Chapter Text
Almost every danger comes with a warning sign, a little whistle of caution before things descend into madness. It was something Exer Campbell would keep a mental list of throughout his life and he regarded it as a form of self preservation. It could be the birds cawing, all fleeing in one direction at the brink of a storm, or the twitch of someone’s eye mere seconds before they send their knuckles hurling toward your cheek. Jackson helped with that one . Hell, even the flutter of a bee’s wing used to send Exer flinching as a kid. The buzz before the sting.
So perhaps, for Exer, the first warning sign this time round should’ve been the coughing. Not from himself, of course, nor anyone he knew too closely, they hadn’t caught the supposed ‘flu’. No, it was always a person here or a classmate there, riddled with a wet, sickly hacking that seemed to be spreading agonisingly slowly.
Exer couldn’t shake the feeling that something about it was off, the way people brushed it aside as just another flu season seemed too dismissive, too casual given the severity of the symptoms.
Too casual considering anyone affected by the sickness would be taken from their homes within the first week of coughing.
The local doctors and newspapers assured everyone it was nothing major, just a precaution in order to study the new ‘strain’ of virus. The families were safely quarantined and would be integrated back into town along with the patient as soon as they were feeling better. Simple right?
But then Bailey got sick. Someone Exer truly cared for. It changed things, there was an uncertainty that he could never quite shake when he thought about the events that had followed.
The day had been a bleak one. Dreary with a nip in the air. The type of day where you’d groan and scoff all the way to the breakfast table because just the mere thought of opening the door and getting damp was a pain in the ass. Though, it wasn’t to be unexpected on a November dawn so Exer tried not to complain. It was strange, but he often felt he had no right to. Not with the second chances he’d been given, the keys he was granted to wipe the slate clean, and his job was one of those chances.
So without even a grumble, he brushed his hair and teeth. Got into his work clothes and had set off as he would most Sundays when Sea needed the extra help.
That part of his day was normal. Almost identical to most in the way that it almost blurred with all the rest in his memory.
The afternoon, on the other hand, he remembered vividly. Bailey had been stacking the paper cups at the cafe for storage. She and himself had been talking away without a care in the world when suddenly, Bailey’s chest heaved. With a sharp gasp, her usually smiling, sunny face scrunched in agony.
“Agh..”
Exer had felt his whole body snap into action, instinctively reaching for her. But her hand halted him as she shivered, eyes squinting and set to the ground.
In return he had stood by the shelves like an idiot, scrambling sentences in his brain, looking for the correct next move. It was hard to recall what pathetic sounds had followed, but he faintly remembered calling her name.
“Bailey?” Exer had asked, his tone cautious.
He recollected that she had looked up at that, her soft, sad, still squinted eyes latching onto his own. “Exer,” she croaked, her voice barely above a whisper. “I… I don’t feel so good.”
And then, out of nowhere, the sickliest and most desperate-sounding splutter tore its way past her downturned lips.
“Bailey!”
"Stay back, Exer," Bailey warned, her voice nothing more than a frail gargle. “You’ll get sick!”
He had stupidly froze once again, his breath hitching at the fear evident in his friend's widened eyes. She was still leaning over, the cups wobbling at her sudden movement. "Ah, s-sugar..."
That’s when something didn’t sit right at all.
It was as if a switch had been flicked with how sickly and weak Bailey suddenly looked. Sweat beads gathered at her forehead and her face was so pale that her rosy cheeks disappeared completely.
Bailey had been completely fine before this, going about her work shift as usual. It was probably the very reason Exer had been taken so unawares. The furrow of Bailey’s eyebrows told Exer she was probably feeling even worse than she looked. She must’ve been thinking the same thing; already asking the similar questions that had come over both of them in the brief silence.
The only sounds had been the hum of the heater, a constant whirring that accompanied the shorter woman’s laboured inhales. Every pull of her vocal chords had sent Exer’s nerves going haywire because neither of them were stupid. There was no doubt that the duo had already come to the same conclusion that ‘this could very well be The 'flu' , the flu that would hit so suddenly it whipped through you like a gunshot.
‘Oh god. Has Bailey caught the flu?’
That was the first moment of dread, they both knew what it meant if you had come down with ‘the cough’. The Kingsmont radio channels couldn’t stress enough the importance of being taken for testing if you just so happened to contract the virus, which always felt a little strange to Exer.
How could your whole life be put on pause as you’re taken away from everything you know in a moment’s notice, but they still insisted the virus was nothing to worry about?
Talking to an entire town of people as though they were school children too naive to comprehend the situation.
Another jolt of coughs had soon racked through Bailey and Exer wanted nothing more than to comfort the woman in front of him. Yet her palm remained flat in the air, the kindest way possible to truly tell Exer to back off.
“Bailey! Are you okay? I’m really worried..”
The fabric of Bailey’s shirt had been stretched tight under the mercy of clawed fingers.
“Ha..I’ll be okay sweetie, I just need to c-catch my breath..” She had breathed, though it had sounded strained. Like thorns had been nestled into her lungs.
It hurt to know he didn’t fix it right then and there. He could’ve reached into those lungs, plucked and pruned the thorns away so she could breathe once again with ease. All he would’ve had to do was just place a friendly hand on her back. Let the magic do what it did best.
Sure, he had never healed anything other than wounds before, and maybe Lucy-furr’s magic didn’t heal his stomachache, but in her defence, she was a cat. He was certain he could figure it out.
All he had to do was just reach through the surface.
Simple right?
But before Exer could even think about it any further, Marco’s voice had pulled him back.
“Bailey!?” He had called, the name slicing through the air like a knife as the storage room doors bursted open, the hinges searing through Exer’s ears. Marco swept past him and Exer had watched, helpless as, despite her cries of protest, Marco’s hand steadied Bailey, guiding her away from the room.
Away from his healing hands .
It was a moment etched into his memory, a turning point to the ‘sickness’ he didn’t think he would forget. Perhaps he should’ve followed, but he found the confusion keeping him in one place.
How could something so violent be a measly cough?
