Contention

With the Jeep unloaded the trio quietly set up the equipment. Adam saw to the cameras and made sure the generator was ready for switching on. Michael wandered round the old house waving a small electronic box round as he went while Kelly set up the computers making tweaks as she went along.

They were paranormal investigators from Transcendental, a small company that searched for the existence of the unearthly or more to the point disprove it. Michael had set the company up a few years ago with Kelly his student from Uni, her computer abilities and quick thinking had impressed him. Adam had only been with them a few months, more muscle than logical he was also handy when it came to generators and vehicles. Leaving the Special Forces he had seen the add in the paper and although he didn’t believe in such things he applied for the job. 

With everything set up Adam flicked the switch on the genny. The machine burst into action and a deep heavy droan ran through the house. Joining Kelly the two made sure the cameras were all working. Kelly turned to see a young woman, small and slim with long red hair she stood looking up at the house “Michael, I think our guest has arrived”

Arla stared at the peeling paint and rotten boards, closing her eyes she entered the building but not in the normal way. Slowly she travelled through the siding, the beams and rafters, no longer in but part of the house. She heard it, heard the faint growls and murmured voices ‘Get out’ they demanded angrily over and over again. Opening her eyes she stared at the house with trepidation, this was not going to be easy.

Michael opened the door “Come in, come in, you must be Arla, Mr Talamaur said you would be joining us” Arla took his out stretched hand “Michael am I right?” The old man laughed “Got it in one, please let me introduce you to the others” Leading her into the living room he pointed to the woman “This is Kelly, computer genius and assistant” Arla smiled and gave a polite pleased to meet you. Turning to the young man Arla felt a connection as she stared into brilliant blue eyes “This is Adam, mechanic and protector” Arla was confused and looked at Michael “Protector?” Michael gave a small laugh “Adam is our bodyguard; just in case” Her youthful face suddenly displayed concern “You think you can fight this?”

Adam stretched out on the settee with his hands clasped behind his head “Don’t let my good looks fool you, I am more than capable of getting the job done” Putting her hands up she shook her head “Please don’t get me wrong but you can only fight what you can see, feel…this, this thing is different, its not solid but is alive”

“So you think there is something here?” Michael asked as he offered her a seat. “I know its here” Adam chuckled “You know?” Arla turned away and studied a painting on the wall. Kelly looked at the others then back at Arla “How?” The young woman shook her head “Let’s just say I do” Adam examined the girl closely, he had seen the reaction in her face when she had looked at him, felt his own chest tighten. There was something about her, something that caused an ache in his groin.

Michael gave a small cough “Well then, that just leaves two more to arrive, I have no idea when” Arla smiled politely “They will be here shortly, not long after dark” They had insisted on joining them along with this Arla. They must have some distance to travel if it would be nightfall when they arrived.

Adam got the fire going, it  was only early September but the house felt cold. The group sat and chatted, mostly answering Arla’s questions, for someone not wanting to reveal too much about herself she had no qualms about asking them. Not longer after Kelly lit the lamps they heard the main door open, a pretty ash blonde woman appeared in the doorway closely followed by a big man, fucking big with a face like thunder. Arla jumped from her seat “Garwolf it has been a long time” His face softened as he hugged his friend “Arla three years is too long” The young woman turned to Gabe and took her hand, a bolt of energy shot through her, Arla saw in her mind what Gabe had gone through, like sitting in the cinema the images swam past her from the first time she had opened the door to the night she had fled in terror. Blocking the images from her mind she stared intro Gabe’s eyes “The house wants you”

After the introductions Michael asked Gabe to explain why she thought the house was haunted. Gabe smiled in thanks for the support as Wolf put his arm round her, slowly she relived her time here, from the beginning with the strange noises to the terrible darkness that would appear, the feeling of dread and repulsion she felt in ‘Its’ presence “From what you tell me it would suggest the house is evil, impossible, a house is only bricks or in this case timber” Seeing the look on her face Michael added “I am not saying you are wrong or made it up, no, all I'm saying is that a house would have to be alive which it cannot”

Arla watched Gabrielle as she listened to Michael, she knew the house was alive, she had felt it the moment she had looked at the worn looking building. She also knew that the quietness would soon be shattered, that they would be up against something far worse, far more terrible than they could even imagine in their worst nightmares.

