Necrosiac 23 - Part 1 (1329 hits)
Category: NoneLabels: Necro
Rating: 1.96 on 47 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Snark << snarkk.at.gmail.com (View user info) at 2004-10-28 14:55:01 EDT
NECROSIAC 23
4 hours earlier...
Taela had always loved the Circus as a child.
Her parents had taken her every year since before she could remember, right up until their divorce shortly after her 14th birthday, but for the life of her, she couldn't figure out what she was doing standing in the center ring at the age of 48.
The last thing she could remember was returning to her office from the Agency War Room to come face to face with Janet, her assistant.
Now she found herself in a Circus tent from hell.
Dazedly she turned in a circle and tried to make sense of her surroundings. The space around her was filled with the ebbing familiar sound of the music from the Big Top, barely audible at first, then rising in volume to an almost earsplitting crescendo before almost fading out completely. The tent itself was a giant octagon with each dusty cloth panel a different faded color. On the back wall she could see large square black barred cages that she knew should house lions, bears, and ponies but instead teamed with hissing, spitting undead.
Slowly, as she spun her vision away from the cages to the ring on her right, she could make out the chained form of what looked like a giant overweight Frankenstein monster stuffed into a clown suit. Whatever it was wore the brightly colored red and yellow clothes of a clown, complete with huge blue oversized shoes, puffy green wig and bright red rubber nose, but the similarities ended there. Its tightly gagged face was pale, not the kind of pale that comes from makeup, but more the color of a grub, the color of something that had never seen daylight, and god it was big, bigger than any human she'd ever seen. Its tiny black eyes radiated a lunatic rage and its entire body pulsed against the thick silver links of its bonds, like a worm about to burst forth its wriggling wet progeny. She took a step back despite herself as the malice emanating from it washed over her, almost overwhelming her with its red hot embrace.
No answers there. Nothing there but insanity so she steeled herself and took a deep steadying breath, then continued her slow revolution from ring to mostly empty white painted bleachers. Despite the glare of the spotlights above them, she could make out the faces of the spattering of motionless attendees in the crowd and realized she knew almost all of them. Some she recognized as past friends and acquaintances, others as relatives she hadn't seen since her childhood, while the faces of the rest seemed almost featureless, like unfinished sculptures or creations left forgotten by god.
For some reason they all seemed to be focused on her and she found herself waving at them tentatively. No one acknowledged.
"I'm having a Nightmare"
Immediately to her right a familiar voice answered solemnly "I'm afraid not my dear"
Taela turned with a start to face a tall man in a red and black Ringmaster's tuxedo and large yellow felt top hat.
"This is as real as anything you'll ever see again"
Taela opened her mouth to reply angrily then stopped as Montgomery Stevens removed the hat from his head and bowed deeply.
Terri brought the sedan to a screeching halt in front of the emergence entrance to the agency and leapt out of the car.
"Help me with him!"
The medical team she'd ordered to standby was in action even before the command was finished, and within seconds she was running alongside a wheeled medical gurney, holding the icy hand of her unconscious panting partner.
"C'mon Matt, hold on"
Across from her a thin middle aged man in a Cleric's smock looked up questioningly from the jostling patient beneath him.
"You say he was bit?"
Terri nodded her head.
"I think it's some form of Necrosiatic infection. There wasn't a Caster presence when I got to him. We were split up for less than 5 minutes"
They hit the entrance door fast and, almost immediately, she found herself being nudged out of the way, as a physician forced himself inter her place at Pitt's side and began hurried consultation with the Cleric.
"What do we have?"
"Feels Necromantic, I sense something like strong Mobian magic"
Terri kept pace with the team, making sure to keep far enough back from the gurney to let them make their assessment as they hurriedly rushed to the medical ward.
"Based on his discoloration and temperature I would have to concur. Let's get him transfused and blessed... is that Agent Tasker's Familiar?"
"Never met him"
Terri quickened her pace to get a look at the tattoo curled up on her partners neck then nodded to the physician "Yes, that's Spivey"
"My file doesn't classify Agent Pitt as a Mage"
"He isn't"
"Then how'd he get Tasker's familiar?"
"I have no idea" she replied "Tasker's dead... I didn't notice it on the way here"
The Doctor looked quizzically at the Cleric across from him, but she could see from the equally puzzled expression on his face that no answer was forthcoming.
