In the dim twilight the woman could just make out the face of the man who was standing threateningly in front of her daughter and herself. They had already given him their purses, which he ransacked, snatching out the few bills they carried, and tossing the rest on the ground. The blade of his knife caught what light there was and shined. She thought he was in his mid-twenties, about the same age as her daughter, of average weight and height. The man cursed and hissed, "This is it? $30 between you!?" "It's all we got," her daughter's voice shook, "Just take it and go." "No," the man leered, " I've got other plans. Let's me and you go have a little party. Your Mama can watch, and maybe I'll do her too." He reached out his hand to ensnare her wrist. The woman did not think about what she was doing, as if of its own will her body insinuated itself between them, her own hand reaching out and blocking him. "Let her be. Don't make me hurt you." Her voice was low and hard. "Hurt me?" The man laughed and snatching back his arm from her and bringing it down hard, thinking to cut her. Just as quick, she blocked the swing with her right and stepping into him brought up her left fist, twisting it as it landed in his groin. As he doubled over she grabbed him by the hair and drove her knee into his face, at the same time yelling out a single word, "Run!" Elena did as she was told, spinning on her heel she made straight for the lights of an all night diner. As she sprinted, part of her wanted to go to her mother's aid, yet she knew this was the thing to do, as her mother had commanded, run for help. Within seconds of bursting through the diner's door, two cops on diner break were tearing across the street, hoping they were not too late.
The woman was standing very still, almost like a statue, and the man laid almost in a fetal position a short distance away, writhing in pain. "Mama?" Elena cried out, "Mama, are you ok?" Slowly the older woman turned her head towards her daughter's voice. "Yes, baby, I'm alright. " Elena wrapped her arms about the shorter woman, holding her tight, as tears started falling. "Oh, Mama, I was so scared ! Are you sure he didn't hurt you?" "Only a scratch or two, love, " she looked up into Elena's face, "You did right you know," She forced a smile. The officer looked from where his partner knelt by the fallen man, radioing in for an ambulance, to the diminutive woman, and back again. She spoke to him then, "He isn't dead is he?" He shook his head, "No, ma'am. You did this?" She nodded. He saw she took no glory in having thwarted the attacker. "Damn - where'd you learn to fight like that?" "Could- could you give me a moment, please?" Her voice seemed far away." I think his knife went under that trash barrel over there." She disengaged herself from Elena's hold. "A moment, Sweetie." Elena nodded, knowing her mother would only step a few feet away. Stepping up and looking at the woman's turned back and bowed head, the officer asked Elena what she was doing. "Giving thanks that she didn't kill the guy." When the woman returned, he was struck by difference in her face and movements. All the hardness had seemed to have drained, and now she was all softness and light, even though he could see she was a bit shaken by the ordeal, her deep blue eyes misty with unshed tears. "Your sure that man will be alright?" She looked up into his face, and he noted her tone of concern was real. He also sensed that this was a woman who knew a lie when she heard it. "I think so. The EMT's say he has a broken nose, maybe a fractured cheek bone as well. Arm's broken too. Don't know what else, yet. But he'll live." She unconciuosly rubbed the palm of one hand across the knuckles of the other. "I didn't mean to hurt him - I just wanted Elena safe." "Maybe you should let the EMTs take a look at your hand and arm- you seem to be bleeding a bit." "Alright," her voice held a note of resignation now, as she allowed herself to be examined, while Elena answered the police officer's questions for the report. "Your mom's such a little thing. Where'd she learn to fight like that?" "I'm not sure," Elena said honestly, "She never talks about it. I remember asking her once, all she said was ' my past is my past, and let's let it lie there.' " "Was she in the military?" "I don't think so." They both looked over at the middleaged woman, sitting on the step of the ambulance, dangling her feet, as antiseptic was dabbed on her abrasions. They could hear the attendents laughing at something she said. "Amazing, she doesn't look like she'd hurt a fly," the officer said. ****************************** In truth, Michaela did not remember where or when she'd learn those fighting techniques. Sometimes she almost remembered, just as she recalled her childhood in bits and pieces, almost in the kalidoscope spectrum of dreamlike quality. But the whole of it always danced just above conciousness, as if full memory would overload her brain and drive her into a pit of madness. Perhaps not knowing was a blessing. What she did remember of her past was not happy as it was, so she wasn't sure she wanted to know what had been so awful the mind blocked it out, yet her body recalled it. She was never fully aware of her actions, it was as if her body was inhabited by someone else with a warrior's capabilities, at least as long as the threat insued. It never left her with a feeling of power, but rather a deep sadness, and a worry that someday she might hurt someone she cared for and loved. However, to the best of her knowledge, she'd never lost her temper and done a number beyond smacking someone. Except in those instances like tonight. Where did she learn to fight like that? React in a fashion so contrary to her beliefs and nature? She sighed. Maybe it was best not to know. Sleep came warily, and Morphious whispered in her ears. Her oldest brother, home on leave, telling her she was born with three strikes; being a girl, guys might try to make her do things. Being small, they wouldn't think she could do anything about it, and lastly, being his sister, certain fractions would try to hurt her for that simple sin, as revenge on him. Showing her over and over different offence and defence tecniques. Images of their father imposed over this. His large meaty hand coming down on her, welding a belt or utility cord. Bellowing she would do as HE said. Grabbing her in places fathers shouldn't. Hurting her, and she, herself unable to stop him, begging him to stop. She awoke with her face wet with tears. A dream that's all. Nothing more then a dream. She got up and padded into the kitchen for a glass of water to wash the acridic taste from her mouth. Memories of her father always left her half-sick feeling. In the dimlight from the kitchen window she saw him sitting at the kitchen table. "Hi, Sis," he shook his mop of black hair out of his eyes. Logic told her, that this just could not be, Jamie had died long ago. "Aren't you glad to see me?" "I must still be dreaming," she said. "Or my trolley has gone off the deep end." "Or you're talking to a ghost." He smiled an engaging smile. "C'mon, surely you've accepted seeing me by now. They never really convinced you I was your imagination, did they?" "Obviously not," she brought her glass to the table and sat opposite of her brother. "It always amazes me how you stay forever young." "Die young and leave a good-looking corpse you know," he winked. " Pretty cool the way I kicked that guy's ass, huh?" "You?" "Right now, that guy is protesting it was a man who beat him, not a little half-pint woman like you." Jamie chuckled, then turned serious. "You never could stand to inflict pain on another. Oh, you would have tried, but then, beat yourself up afterwards. I finally got the ok, to let you in on it. " "You mean you take over? That's crazy." "Not so crazy. I never could protect you from the old man when we were kids. Even after I came back from service. God, Mickey, why didn't you tell me what he was doing to you? I would have killed him-" his voice broke off. "You were always so good. You never did anything wrong, he just made up **** so he wouldn't have to admit to himself what a perverted bastard he was, shifting the blame on you," a thundercloud rolled across his face. "When I had made it back from my last mission, I was going to take you far enough away, he could never hurt you again. If I'd known how bad it had gotten, I would have arranged something before then..." he reached over placing his hands over hers," I just didn't think it'd get like that, I didn't know." "No one did, Jamie. I-I never told anyone. I didn't think anyone would believe me. " "I would have," he gave her hands a squeeze. "Main thing is it stopped." "I remember that night...it wasn't long after...after your funeral. He wouldn't stop hurting me. I told him - warned him ," tears were rolling down Michaela's face now."But he wouldn't listen. Then...then I began punching him, fighting him- and.." her voice trailed off. "You didn't kill him, Mickey. It was not you," with two fingers he lifted her bowed head,"It was NOT you. Do you understand?" His eyes bore into hers. "That was the first time I ever entered you. By then, I had become aware of your situation, your living hell. Neither of you could see me. I was there though, and I saw what he was doing. I only meant to stop him initially, to block him from you. Next thing I knew, I was inside you, wearing your body like a suit. My anger took over. It's that simple. Over the years you've sensed me, I know that. I tried not to interfer with your life, but just protect you, as I couldn't when I was alive. " "The gaps in my memory are from when you take over?" It was almost too much to accept. "Some of them, yeah. Others are just your mind's defense mechanisim. And still other's are probably just old age kicking in," he smiled and winked on that last bit. "If it matters, it is appreciated that you always give thanks for not taking a life when it's over." "So you just jump in when you think someone's ass needs to be kicked?" "Well, that's sortof a combination effort there. You always did have a keen sense of right and wrong. That mouth of yours could talk the moon right out of the sky, I swear. But if it seems you need more muscle then brains, yeah, I step in." She took a long drink of water as she pondered that. "So you're telling me all this now, why?"