Somehow, the question managed to grow even more complicated as he learnt of Cup-O-Cat’s fate the next day. Ransacked completely, the paper cups Bailey had been holding were most likely burnt to a crisp by the containment squad and the tables were flipped over with little regard of the damage.
Carnage spread throughout the whole shop, Sea was devastated and Exer couldn’t help but feel guilty about it.
He could’ve stopped that.
Cup-O-Cat was like another home and now they were a worker down and a few days out of business whilst they restocked and cleaned up the damage.
And he could’ve prevented it all. He had the magic to do so.
The whole thing shook Exer. It struck a tangle of fear within him that clogged up his brain like some sticky spider web. He already messed up with Bailey and he knew he couldn’t let anything like it happen to anyone else he loved. That’s why, in the weeks that followed, he began to make an effort to touch the people around him more. It was unclear if it was truly working or not, no one else had gotten sick so he had assumed so, and he still tried . Whether it be a graze of a hand, a friendly pat on the shoulder or making more of an effort to hold David as tightly as possible. As if he could breathe in all the toxicity of the air for him to make sure his pretty lungs were never infected by such evil.
It was all a small effort, a dance of his magic atop of their skin to keep them safe. To make sure they wouldn’t be taken away from Exer, not like Bailey had been.
David would typically roll his eyes at Exer’s paranoia, nuzzle his face into Exer’s chest as he sighed about his ‘constant worrying’. A part of him liked to think that was true, that he had just been overthinking it all once again, distrusting the very oxygen that he breathed instead of letting a natural virus come and go from their town. Even if the circumstances were a little unusual.
However, in his defence, no one likes getting sick and if he could prevent it by doing something as simple as holding the people he loved, then he would do it with no complaint. And he told David as such, who had leant up and pressed a soft kiss to his lips in return.
“You’re the biggest softy, you know that? I think the world would stop spinning without people like you Ex.”
Exer had only sighed, “Pfft! Really Day? You know I’ve been a world class asshole right?”
“Well that’s not you anymore…You are trying your best. Just be careful, yeah? Don’t overdo it with all the magic.”
“Yeah, I won’t…I just don’t want anyone else getting sick.” He planted a kiss atop of the blonde waves, “-Especially you.”
“Well then you better stay right here.” David replied, pulling his feet up on the couch as he snuggled further into Exer’s outstretched arm. “Save me Mr. Magic.”
“I’m not going anywhere. And neither are you Miller.” He teased, trapping David with the same arm, but he had meant it. David hadn’t seen what he had seen, hadn’t watched as his coworker had been swooped away one day without even a phone call to anyone about how she was or when she would be back.
No one even knew where she had gone, and little did he know then that they never would.
“The people’s hero..” Day had cooed regardless, eyes drooping as he let his other hand rest on Exer’s chest.
“Whatever you say Day.”
The silence was soothing, like a warm embrace, it always had been when David was around and Exer had let his cheeks flush at the other boy’s words.
A moment of calm.
But despite David’s songs of praise making him feel slightly better at that moment, it never kept the tides from turning, it never prevented the momentum of a fist and it certainly never stopped the bees from stinging. So it shouldn’t have been a surprise when, just two weeks later, all of the doubt, suspicion and unease Exer had felt finally came crashing down on him.
When it finally came crashing down on the whole of Kingsmont.
Early winter 1989
It all began with a scream—a single, blood-curdling, horrified scream that marked the beginning of the end for their town.
Exer was innocently eating his breakfast in front of the tv, his dad at his side reading a newspaper with the radio chatting peacefully as most Saturday mornings went. The wilt in Exer’s eyelids gave way to the fact he hadn’t slept much the night before, the mystery of Bailey’s whereabouts- amongst other things -plaguing his mind as usual. 2 weeks with no sign. Not even a peep.
Though that wasn’t what he was thinking about right then, he wasn’t thinking about much at all actually; making it ironic that everything went down when it did. This time of day was where Exer’s mind was most groggy, the tiredness sticking to his brain making it hard to start anxiously fixating on anything and everything.
He probably had his guard down for a solid 30 minutes before he was sent shooting upright at the shriek, the spoon in his hand clattering against the bowl.
The yell came from outside, a noise so invasive it reached out over the simple sounds of life on Exer’s street and crushed any sense of normalcy the morning had. And it was a short cry in hindsight, lasting only a few seconds before the howl of fear was met with a hiss and trailed off in a distant gurgle. A blink and you’ll miss it kind of detail, but one Exer Campbell was cursed to never miss.
Exer’s father sprang into action, the armchair beneath him scraping against the floor as he rose. The sound grated on Exer’s nerves, the noise eerily similar to the screech outside.
“Dad, what was that?” He blurted sharply.
His father’s hand twitched as his side and he peered over the table and toward the window facing the street. “I-I have no idea.”
Exer wordlessly let his gaze follow, his stomach already tightening itself into knots. There were more noises; the rumble of feet slapping against the ground, words of precaution being hurled between people and car doors slamming shut.
The curtains were drawn but they could just about make out vague movements. Silhouettes of what looked like a person moving very slowly, bent over at the waist and stiffly trudging forward.
They were grunting. Neck jolting as they eventually got closer to the side of the house and out of the view of the window.
Weird. Very weird.
Then he noticed the deep, continuous groaning. It was barely audible to begin with, the fact it was coming from outside muffling it greatly against the other sounds but as Exer’s dad got closer to the window it seemed to multiply, like a surrounding choir of laments.
“What was that?” His father echoed quietly, sounding equally as unsettled as he reached the window and gently tugged the curtains apart.
Which then ended up being a mistake because as soon as he did a bloody handprint was thumping against the glass.
It was difficult to make out the person's face, but from her outfit, Exer noted that she was probably a lady. As her hand slid down the window, leaving a trail of red, squeaking against the pane, she continued past without glancing at them, her long hair obscuring any features.
The lady seemed to be twitching, like she was battling against herself as inhumane rattles bubbled from her throat.
It sounded eerily similar to the sound Bailey made when she-
“Gah!” His father cried at the sudden bang, stumbling back as the woman whipped her face toward the sound before launching right at him. Exer was just grateful the window had remained securely closed. Yet he still felt the green within him spike, his power ready to take control and punish anyone who even came close to laying a finger on his father.