Ahead of her, Terri could see the rapidly approaching doors of the emergency wing and the familiar figure of Leland Smithy, the appointed lead investigator, standing off to the side, arm outstretched and hand open, motioning her to stop.
"Smithy, I don't have time right now"
The Lead Investigator frowned, shook his head, then moved his other hand out and caught her by the shoulders, forcing her to end her pursuit.
"You know the rules Terri. They don't need you in the way... c'mon we need to talk"
"Leland..."
"Terri, don't start with me, you two are in enough trouble as it is"
"Monty? What's going on? What is this?"
Montgomery Stevens straightened up, then replaced the hat on his head and gave the flamboyant lapels of his tuxedo a straightening tug.
When his eyes finally met hers they seemed strangely more familiar than she thought they should be "I'm afraid you're not going to like the answers my dear. But I will do my best to give them to you, though not in the order they were asked."
Taela reached out to touch her old friend and mentor but stopped out of fear of what she might find. The man in front of her couldn't exist. She knew she must be dead or insane and found herself disquietingly unready for the reality of either possibility.
The Ringmaster crossed his arms in front of himself and continued his reply
"As far as the first question... I guess I'm as enough Montgomery Stevens as is necessary. That is to say, I'm everything you know about him. I suppose the proper way to describe me would be as your 'Memory' of him, but that word seems hollow in this context doesn't it? Such a simple word to take the place of so much experience and emotion"
Taela did her best to absorb what he'd said despite the awful truth making itself evident in her head. If what he said was true, if he was indeed a surreal embodiment of her own memories of Stevens, then what had happened to her was worse than insanity. It meant the place she was in wasn't the product of some vivid, exhaustion induced nightmare. It meant she was...
"Within" said Stevens "The answer to the third question is that you are within yourself, for lack of a better explanation"
"I don't believe you" She knew she was lying even as she said it. The truth of what he said was evident in the familiar faces on the grandstand, but more than that, somehow the truth of the knowledge was inside her, somehow she knew it as plainly as the texture of her own skin.
Stevens gave her a sad half smile "You say that every time, but you always come around to it quickly. I've always admired your ability to assimilate to a situation regardless of its strangeness. I think that's why I recommended you for your position despite your lack of magic"
"Every time?"
"We've done this before Taela and I fear we'll keep doing it until she's done"
Taela opened her mouth to ask who but the words caught in her throat as Stevens removed his top hat with a flourish then continued.
"Which brings us to the third question... The one you always answer for me."
Her reply left her mouth on queue "I'm imprisoned"
He gave her a mournful nod then gestured with his hat to the air above him and replied simply "Yes"
Taela looked up to the highwire above her and the red haired woman in the black dress balanced effortlessly at its center.
"Goddamnit! I had him Leland. I put three Redeemers into him but he kept getting back up. He was hurt, I mean he could hardly walk before I even started firing but he kept getting up!"
"You're sure it was one of the Necrosiacs?"
Terri frowned down into the coffee cup in her trembling hands and nodded.
"Markus and his wife?"
"Both Dead"
Leland Smithy leaned back in his chair across the table from her then closed his eyes and groaned
"Jesus Terri..."
"I know"
"You never leave a man behind like that"
"I know"
Smithy rubbed his temples with the index fingers of both hands for a moment then said "How'd he escape?"
"There was a van at the end of the alley. I took fire from it and had to find cover. By the time it was clear both he and it were gone"
"Uh huh"
They sat in momentary silence for a moment, each collecting their thoughts until finally Smithy sat forward and looked her squarely in the eye.
"Ok let's take it from the top. Tell me everything that happened starting with your arrival at the shop"
Terri began to speak but the Lead Investigator cut her off with a quickly interjected warning.
"And you better not give me any bullshit about bad reception on your phones. I want the straight truth out of you... about everything"
"Is this a formal interrogation?"
Smithy leaned towards her and yelled his reply with red faced anger. His deep yet raspy voice filled the small plain meeting room as if it were a warning from above.
"Damnit Terri! I'm cutting you a break here! You want me to go fetch a witness and a recorder?"
A quick shake of her head told him she did not.
"Sorry, it's been a long rough day"
The apology did little to calm the anger taking root in the man across from her.
