Poltergeist the Legacy: The Demon and
New Legacy Member
“Derek!” called Nick from the front of the legacy house hall
as I glanced around curiously at the Victorian house that stood on
“Yes Nick?” came a soft accented voice as a tall man with dark graying hair stepped into the room noticing me standing there anxiously. “Oh…hello.” He said smiling faintly as I nodded a hello toward him seeing Nick relax slightly.
“Hello Mr. Rayne.” I said softly hearing Nick stifle a laugh as Derek glanced at me with a faint smile. “Daciana.” I said softly shaking his hand.
“Please call me Derek…formalities aren’t necessary.” Derek
said glancing behind him as three others appeared into the room. “Daciana these are my associates Rachel, Philip, Alex, and
you’ve already met Nick.” He said gesturing toward Nick who was still beside
the door observing the scene playing out before him. I smiled a little nervous
about getting close to anyone worried I would be sent away from another place.
“Sloan spoke to me recently about a very bright newer legacy member who has
sadly been moved from one legacy house to another, he recommended that she
should come join us here at the
“She’s a witch.” Said Philip bluntly as the others in the room other then Derek looked at him in brief shock.
“Philip!” hissed Alex startled at his blunt reply a little angry with him, not realizing what he was saying right then.
“Don’t be angry with him Alex.” I spoke up as she glanced at me with the others all with odd looks on their faces except for Derek and Philip. “I’m pagan…rather what one would define as a witch or child of nature.” I said explaining things carefully as she nodded understanding more into Philips comment.
“Ah…I understand now.” Alex said softly nodding. “I’m sorry for jumping at you Philip…I should have waited before getting all critical.” She apologized with a small smile as Philip nodded with a light smile.
“I’m still confused.” Said Nick curiously as he glanced from me to Derek and back again. “I thought witches were evil?” he murmured trying not to offend me.
“The true Wiccan creed is do no harm to anyone or thing and it also means we can not use our gifts for personal gain. Basically I’m not evil and can’t be without harming myself.” I said seeing I had put some minds to rest with my explanation. “I’m not the wicked witch of the west from Oz you know.”
“I’ve read some things on the subject…Philip and I worked together on a project on researching some of the pagan holidays. I smiled faintly figuring my surprise of Philip reading them had shown on my face as I glanced around the room a little uncomfortable.
“I’ve got to pick up Kat otherwise I would show her around.” Said Rachel with a light smile glancing at her watch. “Kat’s my little girl.” She stated as I gave her a curious look.
“I’ll show her around.” Said Philip softly as Alex and Nick went off to finish their work and Derek nodded leaving me alone with Philip. I knew I had no reason to feel awkward, but I did.
Philip started to lead me around the house showing me the different rooms and sections while explaining some of the things about the house, such as its date it was constructed and other fun things. Philip started to notice that I was trying to relax but couldn’t seem to do it overly well and he paused in his tour briefly to address the situation.
“Please relax…you’re entitled to whatever you believe.” Philip said softly as he smiled at me. I glanced at him and nodded sighing in relief feeling a little bit better as we went around the house some more pausing at the library, which quickly became my favorite spot and Philip could tell once I was there it was permanent. “You’re at home in here.” He stated as I laughed nodding faintly while looking at the volumes and titles of the many books and documents in the library of the Legacy house. “She’s so unsure of herself and those around her.” He thought to himself. “You can open up none of us here bite and you won’t be leaving unless you want to.” He said.
“It’s just how I am and my defense mechanism. I can’t get close to people very easily and tend to push them away without intending to.” I said smiling sadly as he nodded in understanding.
“At least being aware of it…it’s not an over all important issue for you.” Said Rachel entering into the library as a young girl with long dark brown hair came running up the Philip hugging him and then turned to face me smiling and reaching out a hand to me.
“I’m Kat.” Said Rachel’s daughter Katherine as she shook my hand liking me as far as I could tell. I smiled then handing her a small rose quartz crystal I had in my pocket. She smiled taking it in her hand growing instantly fascinated by it. Then she ran out of the room after Nick and Alex who had walked by talking.
“She enjoys small crystals and gifts like that.” Said Rachel curiously as I nodded smiling regarding the curious look I got.
“Rose quartz is a protection type crystal it will guard her.” I said softly as Rachel nodded a silent thank you in her eyes as she left the library after the others.
“Kat can always use the extra protection.” Philip stated softly as he glanced at me curiously wondering what all my little gifts may have been. “She has…
“The same gifts that Derek and Alex share.” I said cutting him off in mid sentence seeing his startled look. “I have a few gifts of my own and could sense there’s.” I murmured answering his question before he could say anything.
We were going through some of the old books when to my surprise Derek came into the library shoving Philip from an on flying dagger and then Nick tackled me from another one that landed within inches of where my head would have been. I sat there for a long minute tuning out those around me staring hard at the dagger for the longest time lost in thought.
“Are you both alright?” came Derek’s voice through my fog as Nick helped me to my feet and I nodded still a little dazed.
“Define ok.” I mumbled starting at him for a minute then refocusing my attention on the dagger.
“A demon of sorts.” Said Nick before Philip or I had a chance to ask the questions we were thinking about.
“Demons don’t usually use daggers so conveniently.” Said Alex walking in after all the commotion had dissipated and glancing around rubbing her neck in thought.
“That’s why we need to do some research and reading.” Derek stated in concern glancing at me starting to realize things were happening, but not wanting to bring them up. I sensed he was hiding something, but figured it wasn’t that important since I was used to people hiding things from me.
Later that night I decided to stay in the library and proceeded to do my own researching, after gathering what few things I found in the library I went to the control room to continue my research and glanced at the clock realizing that everyone was sleeping but me by then and smiled faintly continuing to move through print outs I had found. I heard voice in the hall that brought my attention away from my research and sighed slightly remembering then it was real late and whomever it was should have been asleep then. I slowly lay my works down in as neat of a pile as I could manage following the voices to the edge of the control room and peering through the fake wall curiously and listened.
