asked, before smiling again. “Thats fine. i mean, you only met me today! I'll be right back!” She said, running back to the bar. Sasha continued walking forward, clinging to the buildings along the sidewalk. I guess i really don't hold alcohol very well..
Sasha groaned aloud. 'You ordered a mocktail, didn't you?' She thought at me.
Yeah, i did. They must have gotten me the wrong drink. I felt woozy. Sasha couldn't stand the feeling anymore, and left my body as i blacked out.
Chapter 3
I woke up with a start. I opened my eyes, but it must have still been very dark outside. I just had the craziest dream.. I reached up to rub my eyes, but my wrists were tied above me. Crud! I tried to sit up, but my neck was tied to the headboard as well. I pulled on my feet, but they were tied to the foot of the bed. this definitely wasn't my room.
I tried to scream, getting very little noise out. As my eyes adjusted, i could see Sasha floating in the corner of the room. “Oh great. You're up.” Sasha floated over to me. “I'm sorry, this was my fault. I made you go to the nightclub, and i drank the drugged water.” Sasha looked down, nearly invisible tears falling from her eyes.
Oh. I had gotten the right drink. well, thats good for the bartender, i guess. i wouldn't have a lawsuit against them.
The door swung open, and Candi stepped in. “Sasha shush! You're being too loud!” she said, staring pointedly at Sasha. She held the ash necklace in her hand, frowning. I turned my head to look at her, and her eyes were gone. chunks of her skin were also gone, revealing bone. There were eyes on the backs of her hands.
I froze, trying to pull away.
Sasha floated over to the necklace in Candi's hand. “Give it to her so i can help her talk.” She said, pointing to the necklace. Candi shook her head. “No. we can't have her yelling. i will, however, unlock her hands so she can sign.”
Candi walked over to me, unlocking the handcuffs that held my hands to the headboard. i tried to punch her as soon as both my arms were free, but Candi dodged, stepping back.
I signed furiously ^What do you want? What are you? Where am I?^
Candi frowned. “One at a time. I am a zombie. You are in my house. I didn't quite get the first question.”
I rolled my eyes, signing a bit slower. ^What do you want from me^ i asked, reaching up to the chain around her neck.
“Oh, thats simple! I want to make sure you don't kill me!” Candi said, smiling. I was confused.
^How could i kill you? i don't own any weapons.^ I looked Candi up and down. ^And i'm pretty sure you're already dead.^
“Do you remember the first time you read that necromancy book? oh wait, of course you don't. i made sure of that.. Well, I am a Grimm Reaper, but i was never given any jobs because the other reapers are 'more experienced', so i always hung by the morgue, hoping that there would be a spirit the others had missed. The first time you read the necromancy book, you accidently put me into one of your corpses. You were all working on a different body, so i left, after making sure you touched a memory spell. Had to make sure you didn't remember how to use necromancy! I left, making sure to cover all my wounds. I dyed my hair, and got fake eyes.
Then it was time to reap! with a solid body, i could make sure there were souls for me! i started killing, some of which i did neatly, some of with i made unrecognizable. Couldn't have the police picking up on any patterns. but when i saw my most recent victim inhabiting your body, i knew you had figured out what you were, and it was only a matter of time before you found me. So i came over to you. I knew you had only ordered a mocktail, so there was no chance of you passing out from that. I also knew that you were going to act drunk in order to try and find out more about me.
So, i drugged the water. i followed you out of the nightclub. you were so stubborn! I had to go back into the nightclub, and then i had to pretend i had left something. I barely got back outside in time to catch you as you fell! i knew you were feisty, so i tied you up to ensure my own safety.
Until i completely adapt to this body, you could still send me out of it. And if you die during that time, so will I. So you are going to stay here, nice and safe, until nobody can force me out of my new, awesome, partly dead, human body! any questions?” She asked, sarcastically.
I signed furiously, telling her to let me go, but she ignored me. “Perfect! and after that, you are going to have to die. i cant have you raising an army of zombies or whatever. that would cause a world of problems.”
Candi left the room, dragging sasha out as well, via the ash. Ash! Surly she'd notice when i don't show up to work, right? Ash and Ms. Kea would come to save me! or... at least call the police. Unless Candi had broken into my house and emailed them with my tablet... but she probably didn't, right? she wouldn't have known to email them, she would have looked for a phone.
I sat there, fingering the chain around my neck. I tried to feel for a lock, but it seemed to be fused to itself. Candi really didn't plan on letting me leave alive... she didn't even give herself an option. i was screwed. I couldn't escape unless somebody gave me a pair of metal cutters.
Candi came back in with a food bag. she had gotten into my house. She replaced my empty bag, before grabbing my hands firmly. She didnt say anything as she forced my hands back into the handcuffs. I fought against her, not wanting to loose my only possible weapon, method of communication, and chance of escape. Candi seemed to have realize that, and she fought harder, digging her one exposed finger bone into my skin. I still didn't stop fighting. at least, not until she hit my head hard, and everything went black.
