18. Bridge

In Civilisation Maya grinned watching Sam Minx and Jack frolic by the pond, with such freedom.

An odd yet complimentary mix she thought He a rock Minx like water and Sam sunlight.

She saw their collective mood change and noticed they were watching elder Jeffery and his wife Sally.

The darkness around the couple made Maya gasp the red dancing around Jeffery left her weak.

Maya sat to catch her breathe Jeffery was about to die by means too horrid and beyond natural.

Eyes still on the trio she saw Sam's energy brighten through Jack then Minx aiding Jack, suspending Sam in mid air.

Astounded at the power of the girls and the resilience of Jack, Maya understood why she was here.

Ten years ago she had been drawn to this place she had lived here for the last seven.

Her first visit was as a stall holder with the Gypsies she came selling her organic honey and beeswax products.

The towns people were friendly and happily showed the travelling folk their greatest hospitality.

Jo-al was so smitten he stayed behind lending his wood turning skills to the bridge restorers for the lone bridge in Hallow Springs.

When she returned for a visit a year later Jo-al had moved on the bridge remarkable a true legacy for the young talent.


Chapter 19 - MENAGE

Chapter 17 - MONO
Chapter 16 - MELD
Chapter 15 - RESPITE
Chapter 14 - DAWN
Chapter 13- PRIDE

Chapter 12 - RITE
Chapter 11 - SPENT
Chapter 10 - MERGER 

Chapter 9 - THREE         

Chapter 8 - MET     
Chapter 7 - FEAR

Chapter 6 - NEED

Chapter 5 - MAYA

Chapter 4 - THING

Chapter 3 - KNOW

Chapter 2 - STUM

Chapter 1 - MINX

17. Mono

Sam sustained five metres above her body watched Minx comfort Jack no words needed.

Concern in her very touch she was not giving but releasing energy from him.

Everything was in monochrome, making the town look quite bizarre.

The Ministry Building chilled having the same washed out look, yet colour swirled about it like droplets of blood in water.

Her body shivered she lost buoyancy and started falling fast she habitually held her breathe and the foetal position.

Falling into the ground only her simple thought 'What? Yeah right!' stopped her from sinking deeper.

She felt warmth run to her as she was half in half out she welcomed it it was Jack.

Pulling herself into her form found her mourning the loss of freedom cringing at the sensory experience.

Readjusting to the physical wasn't easy Jack's warmth kept reaching for her searching.

Tentatively she brushed his essence she felt him relax and she did to.

"What happened?" Jack concerned held her closely gently Minx still touching him keeping him safe from her.

"I'm not sure I made you sick then Minx held me away 'til you were okay" she squirmed a little to fit her skin "are you okay Jack?"

Chapter 18 - BRIDGE

Chapter 16 - MELD
Chapter 15 - RESPITE
Chapter 14 - DAWN
Chapter 13- PRIDE

Chapter 12 - RITE
Chapter 11 - SPENT
Chapter 10 - MERGER 

Chapter 9 - THREE         

Chapter 8 - MET       
Chapter 7 - FEAR

Chapter 6 - NEED

Chapter 5 - MAYA

Chapter 4 - THING

Chapter 3 - KNOW

Chapter 2 - STUM

Chapter 1 - MINX

16. Meld

In their wake Jeffrey and Sally left Sam Jack and Minx bewildered on the grass next to the pond, the fear and chill left with them.

"Umm what do you think that was about?" Sam looked at Jack for an answer then to Minx "do you think it is happening again?"

Jack watched Sam struggle with thought, feeling and felt her energy vanquishing the demons of the elder's resonance' most efficient he thought.

"Hey Jack, did you hear me?" she placed a hand on his sending light warmth loving, "Jack"

He felt her essence radiate through him it was like every cell of his being recognised her or the essence of her.

His eyes tried to focus on her voice, he was consumed by her energy, did she know she did this, he was suddenly scared unable to do anything, out of action.

Sam felt him dissolve into her and enjoyed the mingling of their energies, she looked into his eyes seeing excitement, wonder, then fear painted his face.

She let go "Oh Jack I'm so sorry!" she pushed herself away, not trusting she wouldn't reach to help.

