Les Gris - TI4

by Heckrotte, Fran

  * * *

  The moon was two-thirds covered. Randi was sweating profusely. She could feel Raylena being slowly drawn from her mind. The void left behind left her sick and disoriented. Legs trembling, she dared not fall.

  Caelene felt the human's weakness and knew it was only a matter of time before the woman collapsed. Her Les Gris was at the threshold of the crossover. Already, it was nudging the dark tentacles aside, searching for the void her own had left behind. It was excruciatingly painful. The madness didn't give up its hold willingly. The battle for domination had begun.

  * * *

  Energy flowed from The Society members like a river gone wild. Les Gris and human clung tightly to each other, feeding off of each other's strengths and using it to sustain the others. It was a race against time and the clock was ticking. If the storm arrived before the ritual was complete, all their efforts would be in vain.

  Violent gusts of wind whipped particles of sand into the air and launched them in every direction. Many of the small grains were blocked by the barricade of demons and then passed harmlessly through the Aurora. The humans, however, were less fortunate as the sand blasts pelted their faces and arms. It was like the stings of hundreds of tiny wasps, making it difficult for them and their Les Gris to concentrate.

  We must stay strong! Lunara warned. The joining is almost complete.

  Tightening their grips, everyone focused on their mission, knowing it was now or never.

  * * *

  The physical pain was excruciating but nothing like the hot daggers slicing through her brain. Randi tried her best to hold on but knew it was impossible. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she stared hopelessly into the fiery red eyes of the Child, begging her forgiveness. Caelene frowned, knowing there was nothing she could do to help. Her own battle with the madness and the human Les Gris' alien composition was sapping all of her strength.

  I can't help you!

  I know!

  Knees buckling, Randi's hands began to slip away from Caelene's cheeks. She had failed.

  Sensing Randi's moment of weakness, Lilith realized she was too far away to help them. Within micro-seconds her daughter and the human would break their contact.

  "Dis!" she screamed over the wailing winds and then realized her cry was wasted.

  Watching his offspring and the human struggling against their inner demons and the elements, Dis knew they would never be able to fight both battles and win. Still, he wanted them to succeed on their own, knowing it would make both of them stronger. It was only at the final moment before they were to break contact that he intervened. An invisible force surrounded the two females, shielding them from the tiny particles assaulting their skins.

  Randi, who had endured more than humanly possible, felt a burning energy flowing into her veins and muscles. Gasping, she tried to jerk her hands away from Caelene's face only to find it impossible to move them.

  "You've come too far to fail now, human," Dis said matter-of-factly. "The joining will continue."

  Without breaking her gaze with the demoness, Randi slowly nodded her head, signaling she was ready to continue.

  * * *

  Concentrating on the final stages of the eclipse, Belle saw a dark cloud stretching ahead of the others and moving rapidly toward the moon.

  Could that be the Shadow Demon? she asked the Les Gris.

  We're not sure! No one has ever seen it, they replied in unison. Belle and the others could feel their fear. The Aurora tightened their circle around the humans, pressing their shadowy shapes against each one to insure it would have no space to gain access to even one of them. Immediately the demons moved closer. Lilith and Intunecat watched the cloud as it stretched itself unnaturally toward the moonlight and then began circling it counter clockwise. Dis glanced up and then back at Randi and Caelene.

  Everyone knew they had lost! The cloud would block out the Blood Moon's energy before the joining was complete.

  "Is there nothing we can do?" Thomas yelled, finally understanding the importance of their mission. "We are so close! We can't give up now!"

  Beamon was proud! For the first time in his life, Thomas had taken the initiative even if it was too late to save Raylena and the Child.

  CHAPTER 24

  It Returns

  THE SHADOW DEMON was pissed! Storming through the darkness, it shoved the frightened Les Gris aside, searching for Rumex or Candesca. How dare they leave Its presence without permission! In time, It realized that the realm was too big. They could be anywhere and it would take forever to find them if they chose to avoid it. In creating the realm in Intunecat's dark world, It had created hiding places that were infinite. Finally giving up, It decided to seek solace in the mortal world. Surely there were Shadows waiting to be had. They were the most vulnerable during the Blood Moon.

  "Yes," It thought. "Gather your puny forces. I'll replace them a thousand fold."

  Deep from within the realm of Darkness, It emerged, gleefully laughing. No one defied the Shadow Demon.

  * * *

  Emerging near the windswept beach, It watched the group standing silently in a circle. Several beer bottles and soda cans were strewn around them. The Shadow Demon was pleased. Alcohol and drugs weakened the bond between life partners, making it easier to seduce a Les Gris. Perhaps It would be able to add several to Its collection this night.

  The Blood Moon was in full eclipse although partially blocked by clouds. The timing was perfect. Gliding through the dark night, It found a weak Les Gris and his human sitting in the sand near the others.

