Zombies (5 page)

“That still doesn’t explain the demonic look in their eyes,” said one of the female students.

“When anger becomes uncontrollable, the person generally looks like that.  But what we are attempting to determine is whether or not it is the results of a demon controlling the actions of those individuals,” said the professor.

“I think the person has allowed his anger to set him up for the entry of an evil spirit.  Then the person is no longer in control of his or her own actions,” said a male student in the back of the room.

“What do you suppose led up to this condition?” asked Angelica.  Only silence followed.  The room was filled with tension, even to the point one could cut it with a knife.

“Okay, that is your next assignment.  Do your research and be prepared to answer this question.  Are there both good and evil spirits among us
?  If so, where do they come from and what is their purpose of being here?” stated the professor.  With that being said, he dismissed the class to allow each person to research the matter independently of the others. 

The professor’s mission was to accomplish
a totally objective study of the subject pertaining to the spiritual world.  Science had long ago exhausted its resources concerning the matter.  The only logical way to uncover the mystery was to use a different approach.  Within this class were many students fully capable of shedding some light on the subject.  The results may be flawed in scientific terms, but the professor was convinced they would come closer to solving the mystery than anyone had ever done before.  The students quietly left the room obviously in deep thought.  That was a good sign, and soon they would be so engulfed in the study that they would not want to stop until they answered the questions that had been brought up. 

Once the last student was out of the door, Michael had something to ask of his companions.
  “Are you trying to disturb everyone with questions that can not possibly be answered?”

“There is an answer
, Michael.  It just may not be what you want to hear,” said Angelica. 

At first he disagreed with her.  But after thinking about it
, he changed his mind.  “Perhaps you are right, but what if we find there are evil spirits roaming about?  What could we possibly do about it?” asked Michael.

“We can do more than you think
, my friend.  Besides, you will soon find we have no choice except to pursue this mission,” said Angelica.

“Is that what this is
?  A mission?” asked Michael. 

It quickly became obvious that Angelica did not want to answer that question.  Picking up on this idea, the professor intervened. 
“She is looking at this from the standpoint of research.  To her that is a mission.  Have you ever considered how much work goes into a dissertation and all the things that are absolutely necessary in order to receive a doctorate degree?”

“I think Angelica knows where I am coming from,
and I am willing to indulge you two up to a point,” said Michael, carefully choosing his words.

“You still don’t have any idea what is at stake here
, do you?” asked Angelica.

“I am not sure
, but it seems this blasted research is for your benefit.  You need it for your dissertation,” said Michael, finally speaking what was on his mind.

“Are you forgetting so soon why I am actually here?” asked Angelica. 
Once again it took a moment to recall what had happened to them during the short time they had known each other.  All that was but a daze now, yet it kept him wondering.  Doubts had crept in, but he sensed there was more going on than meets the eye.

“So just tell me one thing
, and I will drop the matter for now,” said Michael.

“What would you like to know?” asked Angelica.

“Did you guys drug me to recreate the paranoia experienced during the witch trials?”

“Heaven’s no
!  Why would you even think such a thing?” asked Angelica.  The look in her eyes was very convincing. 

Feeling
badly for accusing them of such a plot, Michael felt the need to apologize.  “I’m sorry.  It must be the lack of adequate sleep.  But, I can tell you this much, something is messing with my mind.” 

“
That is understandable and I am sure both of you are wondering about my intentions as well.  I assure you I was being truthful when I said my purpose for being here is to protect you,” said Angelica.  Michael cringed at the sound of that.  Once again he was reminded of something very important.  Was he dreaming the night before, or did it in fact really happen?  The look in her eyes was compelling.  Still it didn’t make sense.  How could he be part of the battle within the spiritual realm?  He gazed at the professor who had listened quietly to the discussion.  A nod indicated that she was in fact being truthful with them.  After all, the professor had already experienced the demons first hand.  Those thoughts were swirling through the young man’s mind as he attempted to sort it out.  “You are confused right now.  Give it some time to sink in, and eventually you will see things more clearly,” said Angelica.

“That’s what I am afraid of.  Do you have any idea what we went through last night?” asked Michael.  He directed that question toward the professor.

“I have a few thoughts on the matter, but I am sure it was much more real to you,” said the professor.