“Derek maybe we should ask her about all of this…I’m sure she would be a bigger help then old legacy documents and since he’s after her she may be able to shed some light on this too.” Came Philips low voice as I listened intently my instincts kicking into overdrive wondering what was going on.
“She probably doesn’t even know about him.” Sighed Derek frustrated slightly at the thought of confronting her to begin with. “She has enough trouble trusting people should I really bring her into the middle of this?” he asked Philip who nodded patiently.
“I fully understand that Derek, but she really should know what is going on for her own safety and ours.” Stated Philip as they both paused in their conversation hearing something from the control room fall hard on the floor.
“Shit!” I thought to myself worrying that they would find me eavesdropping on their conversation and get upset. I quickly flopped in the chair across the room next to the fallen papers and lay my head on the desk pretending to be asleep as they entered in the control room.
“She’s been listening to us.” Philip said as Derek nodded curiously walking around the room glancing at things. “How much we need to find out.” He mumbled as they both approached the desk.
Both Derek and Philip paused in surprise as I came into their sight lying on the desk asleep or so they thought. Then they began to pick up the papers and browse through my research and glance at the other various piles of lopsided information across the table.
“Looks as though the avalanche finally happened.” Said Derek as Philip nodded glancing at a pile of papers in his hand curiously scanning over them and handing them over to Derek. “She’s researching the dagger.” He mumbled softly as Philip nodded moving his hand through the folder in his hand him and Derek had been going over.
“She’s as thorough as her file said she was…looks like there’s quite a bit to go through here for us. I wonder if she’s as stubborn as it said too?” Philip asked softly as Derek nodded a small smile on his face.
“She probably is.” Said Derek softly brushing my shoulder lightly as I started. “She isn’t sleeping though and never was.”
“Ok…so I eavesdrop and don’t mind my own business. Call it one of my many quirks can’t help myself.” I said sighing slightly hearing Kat’s voice in the hall talking to Alex seeing Derek and Philip glance in their direction. “You’re not angry?” I asked hesitantly as they both shook their heads.
“No…I figured you were awake no one is that intense in their sleep.” Said Derek glancing up as Philip turned to the computer leaving Derek and I to our chat. “The dagger is unusual and thanks to you we have plenty of information to search through, but we need to work through this before we can be certain of the demon.” He said softly as I glanced at him my curiosity not satisfied.
“Derek who’s the he you keep referring to?” I asked emphasizing the he to make it clear I wasn’t going away without at least a few answers, which I could tell he was trying to avoid to protect me.
“There are four demon’s that hold that type of powerful dagger in their possession and many of them at that, but only one dumb enough to attack in a legacy house. We aren’t sure it’s him though.” Said Derek still avoiding identifying the he and then it dawned on me whom it was almost instantly.
“Talisman.” I said softly lowering my eyes intently in thought seeing Derek nod sighing faintly at my insight. “I wish I knew why he was such a threat toward me…what good are my gifts to a demon?” I asked my mind working overtime in thought.
“Maybe your gifts are more important then you truly realize.” Said Alex softly walking over with Kat following her. “Kat senses something unique inside you and seems to have taken a liking to you rather quickly.” She said as I glanced at Kat smiling slightly startled when she wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug.
“That may be very true.” Said Derek softly as Kat clung to my hand seeing Alex and Derek were about to discuss something, I smiled walking from the room leading Kat back upstairs to her room.
I entered into Kats room which was similar to mine in many ways we both had the simple elegance of the Victorian room, each with a bed two dressers and a desk. Her canopy and bed were draped in deep violets in her case and mine were rich sapphire blues. I tucked her in her bed and turned to leave hearing her voice behind me as I turned.
“You can stay with me if you feel safer.” Said Kat as I glanced into her warm eyes feeling a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.
“I’ll be fine Kat, just not feeling so sure of myself at the moment.” I said softly as she nodded closing her eyes as I shut the door turning to face the hall and nearly jumping out of my skin holding back a yelp as I recognized Nick staring at me curiously.
“I’m sorry Daciana.” Said Nick softly as I smiled shaking my head and taking a deep breath. “I must have scared her and it was dumb considering she’s got a lot to worry about.” He thought to himself.
“No need to be sorry Nick…I’m always a bit jumpy in a new place.” I said sighing slightly feeling better knowing I was safe at the moment. “I know I have a reason to be, but I really don’t like being vulnerable in any way.”
“I can understand that.” Nick said softly as he glanced at me with a small smile. “Kat seems concerned about you.” He said smiling again as we both turned to an open door.
“Kat really likes Daciana.” Said Alex yawning her eyes looking a bit out of focus as she closed the door to her room. Her hair was slightly puffy and her red pajamas were twisted but she seemed fully alert at the look she was getting.
“Alex?” I questioned startled to see her there when I had left her with Derek moments ago. Suddenly a sick feeling climb down my back and settled in my stomach as I stared at her open mouthed. “I just left you with Derek…Kat came downstairs with you moments ago.”
“No I didn’t” said Alex shaking her head in confusion as Nick stared hard at both of us.
“Derek. Oh no.” I whispered as Nick dove down the stairs followed by both Alex and myself. “How could I have been so stupid.” I thought shaking my head.
We all paused hearing intense voices coming from the control room as Alex and I nearly collided with Nick. We watched as Nick pulled out his gun and tilted the hammer ready for any trouble that may be coming. All three of us looked like a ridiculous cartoon watching from the doorway listening intently to the discussion going on in the room.
“Derek I hate to say this but Daciana should have some one with her every minute considering the possible danger she’s in and the threat she brings here to us.” Said the other Alex sounding concerned about the situation as I glanced at the Alex behind me seeing her smile shaking her head and placing a warm hand on my shoulder making me feel close to her something I hadn’t felt in a long time.
