Nechronicles: Circus Extravagansicus

Nechronicles: Circus Extravagansicus

M. R. Fortis

Copyright 2014 M.Fortis

Second Edition 2015

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Chapter I

A small man stood in front of Pip. Dressed head to toe in black, Pip could not see the figure’s face. A horrific mask hid it underneath a pointed hood. Pip Rickett felt as though he looked at Mister Punch centuries after he had died. Skeletal features were exaggerated. Perfect white teeth were exposed in a crescent. The manic grin was petrified between a large hooked nose and pointed chin. Cheeks rounded the bottom of black eye holes which added a certain charm to this otherwise grotesque face. The late Mister Punch shook his head.

Pip! A young voice called out. The word pulled Pip back to reality. Pip Rickett was suddenly reminded of where he stood. The crowd was dense. He caught a glimpse of shaggy blonde hair when Alex grabbed his uncle’s shoulder, I wasn’t sure if I’d find you.

Well you did, Pip answered. He turned back to find the masked figure but could not see him. There were too many people. The large man searched his immediate area. There was just a mass of souls. Most looked lost as they walked nowhere in particular. Some stood still. Other, less concerned faces shouted out words of support and help. Pip straightened his back to enforce his control of the situation. Here I am. The men studied each other for a moment.

You look-- Alex began. A large woman cut off the sentence as she barged into him.

Pip ignored the comment. He needed to make sense of where he was. This place was unfamiliar. While it felt like an open market, this was not Africa. There was no sunshine, no breeze. Just a stifling sensation created by too much humanity. The worst part was that Pip had forgotten why they were there. Or even how they came to be there. The only thing Pip Rickett could be certain of at that time was that it was real. He had never been so aware of his existence. He felt fresh. His skin felt so clean that it gently tickled. It was an unusual but natural sensation.

A short distance away Pip saw a white statue. It depicted a partially dressed man. On his head was a winged helmet and he gripped some sort of stick. Pip felt a hand grab his own. He turned to find its source with natural terror. Then he remembered. It was the woman with purple hair. Her brown eyes smiled at him from between two bodies.

Let’s get out of here, Pip shouted to Alex, To a quieter place. We need to get things straight.

Too right, Alex agreed.

Pip turned away from his nephew and said something to a small woman with purple hair in front of him. When he started to walk, Alex followed. He had been under Pip Rickett's care for the last seventeen years. During that time he had learned to obey his uncle and listen to every word he said. More often than not, his life would depend on it. That moment was no exception. While he had no idea who the short woman was, if Pip trusted her then Alex had no reason not to.

Away from the crowd that gathered by the statue Alex kept up with Pip as best he could. The square did not get any quieter as they crossed it. Small groups of lost looking individuals followed one or two guides like tourists in an unknown city. Trains of people crossed Alex's path but he managed to weave in and around them to keep his pace. It was one group who stopped completely that caused Alex to panic.

Although he would never say it, Alex was scared. He did not want to be separated from his uncle in this place again. When Pip had disappeared earlier Alex had felt alone. He felt vulnerable. This was not a place he recognised. He did not know his away around these streets. Fear bubbled inside his gut but he did not know how to deal with it. His uncle had always taught him to face his fear, to turn that feeling into adrenaline and use it. Lions and rhinos could smell fear. They would use it against him if he did not have control of it. But there were no wild animals around here. None that he was used to anyway. Alex saw three bulls in the archway of a building. Except they couldn't have been cattle because they stood on two legs like men. Two of them walked away. Alex was scared.

A strong hand grabbed his shoulder. Alex did not realise that he had slowed his walk to look at the bull-headed men. The strong grip made him jump. It was something that he had not done since he was a child. Panic soon made way to embarrassment when Alex realised that the hand belonged to his uncle. Pip Rickett had always been a stern man. His steely blue eyes sat in the middle of his bald head which was softened by a bushy orange moustache.

Keep up, Pip ordered and dragged his nephew closer.

Soon they arrived at a place that resembled a drinking den. The building looked as though it was about to fall over. It was supported on the outside by a selection of poles which were buried into the middle of the path. Dents and torn out chunks in the poles suggested that they could have been made more visible to the people who passed by. Alex took a couple of steps back into the narrow street and looked up at the place.