Gabe rose and headed for the door “I think I’ll make coffee” leaving the others to talk. “I thought you might like some help” Arla joined her; together they set out the mugs while they waited for the kettle to boil. “Have you known Wolf long?”  Arla laughed, the joyful sound rang round the kitchen “You could say that, how much did Garwolf tell you about me?” Gabe had to admit he hadn't said all that much, only that she was not like her or him and that she had abilities, powers not thought to exist. Arla nodded, Garwolf would have stayed quiet, left it up to her to decide who should know the truth. “I am Fae” Gabe looked at her quizzically “Fae, like fairies?”  Arla smiled “Not quite but to answer your question I have known Garwolf for a hundred years” Gabe was stunned, ‘Fae’ they were creatures from fairy tales told to children….but then not so long ago she didn't believe in Vampires. 

Wolf entered the kitchen “Everything all right?” Gabe picking up the tray made for the living room “Yes, we were just talking” Wolf looked at her with raised eyebrows, turning to follow he was grabbed by Arla. Waiting till Gabe disappeared into the other room she turned to Wolf “How much do you know about Gabrielle?” Dark chocolate eyes stared into pools of green “Her parents were scientists killed while on an expedition, she was brought up by her Aunt and Uncle, has or rather had a cousin called Sophie…why” Arla pulled him away from the door and in a hushed tone “She is like me” Wolf let the thought settle for a moment “She has powers?” Arla shook her head “No Garwolf, she is like me, a Fae well not completely but part of her is Fae, when I took her hand I was able to relive her nightmare through her, only Fae can connect like that but I also feel it, somewhere in her heritage her line was mixed with mine" 

Wolf stood in the garden and listened to the night, owls hooted in the trees mice scurried in the fields and bats darted to and fro. Could that be the reason for the house wanting Gabrielle, she was part Fae….how and when would never be known but over the years the Fae line had been weakened by the breeding with Mortals, Arla explained how she knew that for Gabrielle the Fae blood was strong, stronger than it should be after so long. Damn, this was not a good idea especially after the kid, the house was gaining strength. he had to get her back to Spain. Arla stepped from the shadows, she knew how he felt, the tie between him and Gabrielle was strong, as if an invisible rope bound them together “Running is not the answer, ‘It’ will keep killing till it gets what it wants” She was right, he had been around long enough to know such things “The sun will be up soon, where is Gabrielle?”

Arla assured the others she would be fine, saying goodnight she settled on the settee, Adam was to relieve her in four hours. She thought of the gadgets lining the tables in he next room, all this equipment and it would not help them, she wasn't sure if she could help. Closing her eyes she drifted off only to be brought round be the feeling she was not alone. From the moment she had stepped into the grounds she had been aware of being watched but this was different. Opening her eyes she watched as the dark shape hovered, its depraved thoughts flooded her mind but Arla sat quietly and watched.

You cannot harm me, I am too strong, what can you do a mere Fae a cursed mortal. I will have Gabrielle she belongs with us; you and that thing will not stop me. I will kill…kill you all’

Arla slowly stood her defiance in being intimidated written all over her face. The darkness sniggered to it’s self as a mist appeared beside it. The mist shifted and swirled as it formed shapes, two women stood before her.

Arla guessed they were Gabrielle’s Aunt and cousin or rather what were left of them. The Ghosts moved towards her their hunger to consume evident. Arla’s mouth moved quickly, rhythmic's whispers fell from her as she stood and faced the evil before her. An intense golden light appeared, coloured orbs danced as the light grew brighter, consuming her. The ghosts shrieked and backed off the darkness roared and vanished. Arla sunk to the floor drained; ‘It’ was strong and would take all her strength to defeat it. Aware of someone watching she turned towards the door. Adam stood his mouth open.

Adam searched the house and found Arla in the garden watching the fish jumping in the water. He had tried to speak to her the day before but the equipment suddenly failed and the generator broke down. By the time it was all sorted the others were about. Arla knew he was there; the chemistry between them was strong, he was fighting it but it was inevitable, the Great Mother destined them to be together. “I….I….” Adam stammered like a lovelorn school kid. “You saw!” Adam hung his head “Yes” Turning she faced him and stared into to those marvellous blue eyes “And you want to know how?” Adam could all but nod, his chest felt as if it would burst and as for his groin, hell! Arla took his hands “In time, you will all now in time” It was magic had to be, the ball of light the hold she had on him. Arla caressed his cheek “Yes it is sortilege, magic as you say but our connection, our desire for one another is not, I have no hold over you….it is meant to be”

Adam didn't have a clue what she was on about all he understood was the burning need to kiss her. Sliding his arms round her slim waist he pulled her closer, his lips pressed down on hers.

