The Leviathan's Lair

---

Left alone for the summer, Connie reflects about her position as Universal Companion. However, a mysterious encounter leaves her with a strange affliction, weakening her powers and slowly draining her life force. Before she can come up with a solution, a visit from Trustee Kira sends her to the southern coasts of Spain, where she must face a creature long thought extinct by the Society…

---

Note: HUGE apologies for mucking up the chapter order- if you were confused by the first few chapters please re-read them as they are now in the right order.

---

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon. A pleasant breeze tickled the yellow blades of grass on the moor, and gently ruffled the black hair of the girl sitting beneath a tall oak tree. She did not stir; to anyone watching, she appeared to be having a nap. She was leaning against the trunk, her hands folded over her stomach and rising slowly with her even breath. Her eyes were closed, her mouth slightly open and letting out the occasional snore. She looked peaceful, content to be lying under the shade of the oak, and ignorant of the dampness of her jeans.

But inside Connie's mind, things were far from still and silent. She was standing on an island, encircled by a silver ocean. On the horizon were four gold targets, shining at her like some distant constellation. Connie's mental projection was studying them. After a careful assessment, she raised her arms, and a golden bow materialized in her hands. Pausing only to draw a bolt of light, she took aim and fired. The arrow blazed through the targets, shattering each as it passed through all in a perfect line.

Connie yawned, the bow disappearing from her hands. She was quite confident of her skill concerning that power, now. Trying to create challenging targets, however, was proving more taxing. And yet it was all she had to remind her of her status in the Society for the Protection of Mythical Creatures. News had been few and far between since the defeat of Kullervo, in spite of the current rise of renegade weather giants. The Society Trustees were far stretched trying to contain the weather havoc around the globe, but seemed unconcerned to bring the Chartmouth chapter up to speed. Even if they did have the only universal companion.

As much as Connie did not miss the perils of the previous years, she had to admit that being left alone all holiday was not much of a substitute. Col was still training with the Olympic team, hard at work all day and so exhausted at weekends that Connie felt guilty to take away his rest. Anneena had jetted off to India for a family wedding, and Jane was visiting relatives in the north. Even Rat had been taken to Norway, for further lessons from Erik about frost wolves that could only be conducted with whole packs of the creatures.

And so Connie had taken her time to herself to sharpen her universal powers, including the shape-changing skills she had inherited from Kullervo. Truth be told, she was likening that particular skill less and less, for the more she changed, the less sure of herself she became, and the harder it was to return to normal. She'd already had a terrible episode when, in the form of unicorn, she had forgotten how to change back into a human. She had roamed the moors for hours, trying to remember, as well as keep out of sight in case someone caught her. Only the Trustees knew of this ability; she didn't want to give those who already feared her more ammunition. Luckily, she had solved the problem, but the following berating from Evelyn for coming home so late had put her off changing since.

Yet there were only so many times she could practice archery, or lance-throwing, or shield-making, before it became tedious. Although she had covered a lot of new ground, Connie was longing for a change of pace. She may well be the universal, but she was also just a fifteen-year old girl who missed the company of friends.

Connie's mental self sighed, preparing to return to the real world, when something caught her eye. She squinted, catching sight of a dark blemish on the crest of a wave. That should not have been there. Immediately she conjured her bow, shutting one eye to perfect her aim.

"Stop," whispered a voice, which made Connie pause. "If you fire you will only injure yourself." Connie frowned, recognizing that coaxing tone. It was Kullervo- rather, what was left of him. She had grown used to his random appearances, where he would voice comments- which had taken on a wry sarcasm rather than the black malice she had known him for.

Still, that didn't mean she trusted him.

"Are you trying to trick me?" she asked, following the dark shadow as it swam around her. "How do I know that's not you, trying to take me over again?"

"Don't be so naïve, Universal," the voice hissed. "Had I the power I would have done so long ago. But you and I are one now- I am another one of your multiple selves, no longer capable of independent action."

"So what's that, then?" Connie jerked her bow in the direction of the shadow.

"An intruder," Kullervo asserted. "Do not forget, Universal, your mind is an open book. That is your greatest power, and your greatest weakness."

"Thank you, Captain Obvious," Connie muttered, lowering her bow. "What do you propose 'we' do?"

"I will investigate," Kullervo offered. "But do not attack it. It has become a temporary part of your self; to harm it is to harm your own being." Connie felt his presence leave, and she was left by herself once more, watching the shadow dance about her ocean.

*****

Outside in the real world, Connie was no longer alone. A boy with mismatched eyes was sitting beside her, resting his hands behind his head as he watched the slumbering girl. It was unusual for Col not to seize the opportunity and pounce on his unsuspecting friend, and yet one look at her peaceful face had silenced all of his mischievous plans. He listened to her quiet snores, feeling at ease by her side.

Connie's eyes opened. At once she noticed the second pair of feet that had joined her own. She glanced to one side and spotted Col, who was grinning.

"'Sup?" he asked. Connie stared at him blankly, until she regained her senses.