A second, sturdier looking structure had been built on the roof of the tavern. It had small turrets and a strong balcony that supported a series of ropes and planks which formed a bridge. Alex followed the airborne walkway from this newer looking building to its ancient neighbour across the street. From that building were more bridges which reached out in all directions to create some sort of public walkway. Alex drew his attention back to the tavern in front of him. A sign swung above the doorway. It depicted a pack of evil dogs. The words The Three Heads had faded underneath.

Alex, Pip Rickett called out with a wave of his hand.

Alex noticed the short older woman with long purple hair peer from behind his uncle. She tugged at Pip’s brown shirt and stepped into the darkness. Pip shot a look at Alex which reminded him of his childhood. When Pip looked at him like that, Alex knew that there was no time to mess around. A few choice words and a raised hand would often reinforce the glance. Alex tried to see past his uncle's bulky frame. There was nothing he could really distinguish other than shadows. Beyond the darkness inside Alex could hear the general hubbub of a bar. Like everywhere else in this odd city, it was busy.

Warmth built up from the bottom of Alex's back. He suddenly felt uneasy. There was something about the establishment that he could not trust. It could have been because the building looked as though it was about to fall down or because he could not really see inside it. Or it could have been the sinister nature of the dogs on the sign.

Insufficiency grew in Alex. He felt depressed. This was entirely his fault, but he could not place what ‘this’ was exactly. He had somehow brought his uncle to a strange place. He felt as though he owed Pip something, but nothing would be enough. Alex felt worthless. The least he could do for his uncle was buy him a drink as an apology. He took a deep breath and passed the doorframe. There was no door.

A tiny creature with goat legs, bat wings and a pig face felt let down. It had been staring at the young human outside the tavern for some time. The superbia knew that it was a far superior creature than that young human yet the human did not seem to notice. The creature was superior than most creatures in Necropolis, even better than any of its own species, although most of them were very admirable. Later, it decided, it would find a reflective surface and admire its own beauty and perfection. The superbia soon forgot its plans when it saw another lowly human walk down the street. The demon knew for certain that it was better than this one. It stared at the elderly man knowing just how superior it was. The elderly man suddenly felt insufficient.

Alex weaved his way through the revelers in the tavern. It was quite dark inside. Candles spewed out of bottles on each table and chandeliers fell from the ceiling supported by ropes and levers. Most of the light however was blocked by people. Alex saw Pip by the bar and negotiated his way over. When he drew near he saw the mysterious small woman with purple hair stand next to him.

Hey, he greeted his uncle.

I got you a beer, Pip said almost critically, Or the closest thing to it. He studied his nephew. Sympathetic eyes cheated his hard exterior, I think you’ll need one.

No, Pip, let me buy these. I feel like I owe you one, Alex pleaded.

Buy me one with what? Rand? asked Pip.

Alex searched his pockets.

It’s no use Al, Pip said before Alex could say anything, Rand is no good here. No money we’re used to is good here.

Alex looked confused, I don’t understand. How can--

Pip thrust a large jug into Alex’s hand. You can thank Ruby later, Pip said as he walked into the crowd, Let’s find a seat.

Alex was about to follow when he felt a gentle hand touch his arm. It was the woman. Even in the light, she was older than Alex had thought.

I’m Ruby by the way, the woman said. There was an accent in her voice, Your uncle, he has not yet had time to come to terms with what I said to him. This is why he has not introduced us.

Oh, Alex was taken aback, I’m--

Alex, Ruby finished for him, I know. He was so desperate to find you. Alex took a sip from the jug in his hand. It was a cold beverage, flat and tasted slightly like mud but was not entirely repulsive. Come, let us find him. I think he has found a table. Ruby took her own jug from the bar, linked arms with Alex and headed into the darkness where Pip had gone.

They soon found him seated at a table with two free stools. Alex knew his uncle. He did not care to find out how he acquired a table with the right amount of stools in such a busy place. Pip gestured for his nephew and Ruby to join him on either side.

I see you two have met, Pip noted as he positioned the jug under his moustache. He took a long sip of his drink.

Yes, Ruby began, I had to introduce myself while you found our table.

Alex remained silent. He took a mouthful of his own beer.

Is that all you introduced him to? Pip asked. He stared at nothing in particular behind the bar.

Yes, Ruby answered.

Alex's gaze jumped between the two. His brow frowned. What do you mean?

Pip took a deep breath. He continued to stare.

