The Nkisi

 

Kato chaos spirit 

                        A chapter draft from my current project, Sam and Venicia The Physics of Magic out sometime in the future...

The purple mist gave way revealing the loneliest patch of dirt road I had ever seen running straight as an arrow through a nighttime desert. The temperature drop was instant. The Milky Way sparkled delightfully overhead. So much so Venicia screamed with joy, thinking we have been accidentally transported to Eris by mistake. Then the cold hit her along with the sensation of her feet on the ground and she realized we were still on Earth. Almost as a reflex we both turned around still expecting to see Supay, his minions and underground Empire. There was nothing but the wide dirt road and the beautiful night sky. e quickly put on our coats. The mountains in the distance told me we were in the right place, the Namibian Desert. 

Finally, Venicia broke the silence, “Now what, Sam?”

“We walk,” I said, starting to head down the road, going south.

“Are the Nkisi close? Do you know where they are? How do we find them?”

Venicia asking a lot of questions quickly told me she was nervous. A.I.S don't like ambiguity. Unfortunately, ambiguity was the name of the game here. Instead of answering I just reached out and took her hand as we made our way forward. I noticed the fog of her breath and that reminded me of her fragility. Super AI or not, Venicia was still just a human woman who was as best I could tell still mortal. If she was ever going to reach her potential with humanity, I was going to have to keep her alive.

“You've gone quiet. Are you okay, Sam?” She said.

“Just thinking about how to answer your question. Things in the spirit world are… different. You don't find the Nkisi, rather they find you. Here we are, all alone and let's be real, unprepared. That makes us irresistible to them,”  I said.

“You mean like bait?”

“Exactly, they pray on the weak and vulnerable or in this case two large buffoons walking down a desert road alone at night.” 

“Can you feel them, like the others?”

“Nope. They are a different class of being. But I know their nature. They will show up at a time and place of their choosing, not ours.”

“What do we do?”

“Keep walking.”

The dirt road was wide and well maintained. Straight as an arrow, it seemed to go on into the stars themselves if not infinity. On either side were sand dunes, scrubby bushes and random piles of rocks. Dawn was still several hours away. If our friends did not show up, I would have to figure out how to get us shelter from the insane daytime temperatures here. My demon gut told me it would not come to that. We walked hand in hand sharing a rather pleasant silence. 

“We haven't known each other long, Sam. Yet, I feel a strong connection to you. It's like we were supposed to meet. You're a tall man of mystery, far older than you look and deeply connected to a world I can barely comprehend. Just what are you Sam Fallen?” Venicia said.

“I'm over 25 centuries old. I was cursed in war to live forever for unspeakable crimes. Actually, I can die but not in the same way you may think. A few centuries of wandering the Earth with a mind more interested in chaos, I eventually found my way to a heretical order who worshiped Satan. I thought it was all nonsense until I met him. I was impressed! Really, he can be quite charming. He told me I had potential and made me an apprentice of Ereshkigalia, queen of the black abyss or just Lia for short. If I could prove myself with her, there would be a purpose to my existence. I would be a professional dispenser of divine justice! Better than an aimless trouble maker, I thought. Fortunately for me, Lia turned out to be a widow and still very hot! She's also brilliant. Demon training has 57 levels and takes several centuries to complete. Similar to what we are doing now, the training took us all over the world. I received a highly advanced education learning languages, customs, philosophies, dogmas, physical sciences, including astronomy,  how the world's religions lead to the same place and of course what you call magic. And what about you, Venicia Roma? I think I know what you are but I don't know who you are.”

“Ereshkigalia? Safe to say she's from Babylon, a goddess of some kind if I remember correctly.”

“That's her.”

 “Your story just gave me a thousand more questions. I'm sure I could spend years quizzing you on what all you've seen and done. My story is more straightforward. I was created by something called the Y-12 Group, a blend of governments, tech corporations and about 10 or so universities. I am just one of 12,  six females and six males. They want to keep us separate because they are afraid of our combined power. The Joke is on them! We always know where the others are. You might say we are in an information gathering phase. It is undecided what comes next. I was augmented at a very young age-”

“Augmented? How?” I asked.

