My Demonic Ghost #3: Hunters and Creators (7 page)

“Oh,” He whispered softly, “They’ve come to take you.”

“Hmm?!” I murmured only to be shushed again.

He indicated with his chin for me to look around. Damage and Gargoyle stood like fences at the top of the hill, standing their ground against a large pack of Hunters that were all dressed in uniform white.

“Gargoyle! Damage! I’m sure you understand why we are here!” One of the male Hunters stepped forward, opening his arms to gesture to the pack that stood behind him. Both Gargoyle and Damage had their arms crossed their chests smugly.

“You have no business here William,” Damage snarled.

“Withholding information or important valuables from us is punishable, you understand the order-” William stepped forward with a stern grunt, pointing his index finger right into their faces.

“We’ve claimed her. She is ours to protect. Your services are not required,” Gargoyle answered with a less agitated tone.

“You are just half a Hunter. You have no power over us.” William spat his words through his teeth, speaking with condescending hate that incited Gargoyle to suddenly lunge at him.

Gargoyle was fast, snatching William’s extended arm and pinning it behind his back. As William groaned, Gargoyle smirked into his ear, “I may be a half hunter but I am still stronger than you. How does that make you feel?

“Stand down Gar-goy-le. Know your place.” Another Hunter stepped forward and forcibly shoved Gargoyle off William. William stumbled out of the pressure hold, holding onto his shoulder with a disgruntled snarl. 

“I do know my place, gentlemen. It’s by the side of our beloved Miira.” Gargoyle stepped back and announced. “And as I have caught the Creator what have you done to deserve your titles?”

“If you have caught the Creator as you claim, then where is it?”

Gargoyle paused for a moment; even from my position down the hill I could sense the unease shift through him. “It’s with a girl. She is still living.”

“You’re a liar!” William jeered.

“He is not lying! I’ve seen it with my own two eyes,” Damage stepped forward, but fell silent as Gargoyle held his hand out.

“Prove it then!” William beckoned again, but Gargoyle did not comply.

“As we said before, you have no business here. We found her and we will ensure the Creator is safely returned.”

“Tsk! Miira is running out of patience, Gargoyle. If the Creator and Staff are not returned by the end of the month you know she will do what she must!”

“Then we better not waste any time. Shall we?” Gargoyle replied calmly, only serving to pinch William’s temper even more.

“You are a fool and your stubborn pride will be their undoing. I hope you are here when everything burns.” William’s words sent chills through me. Not even Chaos was smiling. The rest of the Hunters disappeared among the wind, so Gargoyle and Damage let their arms drop to their sides. I followed Chaos up the hill till I reached the others.

Gargoyle exhaled deeply, hanging his head low. “Okay. Okay, we can’t waste any more time.”

Damage shook her head in hopelessness, “What are we supposed to do? We’ve got a living on our hands. Not a Creator.”

I felt my tongue swell, “Well… maybe I can help?”

Gargoyle glanced over briefly, “I really hope so. Can you get the Creator spirit to come out?”

I didn’t know what to say. Not two hours ago I just found out such a thing existed. “I… I don’t know how.”

“What were you doing when it first approached you?” Chaos asked. I turned my head down in thought.

“I was dancing. I was with my friends… I was with James and I was really happy.”

“Maybe that’s it,” Chaos turned to the others, “her sense of happiness may have drawn its attention.”

They all murmured with small hope as I asked, “Why would my happiness draw its attention exactly?”

Damage sighed, “Creators are emotionally driven spirits. They are pure instinct, a ‘live in the moment’ type of being. They create life and survival; happiness and sadness; heart break and love. So, when they are in the presence of such feelings, they are drawn to them. It’s also incredibly risky. They have super empathic ability where they take on any emotion and increase it to great proportions. If you are annoyed, they’ll become furious. If you are a little sad, they turn it into misery. It keeps them irrational, temperamental, and extremely dangerous and wild. They do not belong here where feelings and emotions are so carelessly thrown around.” 

“What bad can come of joy?” I questioned.

