A/N: So HistoryGeek and I decided to write something totally crazy and completely new and wild and well you will see. Heads up this story will not be for the weak stomach! There is a reason it is in the genres it is! Without further ado, here is the beginning...written by the lovely HG. :)
Prologue, London 1888.
Clint Wheatcroft, shifted from foot to foot as he peered into the early morning mist, his companion should have long since arrived, the events of recent weeks heightening his fears as he continued to peer into the darkness. Shivering he pulled his heavy cloak around him and gazed down at the padlocked wooden box at his feet, it was as if he could feel the evil watching him, waiting for him to let his guard down before striking. Hearing the sound of footsteps approaching, his hand flew to the loaded pistol tucked into his belt, aiming it in the direction of the footsteps he gave a nervous laugh as he recognised the lop sided gait of his companion Morris Carter.
"Put that away, Boy." Ordered the new comer with a waft of his hand, "I have little desire to be shot because you failed to hold your nerve."
Replacing his pistol in his belt Clint let out the breath he hadn't realised he was holding, "You're late, I was starting to fear you had been waylaid."
"These damn damp mornings make my old bones ache." Grumbled Morris in response, eyeing the box he asked, "Is that it?"
"Yes." Replied Clint eyeing the box with mistrust.
"A lot of fuss over nothing." Muttered Morris.
"We should away, our journey is going to be bad enough on the winter seas." Replied Clint, not wanting to anger his companion this early in their trip.
"Stuff and nonsense." Growled Morris, lifting the heavy box into his arms with ease a man with aching bones should not possess.
Following the older man towards their ship, Clint's eyes were focused on the mist surrounding them, making it hard to see more than a few feet in each direction and his ears strained for any strange noise. Had he been more focused on his companion he would have noticed the change that came over the older man as he walked along the pier. It was three days later, that Clint noticed the darkness that seemed to follow them, the disappearance of the crew and the increasingly sullen demeanour of his companion. On the fourth night a fierce storm seemed to arise from nowhere, waves taller than buildings lashed the boat, lightening hit the deck creating small fires, and crew members were tossed into the dark water. The only one unconcerned by the ships destruction was Morris who clutched the box to his chest, a sadistic smile playing across his lips as he muttered words that no one else could hear, nor understand. Staggering back to his cabin, Clint pulled parchment from his travel chest and began to write,
'On this page, I write my last confession, read it well, for within these pages lies an ageless evil…'
Present Day, New York.
Nineteen year old Casey Novak, sighed in pleasure as she flipped the sign on the door from open to closed, she had been working in her uncles pawn shop for the last three months and although she enjoyed learning about the things people brought in and the stories behind the objects; it had been a long day and she was glad to be almost finished for the week. Looking at the clock she couldn't help but smile at the thought that, in less than an hour she would be finished for the weekend and heading out of town to camp out with her friends and even better; her girlfriend of a year, Alex Cabot. As she slipped in her head phones and selected her favourite playlist and picked up the broom to begin her daily clean-up of the warehouse Casey found her mind wandering, as it always did to her girlfriend and the year they had been together. For Casey it had been love at first sight, from the moment Alex walked into the school cafeteria Casey's world shifted, the blonde hair, the bluest eyes Casey had ever seen framed in black glasses, the long legs and the confident way she held herself had captivated her and then it got better. If Casey had been mesmerised by Alex's looks it was nothing to the attraction she felt when she realised how smart and funny the blonde was, she was sure she sounded like a babbling idiot throughout their first conversation.
Much to her amazement Alex had found her blushing and stuttering charming and when Casey eventually built up the courage to ask her on her date, she asked what took Casey so long. Their first date had been to the aquarium, where Casey had been amused to discover Alex had an over active imagination when it came to the way sharks could attack, by the time Casey kissed her goodnight she knew she had fallen for the blonde. They spent all their free time together, surfing, hanging out with their crazy friends, they would spend hours browsing book stores and making out in the back of Casey's truck. It was perfect, they seemed to fit together like puzzle pieces, sure they had silly arguments, but it was easy between them, they shared secrets, fears, hopes and dreams and in Casey's mind there was no doubt Alex was her forever.
Casey jumped when she felt a hand on her arm, pulling out her head phones she smiled at her uncle, "Hey Uncle Jon, I cashed up and left the receipts and papers on your desk." Her smile quickly becoming a frown when she saw the look of displeasure on his normally relaxed face.
"Cassandra, the blonde is here." Replied Jon Novak his tone lacking its normal warmth.