Chapter 4
I woke up with a headache, unable to think clearly. my wrists were sore, Candi had tightened the handcuffs far too tight because i struggled. i groaned internally. This was all my fault. i raised her from the dead, and let her make me erase Ash, Ms. Kea, an my memories. I thought back to everything Candi had said yesterday, then realized i could end this all.
The chain around my neck could be my doom, but it could also be everyone else's savior. if i died, so would Candi. I pulled my body down, but realized my hands got pulled on before my neck. id have to get my hands out of the handcuffs first...
i smashed my hand against the brick wall, over and over. it hurt, but it wasnt breaking anything. I remembered the bobby pin i put in my hair..
I pulled as far as i could to the left, grabbing the pin. i almost dropped it, but i grabbed it as it fell with my pinky. i maneuvered it around so i could bend it, then i stopped. I couldn't see the lock..
I felt around until i found it, and i stuck the bobby pin in. i wiggled it around, almost getting the lock, when the door opened and i dropped the pin. Candi came in, turning sharply when she heard the pin hit the ground.
“Oh? being uncooperative? trying to get out?” she smiled, walking closer. “now, thats not right! you cant do that with a pin. these are nicer cuffs than that!” she stood above me, holding the key to the cuffs. “in order to do that, you'd need this!”
i glared, watching closely as her bone finger held the key right above my face. i tilted my head up and bit down quickly, tearing the finger and the key away from her. i managed to put the key under my chin as she realized what i'd done.
i was choking, unable to breathe with anything in my mouth. she shoved her hand in my mouth, trying to grab her finger, but i bit down again, tearing off a regular finger. there was only a single drop of blood, surprisingly. Candi swore, running out of the room.
I continued choking, smiling at my victory. if candi didn't get back in time, that was that. if she did, i had the key, and id manage to kill myself anyway. I won, candi wouldn't be able to hurt anyone else. I smiled even as Sasha floated in, screaming at me. i smiled when candi ran back in, though i closed my mouth. i only stopped smiling when candi forced my mouth open, grabbing her fingers with some pliers.
Candi glared at me as she put her bone back on. she looked at her other finger, sighing. “i'm going to have to stitch this. you bastard, what were you thinking?” she muttered as she left.
Sasha looked at me. “what were you thinking?!? you could've died! If you die, you wont be able to untie me! i'd be left alone, nobody being able to see me, stuck in this apartment. is that what you want?” She asked floating a bit closer.
I shook my head. of course not! I can't believe i forgot about that. “I get that you want to save everyone, but im part of everyone. please figure out how to free me before you decide to suffocate yourself?”
I nodded, grabbing the handcuff key in my teeth. i used my tongue to launch it, just barely catching it in my hand. i felt around and slid it it, twisting it until my hand fell free. I unlocked my other hand, and felt the chain around my neck again. there was a chance of escape! the chain wasn't coming off my neck, but a third pair of handcuffs held it to the bed!
Sasha hissed at me. “Shes coming back. hold the key so it's hidden, lock your wrists back up! quickly!” I did as sasha said, holding the key in between my fingers. Candi came in, just as i got my other wrist secured.
“You are REALLY dumb, aren't you?” she asked through her teeth. “I was going to play nice until you weren't needed anymore, but i don't think so anymore. i can't kill you yet, but i can still make you wish you were dead!”
Candi was holding a knife in her hand. Scud! This wasn't good! I didn't let my fear show on my face, glaring at candi instead. “Oh? bitter that i didn't let you die? don't worry! that will happen soon enough.” She was smiling angrily, not exaggerating.
I looked away from her, trying not to cry. I struggled against the handcuffs, just for show. Candi stopped when her phone lit up.
She glanced at the window. “Scud. the police are next door...” She rushed out of the room. sasha was pulled away after a second. I quickly unlocked my wrists and neck, sitting up to figure out my feet. they were tied using scarfs. I untied them, slipping the key into my pocket and grabbing my backpack.
I walked out of the room, careful to be quiet. Sasha wasn't around, meaning candi had taken the necklace with her. I glanced around, grabbing my tablet and sliding it into my backpack. i opened the door to the apartment, closing the door behind me.
I looked at the fire escape plan, running to a nearby hall window. i opened it slowly, climbing out onto the fire escape. it led into an alley. I closed the window behind me, climbing down.
When i reached the ground, i checked everything on me for a tracking device. There wasn't anything, so i glanced out of the alley. Candi was talking to the officers, acting innocent and worried. That scudding zombie was getting on my last nerve. I waited until Candi went back inside, carrying Sasha with her. Then i ran towards Ash's house.
