Life After Death

Chapter 6

"So how do people set up a company here?" I ask as Hythe and I wait for our order to be made.

"You ask the representative," Hythe says. "Also known as the mayor, the leader, the president of Elysium... whatever title feels right to use for you."

"Who is that anyway? I figured it'd be Vlad considering he literally has statues in his honor, but he mentioned the representative too when we met."

"It's me, actually. I started Elysium years ago and helped build it from the ground up, so now I kind of run the place. I make sure a shop is needed, I help provide a place for it to set up, and I even offer a few items if they're useful."

"Oh! You could've said something when we first met, you know."

"Hey, I did insist on taking any and all information and complaints you had, you just insisted on Vlad. Plus I had tackled you to the floor, it seemed awkward to admit if you didn't already know me."

"Ah, that's true. Do you always tackle people who come to the door?" I ask with a smirk.

"Only the ones who come past sundown or before sunrise. We don't get visitors during those hours and I am overly paranoid. You knocked at the door all polite and yet I still jumped to the idea you were a zombie. I mean, I don't try to attack night visitors, obviously. Most days I spend helping people out, hence why I know most of the people in this town, especially the shopkeepers."

"So shouldn't you be at the house helping people out?" I ask, watching as the main owner of the diner, North, passes out some orders to people at the counter. It's just as busy as it had been in the morning, if not busier.

"People don't come around as often anymore. Most people are content helping others out when they choose rather than having to run a shop full time. It's usually paparazzi, and Clarity can handle those guys just fine while I'm out. If people want to get something started or need a little help, they can wait until tomorrow. I don't even do much, I just talk to people and give them all the information they need to know about running a shop or information in general."

North calls out his name and Hythe grabs a tray holding several bags, each filled with food, the same as breakfast. The two of us leave the diner with the food and begin heading back to the cabin. We make our way up the hills, across the bridge, up the stairs, and to the house. It's quite a walk.

"FOOD!" Hythe calls, kicking the door open. Standing behind him, I can't exactly see what's happening, but I hear crashing complimented by various swears. "Whoops, sorry. Anyway, food!"

I enter the house to find Vlad sitting on the couch writing something down, and Clarity nowhere in sight. I wonder if he had been the one crashing and swearing, as Vlad seemed too calm for him to have just been startled by our sudden entrance. Then again, I could have sworn there was more than one voice...

"Good, food. First, I need to talk to Erina, if you don't mind." Vlad says, interrupting my thoughts. "Cinthia, Clarity is in the basement, talk to him about what you missed. Grab your food as well. Erina, join me on the couch." He orders.

Both of us comply, Hythe closing the basement door behind him, leaving Vlad and I alone on the couch with our food. I shift on the couch, wondering what Vlad wants.

"I hope you enjoyed your shopping trip and tour." He starts, and I give a small nod. "Good, good... Say, Erina, how old are you?"

"Uh... I don't know? Why?"

"Ah, sorry, I guess you wouldn't know. Since our talk this morning I've been trying to figure you out. I already know a few things, but I've been trying to map out a timeline since you left and I just haven't got it. See, zombies don't age, cause... undead... meaning it's hard to tell how much time has passed since you turned. Can you tell me everything you remember?"