Rusalka

So spake th’ apostate:

Goddess of thy shore of stone,

Smooth myn rocks unto solitude.

Carve back myn flesh,

Erode min need for pleasures of lyfe.

Sweep over curious joy, eayse want of need,

Eayse myn waite for nothing but syln’t cyermonies,

Blood und skin.

So mote it be.

So mote it be.

YOU SEE NOTHING.

YOU FEEL NOTHING.

Then-

A slight static of sorts. It seems almost alive, animalistic with its frequency.

It echoes.

A rumbling, low pitched growl follows.

But then you hear something else-

It’s a sound you recognize.

Typing.

A voice begins to march along within your mind.

“It’s been seven months of this. Seven months of this-“

Another voice leaps into the abyss, echoing about it.

“It’s.. certainly something.” The voice replies. It seems to be amused somewhat.

“I freaking install it up there, and suddenly it’s hurting her.”

“What does that even mean?”

The first voice you heard begins to sigh.

That static sound-

its back.

You still can’t see anything, but you hear everything.

There’s typing, more of it.

A collection of voices, not just two. They’re overlapping now.

What are they saying? You wonder.

So you listen.

The pitched growl crawls underneath every hallowing key- a distortion of familiarity and unease.

Numbers. The static rolls back between your ears.

It’s radio chatter.

Coordinates?

“A-Two-Seven-Four VN Midwest, domestic flag.”

More furious typing.

“Ever since she was born-“

“Domestic flag, altitude keyed. FA, Two-Six-Nine...”

“Every day I discover something I’m doing wrong. I’m feeding her incorrectly, holding her stupidly-.”

“Midwest domestic A Two-Six-O now, queuing that FA.”

A bleeping sound is heard. It’s subtle, barely noticeable over the controlled commotion of typing, speech, and murmuring machinery.

“But what does that mean?”

“Midwest domestic, awaiting-“

“Anyway, I put the bookcase up. She’s seven months old, she can’t read, I get that. But it would just be nice.”

“Midwest domestic-“

The beeping sound you heard earlier seems to grow louder.. but only by a very small margin. In fact, you can barely hear its warning over the menagerie of thoughts, lives, and calculations.

“Yeah, you said that- that uh, she was saying the light-“

“Midwest domestic, four minutes since initial flag of falling altitude. Counting reply now,”

“Tracking FA, sorry about that.”

“Easy, Midwest.”

You hear a sound that surprises you-

Laughter.

“The light was hurting her. I put the bookcase up, I told you about how I painted her bedroom too, right?”

“You did, yeah. You’ve been doing a lot.”

“I’m just trying to make this work man. With the pandemic and everything-And I know she’s scared too, but- yeah, I sent her a pic of Autumn sleeping in her crib. The sun was shining outside so it was focused on her, like she was an angel or something, it was a cute picture. So she replies ‘Are you kidding?’ I thought she was saying it to be like-“

“FA flagged.. at A Two-Two-O.. flagged at A One-One-Five..”

“In agreement of how the picture was cute,”

“Midwest domestic, confirm FA counting.”

“FA confirmed-“

“We need a check on that. There’s no way.”

“No, the bookcase was reflecting the light from the sun apparently-“

“FA confirmed, A Zero-Seven-Three“

“So she basically said the bookcase was making the sun.. hurt your baby?”

“Midwest domestic, send FA report to Narses station, encrypt FA, please.”

“Yeah- oh, that’s us. Yeah, I spent all day putting the thing up. It doesn’t even matter. I took it down. You have to decide if you want to deal with something for a day, a month, a year. So whatever. It’s done.”

“..these numbers are wild, dude.”

You hear rolling-

An office chair.

“Lake Michigan?”

“What does this mean? How can it just be-”

“That’s not possible. Not at the speed of the fall, right?”

“What do we do?”

“Send it back.”

“Are we confirming this?”

“Narses station, beginning reply count-“

You hear a hurried click.

“Narses Station, FA confirmed for Midwest FA. Recommending capture of Midwest VN starting from Two-Eight-Zero, over.”

“Thank you Narses, pulling VN Two-Eight-Zero VN Zero-Seven-Three.”

The beeping suddenly erupted-

It was almost as if the machine- whatever it was-

Was screaming.

“What the-“

“Visual notations received, sending. Not sure what this is. Could we get a filter on this?”

“Accepting Narses.”

“You look better now, Midwest.”

More laughs.