-- Edited by valkricry on Monday 15th of August 2016 07:27:33 PM
"Because I think it's time we stepped things up, the world's in a sorry state, and together we can make a difference. I won't lie, Mickey, right now I'm outside the portal to Heaven. I did alot of things in life I'm not proud of. This could make amends for those things. It's not something I can do alone , Mick. I don't know why I can act through you, but without you-" Suddenly without warning he slapped her, only it went straight through her face, and she only felt the chill of his essence pass through her. " I'm pretty ineffectual." "So you need me to be your body?" She shot him a look of disbelief. "Kinda, yeah. I mean I can do certain things, move objects, appear, etc. But hard contact is beyond my present state." Michaela twisted the glass about between her palms. "Let me get this straight - you're dead, but in order to get into Heaven, you have to do a certain number of good deeds to make up for past bad deeds?" A small frown appeared between her eyes, "And to do that- you need to borrow my body?" "That's the gist of it, yeah." "So what aren't you telling me?" Jamie leaned back in his chair and fidgeted with his belt buckle. "I'm not at liberty to tell you everything at this point, Mickey. But there is alot more at stake here then me getting my wings. Let's just say, the guy upstairs would like you to enlist in His army." "Is there a lot of this going on? Angels borrowing bodies, I mean?" "I'm not a full fledged angel, Mickey. Angel's can take corpral forms any time they choose." "You're not - then what are you?" " A soul, a ghost - you choose," he leaned forward again. " And to answer your question - no, not all of us can 'borrow bodies' as you put it. I think it has something to do with wanting to protect you and give you my strength all those years. Our bond to each other makes it possible. What do you say, Mickey?"
Michaela woke sitting at the kitchen table, her head pillowed on her arms. At first she sat dumbly, staring about the well kept tiny kitchen, wondering how on earth she got there. "Must've been sleep walking," she mumbled as she stood taking her glass to the sink and began making a fresh pot of coffee. She thought about Jaimie and all he had said. She shook her head, "Crazy dream..." but could not shake the feeling that it had not been a dream at all. She began her morning routine will the coffee brewed, returning back to the kitchen she began to reach for a cup, only to find a cup already poured and sitting next to the morning paper. "Ok..." she spoke aloud,"Forgetting I already poured a cup, I can handle - but forgetting that I went outside and got the paper too? No way could I forget that. Something's going on..." She let out a small yip as someone gently tweeked her cheek. Whipping about she saw nothing but air. "Oh this is definately strange; cups that fill themselves, and self-delivering papers, now bottom pinching? What is going on?" She rubbed the spot on her bottom where she had been firmly goosed. A sound pulled her attention to the coffee maker where she saw the pot lift and another mug be filled, as the air about it lightly shimmered. Slowly the shimmering solidified, and there stood Jamie , blowing on the hot liquid as he sipped. "You always did make a mean cup." Michaela sat down very suddenly and hard. "I didn't dream you... you're real." "Yeppers, I most certainly am. Sleep well?" Suddenly she felt a bit annoyed," Well considering the ghost of my long dead brother has come to tell me he's been popping in and out of my body for years, and absolved me of all guilt in our father's death, and hinted at a full scale war against demons - yeah, I slept just peachy." "Ah, then you have thought about it," he pretended to be oblivious to her tone. "Obviously I have gone quite mad," she shook her head. "Mad? No - but you've always been a bit daft," he smirked at her revealing the dimple on his left cheek. "Ok..for the sake of argument - we'll say I'm not ready to commit myself. Sitting around talking to dead relatives is normal even. You aren't a by-product of my imagination - fine... but why after all these years, Jamie?" "Like I told you, it's time. " They sat talking for hours. Rather Jamie talked and Michaela listened. The battle of good and evil was eons old, going back as far as man's beginnings, each side trying for the upper hand. While good tried to light the way to peaceful existance, evil was right there, corrupting . Of course neither could survive without the other. It would be akin to expecting a fire to burn with out fuel or air - it just wouldn't be. Contrary to belief, it was not Good's mission to stamp out evil, but rather to hold it in check.
Evil was obviously gaining the upper hand, and recent catastrophic events pointed out that it was on the rise, gathering forces. Although, evil needed good to exist, they had no qualms about snuffing out man and taking over the world, which they considered to be rightfully theirs. Most of humankind had become weak over the eons; of little or no faith, prefering to chase the dollar, and finding the easiest path to obtain it. Those who refrained from wrong doing, were often guilty of apathy, turning their backs on wrong doing prefering not to get involved. If someone would step up to lead by example, perhaps others would follow. "You're that someone," Jamie finished. "You want me to go looking for trouble?" Michaela's eyes fairly popped. "Not necessarily look for it, but be very aware. I'll furnish any brute strength you need." She looked at her brother, and knew she could not refuse him the chance to pay back his wrongs. "I gotta tell you one more thing..." Jamie appeared uneasy for a moment, " Even though I'm dead, and that makes me immortal - you aren't. You'd be risking your life. I need you to understand that." Elena was walking up the pathway to her mother's back door. Glancing in the kitchen window she saw her mother apparently talking with someone, who was out of sight. She pushed open the back door as was her custom, "Hi, Mom! Who's the company" She paused looking about, "That's funny, I could have sworn I saw you talking with someone." "No one here but wee ghosties and us chickens," Michaela quipped nervously. Elena spied the coffee mugs sitting on the table, "Two cups? " "Sure - I saw you coming," Michaela wondered if she explained about Jamie, if Elena would understand or quietly make her a reservation at the nearest looneybin. ******** Fog crept along the alleys, shrouding everything in eerie gauze. Now and then Michaela would spot a couple necking, mostly hookers with their johns. At least she thought they were hookers, typical for this part of town. She pulled her coat closer around her, as the mist seeped in chilling here. As she stepped past a stairwell, she heard a voice, "Hey, Lady - got a dollar?" She decided to ignore the querry and to keep going. "Lady! I'm talking to you!" A young man and his pal emerged from the stairwell, easily jumping over the short hand rail. With a short quick stride the heavier of the two quickly moved ahead of her. "Lady, my friend asked if you had a dollar?" Michaela stood still, "No, no I don't. ' She sensed the other one coming up from behind, boxing her in between them. "C'mon, Lady. You ain't got a lousy buck or anything?" "No," Michaela tensed. "Damn, nobody's got anything tonight, Georgie," the heavy set youth spoke. "Yeah, Dave, everybody's down on their luck. Crappy weather too," Georgie rubbed his hands together and looked at Michaela who had managed to navigate around to be able to see both youths so now they were more in a semi-circle then having her boxed between. "Oh, hey - hope we didn't scare ya." "No," Michaela lied, "not at all." "Just, well hardly anyone out in this soup, and sometimes you gotta get in people's faces to be heard, ya'know?" She guessed neither one was more then 18 or 19 years old. They both wore tired jeans and hoodies. The one called Georgie had an earring dangling. "Maybe we should see her out of the alleys," Dave spoke. "In case DD is around." He turned his finely chisled face towards Michaela and she noted he was obviously Hispanic. "DD is not a nice guy. He wouldn't take no for an answer. We should walk you to a safer place." "Yeah," Georgie agreed, "These alleys they're for hookers and street people, not you." His dagger-shapped earring caught a stray beam from a passing car. In that moment Michaela saw his face, and almost gasped as she saw the hunger there. He was terribly thin, a light flecking of peach fuzz on his chin, and tousseled dirty blond hair. But it was his eyes that grabbed her. Eyes that held too much knowledge, for someone so young. Deep blue eyes that spoke volumes and yet, were the kindest eyes she had ever seen. She knew in that instant, that these boys were not hoodlums, but some of the sadder victims of life.
