Necrosiac 14 (1047 hits)
Category: NoneLabels: Necro
Rating: 1.94 on 35 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Snark << snark.at.corporatedirtbag.com (View user info) at 2004-08-31 10:33:01 EDT
Parts 1 - 13
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NECROSIAC 14
"... so the Bum says 'I don't know about the twins on either side but the one in the middle looks like Willy Nelson!"
The interior of the sedan filled with the deep bone rattling laughter of Markus Tasker.
Mattaius groaned and shook his head. Beside him in the passenger seat Terri strained against her seatbelt and turned towards the backseat to give Tasker a dirty look but a quick glance told Mattaius she hadn't found the joke entirely without humor.
Markus placed a large meaty hand on Mattaius shoulder and said "You get it? She doesn't shave her..."
Mattaius cut him off mid sentence "I got it. Heard it before"
Behind him Markus sat back in his seat with a sigh "Tough crowd"
Mattaius glanced into the rearview mirror in time to see Tasker's familiar slide up the side of his neck and whisper something into his ear. Markus listened then chuckled and mumbled something back under his breath.
Mattaius had met Mages and their familiars before but he'd never seen one quite like what lived on Markus'
Most Mages typically stuck to traditional forms when creating their familiars. Cats, dogs birds. The more dramatic members of the class might have an Owl or Hawk, much to the chagrin of organizations like Greenpeace.
Markus familiar was a 4 inch high Red Devil tattoo complete with horns, pointed tail, and pitch fork. It lived on his skin and spoke in whispers that only he could hear. Markus had introduced him to Mattaius and Terri during their first meeting. He'd rolled up his sleeve and the tattoo on his arm had given a deep bow to Terri and then promptly flipped Mattaius the bird.
Terri had laughed despite herself and Markus had said something in the way of an apologetic joke then slapped Mattaius on the back almost knocking him over.
At 6'2" Markus was a good two inches shorter than Pitt but he estimated him to be a good thirty pounds heavier. Tasker wasn't fat by any means. The man was built solidly and the words "Brick Shithouse" came to mind every time Mattaius caught sight of him. He was a big man but something about the way he fit into the simple gray suit he usually wore made him look huge.
"His name is Spivey" Markus had explained "Don't ask me why. He named himself and won't tell me why he chose it. Little brother has a bit of an attitude"
During the last two days Mattaius had seen Spivey often. When he wasn't busy doing whatever it was he did beneath Markus clothes he would hang out prone on the front of Markus large shaved head. Mattaius couldn't help but wonder if familiars slept or if it was some sort of strange show it was putting on for Terri's benefit. Markus had told them both earlier that "Spivey loves the ladies"
Markus himself seemed professional and likeable enough but Mattaius found something about the amount of effort he put into getting along with Terri and him a bit plastic. They'd both talked about it and agreed that on occasion he could be very much like an overly enthusiastic waiter, his voice dripping sugar while inside he cringed.
Terri leaned forward in her seat and said "This is it up here on the left. Take the alley around back"
Mattaius guided the gunmetal grey sedan around the back of the Antique Shop and came to a smooth stop a few feet away from the back door. He reached a hand out to pick up the car's mic and call in to Control but Terri beat him to it.
She gave him a triumphant grin and then keyed the mic and said "Control this is 47. We have arrived at the shop and are commencing sweep. Please notify surveillance."
A familiar male voice came over the speaker "47 this is control. Roger Terri, I'm notifying surveillance now. Happy hunting"
Terri keyed the mic again and said "47 out" then reset it into its clip on the dashboard and the trio exited the car into the crisp autumn air.
Markus straightened his suit then put his hands to the small of his back and stretched backwards with a long grunt. "One of you gets the backseat next time. You two want I should grab the radios?"
"Yes" said Terri "But lets stick together once we're inside"
Mattaius made a quick scan of the narrow alley and verified they were alone then turned back to the door in time to see Terri fit her key into the agency installed padlock and unlatch it. He took a radio from Tasker's outstretched hand turned it on and clipped it to the waistband of his jeans. He watched Terri do the same then cleared his throat and asked "Do we go in hot?" Terri shook her head put her hands in the pockets of her leather jacket and moved to the side of the door. "Surveillance says no one's come close to this place but I would feel better if you took the lead and let us know if you see anything."
