Indwell (Chasing Natalie's Ghosts) (27 page)

“I knew you were special,” he said sweetly. I smiled. He was on my side now. I just hoped Hayden would understand.

The next evening would change my life forever. I will be giving my life over to the Seekers. I would live my life capturing poltergeists. Clive was to become my greatest ally, next to Hayden of course. He promised me I would be taught everything I needed to know. He would not be afraid of hurting me or pushing me too far. He understood that my gifts were greater than his. He believed that the spirits, who were close to me, my friends, would defend me to the end of my days. I belonged more to them than I did to this realm sometimes. Clive understood this more than Hayden did.

I had caught Elizabeth a few times the next day glaring at Clive and me. She did not like Clive’s interest in me. She didn’t like this new devotion he had for me. I never left his side the next day. Clive was teaching me the history and the theories behind their journey. Hayden went hiking with Edmund. I knew he was giving me space to learn about this new life. No one can really change their whole existence on their own. In my eyes Clive was my teacher now. He wanted to teach me everything he could. He wanted to watch and see what my gift would produce. I wasn’t about to stop spending time with Clive here at the Firelight Inn.

After lunch that day, Clive brought me into his study. “Get comfortable Natalie,” he ordered as he gestured for me to enter the room. I sat on one of the large reading chairs and put my feet up on an ottoman. I was all ears waiting for him to continue. He sat in a chair opposite me. He smiled and leaned back.

“I plan on giving you a lesson in what and why we do what we do. I hope after this you can feel more confident in the path you have chosen.”

“Thank you Clive. I appreciate your time with me, I really do,” I told him as I sat back smiling. Clive wasted no time as he handed me some old photos of the Inn and the underground construction of the portal for the globules.

“I’m just going to dive right in if that’s okay? If you have any questions feel free to interrupt me,” he told me. I nodded, giving him my full attention.

“When a person dies the physical body releases the soul. A choice is made, either to travel on to the afterlife immediately or unfortunately, sometimes the soul refuses, which results in the soul being earth bound for an unknown amount of time. Why this happens and to whom is still a mystery to us. I have no answers to this. There is a third choice, and this is where we play our part,” he paused and took a sip of water.

“Sometimes when a person dies, a part of their soul carries on to their final resting place and the other part gets trapped in a realm in-between. Not only is part of their hidden soul still here but so is their energy, their Light. As I am sure you know by now, from what Hayden has shown you, that this energy is strong. The spirit is capable of acting in uncontrolled ways. It does things, that while they were living they would never have even considered doing. That is what you must realize, that only a part of them is still here and this part turns into a new creation, an abomination really that shouldn’t be here. Its only purpose is to cause chaos and misfortune to the living around them, all for their own amusement. They are full of confusion and are unable to grasp the reality of their situation. In life a character like that would be institutionalized. In this realm, obviously, that is not possible. We have to control these spirits. When they take it too far, and they usually always do, they are added to our list and a Seeker is sent to capture them and bring them here.

You should also be aware that when these spirits join with others of the same disposition they become stronger. They start to think with the same brain. They do not need words to communicate their plans. The young ones don’t understand this immediately. It takes years in this realm for them to fully grasp their strengths. The older ones are truly the most frightening and the ones you have to be cautious with. So when they become too aggressive, as I said, that is when the Seekers are informed and sent to capture them. They are brought here, to the Inn, in a specially crafted GTV. It has been made to transport a ghost in globule form, which is why the Seeker has to be strong enough to attack the spirit and bring it down into this form. You are aware of the Kris, I believe. It is the only weapon we know of that, when properly stabbed into these spirits, it can reduce them to the circle of light. It is this circle of light that can be seen by some human eyes. That is where the sightings and stories come from. The Light is more in our world now than the other realm, which is why we can manipulate it.