Chapter 5
I ran over to Ash's house, knowing that mine wasn't safe. Hers probably wasn't either, but it was SAFER than my house. I knocked loudly, glancing around. i had to hold up the chain around my neck in order to keep it from choking me. Ash opened the door, before quickly pushing me inside. “What happened?” She asked, as i closed the door.
I pulled out my tablet. “The murderer caught me. i barely got away.” I tried not to cry. Ash gasped. “They chained you up? why?”
I dug through my bag, grabbing the necromancy book. “Because she needs me alive, for now. I raised her from the dead.” I said, tears spilling from my eyes. i wiped them quickly.
“Lilac... did you hit your head? did they drug you?” Ash asked, pulling out her phone. I shook my head, wishing i had Sasha with me. I didn't want to chance raising someone else, especially without something to tie them to. i looked around, seeing a piece of paper. I think i could tie a ghost to the paper if i drew the symbol on it.. I grabbed the paper and a pen.
As soon as i was done with the rune, Ash stepped back. “What are you doing, summoning the devil?” She asked, dialing. I pressed the rune, focusing on good energy. The lights flickered, before shutting off.
“Stop it! Lilac, please stop!” Ash was concerned for me, and for her lights, but i kept going. I heard a voice. “Did you call me? I'm sure you meant to call someone who wasn't already on earth, but will I work? You don't even have to tie me to the paper, unless you want her to see me.”
I opened my eyes, motioning to the paper at the ghost girl. She came over, and i tied her to it. I handed the paper to Ash, and she gasped. “Thats.... okay, i believe you. please get rid of it.”
I took the paper back, motioning for her to possess me so she could hear my thoughts. 'Do you want me to send you to the afterlife, or just let you roam?' i thought. In response, the girl tore the paper, unpossessing me and floating out out the house.
“Is she gone?” Ash asked, looking around. I nodded, using my tablet again. “I can tie them to objects, which they can move if the object is able to move. I tied the murderer to a body, accidently. and now she's killing people, including the most recent cremation job. Her name was Sasha Forrest.”
Ash started to dial again. “You can't tell the police. if you tell them that there is a necromancer, they'll think you're crazy. If you don't, they'll assume you're the murderer.”
“I'm calling to let them know that you were kidnapped by the murderer. the chains should be enough proof of that, right?” She asked. I nodded, listening as she explained it to the police.
“Go ahead and sit down in the living room. I'll be there soon.” Ash pointed down the hall. I did as she said, wanting to get away from the door. I checked my food bag. It was still pretty full, and i didn't need any more, so i took the tube out, storing it away. I missed having Sasha to talk to. Ash came in to sit beside me.
“So... how do i not remember a body walking out of the morgue?” I explained how Candi had managed to trick me into casting a memory spell, that was also in the book. When my tablet finished reading that out loud, somebody knocked on the door. Ash went over to open it.
I continued messing with the chain until the police walked in. One man walked in, one staying in the hall. I couldn't see the second officer, but i could hear their footsteps as they paced. The one in the living room came over to me, using a special tool to cut the chains off. he placed them in a large bag, which he set by the door.
“You were kidnapped? Did you recognize the person? Why do you think they're the murderer?” The policeman asked.
“Yes, I was kidnapped. I met the girl the previous night, when she drugged me. She introduced herself as Candilynne. She told me she was the murderer.” I typed. the computer took a minute to catch up. “She also stole a very important necklace. it had a vial of sand attached, and it was the last thing my grandmother ever gave me.”
The officer nodded. “Would you be willing to go the the station to file a claim?”
I nodded, putting my tablet in my bag. “Officer Patterson! She's going to ride with you! Get your car running!” The cop said.
“And what's your name?” He asked, turning back to me. I hesitated, having already put my tablet away. Ash helped. “Her name is Lilac Janson.”
I nodded, following the officer. He picked back up the chain, walking out of the house. He pointed over to one of two cars, where someone was in the driver's seat. I walked over to it, getting in and clipping my seatbelt. I looked over at the officer in the driver's seat, but she was looking out the window.
The other officer was still speaking to Ash, and Officer Patterson was watching them. I looked away, setting my bag at my feet. I wasn't sure how long the policeman would be, so i pulled out my tabled, opening my eBook. It was another one about a murderer, but not a necromancer wannabe. I read about Ted Bundy, one of the ones i already knew about.
“Theodore Robert Bundy was an American serial killer who kidnapped, raped, and murdered numerous young women and girls during the 1970s and possibly earlier. After more than a decade of denials, he confessed to 30 murders committed in seven states between 1974 and 1978.” I read, already knowing the information. One thing stood out to me though. Apparently he had a daughter, whose name was Rose. I didn't know that, and made a mental note to research Rose Bundy.
I put away my book when we started moving, looking over at Officer Patterson. As soon as I saw her, I froze. It was Candilynne. Candi Patterson.