Kelly worked on the computers desperately trying to keep them from crashing but when she had fixed one problem another appeared. Frustrated she went for coffee. She just didn't get it, there was no reason why the damn things should keep going down but here she was trying to fix them. Rinsing the cup in the sink she made her way to the bathroom. Michael wandered the hallway making sure all the wires were connected properly, hearing a scream he bolted in the direction it came from.

Kelly stared in the mirror in alarm, the face that stared back was not her own. Its sagging rotten flesh hung on the skull, open sores oozed pus. The eyes were lifeless but at the same time filled with anger, with hunger. Its wide smile revealed rotten teeth.

‘Why so upset Kelly, you only see yourself, never the beautiful swan always the duckling but I can change all that, give you want you want…join me and I will give you all you wish for’

Blinking Kelly found her own face staring back. Swinging round she shoved her head down the toilet and retched. Michael banged on the door “Kelly is everything all right?” looking at the others as they joined him. Wolf stepped forward “Kelly open the door or I break it down” slowly the door opened and a pale Kelly stepped out. Adam shot passed her and looked round the room “Hell Kelly what was the screaming about?” Kelly refused to look at them “Did I, sorry I thought I saw a mouse” Arla observed from a distance, it looked as if ‘It’ had found it’s next victim. Gabe took Kelly’s arm and led her to her room; she too knew the woman was lying. 

With Kelly and Michael turned in for the night Adam joined Arla and the rest in the living room, he wanted to be alone with her but it looked like that was up the chimney. They chatted, made small talk and listened to Adam as he told them about his life in the forces; three of them knew they weren't alone.

Stifling a yawn Arla rose and saying goodnight went to her room. Wolf and Gabe headed outside for some fresh air leaving Adam on his own. That Garwolf fellow was certainly an odd ball, why he disappeared to his castle during the day with Gabe he couldn't work out. Gabe now, she was a stunner if just as odd as her man but he only had one woman on his mind, Arla. There seemed to be a peace about her a calmness that affected everyone.

‘She wants you, she’s waiting for you. Go; take her that's what she want's"

 Shaking his head he pushed the thoughts from his mind. What had come over him?

Arla listened to the whispers, the voices that tried to torment her, they promised all, happiness, fulfilment and most of all Adam. If she joined them she could have him, they would give him to her. Ignoring them made them mad; turning nasty they promised something else, punishment, an eternity of pain if she refused. Arla slid out of bed; she refused to listen any more. Quietly she made her way down stairs; Adam sat at the computers and stared at the screens, immediately sensing something wrong she put her hand on his shoulder “Adam?”

‘She’s here for you, wants you….take her’

Adam got to his feet and moved towards her. Arla felt the darkness, felt it controlling him, turning she made to run but a heavy weight knocked her to the ground. Grabbing her shoulder Adam rolled her on her back, his weight pinned her to the floor, his hand slide up under skirt, he lowered his head to her neck, her breasts. “ADAM, Adam this isn't you, ‘Its’ in control, stop now” Adam heard nothing, his mind blank.

Wolf sensed the danger, felt his friends fear, taking Gabe’s hand he turned back towards the house. The others hearing the shouts dashed down the stairs. The main door flew of its hinges; Wolf bolted across the room and hauled Adam off Arla by the throat with one hand. “Garwolf stop, it’s not his fault, he’s not in control…It is” Wolf snarled his eyes burned red, slowly they returned to normal, Adam slide to the floor.

The others stood rooted to the spot, had they really just seen what they thought they’d seen. Michael stepped forward letting the three of them know they were there. Still on guard Wolf turned to the old man his fangs bared. Kelly screamed only to be told to shut up by Gabe. Ignoring the strange look on Wolf he went to Adam and knelt beside him “Will he be alright?” Arla looked worried “It won’t release him, it’s angry with Garwolf”

That thing had ruined it, Fae and demons were not capable of connecting but they had, that creature had stopped them and it was going to make them pay. ‘It’ watched, observed their actions with disdain, weaklings all of them even the Fae was not strong enough to defeat it. But something was wrong, he felt a difference in Gabrielle as if she was no longer what she seemed. It was there lingering, a strength not possible in a human but to weak to understand. It would find out, had ways of gaining information but for now it was going to play, draw on their weaknesses. The demon was trouble; it unable to control Vampires could only hope to get each one alone...