“Not every minute Alex and why are you so concerned about her threat…we deal with things like this all the time.” Spoke Derek sounding slightly angry glancing faintly at the doorway seeing Nick standing there watching him and then Alex and myself. We all shook our heads signaling to him something wasn’t right. “She has a good understanding of how things work and a good hand on taking care of herself from her records, which Philip and myself have combed over thoroughly since her arrival.” He said while grasping a cane that had yet to be analyzed from one of the arrived crates in the room.
“I don’t care what the files say…I don’t believe she’s that skilled.” Said the other Alex in annoyance as Derek sighed frustratedly. “She’s a threat to all of us.” She said as I glanced at Nick and Alex rolling my eyes in irritation.
“You usually care so much when someone needs help…Alex why is Daciana creating this troubling effect in you?” Derek asked softly as Nick walked in and aimed the gun carefully at the back of the fake Alex’s head. “You aren’t exactly smart coming here without any help either.” He said as the fake Alex smiled her features melting into a tall man with dark raven hair and deep green eyes. His night close melted into black slacks matching shirt and a black sued coat that brushed the back of his knees as he sighed tired of the charade anyway.
“I’m not overly concerned Derek.” Said Talisman as he heard Nick’s steps shift behind him and carefully produced a gold colored coin shifted it back and forth in his hand. “Please come in and join us Alex.” He said in a soft murmur as I remained in the hall watching them intently my mind working overtime on why he was here even though I knew it had something to do with my gifts. “How is Daciana doing fitting into her new home?” he asked a light smirk on his face as the coin flashed with each flip or movement.
“Why are you so interested in that information anyway Talisman?” Derek asked a dark glare aimed at Talisman who appeared to be oblivious to Derek’s dark look.
“Why do you think Derek. She has many talented gifts even more then she knows of actually…or should I say aware of?” stated Talisman his green eyes flashing in amusement as Alex and Derek exchanged a look with one another. “You’re the only house that would accept her unique gifts with all their……unpredictability’s and accept those risks.” He murmured.
I hesitated on turning from the conversation to get someone to help at hearing this. I wanted to hear more of this conversation and where it was going. “What the hell is Talisman babbling about?” I thought curiously glancing back into the room my attention drawn briefly to the shining coin and then back to the others.
“Your wrong.” Hissed Derek his anger perked at Talismans words. “We agreed to help her because she doesn’t know what it means to have others care about her accept for her family…we want to help her understand her gifts and help her understand their nature. We want her to begin to be able to open up to someone other then a family member.” He stated his irritation growing with Talismans know it all attitude as Talisman gave Derek a challenging look.
“If that’s so true…why haven’t you told her how the Legacy heads got together…how they voted against having her in any house because of their fear?” Talisman asked with a small smile of satisfaction on his face.
I turned at that comment my heart nearly breaking at these words. I knew they were afraid of me but they even voted to hate me for my unique abilities. “I hate you Talisman I thought I had friends here.” I thought tears stinging my eyes which I wiped away used to the empty feeling turning to leave but pausing at Alex’s voice.
“You left out that Derek and Sloan went against all of the heads and both stood in her defense. Derek wanted her here with us because he knew she was someone that just needed to have a place to belong. They both fought for her to come here with us.” Came Alex’s voice filled with undeniable rage. She was concerned I had left then, but in hopes of hearing her words she continued. “You also clearly haven’t noticed that we all have grown to like Daciana…even Kat who takes a very long time to care or trust someone has befriended her. Kat adores that girl and nothing you say will change that.” She pratically spat at him as I glared through the control room door at Talisman wanting to desperately hit the demon.
“Leaving now would be a good idea…I don’t think I should ask you twice.” Said Nick as he pressed the gun into Talismans head. “Now.” Came his reply as Talisman sighed and turned to go.
“You can’t protect her forever…eventually I’ll have what I want.” Talisman hissed softly walking my direction.
In a panic I realized he would see me and then I didn’t know what but didn’t like the idea. “Oh crap now what do I do?” I thought startled when I felt hands grab me and cover my mouth pulling me into another room seeing Rachel and Philip had been awakened by all that had been happening downstairs that night. “Damn…you two scared the crap out of me.” I thought smiling faintly at the familiar faces. Soon there was a bunch of cursing and then a door slamming shut hard, followed by voices in the control room.
“Why is he so fascinated with Daciana and her gifts…powers…whatever?” asked Rachel as we all stepped into the control room, one big circle of confused faces and unanswered questions in our eyes.
“I want to know the same thing…yet then again maybe I already know?” Derek questioned glancing at me curiously. “Do you have any ideas?”
“I don’t really know what he would want…hell I don’t even know half the things I can do, which is why everyone is scared of me to begin with.” I said softly feeling afraid of my confession wondering what would happen after all this was said and done.
“No worries…your part of the family.” Said Rachel softly in my ear as I smiled nodding glancing around at the other faces who nodded agreeing with her.
It was late by the time we finished and each of us headed off to bed upstairs, but I couldn’t seem to sleep and lay awake staring at the canopy above my head. The events kept repeating over and over in my head again and again. When it started to annoy me to no end there was a sudden blurring of my vision and then the scene flashed in living color almost as though I was watching a living movie that I could freely walk around in to inspect every inch of the action. I watched them carefully walking around observing everything that happened including listening to the conversation. Then I noticed even more closely the coin that Talisman had kept visible the whole time. He paused in one of his tosses and I glanced hard at it gasping in surprise as I saw the reflection of me watching everything in the hall with intensity. I sat up with a start disoriented in my room for only a minute before I took notice to a sound outside my window. I got up quickly and locked the window a feeling creeping into my thoughts that I couldn’t explain. I glanced at it intently for what seemed like hours but it was only minutes. I stepped back quickly from the window as I saw Talisman standing on the roof staring at me and then the window a curious look coming across his face as he toyed with his coin again a smile on his face.