"Nothing," she answered, disorientated by his appearance. Col was the last person she had expected to see. A mixture of relief and annoyance swept over her. She had wanted to think about what Kullervo- well, what had once been Kullervo- had said about the shadow, and yet at the same time she was thrilled to have company again. It would be nice to catch up…

"Well, 'nothing' seems to have kept you quite busy," Col said, breaking her train of thought. "Didn't you hear a word I said?"

"Huh? Oh, sorry." Connie banished her worries and looked straight at Col, determined to keep full attention.

Col sighed, before sitting up.

"The Society's holding a meeting tonight. Kira's come to give us a report on the flooding in Spain." At once Connie's concern about her own condition vanished.

"Was it the weather giants?"

"That's the funny thing- Gran's heard on the grapevine that there hasn't been a single sighting of a giant in that area," Col said. "The Society's been investigating for weeks, and they haven't found them."

"That's impossible," Connie snorted. "What else could cause such massive floods?"

Col shrugged.

"Well, Kira should fill us in on it," he said. "I wonder why she's come all the way to us, though? Hescombe's a far cry from Cadiz." Connie murmured to herself- the Trustee probably needed the universal. But then why not approach her directly? Surely Kira didn't need to call a meeting for all the Charmouth members just to ask for the universal's help.

An unrelated thought struck her, and she turned to Col.

"How come you're back early? I thought your flight training finished tomorrow."

"Oh, the captains were so impressed with our progress, they've let us go today," Col admitted. He gave a long stretch. "Gives me time to recover before school. And stop me going insane. I never thought I'd say it, but I'm glad to have a break from flying."

"I can relate to that," Connie said, thinking about her own training.

She was caught off guard as Col put his arm around her.

"So, that means we can spend some time together," he whispered. Connie felt an irresistible tingle down her spine. She was starting to realize how much she had missed him. There were two and a half weeks to go before school started. Maybe they could make up for lost time.

"What did you have in mind?" she breathed into his ear.

"Well, I was thinking…"

And then, before she could defend herself, Col tackled her to the ground, tickling her sides.

"Oh…stop!" Connie gasped, squealing with laughter. "You evil…knock it off!"

"Make me!" challenged Col, and for his words Connie lunged, sending them both tumbling down the hillside. They landed shortly, Connie's head on Col's stomach, and both covered in grass. They lay there, breathless and giggling, until Connie stood up.

"You sneaky git," she said, picking out the debris from her hair. "I should've known better than to trust you!"

"Couldn't resist," Col replied, flicking grass off his shoulders.

"You'll get yours," Connie vowed, when she was interrupted by a large growl from her stomach. Col raised an eyebrow. "But before I teach you why you should never trick a universal, I think I could do with a sandwich."

"Yum, count me in, too." Connie playfully punched Col's arm. Connie rolled her eyes, striding off down the hill and back to town.

As they descended, Connie was starting to feel glad that Col had come to see her. No-one else could have cheered her up so quickly. And yet the image of the shadow lingered in the back of her mind. She had not wanted to believe Kullervo, but instinct told her that it was not him that had caused her disturbance. If he had, then he would surely not have made his worry so obvious, nor been so keen to investigate…

"There you go again," Col chided, "sliding away into that 'nothing'." Connie blushed.

"Sorry," she apologized again, trying to smile it off. But Col was looking at her with concern.

"Something's up, isn't there?" he said, all trace of his light humour gone. Connie sighed.

"It's nothing to worry about," she said, stepping up her pace as they reached the road.

"Connie." Connie felt Col's hand entwine with hers. "Look, I know I blurted on you with the whole storm thing, but I've learned my lesson. Please, don't be afraid to tell me what's going on."

"Col, there's nothing to tell," Connie said, a little too harshly. It was hardly a lie- she herself had no idea what to make of the shadow, and for the moment felt no different to usual. Whatever it was, it would sort itself out.

Col did not pry further, and the conversation did not pick up again until they had reached Shaker Row.

"Connie! And Col, my boy!" boomed the voice of Mack Clamworthy. He was crouched by his motorbike, his hands covered in oil. A box of tools was sitting in his lap, also coated in grease. Nearby, George was sitting on a picnic blanket, watching his father with curious eyes.

"Dad!" Col snapped, hurrying to George and picking him up. "You can't let George near all those tools- he might put one in his mouth!"

"Oh, don't get your knickers in a twist," Mack waved off his son's concern, cleaning his hands on a rag. "Didn't do you any harm. He's been a good little sport, admiring his great Dad's handiwork." Col rolled her eyes.

He walked over to Connie. Connie kissed George's nose, and he babbled in delight.

"Hello, George," she said, smiling as he gave her a one-toothed grin. Out of habit she reached out and sensed his gift. Yes, he was certainly a universal, although she still kept this secret to herself. It would send the Society into a fluster. Besides, it was fun to hear the banter between Evelyn and Mack as to whose traits their son was going to show.

Connie wandered into the house, Col carrying George, and spotted Evelyn at the table. The table was full of papers and notes, and Evelyn was scratching her head over a calculator.

"Hi, Aunt Evelyn," Connie greeted.

"Oh, hello Connie," Evelyn said, looking up from her work as Col brought George to her. The infant stretched his arms, wanting to be with his mother, and Col obliged. "I hope you don't mind- Col was looking for you so I sent him up to the moor."