  You are unhappy, It said sympathetically. Your life partner doesn't deserve you.

  The Les Gris sighed. We are joined. I have no choice.

  You do now. I can help you. Come with me and I will show you paradise.

  Paradise?

  Yes, a land of light and joy. Colors as you never imagined – and others like you who have found chosen happiness. I'm offering you that!

  Why? The Les Gris asked. Who are you?

  Just another like you who has vowed to help my brethren. Nothing more.

  The Les Gris felt a warmth creeping into him. He had longed for freedom from the wretched man who was his life partner. Without hesitation, he embraced the warmth and was lost.

  Joyously, the Shadow Demon laughed as It ripped the Shadow from his human. There would be more to follow once this one was ensnared within the darkness.

  CHAPTER 25

  The Joining

  HELPLESS, THE GATHERING waited for the cloud to cover the Blood Moon. They had done all they could but it wasn't enough. In less than ten minutes the joining would have been complete. With the cloud circling the eclipse it was only a matter of seconds before it...

  Suddenly, the cloud stopped. In an unnatural maneuver, it turned toward the beach and streaked forward, twisting and swirling like a snake until it came to an abrupt stop in front of Obsidia.

  Good evening, Cousin!

  Wandra! It's good to see you, the Aurora declared happily. You had us worried.

  Sorry about that! It took me awhile to figure out where you were. The rest of the Sylphs are in the storm. They will hold it at bay until the ritual is complete.

  We are in your debt. Thank you, Cousin.

  My pleasure! I will collect on that debt in a few days, Wandra promised. If you are up to it.

  Obsidia vibrated ecstatically. His influence amongst the Aurora would grow even more once they knew he was to enjoy a second union with the Sylph.

  I can think of nothing better to keep me fit, he replied. I'll await your pleasure with anticipation.

  Nodding her head slightly, Wandra turned the cloud and rode it back into the heart of storm. Lightning flashed wildly while thunder rumbled. Although the winds raged, they held their position as if an invisible force were blocking their path.

  * * *

  Lunara and the Les Gris held firm as Raylena slipped from their grasp, disappearing into the mental maze of the demoness' mind. Like a spr
inging trap, a black fiery portal snapped shut, blocking Raylena's energies. The joining was complete. Everyone had done all they could. It was now up to Caelene and Raylena to make the merging successful.

  * * *

  The Child collapsed to the ground, exhausted. Releasing Randi from his invisible grip, Dis watched her as she sank slowly to the ground. Satisfied that her weakness was only temporary, he looked around and grinned.

  "I have a party to attend," he announced happily and vanished. The demons quickly followed.

  Without commenting, the Aurora faded into the dark woods. They too wanted to celebrate as only the Aurora could. The orgy would go on for weeks.

  * * *

  Lilith approached her daughter, helping both her and Randi to their feet. The Society members and their Les Gris gathered around them, wanting to make sure the two women were okay. They knew that both would need a good support system until they adjusted.

  "We miss her already," Randi said, feeling a deep loneliness. Everyone assured she and Lighthra it would pass.

  I can still feel her presence, Lighthra said, overwhelmed with joy. She says she's fine but a little lost. The Child's mind is so different. It will take them time to adapt to each other.

  But she's optimistic? Lunara asked.

  Cautiously so. It will be hard for each of them. The Child's thoughts are... Raylena can't seem to come up with a good description. She says it's like a multi-dimensional maze. At the moment she is running into mostly dead ends but isn't giving up. Already the madness is receding.

  Raylena is strong and will be a good match for the Child.

  Everyone agreed.

  * * *

  "Are you alright?" Lilith asked, leaning slightly forward to make eye contact with the human. Randi had risked her life to help Caelene... and more. The sacrifice could cost the human more than she had bargained for.

  The demoness wouldn't forget Randi's sacrifice.

  Randi rubbed her aching temples and groaned.

  "I think so," she replied hesitantly. "I could use a couple of aspirin right now."

  "I have something better," Lilith said and then ran her fingertips across the woman's forehead.

  "Wow!" Randi exclaimed as the pain subsided. "Thanks. I do feel better."

  "Good." Lilith wrapped her right arm around her daughter's waist. "It's time to go home," she said. Giving Intunecat a faint nod, she and the Child disappeared. The Dark Spirit also vanished.

  * * *

  "He's not real accomplished with goodbyes, is he?" Mallory observed and ruffled the fur around Ridge's neck. "It seems so anti-climactic now, doesn't it? All of these entities joining together to fight the big bad Shadow Demon and it doesn't even show up for its own party."

  Are you disappointed? Solly asked.

  "No. At least I don't think so. It would have been fun to see his expression, though."

  His?