He felt the moment that adrenaline snapped throughout his body, like a white hot surge of sparks, alarm bells ringing at his father’s yelp. He was at his feet in a flash, “What the, Dad-!?”.
The woman in question was now unmissable and the two of them gasped when they got a proper look at her face. Thick red blood leaked between her teeth and her eyes were a milky white, sunken and hollow. Her skin was pale but raw from what looked like her own fingernails and there were cracks dotted around her lips and nose from how dry her skin must’ve been.
“Dad..what’s wrong with her!?” Exer murmured, his eyes wide and hand hovering over his mouth.
The person in question continued to hurl herself forward, the noise attracting people in the back who were moving and convulsing as she was. Screams in the road were growing and becoming more continuous, jumping out from different corners of their street.
Exer’s father ran a hand through his hair and quickly drew the curtains, his son’s question left unanswered as the man’s face muscles twitched.
“Okay. Okay.”
His father backed away from the sneering behind the glass, his arm finding Exer as he remained facing front. “Okay. Stay calm kiddo. Exer..call 911. Ask for an ambulance and an officer.”
“Ah! alright!”
Without another word Exer did as he was told, his hand trembling slightly as he punched the numbers in. Harry wasted no time in racing into the kitchen, checking around outside the smaller windows before slamming the blinds down.
Exer had never seen him move so fast. The guy was like a turtle at the best of times and it almost made him more nervous.
The phone rang loudly amongst the quiet Exer fell into as he stared in horror at the shadows outside. The way they shuddered and jerked as though thousands of bolts of electricity were being conducted straight through their brains.
In a weird way, they almost looked like he did when his magic acted up.
Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring……
“Thank you for calling Kingsmont police station. We apologise for any inconvenience, but all lines are currently busy due to high call volume. Your call is important to us. Please remain on the line, and an officer will be with you as soon as possible. Alternatively, you may leave a detailed message after the tone, and we will return your call as soon as we can. Thank you for your patience.”
A measly puff of air was all Exer could manage and he furrowed his brows at the message.
Did the police just ignore their call!?
“Exer? Son, what are they saying?” His father prodded gently, slowly making his way over to Exer, eyes still glued to the now disinterested figures on their lawn.
“They…they didn’t pick up..”
“What!?”
Another ear-shattering yowl, presumably from someone much nearer by, sent Exer’s blood running cold as he dropped the phone and instinctively latched onto his father. Yells echoed from people in their neighbourhood, some venturing out to investigate while others naively hurried to their cars, likely bound for a weekend shift at work, unaware of what was awaiting them.
It sounded like anarchy. Exer had no idea what to do.
Harry held him closely to his chest though, delicate kisses being pressed into his curls as the man hushed Exer’s panicked panting.
“Shh it’s okay. It’s okay..It’s okay here. We are okay.” Harry assured.
But no matter how many times he promised the word ‘okay’, the wobble in his voice almost betrayed it.
Exer sniffled as he sunk further into the man’s arms, his own words coming out in a shaky mess. “What is going on..?”
“I don’t know.”, His dad sighed, “But I am going to find out. I think those people are sick…they need help.”
That shot another spark of terror up Exer’s spine and he clenched his fists around the fabric of his father’s sweater. “You’re not going out there though?”
Silence.
“Dad! You’re not going out there though? Right?” Exer repeated, pulling back to read the other’s expression. However, it only added to his dread.
He knew that face. The wrinkle on his forehead when his father felt guilty, but knew he was out of options. It was a similar expression to the one he had made when he told Exer he was going to miss his musical. Eyes sad and pleading for the forgiveness that he knows his son will always show him.
Because Exer loves his father and there is no man alive like him.
That is why he couldn’t let him go.
Not alone at least.
Harry must’ve caught on to Exer’s realisation because he jumped to explain himself, “Now son, don’t worry. I’ll just go see if there is already any paramedics out there, maybe talk to them and then-“
“I am going with you.”
“No.”
“Dad!” Exer exclaimed. “I can protect you! I have magic.”
“Exer. No.”
“But you saw that lady! She was trying to get at you! Please, let me help…”
His father made his way over to the door and grabbed his coat, slipping his shoes on as he continued to wave his hand at Exer’s pleading.
“It’s too risky, Exer!” He said, voice begging his son to drop the subject. “Just stay here. If things look bad I’ll be straight back.”
“Dad-“
“I promise..”
He wanted to believe that. He wanted to trust his father alone out there but he couldn’t. Not with the screams and not with everything weird that had been happening the past month. So when Harry’s hand met contact with the door knob, Exer couldn’t hold back the spark of green energy that coursed through the metal and had his dad recoiling back, his hand flapping with a hiss.
“Exer!” His father spluttered in shock. Quite literally too as he blew cool air onto his finger tips.
It took Exer himself by surprise but he still didn’t regret it. His dad’s jaw dropped and he looked as though he was going to argue once again but was luckily interrupted by the scratch of the radio station being disrupted.
“We apologise for the abrupt interception of your channel. This is an announcement from the Kingsmont local police station.”
The mention of the police grabbed both Campbell’s attention and Exer’s father wasted no time in pacing the room to switch up the volume.
A sickly jingle blared through the small radio and Exer felt bile rise up his throat at the doubt of what was to come.
“Attention all citizens, this is an emergency broadcast.” The automated voice informed, the emphasis on ‘emergency’ prompting him and his father to frown at one another.
“We regret to inform you that a viral mutation outbreak has occurred throughout Kingsmont and potentially further out north. Please remain indoors and secure all entrances to your homes. It is crucial that you avoid contact with those outside your inner circle. Do not attempt to engage with any individuals exhibiting aggressive behaviour or unusual symptoms.”
Exer immediately thought back to the woman at their window. The way she practically growled at his father. Aggressive was an understatement. She looked blood thirsty.
“Stay tuned to this station for further updates and instructions from local authorities. Stay safe and stay indoors until the situation is contained."
The very moment the radio returned back to its theme jingle, Exer felt his whole world cave in.
It felt crushing. It felt like a lie. It felt like the entire world was laughing at him because knew in his bones that something bad was stirring, hell, already happening.