Michaela looked from one face to another, and saw they meant what they were saying. 'Look, Lady," Georgie spoke,"really, let us walk you as far as the main street at least. If something happened to you now, we'd feel bad." Michaela believed they would, so she consented to them escorting her beyond the darkness of the alley. She felt oddly comfortable walking between Georgie's lith form and Dave's heftiness. It was almost as if, the three of them had known each other for a long time. As they approached the gray opening to the alley, several forms appeared, looking almost spectral in the undulating fog. Instinctively, both Georgie and Dave stepped closer to their charge, forming a knot. "Whatcha got there,boys?" The middle form spoke, the voice almost a growl. "Not for you, DD," Georgie spoke. "Oh? You mean you haven't brought me a present? And here, I've come all this way to collect." Michaela could not makeout the details of his face, but only his outline. Built simuliar to Dave, he was broad shouldered, and of thick body. "Nothing to collect. No body's out tonight." Georgie stated. "Not looking for trouble." Michaela felt the slight tingling sensation, she had always thought was adrenalin, but now knew to be Jamie's arrival in her body. Both Dave and Georgie had taken a step in front of her, showing protection. "Boys, boys," DD flashed a cruel smile, "Who said anything about trouble? I take what I want, and it's no trouble," he chortled, and his two henchmen joined in. He reached between Dave and Georgie snatching Michaela by the front of her jacket and brought her up short, staring into her face. "Damn! Georgie, why didn't you say this was your Mama? " Crying out in protest Georgie and Dave stepped forwards only to collide with DD's consorts. Grunts, and the sounds of fists on flesh quickly filled the air. Michaela's hands reached up and covered DD's , as he clenched her jacket. "Not nice, to comment on a woman's age," Jamie said as he twisted his assailent's hands so they were palms up, and applied pressure bending them backwards nearly breaking the wrists as DD went to his knees. "Call your dogs off. Now." He applied a bit more pressure. "Ok - ok!" Wincing in pain, DD called out, "Enough! Quit before she snaps my wrists!" Exclamations of utter surprise came from both sides, as they took in the scene of DD on his knees before the woman. "Georgie? Dave? You guys ok?" Michaela called back over her shoulder. "Yeah," the answer came as they approached, wiping blood from their mouths, shoving the other two, who were much worse looking in front of them along-side of DD. "What do you think we should do with this DD character?" Jamie applied a bit more pressure causing DD to cry out in pain. Georgie and Dave exchanged looks. "I guess we could just let him go," Michaela spoke. " You guys have seen he isn't so tough." She realeased his hands. "Look at me," she commanded DD. "Look hard and remember me. " He stared up at her with tearfilled eyes. "You'll never know when you'll see me again. But next time, there will be no next time. Remember that." Roughly she lifted him to his feet, and shoved him. "Now, get out of here, and don't come back." He didn't wait, but ran off, his men close at his heels. "Damn," Dave looked at her, then caught her as she fainted, Jamie exiting. ***********************************************
Michaela stirred in unfamiliar surroundings. The room was small but tidy, if rather dark, being lit by a lone hanging bulb. She stared about from the army cot she laid upon. Georgie smiled at her, then called out to Dave, "Hey! Sleeping Beauty has awaken!" "Good timing, the tea's ready." Dave crossed the room carrying a mug, the string of a tea bag hanging over the side. "Easy now," he said as Michaela struggled into a sitting poition," it's very hot. Sorry, we've no fine china for ya." He smiled a lopsided grin and sat next to Georgie. "It's fine. Really," Michaela looked about the one-room apartment. "Your place? Or yours?" She looked from one to another. "Ours," Georgie said,"Not the Ritz - but dry and usually warm enough." Michalea realized the two boys were using another army cot as a seating for the moment. "You feeling alright?" "I- I think so. What happened?" "You fainted. As soon as DD and his sidekicks ran off." "I can't figure that," Dave interjected," One minute you were this bad-ass, making DD practically beg not to have his wrists broken, the next a limp kitten. Didn't know what else to do with you, but bring you here," he shrugged. Michaela shrugged, "Not sure myself, I've never fainted before." She sipped the hot liquid. It seemed very weak, and she suspected had been pressed into making more then the one cup. Being one room, she could easily see the kitchen area, and she saw no evidence of food laying about. "Are you two hungry? I could really use a bite myself." She saw them exchange glances, "My treat, of course - a thank you for keeping me safe." ***** They sat in a booth at a diner proclaiming to be Mother's , but was ran by an ex-marine by the name of Hobbs. Although it looked like a greasy spoon of a place, the food was at least edible and the coffee was always fresh. Besides Michaela knew they'd blend in there. Over burgers and fries, Michaela learned the boys were older then they appeared but not by much. Georgie was 22, and Dave was pushing 25. Both products of the streets, having left their respective homes still in their teens. Although they carried that harden edge of street people, there was an underlying tenderness. There was something else too, Michaela couldn't quite put her finger on it. She decided it was in their eyes, a light of some-sort, and knowledge. The space next to her shimmered and Jamie sat next to her. Alarmed she jumped a bit, causing both boys to look at her. "You ok?" Dave asked. "Yes, I just had a chill. Do you want another burger? Tell you what, I'll order them on my way to the ladies. Be right back," with that she slid out of the booth, paused on her way, ordered then beelined into the ladies, making sure Jamie followed. Latching the door she whirled on him. "What gives?" "I thought you had to pee?" "No, but I couldn't bloody well talk to you at the table could I? " "Such language!" Jamie feigned shock at his younger sister. "Actually I just wanted a better look at our new allies, when they were still and not dodging blows." "Allies?" "Well perhaps room-mates would be a better term." "Room-mates!?" "Sure you've plenty of space. There's Elena's old room and the spare." "Now why would I be asking two strangers to share my home?" "Because they've been chosen to fight along with you," his tone was as if he were speaking to someone of slow wit. "Look," he laid spectral hands on her shoulders," They need you. You saw how they live. And we will need them. That's all I'm at liberty to say." Michaela gaped at him for a full moment. Someone knocked urgently at the door, so she closed her mouth and made her way back to the table. How does someone invite two strangers to come live with them anyway?Males at that!Elena is going to think I've lost it for sure... Michaela bit her lower lip in thought. As she slid back into the booth, Georgie asked, "Everything ok, Mickey?" "How did you know I get called Mickey?" "I don't know. Guess you just seem like a Mickey to me. Don't you like it?" "It's just that my brother use to call me that," she paused and smiled, "for just a second you sounded like him." They made idle talk while the burgers came. Michaela heard Jamie whisper in her ear, "Ask them." Each time she brushed the air as if chasing away a fly. After the last fry had been consumed, Dave stated that they had to be going. "Early day tomorrow - gotta find us a new place to crash." "Dave!" Georgie admonished. "Mickey doesn't need to know that." "What's wrong with your old place," Michaela asked, inwardly thinking, 'besides everything?" "They're just tearing it down is all," Dave stated. "And you haven't found a new one?" "No worries," Georgie said awkwardly, "We'll find somewhere. Always have." "Well..ummm..." Michaela fumbled for words, "You two any good at odd jobs and yard work?" The guys again exchanged looks. Michaela could almost swear it was like they spoke to each other without speaking. "Most definately," Dave said, "You know of something?" "I might. It doesn't pay much, just room and board, and it's nothing fancy." "Where is it?" "My house." Michaela looked from one to another. "Your place?" Georgie smiled, "Knew we liked you for a reason. When can we move in?" "Tonight - right now in fact, if you like." "Oh we like. We most definately like," Dave laughed.
Of course Elena flipped when she found out, and came right over to meet 'the boys', as her mother called them. "Good Lord, Mom - they are NOT boys but men! Are you crazy? What do you know about them? What are their backgrounds? Do they have records? How do you know they aren't homicidal manical rapists?" Michaela laughed offering only ,"I know is all," as her defense. Elena spent a good three hours talking with Georgie and Dave. "All but took our fingerprints," Georgie said with a wink later to Michaela. "It's all good," Dave chimed in," Just shows she loves you." Michaela was glad her daughter's grilling had not offended them. Although she was not sure that Elena had left entirely pleased. But then, if roles had been reveresed she wasn't too sure she'd react any differently. **********************************************************
As Michaela slept, Dan and Georgie met in secret. "Do you think she knows?" Georgie leaned against the dresser in what was now Dave's room, while Dave himself perched on the bed. Dave frowned, "I doubt it. I mean, obviously she didn't see the ghost or she would have freaked. Most do." "We didn't," Georgie pointed out. "Yeah, but we're use to it. We've been battling demons and that most of our lives." "True. I wonder what the connection is though. I sensed he was there during the fight too. " "Did you see the way Mickey handled herself ? I don't think she even broke a sweat." "Man, was DD ever in for a surprise when he tangled with her!" Georgie chuckled. "Surprised me too," Dave flicked some imaginary lint off his tshirt before pulling it over his head, and placing it next to him. " I never would have pegged her for a fighter. Not a good one at any rate." "That's because she's such a 'mom' type. I bet she can cook too." They grew silent for a moment. "Her daughter seems a bit prissy though." Dave broke the silence. "If she hadn't grilled you, you'd be saying how hot she was." "Maybe. Easy to see she hasn't a clue that her Mom's being haunted though." "She's a nonbeliever. Easy for them to deny just about everything. " "Think we should tell Mickey who - what we are?" "Not yet," Georgie straightened up from the dresser. "Can't bloody well just say to someone, "Oh by the way, we're a couple of demon hunters, now can we?" ****************************************
In the basement of a long abandoned house, DD pouted. He would have denied this, if anyone had mentioned it, but it was true. He ran his fingers through his white hair and scowled. "Just how did that bitch, best me?" He flexed his hands which still ached at the wrists. "Dave and Georgie - now they always give me a run for the money," He smirked to himself, "but they are well trained. But this one - nearly old enough to be my mum, and nearly snapping both my hands off? Who is she? What is she?" He ran his tongue over his teeth, then flopped in a chair, stretching out his legs. Well, she would soon learn that DD was not one to mess with lightly. "I wonder if they've told her, DD stands for Devil's Disciple?" He mused to himself. He poured himself another glass of wine.and leaned back, propping his feet up on the box that served as a coffee table. "She'll learn. When I'm done she'll be begging me for mercy, and calling me master." There was a sound of hurried feet, and a voice called out,"DD? You won't believe it!" Nick came into view, massive in size, in such a rush he nearly tripped over DD's legs. "Careful, you lout! Believe what?" DD lowered his legs and sat up. "Dave and Georgie have cleared out of their place. Totally gone," he paused, "Word is they moved in with that witch." "Moved in with her!? That was rather quick, wasn't it?" His brows furrowed. "She must be something very special then. Special indeed." ****** After two weeks of having the boys with her, Michaela thought they had all adjusted fairly well, and she had to admit it was nice having others round again. It felt good to see her cooking devoured and appreciated. To wake up to conversation, and occasionally find the coffee had already been made. Although she felt Jamie's prescense, he did not put in an appearance, and she assumed he was waiting on them to acclimate to each other. Elena called from college a bit more often, and that was good too. The boys had move into one bedroom, telling Michaela that it just didn't seem right to take over Elena's room. That it should be there for her on weekends home or school breaks. This touched her deeply, and she wasted no time in relaying it to Elena. She sensed that although, they appeared to have no close family ties, Dave and Georgie valued family. She didn't press them for details of their past, but felt they would tell her in time. She knew they often went prowling at night, and this too she did not ask about, it gave her time to do her own prowling. If she didn't ask them what they did, maybe they wouldn't ask her either. ******