Chapter 6
I turned back to my book, pretending i didn't notice. I turned a bit, emailing Ash, who was in the other car. 'Officer Patterson is the killer. Help!'
I sent it, before realizing my tablet would ding when the email sent. I quickly turned off the sound, but the chime of a sent email happened before i did. Candi looked over, masking her voice. “Who are you chatting with?”
“Just a friend.” my tablet responded for me. I glanced over quickly to see if she had Sasha's ash with her. Sasha wasn't here. I smiled, closing my eyes and tilting my head up towards Candi. “I'm reading, if you don't mind.” I typed.
“Oh, right. of course. Happy Halloween, by the way.” I started. If it was Halloween, i had been at Candi's house for five days. I checked my calendar.
Scud! It was the 31st. I typed out a response quickly. “Oh! i guess it is Halloween. Happy Halloween, Officer Patterson.”
I still didn't look up. I continued reading, but i checked out the same necromancy book i had before on my tablet. i opened it, turning the pages, careful not to touch any spell. I could read a few of the symbols labeling the spells, but not all of them.
I saw the faint outline of symbols that said something along the lines of 'mechanical shutdown.' I touched it, and my tablet shut down, the car shut down, and the taser in Candi's belt seemed to change a bit.
Candi screamed, having to maneuver the car carefully to the side of the road. “WHAT THE SCUD DID YOU DO?!?” I smiled, looking up at her. “Making sure either I make it out of this freely, or we both die.” I mouthed. I could see the other police car pulling over, the other officer getting out and walking over.
“Is everything alright?” He asked, knocking at the window. Candi smiled at me, before turning to the window. “No! This girl fired an EMP! It was hidden in her tablet, and a backup one in her book. I think she might be drugged, or crazy!” Candi scrambled out of the car. I shook my head frantically.
I signed quickly, my tablet down. ^I didn't! everything just shut off! But Officer Patterson is the girl who kidnapped me, and the killer. don't let her get me again!^ I was scared that the officer would think i was crazy and lock me away, and i was scared of candi getting me again. I was scared that I wouldn't be able to help Sasha, and most of all, i was scared of what i could do.
The officer smiled at me. “I don't really understand what you said, but i don't think you're crazy. Come in my car with us, i'll call backup for officer patterson, due to her car shutting down.”
I looked at him awkwardly. I grabbed my stuff, stepping out of the car. i went to the front seat of the other vehicle, where Ash was sitting. I didn't want to sit in the back and be trapped. i climbed in the back anyway, not wanting to be annoying.
“What happened?” Ash asked. the officer opened the drivers door, climbing in. “There is an electrical plant not far from here, it could of sent an EMP. several of the nearby cars and buildings also shut down, electric wise.”
He turned back to me. “I'm Officer Lance. Do you feel safer in this car? that must have been really scary for you, especially after just escaping captivity.”
I nodded, and Officer Lance smiled, turning to the wheel. “Don't worry about Officer Patterson, backup is coming to get her. Her car will need some attention, but it should still run.”
I wasn't worried for Candi, although now that he mentioned it, i was a bit worried for the people coming to pick her up. She wouldn't kill people that would so obviously point to her, would she?
I messed with my tablet, trying to get it to work so i could talk again. After a minute, it turned back on, no damage to the data at all. I used it to type out what had happened. “Officer Patterson is the killer, and my kidnapper. please, don't let her near me again.” My tablet said. Officer Lance glanced back at me.
“Your tablet shouldn't be working after an EMP... “ he muttered, before realizing what i had said.
“What do you mean it's Officer Patterson? It can't be, she's been at the station practically non-stop since the murders started!” He exclaimed.
I frowned, typing again. “Until what day.”
Officer Lance frowned. “Until a week ago. Why?” I glared at the back of his head.
“Because that's right before the most recent murder, and a day before i was kidnapped. Strange coincidence, i don't think so.”
Officer Lance considered this. “She wasn't even in town for two weeks after the murders started.”
I rolled my eyes. “She could have been hiding. she joined the police force two weeks before the murders started, went out of town a week before, and came back a week after, hiding around in the shadows until she wouldn't be suspected.”
Ash was silent up till now. “I think it makes sense. what if you let Lilac into Officer Patterson's house, and if she finds her necklace, you arrest Officer Patterson.”
I nodded. that sounded alright. Sasha would be able to help me find the necklace. Officer Lance radioed back to the station, explaining the situation. Someone responded, and Officer Lance switched directions.
“That's what we're going to do. If Lilac can't find it, we will have to arrest her though. Lilac, are you up for it?”