“My friend came to the rescue.  If he had not intervened
, I wouldn’t be here today,” said Angelica.

“I was pretty good
, wasn’t I?  So tell me again how you expect to protect us?  Shouldn’t it be the other way around?” asked Michael with a chide remark.

“
Michael, Michael, don’t let your pride get the best of you.  Just remember that pride goes before the fall,” said Angelica.  That sobering warning brought the lad back down to earth.  Being that it was obvious from the expression on his face, Angelica decided to give him a reprieve.  “I must admit you were pretty good for a novice.”  That caused a smile to cover his entire face until he realized what he had experienced was impossible.  Perceiving his thoughts Angelica came to the rescue once again.  “It was real and you were fantastic.  Just remember that when it happens again.” 

The thoughts of such an event
jolted him like a bolt of lightening.  “Are you saying we will have to face the demons again?  What happens when we win?” asked Michael.

“Each time we prevail
, it weakens them ever so slightly.  But I must point out that if they had defeated me last night, there would have been no hope for you or the professor.  They would have become so powerful that I am not sure if anything could have withstood them afterwards,” said Angelica.

“Wasn’t that a little risky?  How did you know I could help you?” asked Michael.  She answered with a smile.  “Are you flirting with me now?”

“Heaven’s no, Michael, but I do like you,” said Angelica, patting him on the shoulder.

“Women, how will us guys ever stand a chance?” asked Michael.

“You play your cards right, you will do okay by me,” said Angelica, turning to walk away.  However, she felt his stares once again.  “Michael!  Stop staring at my butt!”

“I can’t help it!” 

The professor laughed and they both noticed Angelica standing with her back to them while discreetly hiding her face.  Finally, Michael realized she was laughing too.  But, he chose to drop it as he could not seem to understand that girl.  Why would someone so beautiful not be interested in men?  Oh well, maybe it was because she didn’t want them touching her.  He laughed thinking that would be some relationship, never touching.  However, his laughter didn’t go unnoticed.  The young lady turned to give him the evil eye.  That did the trick as he quickly wiped the grin from his face.

“We have a few minutes before my next class.  Do you guys think you can behave long enough to get in a little research?” asked the professor.

“Talk to the boy,” said Angelica.

“Hey, I am a man or
have you forgotten already?”  Everyone knew he was referring to the skirmish the night before.

“You have a lot to learn before becoming a gentleman like the professor,” said Angelica, smiling.

“Now I get it.  You like older men.  So that is why you are being so standoffish with me,” said Michael.

“I admit to liking older men.  They are not so childish and naive, but don’t read too much into it.  I like you too
.  Just don’t jump to conclusions with that either,” said Angelica.  The young man faced the professor while scratching his head.  Moments later he gave up on understanding women and took a seat in front of the laptop.

“What are we looking for now
, professor?” asked Michael.

“We need to see what you can find concerning biblical accounts of witches and evil spirits,” said Dr. Blanchard, taking a book from the shelf.

“Are you serious?  We will be here forever searching through the Bible.  It is full of such accounts from cover to cover,” said Michael.  He noticed Angelica becoming a tad uneasy upon hearing this suggestion.  “Does it bother you to study the biblical accounts of such matters?”

“Not really
.  Why do you ask?”

“
Then do you need this Bible to use?” asked the professor, holding up a copy of the Kings James Version.

“No, I already know what is in it,” she replied.

“You can’t possibly remember everything you read on the subject.  Here, take this one and I will use the laptop,” said Michael.

“Look, it is time I reveal a few things to you guys.  I am not what I appear to be,” said Angelica.

“Tell us something we don’t know.  We already knew you were keeping secrets from us,” said Michael.  Before she could answer, their focus was drawn to a blood curling noise echoing in the hallway.  “What in the devil is that?”

“You answer correctly
, Michael.  Now take the professor and move to a safe location while I check it out,” said Angelica, moving toward the door.  The weird sound continued.  Even the professor, a normally composed individual, was disturbed by the sound.

“What if you need
my help?” asked Michael, jumping to his feet.