Minx was there taking Jack's hand she rested it at her breast letting her heartbeat resound through him effectively neutralising Sam's vibrance.

Huddled Sam watched felt Minx soothe Jack his breathing slowed and evened out, he focused on Minx sighing he touched her face in appreciation.

Turning Minx placed a hand on Sam's forehead 'You are strong, you must learn' Sam heard/saw in her mind it was Minx but not female/male just Minx.

Sam's spirit was lifted from her and she sat ten metres in the air, Minx let go plummeting Sam panicked then decided to stop, I will learn.



Chapter 17 - MONO

Chapter 15 - RESPITE
Chapter 14 - DAWN
Chapter 13- PRIDE

Chapter 12 - RITE
Chapter 11 - SPENT
Chapter 10 - MERGER 

Chapter 9 - THREE         

Chapter 8 - MET         
Chapter 7 - FEAR

Chapter 6 - NEED

Chapter 5 - MAYA

Chapter 4 - THING

Chapter 3 - KNOW

Chapter 2 - STUM

Chapter 1 - MINX

15. Respite

Leaving 'Civilisation Net Cafe' in Minx' wake, the still fresh morning caressed, exciting tired skin.

Sammy joined them, without asking or being asked, she was like Minx in that way, just did what she felt.

Jack smiled with fondness warmth Sammy turned returning the smile and warmth her vibrant green eyes glistening innocence.

He felt pure joy reach him through those eyes and at once he was sure of absolutely nothing at all.

Minx came bounding back to him taking his head in hand kissing him gently lovingly, before bouncing off again.

Laughing he could rely on Minx to keep him present focused and free from worries he wished he was so useful.

They sat on the grassy edge of the pond that dominated town square, watching golden ghosts drift beneath murky waters and lily pads.

Duck coasted over gracefully expectant disappointed they looked down their noses, turned their backs and left.

Cherishing the day feeling light and love they basked in her radiance, just as a chill sheered through their indulgence.

Suddenly erect and looking around for the cause of this rift, they saw elder Jeffrey and his wife Sally throwing bags into their car, looking spooked.

It was coming from them it was fear urgent and absolute it was Jeffrey's Sally was fed by his fear, I moved closer to Jack and Minx came and huddled down to.

They were oblivious to their audience he watched The Ministry Building and she watched him as they readied to take flight.

Chapter 16 - MELD

Chapter 14 - DAWN
Chapter 13- PRIDE

Chapter 12 - RITE
Chapter 11 - SPENT
Chapter 10 - MERGER 

Chapter 9 - THREE         

Chapter 8 - MET           
Chapter 7 - FEAR

Chapter 6 - NEED

Chapter 5 - MAYA

Chapter 4 - THING

Chapter 3 - KNOW

Chapter 2 - STUM

Chapter 1 - MINX

14. Dawn

James walked in on the scene with his wife and Cecilia "James help I don't know what's wrong, she just suddenly..."

The other ladies sat stupefied by the wretched scene, "Let me take Cecilia love, Sherman is waiting with help."

Elisa couldn't make sense of what he was saying, how, why, what, she was just relieved to have James take care of it, he's such a good strong man.

"Take a seat love I'll have a fresh pot of tea sent in, you must all be in terrible shock a burst appendix is such an agonising experience, and to witness it isn't pretty."

Had the Ladies had sense of mind they may have noticed James' beaded brow or the haunted look in his eyes.

But they were shaken and James was quick, at the door he hefted Cecilia carrying her as if across the threshold.

They hadn't expected this to happen it never had before, he hoped the ladies were scared senseless enough to accept his explanation.

He hurried to the lift at the end of the hall, Cecilia was calming, below her breasts bloomed a bloody rose she would see Sherman soon.

Clemence picked up her embroidery hands shaking, it was a security blanket for her as she tried to find some order.

Elisa still breathless took up her glass of water spilling as it came to her lips, how did Sherman know he wasn't here.

Jane reached into her silken clutch taking out a silver flask and taking a hit a drop ran down, her tongue quick captured, she passed it to Elisa.

They all sat inside their minds, watching their suspicions come to fruition sharing an understanding, their men were monsters in faint exasperation "Jo-al" whispered, deafened.

