Faults

Chapter 29: Marshall

Two Days Prior

The sun is beginning to set now as I stare down at my grandfather's grave. From all the stories I've heard of ghosts and ghouls, as cliché and spooky as it may be, I've found that using my ability to raise the dead works better as the days approach nightfall. The best time is dusk, but I keep getting a weird feeling when I come to the graveyard at that time. The dead stay out longer after dark, yet I'm always wary of what might happen while I'm out here.

I kneel down on the grass in front of the headstone and just as I'm about to place my hand on its surface, a stick cracks behind me. I jump slightly and look over my shoulder, into the woods. "Hello?" I call out. My voice is small and timid. Oh, how I wish it wasn't. If there's something dangerous out there, there's no chance in hell that they would be scared of a scrawny teenager like me with a weak, feeble voice.

A figure emerges from the shadows of the trees and reveals a man that looks to be a few years older than I. He's most likely no older than twenty, with his flawless skin and ebony black hair. His eyes are wisened with something that isn't age. Experience, perchance? His eyes are hooded with darkness, something that frightens me a bit. I have no idea who this man is, as I've never seen him before in my life.

"Your ability is absolutely exceptional," the man remarks. His voice is smooth and deep. Velvety, one might say.

"Excuse me?" I say, suddenly worried about my safety, more so than I already was being at the graveyard so late. My voice sounds more firm now, with a tiny bit more assertiveness to it.

"You're able to raise people from their graves. I saw you do it a few days ago as well as twice today," he explains. "Your name is Marshall Nicholson, isn't it?"

I stand up and take a few steps away from the forest. "H-How do you know who I am? Or about my ability?" Any confidence I had before is now gone. I am beyond a coward. I am an utter pussy.

The man smirks, drawing closer. "I always have my eyes on Galariesse."

"Who are you?" I ask, my brow furrowed with concern.

"Whether or not I tell you my name depends on your willingness to help me," he says, smiling sweetly. It's the kind of smile that doesn't reach the eyes, but at the same time does. A poker-face-type smile.

I tilt my head, growing more curious than afraid now. Even though the smile he just gave me should make my worries increase, it's rather compelling. "What do you need help with?" I inquire.

"Revenge," he says, his eyes glinting. They're almost sparkling.

"O-On who?"

With a laugh, he replies, "This Kingdom. Wouldn't you want to get revenge on all of the medics, the officials, the King? They all sat back and did nothing as your mother died. They watched her die a slow painful death and had nothing to say about it."

"How do you know my mother died?" I ask, the intrigue I felt before fading. I'm genuinely concerned about how much information this man holds.

"Like I said, I have my eyes on Galariesse at almost all times. So what do you say, will you assist me?" The sweet smile returns but his hard stare never leaves me.

Thinking for a moment, I soak up everything he just said to me. Revenge on those who did nothing to help my mother and family when that's their sole purpose in the Kingdom? That does sound rather satisfying, I think. "What's in it for me, other than the fulfillment of revenge?"

"Well, aren't you a bit greedy there?" The man smiles slyly as he steps toward me.

"I'm just wondering how this is going to benefit me in the long run. What are you going to do for me?" I challenge. I'm surprised at myself. My confidence has somehow returned, and it's practically surging. I'm standing up to this mysterious man, and it's both the most terrifying and exhilarating thing I've done.

The man arches an eyebrow. "You're persistent. I like you. Let's say, I'm offering to allow you to join an alliance of sorts."

"An alliance?"

"Precisely. An alliance formed on getting revenge on this Kingdom and those who've done us wrong," he explains briefly. "We'll have your back if you have ours."

This man couldn't be more confusing. I couldn't be more confusing. I'm not even sure why I'm entertaining the idea of joining forces with this man. It's not like me to want revenge. "Who's we? And why did you choose me as the person you want to join your 'alliance'?"

"I want your ability, should either I or my partner get killed," he tells me.

I open my eyes wider, giving him a look of disbelief. "Your partner? Why would either of you get killed?"

"Once again, you'll find out if you agree to this," he responds in a stern voice, sounding tired of me dancing around my final answer. An answer that I'm not even sure if I have.

I think hard about what he's proposing. I don't know who he is or what he truly wants from me long-term, yet his offer is very tempting. Getting revenge on this Kingdom for its flaws and wrongdoings would be like avenging my mother's death. Wouldn't it?

"I'll do it."

The man clasps his hands together, grinning. "Wonderful. I'll meet you back here in three days' time then, yes?" There's a certain eeriness to his voice now, sending chills through me.

"Alright, I guess. Why?" I ask.

"So you can venture out with me to meet my partner. It's quite the journey, and I'd say it's much too late to head there now. Besides, I have some personal things to take care of. As for our alliance, we have a lot of planning to get to. I'm Christian, by the way," he says.

I nod, taking in what he's told me. "I'll see you in three days."

"Good. Just remember, nobody can know about this, do you understand?" he asks.

Wanting to leave at this point, I nod vigorously and Christian retreats into the forest. His secrecy is beginning to give me the creeps. Twilight is upon us now and it makes things all the more freakish. I quickly walk out of the graveyard and back into the village. How do I explain this to my father? To Klaus?

I suppose I can't. I presume they'll find out in due time, anyway.