“Ecstasy. The Creator feels empowered and suddenly it’s on a massive high that only ends with destruction. It can reflect its own emotions onto others, tricking you into believing you are greater than we actually are. It can destroy a person in a second.” The memory of the white haired creature suddenly going ballistic bounced back into mind, the moment people started panicking the Creator must’ve felt it ten times the normal response.

“Your job is to call it.” Gargoyle ordered as he straightened back up. “Do anything that’s necessary. We need any strong reaction to get its attention. Just do it quickly.”

Chapter Nine:

With the sole task of baiting a Creator spirit, I returned to the old cabin and sat myself down on the couch. I sat there gathering my thoughts and trying to spark a reaction, while all three Hunters sat surrounding me watching my every move. They were as silent and as still as the furniture, yet I could still feel their attention spotlighting me.

“I can’t concentrate with you all staring.” I sighed.

“Does that make you feel angry?” Chaos asked hopefully. He was sitting on the couch, his head resting directly behind me and his knee constantly bumping into my back. Damage was by the back wall, arms crossed and her face curled in what I could only presume was her natural snarling face. Gargoyle sat in front. Directly in front. His chin in his palms and his eyes piercing right through me.  A glare I thought could snap me in two.

“It’s annoying, yes, but I’m not mad.”

“How about this,” Damage stood and pinched the muscle under my arm really hard. I snatched my arm away hastily. “Do you feel mad now?”

“Ow! Don’t do that!” I snapped.

“Not a good idea Damage. We don’t want what the Creator to replicate rage.” Gargoyle pondered as he started to pace.

“It may have just been a huge coincidence that the Creator appeared to her…” Damage suggested as she walked around the couch to where Gargoyle was. She was taller, but not by much, suggesting she was older.

“No, no it has something to do with her. You said before you were with a boy. What were you feeling?”

I gritted my teeth; I didn’t really want to admit it aloud to a pack of what were once mythical creatures. “Gees… I dunno. Happiness?”

“Love?” Chaos suggested.

“Maybe. I don’t know.”

“Love is pretty powerful, feel love again!” Gargoyle barked and I found myself laughing.

“What? I can’t just feel it like that!” I clicked my fingers together as Chaos slid down onto the couch next to me. He took my chin into his hand, forcibly turning my cheek to look into his gaze.

“I can help you feel love.” He purred and I pulled my face away immediately.

“No thank you!” I repelled.

“Maybe you’re just not her type, Chaos.” Damage sneered as Chaos jumped up from the couch, appearing to be stretching out his back muscles.

“Half the fun is charming the girl anyway,” He brushed his hand through his hair, sweeping it into a messy mop.

“I’m like twice his age.” I pointed out.

“I can look older if it’ll help?”

“No, we have to return her to this James guy. Stimulate that reaction in her again and we may just get the Creator to appear.” Gargoyle spoke.

“It’s a lot less romantic when you know it’s staged.” I rebutted. “It’s not going to work.”

“We need it to work. Now stop arguing and let’s go.”

***

I found myself back at Whitehaven, escorted by three red headed Angels of Justice and having every set of eyes turn to gawk at me. Who was I kidding; I was the last person to get their attention. The three of them were another story, yet they walked completely oblivious to the stares. I had checked my phone earlier to see I had already received three missed calls from both Kate and Tom, and they were under the impression I had gone home with James last night. I sent a text earlier just to ease their concern. I had also received three missed calls from James himself. He was concerned, but not to the extent Kate and Tom were.

Gargoyle merely shrugged his shoulders, “That’s a natural reaction. When the creator appeared, Damage and I remained behind to wipe everyone’s memory of the incident. The world is already a mess with all the suspicion and fear. The last thing we want is a war on earth too.”

“So what do they remember exactly?”

“Nothing. I didn’t have time to fill in the blanks.” Damage waved off with a careless shrug, “They’re just missing ten minutes of memory. No one will notice.”  

When I got James on the phone it was already late afternoon, close to four o’clock. “Rachael? Hey, are you okay? You disappeared on me last night.” He answered as cheerful as always.

“Yeah… umm, sorry about that. I suddenly got a really bad... stomach ache so I rushed home. I wanted to make it up to you, are you free for dinner?” 