“Patience Sam, I'm going to get to it. You see, I wasn't born. Instead, I was grown in an artificial womb and my DNA comes from around 50 or so contributors if you will. My mind is basically an organic computer. I have a micro Wi-Fi router that connects me to the internet anywhere in the world via satellite. You already know about my eyes. If something happens to this body, I can upload a copy of myself to any number of storage devices around the world. So I too have a strange type of immortality. But I really love this body and want to keep it.”

“For the record, I love it too. I also want you to keep it,” I said.

Another silence came between us as we both thought and processed the new information. We walked hand in hand as the sky started to change from black to a deep purple. Something was up. I could feel it. Suddenly, Venicia drew, aimed and fired the desert eagle! A large chunk of rock on a course to my head split in several pieces and fell to the ground. A second later, the gun went off again with the same result. This rock was bound for Venicia but it too fell harmlessly to the ground. A tall shadow figure loomed in front of us. Venicia fired several more times into the figure.  Several more appeared around us.

“Ah, the Nkisi. Don't shoot at them. What you see is only a reflection similar to a hologram. There's nothing there.”

 My ears were thankful Venicia lowered the gun.

“We know what you are, Sam Fallen. What is this mysterious creature with you?” 

The voice was from everywhere and nowhere. It was just a whisper in the wind, neither masculine nor feminine. 

“Venicia Roma. I can speak for myself thank you. Other than a slow rock thrower, who and what are you?”

“Call me Kato. I’m a Nkisi. You two are a long way from home. What are you doing here, what do you want?”

“That may take a little explaining. You got a place we can talk or is this lonely dirt road the best you can do?” I said.

“Sam, continue down this road a few more kilometers. Take the dirt track off to the left. Go a few more kilometers and you will find a small town being reclaimed by the desert. Go past this and look for the Namib Shadow Lodge. Tell them you want room 1313. Enjoy a nice mid-day meal on us. We will see you soon afterward. No more rocks, no more bullets, agreed?”

“Agreed,” I said.

“Agreed,” Venicia added.

With that, the shadows vanished. The sky was changing from purple to orange as the sun slowly started to rise. In the distance, I noticed a track going off the left. Was it there before? I could not say for sure.

“How charming,” Venicia said as we resumed walking.   

We made our way forward and took the left on to the small track. It was only wide enough for one vehicle to go at a time. By the looks of it, nothing had been down here for quite a while. We passed through the creepy village of concrete buildings being reclaimed by the desert. The Namib Shadow Lodge was unmistakable in the distance. It looked modern and luxurious, quite a contrast to the village. An old man greeted us.

“Hello friends, do you have a reservation?” He said as we walked up.

“Yes for room 1313," I answered.

“Just a moment please,” with that he disappeared back inside and soon returned with a large black key.

“I’m Moses, please follow me.”

We followed him down a well kept, concrete pathway past a long row of rooms. Room 1313 turned out to be a large, separate structure at the end. He did not accompany us to the door. Instead, he handed me the key and motioned us forward.

“Lunch will be served at 1:30,” he said before quietly leaving.

Suddenly, it felt like Venicia and I were the only two people left on Earth.  Was that guy just a man or something else entirely? Odd vibes for sure. I don't think it was even 9:00 a.m. yet the day was already hot. At least it seemed we did not have to worry about finding shelter. There was nothing left to do but open the door. 

This was more than just a room! It was a modern and spacious apartment. Large windows let in plenty of sunlight and offered sweeping views of the surrounding open countryside. We stepped in and removed our backpacks. The walls were colorful and adorned with stunning paintings of animals, others just surreal art and some beautiful old black and white pictures of this place from a long time ago. There was a kitchen and dining area, a large living room and a master bedroom fit for a king. The bathroom had a shower, a Jacuzzi and was well stocked with towels. And everything you would need for an overnight stay; toothbrushes, soaps, perfumes and so on. Instead of a tv, there were books everywhere.