“Nick!...Derek!” I called nearly at a yelp knowing Alex, Philip and Rachel would be following soon after them. I could feel myself starting to panic as he glanced at me his smile fading only slightly.
“Can’t deal with the big bad Talisman on your own?” came his soft voice almost seductively in my head as I tried to take a deep breath choking down a squeak I knew would turn into a loud scream. “Too bad really…it may have been an enlightening experience on your new friends.” He said before dropping from the roof disappearing from my view.
“What is it?” called Derek as he came into the room followed by the others who were all up in arms ready for trouble. Nick had his gun cocked ready to fire, all I could do was point at the window and try and find my voice without much success since my mouth was moving but my voice wasn’t coming out.
“Talisman.” Said Alex as I nodded feeling her hand reassuring on my shoulder. I then turned finally being able to breath and sighed faintly.
“Talisman was at…was trying to get into…I mean in through my window.” I said staring at the others realizing my panic attack wasn’t helping me make any understandable sentences at the time.
“How the hell did he get by all the security?” murmured Nick sounding very frustrated at this information noting my face was pale and my hands were shaking slightly. “He can’t though…can he?” he asked to no one in particular.
“Apparently he can.” Stated Derek concerned and annoyed just as much as Nick by this aspect. “How did you stop him from entering your room?” he asked me as I lowered my eyes thoughtfully before glancing back up.
“I had some sort of reply vision type thing. I could see everything that happened downstairs earlier only through a movie perspective. I could roam freely through everything unnoticed and see everything in clear detail again…I saw his coin in my vision thing and it was magic he could see me watching everything the whole time. When I came out of it I heard a noise on the roof and felt this sudden feeling of warning fall on me, I ran and locked it calling you all as he appeared there.” I said finishing my explanation as best as I could still unsure of how I knew he was there myself.
“It appears we are going to need someone to guard her.” Said Nick staring around at the room carefully taking in everything and then seeing Derek nod in agreement only half listening to this. “Derek?” he questioned wondering what he was busy thinking about at that moment.
“Daciana has more talents then we expected or even know could exist in one person.” Derek said finally glancing at everyone in the room. “I talked with Sloan about this before since he and I are the reason you came to be here to begin with.” He said softly glancing at the curious looks he was receiving before sighing again lost in thought.
“Do you know any other of your gifts other then what you described to us just a now?” Alex asked her curiosity momentarily getting the better of her as she smiled at me her eyes having a slight spark of curiosity in them.
“Um…other then the ones I explained…I have feelings every so often, I can do some magic nothing really difficult though, and see things usually before they happen, but nothing too far in the future.” I murmured my reply feeling my cheeks grow warm as I thought how silly I must sound.
“That narrows it down…well a little bit.” Said Rachel glancing at me still confused at each new thing that seemed to pop up. “You don’t float right?” she asked only half serious.
“I don’t levitate as of yet.” I said staring intently at a book seeing the title had something to do with my research. “I can sometimes make things move with my thoughts.” I stated softly not realizing how intent I was on the book until it came toward us. I saw Philip reach out quickly with a half smile on his face. “Nice catch.” I said feeling my face heat again realizing I had forgotten to retrain my thoughts again.
“Telekinesis would be that one.” Philip said softly as Rachel stared at the book for a moment then turned her attention to the others in the room. “I will have to remember that when I need a book that’s too high.” He said his accent thick with laughter as I rolled my eyes.
“Yeah thanks…sorry about that.” I said knowing I was red but the others hadn’t seemed to notice with their intense thoughts.
“I’ll stay with her as her guard while you guys sort this out.” Said Nick as everyone nodded in agreement with Nicks suggestion going back to their discussion as we left them to their thoughts.
Nick followed me from the room and walked down the hall with me half surprised when I made a quick turn in the opposite direction toward the library. I walked in without saying anything to the curious Nick he was still following me staring around the room as I paused staring up at the bookcase, Philips words coming to mind as I smiled concentrating on a book as it landed on the table in front of me. “I need to know more on Talisman if I want to remain safe and keep the others safe as well.” I thought glancing through the book on extremely vague information on him and started to read. Nick stared at me for a while only confused for a few minutes before he asked.
“What are you doing…you should be resting not researching at late hours.” Said Nick as I turned my attention from my reading even if it wasn’t exactly what I wanted to read at that moment and smiled faintly.
“I know, but you see I have this little quirk…when someone threatens me or something I care about I research and tend to forget the sleeping part.” I stated as Nick sighed glancing at me with a half smirk on his face. “This information may be pathetic, but it’s something to read and learn from.” I said softly surprised when he handed me another book.
“You won’t find much in either book…Talisman has eluded the Legacy well until now anyway.” Said Nick watching as I intently wrote down notes studying everything I could.
An hour or two later I shut both books with a soft thud closing my eyes rubbing them thoughtfully before turning my attention to my written notes carefully glancing over them, sadly most of them were useless to me and annoyed me to the point where I nearly ripped them in my hands, but I paused hearing soft steady breathing at my side seeing Nick was sleeping peacefully in the chair where he had been sitting watching me for so long.
“He seems to be tired.” Came Talismans soft threatening voice as I felt a firm hand pressed onto my shoulder holding me in place. “Silence please.” He murmured his grip more firm on my shoulder warning me to his dangerous presence in the room. I quickly read over my notes trying to remain calm. “Talisman has a few known powers…one being able to put someone to sleep temporarily if they close their eyes briefly in slumber or thought. Oh…goodie.” I thought sarcastically as I sensed his presence more threatening then before. “Now be cooperative please and come with me Daciana.” He hissed ever so softly. Luckily a person under his power could be awakened if one knew how to kick without getting noticed.
