"Huge thing.Hungry, mean, and a little more vicious than your average deadie," Methuselah said."Nagi tried to take it man to man.He would have had it—he's quicker—but it snatched him up and impaled him through the stomach on a nearby steeple.We barely saved his top half before we holed up here.Then the Civic Wyrd Council came to intercept it.No amount of magic seemed to be able to penetrate whatever weird aura it was protruding.It ate half of 'em.The other half scattered."
"Did you see a plump witch anywhere?"I asked.
Methuselah was saved from replying by the door to the toy store, flying across the walkway, and slamming into the banister.It tipped, falling into the crowd of undead below.A man walked forth, the air rippling around him.
"Fucking dramatics," Rhonda said."He's back in full form.Christ."
"To arms," Nagisa cried, extending a hand.
Everyone stared at him.His newly formed lower half had a decided lack of clothing.
"I said, Two Arms," he snapped."Leftie and Rightie.Get your asses over here!"
"Busy requisitioning supplies," Rhonda called, puffing on her vape."Em, can you take this?Take Stacey with you, she seems to be good at pointing him in a direction."
The humans huddled in the food court; all seemed unsure how to take this.One person was shielding their child's eyes.On the scale of things, seeing some vampire wang was small potatoes compared to everything else the kid had probably seen… but on the other hand, nothing about this situation was natural.
"Come on, Stace," Methuselah said."Our Lordship requires attending."
"Is he always like this?"
"Pretty much," Methuselah said."He has his down days.I'm not sure which is worse-a pompous windbag or a shriveled little pile of vampire with self-esteem issues, to be honest."
"Is it… a bloodline thing?"
"I'm pretty sure it's just a Nagi thing," he said.He raised his voice as we drew closer."Come on, Sir.Let's get you some clothes."
"No," Nagi said.He turned to face us, his face serious.There was something to the way he'd filled out now—his skin was practically golden-hued, his soft eyes so dark blue they were almost purple.He turned, pointing with one elegant arm behind us.His third arm flopped against his leg, nearly down to his knee.
I'm not going to lie; I was a little impressed—more than a little impressed.
"What's the battle situation?"Nagi asked, in all his brazen naked glory.
"You need clothes, Sir," Methuselah said.
"Clothing is for mortals," Nagi said.
"I think you're just a little hopped up on the gogo juice," I said."Seriously, let's get you dressed."
"Tell me what our battle situation is," Nagi snapped.
"Second floor of the Penn Square Mall, sir.We're safe up here with some mortal survivors.Reports from some recent arrivals indicate the Big Guy is heading back this way."
"My old foe," Nagi said.His face was lost in thought as if calculating odds."You, woman.Escort me to the Lingerie store.I need something form-fitting, supportive, and slimming.Something in silk, perhaps.Something that will allow ease of access and movement, yet also something fitting for my regal frame."
"Whatever it takes to wrap all this up," I said, motioning with my hands.
"You.Prepare for battle.I will face the Bruiser.This time, I will prevail.You, and any other non-mortals will gather around and disperse weapons—anything you can use.Keep the humans in your circle.No doubt when the Bruiser comes again, he'll tear down any reinforcements we have and allow his lesser forces access to our safe haven.We must defend this position at all costs."
Methuselah closed his eyes, seemingly comforted again.
"You might be insufferable, but I'm sure glad to have you back, Sir."
"Yes.It is a pleasure to be back."
Nagisa grabbed me by the hand, and we walked away from Methuselah, who was shouting orders to everyone else.
"Are they within hearing distance?"Nagi asked.