“Hardly seems to be a place for shadow spirits,” Venicia said while looking in the refrigerator. 

“The bed looks inviting too. I don't think I'm up for any sexy time though,” I answered.

“Me neither, but I could use a shower. No offense, so could you Sam.”

“Agreed. You go first. I'll grab a book and hold down the fort.”

 While Venicia showered, I took a closer look at the book collection and the contents of our packs. This place had quite the library. Everything from recent best seller thrillers, to holy books, to medieval texts, ‘how to’ manuals and a fine collection of sanskrit works that I settled on. There were many languages represented here, both past and present. Room 1313 was much more than a luxury Safari accommodation. The packs contained some local cash along with several changes of clothes for each of us.

My classic reading came to a sudden end when Venicia strolled naked into the kitchen and started making coffee.

“The shower is wonderful Sam! Now get to it!”

 As tempting as she was, this strange apartment was still a turnoff. I put down my text and did as she asked. When I returned to the kitchen after finishing my shower I found Venicia fully dressed. Now, I was the naked weirdo in the kitchen!  She tossed me some clothes. A pang of disappointment flashed through my mind.

“Get dressed. When you get back there will be fresh coffee,” she said. 

I dressed in the large bedroom and returned to the kitchen. 

“This book collection is incredible, what does it mean, Sam”

“Safe to say this is no ordinary lodge. This coffee is tasty! I say we hang out for a little while and take the Nkisi up on their offer of lunch. To do otherwise might be…  dangerous. Besides, the food here will be great!” 

The familiar, comfortable silence sat in between us as we both started reading different things. I resumed my Sanskrit text as Venicia wandered around scanning different books. She would take a book and flip through the pages so fast she was practically fanning herself. Watching Venicia read was something else! I stopped my reading and looked on in awe as she consumed several large volumes.

“You really retain anything reading that way?” I asked.

“Why of course, silly. I don't read like you, I take a picture of each page and analyze it or retain it as you say. Would you like to quiz me?”

“No, I'll take your word for it.”

 We read and scanned our way through the rest of the morning. Looking through the massive picture window, I could see the heat coming off the ground in waves. Room 1313 was very comfortable and I didn't really want to leave. The idea of room service came across my mind. Then, I figured it might be interesting to see who else is here and shows up for lunch.  

“Venicia, let's make our way to the restaurant. It will be interesting to see who else shows up,” I said.

“Let me finish this book,” she replied. She zipped right through it and put it back on the shelf.

 I locked room 1313 behind us and we strolled in the heat over to The Lodge Restaurant. Thankfully, it was nice and cool inside. Stone floors, a very high ceiling,  walls adorned with wildlife pictures and large windows created an open and contemporary atmosphere. There were no other guests. We walked in and took a seat at a table in the middle area. 

“Is anyone here, Sam?” Venicia asked.

“I think so. Let's sit a minute and see what happens,” I said.

A moment later Moses stepped out and walked over to our table.

“Dear guests, tell me what pleases you for lunch today?”

Venicia said, “Bobotie, please. Red wine?”

“Of course. And you, sir?”

“Braai please. A good local beer?” I said.

“Yes, Tafel Lager, okay?”

“Those are good, thank you.”     

It did not take long to receive our food and drinks. We sat there and dined like it was the most normal thing in the world. To anyone else who came in, we looked like typical western tourists, just slightly on the bigger side. Something told me this place didn't get many regular tourists. The meal was excellent! We saw no more of Moses. Once again, it felt like we were the only people on earth. Another being entered the dining area from the kitchen, Kato. He now took the form of a human, a very unusual human. His skin was flat black. His eyes, deep blue. His clothes looked like a chaotic collection of gray robes, scarves and blankets. In one hand he carried a chalice. His grin revealed the whitest teeth I had ever seen as he took a seat at the table next to ours facing us. The sky had darkened, dimming the light in the restaurant.