Chapter 15 - RESPITE

Chapter 13- PRIDE

Chapter 12 - RITE
Chapter 11 - SPENT
Chapter 10 - MERGER 

Chapter 9 - THREE         

Chapter 8 - MET           
Chapter 7 - FEAR

Chapter 6 - NEED

Chapter 5 - MAYA

Chapter 4 - THING

Chapter 3 - KNOW

Chapter 2 - STUM

Chapter 1 - MINX

13. Pride

Freshness filled the dayroom light and airy as they sat sipping tea, discussing upstanding men in the community and the Spring Festival just around the corner.

Beautiful intricacies fell from aged hands, cucumber crisp and strawberry jam thick shared the air in harmony.

There was love in the room of life lived well with faith and goodness, these were proud women proud wives, mothers, children.

The door opened so swiftly startling the ladies and bursting their social bubble beyond repair, a disheveled Jeffery stood, haunted.

Looking to his wife he pleaded "we must go, now, please" unable to catch his breathe, his voice on the edge.

"Jeffery?" his wife concerned put down the needlework and went to him, "you're burning up, what has happened?"

"We must go my love, I'm not well" his legs ached from flight mode his body saturated in sweat, he wobbled.

Sally caught him having fetched her things "Okay sweetest let's go it will all be well soon" she supported her husband shocked by his weakness.

"Goodbye ladies, thank you for tea" Sally helped Jeffery leave the room, silence settled and they looked at one another blankly confused.

Fear crept into the room finding Cecilia, she shivered then dropped her lacework as pain gripped her and twisted her intestines.

The others shrieked to their feet as Cecilia howled in agony, Elisa ran to her aid taking Cecilia's hand to comfort it was wet, sticky, red.

"Oh God!" cried Elisa "Cecilia, I can't, I don't know, what?" tears were blurring Elisa's vision Cecilia paling gurgled.

Chapter 14 - DAWN

Chapter 12 - RITE
Chapter 11 - SPENT

Chapter 10 - MERGER   

Chapter 9 - THREE        

Chapter 8 - MET         
Chapter 7 - FEAR

Chapter 6 - NEED

Chapter 5 - MAYA

Chapter 4 - THING

Chapter 3 - KNOW

Chapter 2 - STUM

Chapter 1 - MINX

12. Rite

There they sat the eight coming down from their higher minds, with bodies sated, hearts harder, souls darker.

Sherman collapsed over table ruddy red but not so healthy he was naked of cloth and skin gone to a better place, or so they say.

They knew he was still here, he could never leave he swore an oath he was a brother and now his penance would be collected, for he had been weak.

Around the corpse wisps swept in, nullifying the negative resonance, a shadow from the shadows whipped around the room keening unheard.

Eyes focusing in the din, their ids grasping human space, breathing again on their own, "come" said one old of face, young of mind, dark of heart eternal.

From the shadows emerged a little thing bedraggled, the keening shadow twisted itself round, the little one waved it away gently, then with finger lit the sconces.

Romantic light filled the room revealing the exotic scene, Sherman lay his flailed flesh inelegant truthful.

The little one in it's androgynous way carefully lovingly wrapped Sherman in pitch black cloth then put him over it's shoulder and left the chamber.

He who summoned the little one spoke "Seems Sherman was unfaithful, let us remember, nought can happen that can't be found out, so don't and live."

All sat tall as he took in each face remaining, he could smell fear, hear the heartbeat start to race, there was another weakone present.

Unanimously their heads turned to face Jeffery, he paled and stammered, "what do I need to do, please tell me what."

A collective sigh of disappointment with a taint of sadness settled then dissipated, "Jeffery you have but a day, spend it wisely"

Chapter 10 - MERGER   Chapter 13 - PRIDE

Chapter 9 - THREE         Chapter 11 - SPENT

Chapter 8 - MET
Chapter 7 - FEAR

Chapter 6 - NEED

Chapter 5 - MAYA

Chapter 4 - THING

Chapter 3 - KNOW

Chapter 2 - STUM

Chapter 1 - MINX

11. Spent

Across the square in Steamboat Gothic style sat the Ministry Building and next to it like an ugly cousin sat The Saloon in true Western cut.