I nodded eagerly. It wasn't with Candi now, so she probably left it home. I would be able to find it without problem, and probably also get photos of the handcuffs that Candi had used to restrain me. It took a few minutes, but we got to Candi's apartment building. Officer Lance picked the lock on her door, and i stepped in, walking over to the bedroom. The handcuffs were gone, but that was alright. I just had to find the necklace. I looked around for Sasha, but she wasn't there. I did find the necklace, but it was empty. The chain had my name engraved into it, as it was actually the chain from a necklace my friend had given me before she moved. I turned to show it to Officer Lance, but he was lying prone on the ground behind me, and there was a path of blood from where Ash had been standing.
Chapter 7
I used Officer Lance's radeo and my tablet to call for help. The person on the other side of the radeo assured me that help was on the way, and to hide, so i climbed into a cupboard under the kitchen sink, after checking Officer Lance's pulse. He was alive, but looked to have been dosed with a sedative or venom of some sort.
I soon heard the door open, and prayed that it was the police and paramedics, and not Candilynne. I didn't hear any moving around for a minute, but then the medic's started talking to each other quickly. I was still scared that Candi would be among them, so i stayed hidden, trying not to make a sound.
“Lilac? Ms. Janson?” I heard someone call. i opened the cupboard a little bit, peaking out. Candi was in the doorway of her house, but several other officers and paramedics were around.
I climbed out of the cupboard shakily. Several officers ran over to me, steading me, and asking if i had found the necklace. I held it up to them, making sure they could see my name. One of them nodded, and several officers moved towards Candi.
Candi stood still while the officers arrested her. “I was framed. you are all going to feel so stupid when the murders continue happening, and i'm not available to work on the case anymore.” Candi said calmly.
The officers ushered me out of the room, but i pointed to the trail of blood, before typing out on my tablet. “Ashwin, my co-worker, was here too. I think that must be her blood, as Officer Lance didn't have any physical injuries, and Ashwin was standing there.”
The officers looked at each other. “If it was Ashwin's blood, she was picked up and carried past the next floor down. theres no trace of blood or anything after that. We already checked.”
I felt sick. Of course i got Ashwin involved, and probably killed. I put away my tablet, gladly leaning against the arm of the Officer helping me. I sat in silence as the officer drove me home to grab anything I needed. The police explained that they were going to take me to a nice foster family, where they could keep an eye on me. My parent had left for vacation halfway through the past week, so they weren't a problem.
I barely processed anything they said, and i slowly packed up clothes, toiletries, and empty bags into a suitcase. I followed the officers back out to the car, dragging my feet. Would Candi find some way to prove her innocence? Would she get out? I had no idea where Sasha was, so i couldn't free her anyway. should i just kill myself so Candi would die? Or was it too late for that?
I didn't know if Candi had finished bonding to the body, and i didn't know if they'd even be able to keep her locked up. If i killed myself, there was a chance of Candi dying, I looked up, and looked around. I was hallucinating, and freaking out. Candilynne was everywhere, standing with a scythe in every doorway, on every sidewalk, in front of the car. I pointed out the window, trying to tell the officers. When your hallucinating, nothing makes sense.
I was hyperventilating, and everything was getting darker. I felt an officer wrap their arms around me, trying to calm or restrain me. I couldn't tell the difference anymore. I thrashed around, trying to get out of their grip. I couldn't breathe, i was suffocating. I looked around, noticing that all the officers were also Candilynne. I grabbed my necromancy book, opening to a random page.
I touched the sigil, not caring if i got sent to a lab or an asylum. All that happened was a faint orb of light floating above my hand. none of the officers seemed to notice, one of them took my book and my bag away, sliding it to the front, while another held me tightly, cuffing my hands together.
“Calm down, stop thrashing. I can give you your stuff back if you calm down. Jameson! why did you cuff her?!” I was breathing again, but i had an awful headache. I didn't pay attention to how 'Jameson' responded.
“Here, have some water.” The woman in the passenger's seat said. 'Jameson' uncuffed my hands, and i took the water. I looked around for my bag to attach the tube... right.
I pointed to my bag, pulling up my shirt just enough to show the plug. The woman nodded, handing me back my bag. i poured the water into the bag, attaching the tube to my plug.
I motioned for my book, but the girl shook her head. “You could still potentially use it as a weapon if you freak out again. why don't you use your tablet to tell us what just happened?”
I pulled out my tablet, typing quickly. “I could see Candilynne everywhere. she was in all the other cars, in all the houses, up and down the street, and all of you. What's wrong with me?”
I was really scared. I knew i had been hallucinating, but it was so real. they were all looking at me, glaring or holding scythes. I looked up at one of the officers, waiting for a response.
“I don't know. It could be dehydration or lack of nutrients, but it might also be PTSD. any of those reasons would make sense. Have you eaten.. or... um.. had any food today?” The officer sitting in front of me asked.
I shook my head, looking to see if there was any food in my bag. There was a bit, so i connected the tube, turning it on. I fingered my necklace, typing “My dear friends ashes, or at least, a bit of them, were in my necklace. It's really important i get them back, but Candilynne moved them out of my necklace.”