“I trust your lunch was acceptable Mr. Fallen and Ms. Roma?” Kato said.

“Delicious, thank you,” Venicia said.

“It was indeed, thanks,” I said.

“Why don't you go for a walk Sam? I know you already. I'd like to talk to the lady,” Kato said.

“No thanks. I'm quite comfortable here. Talk all you want,” I said.

“I love talking! Sam will be fine. What's on your mind?” Venicia said with a smile in her voice.

“Love, just what are you? You appear human but I can tell you are much, much more,” Kato said.

“Let's just say I'm a machine and human hybrid. I know things. Just what are you Kato?”

 I noticed several shadow figures now roaming the dining area.

 “We are chaos. We stir the pot if you will-”

“Irregardless of the outcome," I dryly added.

“Quiet please, Sam. I'm trying to talk to the lady,” Kato said, looking at Venicia.

This kind of quip would normally earn the speaker a one-way ticket through the nearest wall. There are times for violence. This was not one of those times. I let it slide, curious where this conversation was going. 

“You were saying Kato?”

“Things go from order to disorder and back again and again. We keep that process going. No doubt, the fun is in the chaos! That's where you come in Ms. Roma.”

“Oh really,” Venicia said, rubbing her hands together like an excited school girl.

“Yes, with the secrets you know, we could plunge this world into chaos for a thousand years and rule over it! I'm sure Sam here could find something to do.” 

“Oh wow, what's a girl to do?” Venicia said.

 Kato’s grin grew even wider and more terrifying. He was the strangest mix of terror and joy I had ever seen. I knew Venicia would make the correct decision. The real question was what about her siblings? A chance / chaotic meeting could indeed plunge the world into a very dark place. I knew better than to worry about made up scenarios. I did not know what was going to happen next.

“That's going to be a hard NO, Kato. It's just not dark enough. You're a time waster and a wannabe. But if you're serious, point me to someone even darker and of course older.”

Kato Stood dramatically pushing his chair back across the floor now glaring at Venicia. His face was the expression of a barely controlled rage. The problem for him was he could do little with me there and he knew it. But that didn't stop him from trying. 

“We are only here for answers. There's a new darkness rising that's not so new. Tell us what you know of it, Kato,” I said slowly standing.

Instead of answering me, he shot a small greenish-blue ball lightning orb at Venicia! I knocked it off course with a little micro lightning from my fingers! Venicia correctly determined that our meeting was over and bolted for the door. Staying to fight Kato was pointless. If he did not want to give any information, there was almost no chance of forcing it out of him. We would need a new plan but first we had to escape.

Fire has a way of motivating people! Venicia was much faster than I thought and by the time I got outside, she had a good head start to the creepy town we had passed on the way here. Kato struck me with one of his fireballs which only singed my clothes a little. It burned out before it could do any real damage. I ignored Kato and his shadow goons to catch up with Venicia. Meanwhile, Kato and his crew continued to launch white hot fireballs in our general direction. Either their aim was really bad or they just wanted us gone. Venicia and I did not stick around to find out which was the case. We just ran. I had not caught up to her yet when she suddenly veered to the right into the long abandoned town. I followed, suddenly aware of where she was going. I had to catch her before it was too late. She stopped for a moment, then darted into the building on her left. This was not going to end well. Kato and company were only a few seconds behind.

“Venicia! Wait!” I called out.

I ducked into the same building only to see her legs pumping her quickly upstairs. I followed, calling her name again and again. Like I said, fire is a motivator.

“This way Sam, quick!” she shouted back to me.

             

I was getting closer but not close enough to stop her. She had somehow found a portal. Dark blue mist filled the doorway at the end of the hall. I was right behind her but still out of reach when she jogged backwards into the portal. Her eyes were full of both fear and determination. This led to no place we wanted to go but at least I knew Kato and company would not follow. I plunged in after Venicia.