And he still did nothing.
He was swiftly enveloped in another hug as his father let out a string of ‘thank you’s’ and ‘apologies’. Presumably for Exer stopping the man from going about everything the police said not to do . Although Exer didn’t need an apology nor a thank you, he just needed his dad.
And he was lucky he was still right there with him.
“It’s okay dad. I just want to look after you too.” He told him, a swirl of green magic encasing them in a brief flash.
“I know kiddo. I love you.”
“I love you too, old man. So much.”
It didn’t take too long for Exer’s dad and himself to close all the blinds and curtains, lock the doors and switch off any unnecessary power sources. They kept the telephones and radios and luckily it was still just bright enough, even with the curtains shut, to not have to use any of the main lights. So their energy was preserved just in case they were there for a while.
Which just the thought of made Exer want to rip all of his hair out. He had no idea how any of his people were doing. If they were okay or holding up alright.
Should he ring them? Would they answer? What would it mean if they didn’t?
It had probably been an hour or so since they heard that first scream and since there were only a few more radio messages.
One was a repeat of the previous. Urging everyone to stay indoors as they worked to contain whatever was going on outside, and the second was actually some good news about evacuations on the further side of town, completely unaffected. But also the furthest away from Exer. It was only really Pamela he knew around that area. But at least she was most likely safe.
Lucy-furr had emerged from her cat-nap, obviously not letting literal doom and destruction wake her, as they were locking the back doors. She had been pacing ever since, clearly picking up on their distress.
The little kitty was intuitive like that and Exer was certain magic had nothing to do with it.
She seemed to be getting as protective as Exer felt. Even following him to his room as he changed out of his pyjamas and into more appropriate clothing.
It felt futile in the state of things. The radio broadcast was still fresh in his mind and he couldn’t shake the keywords that stood out to him.
“Mutated virus,”, “Unusual symptoms,”, “Stay indoors,”.
It was only when Exer reached his closet that his thoughts broke free from them. But only to add a different worry to his list.
Exer sighed miserably when he saw the missing space amongst his other clothes in his closet and despite how it sounded, it wasn’t out of annoyance. There was a single clothing hanger without its counterpart and it used to be a sight that brought Exer so much joy.
Because he knew exactly who had ‘stolen’ it.
The sweater in question was the one he had lent David after their first kiss. He still remembers how hot his face felt when the other boy pulled his blonde head through the neck of the red fabric and gave his hands a little flap of excitement as he wore the sweater proudly. Exer could recall how he chuckled when they realised that, due to their difference in height and body structures, it somehow managed to be a bit too big but also too short at the same time.
Parts of it sat baggily on David’s lean build but the sleeves stopped a little early up his arm, so Exer had waltzed over and carefully rolled them up, giving the other boy’s waist a little squeeze as he admired his work. David had squeaked at the contact before giving Exer a playful shove, his face that adorable shade of pink that always told him Day was flustered.
He’d often used to take notice of it, especially during the moments when Exer was beginning to acknowledge his feelings. It was a breathtaking sight, the dainty rose tinted blush that adorned David’s cheeks, a radiant beauty that overshadowed even the blossoms by the lake. In comparison to his Day, they were nothing but a floral backdrop.
David always stole the show.
‘And my sweaters apparently.’
Exer laughed sadly at the thought, the empty gap staring back at him and reminding him of that chilly morning, but also the fact that David wasn’t there.
The world was falling apart and David wasn’t there.
So with a grimace Exer swiped his black hooded sweater and some light grey pants and quickly got changed into the clothes as dark and dreary as the world outside.
The world that he would soon be learning more about because it was just when he and his father were finishing up their safety precautions- radio’s orders -that they heard it.
Knock, knock.
A gasp tore through Exer’s throat at the sound, two pairs of eyes now fixed to the front door. The warning from the radio resounded through his skull and he couldn’t help but immediately distrust the knock.
“Mutated virus,”, “Unusual symptoms,”, “Stay indoors,”.
“Exer. Get behind me.” His father directed, about as stern and serious as he could get.
Knock, knock, knock.
Whoever it was, was growing more frantic, knocking turning to banging in an instant.
“What should we do?” Exer breathed, grabbing Lucy into his arms as he glared at the door, eyes beginning to tinge a neon green and that familiar feeling bubbling beneath his skin.
Harry had his arm stretched out behind him, barricading Exer off from the threat as he slowly took a step toward it. “Just stay back, okay?”
Exer couldn’t promise that. But he nodded regardless.
Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock!
“Hello-!? Who’s there!?”
“Exer!? Mr Campbell?” The person at the door called, voice so terrified and delicate that it wavered with each word.
But despite the terror, trailing through every syllable, Exer still recognised it in an instant.
-
“Pamela!?”
Nothing could’ve prepared Exer for what he saw when he used his magic to yank the locks from their places, when the door flung open to expose not just Pamela, but Marco too.
Lucy hopped down from him and hissed at the now exposed neighbourhood.
The taller sibling had his hand wrapped around Pamela’s eyes, her painted nails latching onto his as her teeth were bared in pure confusion. Marco looked shell-shocked, face pale and eyes only widening when he was finally met with Exer’s own.
Exer wasn’t sure if the López siblings somehow turning up there was a curse or a blessing. But it certainly was unexpected and he found that he couldn’t help but feel a sense of alleviation rush over him.
Now they were here, their safety wasn’t out of Exer’s control.
Apart from looking a little rough around the edges, Marco’s eyes glazed over with his motorbike abandoned in the distance. At least physically; they were okay.
They were okay.
“Marco? Pamela? What are you doing here!?” He gasped, extending his hand toward the girl as if by muscle memory. Ha. All those weeks of ensuring his friends didn’t get sick. Was it all for nothing?
This was somehow worse than the horror-cough.
There was no telling what would even be left of their street when the rescue team arrived because now the door was open, Exer had a proper look as to where all the little bangs and shouts were coming from. And it was not pretty.
The street seemed to buzz with the low, almost rhythmic moans of the ‘sick’ individuals, glass from smashed windows decorated the sidewalks and there were people running in all directions. He felt his head whip from side to side as he tried to drink in as much information as possible.