“Funny. Looks like Meteors. A dozen or so, Narses. Impact recording got a little delayed. Explains the hover. Confirming VNs from Midwest Domestic.”

A chuckle.

“Straight into the lake huh?”

The beeping continues to blare.

“Magda,”

“Magda!

Magda opened her eyes.

Across the table Jessica sat- frowning at Magda while shouts, laughs, and even screams filled the air around them.

“I don’t know why I bother taking you out if you’re not even going to be like, cognizant of what I’m saying.” Jessica glowered.

“You just got your masters. You should be ecstatic right now.” Jessica added, gifting Magda a small smile.

Magda sighed.

“I need to be more drunk I think.” She replied.

Jessica barked a laugh in response.

“Seriously, why are you acting out? Like sadder than normal.” Jessica leaned into the table.

“Is it about..?” She raised one eyebrow with a suggestive wink.

Magda scoffed.

“First of all, don’t ever think I’d let someone named Evan make me heartbroken. I’ve got so much going on. That relationship was legit just a distraction. He’s a freak, anyway.” Magda crossed her arms as Evan’s antics resurfaced within a serene mind brimming with turmoil.

“Aw. I found him fun sometimes.”

Magda laughed, rolling her eyes.

“You’d be surprised how fast sometimes gets old.”

Jessica retorted with a cackle.

“Jesus, Magda.”

Magda shivered.

I feel like garbage.

“I’m going to get something else to drink. Be right back.”

Jessica laughed yet again.

“Find some personality at the bar please!”

Magda frowned, giving Jessica a vulgar gesture-

To which Jessica returned.

Magda placed a purple mask over her nose and mouth as she began to push through the throngs of people crowded about dimly lit tables.

Bouts of sudden laughter tensed the skin at Magda’s neck- causing her to narrow eyes in silent annoyance.

She slid up to the bar, dark hair falling over a tired stare.

“Two shots of whatever, I honestly don’t care.”

The bartender laughed.

Behind him, the news was playing.

She ignored whatever information it held as the bartender leaned towards her.

“Well.. what taste are you after?” He asked.

Magda frowned.

“Something fruity and strong I guess? I’m sorry-”

“Vodka pineapple?”

“I- Definitely, thank you.”

The bartender turned away, preparing Magda’s drink.

With no recourse during the wait to oblivion, Magda did decide to watch the news then.

Disease, disease, disease.

Is life supposed to feel this uncertain?

“Meteo-“ the tv begins-

A rap of glass pulled Magda’s eyes away from the bar’s tv.

Her drinks waited underneath the bartender’s obnoxious grin.

“Thanks, my tab is still open so-“

Magda hurriedly gathered her shots, fleeing the counter as a fresh wave of laughing, shouting patrons took her place.

Jessica smirked at the sight of Magda’s return.

“Aw, you shouldn’t have.”

“These are both definitely for me.”

“Oh I know.”

Magda inhaled softly, taking off her mask.

Why do I feel this.. sense of dread?

She shivered again.

Magda shook- before downing both shots.

The drinks seemed to help instantly. They numbed Magda’s edge, causing her to even break a smile at Jessica’s monologue about issues exclusively focused on her. Magda appreciated Jessica for this though- it was nice having someone who could.. to put it simply, talk.

The rest of their time at the bar continued without incident. They talked, Magda’s drinks settling in as fellow bar goers dwindled.

Jessica was Magda’s coworker. Magda herself had moved to St. Haven, in Michigan.

It was a relatively large city- much of it curling around the Great Lakes themselves. She found herself employed in a call center- credit card debt claims.

Thanks to her college experience, she was made a team lead.

Glad I have that cooking at least.

Jessica was another team lead- they were both in the same training class, as well. She was likable enough, and had a bubbly quality that most people tolerated despite her insistence.

In fewer words, Magda could say they were okay friends.

“I really think you should try talking to her.” Jessica said suddenly.

Magda scowled.

“We- I wasn’t even talking about that.”

“I know- I’m just thinking about what you said about Annah earlier. Ever since she got that promotion she’s been-“

Jessica jumped at the sound of glass crashing against the bar’s floor. Fleeting conversations were suddenly punctured by a moment's interest- before turning away from an embarrassed drunk man who clumsily mopped at his ruined shirt.

“Ugh. Stupid.” Jessica laughed, fishing for a pink straw.

“Dude.. check this out.”

“Oh my god.”