What he--, Ruby began.

We’re dead Al, Pip said. His bright blue eyes fell to his nephew. Dead. The large bald man choked.

Chapter II

Alex searched his uncle’s face for any sign of a joke. There was none. Pip rarely made fun of a situation. There was always something more important weighing on his mind. Alex remembered one occasion when Pip had tried his hand at humour. A lion had been brought to the sanctuary. It was clearly sick, the poor animal could hardly walk. When asked if the lion was 'feline' unwell, the ranger did not understand what Pip had meant. What followed was a few minutes of awkward explanation and a brief lesson on the meaning of the word 'pun'. Pip had not cracked a joke since. Now, in the rotten, dark tavern, Alex hoped that Pip had seized the opportunity. True, saying outright that they were dead is a strange joke but this was Pip Rickett.

What do you mean? Alex repeated even though he knew that the explanation could not get any clearer.

I mean everything has changed, Pip answered. His voice cracked. This was no joke. I found myself by that statue. I was lost. He spoke quickly, as though this was a confession. I could not find you. Ruby saw me. She told me everything. We’re dead. Pip took a large sip from his jug. We must’ve died in the reserve.

But dead--

Dead, Al! I don’t understand how you can’t see it, Pip snapped, Look around you. This is not Jo’burg, this is not even Africa. This is some weird place where we have wound up. Alex had never seen his uncle in such a desperate state. Our lives have ended, Pip tried to explain, Can’t you see it Alex? His voice grew. This is it. This is us. Look around you. Understand. See it. The large man had practically yelled the last words.

Alex flipped. I see it Pip, of course I see it. I’m here aren’t I? I was in that car with you. I’ve seen that statue. I’ve seen how messed up this place is too. But there is nothing we can do about it is there? Nothing. We should just be thankful that we’ve been given another chance, hey? How come we are sitting here discussing how our lives have ended? We’re fortunate. We are the lucky ones.

Ruby smiled, Such understanding for one so--

And you can shut up, Alex snapped at the small woman with purple hair. He turned to Pip, Dead, hey? How long have we been dead for and already you’re running around with some other woman? What about Vicky? Or is it because by some miracle of death you’re allowed to move on straight away? Pip shot a glance at Alex. Steel blue daggers from a shaded corner. She is going to be up there, or wherever she is, Alex continued oblivious to Pip, mourning her sorry heart out. She’s a widow now Pip and you’re down here, in this, this, city, with some old French weirdo --

Belgian, Ruby corrected.

Whatever, Alex continued. Embarrassment for his recent outburst silenced him. It just shows your true colours now Pip.

Pip looked at Alex sternly.Are you finished? he asked after a moment longer than necessary. Alex sheepishly sipped his beer.

Thank you Alex. Pip paused again. "You can’t accuse me of forgetting or moving on. It may shock you to hear that I love your aunt very much, and as much as she is a widow, I am a widower. I lost my wife today. Beyond that I have lost my whole family including your mother.

Ruby here saw that I was desperate, that I had no clue about what had happened to you or to the world I knew. She explained it to me. I am in her debt. She promised me that she would not leave me until I found you and explained it all to you. This means that you are also indebted to her. Now apologise.

Sorry, Alex mumbled.

Good. Pip sipped his jug. Things have changed for us Alex, we know this, but we have to make the best out of everything. Ruby has kindly offered us somewhere to stay while we work things out.

It is not much, Ruby spoke unaffected by Alex, but I do know of rooms in a building. It is very close to the river. I’m sure that you will like it and find it accommodating.

Well, I think that we should head straight there, Pip said to the table, I’m sure it’ll be a lot quieter than here. I think Alex and I both need time to ourselves.

Ruby nodded and led the way out of ‘The Three Heads’. Alex took one last sip of the drink. The muddy taste had grown on him. Out of the tavern Ruby turned left, away from Messenger Square. Pip gestured for Alex to walk in front of him as they caught up with Ruby.

It shouldn’t take you too long to get used to Necropolis, Ruby called to them.

Necrophobia? Alex asked.

Necropolis, Ruby replied. She stopped and waited for Pip and Alex to catch up with her. She linked arms with them both. This city, she went on as she led the freshly deceased to their new home, The city of the dead. It’s where some souls go when they leave the forelife.

Of course, responded Alex. The sarcasm was lost on Ruby.