“Do as she says
, Michael.  I perceive Angelica knows what she is doing in this case,” said the professor, taking the young man by the arm.  They quickly moved into the storage closet, designed to be a safe room, and bolted the door.  However, upon Michael’s persistence, they unlatched the door and peeked outside.  Immediately he regretted his actions and froze as he examined the creatures.  Unlike the night before, these beasts were down right ugly.  They had no resemblance of humans and yet they definitely were not like any animal he had ever seen.  These weird beings had bony heads and razor sharp teeth with large eyes the color of fire.  Skinny legs and huge feet with a long tail that touched the floor caught Michael’s attention.  But, most disturbing was the fact that they could change their shape at will, almost ghostlike.  His curiosity immediately turned to fright as he entertained the idea they may come after him next. 

“What in the hell are those things?” asked Michael
, quickly closing the door back.  However, he could not fight off the urge to take a second look.  This was a big mistake as he quickly discovered.  “Crap, they saw me.”

“Do we need to help
, Angelica?” asked the professor, out of concern.

“I am not going out there
.”

“It can’t be that bad.  Open the door and let me help our friend.”

“Be my guest, but I refuse to go out there.  Something weird is going on here,” said Michael, moving away from the door.  However, his insistence even caused the professor to doubt. 

When
the distinguished gentleman peeked outside, there was a startled look on his face.  “Are they human?” he asked, turning to face his companion. 

Taking matters into his own hand,
Michael quickly closed the door for the professor.  “Didn’t you see them?” he asked. 

“Just barely.  I
t seems you were so anxious to close the door that I didn’t get a good look.”  Michael thought for a moment, and his gaze shifted to the crack underneath the door that was allowing a slim stream of light to shine on their feet.  Could those weird, ghost-like spirits enter through that narrow opening?  Suddenly a loud thump on the wooden structure brought into question as to whether or not the creatures had killed Angelica and were now coming for them.  When the knob turned, they prepared to die.

Chapter 4

Gently tapping on the door to the storage closest in the professor’s classroom, Angelica calmly said, “You can come out now.”  However, the brave men were not convinced.

“Are you sure it’s safe?” asked Michael, reluctantly
, feeling much safer behind the closed door.

“Of course,
have I ever lied to you?” asked Angelica.

“I don’t suppose so, but there is always a first time,” insisted Michael.

“Maybe for you, but not so for me.  I can’t lie and I have already told you that, remember?”  After glancing back and forth at each other, the men finally decided to give it a try.  They slowly emerged from the cramped quarters to face the music or demons in this case.

“Where did they go?” asked Michael
, scanning the room.  Not waiting for an answer, he asked a second question.  “Better yet, what are they?”

“That was just a handful
of underlings, not really any danger to us,” said Angelica.

“That is not how they looked to me,” argued Michael.

“How would you know?”

“We saw them,” said Michael.

“Did I not instruct you to find a place to hide and stay there?  Why do you keep disobeying me?” asked Angelica, obviously disturbed that her instructions had not been followed.

“You didn’t tell us not to look,” argued Michael.

“Did they see you?” asked Angelica.  When he didn’t answer, she knew it was bad.  “Well so much for keeping you out of this.  Tell me you didn’t look them in the eyes,” said Angelica.  Again he dropped his head without answering.  “Michael that is one thing you should never do.  They can enter your soul by staring into your eyes.”

“Well
, as you can see, I am fine,” he said, extending his arms and turning in a circle to prove his point.  Then, suddenly his eyes rolled in the back of his head, and he began to shake violently. 

Immediately Angelica
knew action must be taken in order to save Michael.  With tears in her eyes, she turned to face the professor.  “You may want to look away while I do this,” said Angelica.  However, she was startled by the young man laughing hysterically.  It took a moment but soon she realized Michael had pulled a fast one.  A firm lick on the back of his head quickly brought the laughter under control.  “You are sick.”

“I am sorry
, Angelica, but the devil made me do it,” said Michael.

“Don’t talk like that, ever.  That is exactly what I am trying to protect you from,” said Angelica.  Th
is was a sobering thought for the men folk.

“So
that’s what we are fighting here, the devil?” asked Michael, bringing his serious side to the forefront.

“Yes, among a host of demons, some of this world and many from another,” said Angelica in a serious tone.
  The look in her eyes was very convincing, and he decided to hear her out.  “There is going to be a battle, and I am sent here to protect you and the professor.”