Inside the Ministry building they sat nine, three on each side of the tri-table a tangible darkness the breadth of which sat at breast and between.

No-one spoke they just sat feeding this darkness with their minds, the only sound a vibration so fast and low it was barely audible.

It was felt however like a fine carbonated liquid alive throughout the body, a symphonetic vehicle for dread and fear, quite beautiful.

The flames of the candles centre table rose and fell with the energy a hypnotic dance were any to see, none here did.

Then one flame died leaving a hole in the perimeter, they felt it and also felt Sherman struggle he'd lost it his candle snuffed out.

Shadows danced around Sherman seductive bitter cold and intensely hot, eyes shut tight he shook fear sweating out.

Darkness caressing arousing they the eight sat feeling Sherman's energy rise and fall his involuntary arousal theirs to share his pain his own.

The flames stretching and entwining with the darkness the energy in extremes and speeding Sherman the fuel orgasmic and horrific.

His clothes were melting and dropped like ashes from his form red and raw where the tiniest lines left artistic etchings.

His eyelids still shut tight exfoliated by the force his eyes wide and visible beneath the now thin skin.

Sherman longing for death an end to his pain, they feeding from his fear exultant and their collective climax eminent as Sherman was spent.

Chapter 12 - RITE 

Chapter 10 - MERGER 

Chapter 9 - THREE
Chapter 8 - MET
Chapter 7 - FEAR

Chapter 6 - NEED

Chapter 5 - MAYA

Chapter 4 - THING

Chapter 3 - KNOW

Chapter 2 - STUM

Chapter 1 - MINX

10. Merger

They invited themselves to share her table Sammy didn't mind.

She was quite happy to have the company, though the silence was nearly awkward.

Jack broke it, "I saw the elders watching you earlier, they seemed scared. Why do you think?"

Sam cleared her throat, "Im not certain could be that I woke up in the cemetery, maybe?"

Jack stared unconvinced, "there were some strong feelings could you feel it?"

Sam confirmed "yes I felt them, they're not happy with me is all I know" what else could be said.

"Do they know, you know?" Jack asked matter of fact-ly.

"Im not sure, how they could..." Sam said shifting in her seat, concern tainting her calm demeanor.

"How do you know Jack?" Sammy wished she'd stopped herself, but it was too late.

He sat looking at Sammy she seemed so innocent and naive, she was quite fearless.

"I like to watch people" Jack's seriousness certain then morphed on his face to a smile.

His energy embraced her and hers spun itself in it, Minx' danced around wafting in and out.

Chapter 11 - SPENT

Chapter 9 - THREE
Chapter 8 - MET
Chapter 7 - FEAR
Chapter 6 - NEED
Chapter 5 - MAYA
Chapter 4 - THING
Chapter 3 - KNOW
Chapter 2 - STUM
Chapter 1 - MINX

9. Three

"Hello" Jack said first. "How are you this morning?" His eyes smile broadening.

She drew her hands in at that but replied, "I'm good thank you Jack how are you two?"

Minx sauntering over ran her fingers over Sammy's arm, shoulder then picked up her hand.

She showed the hand to Jack "Rat bite?" his eyes concerned now and darker. "How?"

"I was sleeping and woke with it biting into my hand." Sammy replied feeling her cheeks colour.

" I bashed it against the headstone to get it off." Jack's face rippled with confusion.

"You slept in the cemetery?" he paused "Why?" grim puzzlement on his face.

Sammy was feeling bad for Jack he looked pained. "I was tired and I fell asleep" she said.

Sammy noticed Jacks mood change. " So you were in his territory" You're lucky to be here.

Jack smiled held out his hand to Sammy, "Nice to meet you Sammy" she took his hand it was cool smooth and a firm gentle shake.

"It's good to meet you Jack and Minx" Sammy smiled she felt deeply happy right now.

Minx sat next to her and cuddled close, she smelt like the forest Sammy thought, nice.


Chapter 10 - MERGER

Chapter 8 - MET
Chapter 7 - FEAR
Chapter 6 - NEED
Chapter 5 - MAYA
Chapter 4 - THING
Chapter 3 - KNOW
Chapter 2 - STUM
Chapter 1 - MINX

8. Met

It felt good to be out in the sun Minx' stride was long making the walk brisk, fresh.