Magda frowned.

These guys are still here?

That annoying group that ordered after her.

The men were laughing even louder than before, their phones flashing.

“Ugh. Everything is annoying tonight.” Jessica sighed.

Outside, it was dark.

The streets held some parked cars, but they were otherwise empty. Lights lined paved sidewalks. Buildings towered above, flags waving in the wind as the structures rose out of Magda’s view.

Magda stood.

“Hey-“ Jessica called.

The men were still laughing. Magda approached closer, standing on her toes to peek above their shoulders.

The body was thin.

It limped along as if it were bruised, but it bore no wound.

It was naked.

The men mocked the poor soul outside, drawing attention to the frailness of the figure’s body.

She could tell the person outside was male. He seemed older- confused.

Magda went back to their table, grabbing her jacket as she strode for the bar’s door.

“What is it?” Jessica asked.

Magda paused.

“Some old guy is outside. He looks like he has Alzheimer’s or something. Gonna go help him.”

Jessica made a sorrowful face.

“Aw, poor guy. I’ll come with you.” She hopped from her chair.

In the next moment, they were at the door.

With a push Magda opened it, bracing as cold air carried by the lakes kissed her skin.

The man was about ten feet away from them now, standing underneath a streetlight. He was staring directly into it.

Jessica gave Magda a wary glance, but nonetheless followed within Magda’s own cautious approach.

“Hey, sweety, can you hear me?” Magda called softly.

The man didn’t reply. He raised his arms to the light.

“Jesus,” Jessica hissed.

“Call the cops,” Magda nodded towards Jessica before venturing even closer. The man didn’t acknowledge her at all.

Finally, she was beside him.

It was then Magda noticed the man’s chest was barely moving. At first, it seemed almost as if he wasn’t breathing.

“Yeah, we’re at 103rd, there’s this old guy, he’s naked,”

Magda gingerly lowered the man’s arms, before wrapping her jacket around his shoulders.

The wind howled about them all.

The police arrived shortly thereafter.

The man was local, a widower. He lived alone, and did in fact have dementia.

For whatever reason, Magda couldn’t stop thinking about the expression on the man’s face.

There was something about it.. the way he raised his arms.. his limp..

Magda shivered.

Whatever.

THE NEXT DAY BEGAN.

Little fanfare, as always.

Breakfast, as always.

Magda scrolled through a reasonably outdated phone on the walk to her car.

Leave me alone, Evan.

Asking to talk again. There was no point to it anymore.

Evan was the worst type of guy. He was nice and funny, had a workable face-

They got along pretty well.

But he was also manipulative, needlessly combative about random things, and had become overall unbearable as the pandemic unfurled.

Magda had given plenty of warnings, but at a point-

Ugh.

Whatever.

Magda plopped herself into the car with a heavy sigh. Leaving the driveway, she continued.

Beside her, the lake ran. Piers were built here some time ago- Magda personally loved them.

She always liked the water. It was this constant, unmoving force. No matter what happened, it would be there. It was like time, in a sense.

It filled her with awe.

So, naturally-

Magda found herself staring at the piers as she drove.

It was then she swore.

Another naked person-

This one immediately visible as a woman.

The woman jogged at an even pace between the road, beelining for the pier.

Magda hurriedly pulled over-

Then ran for the woman.

“Hey! Hey!” She screamed.

The woman continued on, oblivious.

How does something like this happen twice?

Magda pulled her phone free.

They’re going to think I’m planning these.

As Magda dialed, she jogged herself- finally tapping onto the old wood of the pier. The woman stopped at the very end- her back was facing Magda.

She seemed to me looking down into the water.

Then, the woman fell to her knees.

“Hey!” Magda shouted in alarm as the operator boredly asked Magda to repeat herself.

She rushed to the woman.

“There’s a naked woman at the piers off College Parkway, I’m right here with her.”

“A naked woman?”

“Yeah she’s passed out or-“

“Is she wounded? Do you see anything else around her? Clothing? Anything?”

“No, nothing. She’s not- she’s not wounded.”

“We’re sending someone right away. Stay on the line, Ma’am.”

Magda waited.

The police arrived even faster than they did last night. They gathered the woman up just as they did the previous man.

“We’ll get her home. You did good calling,” one of them assured.

Magda shrugged, nodding more in dismissal than in thanks.

She returned to her car. After sending a text to her boss explaining why she was late, Magda sat there for some time.

