Necromancer For Hire- Arc 8

Arc 8, Chapter 8

The God

Pilate shifted his weight, cheeks bright red as the most powerful creature in the universe gazed down at him with a smile. The hair on his arms stood on edge, like the room was full of static.

“Come, Pilate,” Life murmured, laying a hand on his shoulder. Pilate flinched, his cold skin setting his nerves on fire. His red eyes burned with power, his soft grin making them almost appear warm.

Passive, Pilate let Life lead him down the steps of the school and onto the sidewalk. Around them, people went about their day, unaware of the god in their midst. The sky had cleared, and the sun beat down on the melting snow, ice glimmering like stars.

“Uh,” Pilate mumbled, still aware of the hand on his shoulder, “Um, why did you pick me up from school?”

Life blinked. Pilate twitched, afraid he was going to reduce him to a pile of ashes. Was he supposed to talk to him?

“Pilate, my dear, I just wanted to have a chat with you,” Life said, voice like silk.

Pilate’s heart dropped into his stomach, palms going sweaty. That's the phrasing Asher used when he planned to beat the crap out of him when they got home. His eyes darted around, looking for a possible route of escape. But he knew he couldn't run- Life was a god, a few hundred yards between them wouldn't make a difference. The deity he wanted to pray to was standing before him.

Life noticed his panic. “Ease your mind, Pilate. I'm not going to hurt you.” Stopping in front of a food cart, Life squeezed Pilate’s shoulder. “Are you hungry? I will buy you something.”

Almost hesitating, Pilate slowly nodded his head. The only food he had eaten today was the free lunch at school. He hated to accept such charity, but he was starving.

It was surreal, watching Life purchase a soft pretzel from a food stand. He accepted the treat with numb hands, surprised by Life's kindness.

As they walked away, a jovial smile fell on Life's lips. “I'm glad I was carrying some cash. I may be an Überdragon, but I can't exactly blow my cover to get free food.” He laughed, and Pilate began to relax ever so slightly. His expression was almost humanizing.

“In fact, Pilate, you're quite special. You're one of the few humans that know my true identity.”

“You...You think I'm special?” Pilate whispered, an odd feeling surging through his veins. He had never heard that before.

“I think you're very special, Pilate,” Life said, his deep voice ringing with pride, “You're the only life mage in my circle.” He stopped, making Pilate backpedal to avoid stepping on him. “I have an offer for you, child. Would you like to become my apprentice? I want to with train you and increase your magical skill.”

Pilate choked on his food, staring at Life with wide eyes. “I, uh-” He tugged at the loose collar of his sweater, “I don't know…”

He doesn't trust me, Life observed, his features remaining even.

“Uh, this is my apartment building. I gotta go,” Pilate said quickly, platinum blond hair falling across his eyes, “I'm sorry. Thanks for picking me up, sir.”

Pilate darted into the building, clinging to his backpack with sweaty hands. Life lingered on the sidewalk, slowly drawing out his cellphone. He tapped a contact on his speedial and brought it to his ear.

“Asher? Take the kid to the guild. Do whatever you want to him, I don't care,” Fire sparked in Life's eyes, a scarlet inferno burning bright, “I want the brat within an inch of his life.”

Author's Note- i regret absolutely nothing.