“Why us
?  What importance do we play in this so-called battle?” asked Michael, totally confused.

“It’s a long story
, and we don’t have time to get into it right now,” said Angelica.

However, this
had garnered the attention of the professor, who until now had listened quietly to the discussion.  With this new information, he was ready for answers as well.  “I am canceling classes.  We need to talk,” said Dr. Blanchard.

“You can’t do that on such short notice.  Besides, I have something in mind that
we need to check out,” said Angelica.

“I don’t know if I like the sound of that,” said the professor.

“Just get used to it.  From this day forward, it only gets worse,” said Angelica.

“What does that have to do with my students?” asked the professor.

“Surely you don’t think those demons are not wise to you.  They have been watching you long before I showed up and as for Michael even before he was born,” said Angelica.

“You are serious
, aren’t you,” said Michael.

“It would be wise to listen to me.  Alway
s remember the fact that I cannot lie.  So to answer your question, I am dead serious,” said Angelica. 

The startling revelation sent his mind in a tantrum.
  “What are you anyway?  Are you really alive?” asked Michael.

“Why don’t you see for yourself,” said Angelica.

“And just how do you propose I do that?”

“Touch me
.  I am flesh and blood like you,” said Angelica.

“Are you trying to set me up again?  I thought you didn’t want me touching you,” said Michael.

“That only applies when I am called upon to defend you from the demons.  During my transformation it’s too dangerous because I don’t know how it will affect you, at least not yet,” said Angelica.  A look of distrust followed.  “Go ahead and I will explain it later.”  She held out her arm with skin exposed.  The young man decided to take her at her word.  After all, she couldn’t lie, or so she said.  However, a thought came to mind as a smile slowly covered his face.  Before Angelica could determine what he was up to, she found his arms wrapped tightly around her.  “What are you doing?”

“You said touch you
, and I figured this is an offer I couldn’t refuse,” said Michael, squeezing her tightly.  Now standing cheek to cheek with their chests pressing together, Michael was convinced she was indeed human.

“Okay, that’s enough
, Michael.  Turn me loose,” said Angelica.  When his hands began to move slowly down her back, she pushed him away.  “Michael!  Please tell me you weren’t thinking of carnal matters.  You can’t do that with me.”

“I am sorry
, Angelica.  The devil made me do it,” said Michael with a chuckle.

“That’s not funny and you know it.  I already warned you about talking like that.”

“What harm is there in me referring to the devil?”

“You can mention him, just not in the sense that you are controlled by the devil.  When I hear you say that
, it brings back memories . . .”  She paused and quickly decided not to continue.

“What are you keeping from us
, Angelica?” asked the professor.  For a moment it appeared she would reveal many secrets, but the discussion was interrupted by the arrival of students for the next class.  As they slowly entered the auditorium, Angelica used it as an opportunity to return to her seat at the laptop.  No sooner had she sat down, Michael was back to his old self once again.

“Would you please stop touching me?” whispered Angelica.

“I thought we had already settled that,” whispered Michael.

The bickering students caught the eye of several classmates.  “Are those two having issues,
Professor?  If you need to separate them, I will sit by the beautiful girl,” said one of the male students, anxious to exchange places with Michael.  Angelica greeted his offer with a smile.

The professor jokingly replied,
“They will work it out.  Now have a seat and be prepared for an hour of research.” 

The notion of research did not sit well with the class. 
The students complained that they were tired of research and were ready to do something more interesting.  Changing their viewpoint, Angelica said, “I figured you guys would love to study about demons.  That seems to be the craze lately.” 

“Al
l right!  Now you’re talking,” said several of the students.  The excitement rose to a new level once the subject matter was introduced with everyone expecting this class to be enthralling.

“Before you get your hopes up, I must point out that we will be using the
Bible some too.  I hope there are no objections,” said the professor.

“Do we have to
?  Nobody can understand that book,” complained one of the students.

“Then consider it a challenge,” said the professor
, not accepting any excuses from his students. 

While this discussion was going on, Angelica was sizing up the students.  Michael noticed her actions and decided to tease her about it.
  “Do you see a guy you are fond of?  He won’t like it when you say, no touching.”

