“Two for one-eighty.”

  “Yes? They’re in need of quick ones. Right, well, it’d be a waste to not take these opportunities… Don’t even think about complaining about the quality.”

  “Right. Uh-huh. Tomorrow evening, don’t miss that window. Yes, goodbye.”

  “What an eventful day!” Julian exclaimed with an oddly taut smile.

  “Y-You there…” A haggard voice called out.

  “Or an eventful night? That’s probably more accurate…”

  A ghostly voice wavered to Julian’s right, briskly enunciating each word. “Can you focus?! Just- slowly back away, Julian!”

  The blonde man nodded, heeding Nicholas’ warning. He carefully stepped away, remaining as quiet as possible.

  “Keep going. There’s a trash bin to your left that you can grab and toss in your way.” Nicholas informed, eyeing the danger with great precision. Julian quickly glanced to his left, spotting the metal trash bin that Nicholas was referring to. It looked pretty hefty, but Julian gauged that he could push it over.

  As Julian slowly backed himself up against a wall, he felt his back make contact with the moist brick lining the alleyway. He held his hands up as if declaring “I give up, damnnit!”

  It had to have been at least a few months since my last encounter. It was just my blasted fate that this would happen the one night I get such an intriguing case. Julian thought to himself with mirth.

  “Sta-stay here… won-won’t you?”

  A teenager was standing a few feet away from where Julian was backed up. His face was thin and malnourished, with sunken cheekbones and sloppy features. Viscous saliva dripped out of his half-open mouth. Every word he sputtered out would grumble, repeat and puff out like an old rusted engine.

  “Just your luck, hm?” Nicholas anxiously muttered, echoing Julian’s thoughts.

  The teenager was hunched over, teetering over to the point that he was close to falling face first into the ground. However, there was something counteracting his balance.

  Not noticing before, Nicholas floated closer for a better look.

  “..!” His eyes widened in alarm.

  The teen had his back and head completely battered open. His spinal cord stuck straight out like a unicorn’s horn. The white bone was covered in congealed blood and bits of still-attached flesh. Round ribs curved out of the spine, half submerged into the teen’s open back. Heart, lungs, stomach–the rough shape of them could be seen through the rib cage as they weakly pulsated.

  It was as if anything between the head and waist was peeled out of the confines of his decaying skin.

  Gruesome, but pitiful. I wonder if he’s the only victim. Nicholas glanced up, coincidentally catching the glimpse of a shiny black object.

  “...?”

  At the base of the teen’s head sat a round, black shell.

  Like a spider’s abdomen.

  Nicholas angled himself to see the shell more clearly. He spotted what appeared to be a multitude of long spindly legs protruding from the sides of this black object. Tightly, these legs gripped onto the teen’s exposed brain. White matter oozed around the legs and mushed against the body of the hard shell and legs.

  “Julian-” Nicholas stressed as he tried to continue before getting cut off.

  “H-hey!” The teenager’s speech was a garbled mess. A mixture of soft murmurs mingled with his voice. “Are- Are you even- even listening t-to me?!” An awkwardly bent arm raised in anger as the teen shakingly jerked his pale hand at Julian’s tense face.

  Julian slowly nodded while side stepping closer to the trash bin. “Indeed I am.”

  “Then… Why- Why did they a- all run?” The teen took half a step closer; some coagulated blood flopped onto the ground in front of him. Nicholas watched some of the blobs wriggle into the brick, bleeding through stone pores. The teen’s face contorted into an furrowed expression of sadness and fury.

  Shaking his head, Julian gave a consoling smile to the teen. “I wouldn't know.”

  “Should you really be smiling in a situation like this?!” Nicholas urged, “You need to escape! Even if that thing sounds coherent, it is far removed from humanity now.”

  “I’m well aware, my ghostly client.” Julian whispered, his back no longer on the brick wall. The blonde man shifted himself a few inches away, but still kept a two-foot distance from the teen.

  “Unfortunately, that is no longer possible.”

  “What?”

  “Behind me.”

  Creak…

  The very same black spindly legs that Nicholas had seen earlier were jutting out of the brick beside Julian’s head. With each passing second, their sharp and shiny tips creeped forward Julian’s sweaty neck.

  Creeakk. Creeeak.

  “Ack- Accck- St- stay l-longer!”

  Eight legs were closing in around Julian’s neck and a terrifying half-alive teenager tottered a mere two feet away.

  It's certain that whether I make a sudden movement or even duck, there is no telling how it will react.

  “Now, I need you to think carefully, Nicholas.” Julian calmly uttered. “Do you think you can control anything inside the trash bin to create a distraction?”

  Scrambling a bit to get his wits together, Nicholas hurriedly scanned the contents of the trash bin.

  “Right, this could work.” Much of the trash bin was filled with food scraps and papers. However, he noticed a few hefty looking glass bottles amidst the garbage. Whatever liquid that was left inside soured a long time ago, turning into an almost molten sludge at the bottom of the bottles.