Michaela tossed and turned in her sleep. Someone was chasing her, through an old abandoned building. She ran to a door, and finding it stuck, shouldered it open. She closed it and leaned heavily against it, her heart beating wildly. Outside the door she could hear a familiar voice calling her name, promising her protection, if she'd just come out. Through her tears she whispered, "Daddy?" She cracked the door open- wanting to see if it was him. A taloned hand thrust through the opening ensnaring her wrist and the voice boomed, "Come to Papa!" Screaming she tore free, and shot straight up in bed, staring about her in panic. Now there came a knocking on her door, and Dave calling out to her, if she was alright, as he burst in with Georgie close behind, gripping a ballbat. "I-I'm fine. Was just a bad dream," she frowned. "Sure seemed real though." Dave perched on the edge of her bed, "Are you sure you're ok? Do you want to talk about it?" As Dave spoke to Michaela, Georgie left the room only to return with a glass of water for her. "Nasty stuff night tremors," he remarked sympathetically. "That was some yell," he smiled at her. "S-sorry I woke you both," Michaela sipped the tap water, embarressed. "No need to be sorry," Dave took the glass from her and handed it off to Georgie,"Now lay back down, and we'll all go back to bed. Unless you want us to stay until you drift back off?" "No, no need to stay," Michaela did as told, leaning back on her pillow. "Good, girl," Dave smiled at her and pulled her blanket up around her shoulders, tucking her in as if she were a child. Both he and Georgie bid her good night, and left her room. Laying his hand on the deep claw marks on the door frame, he mused, "Think we can fix this before she wakes up?" "I'll get the wood putty," Georgie whispered back, "Let's give her a few to nod back off though." They sat in the kitchen for a time, carrying a hushed conversation. "He's tracking her," Georgie stated. "Yeah, somehow old DD got into her dreams, and somehow manifested here too." Dave frowned. "I wonder what his interest is? Has to be more then the fact that she kicked his ass." "Maybe he's figured out she's special?" "Or wants to get back at us by harming her," Dave felt this was more logical. Georgie stared over towards the counter where a light shimmering appeared. Dave followed his gaze as Jamie materialised. Dave bolted to his feet, and Georgie laid his hand on his arm. "No need, this one is on our side." "Astute of you to know that," Jamie smiled. "I also know you're her brother," Georgie smiled back, and at the looks he got added, "Picture in her room - I asked about it the other day." "You were in her room before tonight?" Dave sounded a bit hurt. "You, my friend, were mowing the lawn - and get your mind out of the gutter." "And you didn't tell me, you knew who was haunting her?" "Haunting her? Haunting is such a nasty word. I prefer to think of it as visiting my sister," Jamie interjected. "So you two did see me at the diner." "Yeah," Dave said, "Call it a gift if you want." Georgie slipped out of the room and filled in the clawmarks on Michaela's door. He usd thin layers so that it would dry faster. When he returned he found Dave and Jamie acting like long lost friends. "Hey, Georgie, guess how Michaela is able to kick ass so well?" He didn't wait for Georgie to respond, "Jamie here, slips inside her and takes over! Isn't that something?" "Takes over? You mean like possession?" "A bit, but not really," Jamie said. "Neat trick," Georgie pulled on his lower lip , a habit he had formed when thinking." Is that why she fainted ?" "I don't think so. She's never fainted before. Maybe it's because I pulled out so quick. I was trying to avoid you guys." "Maybe," Georgie agreed. "Does she know you do this?" "Yes, she does." Dave and Georgie looked at each other then uttered one word together, "Cool." "So tell me," Jamie leaned forwards,"How long have you two been able to see spirits and how long have you been demon hunters?" It was Dave's and Georgie's turn to be surprised. "You know then?" Dave asked. "I asked didn't I?" "Seeing since we were kids. Hunting since our early teens." Jamie smiled, "You do have an impressive record." "Record?" "Yeah you know," Jamie gestured skywards,"Upstairs. They do talk about you." "Nice to know we've been noticed by the good guys," Georgie remarked, as he helped himself to some coffee that Dave had made. "Now that we've had our small talk," Jamie became all business," what's with this DD fellow?" Together Dave and Georgie told Jamie what they knew about DD. He was one of those bad seeds you hear about. Just born naturally mean and perverse. Tortured small animals as a kid. Bullied other kids in school. By the time he reached his teens, he was practicing the black arts, and delighted in sacrificing animals. He graduated to humans. Honing his torture technique to the point of being able to destroy minds without leaving any physical marks. Rumour was he had destroyed his own parents. Now he was leader of a small group made up of corrupt humans and a few lesser demons.
-- Edited by valkricry on Thursday 4th of March 2010 10:54:12 AM
Jamie listened a small thundercloud rolling across his features, "And he's out to get Mickey? Just because I kicked his ass?" "He thinks Mickey kicked his ass - and with DD that could be enough," Dave replied. "Very unstable, our friend, DD," Georgie added. "But surely, you knew this could happen at some point? Someone wanting revenge on her?" "Yeah, I did. Just didn't think it would actually involve demons," Jamie frowned. "I thought we'd just be working the human element." There was a small sound in the doorway, and the three looked to see Michaela standing there, bathrobe drawn tight against her soft body. Although her face showed surprise, she simply said, "Morning. I see you've all met." "How long you been there, Mickey?" Dave asked. "Long enough to know, there's some deep marks in my doorjam, and some demon named DD is responsible." Jamie levitated and filled a coffeemug for her, settling it on the table."Don't try changing the subject with your ghosty tricks, Jamie. You never said anything about demons!" "It isn't all that bad, Sis - DD isn't a demon himself. He just hangs with some." "Oh, like that's better. He only hangs with demons," she smirked, then sighed, "I thought demons were myth." "Well you can't have angels," Dave jerked his thumb at Jamie,"without demons." "Jamie hasn't reached angel status, but I get your drift," Michaela plunked down on a chair and curled her fingers around the coffee mug. "So what do we do?" **************************************** "You did well," DD patted the demon on its back then scratched the space between its horns, as if petting a cat. "By now Dave and Georgie have told her what she is facing, and the fear has increased. " He smiled a cruel smile," Of course she'll try and delude herself, try and be all logical - but the claw marks, will cause her to wonder. And she won't understand, and what humans don't understand they fear. Fear is just so delicious, isn't it Brutus?" He clucked beneath its chin. "Nick? Have you found out more about the woman?" "Only that her name is Michaela and she has a daughter called Elena off at college." "A college girl? What fun." DD tilted his head back and laughed."Find out what school she goes to."
-- Edited by valkricry on Friday 5th of March 2010 09:04:59 AM
Michaela stiffened visibly,her face becoming somber, the kitchen seeming to close in on her. There was a deep foreboding sense of something not right. Immediately, her thoughts went to Elena, but she had just spoken to her that morning. Her voice had sounded haggard to Michaela's ears, but had Elena claimed she was just over-tired from exams. Frowning Michaela picked up the cordless phone and dialed her. Hopefully, Elena would just laugh at her and call her over-protective and a worry wart. It seemed an eternity until Elena answered, her voice thick as if she had been crying. "Oh, Mama, I was having the worst nightmare!" "Oh, baby, do you want to talk about it?" Michaela leaned against the kitchen counter, relieved that was all that was wrong. "No. No, it's ok. Just a stupid dream. But, it seemed so real. Demons or something were after me," she laughed awkwardly. "Demons?" Michaela's stomach knotted. Dave coming into the kitchen for a beer, caught her look, and made himself comfortable in a chair. He wasn't going anywhere until he knew what was up that seemed to be distressing her. "The funny thing about roommates," he thought, "is you either grow very fond of each other, or one of you is on Ebay looking for a vood-doo doll." He had to admit he and Georgie had grown very attatched to this woman. At times it seemed as if fate had said, 'ok, here's a new mom for you,' as to make up for that long ago loss. As far as mothers were concerned, neither he or Georgie had had much of one. His mother had tossed him out to make room for a new lover, and Georgie's...well Georgie's had died long ago. From what Georgie could remember from being 6 years old, she had been all kinds of wonderful, but then his dad had married a woman who just never seemed to really care for him, or able to accept that he saw things others couldn't. Truth was Georgie scared her. So when Dave was kicked out at 16, Georgie walked away with him. Together they survived. Dave registered that Michaela's conversation had ended with the usual I love yous. He quirked a dark eyebrow at her, "What's up?" "Nothing...maybe," she twisted the long pendant she always wore, a St. Jude medal,"At least I hope it's nothing. Elena had a nightmare...about demons." Instinctively Dave rose and placed an arm about her, "hey, it was probably just that, a dream. Weird timing, but you know how those college kids can be. Probably watched some scary program with friends, ate a ton of greasy pizza and it resulted in a bad dream." Michaela allowed herself the wee pleasure of leaning her head against his shoulder, taking comfort from him. "Yeah, you're probably right. Just a bad dream." What Elena had not told her mother, was this was not the first dream of it's kind. For nearly a week now, when she slept, if she slept at all, she saw the demons. It was so real, she could smell the foul stench of their breaths, and feel the heat of their bodies on her skin. They were nightmarish in appearance, except for the white-haired man who whispered to her, that she needed to come with him. That he would protect her. He reached for her, but she instinctively held back. Something deep inside telling her that he was not to be believed. The beasts writhed and undulated around her, licking her skin with forked tongues, as he insisted that he and he alone could save her. The dreams always ended the same way, with her jolting herself awake, bathed in sweat nd heart pounding. Lack of sleep was taking its toll on her, with dark circles forming under her dark green eyes, and her skin paling. She was becoming jumpy and irratable. Friends urged her to take a break, maybe take a long weekend home. Even her professors were becoming concerned as her work suffered. She stood in the dormitory bathroom staring at her reflection wondering if any amount of concelor could hide the circles. Behind her she saw a man appear for just a moment. Turning to yell at him for being in the women's lavatory, she saw nothing. "Great," she mumbled to herself,"now I'm imagining things." Yet she thought the image had looked oddly familiar as if she had seen him before...
