A Tale of the Unnatural: zombie

Showing posts with label zombie. Show all posts

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Chapter Five Part One

“Could it be a Chupacabra?” asked Morrison of his deputy. A hunter that used to trap squirrels and wild rabbits in the forest had come upon a white tailed fawn that had been ripped apart and bled dry. “I don’t think so, so far up north... it could be a cougar or mountain lion... but, yes I know, if it walks like a duck... I’ll drive into the forest early tomorrow and take a look for myself.” the deputy answered.

Morrison put the Pontiac in drive and u-turned back to his office. “Is it a beast or a creature? That is the question!” thought the Keeper. There really was no hurry for him to go anywhere. Things had been quiet, as usual for a small town, “Maybe I should stop for a latte?” he pondered.

Morrison’s deputy decided not to wait until the next day. He walked up the street to the firehouse, borrowed an ATV and headed for the forest. He wanted to be back before nightfall.

(To Be Continued.)

Monday, May 26, 2014

Chapter Four Part Nine

Hunger led Remus to scavenge. He could swiftly snatch a squirrel off a limb, rip off its head, to make peeling the skin easier, and devour the raw flesh. The squirrels were tasty, ok, but made for a skimpy meal and Remus was also very thirsty, a thirst that the small furry animals insignificant amount of blood would not satisfy. The slaughtered game became larger with each kill. The cavern that had opened up in his body could not be filled.

The forest did not offer a large variety of prey. The bears, wolves and mountain lions had been hunted to extinction. Only the occasional herd of deer would trek through foraging on the way to higher ground. There was nothing the white tailed doe could do to save her fawn from Remus. He fell on the fawn knocking it to the ground, pull the neck back until it snapped and ferociously, like some animal, bit deep and hard into the fawn’s neck. Hugging the dead fawn on the forest floor, Remus let the blood drain into his mouth.

The small herd ran off without looking back.

End of Chapter Four

(To Be Continued.)

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Chapter Four Part Seven

Thanks to the voodoo religion the existence of zombies gained credibility. Ironically those aren’t really zombies, at least not the ones that eat people. Creating a zombie, for a voodoo priest, is dispensing punishment for severe misbehavior in the community he safeguards. The transgressor is given a poison that knocks him/her out and dims the wits a little. While unconscious he or she is taken as far away from the community as possible. Actually it’s a more compassionate punishment than the electric chair. More like life in prison.

Zombies have been around for a long time, not forever, but for a very long time. As usual, the very origins are unknown, but if one constructs a timeline from the evidence and references available to us, you will see that their presence is cyclical or in waves. And if you build a similar timeline of catastrophic events, like famines, plagues, wars and things like that, then compare that to the first timeline, you’d have a matching pattern. Death, hunger and zombies seem to go together.

It’s only now that scientist’s are looking into the makeup of a zombie.

(To Be Continued.)

Friday, May 9, 2014

Chapter Four Part Six

Bruël is a large town, large enough to keep the Gypsy Fair going for weeks. But Dante didn’t know if coming to this town was that good of a choice. He had one of those feelings too vague to put a finger on it but for his intuition it’s a very true feeling. He is losing control of something, he thought, but, “I don’t know if I can have control over whatever it is that’s happening?”

Remus, heir to the tribal crown, has vanished. There was occasional evidence of his presence at both the camp and with the horses but he hadn’t been seen by anyone. Dante didn’t want to make an issue of it but he is concerned. Then his niece, Kalina, heiress to the profound magical and mystical powers of Madame Ajándék, scampers off, dressed like a gadjo, to do what? He thought. “And now, we have some kind of police person prowling around... Why?”

“What is supposed to be is no longer.” Dante added. It’s part of an incantation his deceased wife Arissia liked to repeat.

(To Be Continued.)

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Chapter Four Part Five

Tyrol got home early. He had to stop himself from skipping his way home. It’s embarrassing for a vampire or just about any teenager to do that. Tyrol felt light hearted, light headed, or something like that. Silence pulled Tyrol into the grand room. It was empty of vampires. The TV set was free to use! He picked up the remote, sat on the floor and searched for his favorite shows; the ones he liked when mortal that is.

Delighted that the reruns of ‘How I Met Your Mother’ were endlessly back to back, he leaned on a cushion to watch. Tyrol couldn’t concentrate on the program. His mind kept traveling back to the precious minutes he had spent with her. There was nothing about her that he didn’t like. He even found endearing her evasive answer about some gypsy rule that forbad her from going out at night.