  “Whenever you can, Nicholas!”

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  A very faint, almost imperceivable aura hummed around two glass bottles as they slowly floated upwards. Nicholas’ presence disappeared, becoming one with the objects.

  Swish!

  The bottles swung through the air, springing out of the trash bin in a sudden but fluid arc. Flying through the air, Julian only could perceive a sharp flash from reflected moonlight and the loud crackling of glass shattering. Shards flew across the teen’s upset expression, cutting new wounds as they sprinkled the alleyway.

  This is my chance! He thought hastily. Julian dropped his weight and shifted lower to try to account for any incoming attacks. It’ll have to do! The backside of his right shoulder made harsh contact with the wall behind him as Julian used his hands to shove himself off the ground. Without hesitation, he launched himself to the right in hopes of creating space between him and the teenager.

  However, Julian’s action did not go unnoticed. The teen grumbled as if already expecting Julian to attempt an escape. Despite his mangled and decaying body, the teenager shot out his rotting hand with unprecedented speed.

  Pah!

  The teenager slammed Julian’s neck with full force against the wall, effectively knocking the wind out of his lungs.

  “Guh!” Strained, Julian choked out a gasp of air.

  The teen’s pale fingers dug harshly into his neck, reeking of a repulsive medical scent.

  “Julian!” Nicholas exclaimed as he returned to his ghostly form, leaving the shattered bottles.

  “H-here. I- I can- can help y-you st-stay…” The teen groaned out.

  Prick.

  “...Ack!” Julian felt a multitude of sharp pricks on his neck. He could feel his skin give under the needle-like punctures.

  The legs! Nicholas thought, in a panic.

  He watched as Julian clawed against the teen’s arm that had an iron grip around his neck. Tears dribbled out of his eyes as he fought for air.

  What else can I possess? Surely I can be of more help than this! Nicholas, with a heavy heart, suddenly felt utterly useless.

  “What if I possess the Hor-”

  Sllleeeeuchhhh!

  A clean blade tore through the teen’s head. Its blood-soaked edge fully emerged from the other side of his head. The teen’s eyes gaped wide as his hand went limp around Julian’s neck. A sharp inhale of air followed by a trail of wet coughs resounded from Julian’s shuddering body.

  Dark blood and white matter poured out from the resounding stab. A terrifying series of breaks could be heard from the piercing blade shattering the skull upon entry and exit. Off-white fragments broke off in the spurting river that gushed out of the right side of the teen’s head.

  Riiiiippp.

  The blade traveled down, fluidly splicing through the teen’s body like butter. It emitted a concise sound of flesh being frayed apart. Cleanly, it slid through until it struck the abdominal area.

  Julian, through tear-sodden eyes, witnessed the blade withdraw an inch before pausing.

  An electrifying pop rang through the alleyway, accompanied with an almost beautiful implosion of the teen’s abdominal cavity. Splats of various fluids bursted forth, sprinkling Julian’s once pristine appearance and uniform. Withdrawing the weapon, a final grotesque noise sloshed out from the half-remaining corpse. Falling forward, the bottom half-soaked in its entrails–crumpled into a sopping heap.

  The sleek barrel of the gun shone resiliently in the night. A sword–about 15 to 20 inches, Nicholas estimates–with an elegantly curved handle, hung on an attachment in parallel to the barrel.

  A bayonet. Nicholas blinked in surprise.

  “Julian, are you alright?” A gloved hand appeared, outstretched in concern.

  “Leo told me that there was a scent of blood in the air tonight,” He continued.

  Without being able to wait any longer, the hand moved to steady Julian. “I’m glad I listened.”

  A man, wearing the same uniform as Clementine stood tall next to Julian. The dark blue uniform with its gold buttons nicely accented the man’s rather structured face. Underneath his hat, flicks of swept oxford blue hair were visible. Nicholas found it hard to see his features clearly, but he could tell from the impressive build and finely styled hair that he was anything but disorderly.

  Dignified, if anything. Nicholas noted.

  “Cough- Than– Cough- Thank you, Matthew.” Through his recovering coughs, Julian flashed his usual wry smile towards Matthew.

  Matthew’s brows furrowed as his face set in a deep frown, hunching over to examine Julian’s state.

  “Don’t overexert yourself.”

  Matthew fished out a handkerchief out of his front coat pocket, seemingly of impressive quality. It was trimmed in blue, embroidered with intricate green vines and dahlias. The fabric shimmered as the hand behind it carefully moved to wipe away Julian’s dribbling tears, saliva and the teen’s bloody remains.

  “Tell me, why were you out so late?” He queried, eyeing his friend with concern.

  Julian finally recovered, shifting slightly to stand up straighter. “Investigation at The Garden!” He earnestly exclaimed before addressing the current situation. “Who would’ve guessed that I would run into such a fascinating Horror tonight? A parasitic creature that hides in walls and latches onto the heads of its poor victims… I wonder if this young man was caught merely because he was asleep on the street.”