Mattaius turned the knob on the grey metal door and swung it open with a metallic squeal. The giant relative of Spivey he was half expecting to come for him out of the gloom failed to materialize.
It had been threatening to rain all day and the dreary light from the overcast sky failed to penetrate the musky darkness of the shops interior. Despite the passage of time the stench of long dead things was still present. Mattaius steeled himself against the smell and reached a hand in to feel for a light switch along the side of the door. After a short time he found it and clicked it on but either the bulb was smashed or it simply didn't work.
"Tasker I need light"
Mattaius moved back into the alley to make way for Markus' large frame and averted his eyes from the flash of magic he knew was coming. A second later Markus said "All yours" and made room for him to enter the room. Mattaius stepped back to the doorway and surveyed the inside of the room. One of the ceiling tiles was now giving off enough light to sufficiently illuminate the large dusty space inside.
The interior of the room seemed smaller than it did in the photos he had been shown during the briefing but the contents looked the same. The space was approximately twenty feet wide by sixty feet long, stretching from the back door to what must be the door that led to the front of the shop. Rows of rusty metal shelving lined grey cement walls on both sides. The room had been filled with boxes and dusty antiques at one point but the contents had been removed and transported to the Agency Warehouse for examination.
Two grey metal doors stood about five feet apart near the center of the left wall. Mattaius recalled that the one closest to him opened to stairs leading to the basement and the other to a small office.
Aside from the ceiling tile nothing glowed.
He looked over his shoulder at Terri, gave her a quick nod and the trio entered the room, Markus closing the door behind them with a bang.
Terri crossed the room to the opposite door and tentatively ran her fingers over the holes in the center of it. The dusty floor beneath her was stained black with the history of her last visit and Mattaius found himself wondering if the day's adventure was stirring the ghost of her brother.
Terri turned to the men with a wry smile and said "Check out this grouping. I think I was Annie Oakley in a past life" Her voice sounded tense to Mattaius, the words slightly forced. He could tell she wasn't enjoying being there and found himself admiring her bravado for the thousandth time.
Tasker whistled appreciatively "Damn that's not bad considering you had already been nuked... Spivey says he couldn't have done better himself"
Terri gave a quick wink to the top of Tasker's head then opened the door to the front of the shop and stepped through. Mattaius made way for Tasker to enter ahead of him and waited for the telltale flash as he similarly illuminated the next room.
Terri was already kneeling over a spot on the floor near the far door by the time he entered the room while Markus made himself busy examining the ransacked counter to the right.
Mattaius crossed the threshold blinked and said "This room is hot"
His partners straightened up and looked at him quizzically. Terri was the first to speak "What do you see?"
"Looks like a fucking Bond film in here, there's lines of magic crisscrossing every which way... a dozen or more... no wonder the Seer couldn't fix on you"
Terri and Markus glanced around the room with looks on their faces similar to what Mattaius would expect from swimmers after someone has yelled "SHARK!"
Terri's hand went to her back as she reflexively checked her protective tattooing for telltale signs of itching. "God it's good to have you back... can you tell what kind of spell?"
Mattaius stepped into the room and bent to examine the nearest thin silver beam where it crossed the room in front of him at chest height.
"I'm guessing detection of some type... I recognize the color but something strange... I don't think these are spell based... judging from how fine and steady the beam is I would have to guess this is artifact magic"
Tasker grunted in recognition and put both elbows on the counter top as he surveyed the room with newfound respect "That would explain why the first team didn't pick it up... you're a handy guy to have around Pitt"
Mattaius straightened up and followed the beam across the once cluttered space of the room to where it emerged from the wall. He pulled his knife from the scabbard connected to the shoulder harness under his dark blue blazer and carefully dug the sharp point of the rune covered blade into the plain yellow wallpaper.
Terri and Markus stayed where they were and watched pit dig into the wall with apprehensive interest. Artifact magic could be volatile and they were both experienced enough to know it was best to leave Pitt to his work.
"I can see something, looks like a Runestone... Obsidian maybe...almost... got... it"
The Runestone at his knife tip let out a squeak and with a snap broke free of its plaster prison and sped across the room to embed itself within the opposite wall with a loud crack not unlike a gunshot. A fine spray of dust and plaster floated up from the point of impact less than two feet away from Terri.