“No.” I stated stubbornly hearing Talisman grumble a bunch of curses under his breath briefly and then some inaudible words. “I refuse to leave with you…I know you have something planned and I won’t be part of it.” I hissed kicking nick lightly with my foot seeing him stir his eyes remaining closed as he heard Talismans laugh.
“Daciana…You already are part of it.” Said Talisman as I heard a faint clicking sound knowing Nick had his gun locked and loaded. “You’ve been part of it since I saw you join the legacy.” He softly said to me his voice on the verge of seductive. I had no idea what he was talking about but I knew it wasn’t good and was concerned with it as well.
“How would you feel with a bullet in you brain?” came Nicks hard voice as he aimed the gun at Talisman who released his grip on me stepping back from the gun aimed at him his smile fading slightly. I got to my feet standing close to Nick watching Talisman carefully in case he tried something.
“It wouldn’t be very pleasant, but it wouldn’t really stop me much either Nick.” Said Talisman softly hearing voices as I glanced up seeing Derek and Alex enter the room and both freezing at the sight before them. “I must say though Daciana…you should not always trust Derek and friends, they may very well be hiding something from you that you should know about.” He said softly a half smile on his face as he stared in my curious intent blue eyes. “Last time I checked you trusted no one…period.” He murmured as I glared at him my eyes hardening at him.
“Exactly Talisman…but I trust you even less.” I hissed as he smiled bowing slightly his arrogant attitude annoying me and then to our surprise he took of in a sprint to the open window and jumped disappearing on the grounds again.
“Are you both alright?” asked Alex as I nodded explaining to them about the sleep power and the information I had on Talisman. “That’s one dangerous talent to have.” She said softly as Derek nodded in agreement looking around at the others knowing the trouble had just really begun.
“Knowing all this…what are we supposed to do exactly?” asked Philip joining us with Rachel who was looking as worried as everyone else at that point.
“Good question.” Said Derek clearly thoughtful and concerned at the same time about everything that was going on. I glanced from one face to another wondering how much I should trust them or even if I should. I knew that this was Talismans fault, but my mind was racing and I knew something was up. “Damn you to hell Talisman.” I thought sighing as my doubt sunk into me.
After a few minutes I decided to head back to bed, sleep didn’t come to well as distrust and anger stuck in my mind making my thoughts race again. Finally I gave up my restless effort of sleep and sat up watching the shadows of light creeping on my walls. I was furious with Talisman for making me doubt my new found home, friends and any relationship I had developed with any of them, I even hated myself for letting him get to me. I sat there glaring at my messed up sheets for a long time hearing a soft creak I glanced up.
“Daciana?” came Philips soft whisper as I smiled faintly seeing him standing there curiously I then motioned him in watching as he entered shutting the door. He sat on the edge of my bed taking in the disaster it had become in such a short time and smiling softly seeing my eyes were puffy from lack of sleep. “Are you alright?” he asked me seeing the smile I had carefully plastered on my face fade quickly into a trouble expression.
“Not really sure to be honest Philip.” I said softly seeing him stare at me curiously his own expression faintly reflecting my own. “I felt wonderful here for a while and very welcome……I felt accepted for once and then that…da…I mean jerk Talisman made me start to doubt everything. Now I’m confused angry and extremely frustrated…I don’t know what to think anymore.” I mumbled feeling tears briefly stinging my eyes as I quickly blinked them away not ready to cry in front of any of them.
“I had a feeling that was part of your lack of sleep and puffy eyes.” Said Philip as I glanced at him briefly brushing back my hair from my face and frowing in thought. “Let your feeling guide you…the ones you had before Talisman stuck in his two cents and see where that leads you. You trust them and all will be safe.” He said a small smile on his face as I glanced at him curiously.
“But I’ve never safely trusted any of those feelings before without something going wrong.” I mumble sadly as Philip nodded realizing I didn’t have much faith in my own judgement.
“That’s understandable.” Philip replied sighing as he glanced at me in thought and then closed his eyes a moment a thought lighting up his now opened eyes. “You should trust your instincts as well as your heart….but if they are in the way of one another trust the one you depend on most…I can tell you trust your instincts, what do they tell you?” he asked me as I looked at him in thought for a long moment trying to think on what he said and closed my eyes for a moment focusing on the situation before me.
“My instincts tell me to trust you, Alex, Rachel and Nick without any issues, but they tell me to confront Derek even though I trust him too.” I said seeing Nick nod with a small smile almost flinch as he lowered his eyes concentrating on his hand for a moment. “I know your bound by confession Philip…that’s no reason for me to distrust you…I admire that.” I said as he looked up only a small hint of surprise on his face as he smiled. “I have to confront him to settle my thoughts I guess.” I mumbled as Philip nodded and left me alone in my room in thought. “I need my jeans and shirt…confronting someone in your pajamas is not a good way to impress them.” I thought smiling darkly as I grabbed a pair of blue jeans and a baggy long sleeved dark blue shirt with a silver start and moon on the front.
I made my way through the house careful not to disturb any of the others assuming they were all still asleep. I knew Derek wasn’t because I could tell Philip had just left him to check on me. I pause outside Derek’s office and stared hard at the door my hand raised to knock. “What the hell do I say? Derek I need to confront you on Talisman and ask you why are you lying to me…hell no.” I thought rolling my eyes and sighing lowering my hand and staring at the door for several minutes turning to leave hearing my feet creak on the floor boards by his office. I flinched at the sound realizing I had no choice but to approach him then. “Damn...Stupid floor board.” I thought closing my eyes and sighing as I knocked on the door mumbling a curse or too at the boards under my feet.
