Chapter 7, Dark Magic

Erin lapsed into a labored silence, her eyes wide with fear. She refused to answer Dean's questions, only shaking her head when he tried to ask about the amulet or the creature that stalked her. Sam continued to watch the shadows, knowing without a doubt that whatever it was that he had seen was still out there, still coming for the deathly pale girl and her strange talisman.

Dean soon picked up on his brother's foreboding and readied himself for the fight. He drew himself up, taking a relaxed but defensive stance in front of Erin. He felt exposed, though there was a lull in the stream of pedestrians and the stragglers who did remained paid the hunters no mind. Still, this wasn't the ideal battle grounds for fighting the undead. There were too many people around— innocents who could be hurt, witnesses who could cause trouble. And Dean liked to be in control, the one behind the wheel. There were too many unknowns here and it made him uneasy.

Sam saw it first and he struggled to contain the natural horror inspired by the sight of the decomposing corpse. Nothing he hadn't seen before, except that this corpse was staggering forward, animated by dark magic. Sam felt pity for the spirit, driven mad with rage at being sealed in its own decaying body, forced to obey its cruel master. Bile rose in his throat as his nose caught the scent of death that radiated from the body along with an unnatural heat.

"Dean," he cautioned unnecessarily. His brother was already aware of the approaching zombie. Sam licked his lips nervously, but moved forward, ready to begin the attack but unsure of the protocol for drawing a scimitar in public areas. Probably should have figured that out before now, he reprimanded himself while drawing the glinting weapon.

Dean heard Erin gasp at the sight of the monster. "Stay put," he growled as he drew the flare gun and waited for the creature to come into range. He kept the girl behind him, shielding her with his body. The creature continued to advance. Erin struggled upright behind him, muttering something unrecognizable beneath her breath. Dean felt his ears pop as a surge of energy broke around them. Erin's voice then rang out, causing the brothers to glance at her sharply. While she was still pale from lost blood, she held the amulet in her hand and was focusing energy through the center stone. A surreal light pulsated across the subway station, seeming to hold the instant in time. Nobody moved until the zombie, slowed only momentarily, staggered forward again.

Dean and Sam also found themselves freed from the effects of the spell. Sam moved to meet it, bringing his weapon up. The zombie blocked the first blow with his arm, Sam's blade leaving a sickening gash. Then Sam wrenched the weapon free while ducking the counterattack. Successfully avoiding the zombie's right fist, Sam approached again. As he did his eyes sought out the necromancer's seal, emblazoned on the zombie's neck. The mark writhed in the pulsating light.

Dean stepped forward to assist, firing a flare directly into the zombie's chest. The thing roared in frustration, but the flesh did not catch. Damn, should have brought some lighter fluid. Thankfully, Sam's second baptism attempt was dead on. As the holy water spattered onto the mark of the necromancer, the body shuttered. Undoubtedly the spirit within felt the seal weaken and fought to free itself.

Erin suddenly cried out in pain, causing Dean to reach out to steady her. Her body shuttered violently and she collapsed. Their world imploded slightly as the spell broke. They were again subject to the glare of the florescent lights. Dean swore as they were again exposed to the outside world.

Knowing they didn't have much time, Sam began the purification ritual while Dean fired another flare into the zombie's chest. The brothers watched as the undead spirit fought its way free of the body. It rose like a fiery bird and screeched one last angry cry before disappearing. The bloodied, broken, but thankfully vacant, corpse was now oozing unpleasantly at their feet.

People passed them on either side, seeming to shake themselves out to a stupor. They passed by, seeming unaware of what had just transpired. Which was what exactly? Sam wondered, looking at the unconscious stranger beside them. "I don't know about you," He grunted, quickly storing the bloodied scimitar, "but I for one would like some answers."

"I'm with you, little brother," Dean agreed. "But we better get out of here before someone takes an interest in your handiwork."

"I didn't do that!" Sam responded indignantly, gesturing to the truly disgusting body.

"Well, we're going to figure out who did." Dean said, his voice now serious. Covering his mouth so that he wouldn't gag, he bent over the body, looking for some kind of identification. The necromancer seal, which had darkened when it broke, was unique for each necromancer. Sam quickly sketched the symbol as Dean searched the pockets for some clue as to who the man had once been.

When they were through, Dean gathered Erin's inert body in his arms and they quickly retreated to the surface. Sam was afraid they would be stopped as they made a truly suspicious pair, but no one challenged them as they fled the scene. The sun had set long ago but the streets were still pretty crowded. They knew it was too dangerous to meet up with Cassie and Ellie until they had some idea what the hell they were dealing with. Sam hailed a cab, ignoring Dean's grousing about public transportation and they made their way back to the apartment they had left earlier that day.

TBC

Author's Note: What do ya think? Please review.