Culling

Part II • Chapter XI

But first, I couldn't wait until these games were over. One of the first things I planned on doing once this mission was over was going on a little trip to district six. Mrs Sorenson was overdue for some visitors. No one really ever thought about the creativity that went into harmless pranks, it wouldn't do to remind them that that same creativity could be used in other ways as well.

Gabriel and I had discussed this in length already, and I knew that Silas and North were on board. At times I witnessed Gabriel musing something over, and I knew he was planning on how to use his ability in different and sinister ways...

He especially held a lot of anger towards Maro, even though I understood why. I didn't want him to go down that path though. I might have to say something to Mr Blackbourne later.

A soft moan of distress broke through my thoughts. My hand paused and I perched on my elbow as I looked at Sang. She was sweating now, and no longer was breathing evenly or deep like before.

Damn it! It must be another projection. It had been a while since the last one.

I pushed at her shoulder in an attempt to wake her up and called her name in a harsh whisper.

Nothing. She was no longer there.

Shit.

I rolled on top of her and pressed my forehead to hers in an act of desperation. What I was doing, I had no idea. Maybe will my way into using her powers somehow. How had North done it, gone into the projection with her the last time? Did it have to do with his ability? Should I wake him up?

However, before I had a chance to move again blackness swam in my vision and an unfamiliar lightness took over my body. Then, in the next instant, I was in a dark forest.

It actually worked? Awesome. There was so much opportunity to be had...

First things first though. I heard a snotty-sounding voice chastising Sang - this must be the delightful Danielle. I fought my way through the thicket towards the sounds, not that the brush offered much resistance. It seemed as though my body almost passed through the material around me, as if I was solid but not entirely so.

I could make out Danielle's words now. "-pain in the ass. Now it's your fault I'm going to be exorcised."

"You aren't going to be exorcised, you aren't an evil spirit." Sang's lovely voice spoke in a placating manner. "Will you please just calm down a minute."

I fought back a scoff as I snuck closer. I was still unable to see them, but I knew from the sounds of it that they were just behind another tree or two. Not an evil spirit my ass, she sure acted like an evil spirit. Of all the times to not carry around holy water and a crucifix.

I felt around until I found a hidden bag of sugar cubes that I had stashed away in a secret pocket in my boxers. Excellent, I could bring junk food to the astral realm. There were so many future possibilities. Not that sugar was good against ghosts... but salt usually worked, right? Wasn't that almost the same thing?

Next time I would be more prepared.

Then I reached the edge of the forest, and slid quietly behind a tree facing the clearing in front of me. After checking to see that Sang was in one shaky piece, I found myself studying Danielle. I always wanted to see what an evil spirit looked like, after all. Blame it on my curiosity.

I stopped myself from stepping back in horror.

It was the most grotesque thing that I had ever seen in my life, which also made it one of the most disturbingly coolest.

I wasn't sure what Sang was seeing, that was the downside to my ability - I could never see the cool shit that the others got to see. However, in reality, in front of Sang was a young child floating a few inches in the air. I assumed it was Danielle. Danielle couldn't have been more than five or six, and for all intents and purposes she looked like any other normal snot-nosed little child.