Jamie had not meant for Elena to see him. In fact he had been as much surprised as she had been. It was only that Michaela could not shake the feeling of something being wrong, and wanting to put her worries to rest, that he had visited her. Now, he was unsure if he should tell Michaela that her worries may be founded after all. When some people worry they turn to eating, drinking, or smoking to handle the stress. In Michaela's case she remained in continous motion. She seemed to be always cooking or cleaning something. Lacking that she roamed the streets, with either Dave or Georgie dogging her, and sometimes both. It was an unspoken agreement, that Michaela should not be alone, and even though Jamie could 'take over' if a threat was detected, the duo felt better actually being with her. DD was not known for playing fair, and odds were if he decided to move it would not be on one to one terms. It was a Saturday afternoon, filled with sunshine and children at play.Curbside flowers swayed in a gentle breeze. It was a perfect picture of suburban life, Michaela decided. Even though she knew that a scant few blocks over, there were dirty alley ways strewn with derilects. They were approaching the end of the block, and Dave was asking her something about getting ice cream, when she saw the blood red ball roll into the street, followed by a laughing boy of about six. At the same time from her peripherial vision she noticed the car coming up a little too fast, the driver paying more attention to his cell phone then to the road and oblivious to the child, who was now in the middle of the street. She bolted towards the child, breaking into a sprint, her purse slipping off her shoulder and to the street. She grabbed the child with both hands and sprung forwards, as screaming breaks split the air around her. The bumper making contact with her legs and lifting her and the child onto the hood, with a loud thud. Michaela coiled around the child as best she could in mid-air attempting to shield him from the worst of the blow. As they landed she rolled and landed on pavement, she on her back , the child pressed hard against her. Dave and Georgie were barely a step behind. Now as Dave knealt next to her, Georgie had wrenched the driver's door open and jerked the driver out, pinning him against the side of the car. The driver yeowled in protest, "I didn't see them! They just ran out! It was an accident!" "Is Mickey ok, Dave?" Georgie called out, then hissed into the man's face, "I swear if either is hurt bad, I will kill you." Michaela laid with eyes closed, clinging tightly to the small child. Pain ebbed and danced through her. Someone was saying they had called 911, and she could hear Dave calling her name, but that is not what she was listening for. "Please, God. Please," she thought, and there it was, small and muffled, but there, a whimpering that swelled to a full cry. She smiled as she sat up. Dead kids don't cry, she thought, cradling the child carefully, she opened her eyes and looked upon him. "You ok? You hurt?" Visually she didn't detect any damage. The boy nodded unable to talk through his tears. A nearly hysterical woman, obviously his mother, pushed through the small crowd fairly screaming his name. "Mommy!" The boy twisted reaching out for her and Michaela relinquished her hold. She began to try and stand, only to have Dave push her back. "Oh no you don't. You just lie there until the EMTs can check you out. Ma'am?" He looked at the tearful mother now clinging to her little boy, and torn between hugging him to bits, and being furious that he had ran into the streets. "I advise you to do the same, have the EMTs check him out." Georgie placed Michaela's purse next to her on the gurney. "It clashes with my outfit," he tried to elicit a smile. "No worries, luv. They're right to take you in for a once over." ******** It had been decided that Michaela spend the night in the hospital for observation. The woman and little boy stopped by her room to say thanks. Michaela was more than relieved to see the child had only a few minor bruises, and now, over his fright was curious about all the machines the hospital had. As for herself, well she felt as if she had been hit by a car. Her back ached as did her thigh, and she had a humdinger of a headache, although the demerol drip was taking care of that. She was vaguley aware of Dave and Georgie stopping in, and of Jamie hovering nearby, of a tearful Elena leaning over her, then sleep came. Deep, dreamless sleep.
The hospital staff had persuaded the trio to go home for the night. Michaela was in no immediate danger and there was nothing they could do. Dave and Georgie explained to Elena what had happened. "Sounds just like Mom," she looked at them ,"You wouldn't have been able to stop her, you know. Just thank God she's going to be ok." "But are you ok?" Georgie looked her full in the eyes, "No offense, but you look like crap." "Gee thanks," Elena retorted, "I'm fine, just having a hard time sleeping is all." "Why's that?" Elena shrugged, "No reason, just the most bizzare dreams."
Elena would not elaborate on her dreams, so Georgie let it drop. He already knew anyway, he thought. Dave said he had left some things in Elena's room and left to remove them. He hadn't left anything, but he would now. Behind the bed's headboard he wedged some rosemary, and placed a layer of salt at all the windows. These were to ward off evil and bad dreams. Between the wall and leg of the bed he placed a small microphone. He smiled wryly, modern techknowledgey, you had to love it. He had done the same in Michaela's room. He knew the women would object, but it was for their own good. With the microphones in place, he and Georgie could monitor for any activity that shouldn't be. Maybe even detect the demon before they could even scream. Leaving the room, he hoped it was all unnessecary. Once they had brought Michaela home from the hospital, Elena went into mother hen mode, insisting that she go straight to bed, despite Mickey's protests that she was fine, just achey. Standing in the doorway of her room, Michaela 'ohed' a few times. Next to her bed a vase of fresh flowers stood on her nightstand, and near the foot of her bed, on a rolling cart, was a small tv. "You guys, really want to make an invalid out of me, don't you?" she smiled. "Just becareful you don't trip over the cords," Georgie warned, his dimple showing."Dave and I thought it might help you pass the time." "Pass- but I'm fine. Really!" "Now, Mama, the doctor said you were to take it easy for a few days," Elena hushed her. "Now into bed," she cast a look at Dave and Georgie, "A little privacy, please. I'm sure my mother won't need you to help with her nightgown." With that she gave them a playful shove out. Once they were alone, Michaela looked hard at Elena, her blue eyes filled with concern. "Elena, it looks like you could do with some rest as well."
-- Edited by valkricry on Thursday 25th of March 2010 07:45:46 AM
"No, changing the subject, Mama," Elena commanded," I'm going to make us some lovely chamomille tea, while you get into your pjs and into bed." Elena was not a large woman at 5'4, but she had to lean down to peck her mother's cheek. As soon as Elena left the room, Michaela let out a sigh of relief. The boys had spirited her charts and newspaper clippings of what they thought may be demon attacks, as well as her books on the occult away. She had planned a small lie about writing a book if Elena had asked about them, but now she was spared that lie. She stripped off her street clothes and donned the gown Elena had laid out for her. She wanted to discuss it all with Elena, who was bright and intelligent, but at the same time she wanted to protect her. Besides, would Elena believe her, or think she was more then slightly cracked? By dinner time, she had convinced Elena that she was well enough to join them for dinner at the table, although she had to promise to return straight away to bed. The four of them sat around the kitchen table, making small talk and laughing. Michaela was happy to see that Elena had seemed to warm towards the boys, no longer grilling them as though they were suspects. Once dinner was over, the boys chased them both off to bed, stating they'd clear and do the dishes. Elena, running out of adrenalin now that she knew her mother was safe, gratefully accepted their offer. Several times, she had felt as if she'd fall asleep in her mashed potatoes. Yes, bed sounded wonderful. She no sooner slipped between the sheets then Morpheous wrapped her in his arms. When the boys decided to call it a night, they flipped on the two monitors that alowed them to hear into the women's rooms. As previously arranged, they'd take turns listening through the night for anything unusual in either room. Georgie and Dave both felt a bit uneasy at invading their privacy this way, but felt it nessecary. If the demons came in their weakened states, every moment would count, and knowing DD this is what he would do. Elena was having the worst dream. She twisted and turned in her sleep, as some creature with smoldering eyes tormented her. She couldn't really see it, but heared its slithering sounds, and felt its forked tongue flick against her flesh, searing where it touched. Its foul breath causing her to gag. She woke with a start, and looked panic stricken about her. Surely she must still be dreaming, because she could still hear it, and smell its foul breath. Pain throbbing in the areas the tongue had touched, as if she had been burnt. Pressing herself into a corner of the bed, against the wall, and clutching her pillow against her as a shield, she chanted to herself, "It's only a dream. A dream. All I have to do is wake up. Wake up, Elena! Wake up!" Georgie's head pivoted towards her reciever, as he opened his mouth to wake Dave, he saw there was no need, as Dave was nearly at the door already. At the same moment a loud crash came from the reciever monitoring Michaela's room. As they darted down the door way, Dave yelled, "Go to Mickey! I've got Elena!" "Divide and conquor. Just like our dear DD," the thought darted across Georgie's mind. In his hand he gripped a hunting knife, the twin of which Dave carried. He hoped they were enough. Inside Michaela's room, a battle ensued. Jamie had lain in wait, watching over his younger sister. No sooner had she bolted awake from her nighmare, then he had stepped in, grabbing the ballbat from next to her bed. The creature rose and hissed at him, dragon-like in appearance, it's claws razor sharp. The mouth yawned flashing hooked fangs, while the yellow eyes flashed. It raised on clawed paw and smacked him into the wall. With a cry, Jamie swung the bat hard catching the side of the creature's head. Georgie bursting into the room, wasted no time, but lunged on the creature's back, stabbing it over and over, while it bucked and writhed beneath him, arching its neck in a feeble attempt to strike him, while Jamie rushed forwards with the bat, striking the creature where ever he could. The creature's attention divided, allowed Georgie to drive his knife deep into it's eye. It fell dead at Jamie's feet, and he delivered a vicious kick to its fangs. He leaned down and retrieved Georgie's knife, as blood pooled under the body. They didn't exchange words, but tossing Georgie his knife, Jamie sprinted to Elena's room.