The cemetery was coming into view, it seemed all the folk were in the square this morning.

The Civilisation cafe was being scrutinised by the elders, standing outside the saloon.

Jack pictured them in gunslinger gear, then he felt the pure hate emanating from the men.

Curious as to the object of such hate, he crossed the road Minx followed in bounds.

Pushing through the door to Civilisation he felt immediately at ease and then familiarity.

Looking out the window he saw the men leave their post and the girl her scent telling.

Was it her they were focussing on, did they know she knew but how she was below the radar.

"Morning Jack, what can I get you love?" Maya's warmth true her smile embraced Minx.

"Who is this fine beauty with you Jack?" Jack smiled "This beauty is Minx, Maya"

Sammy's barrier was breached by the words Jack and Minx, they were here she felt them.

Turning in her seat Sammy's eyes met Jack's deepest blue gems shining bright, smiling.

Chapter 9 - THREE

Chapter 7 - FEAR
Chapter 6 - NEED
Chapter 5 - MAYA
Chapter 4 - THING
Chapter 3 - KNOW
Chapter 2 - STUM
Chapter 1 - MINX

7. Fear

He lay on his back as she cleaned him with her mouth arousing herself again, so wild.

Running his fingers through her silky hair he knew she was it, she had come and found him.

"We will go out soon see who remembers you, it was quite an impression you made" he smiled.

Her grey eyes glistened up at him playful and dangerous yes she was the one he laughed.

Having left her many moons ago and many miles away he never dreamed he'd see her again.

Yet here she was, loving him creating and sating his desire, giving all that she was and is.

Sucking one last time on each of his nipples then gently kissing, licking his lips she got up.

Stretching her slender form the light effectively composing a living work of art.

Watching as she went to the corner turned on the shower and lathered herself.

Her perfect form couldn't keep 'that song' out of his mind or the meaning it held for this town.

She was new, as was Jo-al many many moons ago and what happened to him.

Jack lifted his face to Minx she caught the fear in his eyes felt the depth in her bones.

Chapter 8 - MET

Chapter 6 - NEED
Chapter 5 - MAYA
Chapter 4 - THING
Chapter 3 - KNOW
Chapter 2 - STUM
Chapter 1 - MINX

6. Need

In the subdued light, he admired her curved feline figure sensual and arousing even in rest.

Watching her lovely breasts rise and fall so innocent so peaceful, but she was a wild cat.

He smiled thinking of the stir she had caused in choosing that one song, she couldn't have known.

She had stirred a hornets nest and they'd need to be careful to avoid the poison darts.

Jack was use to the small minds and life of this town it was why he stayed here.

Everyone thinking they knew everyone, having very secret private lives and perfect public ones.

If ever there was a Stepford this was it, Jack thought, though there were real people here to.

It was those few that kept the town sane and functioning, the air tingled excitedly.

Minx stirred turning into the duvet making it conform and dance with her, she groaned.

Eyes smiling open she stared straight at Jack like he was breakfast lust was a blanket.

"Good Morning dear one" Jack said "hungry?" He didn't wait for her answer, she wouldn't.

Getting up he went to her, to quench her hunger and feed his ever growing desire.

Chapter 7 - FEAR

Chapter 5 - MAYA
Chapter 4 - THING
Chapter 3 - KNOW
Chapter 2 - STUM
Chapter 1 - MINX

5. Maya

Reorienting herself with her surrounds she remembers, Jack knows she knows.

The cemetery a perfect backdrop for the fear that races turning her empty stomach.

Steadying after the nausea, she feels eyes upon her, confusion drifts over.

Huh the people can see her now she's in a cemetery unsuccessfully vomiting.

She made show of straightening her tangerine paisley dress and her chin short straight grey-blonde hair.

Then standing tall she walks out of the graveyard looking each in the eye, there's so many people.

Her stride certain yet relaxed, chills reach her dark and dangerous from beyond the crowd.

Ducking into 'Civilisation Net Cafe' she turns to scan the town square and it's people.

Dispersing now their inconspicuous one was safely away and not blooming in the cemetery.