The nest was coming about, so Tyrol switched off the TV and readied himself to join his ‘roommates’ and go out to feed. The notion made him reflect. “It’s the first time, since turned...; I didn’t feel any lust for her blood...; at all!”

“Could that be love?” thought Tyrol.

(To Be Continued.)

Friday, May 2, 2014

Chapter Four Part Four

Harieen had mixed up the amulets and potions. She liked them better like that organized by size and color. Kalina couldn’t understand why that way was better but she really didn’t care. At least not now. Kalina’s smile led the way out to the encampment. She searched for her regular clothes, switched outfits, and sat on a small bench under a bright orange and lavender sheet. Leaning against a wagon, she let her mind replay the afternoon.

“He was shy, he was tender. He was funny... specially the story about living in an old house with roommates. He understood love..., the way he spoke about his mother...,” reliving the brief encounter. Tyrol wasn’t too inquisitive, taking Kalina’s stories on face value. She felt terrible having to leave him. Tyrol didn’t insist too much she stay and she was glad for that.

As gently as night floated down from the sky, so Kalina’s skin turned rough and colorless. In time, in the darkness, blisters of rottenness would pop open decorating her vanished beauty with a spattering of slimy green puss.

(To Be Continued.)

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Chapter Four Part One

Most towns have a special place where young couples go looking for some kind of privacy. A lover’s lane usually has a view and is about a twenty minute drive outside of town. But Tyrol didn’t have a car. “What am I going to do with a girl?” he thought to himself as he dressed for the date. “I’m a fucking vampire! How stupid can you get?” Tyrol is as insecure as any teenager on a first date. He buttoned the long sleeves and put on a neutral color jacket with a broad collar Tyrol could pull up and cover his face a little. Not that he had that many choices. “I should have just said...” repeated in his mind all of the things he should have said but didn’t.

Harieen, Kalina’s cousin, took charge of the stall. Kalina spent most of the morning searching for clothes that did not look gypsy-like. It’s hard to find modern chick clothing in a gypsy camp. So, Kalina ended up with a very un-gypsy-like mismatch of cloths. “What am I worried about? I’m not a gypsy, I’m a zombie!” Once she left the fairgrounds she quickened her pace.

“I can’t get lost! It’s a small park; he said I can’t miss it” says Kalina anxiously.

(To Be Continued.)

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Chapter Three Part Fourteen

They always ordered the largest size triple shot latte they could buy. They hardly ever drank it all; they just liked how the large warm cup felt in the hand. Cops, whatever size or shape, are the same. They’re suspicious. Oscar joined the meeting a few minutes late. They had already gone over what they called The Week in Review. Fortunately nothing very important had happened.

“Did you find the TV set?” asked Reginald. They all laughed together.

Oscar was a natural born storyteller so the others sat back sipping their coffee and waited. “By the way, the gypsy encampment is nowhere close to the fair.” he started off. He described the wagons, the sheets, even the color of the flames from the bonfire. He may not have found the TV set but he did find everyone asleep. Everyone. “It was all so picture perfect it was unreal, unnatural.” Oscar said. “Since the other day,” looking at Reginald, “I’ve been thinking. How come there’s no food at the Fair?” The Keepers looked at each other.

“I saw no food at the camp either.” he added suspiciously.

End of Chapter Three

(To Be Continued.)

Friday, April 11, 2014

Chapter Three Part Thirteen

A sign that reads ‘The First Three Questions Are Free’ was what brought Tyrol within sight of Kalina. “No wonder Agros belittles the gypsies...” He hadn’t finished the thought when he caught a glimpse of Kalina. The rest was a matter of wandering uncaringly up to the booth where she worked. Kalina could have thought that she reeled him in with her mind.

After a faltering conversation about love potions and good luck amulets, Tyrol cut to the chase. “At what time do you get out of here? Work, I mean.” “Well, um, it’s like, you know, a family thing and...” Kalina fumbled. “Don’t tell me you work all day, all night, seven days?” Tyrol kept at it. “No, no, no... I mean...” Tyrol interrupted, “How about tonight?” “Oh, no... No! Tonight is impossible!” finding herself in a corner Kalina hit back, “Tomorrow, maybe?” “Sure!” he answered instantly.

Dante found the boy talking to Kalina vaguely familiar.