Anything to have some form of understanding.
But one scene amongst everything made all the other turmoil fade into nothingness.
Exer stood frozen as he witnessed one of the ‘sick’ people lunge at someone attempting to noisily seek refuge in a nearby house, the key to the door scraping against the lock as his hands practically vibrated with fear. The other, more twisted man immediately headed for him and despite the guy’s feeble attempt to shield himself with a bag, it offered little protection against the thrashing, erratic stranger. The two figures soon crashed to the ground in a savage tangle, the victim's arms thrashing in desperation as he yelled.
That was until a sickening crunch echoed through the air, followed by a chilling pool of crimson spreading beneath them. Exer's heart raced at the harrowing sight, the thumps going faster and faster as bile started to rise in his throat and-
“Exer..we need to get inside.” Marco stated, his breathing staggered as he continued to protectively shield Pamela from the world behind them.
He almost forgot they were there. Marco had been so afraid. So silent.
A part of Exer understood, he truly did. He just didn’t know how he was supposed to just shut the door now. Close themselves off from all the people he lived so near to, the people desperate for aid.
“But-“ he started and Marco must’ve understood immediately because he gave the boy a tight lipped and awfully sad smile.
“I know…We need to get inside. Now.” Marco spoke gently, simply and lightly so as to not scare Exer any further.
He always knew how to be a big brother. Even now.
As if to further Marco’s point, his father placed a hand on his shoulder, urging him to turn away from the blood he surely had seen too.
Then his dad gestured to Pamela, the way she was letting out small whimpers and trying to fight against her brother’s grip. The fear in her little cries of anger sent a dagger through Exer’s gut and he nodded curtly.
Marco sighed as he stepped aside, the siblings scrambling to get through the door. Despite his father’s small tugs, Exer still couldn’t take his eyes off the street. The neighbourhood in which he grew up and knew like the back of his hand.
How could a place become a stranger? How was he going to forget what he just saw?
Before the door closed Exer could’ve sworn the unwell people were looking at him. Turning to face him and stare him down.
What?
One woman was picking up an eerie amount of speed, her long jagged fingernails pointed right at him as she limped. He knew that lady, recognised her as Mrs. Jones from across the road immediately, except she wasn’t. There were no kind old eyes or soft cotton cardigans anymore. Her clothes were bloody and torn instead, her nose scrunched in a snarl.
Exer could almost touch her from where he stood. Maybe he could reach into her and harvest the poison inside like he should’ve done with Bailey. Perhaps bring back the smell of freshly washed linen and baked cookies that he remembered from his childhood; the comforts he used to associate with her.
Her mouth was moving with every inch she got closer.
“Exer..?” She rasped, the blood spitting from between her teeth as she practically coughed his name.
His heart sank.
Mrs. Jones’ pale, cloudy eyes softened as suffering laced and hindered her speech, “Exer…” She tried again, her voice hoarse and raspy.
Feet still glued to the doorway, Exer felt his magic aching, burning within him. But it didn’t hurt. Not this time. “I can hear you…” He whispered.
“Exer!”, her knees cracked and her joints screamed with each pace toward him. “It’s me sweetie…won’t you help me?”
More red liquid sprayed across the ground as she all but spat out her words. The sight was so unsettling that it sent a cold shiver through his entire body and he ground his teeth.
Albeit he was desperate to run, but something kept him in place. Perhaps he wanted to save her, or the magic did, trying to make the best decisions as it intertwined with his emotions. Exer could help her. Exer could save her, he was so sure of it and his magic was too. Yet, almost as if the hands of the universe were determined to prevent it, he was dragged inside before the old lady could even approach close enough.
His hands were rendered useless once again.
“Exer! What were you doing? I thought you were behind us!”
Exer tore his gaze away from the now shut door, his pulse thumping in his neck. He stumbled backward as his father’s urgent voice snapped him out of his trance.
"I... I don't know," Exer stammered, his eyes darting between the man and the now closed door.
"Son-? You’re shaking. What happened just now?"
Exer struggled to find the words, his mind still reeling from whatever the fuck just happened. "I-I don't know, Dad. It's like everyone...everyone’s changed. But Mrs. Jones, I thought she called out to me…”
Harry’s expression softened at the name and he lightly guided Exer away from the door. His eyes were finally pulled away from the chipped paint and silver hinges,"Mrs. Jones isn’t well kiddo, I saw her too. I know it’s hard but we have to listen to what the police are saying.”
His father shifted his weight as Exer turned from him, arms crossed defensively. He couldn’t understand how the man was so complicit, listening to the radio blindly without questioning any of it.
The radio broadcasts weren’t exactly known for being honest.
“But, I feel like I can do something more! I-I could-“
“-Please Exer. I know you want to help everyone..but sometimes the best thing we can do is listen. Even if it’s for the sake of them..” Harry nodded his head toward the main room where Pam and Marco had most likely taken refuge, before facing back to him.
“Even if it’s for the sake of me..”
“But this is crazy Dad! I could’ve- I-I’m so sure she said my name!”
“I know, son. She is probably confused and…and scared, it’s okay to feel shaken up about it. No kid should see this. Let's just…let’s talk to the kids and figure out what to do next."
“…fine.” Exer gritted.
His father’s eyes were downcast and his shoulders slumped at the response, his hands jerking toward his son. “Hey..it’s going to be alright.” He said and the sorrow in his tone hurt.
But Exer just couldn’t shake the irritation. The anger that he wasn’t quite sure where to place. “Uh huh.” He deadpanned, marching ahead.
“Do you want to talk to me? I’m not trying to brush over-“
“Dad. It’s fine. Let’s just go.”
With a shaky nod, his father followed Exer into the dimly lit living room.
“Let go of me Marco!” Pamela snapped, her hands pushing against Marco’s chest.
Marco released Pamela with a deep exhale, his eyes still wide with shock. “I'm sorry. I just...I couldn't let you see...that. It was fucking crazy, and I’ve seen some weird shit man."
“See what!? I already saw everyone going…-!” Pamela emphasised, showing what she meant by waving her hands around like a wackjob. Her face looked furious but Exer didn’t miss the quiver in her lip.