She waited watching feeling the hatred reach her in here oh so cliche the old guys, the important ones.

"Hi Sam hunny what can I get you?" Heart on the floor from that interjection she pales then colours looking up at beautiful Maya radiating warmth.

"Apple juice egg on toast and grilled tomato please" "The usual then" Maya smiles walking away.

Chapter 6 - NEED

Chapter 4 - THING
Chapter 3 - KNOW
Chapter 2 - STUM
Chapter 1 - MINX

4. Thing

The darkness seemed lighter the air thinner and cooler at Minx and Jack's exit.

Inhaling deep the nights new freshness she stumbles suddenly light headed.

Falling she catches herself on a headstone scrapping her palms and wrists.

She slides to sit on the grave, now missing the demented shadows, always alone.

A chill travels her spine, Jack is coming darker and bigger, beautiful and naked.

Words catch in her throat mind incoherent, he kneels stroking her face so warm and gentle.

His lips so soft how strange, his taste metallic how odd, she meets his eyes liquid silver.

She gasps he smiles in a hideous way chills, Minx starts licking her hand and then bites hard.

Pain sharp rouses her she looks at her hand trying to make sense of the thing rat, dog.

It sees her and growls with its teeth still deep she pulls away it hangs on agonising.

She slams her hand and the thing attached against the headstone it squeals as she yelps.

Dropping to the ground it turns and snarls at her, before retreating into the cemetery copse.


Chapter 5 - MAYA

Chapter 3 - KNOW
Chapter 2 - STUM
Chapter 1 - MINX

3. Know

Pushing through the shadows, they nip at her skin, taunting with the rhythm.

The whispers on her neck saying "we know, we know and so does Jack"

She continues as the shadows weave impeding her every step, she smiles.

Raising her hand side to side distorting the alien visage, making to kiss, "so do I"

Nearing the cemetery she hears passion rough and raw it's sound runs through her.

Invisible to the eye the nose picks them out, Minx and Jack hot and hard.

Her cheeks warm as her mind creates the scene, so hoping she isn't too close.

A stone betrays her passage, Jack howls as Minx rides him home. "so you know"

His voice exciting her essence, with lust and terror, she flows. "yes I know"

Minx slinks over breathes in the scent from her hair, rubbing against her arm.

Purring Minx bites her earlobe then licks sucks the excited sweat from her neck.

Jack gently takes Minx' arm she turns to kiss him deep and hungry, they leave.

Chapter 4 - THING

Chapter 2 - STUM
Chapter 1 - MINX

2. Stum

From the darker dim he emerges, hulking formidable.

Approaching Minx, she attaches herself to the sizeable beast.

He then turns taking in each stare dissolving wrath and action.

Turning his back with Minx close and loving, they leave.

A collective count to ten as the door swings closed and the room becomes a murmur.

Who was that girl? Why that song? Does Jack know? What shall we do?

These are the thoughts that ran through the heads of the majority present.

Though not a single word was whispered about such happenings.

A young woman leaves the room amidst the living denial draping across the space.

No-one noticed her leave, a nondescript personage, the local wallflower.

The night moonless thick and warm envelopes her, still she looks into the darkness.

Feeling nothing, seeing shadows as they were morphing, dancing to that song.


Chapter 3 - KNOW 

Chapter 1 - MINX

1. Minx

The room lit for feline sight, she slinks around, rubbing up against the patrons, all regulars.

Some flattered some scared, for she is new here.

New can be dangerous, these folk knew that all too well.

Eyes meet heads lower remembering Jo-al and the 'events' surrounding him and the disappearance.

Ignoring the change of temperature in the place, she glides over to the jukebox.

Pawing through the collection of vinyls amusement on her face in her stance.

Chatter starts up an ease returns people shuffle and re-adjust their awkwardness.

She finds a tune she cant pass-up she has never been able to.

Running her hand over the smooth cool surface of the machine, she inserts her coin.

Pressing her lithe body against the machine she fingers the buttons she needs.

Her midnight tresses caress her buttocks as she tilts her head back with giggling moans.

The melody drifts out and turns the room cold, every eye upon her and each one a dagger.

Chapter 2 - STUM