“Come in.” came Derek’s voice from the office as I opened the door walking in. He glanced up at me briefly as I closed the door looking around his office. It was slightly darkened by the early morning gray light but nice and elegant in a Victorian sort of way. “Daciana…..I had a feeling you might come see me.” He murmured sighing as he offered me a seat and sat down his hand loosely laying on the desk his eyes following mine for a moment waiting for me to respond.
“Well…I had to follow my instincts.” I said softly my mouth feeling like I had a whole bag of cotton in it. “They made me confront you…my instincts I mean.” I mumble trying to explain myself better and failing miserably at it. I half expected a why or what do you mean but all I got was a small smile and nod from him. “This is so unnerving…what are you hiding?” I thought staring hard at Derek seeing a sad smile on his face as he rifled through a large file on his desk sighing softly.
“It was information I got from the Legacy something I thought would hurt you more then actually help you…you probably wouldn’t have trusted any of us at all if you seen this before.” He said as I watched him intently my curiosity growing as he handed me the papers in his hands and waited for me to look them over. “I figured they would hurt more then help anyway.”
“What is all of this Derek?” I asked seeing Talisman mentioned in several Legacy documents and even more mentions of him betraying his mission.
“Talisman was a demon that the legacy used to got to and fro from the dark side to our side…they used him when things would become complicated. He was assigned to find you for us, we found out that you had some talents and wanted you to one day join the legacy. He found you alright but got too observant of you and your powers mostly because of something that happened when you were younger. He helped you from a fall disguised as a friend he got some of your blood from your cuts on his hand. As you probably know he can read powers this way and that’s basically all it took he became power hungry and obsessive over your growing powers and talents. When he came to the legacy on report he only explained part of what he had learned…Sloan and I knew he was lying just by how he acted. Eventually he was found to be working for his own means and banned from the legacy and this problem the legacy didn’t get a chance to clean up before he disappeared of our radar. That was why Sloan suggested you come here…we both knew you had great power and eventually Talisman would want that power…that is also why the other houses didn’t accept you. Talisman has been a threat to all of us for a long time. Said Derek watching my face fall into a sad smile as I realized what he was saying and then my face hardened into a frown of anger and annoyance.
“My power made him go bad.” I said as Derek looked at me about to protest. “That part was the hurting issue you were worried about.” I murmured as Derek nodded sighing regretting that he had finally given in and told me everything.
“Yes…that’s also why I said to trust your instincts.” Said Philip entering the office at the tale end of our conversation as I glanced up at him and nodded sighing thoughtfully running things through my mind as something in my thought struck me.
“He know about all of my powers…hell he knows more then I do.” I said softly blushing at my comment. “Sorry about that one Phillip.” I mumbled seeing him smile as I continued my thought. “He wants my powers is what we think, but why is he so interested in getting me he can take them with his power…he wants to make me evil. I bet he can’t control them any more then I can and needs me to work with him to better understand what I don’t.” I murmured unaware of the creak that came from behind Philip.
“Darn my secrets out…what to do.” Came Talismans voice as Philip let out a surprise cry flying across the room into Derek both of them hitting the wall hard and sliding down unconscious.
“Oh my god Derek…Philip.” I cried worried about them as I turned facing Talisman my eyes flaring angrily. “You bastard.” I growled ready to beat him within an inch of his demonic existence.
“Thank you for the compliment Daciana.” Talisman said with a faint smile glaring at me a moment. “Come quietly and they may live to see another sunrise…I emphasize may.” He stated his green eyes glittering with the power he had as I glanced at him cautiously glancing at my surroundings. “I’m in no mood to screw around and debate this either…please be nice or watch them die plain and simple.” He said his voice having a distinct edge to it that made me nervous.
“I could stop you myself.” I hissed as Talisman glanced at me his dark eyes flashing as he chuckled with amusement at my words.
“You could…if you only knew your powers as well as I do.” Talisman said arrogance in his smirk as I glared at him while he watched me the smirk never leaving his face.
“You may know more than I do about them, but I promise you I may surprise you Talisman.” I hissed seeing Philip was starting to stir slightly but not enough to help. “I usually have the convienence of discovering them faster when I am threatened or someone I care about is.” I spoke softly as he smile faded quickly resembling something almost like fear. “At least he lost that damn smirk.” I thought silently.
“That may be true.” Talisman said softly glancing around the room taking in all possible aspects and weapons within my range his gaze pausing on Derek and Philip. “But will you risk their lives?” he asked me softly his hand glowing a dark red color as he aimed it toward Derek and Philip the smirk returning to his face.
“No I can’t do that to them.” I said sighing realizing he had one this round, sadly my stubbornness wasn’t ready to give in right then even though he had won.
“Good now that we agree on that……please come with me before I get testy.” Murmured Talisman glaring at me and then he flinched feeling cold steel pressing into his neck from behind him.
“She isn’t going anywhere with you.” Came Nicks soft angry voice as Alex walked in followed by Rachel both of them reviving Philip and Derek quickly with their combined efforts. “I kind of like her where she is…with us.” He stated making Talisman walk into the room slowly toward a chair.
“We do too.” Derek said softly rubbing his head slightly glancing over at Philip who groaned holding his head glancing around at everyone relieved to see all was well.
“I like me here too.” I said with a smile as I helped Nick start to tie Talisman to the chair freezing as my hand brushed against his slightly and thousands of images flooded my mind so fast and hard I felt pain and then the darkness was coming in. I thought I heard Nick but I was gone by then.
Later that night I woke up to a dark room brief panic in my mind until I realized it was my legacy house room. I then glanced around the dark room as the images came into better view seeing Nick was asleep in a chair close by my bed guarding me as far as I could tell, then I managed a small smile seeing a small figure lying beside me on the bed which was Kat her hand resting across my stomach. I saw Rachel was in a chair beside the bed her head resting on the bed in a deep sleep. “What the heck happened to me?” my mind questioned as I observed Kat for a few minutes.