"Has it! Tell me Agent Anaka, how bad was it? Did you die today? Did you watch your family murdered in front of you or did they survive? Are they waiting in the auditorium along with over a hundred others, for you to come and tell them why they aren't at home right now drinking tea and watching fucking soap operas?!!! How many wives and husbands have you had to call today? To tell them some bullshit about how the person they loved the most in the world, died heroically in the goddamned righteous battle between good and fucking evil?!!!"
The words hit Terri like a brick wall of shame. Coming from anyone else she would have felt bad enough, but the respect she bore for Smithy lent a credence to his anger that she couldn't dodge.
She'd worked with Leland on several occasions over the last couple of years and had seen first hand why he had been chosen to lead the case. The man was one of the most respected and beloved members of the agency save the late Director, and with good reason. Unlike her, the agency had been the sum total of his career. He'd grown up with its legacy as it had passed, in family tradition, from father to son for the last four generations of his family.
Despite his reputation he somehow managed to give the air of New York Detective rather than Government Agent. She supposed it had something to do with his no nonsense demeanor, or maybe the simple dark blue suits he always wore below his wide weathered face. Whatever it was, it inspired a likeable respect amongst his peers. On top of it all, he'd proven to be a man of courage and integrity almost from the outset. The type of man a person intrinsically knew could be trusted.
A living legend who she'd just managed to piss off, possibly beyond repair.
Smithy sat back in his chair and took a deep shuddering breath, then averted his piercing deep set grey eyes to the polished wood of the table top and waited.
His words had stung her to the core but she understood the game for what it was regardless. He'd meant what he said but his anger had not come out without purpose.
He'd played his hand. The cards were on the table and now it was her move.
"OK" she said "One thing first"
Smithy looked up, displeasure at her apparent lack of immediate capitulation evident on his flushed face.
"This had better be good"
"There are some items we retrieved from the shop in the back of the car. You'll want to get someone to bring them here"
Smithy leaned forward, eyebrows raised.
"These items are the reason for you disobeying orders?"
Terri nodded and silently wished she could trade places with her unconscious partner.
Smithy hit the button on the intercom built into the table in front of him and issued several quick commands to the agent waiting out in the hall. After he was satisfied his orders would be carried out to the letter, he once again sat back in his chair and met Terri eye to eye.
"Agent Galahad better walk through that door with the Holy Grail held high"
"It was Percival"
"Pardon?"
Terri responded despite herself, uncomfortably aware she might spark another outburst.
"Percival brought the Grail to Arthur"
For a second a glimmer lit up Smithy's eyes as if he might smile, but it quickly disappeared without a trace, as he leaned close enough to her to be sure there would be no mistaking the warning he was about to voice.
"Hear me well Terri. For your sake it had better be good. It had better be worth a mans life"
User Reviews
Submitted by rad1101 (user info) at 2005-10-19 03:45:56 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 Snark (user info) at 2005-07-05 09:47:11 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Thanks Cindy,
The first two chapters are here...
http://www.ubersite.com/m/40647
http://www.ubersite.com/m/40909
Submitted by c1ndy (user info) at 2005-07-03 14:23:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I thought this was the first one- now I see there are hundreds- have you done a reference post somewhere? This is great.
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2005-06-14 19:40:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
If the bodies keep on piling up at this rate then the good guys are in serious trouble.
Submitted by Revolutionman (user info) at 2005-05-06 17:55:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by munkeypants (user info) at 2005-04-02 14:56:58 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Hunk (user info) at 2004-12-10 06:11:23 (#)
Ranking: -2
I did not read any of your series. In fact I just saw this on the top of the best ever list and -2ed it for no reason.
----------------
How dare you taint Snark's perfection.
Submitted by Satansgotsyphillis (user info) at 2005-04-02 14:47:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
i just....i just dont fucking get it man. its not entretaingin
Submitted by Charred (user info) at 2005-03-31 16:44:24 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Seriously?
Find a publisher.
Submitted by Hunk (user info) at 2004-12-10 06:11:23 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
I did not read any of your series. In fact I just saw this on the top of the best ever list and -2ed it for no reason.
Submitted by Jo_of_the_golden_P (user info) at 2004-11-29 21:32:12 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by munkeypants (user info) at 2004-11-19 20:37:20 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Timmah (user info) at 2004-11-07 12:08:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I love the whole ringmaster concept. Fantastic.