Markus cocked his head to the side for a second then smiled at Mattaius and said "Spivey says Ouch"
"Ouch indeed" replied Terri "I didn't even see it cross the room" then to Mattaius "Ok so we found the alarm system where's the alarm?"
Markus ran a hand over his smooth head in contemplation and spoke tentatively as his thoughts came to mind "That's not the only question... it doesn't make sense that simply breaking the beam would trigger an alarm. Every time someone came into the shop it would go off. Why waste magic on that? Artifact magic is rare. Only a few Enchanters in the world can make stuff of this power..."
Mattaius interrupted with a quick word "Conjurer"
Tasker stopped mid sentence and raised a thick black eyebrow "You sure?"
Mattaius nodded "Yeah, it made a sound when I touched it with the knife"
"Gotcha but the point remains the same, its not spell based magic which is why it's so hard to detect... it's got to be tuned to something specific"
Mattaius nodded in agreement and found himself respecting Tasker more than he wanted to admit. He'd been thinking the same thing. Terri had been attacked within minutes of entering the shop. He'd considered the possibility that the shop was nothing more than the Necrosiacs personal fly trap, a place to gather unsuspecting customers as his knew pets, but something about the assumption didn't sit right with him. He wasn't convinced he was entirely wrong but a familiar voice in his head told him he wasn't entirely correct either.
He wiped the blade of his knife on his jeans then sheathed it in its scabbard and crossed the room to the next nearest beam. He bent down to get a close look at it and slowly broke the glowing silver thread with one outstretched hand. The beam sliced through his hand without hurting it to continue unchanged across the room.
He stood straight and shook his head then looked at Terri as a spark of suspicion began to glow in his mind.
Terri starred back worriedly and gave him a self conscious "What?"
Mattaius motioned her forward with one hand "Take about 5 steps towards me" he said "OK that's good. Now turn until I tell you to stop"
"Stop!"
The beam of light had turned in color to bright red as it came in contact with Terri's back.
"Our tattoos" he said "It's tuned to our tattoos. The system is designed to detect Agents"
Terri turned to face Mattaius, her face ashen. "I was made the second I walked in" Mattaius could sense the apprehensive waver in her voice as the realization of how close she'd truly come to dying made itself clear.
Markus slammed a meaty fist on the counter and gave an appreciative whistle "Motherfucker had you cold and you still fed him a lovin handful of true death. If I wasn't married I'd be in love"
Terri smiled at Tasker, her relief at being dislodged from morose thoughts altogether apparent to her partners. "Spivey has dibs"
The Tattoo on Tasker's head blew her a kiss.
"Back to the question of the alarm" said Mattaius
Terri turned and walked towards the door to the back of the shop "My turn to be Sherlock. I think it's in the office"
Markus made to follow then crooked his head to the side and motioned them to stop as he listened intently to the Devil at his ear. After a moment he lowered his hand and withdrew his pistol from the shoulder holster under his suit jacket.
"Spivey says something is coming... something wicked"
The room filled with the digital beep of Terri's cell phone.
"You know" she said as she pulled her pistol and switched off the safety "I've just about had it with this place"
User Reviews
Submitted by Fey (user info) at 2007-05-07 10:52:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by rad1101 (user info) at 2005-10-19 04:35:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
There are a solid four pages of +2 streaks with 30 or more reviews. That is stupid. I am weeding it all out by giving every one of them a +1; that way posts that have 1.99 with 200+ reviews gets best ever.
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2005-06-13 09:48:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
better and better
Submitted by Revolutionman (user info) at 2005-05-05 01:36:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Snark makes me hot
Submitted by Charred (user info) at 2005-03-31 16:40:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Seriously?
Find a publisher.
Submitted by thorpe (user info) at 2005-03-28 06:57:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I was apprehensive when Spivey was introduced - too Harry Potter-ish for my liking. However you didn't try to turn him into "comic relief" which was excellent.
I just realised that it has been quite a long time since the last "fight" in this series, yet it feels like an action-packed movie. Now that is a tribute to the greatness of this series.
As opposed to TV show, I think a two and a half hour movie would suit this series great. I'll talk to Spielberg.
Submitted by munkeypants (user info) at 2004-11-16 13:03:12 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I love the charachter Spivey. He's a great addition!