“Your awake.” Said a soft voice as I smiled seeing Nick had seemed to awaken to my moving presence. He leaned forward in his chair eyeing me carefully before glancing down at Kat who hadn’t stirred yet.
“Yeah…sadly though my head is killing me.” I said as he smiled nodding in my direction as I glanced around again my attention returning to him.
“You would have been worse off if I hadn’t reacted when I did.” Nick mumbled softly knowing that whatever Talisman had done was causing my headache. He looked so concerned about me then I had to allow a small smile even if it made my head hurt. “Derek and Philip are keeping Talisman company…Alex went to pick up Sloan.” He said as I realized Derek probably called Sloan in for help after managing to snag Talisman.
“You’re awake.” Came Kats soft half awake voice as she quickly scrambled up into my lap and hugged me moving the mattress and stirring Rachel who glanced up smiling in my direction as Kat unwrapped her arms from around me.
“Obviously my daughter likes you a great deal.” Said Rachel softly her voice scratchy from sleep. “I’ll go let them know she’s awake.” She said as Kat followed her mother out the door leaving Nick and myself alone in the room in thought.
“What happened?” asked Nick as I glanced up at him thoughtfully trying to make sense out of what happened myself and frowning.
“I remember helping you tie him up and my hand brushing his accidentally in the process. Suddenly all these images came crashing down at me all at once…I can’t really remember what they were but none of them were good. I woke up here and that’s all I remember.” I said trying to focus on those many images trying to force them into a pattern to make some sense of them even if they were very undesirable.
“That’s what Derek said had probably happened. Him and Alex get them occasionally but not that hard or fast.” Said Nick standing slowly leaning across the bed placing his hand on my forehead as I realized how cool it was against my skin. “Your head is awfully warm.” He mumbled.
“She has a slight fever and migraine I would guess.” Came Derek’s soft voice from the doorway as I glanced up seeing both Derek and Sloan enter the room followed by the others. Sloan’s eyes appeared gray in the room as he glanced intently at me.
“I’ll go keep an eye on Talisman.” Said Nick in a low voice as Derek shook his head and motioned for Nick to stay where he was, his eyes locked in intense thought.
“He’s quite drugged up Nick…Stay please.” Said Sloan glancing at me intently his face registering just how serious he was. “What images can you remember?” he asked me as I flinched at his high voice realizing everyone had been being quiet due to the migraine I had seemed to have gotten. “Sorry.” He apologized as he watched Philip sit beside me on the bed handing me some aspirin and water.
“I can’t piece them together enough to describe them.” I said softly gagging slightly on the aspirin and drinking more water as Sloan nodded understanding.
“Hypnosis may work.” Rachel said keeping her voice low as Derek and Sloan both shook their heads seeing Rachel look at them confusion written in her face. “Why?” she asked curiously as I smiled.
“Because unless I want it to work it won’t…I have too strong of a will for it unless I’m willing to go under it. “I only go under it if someone is in danger…that’s the only way to get down my defenses.” I said answering the next question I was sure she would ask me as I tried to focus on the images even though I wasn’t the least bit attracted to them. I flinched faintly as they came to mind. “Night, blood, mangled demons and people alike all over, caverns, ruins, graveyards, old structures, museums and lots of places I don’t recognize.” I said softly as my head started to throb even worse hearing them leaving as Philip remained at my side watching over me quietly.
“Rest Daciana…before it gets worse.” Philip said softly as I lay back letting the darkness in to drown out my migraine. I faintly started to hear him start to hum, but I couldn’t place the tune even though normally I was good at it. “How do you feel?” he asked me as I stared around the room a minute aware I had slept for a very long while.
“Yucky.” I stated with a small smile as I spotted Kat shift her arm tighter around my waist in her sleep. I watched her for a moment seeing Philip smile at me before he yawned slightly.
“Rachel couldn’t get her to leave you.” Said Philip with a chuckle as I smiled shrugging slightly.
“I don’t mind. Kat’s a sweetie and I enjoy being around kids.” I said softly brushing my hand across her brown hair startled to hear a bang come from downstairs. “What the?”
“Stay here…keep her safe.” Said Philip as I nodded watching as he cautiously peeked out in the hall shutting my door. I felt Kat climb up to me scared and now wide awake glancing around trying to see what was going on.
I waited for an hour for any sign of life and that the danger was over, but still no one came and the longer I waited the more worried I became. Kat was clinging so tightly to me I thought I would soon not be able to breathe if she didn’t loosen her grip. “What happened…is happening…whatever?” I thought to myself beginning to wonder if I should go see what happened and then I heard it. Steps were coming toward the door and toward us, I sense it would be a good idea to get up find a weapon and protect Kat. I made her get behind me as I stood feeling behind the bed finding an old cane and standing waiting for whomever was coming. Soon my door opened slowly with a small thump as it hit the wall and there in the doorway stood a fairly ruffled and sore looking Talisman. He appeared to have had one hell of a fight but looked like he faired pretty well against everyone. “oh god…what happened to the others.” Came my thoughts as I watched him stand there a small dark smile playing at his bloody lips.
“They’re all alive……at least for now.” Talisman said softly seeing the question in my eyes and spotting Kat his smile deepening at the sight of her. “Hello little one.” He murmured wiping away the blood on his lip eyeing me carefully.
“Don’t.” I hissed as Kat gripped the rose quartz I had given her tightly to her chest her free hand clinging to my shirt tightly. I was glad she still carried the quartz with her but sadly at this point against Talisman I didn’t know how much good it would do her. “Kat just ignore him.” I whispered as she buried her face in my hip as I stared at him keeping the cane at my side seeing his gaze trail across it then back at us.
“She’s adorable.” Talisman remarked sarcastically as he eyes the cane more closely seeing I wasn’t afraid of whipping him within an inch of his life to protect myself and Kat.