I was scared to tell them, but i wouldn't be able to find Sasha myself. One of the officers nodded.
“Of course, we'll get them back for you.” The woman in front of me said. I relaxed a bit, at least until the car's radio went off.
“Don't come to the station! three bodies were found on the front lawn a minute ago. It couldn't have been Patterson, we still have her with us.” One of the officers swore, and another one shouted when a bullet flew through the reinforced back window.
Chapter 8
Several more gunshots rung out as several people screamed and started pulling over. Nobody could figure out where the shots were coming from. a tire blew, and the car i was in swerved. the officer driving desperately tried to get us to the side of the road safely. Everything was a chaotic mess, even between the cops.
“Was Patterson being framed? or does she have an accomplice? is this even related?” All the officers were talking over each other, to the point that i didn't even notice that my left hand had a gaping hole in it until i lowered it and felt the blood through my pants.
I gaped at it, unsure when it got hit. i had raised my hand to shield my face. it must've been hit while i was raising it, or it would've hit my head as well. i tapped the officer beside me with my right hand.
He ignored me, still talking to the other officers. i tapped him again, pointing to my injured hand. “What do you-”
i could tell the exact moment that he noticed the blood. “Scud! somebody call an ambulance or something, her hand was shot!” I grimaced as he grabbed my hand, looking around for a first aid kit. i tried to tear off a piece of my shirt, but it didn't work like it did in the movies. I was disappointed.
The officer next to me tore a bit of his shirt off, and i glared at him. So HE could do it, but i couldn't? how was that fair? He wrapped my hand, not having any way to sanitize it first, and put as much pressure as he could on it.
I was feeling faint, almost definitely from blood loss. There was nothing i could do about it right now, so i just sat, trying to stay conscious. If Candi was still in custody, who shot at us? Was someone really helping that sociopath? What was the motive behind it all?
I sat wondering about these questions as the ambulance pulled up, and the paramedics helped me in. I didn't notice as they started cleaning my hand, confused about the size of the hole. what type of bullet would've made that big of a hole? definitely not a regular one. i had no idea what was happening anymore.
The doctors talked to the cops about me, before asking me if it was alright to do stitches, and if i'd like to be put to sleep first. I held out my hand. I wasn't going to lose any more time to drugs.
The doctors stitched up my hand and put it in a cast while i was reading my book again. was there any spell for locating someone or something? Could i convince the police to let me talk to Candi alone? Was there something i was missing?
Distracting myself was partly to help with the pain, and partly because i felt responsible for the entire mess the town was in.
As i read, i found the information to release a binding from a ghost. simply destroying the tied object would let them wander the earth, but thats not what Sasha wanted. also... i don't think you can destroy ash.
In order to send a tied spirit to the afterlife, or to send a lost spirit to the afterlife, you first had to tie them to something. That was done. You also had to have a special type of chalk. that would be difficult.
There was a sigil you had to draw out of the special chalk, and set the tied object in the middle. there was also some sort of activating chant, but i couldn't quite read it. I'd figure that out after i got Sasha's ash back.
the procedure was surprisingly quick. they gave me some painkillers through an injection, before releasing back to the police. they were talking about what to do with me. they couldn't take me to the foster family if somebody was targeting me, but they didn't have enough officers to watch me all the time.
They finally decided that the best way to protect me would be to let me live at the police station for a while. I agreed, hoping to be able to find out things from Candi. Why did I start referring to her as Candi in my head?
I was still a bit out of it from the blood loss, but i wanted to talk to Candi quickly. I typed my question out, but it was a lot slower without my left hand. “Can i talk to Candilynne when we get there. I promise i'll be careful, i just want to see if she'll tell me where the ashes are. She might talk to me. Please.”
I hated how monotone my tablet says everything. One of the police officers nodded, thinking. “That might actually work. which officer do you want to go into the interrogation room with you?”
I thought about it, before pointing to Jameson. He hadn't been the kindest, but he had protected me, and tried to calm me down before. He was strong, and not suspicious at all.
Jameson nodded, agreeing. “Yeah, i can do that for you.” Jameson said, a bit bitterly. He obviously didn't want to even let me talk to Candi, but he would come with me because he knew he couldn't stop me.
“Thanks.” I hated the monotone robot voice. I'd have to look for a better one after this was over. I was looking over the book, trying to figure out where i could get the special chalk, as i wasn't sure I'd be able to get it anytime soon.
It was limestone. the chalk needed to be made of pure limestone. my superstitious friend gave me a stick of that when I was younger, and i had kept it in a box at the top of my closet.
Maybe this wouldn't be too hard. I smiled as we pulled up to the back of the police station. Right, there were still bodies at the front. I probably wouldn't be able to help take care of them while i was under police supervision. But with Ashwin gone, poor Mrs. Kea would have to spend three times the amount of time taking care of each one.