“Yeah of course. Let’s meet up in town okay? At six?”

“Yeah, okay umm… how about back at the carnival entrance?”

“Yeah, sounds nice. I’ll see you there.”

I don’t know why, but I felt guilty. I wasn’t doing anything untrustworthy. If anything, I was trying to recreate the perfect evening that was so rudely disrupted last night. Still, I couldn’t get rid of a sense of impending doom. I wasn’t carefree anymore. I had three angels by my side, a spirit of emotion hiding somewhere, and now a possible demon stalking my every move. I was far from feeling romantic with James.

I hadn’t changed my clothes since last night and I was yet to have a shower. Gargoyle agreed to take me back to my place to change, yet when I arrived, I found the place empty. The car was still there, as were all their belongings inside.

I called Kate as soon as I noticed, “Hey, where are you guys?”

“Rach? Oh, nice of you to call us. Not too busy cuddling up to James are we?” Kate probed with gentle humour. I laughed softly, unable to bring myself to truly relax.

“Very funny. I’m just giving you a heads up; I’ll probably be coming home late tonight or whatever. Don’t wait up for me.”

Her laughter caused me to grimace, “Staying two nights in a row, I didn’t think you were that type of girl.” She was teasing me of course, but still I felt myself get defensive.

“It’s not like that. We’re just catching up. Don’t get the wrong idea.”

“Hey, you don’t have to explain anything to me. He’s a cute guy, I don’t blame you. Just so you know, we’re leaving early morning, so make sure you’re back and ready to go by 9:30. It’s a damn long drive and we’ve got Uni Monday.”

“Umm…” I glanced up at Gargoyle.
If this worked and I got the Creator to appear, would that mean I get to return to my life as normal?
I was too fearful to even ask, in case the answer was no. “Yeah… of course. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I hesitated before hanging up.

Gargoyle was the only one who followed me to the house, Chaos and Damage remained back in town to keep an eye on the activity there. It felt so empty being in this large house with just him and me. Gargoyle glanced around wearily, swallowing hard.

“Are you okay?” I jerked him out of his daydreaming as he shook his head.

“Just a sense of
déjà vu
. Did this house belong to you?”

“To my Uncle actually, but he left here a long time ago. It now belongs to my dad. Hey, can you sense other spirits?” I asked while Gargoyle ran his hand along the mantel piece over the fire pit. He checked his fingertip for dust before wiping it against his shirt.

“Sometimes, depending on the spirit. Other Hunters we can sense easily. Reapers, no, they are almost impossible to track. Banished, yes, but only when they are touched by sunlight. They use darkness to hide, makes it really difficult. They also can use humans to hide in as well, like hosts.” He turned to face me as his tone dropped an octave, suddenly becoming serious.  “Have you ever heard of it?”

“Demon possession? Yes but I wasn’t a believer. I mean... I don’t really know what I believe now.”

Gargoyle drummed his fingertips along the wood debating something before disregarding his thought, “You better get ready. Don’t want to be late.” 

“Yes of course, but before I go. Can you sense if there is a demon or spirit in this house? When my friends and I arrived we witnessed dark shadows moving along the walls and heard strange noises. We’re pretty sure it was a ghost, but if you could maybe confirm it…”

Gargoyle answered without battering an eyelid, “There are no spirits here. You can rest easy.”

I met James as planned, outside the entrance to the Whitehaven carnival, and together we ventured into town, searching for a nice place to eat. We settled for a local pizza restaurant near the park. James had dressed nicely, smart casual with clean styled hair, and I could slowly feel myself slip into my old self. He had a white collared shirt with simple black pants and a skinny black tie that was left loose around his neck.

We laughed, we joked, and ate some disgustingly greasy pizza that only caused us to laugh some more. It was nearly nine o’clock when we started to feel the itch for food again. Dessert this time, something with chocolate.

I excused myself to go to the bathroom once we had ordered a sticky date pudding to share. I was looking into the mirror and patting down my cheeks just as Damage stepped into view. I jumped at her soundless approach before clutching my heart. She seemed annoyed.