  "Okay hers, then, although this sounds more like a guy thing to me."

  Solly chuckled.

  Said like a true human.

  Mallory shrugged.

  "Said like a true Les Gris. I guess we should get a move on it. Tomorrow's another day and I still have those flowcharts to do."

  Pulling a ball from her pocket, she threw it toward the car. Immediately Ridge charged after it. Mallory and Solly could almost imagine what he was thinking... about time!

  * * *

  "Let's go, everyone," Belle called out and motioned toward the parking lot. Swaying from fatigue, she wasn't aware that Thomas had stepped close to her until he took her by the arm.

  "I can..."

  Let him help you this time, Lunara advised. It's his and Beamon's way of letting you know they have begun stabilizing.

  "Oh, alright," Belle grumbled under her breath. "Thank you, Thomas," she said graciously to the young man. Without thinking, Thomas gave her a shy smile. "The footing here is deplorable. You coming girls?" she called out to Sylvie and Angie.

  "Naw," Angie said, smiling happily. "I think we'll stay a little longer. It's been quite awhile since we had time to ourselves on an isolated beach."

  "Yeah," Sylvie piped in. "Besides, with the full moon, I know of two Les Gris who are going to enjoy their first romantic interlude on the sand."

  Giggling, Lumiere and Soleil didn't wait for their life partners to begin. Embarrassed, Sylvie and Angie clasped hands and ran toward the lapping waves. Had Angie glanced behind them, she would have noticed their Shadows happily frolicking in the moonlight.

  "We should go," Thomas said. "I... uh... think we should give those two women some privacy."

  You mean Lumiere and Soleil, Beamon corrected and then decided to change the subject. Thomas was obviously embarrassed too. You've done well, Thomas. Perhaps one day, you will meet someone and know the same type of love.

  Beamon was proud of his life partner. He now believed that in time they would be in sync. Then Beamon would take a much deserved rest, although he wasn't planning on going anywhere. How could he? All in all, it had been an interesting experience for everyone.

  Epilogue

  INTUNECAT studied the black orbs as they floated around him.

  "One of these days, I'll learn your secret," he promised aloud. Although they were impossible to tell apart, he could identify one in particular. It always kept close to him where as the others maintained a safe distance. Occasionally, he would forget about it and then suddenly become aware that it was resting lightly on his left shoulder. In a way, he felt comforted and some of his loneliness was diminished. No matter who or what the orb was, Intunecat was sure it was intelligent and it was only a matter of time before he learned its secret.

  * * *

  Candesca felt an affinity to the entity near her. She had felt its return and rushed from her hiding place to join it. Sensing his loneliness, it reminded her of the years she had been alone waiting for her life partner to reappear. Although she had willingly chosen this new prison until she could free the other Shadows, it felt good to know she had a companion who enjoyed her presence. Already, she could interpret its moods. At the moment, it appeared calm on the surface but inside, a dark fire burned, much like that within the Child. The thought gave her comfort. She understood the heat of suppressed passion.

  The End

  About The Author

  Fran Heckrotte lives in sunny South Carolina with her husband. Some of her interests include motorcycling, boogie boarding, scuba diving, gardening, and water gardening. She spent three years in Alaska enjoying hiking, camping, gold panning and working part time at a local ranch. After moving to the South to become a policewoman for five years, she left law enforcement to become a carpenter. Now she owns a property management company. As time permits, she likes to travel to Montreal, Canada, and South Beach, Miami with her gal pals to enjoy the nightlife.

  Other Titles by This Author

  The Illusionist (First in the Illusionist Series)

  Summary

  DAKOTA DEVEREAUX, an investigative journalist, is on a mission to uncover the secrets of Yemaya, The Illusionist. However, in her quest for an expose on this mysterious woman, she uncovers more than she bargained for. Dakota is targeted by a power hungry CEO, determined to learn the Illusionist's secret at all costs and a madman intent on fulfilling his perverted fantasies.

  From Moldova, land of the legendary werewolf, to Transylvania and the Carpathian Mountains, two souls must battle the dark forces of evil for their lives and their love.

  * * *

  Bloodlust (Second in the Illusionist Series)

  Summary

  Yemaya and Dakota have just returned to the Illusionist's homeland for a well-earned vacation when they are informed that several villagers had been savagely attacked and killed by something or someone. At the same time, a young Carpi woman is found lying unconscious near the outskirts of Teraclia. Comatose, she is unable to tell anyone what has happened and science can provide no answers. Two small wounds on her throat raise the old specter of the va
mpire, a legend the locals of the Transylvanian community are very familiar with and still believe in to this day.

  The Illusionist and her partner search for the truth behind these attacks. Will they fall prey to this murderous bloodlust that surrounds them, or will they succeed in stopping this heinous reign of terror.