  Glancing downwards at what was left of the body, he turned around to inspect the wall. The legs that were once creeping out were gray and slumped down. Its once rigid nature was now more akin to a worm’s dead body.

  Tapping his brooch, Julian continued, “You’ll have to bring a Seeker around here. There could be more of those legs hidden within these walls. I doubt that it will go far since its spread seems gradual. Imagine how terrifying this Horror could be if it was any faster!”

  Sighing before letting out a chuckle, Matthew continued working on wiping off the blood on Julian’s collar, setting his bayonet against the wall to fully focus on his task. “What to do with you…”

  With a worried glare, Matthew flicked a fleshy chunk off of Julian’s shoulder. “I suggest you head straight home and proceed with your investigation tomorrow. However, before I let you leave, tell me what you were originally investigating.”

  Julian hummed, “Personal affairs?” He almost sounded unsure. Matthew raised an eyebrow in response.

  “Eli kept gushing about the flower wine there. I just had to go taste it for myself.” Julian said wistfully.

  “That wine loving dolt.” Matthew scoffed. “Unfortunately your venture will prove to be useless there.”

  Nicholas paused, “What does he mean by that?”

  Julian thought similarly, giving Matthew a quizzical look.

  “Recently there has been a series of murders that took place there. The bar itself kept claiming that their customers committed suicide, but after an autopsy, it was obvious that it was due to external reasons.” Matthew nimbly folded his thoroughly-soaked handkerchief and tucked it back in his pocket.

  “How recent?” Julian showed interest.

  “That can’t be coincidental.” Nicholas remarked. “This could be linked to my death.”

  Julian quietly observed a glint of hope shining in Nicholas’ eyes before quickly flicking his gaze back to Matthew’s steadfast stature.

  “Yesterday. Originally it was a pretty clear-cut case, but it appears that the enforcement on the case think there were some… supernatural affairs involved with their murders. Although, being dispatched this late is a bit inconvenient.”

  Matthew removed his hat, running a gloved hand through his hair in exasperation.

  Nicholas could see his face more clearly now, and wasn’t surprised to see an absurdly handsome face underneath. Matthew’s eyes were equally as dark as his hair, with features that could rival a prince from a classic fairy tale.

  “So, like I said, there’s no point in going tonight. I doubt that bar won’t reopen until at least a few weeks.”

  Unfortunately, reasonable advice. Julian internally lamented.

  “Honestly.” Julian begins, his eyes lighting up in the process. “The fact you’re telling me to go home when there’s a perfectly unsolved case to go scrutinize is treason-worthy! Matthew, your first mistake was even telling me this information! A natural-born detective would absolutely never turn his back on a case.” Huffing out the final words, a fire burned in Julian’s expression.

  Matthew deflated a bit, realizing his mistake. “After all these years, I still get tricked into sharing information with you. You’re right, I really should’ve known better.”

  Tricked? Nicholas wondered. He didn’t even need to trick you, he just asked.

  “Well, now that you’re here. Why don’t we go see the crime scene together, hm?”

  “You-” Matthew started, before Julian cut him off as he jabbed a finger towards him.

  “I can’t be convinced otherwise.” Julian smiled at the blue-haired man.

  “But, you nearly got kil-”

  “It’s in the Northeastern district if I recall correctly.”

  “Please, just head ho-”

  “Matthew, aren’t you on the clock?”

  “Alright, I give up.” Matthew let out a resigned sigh, raising his hands up in surrender.

  “That didn’t take much convincing.” Nicholas commented.

  Sliding his bayonet in its holster, Matthew fixed his hat back on his head as he sighed. “Let’s first stop by your residence to get you a change of clothes. If you walk around looking like that–”

  Julian looked down. Although the blood and gore was wiped clean from his collar and face area, there were still splatters of viscera and fluid that decorated the rest of his clothes.

  “It certainly looks like I’ve killed or have just been killed.”

  “Yes. It does.”

  Nicholas solemnly nodded, agreeing with Matthew.

  As the two left the alleyway, marching their way back to Julian’s place of residence, Matthew and Nicholas had lingering thoughts.

  Firstly, Nicholas found it strange that Julian has chosen to not acknowledge his presence whatsoever since the introduction of Matthew.

  Why is he not telling him? Nicholas didn’t find his existence to be sacred or dangerous, so he couldn’t find a sound reason that would explain Julian’s silence. I’ll have to ask him later.

  Matthew, on the other hand, still had his mind on the recent conversation with Julian. A feeling creeped into his mind, an uneasy one he often felt when Julian would entangle himself in troubling affairs.

  One thing he knew for certain was that Julian had lied to him.

  How troubling. Matthew thought, as he watched his blonde-haired friend walk beside him.