Burning Shadows (Chapter 8)

“I didn’t know that lavabious creatures were even able to vomit.” Notek complained, disgusted at the brown, viscous, gunk that steamed slightly as he washed it off of his hands and arms. Vertigo laughed at his reaction, and her laughter was light and fluid.

“Oh Notek, will you always be this afraid to get your hands dirty?” Notek’s face softened, and he gazed sideways at Vertigo as she also cleansed herself of the headmaster’s accidental secretions.

“You’ve changed a lot Verti . . .” Vertigo’s manner grew more subdued, and she replied softly.

“I know . . .”

“What happened to the little girl I left here five years ago?” Vertigo’s expression betrayed her pain.

“The war happened.” Notek started and blinked, momentarily unsure of his hearing.

“War?!” Vertigo stared at him in disbelief.

“You didn’t know? A rebel faction of symbiotes has declared war on the High Master. They claim that the only route to peace is through democracy – a council of symbiotes to govern the rest.” Notek was puzzled.

“What’s wrong with that?”

“They just want power, and they’ll slaughter thousands of innocents to get it” Vertigo said. “The council will all be members hand-picked by the faction for their loyalty, and it will be presided over by Dagon.”

“The man who struck the headmaster” Notek said with sudden realization. “Was that Dagon?”

“Yes . . .” Vertigo said with some puzzlement. “How did you know?”

“Just a feeling . . . like I’ve seen him somewhere before . . .” The moment of silence that followed was broken by Vertigo’s smiled invitation.

“You should come back to my quarters – I can get you something to eat and I’ll catch you up on everything that’s happened in your absence.” Notek smiled back.

“I’d like that . . .”