“Would you drop it?  I have my reasons for looking them over,” said Angelica.

“Well it’s not to make out with them, I assure you,” said Michael.

“I am going to pretend I didn’t he
ar that,” said Angelica, looking past him while in deep thought.

“Take out your laptops and begin researching the turn of the millennium from BC to AD,” said the professor.  He noticed there were no questions and decided to bring it up himself.  “Did you hear me?”

“We heard you.  So what are we looking for?” asked one of the female students.

“First of all did anyone notice what BC stands for?”

“It stands for before Christ,” said one of the students.

“And what does AD mean?” asked the professor.

“It is the abbreviation for Anno Domini meaning in the year of our lord.  But recently those terms were altered to include CE which stands for Common Era.  So what’s your point?” asked a student.

“My point is that until recently the whole world based the calendar on the religious aspects of the times.  So I am assuming you would want to know why that is,” said the professor.

“The world has changed, and people no long consider the fact that everything once centered on religious matters,” said one of the students. 

Angelica noticed on
e particular student becoming agitated.  In fact, she sensed something tragic was about to happen.  “Why don’t we look at this from a scientific perspective?” suggested Angelica.

“G
ood idea,” agreed the professor, perceiving she had a motive for doing this.

“If you use the
Bible to trace the world’s origin, we can only account for 5500 years or possibly 6000 maximum by some accounts.  Most scientists believe the world has been around for millions of years,” said Angelica.  This idea seemed to appease the student that she was most concerned about.  The professor noticed the change and realized his underling had acted wisely.

“But, remember there are more things written concerning demons in religious publications than anywhere else.  If we ignore that, we will certainly miss some valuable information,” said the professor.

“Now that we have settled this little contention, I would like to mention something that has always intrigued me,” said one of the female students.

“Knock yourself out,” said the professor, taking a seat
in a chair next to his podium.

“If the
Bible accounts of demons during the early Christian era are indeed accurate, then where are they now?”

“They are all around us.  Just look at the world
, and you will surely get your answer,” said one of the students.

“Are you trying to tell us that demons exist
, and there could be one among us at this very moment?” asked a student.  The classroom erupted in chaos.

“Okay, hold it down and let’s discuss the matter,” said the professor.

“I will be outside when you guys are finished,” said a young lady, obviously disturbed as this struck an emotional cord with her.

“We
all need to calm down.  Nobody is accusing anyone of being a demon.  In fact, that is the purpose of this study.  We are all searching for answers, and that can only happen if we keep an open mind,” said the professor.  The young lady calmed down and took her seat to hear him out.  “Julie has brought up a good point.  Now let’s see if we can find the answers to her questions.  Something was going on during the early AD’s, just what is for us to determine by conducting a thorough investigation of that timeframe.

“People seem to think there were demons
or devils, and even one was referred to as Satan who roamed about the earth.  In fact, demons were cast out in one instance, and they entered swine before drowning themselves in the sea.  This was such a troubling event that the people of the area begged the one that had cast them out to leave their coasts and go elsewhere.  Why is it we have a hard time accepting that when today there are exorcists among us that claim to do the same thing?” asked the professor.

“Yeah and they are scary,” said one of the girls.

“But you still flock to the theaters to watch them do just that.  Now admit it,” said the professor.

“I admit it
.  And to be truthful, it looks so real I can’t sleep afterwards,” said one of the girls.  Laughter erupted and the professor indulged their folly.

“Okay, there you go
,” said the professor.  “Let’s study this with an open mind.  Suppose we are making a movie.  Do the research so your material will be convincing.  If we do that, perhaps we will uncover many truths.”

“
Professor, I think I found what you referred to earlier,” said one student, reading from his computer.  “The biblical account says the demons asked the Messiah ‘What do we have to do with you Jesus of Nazareth?’  He commanded them to come out of the people they were possessing.  The demons supposedly said, ‘Then allow us to go into the swine.’  He said, ‘Go.’  And they immediately left the person and entered the swine.  That is when the swine ran violently into the sea and drowned.  This disturbed the inhabitants of the land, and they entreated them to leave their coasts.  Of course they did just that,” said the student, looking up from his screen.  The reading confirmed what the professor had already told them.