“What did you do?” I asked as he shrugged understanding I wasn’t referring to my new found friends but I had been referring to the nightmare images of so many blood baths my stomach had turned into knots thinking about it.
“What I had to do…simple enough.” Said Talisman his face hidden by his hair then so I couldn’t read his expression as he shrugged it off. “Power is important no matter where or how I get it.” He mumbled simply as I glared at him feeling Kats hand grip my shirt tighter.
“You used to be kind…what changed?” I asked even thought I knew part of the story I knew there was more to it. “I know only part of it as far as I can guess.” I said as He stared around the room thoughtfully debating on whether he felt like answering me or not.
“Yes…you heard Derek’s version I’m sure.” Talisman stated sounding bemused. “Did he mention that the legacy used me as their lap dog and I had no other weapon then myself. That I had to start taking powers to keep myself from getting killed?” he asked me starting to sound bitter watching for my reaction seeing only curiosity at his side of the story. “I mean they wouldn’t protect me…whoever heard of a good demon anyway?” he asked with only a hint of sadness in his eyes seeing I was starting to feel sorry for him. “I came here trying to protect you from that corruption, but obviously you’re not going to be very cooperative in this matter.” He said sounding almost convincing about protecting me as a dry smile pressed onto my face.
“Liar! Derek isn’t evil.” Came Kat’s muffled voice as I glanced down at her brown head and smiled realizing she made a very good point for one so young.
“You’re lying but only partially…you believed that once a long time about, but now sadly……power is everything to you.” I said lowering my gaze at Kat and then turning my full attention on him keeping the cane ready for trouble, then I heard his dark chuckle that sent my skin crawling.
“True…very true.” Talisman murmured lowering his eyes slightly. “Your many talents fascinate me and also annoy me greatly. You have no idea what you have but I can’t control it as you stated before…I need you.” He said suddenly focusing his attention on Kat at my side his eyes gleaming in annoyance. “You little brat I almost had her…your little talents are slightly irritating as well young girl.” He whispered dangerously low his eyes glowing faintly a dark smirk on his face as a thought crossed his mind, but it faded when I spoke up distracting him momentarily.
“You’re easily annoyed aren’t you?” I taunted stepping further in front of Kat keeping his attention drawn to me instead. “I saw easily through you even before she did…don’t mistake my sympathy for gullibility.” I said as he jerked his attention to me quickly his eyes darker in glow as rage creased the corners of his smiling face.
“So I’m a lousy liar.” Said Talisman dismissively his anger momentarily controlled as he took a deep breath. “Surrender to the dark side.” He mumbled his attention still on Kat.
“I can’t believe you just said that…how original.” I mumbled rolling my eyes as he glared at me momentarily. “I’m not Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader was more appealing then you by far.” I murmured.
“Joking at me in my current state of mind and disposition is not wise.” Hissed Talisman his irritation showing more then he would have liked. “I will hurt the little brat.” He hissed louder as I lowered my eyes into a dangerous glare.
“You need me alive to get you what you want, otherwise you would have killed me by now. Go near Kat and you will kill me in the process.” I said matter of factly my eyes icy as I gripped the cane at my side tighter. He paused confused for a moment and looked at me his rage briefly drawn away from his attention.
“You would die for a child not yours and you just met and any of these other idiots wouldn’t you?” he asked me his eyes starting to cease their glow his temper becoming more controlled.
“Yes…I would.” I said feeling Kats grip tighten on me as I watched him my thoughts still lingering wondering if the others were really alright. “They’re my first real friends…other then my family.” I mumbled softly finally allowing that fact to settle in my thoughts and smiling feeling a warm feeling in my heart for the first time in a long time.
“Should I jump for joy?” asked Talisman sarcastically as he glowered at me biting his tongue in irritation. “I don’t care about anyone of them…just you and what you have.” He growled.
“Wrong…you care about here powers and nothing more.” Came Dereks voice as the others appeared all alright but a little banged up.
“Oh shut up Derek.” Snapped Talisman facing all of us his eyes glowing slightly again. “You and the legacy are no better then me…actually worse.” He stated annoyed as he realized his chances for what he wanted were getting slim by their appearance again.
“Wrong…This legacy house and people actually do care.” I stated purposely as Talisman glanced at me his eyes lowered to fine annoyed slits. “You’re too damn power hungry to care.” I said so softly I almost thought I didn’t say it until Kat peeked up at me her mouth opened in surprise. “Shit…I swore allowed again.” I thought with a wry smile. “Leave.” I said simply.
“No.” Growled Talisman glaring around the room at the many faces that would and could easily outnumber him at that moment.
“Please Talisman.” I said carefully watching the others as I appealed the what little good was still buried under his now blackened bitter heart. “Before they are forced to kill your sorry butt.” I said softly as the others all turned to look at me funny. “What?” I thought faintly with a smile that I replaced with a frown quickly. “He buried what little good exists in that thick head of his somewhere.” I murmured as an explanation.
“Good? You’ve got to be joking.” Said Sloan sniffing faintly in irritation as I glared at him briefly.
“Leave now.” Said Philip a small curious look on his face as I nodded watching as they all stepped from the door allowing Talisman to pass.
“You’re all fools…idiots…(Graaaaah).” Talisman mumbled ending with a growl as he stomped by to his freedom the surprised faces not fazing him.
“That was something we shouldn’t have done. I know it will come back to bite us in the….um…butt.” said Nick carefully choosing his words due to Kat being in the room.
“That it probably will…I don’t know how she did it, but she
managed to do something that even surprised
Soon Sloan was with Philip on his way to the airport while the rest of us tried to get the house back in order and hoped that things would manage to be quiet for a few days. I needed some sleep desperately and judging by the others they needed it almost as bad. “I really hope this doesn’t happen to often.” I thought rolling my eyes and heading up to bed finally after finishing up the clean up from Talismans mess.
END