For now though, i had to speak.... er... communicate with Candilynne.
Chapter 9
I walked into the interrogation room, Jameson hot on my heels. without the use of my hand, i'd have to use my tablet to talk. I'd have to be careful with my words to avoid drawing police suspicion. Candi was already there, cuffed to the table. I sat down opposite of her.
“Why are you here? to blame me for something else?” Candi asked, still trying to convince the officers she was innocent, apparently. Why was she so scudding frustrating. i held up my hand.
“You know who shot at me, don't you. you told them not to, but they tried to kill me anyway.” I typed. Candi was stunned that my hand was broken. She really didn't expect her partner to shoot at me. She glared at Jameson.
“I'm not talking with him in here.” Jameson glared back. I sighed, waving for jameson to leave.
“I'll be fine. you can still watch us, right.” I asked. he nodded, looking towards the mirror. He finally stood up, walking out.
“Knock on the door when you're done.” He said, as he locked the door behind him. I nodded, bouncing my leg impatiently. I needed to talk with Candi alone. luckly, i could still shut off the sound for the room if i needed to. it would sacrifice my tablet again, but they wouldn't be able to hear us.
I turned back to Candi, typing as fast as i could with only one hand. “Where are the ashes. i know you know.”
Candi didn't speak in response, but signed instead. ^Wouldn't you like to know? Why do you want her back anyway? I already told you that raising a ghost army would cause more problems for you than me.^
I frowned. “Of course i don't want to do that. I just need to remove something from it before burying it with the rest.” I was trying to moderate my words. The police would get suspicious quickly.
“If you don't want to tell me, at least tell me if Ashwin is alright.” I needed to know. Candi seemed to consider what i had said, before signing out another response.
^Sasha's ash is buried in a plastic bag right beside the hanging tree. that one tree on the hill with no other trees around it. there's a rock over the spot.^
I looked down. if she didn't want to answer my second question, that probably means Ashwin is dead. I thought about if i wanted to ask anything else. i didn't think i did, so i got up.
“Wait.” Candi said. I turned back. ^If you want to see Ashwin again, you'll help me get out. In exchange, I'll let Ashwin go, and make sure you stay safe.^
I frowned, glaring at her. If Ashwin was still alive, she was probably suffering. I knocked on the door, walking out quickly when the door opened.
“So? did you get anything out of her?” Jameson asked. I shrugged. If there was a chance of me saving ashwin, I was going to take it. I would try to save her any other way first, but i couldn't let Ashwin suffer.
“She admitted to stealing my necklace. she said she lifted off of me, but took me home. she told me where the ashes are. can we get them tomorrow.” I asked.
Jameson nodded. “I'll see if someone is available to take you. for now, Let's get you situated. We'll leave the cell unlocked, but we don't have any beds outside of cells. is that alright?”
I nodded. as long as it was unlocked, I'd be alright. i had the information i needed to get from Candi, and a last resort if i couldn't save my friend. I put all my belongings away, sliding them under the bed they had given me. Most of the officers had gone home, and the night shift group had arrived.
“Do you need any food?” One of the girls asked. I shook my head, pointing to my food bags. almost all of the bags were still full. I turned off the light for my room, and went to bed.
I couldn't sleep though. My thoughts kept me up for a while. I kept wondering about Candi's accomplice. Was it another undead? did i raise multiple? or were they just a sociopath? What if they were just a regular person who was being blackmailed?
I eventually gave up on sleep, walking out of the room. i passed Candi's cell and looked in. she was still awake, pacing the room. she had unbandaged her cheek, and she was chewing on some gum. she seemed to be waiting for something, or maybe just thinking.
I continued walking, headed to the kitchen. I needed some water to help clear my head. I past a few officers, including the one guarding Candi. I waved, before walking into the kitchen. i splashed some water in my face, careful to tilt my head down so i didn't choke.
I jumped up at the crash, looking around. There was a shattered glass on the ground. Had someone been in here? I must've bumped the table. I looked around for a broom, safely disposing of the glass. I wiped up the water with a paper towel. One of the officers came in, looking concerned. “Is everything alright?”
I nodded, pointing to the glass in the trash. He seemed to understand that i had knocked over the glass, as he nodded and walked back to wherever he came from. I was grateful that he hadn't made a scene about the small disabled girl being clumsy. that had happened too many times to count.
I rinsed my face with water again, before turning off the faucet and walking back down the hall. Everything was the same, but as i passed candi's cell again, but it was Ashwin pacing the cell now. I jumped back, looking around for an officer. there wasn't one around. I shook my head, figuring it was another hallucination.
I walked back to my room, attaching a bag of water to my tube. i was definitely just hallucinating. there was no way candi could've escaped, grabbed ash, got her to start pacing, and leave again without anyone noticing, especially in that short of time. I only thought it was a possibility when i turned around, and saw Sasha floating on the other side of the room.