No response came from Marco as he only shook his head, pacing slightly from one foot to the other.
Letting out a groan, Pamela sneered at her brother. “Marco! Don’t you go all crazy too! Tell me Güey!”
“This is fucked! This is so fucked…” Marco mumbled. Still pacing.
That seemed like a good time for his father to interject and he did so gently. “Pamela, Marco-“ he started prudently.
“-I understand this must all be very frustrating and scary. But I-“
“¡Me estoy volviendo loco…¡Me estoy volviendo loco…” Marco continued to chitter, Exer’s father’s words falling on deaf ears as a slightly manic smile settled on his face.
Exer had no idea what he was saying but telling by the way Pamela’s posture stiffened and her breathing became shallow, it couldn’t have been good. Pamela's agitation very quickly melted into one of worry as she tried to put a stop to Marco’s movement. She reached out to touch his trembling hand.
"Hey, hey! Talk to me Marco. Did something happen out there?” She pleaded.
Nothing.
“-You know..beside the obvious…?”
Nothing again. Exer was really starting to get a bad taste in his mouth.
His father pressed again, “Marco..do you need to sit down?”
That seemed to actually dawn on Marco, who nodded and slowly lowered himself down on the couch, Lucy-furr hopping up in near seconds and brushing her soft cheek against his pinkie finger.
“Oh Lucy! Not now kitty-“
“No, no. She’s good.” Marco finally rasped. “She helps actually..”
The teeny shift of mood when Marco brought the cat to his face with a content huff was very welcomed. “Who’s a clever little kitty, huh?”
Thank the stars for Lucy-furr.
Pamela took a seat next to her brother and pulled at the neck of her purple sweater. Exer figured she was trying to process everything and he couldn’t help but shoot her an understanding look, his lips pressed in a grim line.
It was hard enough experiencing all this behind closed doors, but to be actually out there? It could’ve ended horribly. Who knows how many ‘sick’ people came at them in the time it took for the siblings to get there.
“Jeez, I can’t even begin to figure out what is going on!” Pamela blurted after a moment of pressing her woollen sleeve between her fingertips, anxiously pulling the fibres thin until Marco stopped her.
“W-We're safe here, right?” Pam’s eyebrows knitted together as she searched for the confirmation in both Harry and Exer.
‘I have no idea.’
“Y-yeah..of course.” Exer gulped.
Pamela didn’t look convinced. She frowned and quickly wrapped her hands around her brother’s arms. He was still staring ahead with Lucy cuddled up close. Dark eyes were trained onto nothing that could be seen outside his own head.
‘What did you see Marco?’ Exer thought to himself. Did they speak to him too? Or was Mrs. Jones in his imagination?
He’d have to ask him once they were more settled.
At that moment though, Exer could only shuffle awkwardly at his father’s side.
There was no stopping the pang of guilt gnawing at his insides as the siblings comforted each other. He should have been quicker to act at the door, he should’ve been able to tell them that they are well and truly safe. Confidently protect them from the horrors outside. He is the one with magic afterall, But how could he protect them from something he couldn't understand himself?
His father decided to check over the two, inspecting their faces with an adjustment of his glasses.
They both looked at him with such gratitude, all the admiration in the world.
When he was sure they were okay, Harry took a step backwards, smacking his lips before questioning the two.
“How did you two end up here? I was certain you lived on the other side of town?”
There was so much weighted emotion in his father’s eyes that anyone would think he might just break down right there. He wouldn’t though. One of the perks of him being a therapist was that he always held just the perfect amount of emotion to make you feel seen and human enough to be heard. But, he would never crack. Ever.
Not in the way that most people would at least.
“Our mom sent us to drop some old vinyls to a family friend…we were a couple blocks over when things started getting weird.” Pamela informed them, dragging a shaky hand through her long hair.
“We had to get to shelter quickly because people kept coming at us. Even when moving. Pam knew you lived nearby so we sped to get here.”
Exer nodded, swallowing hard as Marco’s maniacally hollow tone broke through the room and set a sort of reality they didn’t want to accept. The normally teasing, upbeat guy seemed so…gone. Something must’ve scared him enough that he clung onto Pamela, guarding her eyes till the very last second.
And whatever it was ripped the life right outta him. Replaced him with a nervous wreck who couldn’t stop smiling in shocked disbelief.
Exer could understand the feeling after what he witnessed, the sensations of vomit teetering behind every word as your body tries to adjust to seeing something so advertently sinister.
The poor, blood covered man that he hoped he could tune out and blur hovered behind his eyelids like a vhs replaying the same sequence over and over. Buzzing, scratching before starting right from the top.
The image of the violence outside was seared into his mind like a brand and it terrified him.
Exer took a deep breath, trying to push out the haunting images before his magic started to take over. "But what's happening out there? You said it was like this, past our neighbourhood?"
Pamela nodded and shivered, wrapping her arms around herself. "Yeah, we rode quite a bit to get here. The same sorta thing is happening everywhere. Do you think it's to do with the virus-?”
She hummed,“-…Or... something else?"
Wriggling her fingers, Pam gave Exer a knowing look and he couldn’t help but wonder the same thing. Something else as in… magic . Because he knows for sure that a normal virus doesn’t turn sweet old ladies into bloodthirsty maniacs.
Harry shook his head, his brow furrowing with worry. "I don't know, Pamela. It's too early to say. But we need to stay here, stay safe, until we can figure out what's going on and how to protect ourselves."
Marco's hands clenched into fists at his sides, his jaw set with determination before he spoke. Flickers of emotion finally finding its way back into his tone. "We can't just hide here, our parents could be out there!”
Exer found himself agreeing, feeling a surge of green adrenaline coursing through him just like it had before. But then he thought to the lady at the window, the man at the doorstep and sweet Mrs. Jones who spoke with blood staining her tongue.
“Exer agrees with me. Right man?”
“I-“
He was drawn between two paths.
One was an unstable, rocky trail that was riddled with dangers that he had no idea how to face. But in the end could save a lot of people on the outside.
Meanwhile, the other was simple. Easy to manoeuvre and control and it would surely keep the people on the inside safe.
