Shadows Within The Past

Chapter 116: Really Weird Genetics

Marcus looked up at Emily, Alexander's niece, and saw a glimmer of concern in her eyes. She was a miniature version of Alexander, with the same piercing gaze and sharp features. But there was something softer about her, something that made Marcus think that she might not be as far gone as her uncle.

"We were just having a conversation, Emily," Marcus said, trying to keep his tone neutral. "About old times." Emily's eyes narrowed, her gaze flicking between Marcus and the door that Alexander had just disappeared through. "Uncle Alexander looks so sad," she said, her voice dripping with concern. "What did you say to him?"

Marcus hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal to Emily. But something about her expression made him think that she might understand, that she might see the same darkness in Alexander that he did. "We were just talking about his past, Emily," Marcus said, choosing his words carefully. "About the choices he's made." Emily's eyes seemed to cloud over, her gaze drifting off into the distance. "I know what you're talking about," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've seen it too. The way he looks at people, the way he talks about them. It's like they're not even human."

Marcus felt a shiver run down his spine as he looked at Emily. He saw a glimmer of recognition in her eyes, a sense that she understood the darkness that lurked within Alexander. And he wondered, was she like him too? "Marcus said, and do you like it?" Emily said, "If you want the truth, yes. I mean, why not? And can I tell you a secret? My body count is 6." Marcus's eyes widened in shock as he stared at Emily, his mind screaming "WHAT IN THE WORLD?!" Emily, on the other hand, looked like she was talking about her favorite ice cream flavor.

Marcus repeated, trying to process what Emily had just told him. "You're only 13 years old, Emily. How is that possible?" Emily shrugged, a nonchalant expression on her face. "I don't know," she said. "I just am. And I have to say, it's kind of exhilarating." Marcus felt a chill run down his spine as he looked at Emily. He saw a glimmer of her uncle Alexander in her eyes, a spark of the same darkness that had consumed him.

"What's going on, Emily?" Marcus asked, trying to keep his voice steady. "What's happening to you?" Emily thought for a moment before responding, "I think I'm just really good at video games?" Marcus face-palmed. "No, Emily, I mean, how did you... you know... unalive 6 people?" Emily looked confused. "Oh, that? I don't know, I just got really lucky, I guess?" Marcus's eyes widened in horror. "Lucky?!" he repeated. "You call killing 6 people lucky?!" Emily nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, I mean, it's not like I'm trying to be a serial killer or anything... although, that would be kind of cool, wouldn't it?

Marcus's face turned white. "Emily, stop. Just stop." Emily looked at him with a confused expression. "What's wrong, Marcus? Don't you think being a serial killer would be cool?" Marcus shook his head. "No, Emily, it's not cool. It's... it's... (he searched for words) ...it's very, very bad!" Emily pouted. "Fine, be that way. But I'm still going to be a serial killer when I grow up." Marcus's eyes widened in horror. "Emily, you can't say things like that! You're 13 years old, for crying out loud! You should be thinking about boys and school and... and... (he searched for words) ...and ponies! Not about being a serial killer!" Emily rolled her eyes. "Ponies are so lame, Marcus. And besides, I'm a grown-up now. I can make my own decisions." Marcus's face turned red with frustration. "Emily, you're not a grown-up! You're a 13-year-old girl who thinks being a serial killer is cool! (he threw up his hands) I don't know what to do with you!" Emily grinned mischievously. "You could always join me, Marcus. We could be serial killers together!" Marcus's eyes widened in horror. "Emily, stop. Just stop. Right now."

Emily giggled. "Okay, okay. I'll stop. But just for the record, I think being a serial killer would be a great career choice. I mean, who needs college when you can just kill people for a living?" Marcus face-palmed. "Emily, you're not even supposed to be thinking about this stuff. You're 13 years old! You should be thinking about school and friends and... and... (he searched for words) ...and not killing people!" Emily shrugged. "Hey, someone's got to keep the serial killer population going. Might as well be me." Marcus threw up his hands. "I give up. You're impossible." Emily grinned. "That's what makes me a great serial killer in the making." Marcus shook his head. "I need to get out of here before I lose my mind." Emily called out after him. "Hey, Marcus! Don't forget to lock your door tonight! You never know when a serial killer might come knocking!" Marcus just shook his head and kept walking.