"No problem," Connie said, opening the fridge to hunt for some bread and cheese. "How's the account sorting going?"

"Eugh, don't ask," Evelyn replied, tickling George's belly. "Some of these figures make me want to send a flock of banshees to the Inland Revenue. Then we'll see how much tax return I'm entitled to."

Connie laughed, her nose buried in the contents of the vegetable compartment. She was wondering whether to add tomatoes to her upcoming snack when suddenly everything went black. She stumbled forward in shock, knocking her elbow on the fridge shelf.

"Connie, I was only joking!" Evelyn said. Connie did not move. "Connie, what's the matter?"

"N-Nothing," Connie stammered, feeling for the fridge door and shutting it. She was blind- and the darkness terrified her.

She felt an arm on her wrist.

"Connie, what're you staring at?" Col's voice. Connie tried to look at him, able to pinpoint his whereabouts with her ears, but she knew that without something to focus on her eyes wouldn't look right. "Connie?"

"I…I can't…"

And then, as soon as it had come on, her vision was invaded by colour. It took a moment for everything to come back, and the first thing she saw was Col's worried face.

"You better eat something," he said, helping her into a chair and burrowing in the fridge. "You're on the verge of passing out." Connie nodded. Yet she hadn't felt herself lose consciousness- she had been aware of what was going on around her. A panicked thought flashed by- did it have something to do with that shadow?

There was a clunk of enamel on wood, and Connie looked down at the rather hastily made cheese and tomato sandwich placed in front of her. Not caring for its less than appetizing appearance, she grabbed it and took a huge bite. The taste was welcome, and she gulped the rest in seconds.

"Perhaps you've been out in the sun too long," Evelyn said; she had abandoned her papers and pulled her chair beside her niece. "Have a rest- I can ask Kira to wait tonight."

"I'll be fine," Connie said, wiping the crumbs from her mouth. "Kira's come all this way, it'd be rude of me to delay her. I'm just hungry."

Evelyn twisted her lip.

"Alright," she said at last. "But you're to stay here until the meeting." Connie sighed, but did not complain. Col looked crestfallen. Connie saw his disappointment, and titled her head towards the stairs.

"We can talk in my room, Col."

"Oh no you don't!" roared Mack, who had returned to the house. Two grease tracks stained his thighs. "I was a teenager once, I know what it's all about."

"Dad!" shouted Col, his face flushing in embarrassment. "I haven't seen Connie in ages, we just want to talk."

"I've heard that excuse before!"

"Look, we'll take George with us if it makes you feel better."

"For Christ sake's, Col, you can't him expose him to such…"

"That will do, Mack," Evelyn said, frowning. "Connie and Col are responsible adults, aren't you?" The two nodded. "See Mack? You don't have to baby them."

"Ha, that's what they all say," Mack said, but before he could protest any more Connie had taken Col's hand and was guiding him upstairs.

Col put George on Connie's bed, and stretched his shoulders, which were still sore from his training. George sat on the cool sheets, playing with his toes. Connie took a seat beside him, and ruffled his hair. Col remained standing, leaning against her desk.

"Connie," he said, "I know something is bothering you." He moved to the edge of the bed, looking into her eyes. "What happened downstairs?"

Connie did not answer right away. She contented herself by straightening George's top, which had become wrinkled from his wriggling. Col watched her expectantly.

"Look, Col, I don't want you to worry about me," she said at last. "I've had lots of time to think this holiday. I zone out sometimes." That was true enough- with everyone away, she had been thinking a lot about her powers, and what she was capable of. She sighed, recalling the exhilaration when she had turned into a dragon and roamed the open seas, before shifting into a selkie and swimming home through the ocean currents…

"You're doing it again."

Connie looked up, and found Col's face close to hers. George mumbled, but he did not break the spell the two were under. Ever so slowly, Col edged forward. Connie did not move, instead letting herself relax. In spite of their official status as a couple, they had had so little time together; intimate moments had been put on a backburner. She felt Col's breath on her cheek, cool and soft, and then…

Col's mobile rang. Col sprang back, surprised by the noise. Connie felt a pang of disappointment, before her face turned bright red. Col fumbled in his pockets, snatching out the phone, and then answered. His cheeks were pink.

"Oh, hi Gran. I'm over at Connie's." There was a pause as Mrs. Clamworthy spoke at length. Col drummed his fingers on the bed. "Right, I'll come home." He flipped the phone back into his pocket, not looking too pleased. "Gran wants me to sort some stuff out." Connie shared his frustration. "I guess I'll see you at the meeting then."

Col got up, and Connie followed suit. She wanted to tell him what she discovered on the moor- but being alone for most of the summer had erected a wall between her and those around her, a wall which right now she could not break.

"See you this evening," she said, drowning out her desire to confess. Col flashed a smile, before he left the room and trotted down the stairs. Connie sighed, sitting heavily on the bed. George gave a happy cry, enjoying the mattress bounce. With her head on the sheets, Connie turned to her cousin.

"Why are relationships so complicated?"

George replied with a loud belch.