Magda closed dark brown eyes.

Everything feels weird.

Even then, her shift awaited.

Thus, Magda worked.

The normalcy of her desk seemed almost jarring due to the morning events. But soon, that very same normalcy lulled her tension. She spent her time rating the collection calls of her representatives, sending pointless stat emails to managers who didn’t even care about them, and of course, scrolling aimlessly. Magda barely even registered what she saw on her phone anymore.

The weirdness of that feeling made Magda shake.

She swallowed heavily, focusing on the words that flowed brightly across a smooth screen.

Magda had been trying to learn French. In that effort, she of course downloaded an app. It was that app which was open now, displaying a question in the form of “how to say ____” but in French.

Magda sighed, hovering fingers over her phone as she began to answer the que-

A flurry of thoughts Magda didn’t understand ambushed her. She couldn’t close her eyes-

The images seemed to crease across Magda’s phone as well.

The sun, water.

Ancient things.

Familiar to you.

Magda gasped.

The feeling left her then.

Magda continued through the work day.

Then, she went home.

Magda was half expecting to come across another naked individual, but her drive was without further incident. She cooked a simple dinner, dressed into more comfortable clothes, and sat at a small table.

Magda absent mindedly picked at the meal she prepared.

“Traveler, apostle’s daughter of nine serpents!!” A voice suddenly shouted from outside.

Magda jumped.

She stood, running to her window.

A naked man stood, illuminated by the light of the moon. His arms were spread as if he were in a rigid embrace with someone, while his neck strained with each shout.

“I thank for what has been given me!!” He bellowed.

Magda stepped away-

She saw movement from the corner of her eye.

Magda spun on the heels of her socks-

A woman was inside her home.

The woman’s face-

It was as if it was a howling scribble of noises- discernible yet intangible.

“May this day be blessed with gifts,” She moaned.

Magda ran from her house.

The woman followed, as did the naked man.

“Thank you great goddess, great daughter serpent, great apostle, for this day!” They screamed in unison.

Magda leapt into her car. She fumbled for her keys as the chanting pair circled.

“Protect this land from those who would dwell evil upon it! Mistress of the fords, hail her blood!” The chanting continued.

Magda felt tears streaming down her cheeks as she pushed down on the gas.

She hit both man and woman- the man tumbled underneath her car, hitting his head on the windshield as blood smeared across Magda’s hood. The woman flew some feet backwards, tumbling about before falling still.

Magda gasped, sobs choking from her- but fear compelled the car ahead.

Her thoughts were ablaze. Images again-

Water.

Ancient thing.

Familiar to you.

Kind..

It was then she noticed other cars swerved about as well, some crashing into each other. Magda herself lost control of her vehicle, careening into the railing on the side of the road.

Her airbag failed to engage-

But she was unharmed.

Magda vomited.

Her stomach.. it burned.

Magda climbed out of a smoking car.

Need to take off my clothes.

Magda disrobed. She vomited again.

The images returned.

This time, it was something else.

A still lake. Within it, a hand rose.

Or was it a head? Magda couldn’t tell.

A light came from it.

Come away, o’daughter!

Come away from these mundane things!

It urged.

Magda broke down into whooping sobs, making way for the shore.

YOU SEE DARKNESS.

THEN, YOU HEAR STATIC.

“A second pandemic? Waterborne disease claims one hundred and fifty lives after initial outbreak-“

“Psychosis,”

The sounds of channels flipping.

“Visions of-“

“Follow it,”

More static.

“Do not go to the lake-“

Static.

“The numbers are in fact, not going down, the government is hiding what is actually happening to these people. The infected are not dying-”

Buzzing distortion cuts off the rest.

Then, a series of new disembodied recordings.

“This is a disease. A documented bacterial infection. It is not some sort of message from God, not divine punishment, or anything else!” Applause is heard following this declaration.

Silence chases after next.

Static.

“I keep hearing things. Seeing things. Others too-“

Static.

“It’s gathering us, herding us,”

“Stay indoors, do not drink the water. Do not make physical contact with one another-“

A sharp cut of sound ends the audio.

A female voice cooes into speech then. The static was.. Heavier now.

It seemed to be damaging whatever machine played these sounds in the darkness.

“I am a simple thing,” it said.

“Ancient, and familiar to you. A kind thing.Quiet. Familiar to you.”

The voice repeats this for some time, until finally, there’s no discernible sound over muted, distant screams.