(To Be Continued.)

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Chapter Three Part Eleven

Kalina didn’t lie when she swore the amulets where magical. She had always felt that magic was not about the incantations or the rituals; magic is in the mind. “The praying to the four corners of the earth is ok, like drawing the eight point star on the ground, I’m fine with that.” she thought. Its part of a show designed to impress the onlookers but the power is not there. “A focused mind can do anything!” that was something Kalina knew.

Word had spread and more folk stopped by. Every day the visitors from town became younger. The Tarot reading was a success and a second stall had to be set up. Palm readers and crystal balls had their niche. Curiosity, as usual, is the great motivator. Kalina was ready for all comers. She looked around sizing up the arriving groups. A fluorescent yellow hoodie snatched her attention. The hood covered most of the fellow’s face but there was something in the way he moved, something special.

“Now why would that feel familiar?” Kalina mused.

(To Be Continued.)

Friday, March 28, 2014

Chapter Three Part Ten

“It’s a travesty!” Tyrol shouted in his mind. “It was my idea. I made it happen. I put my eternity at risk; Agros could have torn me to pieces! He could have destroyed me!” “And what do I get for it? Jesus!” The sound of that word created a very subtle vibration that mortals could not feel. Tyrol lifted both hands, like in ‘Ok’ or ‘I give up’ and walked up to his space.

In a vampire nest, democracy is not a political question but a matter of practicality. You’d never want the others to gang up on you. They could win just by the numbers. Just like democracy. The search for the TV programs most of the vampires liked always ended up in the same place. History Channel! They would point and shout, “Damn, I was there!” “Yes, I remember!” “That’s when so-and-so...” The laughter was chilling.

Tyrol simply passed on the remote and went back to being bored.

(To Be Continued.)

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Chapter Three Part Nine

They weren’t really laughing at Reginald; they were making fun of themselves. Dante’s straight forward answer could put an end any conversation, “What use would we have for a television set? We don’t use electricity!” Reginald stumbled a bit, trying to backtrack on what had practically come across like an accusation.

Dante’s’ courteous nature saved the situation. The short tour around the grounds concluded with an invitation to a free Tarot or Palm reading. The Séance couldn’t be free. The spirits that bridged the realms, making contact with the spirit world possible, required a tip for their help. While Dante was all openness the other gypsies kept very much to themselves. The wrinkled skin, aged women who actually did the readings stepped back into the privacy of their cloth enclosures, a very uninviting gesture.

“Maybe a Keeper should take a look around their camp tonight?” suggested Reginald. Oscar agreed to do the job.

(To Be Continued.)

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Chapter Three Part Eight

The legend tells that the gypsies or Romani, were the children of Remus who fled from the murderous Romulus and for centuries kept away from the Roman Empire. Remus’ namesake was murdered by his own brother; a heinous deed for any gypsy. Family was the only protection they had from the gadje, the outside world. The Roma left behind their wolf ancestry but kept and expanded their knowledge of the spirit world and magic.

Yet, Remus felt that somehow he was betraying his family, his tribe. He was changing, no doubt left about that. He stayed away from the tribe. Remus didn’t want Dante, or any of them, to see him. Even the horses were becoming jittery when he got close. He could still soothe them with his voice but he knew that whatever he was becoming was not the Remus they had known.

His biggest concern, though, was the emptiness he felt inside. Like a hole where his stomach once was. Remus remembered: its hunger!

(To Be Continued.)

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Chapter Three Part Six

It was a plan only a vampire could be successful with. Window shopping until finding the set he liked. Mesmerizing the apartment’s owners into oblivion and calmly floating out with a 55” HDTV was the plan. It took Tyrol a couple of trips to get the complete Home Theater and all. The female looked scrumptiously tempting but Tyrol was very careful not to leave a drop of evidence. The robbery was not reported until late the next morning when the robbed couple woke out of their stupor.

By the time Reginald got to the apartment, the preliminary search for evidence and interviews of the victim had concluded. His deputies and investigators had nothing. Nothing at all! The victims fell asleep watching TV and when they woke up in the morning it was missing, all of it. No sign of a break and entry. Front and back entrances were still locked from the inside. The crooks left no marks outside any of the windows or doors. Baffling!

“I guess they live up to their reputation,” thought Reginald. “Let’s go see the gypsies!” The deputy he called Oscar left with him.