Submitted by Rainer (user info) at 2004-09-06 09:47:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No comment needed.
Submitted by Philst82 (user info) at 2004-09-06 09:23:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Brilliant.
Submitted by Xena (user info) at 2004-09-02 13:54:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
well...cause I can
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2004-09-02 13:21:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Hello George
Submitted by causeican (user info) at 2004-09-02 13:00:33 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
write the whole fucking story bitchfuckwanker
Submitted by wookie (user info) at 2004-09-01 14:59:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
So good.
So damn good.
Submitted by Luckystar (user info) at 2004-08-31 16:04:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Hurry Up and FINISH!!!
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2004-08-31 14:02:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Wazz,
Thanks a ton for your reviews!
Submitted by wazzawazzayo (user info) at 2004-08-31 14:00:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I keep picturing one hell'a TV show. Not a cheesy network one, but more along the lines of something HBO would do. Except that it would need a level of production similar to the Matrix movies to really make it worthwhile.
Submitted by Falconer (user info) at 2004-08-31 13:26:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Brilliant.
Submitted by Timmah (user info) at 2004-08-31 13:14:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Make sure you reserve me a copy too, Snark.
Submitted by Xena (user info) at 2004-08-31 12:49:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Your imagination shocks and amazes me...and that my dear, is not easy to do - fantastic!!!
Oh yeah...Spivey is...<sigh>...perfect!
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2004-08-31 12:36:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
OneCheapGeek,
You find me a publisher who'll stop laughing long enough to talk to me and I'll get you a copy :)
Submitted by OneCheapGeek (user info) at 2004-08-31 12:23:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
So when can I get this in hardcover? Preferably autographed?
Submitted by indepth25 (user info) at 2004-08-31 12:18:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Awesome read this one is, they get better and better with time.
Submitted by rydogg22 (user info) at 2004-08-31 11:57:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Another great installment. This shit is almost a good enough reason for me to look forward to work. I don't know about anyone else, but I think we wouldn't mind you winning the longest post award for not splitting it up. However... just means you have the true makings of a great story-teller, always leave them wanting more. Or you're just a bastard and love to torment us, either way, I look forward to the next one.
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2004-08-31 11:40:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Mal,
Thank you very much for your constant reviews :) (Hope your Uterus has fully recovered from "Hali")
Engine and Lady Plural,
Thank you very much as well.
AshK,
Boobies make the perfect gift!!!
Submitted by Malificent (user info) at 2004-08-31 11:37:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
AshK -- I'm glad I'm not the only one who does it, in that case!
Submitted by engine13 (user info) at 2004-08-31 11:35:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
You have an incredible imagination. Spivey is fantastic. That's about all I can say, this series is really great.
Submitted by AshK (user info) at 2004-08-31 11:33:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
"I do a little chair-jig every time I see a new instalment posted."
I've shown this to my co-workers in hopes that they will stop giving me "that look".
Oh and Snark...
<3 ( 0 )( 0 ) ( o )( o )
Have some titties for your afternoon entertainment.
Submitted by Malificent (user info) at 2004-08-31 11:21:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Snark, I know I say this every review but you're an amazing writer with an amazing imagination. Once again the concept of ancient magic in VERY modern characters makes the work that much more effective and original. Please don't stop posting this! I do a little chair-jig every time I see a new instalment posted.
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2004-08-31 11:06:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
It took everything in me to not use that line. I'm sure it's pretty obvious by now that I have a weakness for cliche and oneliners.
Submitted by Circe (user info) at 2004-08-31 11:02:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Well, Spivey beats hell out of "By the pricking of my thumbs" as a precursor of wickedness.
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2004-08-31 10:56:41 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
What does it say about me that every time I see "<3" I imediately think of breasts?
This story is cut in half. I didn't feel like making a longest post record.
Submitted by AshK (user info) at 2004-08-31 10:45:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I <3 Spivey!!
Snark, you are my sunshine.
Submitted by LadyPlural (user info) at 2004-08-31 10:44:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
While I'm at it, something wicked this way comes.
Submitted by LadyPlural (user info) at 2004-08-31 10:40:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
What JMG said.
Submitted by JMG114 (user info) at 2004-08-31 10:38:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Oooh...