As a child, Michaela had told Elena when ever she had a bad dream to tell it to go away or she'd call her Mom. Now pressed against the wall in abject terror from a dream she could not wake herself from, Elena remembered that advice. She screamed for her mother at the top of her lungs. To her surprise, it was not her mother who burst through her door, but Dave, brandishing a knife. For a moment, Dave saw nothing but Elena and he started towards her, only to find himself tossed against the dresser. Again he tried to get to her and again he found himself airborn, crashing heavily against the wall. How was he to fight something that seemed to be only mist? "The eyes, David! Look for its eyes!" Elena's panicked voice carried to him, as he saw a tongue flick from the mist and sear his arm. Jamie and Georgie arrived in time to hear this, and as Georgie drew the beast's attention, Jamie made it to Elena's side. Of course to Elena it was her mother coming her to her aide, and she stretched her arms out for the safety of her mother's embrace. Jamie pushed Elena behind him, and for the first time he felt Michaela's consciousness stir. This was her child, her baby - no way would she remain dormant while Elena was in danger. She snatched the cover from the bed and tossed it in the direction of the hissing, her aim was true, the mist now covered had form. The creature twisted and turned attempting to free itself. The three swarmed the blanket, stabbing and striking it with a great fury, until it was dark with blood and motionless. The bat dangling from one hand, and the other arm about Elena, Michaela led Eleana from the room. Georgie and Dave paused only long enough to pour Holy water on the form before closing the door and repeating the same on the prostrate creature in Michaela's room, before following the women into the living room. Elena and Mickey were curled together on the couch, holding each other for comfort. Unseen but with them was Jamie, his arms around them both. Entering Dave whispered to Georgie, "He's with them." Georgie whispered back,"I know," then louder asked, "Everyone alright?" "Alright!? Alright!?" Elena's voice rose near hysteria. "How could anyone be alright after that? What the hell is going on here?" "Shhhh, baby, shhhh," Michaela pulled her daughter's head down onto her shoulder and tried to soothe her. "Calm down and we'll try to explain. If we can explain it in a way that will make sense to you." Dawn reached its rosey fingers in through the windows, pushing back the darkness. They had tried to explain the impossible as simply as they could to Elena, who now sat in a resigned state of mind. " I guess, the next question would be...what do we do with the bodies?" "No need to do anything," Dave spoke, "once demons are dead, they just sortof...well disenegrate - disappear." "Well that's handy," Elena said, "Mom, can I have a new blanket?" She attempted a smile. ******************************
Elena decided that she would sleep in her mother's room until they could defeat DD, or at least make the nocturnal attacks stop. "Isn't there some spell to make people not dream?" she asked of the boys, who shrugged as Georgie quipped, "We're demon slayers not warlocks, hun." "Maybe instead of waiting for this DD's next attack, we should go after him," irratation tinged Elena's voice, and she turned towards the boys, "You're demon slayers, he's a demon, so can't you just make with the slaying on him?" "It's not that easy, Love." "Don't you think we've tried?" Both men were frustrated and suffering from the lack of sleep too. Elena, took a drink of her coffee, and sighed. "I'm sorry. I guess we all need sleep," she pushed an errant lock of dark hair back, "Don't mean to be cranky." "S'alright, Elena," Georgie placed a hand on her shoulder,"We've handed you quite a lot to digest." "No kidding - demons and a ghost that pops in and out of my mother. But the question remains, what can we do?"
Michaela sat staring at Elena. Instead of debating whether they were all crazy, or trying to logically dispell it all, she had simply accepted it and was ready to fight. That amazed her, but then again, her daughter had always been an amazing person to her. Elena looked at her mom in return. "You could have told me, Mom, about Uncle Jaimie. But I think I get why you didn't. Just like I didn't tell you about those dreams I was having."
DD chortled to himself. Having that wench Michaela struck by a car, was pure genious. What better way to get them all in a single blow. Of course Elena, the dutiful daughter, had coming running to be with her mother. And Dave and Georgie, those spoilers of fun, were now on alert, and afraid to leave the women alone. Which of course allowed him and his minions to have more fun without them underfoot. Too bad it had cost him a couple of his pets. Still, now he had them all cornered, and soon he could bring about an end to their meddling. As far as he could see, they were the one thing between him and his owning of the entire town. *********************************
Officer Robert Indigo, stared at the sheaf of reports on his desk,as he tossed another one on the stack. "I swear the world's gone mad," he said to no one particular. "I'd have chosen the word bonkers, to describe it." Indingo looked up at his partner, Chuck Davis, who handed him a cup of coffee that was less then fresh, but not quite an oil slick. "Thanks," taking the cup, Indingo took a sip and grimaced at the taste. "Tastes like crude." "Better then nothing though." Chuck nodded at the reports, "So why is the world madder then normal?" "You mean to tell me, you don't see it? " "Can't say, unless you tell me what 'it' is," Davis parked his lanky frame across the desk they shared. He looked Indigo full in the face, trying to gage what was going on behind his partner's eyes. He supposed, most women found Indigo down right irrestible. He was quite literally, the romantic image most women seemed to hold of an American Indian brave; the high cheekbones, and coal black hair, with eyes so dark as to appear black. "I can't exactly put my finger on it, but..." Indigo frowned, searching for the right words, "the calls we go on lately - don't they seem more violent or crazier then you? Like that one this morning. A guy doesn't like his eggs, so the wife takes a butcher knife to him?" Chuck shrugged, "Maybe it's that time of the month for her." Indigo snorted disapproval, and looked down at the report he was filling out. " Mike was talking about a school yard fight they got called in on, today," he leaned forward, " It was at the grade school. Three ten year old boys were attacking a nine year old girl. When a teacher tried to interfer, they attacked him too. He said, the boys claimed that they had been told to do it - by a guy they all saw in a dream." "Whoa!" Chuck shot forwards in his chair, "Now that's weird. Kids that young going for an insanity plea? " Indigo shot a look at him, but then saw the truth written across his broad face. The sarcasm was just masking his own disturbance at what was happening about town. "Seriously, Chuck. Is it me, or are things getting weirder then normal?" "Guess I gotta agree. Old lady Witherspoon, my neighbor? Well, she came pounding on my door around three this morning. She was pretty banged up, like she'd been mauled by an animal of some sort. She kept claiming there was a dragon in her bedroom." "Did you check it out?" "Well...just as a curtesy to her. I mean, a dragon? Come on. Of course there was nothing there, but her room was a mess. Things tossed all over the place, as if there'd been a struggle. I took her over to ER. She said she was sleeping when something woke her, and there was this dragon," Chuck paused, "Such a sweet old lady she was too. Never thought she was one to imagine such things." Indigo picked up his coffee and toyed with it before setting it back down. "What you say we go get a real cup?" "You're on," Chuck stood up.