(To Be Continued.)

Friday, February 28, 2014

Chapter Three Part Three

Tyrol returned home early, before the others. His mom had taught him to ‘eat your fill and no more’. “Those guys are just gorging!” Tyrol thought, “Blood is delicious but how much can you drink before the body starts to expel it? Waste of blood.” he concluded. His mother would probably have agreed. She had passed unto death before he was turned immortal. If not for that, he’d probably have her by his side right now.

Tyrol retreated to the upper floor. He liked to see the outside, have a view. “These other guys, they’re just... assholes... maybe that’s what happens after a few decades? We all become assholes...” He put the thought aside, pulled the curtain open and looked out. It was still dark. Nothing to do... No one on the street... Tyrol sensed the others arriving. He closed the curtain and turned to lie on his bedding.

“A TV set would be kind of cool!” he thought.

(To Be Continued.)

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Chapter Two Part Four

The gypsy zombies, you could say, were picking up the pieces. Literally. Dante, the undying gypsy king, had the feeling, a feeling that somehow, something was going on, something beyond his tribe. Beyond all creatures, he felt, beyond the Keepers themselves. The attack made no sense at all. It hurt a lot of people and a few of his gypsies had actually been destroyed. Brains burnt in the bonfire can’t come back.

There were too many with pieces missing. Their skin had not yet healed. Not even in the daylight. If you happened to look upon the wreckage, the only thing absent would be the groans. Zombies felt no pain.

The old man, Dante, had the knowledge of his ancestors plus the wisdom acquired from decades of being undead. He wondered for how long he would continue to be king. He must keep an eye on his nephew Remus. His skin healed the fastest and he had taken to strutting around the camp, “Much too agile for a zombie; even for a young strong one.” He thought.

The Keepers kept creeping back into his mind. Why?

(To Be Continued.)

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Chapter Two Part One

The human population lived in groups, which they called towns, on the outskirts of the forest and for the most part, were unaware of the ungodly creatures they lived amongst. Occasionally someone would disappear. The humans would talk about it for a while but soon some other urgent matter would make them forget. In short, the crime rate was very low. The humans were content.

Morrison drove his vintage Pontiac convertible cautiously through town. He wanted to be seen. He was doing his job. Tim Morrison had a unique job mostly found in just a few Central European countries. He was an Investigative Magistrate. He was cop, district attorney and judge all rolled in one. He could put you in jail without bail if he thought it was warranted. You could appeal his judgment, though, with the Magistrate in a city far away. Only that first Morrison had to let you out of jail so you could get there.

The Keepers kept all beings in line, mortals and the undead equally.

(To Be Continued.)

Friday, November 29, 2013

Chapter One Part Five

The young and powerful Remus, the gypsy king’s nephew, roared his fellow zombies into action. Men, women and children, ferocious, step up to face the vampires. A zombie’s strength is a match for any vampire’s, but where the vampire’s strength is channeled into speed and nimbleness the zombie’s is pure power. Steadfast like statues of stone a swing of an arm could knock anyone’s head off, human or undead alike.

Remus went straight for Agros. The zombie children though smaller were just as strong. In groups of three and four they climbed all over their chosen vampire. The gypsy women also worked in pairs or threes. Proud of the heritage of their earlier time as humans, the men preferred the individual confrontation. Actually there weren’t enough demons for everyone in the tribe.

Argos’ nest was small and overwhelmed.

(To Be Continued.)

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Chapter One Part Four

The growl of disgust mixed in with the snarl of anger from the just aroused gypsies. For a long moment the two camps did nothing more than shriek. The vampires spit with dry mouths trying to get rid of the horrid taste of dead flesh and the gypsies try to get their wits back. It was unimaginable that a vampire could be so stupid. Feed from a zombie? What?

Anger is the only real emotion a vampire can feel and their anger was blood red. “Destroy these animals!” was the mental signal Agros sent to his nest. Quicker on their feet than any zombie could be the hunters attacked their prey again, this time, not with open mouths but claws that ripped into the zombies, tearing bodies into pieces of putrid flesh.

A green and blackened liver explodes into goblets of gelatinous rot. Bones with rotten flesh still attached are used to club and break open the hairless skulls. Guts became whips in the hands of the demons beating the younger ones with their own innards. Brains are scooped up and thrown to burn in the fire. A horror of gore!

But the zombie gypsies are many.

(To Be Continued.)