"-Agh…this is so complicated!"
Harry placed his hands on the arm of the couch, dropping his head as he breathed. "I know, Exer. That’s why we need to be smart about this."
“Dad, our friends…what if they need us?”
No one really knew what to say past that, all four of them deflating as unwelcome truths slapped them across the face. The chances that someone they cared about could’ve been caught in the wrong place was too high. Exer felt himself swaying anxiously at the idea that one of them could end up like the man on the doorstep. Defenceless against those… things .
Or even worse..becomes one of them.
Pamela huffed and moved from her seat. She closed the space between them, her arms wrapping around Exer’s shoulders. "Then let's call them. Make sure they’re safe, yeah?"
“And what if they don’t pick up?” Exer spoke, voice finally cracking.
“Then we deal with that next.”
The group decided to split into twos with Marco and Harry using the phone upstairs, frantically making as many calls as possible. Whilst Pam and Exer agreed to use the one in the kitchen.
Ring, ring, ring, ring, rin-
“Hello-?”
“David!?
“Exer!”
There could never be a description for the level of thankfulness and relief Exer felt when he heard the boy’s voice. Every single muscle in Exer’s body relaxed and he closed his eyes, holding the phone to his cheek as if it was the freezing cold palm of the boy he loved.
“Oh David..” He murmured. “Thank every star in the sky, I was worried si-“
“Exer! What is happening!?” David all but whisper-screamed down the phone line, making Exer cringe. He could’ve sworn he could hear thumping in the background. “Why has everyone lost their minds? W-why is Mr. Morgan from across the street trying to break into my house!?”
Exer should’ve expected that reaction, “David..” he started.
“I know the guy always hated me ever since I kicked that ball into the wasps nest over his garden-“
“David!”
“-but in my defence I was 13 years old! Surely that is enough time to get-“
“David!!” Exer hissed as the other got louder, which in result prompted David to finally shut his trap with a gasp. A small crackle was all that was shared between them as Exer figured out what to say next.
Desperately sifting through David’s rambling, Exer grew antsy at the prospect of one of them fighting to break in.
“Ex…are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah. I’m just thinking.” He took a steady inhale, “Okay, and you said ‘everyone’. There are multiple people like Mr. Morgan near your house? Going crazy?”
David sniffed slightly and Exer could tell he was doing that adorable anxious habit of twirling the phone cord around his index finger, lips in a pout as he listened as carefully as he could.
“Mhm, that’s right. Ex, do you know what is happening around here?” Another gasp, “Is it M.A.G.I.C related!?”
“I don’t know..I-I don’t think so. Have you guys been listening to the radio? Your dad and Linda?”
“Umm…no? Linda is out of town for the day, remember? And my dad has sorta been freaking out and losing his cool.”
Exer winced. If there was someone on this earth he definitely didn’t want to be stuck with during all this, it was certainly William Miller.
A beat later and David spoke again. “We did try to call the police but-“
Exer sighed, “It kept ringing.”
“Yeah! How did you know?”
“We tried to call too.” Exer turned back to face Pamela who was nervously observing from the table. She shrugged from where she sat and encouraged Exer to keep going with a flick of her wrist.
“Where’s your dad now, Day?”
“Out the shed. Looking for a hammer…”
William Miller. You goddamn idiot.
“Holy smokes, a hammer!?”
“The guy is a lunatic when he wants to be, Ex! He is not happy with Mr. Morgan.” David was by all accounts, sounding as though he was about to start ripping the blonde from his head. So Exer knew he needed to take control of things from his end.
“Okay David. Do not let your dad outside, it is way more dangerous than you think.” Exer’s voice shook as Mrs. Jones’ ragged voice flashed through his ears. Gravely and piercing but still distant. “Mr. Morgan is more dangerous than you think.”
“What? Exer, are you alright?”
“Day, I can’t stay on the call much longer. Other people need to use the phone just…promise me you’ll stay indoors with Mr. Miller. Turn on your radio and stay safe. Lock your doors and windows.”
“You’re scaring me Exer..” David croaked, and Exer felt his lungs desperate to scream. He didn’t want to scare David. He truly didn’t but fear is the only thing that will keep him away from the bloody teeth and serrated nails that want to tear his Day apart.
Exer wasn’t there. David didn’t have magic on his side so he needed that fear instead.
“Promise me Day please..” He begged, and he would’ve kissed the back of David’s hand if he could. Plead at his feet like a knight bound to his prince.
“I-I promise, Ex. I promise. Should I call my sister?”
“Definitely. If there’s anything wrong you call me back straight away okay? I’ll always be here, I’ll always answer you David.”
A nervous chuckle flowed through the phone. “You’re really freaking me out with all this serious talk, ya know that?”
“I know, I’m sorry. I wish more than anything that I could be there with you. I hate knowing you are alone with him right now.”
“It’s nothing new..” Day relayed with a humourless laugh. “I miss you.”
“I miss you too. I’ll call you as soon as I can.”
“Okay, Ex. I’ll see you soon.”
‘God, I hope so.’
Exer closed his eyes, grasping the phone beneath his white knuckled grip as if it was his lifeline and every part of him didn’t want to end the call ever again.
Maybe in another universe he wouldn’t have to.
“Hold tight Day.”
There was a quiet ‘kissy’ noise from the other side of the line and for the first time that day, Exer felt a tug of his lips.
He pressed his own lips together and copied the sound, his cheeks flushing red until he heard a tiny hum and the click and tone indicating David had hung up. The smile still graced his lips as he allowed his mind to linger in that moment, happily pretending that kiss had been pressed upon sweet cherry lip balm instead of stale air.
It already felt like decades since the last time he-
“Soo..David is alright, I take it?” Pamela drawled, suddenly behind him. Her tired eyes sparked with mischief.
“Gah! Pam! Don’t sneak up on me like that!” Exer barked. His cheeks were still red hot and he was fairly certain he was visibly gushing.
Of course, Pamela only raised a brow, swiping the phone from him in an instant. “I really wished you had let me use the phone first before you started making out with it-“
“Pamela! Stop, that’s gross!”
“Hey, you don’t have to tell me! You’re the one who did!”