It was such a beautiful spring day that Michaela declared they all had to get out and enjoy it. She and Elena had taken to sleeping in the same room, with Jamie keeping watch and waking them at the first sign of disturbed sleep. In that way, they got some rest, and the sleep demons were kept at bay. The boys had kept up the night patrols, and with the increase activity now spreading into day, had more then earned a little Rand R she declared. So the four of them, headed over to the little coffee shop. Indigo looked up as they entered, and watched them select a booth. "What's up?" Chuck asked, his mouth still full with sandwich. "I think I recognize that woman... it was a few months back. " Chuck twisted around and took a look, turning back he said, "Wasn't she that one that guy tried to rob or something, and she kicked his ass?" "Yeah, I think so," he took a sip of his coffee," I always found that kinda amazing." "Well, women aren't the helpless creatures they once were, I guess. They take all kinds of lessons now. Tikwando, karate, even kick boxing." " I know the girl's her daughter. But I wonder who the two guys are. " Davis shrugged, "Friends . Maybe even dates. She could be a cougar yanno." He leaned over a bit, "Jealous?" Indigo laughed,"No, just curious. " He watched the group order, the resume their conversation, which seemed to be some quite intense from his vantage point. Michaela and Elena had been arguing over Elena's return to school. Michaela wanted her to go, and Elena was adamant about staying. "How am I suppose to leave you alone with all this? School will wait." The boys coughed. Elena looked at them, "Ok, not exactly alone, but are you going to tell me the three of you can handle it on your own?" "Not three - I'm here too," Jamie spoke up. "Ok, three and a half, then. You can't do anything without Mom," Elena whispered. She brought her voice back up to normal, "Besides, I'd be useless at school, always wondering if you were alright. " "Education is important, Elena. I won't have you tossing your future away." "And if we don't prevail, what future is that, Mom?" Michaela looked down at her hands, and rubbed at an imaginary spot with her thumb across the back of the other. She knew Elena had a point. Every day the news was getting worse. Not just in their little town of Widowsdance, either. It was a world wide epidemic. People seemed to be growing a little more apethetic to their neighbor's plights. Turning their backs on getting involved. Evil obviously was on the rise, just as Jamie had told her. "The choice is yours of course," she spoke, "But you're so close to graduating!" "Maybe you could take some on-line classes?" Georgie spoke. "That way, you could finish, and still be here." "That's an idea," Michaela brightened. "I'll look into it. I promise," Elena said. "Maybe I should look into some local self-defense classes too." "Well, I could help you there," Dave offered. "Actually any of us could. Your Mom's getting pretty good, even without Jamie's prescence." "I think that's some sort of sub-concious memory residue," Georgie put forth."Her mind on some level remembers the moves Jamie performed. " "Interesting theory," Dave said as he took another bite of burger. "I thought we weren't going to talk shop," Michaela interrupted. "Right-o," Georgie returned his attention to his meal. "Anyone have a clue as to why that officer has been staring at us?" The other three looked over, and back. "Mmmmm, maybe all the monster talk?" Elena said. "I don't know. He looks a bit familiar though," Michaela frowned trying to place him. "Maybe he just thinks Mickey's hot," Dave smirked, causing Michaela to laugh. He had said it in jest, but he was closer to the truth then he knew. Indigo had noted, as he had the night of the attack, that Michaela was attractive. He thought she looked like a little doll. Davis had finished eating, and stood up indicating it was time to go. As they started over to pay, Indigo paused at the booth where the group sat. They looked at him expectantly. He smiled, his focus on Michaela. "I don't know if you remember me, Ma'am-" Recognition dawned on Elena's face, "Oh you were one of the officers who came when that guy tried to rob us!" Indigo swung his gaze in her direction, "That's right." He looked back at Michaela. "I'm sorry," Michaela spoke, "I don't recall much of that night." She was struck by the darkness of his eyes, and the squarness of his jaw. "That's alright, ma'am. Just thought I'd stop and see how you two faired is all." "Well, that was nice of you -," Michaela suddenly felt awkward. As if everyone and everything else had faded away, and it was just her and this man left. He stuck his hand out, "Name's Indigo. Robert Indigo." Michaela shook his hand and felt an electric current pass between them, as she uttered her own name. It ended as soon as she released his hand introducing him to the others. "Indigo!" his partner called, "Time to go!" "Coming!" he answered back, "Gotta go. Nice meeting you folks." He said as he left. "Well that was - interesting," Georgie remarked.
Really enjoyed all your stories. I think you missed your true calling, you are a wonderful writer.......you should take some of your stories and get published girl.
Elena was successful in transferring most of her classes to being online, and most days found her in front of the computer, while Michaela compiled information on what might be demon invoked attacks. Elena watched her mother as she'd read and sort the clippings. Already she knew that Michaela was weeding out what was just man's seamier side from demon inspired activities. She wasn't sure exactly how Michaela knew the difference, to her bad was well bad. Her mother noted on another paper the locations of the attacks, then transferred them onto a map of the town. Looking at the number of red pins, Elena remarked,"Looks like they've been real busy." Michaela nodded. " This area," she tapped an area on the east side of town,"Seems to be the hot bed of it." Elena got up to take a look, "The low income area...I wonder why that is?" "Folks that don't have a lot, have the most to gain and the less to loose, I suppose. Also they tend to be more desperate. " "And DD is holed up there, somewhere isn't he?" "Dave and Georgie say he is, although they aren't sure exactly where." As if on cue, the two men sauntered in. "Dinner time, Ladies," Georgie held out a sack of chinese take out, "Come eat before your moo-goo is icky-poo." Elena and Michalea both laughed. Seated around the table they were comfortable companions. Paper cartons were passed back and forth, and small talk was made as food found its way from carton to plate to mouth. Suddenly this peaceful time was shattered by a high piercing child's scream from next door. As a unit the group charged from the table , and ran outside towards the direction of the screaming. As they ran, Elena dialed 911, and was informed they were already on their way. Dave, the fleetest was already banging on the front door as the other three arrived and fanned out, trying to peer in windows and checking the back door. Abruptly the screaming stopped, and the house became eeriely quiet. Both Elena had been calling out their neighbor's names to no avail. Now both Georgie and Dave put their shoulders to the door bursting it open, the sound nearly an explosion in the silence. Entering, both Elena and Michaela called out to four year old Tommy, and his parents. "Listen!" Dave's voice was urgent but soft, "Hear that?" It was an odd tearing, slurping, sucking sound, that reminded Elena of a nature film she had once seen of a pack of jackels eating a carcas. Georgie pointed towards the kitchen, and the group moved in that direction. Motioning the women back, Georgie took one side of the closed door, and Dave the other before shoving the door open. Inside was chaos. The once pristine white kitchen was now patterned in sprays and pools of red. The table and chairs where knocked over, with dinner scattered across the floor. In a corner with her back to them was Mrs. Slater, haunched over her husband's body. It was she that was making the slurping ,sucking ,smacking sound. Sirens filled the air and a voice called out indentifying the Widowsdance police had arrived. "In here!" Michaela forced her voice to sound calm, and tried not to gag, as Mrs. Slater turned towards them slightly, bits of her husband's flesh hanging from her jaws as she noisily chewed. Her face streaked with blood, her disshelved hair a tangled mess from what clearly had been a fight. Instinctively she had moved in front of Elena, just as the men had closed ranks in front of her. But even their bodies, did not shield her from the horror sprawled out in that kitchen. Indigo and Davis entered with guns drawn. "Jesus Christ!" they swore in unison. Mrs. Slater sprang at them like an animal. She landed on Davis knocking him to the ground , snarling and snapping at his throat. He attempted to push her off, but she fought harder. One shot rang out, as Indigo fired. Slater's head arched back, and she fell over, as Davis pushed her and scrambled to his feet, with a cry of "What the hell!?' and snatched his gun back up off the ground. "Jesus Christ! What is going on here?" Indigo had already begun pushing the group out of the kitchen,"let's go," he ordered when a mewling sound caught their ears. The soft sound of muffled crying, came from under the sink. Davis turned towards the sound and leveled his gun, as Indigo stooped and pulled open the doors. Inside he found Tommy, curled into a hardball, and pressing himself as far back into the corner as he could. "Here, son," Indigo held out his hand."Come here. We won't hurt you." Relunctly the boy came out then hurtled himself into Indigo's arms, clinging tightly to him. Indigo cradled the boy's head to his shoulder, effectively preventing him from looking about. He didn't know how much the boy had seen, but he wouldn't be subjcted to more if he could help it. ******
-- Edited by valkricry on Wednesday 14th of April 2010 08:45:47 AM
At home, no one had any interest in eating more dinner. Elena, already having lost what dinner she had eaten to th rose bushes next door, silently put away the left overs. She had known the Slater family for ever, and just could not understand Mrs. Slater going all Hannible like that. The others were seated in the living room, talking with officers Indigo and Davis. They really could not offer more information then they already had, but they understood the unspoken fact that the officers were also shaken by what they had seen. Not that you would know it, they hid it well. But asking questions was part of their normal routine, and what they wanted most was something normal. After learning that the group lived next door, Indigo had allowed them to go home, while he and Davis waited for the coroner, and family services to take charge of the boy. He told them he'd be around for statements. He touched Michaela lightly on the arm asking if she was alright, again he felt the light current of electricity pass between them. Too soon it was broken as Georgie and Dave escorted the women back home. He and Davis stood outside the house waiting. The smell of congealing blood made being inside almost impossible. Davis leaned heavily against the side of the squad car, smoking a cigarette. He inhaled deeply, then exhaled watching the thin ribbon of smoke curl up into nothingness. Indigo looked at him for a long moment, and Davis waited for the 'lecture' to begin. For over a year Indigo had been trying to get him to quit. "Can I get one of those?" Indigo asked. Surprised Davis fished the pack out of his pocket. Indigo took one and lit it, closing his eyes. "Anything to get that foul stench out of my nostrils," he murmered. Now, they were seated Michaela's cozy living room. Elena had put coffee on and the aroma drifted through the air. Georgie had perched himself on the arm of the chair where Mickie sat, and Dave stood nearby, slightly behind Elena who had perched on the other arm. Indigo observed this and understood- they were all drawing comfort and strength from each other. There seemed nothing left to do but to leave. Indigo cautioned them not to talk to the press or anyone from the media, "we don't need a circus on our hands." Looking at Michaela he added, that he might be in touch if there were further questions, and if they thought of anything they should call. He penned his home number on his card for her. "Day or night, you think of anything, call me." Back in the squad, Davis smirked at him, "Day or night, huh?" "Shut up," Indigo chuckled a bit at his own transparency. Yeah, now that he knew for certain that Michaela was available, he wouldn't mind seeing her socialy.
Trying not to let the media hear about what happened at the Slater residence was like stopping the wind from blowing. Especially when it was not an isolated case. Freakish and obscene behaviour was running rampant and the police were at a loss as to why. Davis tossed another folder onto his desk and then plopped down into his chair with a heavy sigh. "Damn, I miss the days of singular psycopaths... of armed robberies, and bad guys being well...bad guys. This-" he gestured at the pile of folders, "this is like a poorly written horror movie. All blood and gore and no logic." Indigo nodded agreement. "I gotta admit, there doesn't seem to be any connectivity between the cases. Just people going all whacko - but why? There has to be a common denominator somewhere." "I sure as hell can't see it," Davis passed a hand over his eyes. "The only thing some of these folks have in common are they here in Widowsdance." He picked up a file, "Here we've got a total stranger offing a family with wooden stakes, claiming they were vampires. This one," he picked up another, " a guy tied his fiancee up to a stake and burned her claiming she was a witch . By the way, he also claims this is not 2010 but the year, 1692. That mean anything to you?" "1692? " Indigo frowned. "Wasn't that the Salem witch trials?" "Yeah...I looked it up," Davis shook his head. "The whole town has gone totally nuts."
