Nephilim

14 - The Penny

The thought of having a normal day, one where I used to go to work, eat and drink, and then finally sleep, seemed almost laughable. The Horseman had been relatively quiet and less sarcastic than usual over the last couple of days. But it had been very much present. That, however, wasn't the scariest part. What seemed to terrify me was that I had finally realised how the Horseman and I were aligning perfectly over a significant amount of time. At even the slightest hint of supernatural activity, like a demon passing by or a ghost haunting an abandoned building, my senses would be on super alert and I'd feel... faster, smarter, more dangerous. I felt like a predator. And I knew that feeling that way wasn't right because unlike the Horseman, I wasn't invincible. It was then that I knew that the Horseman's presence had started influencing... everything.

Unfortunately, for me, that wasn't even the shittiest thing that had happened to me all week. Over the years, I had learned to never say never. I was the kind of person who got easily bored or annoyed. I had no qualms about leaving something unfinished nor did I have the burning need for a closure. For some reason, after the Horseman had entered my life, I started to think, 'Yeah. This is the worst that could happen. Nothing can beat the shittiness that comes with this, ever.' And so I learned, never say never, and never say ever either.

Let's come back to the worst thing that happened that week. I was lounging about, staring at a spot on the wall opposite when the Horseman spoke.

I believe you have a message.

My ears started to grow warm and my nose twitched as I found myself drawn to Zoya's notebook. As expected, there was a new entry in it.

I am probably in trouble and this is going to be the last message I send you for a while. Don't worry, I am not dying. But I think TEC is keeping a close watch on me. It's all my fault to begin with, anyway. I had been snooping about the library for hours at an end looking for something that could help us. It raised a few eyebrows especially when they found my lurking about near the Apocalypse section. The reason I was there is because that's where all the information I have on the Nephilim leads. Since this stunt of mine has attracted too much attention, it would be unwise to send any more messages. I will do so once the matter has died down. I may also have the chance, then, to get out of the building, if only for a meal or a cup of coffee. There will be company, sure, but I am positive you can find a way to relay a message to me if you like. I hope you're okay. I will keep you updated.

That doesn't sound good.

Yeah, no shit, Sherlock. The only source of intel I had was now being closely watched. I had to find a way to speak to her but a part of me was terrified of what the Horseman would do or show once I did.

You're afraid of what I am going to do to her? If it makes you feel better, I will cloak myself and cut off all communication. Also, don't you think it is a little curious that this girl is being closely watched around the same time that low level angel must've reported my presence to her superiors? I've lived far too long to believe in coincidences.

Yea, no kidding. I didn't believe in coincidences either. Nor was I surprised that there was a TEC mole among the angels. For the first time, the power that TEC held was sinking in. Maybe getting Zoya to gain more intel hadn't been such a good idea. She was in danger. I didn't think I'd care much about anyone, even her, but as much as I wanted to, I couldn't convince myself that human life was a waste anyway and I shouldn't care about hers. The only life I didn't care about at the moment was my own.

Humans. You are such puzzling creatures. It's hard for me to figure out whether you are contemplating a rescue mission to bring her out of TEC or suicide.

As tempting as it sounded, suicide was no good right now.

Thank you. I do still have some use for you.

Shut it, I told the Horseman. It would always need me. I'd make sure of that. For now, I had to focus on getting Zoya out. But how could I do that? The only way to do so would be a diversion. All the members of TEC should have their hands on deck so as to allow her the time and pathway to escape. Also, I needed to identify a safe house sort of place to send her to as I was positive that TEC would come looking after her with their stupid assassins. But the primary problem still remained. What diversion could be big enough to lure the officials of TEC out and keep them busy? I needed the attention of the Elders, the Spell men, the Tribunals as well as the Transcribers. It had to be something big.

Penny in the air...

Fuck. I was going to have to reveal myself as the Horseman.

And the penny drops.