Exer was in the middle of sticking his tongue out when his father appeared in the doorway.
“Everything okay kids? I got a hold of Lucy and a few others, Pam, Marco is calling your parents as we speak.”
With a nod, Pamela raised her thumb, already waiting for Jackson’s landline to ring. Harry directed his attention back to Exer, mouthing a ‘David okay?’, to which Exer also nodded, his smile now a lot more bittersweet.
A deep breath could be heard from Pam as Jackson’s muted voice whispered through the phone and Exer shared a melancholic look with his father.
It seemed most of them were okay.
For now.
When night fell they all found themselves sitting on the living room floor. An untrustworthy silence had been brought forth as the street grew dark and it left everyone to plummet deep into their thoughts.
Harry placed cushions and pillows down so that they could all sit closer to the middle of the room where a small candle sat as their only source of light. Just like the radio instructed.
And as the radio kept instructing. Over and over again in a never ending loop. The same message.
“We are currently unsure of how these individuals tick. The details in which form their now biologically altered brain chemistries were never developed enough to be studied, so it is advised that you take specific precautions until you can be safely evacuated.”
The speech would crackle and pop as the man confidently spoke and every so often it would fade and re-emerge as the connection faltered. However, the cheeriness of the guy talking through it offered no comfort to the people inside the Campbell house.
Marco never managed to get a hold of his and Pam’s parents and it had been eating the two alive ever since they made their calls. Exer and his father had informed them of the rescue teams. Ensuring them that their parents probably left their homes up north before any of the sick people could reach them.
“It is advised for you, in your presumably well condition, to treat these patients the way you would a bear.”
Still, there was too much uncertainty for either of the siblings to feel at peace. No way of truly knowing that the Lopez’s were safely taken out of town. So Pamela and Marco sat at the foot of the couch, close to the candle as Pamela rested her head on Marco’s shoulder. She had been crying, Marco fighting his own tears as he rubbed circles into her back. They had been battling these emotions all day, yet when the quiet of night settled in they succumbed to them. Luckily exhaustion eventually found its way to Pamela at least.
Exer just hoped her dreams would be kinder than the real world. She deserved that.
“The following instructions goes as follows-“
His father and himself had barely spoken a word since the sun started setting. The day had been too long and mainly consisted of listening to the god awful radio station that had stupidly decided to bring in a designated speaker.
A voice so grating that Exer had to fight the urge to crush the silly thing with a gesture of his hand. Although, that would serve no one any good.
“It is a good idea to avoid leaving food around and ensuring that your home and or place of refuge is tidy and compact. Whilst Barricading is mandatory, it is also recommended you eliminate any factors that may draw in hostile persons through sense of smell or sound.”
They had truly been hoisted into the dark ages in less than 24 hours and Exer found himself feeling uncharacteristically numb. Not a single second went by where he wasn’t thinking of his friends; of Jackson and his group, who Pamela had confirmed were all together, having had a sleepover the night before. Apparently they were looking at safely moving to where his tía and tío were holding up.
The Smith’s store.
“Much like Bear spray, household cleaning products and pepper spray may be a beneficial operation of defence incase of an unexpected encounter. These are great for long distance use and may help if you find yourself with a broken window and an unwanted visitor as such.”
He thought about Brenda and Ronald, how they were doing and feeling with everything. David hadn’t called back and it was too risky to waste any more power. Not until morning at least. But he hoped the lack of a phone call meant she and Christine were safe.
Ron was still a bit of a mystery as Jackson hadn’t mentioned him other than the fact he was helping out in the store that morning. So fingers crossed he was there.
“The best thing for you and your loved ones to know is how to react. If you find yourself vulnerable amidst a patient, you should first and foremost remain calm.”
Then his mind, like the tides pulling toward the moon, wandered to David. ‘His’ David.
“You should try to slowly back away without turning from the person. Do not run or make sudden movements unless it is absolutely necessary. These individuals are far slower than you and I but they are easily enraged.”
Every fibre of his being despised that he was stuck with Mr. Miller and Mr. Miller alone. What little he knew about the man always put a sour taste in Exer’s mouth, David should be here with them. Cooped up on the cold ground and likely complaining that his ass was cold but there for Exer to hold at least. The ‘not knowing’ whether David was truly content and safe there was unbearable enough that Exer’s feelings shut off completely. His arms felt empty and useless as he stared into the flame.
“It is best be known that unlike with a bear, sound does not draw away the ailed patients. It actually seems to reportedly attract them. Please ensure that when you are listening to the government advised radio broadcasts, the volumes remain at a considerably low level.”
The flicker of fire was tiny, barely holding on as it was pushed from side to side by just their breaths alone. A light hand was grazing his cheek and Exer coldly turned his focus to his father, who seemed to be reading every single, brief, dull flash of emotion behind his son’s eyes.
“We’ll be okay..” He uttered, careful to not wake Pamela.
Exer felt his lip tremble as the words cracked through the ice that had been coating his entire world, keeping him at an arm’s length from all the fear he knew he should be feeling.
He kicked his feet to push himself into his father’s side, the two now leaning against the couch like Pam and Marco. He buried his face into the soft fabric and Harry pulled him in.
“Do you want to go up to bed kiddo?”
Looking over at the now softly snoring siblings, Exer was quick to shake his head.
“No..I think it’s best if we stay together.”
“That’s my boy.”
Stillness descended across the room and all that remained was the chatter of the radio, the station still scratching and spewing obnoxious music as Exer’s eyelids grew heavy.
“And that folks is the best way you can help us, help you.”
“Tomorrow will be a better day.” Exer heard his dad speak hushedly, though it was distorted and strangely nurturing in the haze of his sleepiness.
“Thank you for tuning in to the radio’s guide for staying safe.”
The position he was in was far from comfortable but Exer still found himself drifting off with his arms wrapped around his dad’s bicep.
“Evacuation should reach your neighbourhood within the next 24 hours. ”
That night, he dreamt of soft linen and freshly baked cookies. Eyes of amber brown and a bright green garden filled with the people he loved. Boney cold fingers intertwined with his own.
Tomorrow could be a better day.
“Stay safe Kingsmont.”