DD was having the time of his life. Oh he hadn't managed to put down the demon hunters nor the two women yet - but he and his pals were sure making life interesting for them, weren't they? He scratched the dragon laying by his feet, behind the ears. "The glorious thing about you lot, being dreams and all, is you never need to be fed or watered. Just fed a human's mind now and then." He smiled an evil smile, as the dragon twitched and morphed into a woman. "You can be anything you want as well." The woman stood and wrapped her arms about his neck, giving him a seductive stare, she parted her lips showing fangs. He laughed and untangled himself. "Hey, none of that now. We're on the same side my pet. Haven't I given you and your friends the entire town to play in? Off you go now. I'm sure there's some minds left to...well nibble upon." The woman pouted at him for half a second before shimmering into nothingness. DD looked about for a second, then spoke to himself,"I think I'll go see what my boyos are up too. After all mischief needs it's human touch." He chuckled to himself as he strode out of the room. He found his boyos near a deserted alley . They stood in a rough circle around a young woman, taunting her and shoving her roughly about, grabbing her, kissing her, as she fought and tried to escape them. It was like a mad game of red rover as she would throw herself at the edge of the circle trying to break free, ony to be grabbed again. She landed against DD , who grabbed her roughly and pulled her already torn shirt the rest of the way open. The boyos hooted and howled, passing a bottle of liquor around as they taunted the girl. She attempted to pull the shirt, now a rag close around her as she backed back into the center of the circle. Her eyes darted about as she looked feverishly for ameans to escape or for help. He throat was raw from screaming and now she could only utter mewling sounds, as tears streaked her face and she shook her head from side to side. There was no where to go, no where to run. "Game's over," the voice was quiet. "Let the girl go." DD turned towards the voice, "Well if it isn't our old pal, Dave. How you doing, Dave? Where's Georgie? You two are like an old married couple, always together." "Right here," Georgie spoke from the other side of the circle. " Now turn her loose." "Why? We're just having a bit of fun. Or are you offfering a more interesting game?" DD grabbed the girl by the arm and shoved her outside the circle. "Off with you now. We've another game to play." The girl stumbled, almost falling then ran blindly away.
Someone was knocking on the front door, and Elena went to answer it. "Myra!" she threw her arms around the young willowy woman, hugging her tight. "What are you doing here?" "I hope you don't mind, hun. But I could not shake the notion that you needed me, so I thought I'd just drop in. It's alright isn't it?" "Alright? It's fantastic! Come in! Come in!" Michaela surfaced from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. "Mom, this is Myra, my bestest friend from school." "Hi, Myra. Glad to meet you. Can I get you a drink? Soda? Water or something?" "Oh you will stay for dinner won't you?" Elena asked. "Actually..." Myra tossed her red hair back," I was hoping you'd ask me to stay for a few days?" Michaela felt a moment of panic. With all that was happening, a house guest might be a bad idea. It might quite literally put everything at risk, including Myra's life. Before she could form a logical explination, Elena had blurted "Of Course!" Myra reached out the front door and dragged a small battered suitcase into veiw. She smiled at Michaela. "Don't look so stricken, Mickey - I'm a good witch." "You're a good what?" "Witch," Myra laughed a bit, "Elena hasn't told you, I see. Well..cat's out of the bag." "Wait...did you just call me 'Mickey"?" "Oh, was I being too familiar? I'm sorry." "No. No...it just came as a surprise that you knew I get called that." "I know much, Mickey, and I'm here to help." ************ Over the next few days, Myra gave a show of her powers. Floating objects, casting wee spells. Just enough to prove she really was a witch. When Michaela expressed doubt Elena chastised her. "Really, Mom! Your living with two demon hunters and a ghost, and find witches hard to believe in?" After that, Michaela just shook her head, wondering what else there was in this world she had thought myth that would become fact. Myra had been born a witch, and over the years had honed her craft. She had met Elena in college and they had become fast friends. Although Elena had not voiced it, she knew that she was deperately needed here. She had felt the forces of evil growing in this town. As she reached out with her mind, to Elena she could feel her friend's worry and fear. There was nothing she could do but come. She had tried skrying for DD's hideout, but it was not specific enough. They sat around the kitchen table discussing the matter. Dave and Georgie had come up with a plan, Michaela declared it too risky, but couldn't offer an alternative. So it was that , when they stumbled upon DD and his boyos in the alley, they decided the time was now. As the girl stumbled/ran away, Georgie remarked that he liked the odds of three against one. "Considering the way they fight, that seems fair," Dave said across the semi-circle of boyos. Suddenly there was an eruption of fists and feet flying. Dave tended to box, but Georgie had no qualms about picking up a length of pipe and using it as a staff. Two grabbed Dave from either side, and held him while DD punched him in the stomach and face. Dave rocked back raising both both legs and kicked DD in the chest knocking him to the ground. At the same time he grabbed the men holding him by the groins and sqeezed. Ensuring instant release of their grips. Georgie pivoted with the pipe, striking this one across the head and landing the butt of his makeshift shaft in the stomach of another. Someone hurled a garbage can half-full of rubbish at him, bowling him over. The boyos swarmed then pinning Georgie to the ground, punching and kicking him senseless. Dave never saw who struck him over the head from behind. They woke on a cold hard floor. In the dim grey light of a lone hanging bulb, they could see the space was quite small. A large closet perhaps. The door was locked from the outside, and solid. A light shimmering occurred and Jamie was there. "My God, you two look awful." "Yeah, but it worked," Dave whispered back. Outside they could hear voices raised in rowdiness and the sounds of partying. "Celebrating our capture , no doubt," Georgie moved gingerly. "You know where we are?" He looked towards Jamie, who nodded. "I'm off to fetch the calvary," he said as he vanished. Jamie appeared in the living room of Michaela's. "It's time. You three ready?" The women nodded and stood close together holding hands. Myrah griped Elena's and Jamie's. Jaimie held Michael's other hand as she clung to Elena's. The circle formed, Myra said, "Hold tight, " and the group shimmered out of sight. They teleported just outside the building where Dave and Georgie were captive. Jamie went in and unseen went and unlocked the door to the closet where they were held, whispering "Wait for the singnal." He then went back to the women. "It's done." Myra held her palms towards the door and knocked it inwards with a power blast, as she, Michaela, and Elena walked over it and into the lair of DD, with Michaela yelling "Now!" Chaos broke loose as the men bolted from the closet, and a free-for-all erupted. Jamie wasted no time in entering Michaela, giving her all his military training and strength. Elena drew the demon hunters' daggers from her belt and got them into Dave's and Georgie's hands, Myra close to her sending off energy bombs, knocking Elena a clear path. Caught off gaurd, the boyos and DD scrambled to meet the challenge. DD tried to flee, but found himself trapped between Michaela/Jamie and Georgie. As Michaela lunged forward and Georgie, his knife flashing tried to grab him from behind, he lept sideways causing Michaela to impale herself on the knife. Georgie grabbed her, a look of disbelief on his face. He sat down on the floor craddling her. "No. No, Mickey. Come back. Come back! Don't you die!" Tears choked him, as her blouse turned crimson. Laughing DD scrambled up and out. Things quieted, the boyos were all prone now, fallen in the battle. The bodies were in various stages of disentigration, so corrupted were they by evil. Elena knelt sobbing by her mother, holding her hand, her face buried in her mother's chest. "No. It can't be. Mama? Mama?" Myra lifted her friend gently, and gave her to Dave to hold. She felt for a pulse in the neck, but there was none. She pulled a cell from her pocket and dialed 911. Georgie laid Michaela down as gently as he could, stroking the face he had grown to love as dearly as any mother and closing her sightless eyes.Tears bathed his face, then he saw a strange thing. "Dave?" "I see it. She's..she's glowing!" Elena lifted her face from Dave's chest and looked. "What does that mean?" "I'm not sure," Myra whispered as the glow intensified. Michaela's mouth opened and a shimmering mist rose. None of them had ever seen Jamie exit Michaela's body before. He stood outside her now,obviously weak, yet she remained glowing. She coughed, and stirred as if from a deep sleep. "Mama? " Elena knelt. "Mama?" Michaela's head turned towards her, and she smiled weakly. "Don't cry, baby. It'll be ok." The group with the exception of Elena who kept staring at her mother, looked questioningly at Jamie. "It wasn't her time. I convinced them of that. " "How?" Dave asked. "Easily enough. Just traded them a pair of wings is all." ************ Indigo visited Michaela in the hospital. He did so every day she was there, and then continued to do so after her release. The town returned to a resemblance of normalacy over the next few weeks. Elena and Myra returned to school, but Dave and Georgie stayed on to help Michaela with the house. Jamie spent his time watching over the lot. He had all of eternity to do that now, he supposed. Michaela, herself didn't believe that it was over. After all, DD was out there - somewhere raising another band of boyos. Evil was not gone, it was merely licking its wounds. It would be back, and she would be ready.
