Malicious Tales

Chapter 8

    Salem found himself worrying, again. It had been happening far too much for his liking, and as usual, he wasn’t concerned for himself, but for Malice. It had only been a few hours since the process, and already his once-hybrid friend was emanating darkness wherever she walked. She ordered the lower class Fallen about the castle, and he was sure he even saw her call a skeleton or two of her own, straight out of the ground. He had been following her around like a lost puppy, generally being ignored by the Necromancer. It wasn’t like her at all, because usually, even when Malice was up to her ears, she would always take the time to pay attention to her family members, no matter how small the issue. Salem had never felt as alone as he did then. With Felix and Fallon gone, and Malice ignoring his very existence, there was nobody there for him.

    Malice could hear the dead. And they hadn’t shut up since she left her brother. They yelled and screamed inside her head, giving her a migraine. Sometimes she wasn’t even sure if real people were talking to her or if it was just the deceased looking for some loud conversation once again. So after a couple of hours, she quickly learned to ignore all sounds, both in real life, and in her head. Of course she couldn’t ignore the spirits that enjoyed floating in front of her while she was trying to walk, making her stop in her tracks so as not to go through them, and looking rather silly to those who couldn’t see the ghosts.

    But even though Malice felt bombarded by death and the spirits it left in it’s wake, she knew she could manage, because every time she tried to take a moment out, to sink into her shell for a while, the power streamed through her blood a little faster, pushing her back, giving her a proper boost of strength and energy. It helped her to deal with the ghosts, and kept her going.

    The pair had been waiting, albeit a tad impatiently, for Lord Ruin to finish with his battle preparations. He had been organising his forces into groups, dishing out orders as he marched through the different squadrons. Finally, it was time for Salem’s big role.

    Calling Vesper Light.

    Vesper wasn’t feeling the slightest bit guilty for betraying his son. In fact, he was feeling rather good with himself, because after committing Felix and the little girl to the prison-like Sanctuary, Lord Ra of the Risen had given him quite the reward. So instead of trying to save his son, Vesper sat in his large cushioned chair, creating fabulous ice sculptures at his leisure while three different Risen women attended to his every whim. Needless to say, he wasn’t to impressed when the shrill ringing of the phone interrupted his relaxation. Rolling his eyes, he clicked his fingers, signalling for one of the women to hand him his mobile.

    “Vesper Light speaking, who the heck is this?”

    “Mr. Light, this is Salem Stone. I’m a friend of Felix.”

    “Ah yes, the cat boy, I remember. I’m afraid you won’t reach my son on this line though. Anything else I can help you with, boy?”

    “Actually, there is. I was wondering is there space for one more in the Sanctuary? Things didn’t work out too well with Malice, and I haven’t many other options.”

    Vesper grinned, he did love it when a plan came together. He had said the others would follow, and he knew they would. If he could get the young Miss Ruin too, it would mean even better rewards from his Master.

    “I’m glad to hear you’ve come around, Mr. Stone. I’ll meet you in Trafalgar Square, London of course, tomorrow noon. Don’t be late, I’m not a patient man.” And with that, the Risen hung up the phone, feeling rather content with his latest hybrid retrieval.

    “There, it’s done,” said Salem as he put down the phone. Lord Ruin’s grin almost mirrored Vesper’s, an evil delight showing in his pitch black eyes. Clapping his hands together, he turned to his armies.

    “Right, you heard the Risen scum. Noon tomorrow, our mission begins. Be diligent and show no mercy, for you shall be shown none in return. And most importantly, do not fail me.”