The GTV itself is nothing fancy on the outside, but the inside is quite beautiful actually. It is covered in cushioned red satin and smells like jasmine, juniper berries and lavender. Apparently it calms the globule, I don’t know how it was figured out that they can still smell. The lid of the GTV is soaked in valerian root, creating a barrier, the light form is unable to go through or open the lid. Just a hint of this root leaves the globule useless. Once delivered the GTV is lowered hundreds of feet below ground. The globule is released into the sealed portal. The light wants to escape, frantically circling for an exit. We are not heartless. We do not prolong the dissolving of the light, which is why we are prepared tonight to end the spirits anguish that you and Hayden brought us.” He reached forward and grabbed my hands.

“I know this is a lot of information. If you have any questions I will always be happy to talk with you. Please don’t hesitate, call me anytime when you get out there Natalie.”

17. LIGHTS

I held Clive’s hand as we walked down the stairs into the underground room that held the spirit. It had just been raised up from its holding cell, far below us. I couldn’t even imagine how they created this. The spirit seemed to be moving slowly, I think despair was setting in, I could feel it. I felt so drawn to this poor spirit. I walked over and placed my hand on the cell walls. I knew he was aware of me. He stopped moving and froze as he tried to focus on me. I was trying to soothe the spirit in my mind. I thought that if I could feel his emotions than maybe he could feel mine.

Clive walked over to me and told me it was time. I had to step back. I obeyed. All of a sudden there was a huge bright light in the cell with the globule. I could feel the relief the spirit began to feel. All the fear and confusion seemed to disappear. I could feel the tears that would have streamed out of his eyes. It happened so fast. The spirit changed quickly into its form before death and entered into the Light. The Light completely surrounded him then he was gone as quickly as the light appeared. I collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down my face. I had no idea I had actually been crying. Hayden quickly wrapped his arms around me and wiped the tears from my face.

“I’m sorry, but I could feel everything he felt. He was relieved. He was in a complete state of bliss. I have never felt such an emotion before. It’s a little overwhelming,” I tried to explain. I looked up and saw everyone just staring at me like I was insane.

“Can’t you feel it too?” I asked, looking around than back to Clive.

“Not like you do, I fear. I hope this wasn’t too much for you?” he asked nervously.

“No, it was amazing,” I beamed. They seemed amazed by my reactions but pleased with it. Hayden helped me to my feet. Clive nodded at Hayden as he grabbed my hand and led me to the cell that had once held the spirit. He opened a small chamber in the bottom of the cell and took out a white vial. It was a small sampling of the light that was left behind. Hayden passed it to Clive. It didn’t scare me as Clive carefully held the light in front of me. In a strange way, it felt like I had been through this before. I knew what was expected of me. I knew what Clive was going to do next. I was so happy that it was becoming hard for me to keep a straight face and not smile. Clive sensed this. He had trouble not smiling with me as he gave me the Light. I looked serious but my eyes were giving me away. As I swallowed the light Clive put his hands on my face and kissed me. I heard gasps from the crowd. From their reaction I guessed this was not customary behavior but it felt so right. I had placed my hands on his waist. He wouldn’t let me go. It seemed like minutes later when Elizabeth walked over and whispered to Clive.

“I think it is time we go.” Clive nodded. He looked into my eyes and smiled. He slowly reached for Elizabeth’s hand and walked away.

Hayden was standing at the back of the room now. Most of the spectators had followed behind them and left. I stood alone and collected myself. I felt lighter inside and strangely stronger. I didn’t feel fearful of anything. Actually that’s a lie. There was one thing I was afraid of. I was terrified that I had lost Hayden in order to accomplish my goal. I looked up to find Hayden not moving, still standing against the back wall.

“Hayden,” I whispered. He wasn’t smiling, he wasn’t moving. His face was blank, showing me no emotion.

“No Hayden, please,” I said. He had the power to completely destroy me. I would fall to pieces, please don’t leave me, I tried to speak, but couldn’t. All I could do was stand there and stare at him. As long as he was in my sight I would be able to hold on. I breathed slowly waiting for him to give me a sign, some signal that would let me know if I would be forever broken. I waited, unable to move. He took a step towards the door. I saw the pain in his eyes.