There are certain laws which should come naturally. Such as the concept of Judgement. Right and wrong, she continued.

Judgement, Pip said. He had tried to come to terms with his own death. The final Judgement. There is no death to fear now, only Judgement.

You are fast, Ruby noted, impressed.

He may be, but I’m not, said Alex, What is this Judgement?

Al, Pip answered, I’m sure it’s one of those things that if you have to ask about you’ll never know, you know?

I don’t know. This new existence frustrated Alex, If this whole concept is like the new death then shouldn’t I at least be aware of it? I don’t want to die. Again.

I’m sure you will understand it, said Pip, in time.

A stream of music sang along the empty lane. It was a lively tune. Bass thumped and other instruments played a distant melody as Ruby led them nearer.

The main thing is to always make sure your soul is happy, Ruby advised, Entertainment is imperative.

They rounded a corner and saw that the music came from three people across a small square. One was on a handheld drum, another on a squeeze box and the third played the fiddle. A few souls had gathered around them. Some people clapped, some laughed and others danced.

Ruby stepped across the square to join in the jig. She grabbed Alex to encourage him to dance. He shrugged her off and stood next to Pip who stood firm, arms folded. His foot tapped along to the rhythm. Alex observed his strange new environment. He looked up at the buildings.

I wonder what the red stripe means, he said to his uncle as he glanced around the square.

It’s probably decorative, Pip dismissed.

Alex’s eyes followed the faded red stripe which stood about seven foot high on every building. Pip did not pay attention to the decor of the city. He was fixated on the musicians and the crowd they had attracted. Something burned deep inside him although he could not identify it. It was a feeling that wasn't too far removed from passion or excitement. Except it was peppered with fear. Ruby danced towards him. Pip knew that she would make him dance. Slowly, he moved his square jaw from left to right. Without a word, Ruby understood. Her dance flowed into a walk and she stepped to the men.

You two should really learn to let go of your inhibitions, she said. There was a hint of irritation in her voice. Come on, let us go.

The fiddle player caught Ruby’s attention. Eyebrows rose as the musician’s eyes widened. Ruby winked and nodded knowingly at him. Excitement filtered to the drummer and the young woman on the squeezebox. The band saw Ruby leave with Pip and Alex. Their tune grew happier.

Ruby continued their walk across the darkened square and into a narrow alley. Smoke led them through the passage and onto a wide, busier street. Peddle wagons of all sizes weaved between steam-trams. Bells rang from passenger vehicles and horns squeaked from smaller carts. Alex noticed a ball of some description roll into the road. A child ran after it but was soon brought to the ground by a woman before he could get near the road.

Alex gasped. People are really considerate here, he noticed out loud.

Of course, Ruby answered, Judgement. You do a good deed you are repaid with a good Judgement.

Alex looked back to where the woman had landed and saw that she had disappeared. The child had returned to his feet. He dusted himself down briefly and ran into the rapids of the road.

But she couldn't have been Judged so soon, Alex muttered.

I’m sorry? said Ruby.

That woman, the one who stopped a kid from getting knocked over, Alex explained. She’s not there now.

Well maybe she has been Judged, Ruby concluded, It happens every day, sometimes when you least expect it.

People really go out of their way to help others just in case someone is watching them? Pip asked.

Of course, Ruby turned to the taller man, Why do you think I am helping you?

Pip paused and let the words sink in.

Ruby stepped into the road without much thought for the passing traffic. To Alex's surprise, all vehicles seemed to weave their way around her, as they did for every other pedestrian. It was an organised chaos, an unwritten agreement between four wheels and two legs.

Pip smiled at Alex. Perhaps it's not so different from Africa after all, he said and stepped into the road after nothing more than a quick glance along the traffic.

In no time, Pip found Ruby on the other side. They called Alex over but he could not move. Alex stared at his uncle in disbelief. Something unusual had happened. Something had changed within Pip Rickett. Before he had walked across the road, Pip had attempted humour, and it was amusing. Alex shook his head back to reality, looked into the road and negotiated his way to the other side.

We shouldn't see any more big roads like this, Ruby said when they had regrouped. We are not too far from the riverside now. Come. Ruby disappeared down a dark flight of steps hidden between two tall buildings.

The rest of the walk took place in relative silence through alleyways and smaller side roads. Alex felt like they had been walking for longer than