Chapter 10
After i had carefully put the ashes back into my necklace, I motioned for Sasha to possess me so we could speak more freely with each other. she did so quickly, and again, i could feel her enter my body.
'So.. did candi bring you here?' I thought, still unsure if i had actually seen Ashwin. Sasha shook my head.
'No, I don't know who it was, but they had brown hair, not coral pink. They also weren't as tall as Candi.' She thought. So Candi probably never left her cell then. her accomplice managed to get into the police station though. That was worrying. The police were on high alert, it would have had to been a police officer to leave this here... Or...
'Did they have a feminine or masculine build?' I thought. i had told Jameson where the ashes where, maybe he had gotten them for me? it'd be kind of him, but i wasn't sure.
'Masculine, i think. they were wearing a bulky hoodie though, it was hard to tell.' It was probably Jameson. I'd ask him about it in the morning, but i wanted to make sure Candi was in her cell, and not Ashwin.
Sasha left my body so i could have control, and we went back down the hallway. sure enough, Candi was sitting on her bed. It was probably just hallucinations, but i motioned for Sasha to go in to check.
Sasha agreed, and it was obvious Candi was surprised to see her. I couldn't hear what they were talking about, but Candi looked over to where i was standing, and shook her head.
Sasha floated out, and told me what Candi had said. “If she had left, she wouldn't have gotten Ashwin to take her place, and she definitely wouldn't have come back. I believe her, there would be no point getting someone else into the cell if she was going to come back anyway.”
I agreed, it would be kinda weird to take that amount of effort just to come back. I just didn't know whether to be worried that i was hallucinating, or happy that Candi couldn't get out.
Either way, i was happy to have Sasha back. i smiled at her, starting the walk back to my room. It was probably around 1 am. I was going to be so tired in the morning. Or... later in the morning.
I sat down on my bed, waiting to see if Sasha had anything to say before i went to bed. “What are you looking at me for?” she asked. “You can go to bed if you want, i wont stop you.”
I smiled and nodded, turning over and trying to sleep. I still couldn't, but i could rest. As i lay there, i saw Sasha float out of the room in the corner of my eye. I made sure i still had my necklace on, i didn't want Sasha to be forced away again.
It was still securely locked around my neck, so I was fully confident she just wanted to look around. I layed down, and i had fallen asleep.
I woke to the sound of the shift change. Sasha was floating on the other side of the room, eyes closed. I smiled at her, walking out of the room. Officers were leaving, some coming in. Jameson had brought me breakfast, forgetting about the tube. I smiled at him anyway, and he found someone else to give the food to.
The food i take is mostly pure nutrients, to keep me healthy, Otherwise, i blend up veggies and stuff, since i can't taste it anyway. I don't have Down Syndrome, not really, but i had very little control to my mouth and throat, causing similar effects to Down Syndrome. Most people assume i do, so i've started to tell them that.
Jameson startled me out of my thoughts when he came back in. “Candilynne's court date was established.” He grumbled. “Its tomorrow. You have to come, in case you have to testify.”
I groaned softly. I guessed I'd need an interpreter. But an interpreter could lie, or misunderstand. I might also not be seen as a reliable source, as i was still a kid. I unplugged my feeding tube, stowing in in my bag. I signed at Jameson my worries.
“Don't worry, we have a reliable interpreter. We won't let them lie. I also understand a bit of sign language, though i could be biased, so i can't be the interpreter. “
I nodded. i was still a bit worried, but i didn't think things could go horribly wrong. I grabbed my board, typing quickly.
“There is a box in my closet, i need to grab it. Could i go back to my house today.” the board said robotically. Jameson nodded. “I'll escort you. Don't worry about your friend, other officers are looking for Ashwin Rose right now.”
The drive to my house was short, but the time it took seemed like much longer due to the silence. As we drove, my injured hand started hurting, despite the painkillers dissolved in the water i was 'drinking'. i clutched my wrist, hoping Jameson didn't notice. He didn't, but he did start talking.
“Officer Lance woke up. He didn't see anything though, just felt a pinch before waking up in the hospital. I'm sorry you had to see that.” I just nodded. It was traumatic, but not for me. I had been working with dead bodies for a while.
We pulled up to my house, and Jameson walked inside with me, just in case.
I grabbed the box from my closet, as well as a few herbs from my tiny garden. as i headed back out, i heard a crash.
^Did you hear that?^ i signed as best i could with the things in my arms. He nodded, turning towards it. “Have any pets?” He asked.
I shook my head. “Alright, you go out to the car. I'll check it out.” I continued walking out to the car, setting my stuff down in the backseat, before walking back in to join him. There wasn't anything there, except a shattered cup on the floor. Jameson checked a few other rooms, before escorting me out to the car. As we left, i could've sworn i saw Ashwin standing in my bedroom window.