Submitted by AshK (user info) at 2004-11-02 09:04:11 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I love....
Submitted by Ancius (user info) at 2004-11-01 11:32:18 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
usual stuff.
Submitted by Circe (user info) at 2004-10-29 18:36:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Cisco at 2004-10-29 17:24:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
This series kicks so much ass. You really should try to get published.
Submitted by Cryopaul (user info) at 2004-10-29 11:43:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
*slowly rocking back and forth...*
need more...must have more necrosiac....
*drools into ever growing puddle below*
can't.....can't sleep without more necrosiac....
*crawls into fetal position*
snark....where are you old friend....i just need a little more...to get through the night...please help me...
*eyes roll into back of head*
.............
Submitted by wookie (user info) at 2004-10-29 09:14:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
This just keeps getting better and better.
Submitted by Fr057m0urn3 (user info) at 2004-10-29 02:30:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
One for the post itself.
Submitted by Fr057m0urn3 (user info) at 2004-10-29 02:28:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
And another...
Submitted by Fr057m0urn3 (user info) at 2004-10-29 02:28:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
To balance out the tards
Submitted by Benny (user info) at 2004-10-28 20:50:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I shall be waiting for the next instalments....which had better be soon.
The shame about stupid people is that the slide bar to the right tells them how long a submission is. If they have the attention spand of a gold fish then perhaps they should avoid reading it let alone reviewing something that they haven't bothered to read properly.
Submitted by starsplinter (user info) at 2004-10-28 20:49:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
More please.
Submitted by NoahsArk (user info) at 2004-10-28 19:22:05 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
MORE
Submitted by Xena (user info) at 2004-10-28 18:02:33 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
You Rock Snark!!!
I too can't wait for the next two installments of this one
BTW...adding a circu bit is pure fucking genius!!!!!
"Hail to the King, Baby!!!"
Submitted by Philst82 (user info) at 2004-10-28 17:52:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Yet another awesome installment....
Fuck off anyone who says differently.
Submitted by TigerLilly (user info) at 2004-10-28 16:45:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Great!!!
Submitted by engine13 (user info) at 2004-10-28 16:06:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Tickle (user info) at 2004-10-28 15:52:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Can't wait for the next 2 installments of this chapter!
Submitted by Tickle (user info) at 2004-10-28 15:51:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
!!!!!
Submitted by Tickle (user info) at 2004-10-28 15:51:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Stuff
Submitted by Tickle (user info) at 2004-10-28 15:51:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Great
Submitted by Tickle (user info) at 2004-10-28 15:51:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
is
Submitted by Tickle (user info) at 2004-10-28 15:50:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
This
Submitted by Remission (user info) at 2004-10-28 15:50:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Great as usual.
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2004-10-28 15:39:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Another Tard with a hundred Alts just as shitty as the original.
Submitted by UberUser (user info) at 2004-10-28 15:36:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
SHIT POST THURSDAY!
Submitted by Pringles4eva (user info) at 2004-10-28 15:33:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
oh wait...
Submitted by Pringles4eva (user info) at 2004-10-28 15:33:10 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
i doubt it too, because there's no way in hell i've held the top 3 spots on the best ever list...
Submitted by LadyPlural (user info) at 2004-10-28 15:30:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I doubt it.
Submitted by wazzawazzayo (user info) at 2004-10-28 15:29:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
What's up with the all these retards on this site nowadays?
I guess Bush really did uphold his one of his promises and now every special ed. class in the country has a shiny new computer.
Way to learn Pringles! Keep it up champ and one day you might even become fully literate!
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2004-10-28 15:20:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Yeah,
I can tell from your user info.
Submitted by Pringles4eva (user info) at 2004-10-28 15:18:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
i, too, once wrote long pieces.
but then i learned about editing. and it was good.
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2004-10-28 15:11:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Ahahaha!
Go back to your Archie Comics Pringles
Submitted by Pringles4eva (user info) at 2004-10-28 15:09:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
WTF I'M NOT READING ALL OF THAT!!!!!!1
Submitted by Adamdidit2u (user info) at 2004-10-28 14:59:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Hells yea
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2004-10-28 14:57:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
This is part 1 of three for this chapter.
Just turned out to be too damned big.