Apocalypse Rising (Book Two)

Army of Ghosts

"Mum!" Rose called as she and the Apocalypse entered the Powell Estate. "It's us! We're back!"

"Oh, I don't know why you bother with that phone," Jackie huffed as she emerged around the corner. "You never use it!"

"Shut up," Rose laughed before holding her arms out. "Come here!"

"Oh, I love you!" Jackie gushed, giving her a huge hug.

"I love you!" Rose countered.

"I love you so much!"

"How've you been, Jackie?" the Apocalypse asked with a smile, giving her a small hug as well.

"Been doing all right," Jackie answered, smiling at the younger woman. She might have looked younger, but Jackie knew she was probably many times older than she was. The Apocalypse was definitely the older sister.

"I've got loads of washing for you," Rose said, giving Jackie the rucksack she had on her back. "And I got you this." She fished out a small metal contraption from her pocket. "It's from the market on this asteroid bazaar. It's made of . . .er . . . bazoolium, yeah?"

"Bazoolium," the Apocalypse nodded. "Yup."

"Bazoolium," Rose nodded, ignoring the small look the Apocalypse was giving her. "When it gets cold, yeah? It means it's going to rain. When it's hot, it's going to be sunny. You can use it to tell the weather!"

"I've got a surprise for you and all," Jackie said with a grin.

Rose grumbled. "Oh, I get her bazoolium, she doesn't even say thanks."

"Doesn't always thank me when I pop up with you completely unharmed," the Apocalypse pointed out. Rose sniggered at that.

"Guess who's coming to visit?" Jackie said. "You're just in time. He'll be here at ten past. Who do you think it is?"

"I don't know," Rose answered.

"Oh, go on! Guess!"

"No, I hate guessing," the Apocalypse shook her head. "Just tell me!"

"It's your granddad! Granddad Prentice. He's on his way any minute." Rose's jaw dropped, but Jackie didn't notice. "Right. Cup of tea!"

"She's gone mad," Rose breathed, watching her go.

"Tell me something new," the Apocalypse joked.

"Granddad Prentice, that's her dad," Rose said. "But, he died, like . . . ten years ago." The Apocalypse blinked. "Oh, my God, she's lost it. Mum!" She ran after her into the kitchen. "Mum? What you just said about granddad - "

"Any second now," Jackie answered as they came into the kitchen.

"But he passed away," Rose insisted. "His heart gave out. Do you remember that?"

"Of course I do!"

"Then how can he come back?"

"Why don't you ask him yourself?" Jackie checked her watch, then beamed. "Ten past. Here he comes." The Apocalypse and Rose stared at the ethereal human-shaped figure that walked right through the wall to stand next to Jackie. "Here we are, then. Dad, say hello to Rose. Ain't she grown?"

The Apocalypse and Rose looked at each other before they dashed out of the flat. The Apocalypse stumbled out, looking around in shock. "They're everywhere!"

Rose frowned. But no one seemed alarmed about them . . . She blinked when a ghost headed right for the Apocalypse. "Caly, look out!"

The Apocalypse spun, but she couldn't get out of the way of the ghost. She shuddered, watching the ghost go past. "They haven't got long," Jackie said, finally catching up. "Midday shift only lasts a couple of minutes. They're about to fade."