“It’s not working.” She snarled as if I was deliberately trying to fail.

I could only shrug, “Well I’m trying.”

“Try harder.”

“Why don’t
you
beckon it with feelings of love then?” I snapped.

Damage’s voice didn’t falter, as if I was genuinely suggesting it, “Don’t be absurd. That’ll never work.”   

“This is your plan, not mine,” I told her directly before checking over myself one more time and turning to the door. She stepped over so she blocked my path.

She stared at me long and hard for a moment and despite myself, I couldn’t stop my mind from racing. She looked amazing. No one has ever had eyes that could actually pour warmth into my body. Hers didn’t just meet mine, her golden hues melted into my skin and danced with a spark of light that I’ve never seen before. It felt alive, even though I am a living human, Damage’s iris moved as a graceful cloud made of golden lint.  In a manner that didn’t match the gentle caress of her gaze she asked, “You
do
love him, don’t you?”

I
felt myself hesitate; I mean…
love is such a powerful word…
“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him in such a long time, but I’m happy with him. He’s the only boy who has ever made me feel this way.” I whispered back not sure if I understood her question correctly.

“Is he?” She poised again, arching her perfect brow before shattering into invisibility. Damage’s words shook me up a bit, and as I returned to the table, my appetite and happiness disappeared. The moment I thought of forgetting these angels was just that, a moment. Working my way silently into my half of the pudding and returning one-worded answers to James I was slow to notice the waiter approach the table. I glanced up at the familiar warmth to see Gargoyle standing bottle of wine in hand and two glasses balanced in between his fingers.

“A bottle of Champaign? It’s on the house,” He offered as James looked up, peachy pink in his cheeks at our good luck. I, on the other hand, stared up at Gargoyle suspiciously. His eyes met mine, and his voice, as clear and crisp as if he had actually spoken, broadcast inside my head. I jumped and my knees slapped the wood underneath the table.

‘Rachael. What are you doing?
’ He asked, keeping fierce eye contact with me as he poured the two glasses of wine.   

‘No way! How are you in my head?’
I questioned back, dumbfounded.

‘A simple telepathic skill, try and stay focused, is something wrong? You seem distracted. Did the Creator appear to you?’
I dabbed my napkin to my lips, trying to bite back the uncomfortable cough at having someone else sitting in the very personal space of my conscious.

‘
Nothing’s wrong. Stop staring at me so sternly!  You’re making it look weird.
’ I chanced a glance at James, who had noticed the far too long stare between Gargoyle and I. He slowed down his chewing, switching his focus between mine and Gargoyle’s face.

‘You didn’t answer my question…’

“I’m fine, go away.” I had accidently said aloud.

“What?” James muttered.

“Oh, no sorry. I meant this is fine, let’s go away more often.” I quickly scooped up my wine glass in cheers. I broke away from Gargoyle’s glare and I instantly felt his presence fade from my mind. He didn’t linger as I returned to my conversation with James, trying to pick up from before my little bump in with Damage. By the end of the night, the overwhelming feeling of butterflies in my stomach just wasn’t there. James was heading back that night and he kissed me softly on the side of the cheek. I could feel he was lingering, hoping for an invitation to kiss me more, but I turned my cheek and pulled him into a goodbye hug.

As I made my way home, Gargoyle, Chaos and Damage all spontaneously appeared next to me. It wasn’t far from where I was staying, and a midnight walk in chilling wind was the refreshing wakeup call that I needed.

“So, what happened?” Gargoyle asked as he fell into step next to me. Both Chaos and Damage appeared on my other side, curiously leaning forward to listen. 

“You were there. You saw it. Nothing happened. Absolutely nothing.” I exhaled with mild frustration.

“Maybe you needed some romantic music?” Chaos suggested, “And more candles?”

I stopped, forcing them to stop before I turned to address them. “Listen, this isn’t going to work. I’m sorry, but I can’t do this. Whatever happened last night was a coincidence. Now you’ve had your fun, you’ve tried your little theory and it didn’t work. I’m going home; and tomorrow I’m going to go back to the city with my friends. End of story.”