“I must get him to hospital” Michael stated as he frantically looked for the truck keys. Arla knelt beside Adam “No, if you try to remove him from here he will die” Taking him in her arms she started to chant.

The two figures were suddenly bathed in a bright light. Michael and Kelly could only watch in astonishment as the mumbling grew louder and firmer, small black orbs drifted from Adam’s body and with what could only be described as a screech floated to the ceiling and vanished. Adam took a deep breath “What happened?” Arla stroked his brow “It’s alright, your alright now” Getting to his feet he swayed slightly, Putting an arm round his waist Wolf stopped him from collapsing. Looking at the others Wolf laughed “I guess our covers blown” 

Making sure Adam was alright they sat in the living room in an uncomfortable silence. Michael was the first to speak “Well, we seem to have had quite an eventful evening” Kelly looked at Wolf nervously “What are you?” Wolf turned to Arla who nodded “I am Vampire”

Kelly gave a weak laugh “But they don’t exist” It was Arla’s turn to laugh “There is a lot on this earth and others you have never seen” Michael’s eyebrow raised “Others?” Arla looked towards Adam who looked a bit pale “Maybe we should leave this till another time” Adam insisted he was fine and with Michael pushing she relented. “Garwolf is Vampire, he is in your years nearly a thousand years old” Turning to him she teased “Still a young cub”, she told them about the Vampires that live in this world and the other although she kept the name to herself, she explained about the Mystic’s that lived there, that as well as Wolf’s kind there were Elves, Nymphs and others. 

Michael was dumbfounded, to think that for years he had been trying to disprove such things “If you’ll excuse me for asking but Vampires and Fairies living in peace?” Wolf answered “We were at war once, for centuries we fought till one day are two great leaders met at Erin field to battle and realised they had forgotten what the war was over, looking at the dead at their feet the decided to work together for peace” Arla carried on, telling them as little as she could get away with then sat back and waited for them to digest what they had been told. Kelly finally asked the question that was on Adams lips “Vampires drink blood, are you going to drink ours?” Wolf roared with laughter “No, I will not harm any of you” Adam looked at Arla; he hoped she wasn't a blood sucker….. “I am Fae” turning to answer his silent question “Fae?”

“I am from a people that work’s as one with the land, we believe it to be alive, every blade of grass to every breath of wind, to hurt it in any way would seal our fate” Kelly was finding this ridiculous “You’ll be telling me next you have pointed ears and can read minds and stuff, oh boy, beam me up Scottie” Arla turned to her and pulled back her hair revealing pointed ears “Does that answer your question, you saw the change in Wolf, what I did for Adam” Hearing his name he tore his eyes away from Arla “What, did something happen to me” the last he remembered was feeling unwell. Quickly Michael filled him in. “So if you have all this power way can’t you use it to get rid of whatever was in the house?” Arla only wished it were that simple.

The conversation turned back to the house and to Arla’s relief they asked no more. Kelly was the first to retire wanting to freshen up before bed. Having decided it would be wise not to let anyone be on there own Michael said he was retiring also. Adam wanted to take a look round before locking up so Gabe offered to join him. Wolf sat nervously and stared into the fire. “She will be fine Garwolf, she is with Adam, besides we can hear her” Wolf nodded grimly; this was proving more dangerous than he expected. “How safe is she?” not wanting to be overheard she answered in his mind ‘It will no longer be able to claim her but…..’ Wolf gave a low growl as he guessed the rest. ‘They will ask, at the moment their minds are full but one of them will wonder and ask’

Gabe followed behind as Adam gave the place a once over; with the doors securely locked he checked the windows. Stopping at the one that was boarded “Is that where….?” Gabe nodded “So I heard, poor kid” turning they finished up and went back down stairs. Filling the kettle Gabe placed it on the stove, Adam would much prefer something stronger but Coffee was all there was. “You shouldn't be here on your own” Arla scolded as she entered. “Sorry, I thought you and Adam would like some” Arla thanked her and sitting at the table watched as she spooned powder into two mugs. Gabe chatted but not really saying anything. “You feel it, watching?” Gabe nodded. “It can’t harm you for now, it is too weak, the hold it had on Adam drained it for now” Gabe was relieved “You like Adam don’t you?” Arla blushed “Am I that obvious?” Picking the mugs up Gabe made for the living room “Only to me, I feel that way about Wolf”

‘It’ watched with hunger, It knew the Fae and Vampire had spoken, talked in minds, It unable to enter. They were keeping something from it something important?

                                                                       Part 5 - Battle