“No, please don’t leave me,” I cried out. I felt a single tear roll down my cheek. I knew more would follow. He stopped and turned to me. His eyes caught mine and I felt my knees tremble. He instantly appeared by my side and gently wiped the tears that were falling on my cheeks again.

“Do you still want me?” he looked searchingly into my eyes. My breath picked up. My heart was beating so fast.

“I want you more than I want to breathe,” I gasped as I reached for him. I needed to feel him. He seemed to be so surprised. How did this happen? How could he not know how much I loved him? What had I done? He was being too careful. I wanted him to be the in-control Hayden I had fallen in love with. The confident and strong Hayden I had depended on. This Hayden was a mess.

“I need you, please don’t leave me. I am so sorry for making you feel this way. Can you forgive me?” I begged. I kissed him roughly. I was stronger than I used to be already. Hayden didn’t flinch which was a relief.

“Please don’t give up on me, please don’t let me go?” I begged again. He finally reacted. He placed his hand under my chin and kissed me just as roughly.

“Let’s go upstairs,” he whispered. He picked me up and carried me the entire way up to our room. I haven’t felt this happy in days. I was finally able to rest. I didn’t have to think anymore. I was given the Light, just as Hayden had wanted.

What I didn’t realize, was that my journey was just beginning. Clive was waiting for me after breakfast the next day. I turned to Hayden when I saw him at the kitchen door downstairs.

“It’s okay Natalie. Clive has been involved in the training of Seekers for many years. I will be here when you return.” He hugged me.

“Why can’t you come with me?” I asked, not wanting to let go of him.

“You have to do this without distractions. I am not a trainer. Don’t worry, I told him not to push you too hard. As soon as you say you’re tired he will bring you back to me. I love you and I am so proud of you. You’re going to be great, don’t worry.” He kissed me and walked outside.

“Good morning Natalie,” Clive said as I approached him.

“Good morning Clive,” I smiled.

“Are you ready?” he asked as he opened the door and gestured for me to follow.

“Of course, although I’m not sure what I’m ready for.” Hayden hadn’t really explained the training part to me yet. He held the door of his jeep open for me as I climbed in. Once we were on the road he began to tell me about how he initiates the training. He seemed very serious that day, he was all business. I hoped I wouldn’t let him down. I was feeling alert and strong. I knew the light was changing me I just didn’t know what to expect. Clive was bringing me to a part of the jungle they had set up just for training once the light had been given to a Seeker. They wanted this area positioned away from where they lived so as to avoid any possible damage to their Inn as well as to keep it hidden from curious visitors.

Clive turned down a narrow path, barely wide enough for one car. The road looked like it was hardly used. Grass was growing up in the middle and all around the sides. I so wished Hayden would have come with me. Clive was starting to make me nervous with his abrupt words and distant look. We pulled into a clearing and there were two men and a woman from the Inn waiting. I recognized them but I couldn’t remember their names.

Once the jeep was parked I jumped out. I walked around the jeep and Clive told me to follow him. We walked over to the others.

“Natalie, this is Liam, our military training expert.” He pointed to the muscular older man. His hair was short and tinged grey. He nodded but didn’t smile.

“This is Sofia. She will help you with your senses. I’ll explain that later.” Sofia shook my hand but said nothing. She was tall and serious. Her black hair was straight and long, she had it pulled back in a ponytail, I remembered meeting her with Elizabeth upon my arrival. Her skin was slightly bronzed and her green eyes made her look exotic. I felt so plain standing beside her.

“Natalie, this is Carlos. He will teach you strategy, among other things.” Carlos smiled. I was so relieved by this, I quickly smiled back at him, hoping Clive hadn’t noticed. I was just grateful not everyone here was so serious.

I had to go with Liam first. I was nervous but as soon as Clive left Liam seemed to lighten up considerably. He made me run to warm up. I was surprised at how fast I could go. I think even Liam was surprised. I was laughing as I ran around the track. I was never a very athletic person before. I was always small and frail, compared to the other kids in school. I could run long distances better than I could race but I never won anything. With this new speed I could compete now. Liam held up his hand and waved me in.