"Oh, okay." Replied Casey, frowning in confusion. Her uncle had met Alex on several occasions and had always seemed to get along well with her, their mutual love of Shakespeare fuelling many long conversations.
"You may leave." Replied Jon.
"Thanks." Muttered Casey as she picked up her backpack, confused at her uncles sour demeanour.
"Wait! Here, I have something for you." Handing her an old leather bound book, "Every camp fire needs a good horror story and this the best."
"Thank you." Smiled Casey, pleased her uncle at last sounded more like himself. Throwing the book in her backpack Casey said her goodbyes and headed outside, seeing Alex at the wheel of her SUV she couldn't help the wide smile that crossed her face. The mystery of her Uncle's usual mood slipping from her mind and she opened the passenger door. Climbing in she wasted no time in pulling Alex close for a chaste kiss, one that quickly gained heat, just as she felt Alex's fingers tangle in her hair the moment was spoiled by an annoyed voice.
"Must you do this in public?" Asked Kim Greylek, not wanting to watch her best friend and cousin make out.
"Hey Kim. Jealous?" Grinned Casey, laughing as her best friend flipped her off, "Hey Abbie, I thought you were riding with Teddy?"
"And miss time with my future wife? No chance." Replied Abbie, batting her eyelashes at Kim.
"Dream on Carmichael, I wouldn't marry you for all the tea in England." Snarked Kim.
"You keep saying that, doesn't stop you making out with me every chance you get." Replied Abbie with a smug smirk.
"Oh my God! You two made out?" Demanded Alex, turning her head so quickly her neck protested.
"That was supposed to be a secret." Growled Kim a deep blush colouring her cheeks as she glared at the smirking brunette.
"What can I say, she can't keep her hands off of me." Smirked Abbie as she pushed her shades into place.
"I hate you." Growled Kim.
"Darlin'." Drawled Abbie, making sure her accent was strong, "You can lie to yourself all you want, we both know who's sleeping bag you're gonna be sharing this weekend."
"Screw you." Muttered Kim.
"If you like." Smirked Abbie.
The drive to the campsite was filled with off-key singing, teasing and laughter as the four friends looked forward to the weekend ahead. As they were the last to arrive their friends had already set up the tents in a circle, there was one for Alex and Casey, one for Teddy and her new girlfriend Addison, the two having met in med school. Next was Olivia and Serena's, which to no one's surprise was pink then there was a larger tent for the 'singles' Abbie, Kim and Amada a friend of Olivia's from the police academy. It was the first time since Christmas they had all been able to get together, and they quickly fell into their established roles, Teddy as always took on a motherly role, making sure everyone ate enough the alcohol wouldn't make them sick. Olivia as always was the protector, making sure the tents were secure and reminding them not to wander off alone on the trial, Abbie was the fool, always ready with a joke or funny story, Kim had a thousand facts about their location and felt the need to share them all without pausing for breath. Serena and Alex were the social butterflies, keeping the conversation flowing and drawing in the new comers, both of which had a ready wit and slipped seamlessly into the mix. Casey as always was in charge of the food.
After a meal of hot dogs, smores and whisky they settled around the fire, enjoying the sight of the stars brighter away from the pollution of the city and easy conversation. "We should tell ghost stories." Suggested Liv.
"Oh, that reminds me, my uncle gave me a book." Remembered Casey.
"Nerd." Called Abbie with a smirk.
"No, you jerk, it's a ghost story." Replied Casey.
"Well, what are y'all waiting for?" Asked Amanda from her spot next to Liv.
Standing up Casey pressed a soft kiss to the top of Alex's head as she headed to their tent, rummaging through her backpack, she quickly found the book and headed back to the fire. "Shall I do the honours?" Getting an affirmative response, she undid the leather cord holding the books closed, frowning at the small vile of clear liquid attached to the cord and turned to the first page and started to read,
"On this page, I write my last confession, read it well. Within these pages lies an ageless evil, conjured through the darkest of magic and the blackest of hearts. It is able to corrupt even the strongest of men and turn people of light into dark unholy creatures who shun friend, country and God. Whoever shall read these words, heed this warning, darkness will follow until the last page is turned. Close the book now and save yourself..."
"Is that blood?" Asked Alex looking at the page Casey had just finished.
"Yeah, I think so. That is so nasty." Muttered Casey moving her thumb to make sure it didn't touch the brown stain.
"Maybe this isn't such a good idea." Muttered Teddy from her spot cuddled into Addison's side.
"Stop being such a baby." Smirked Abbie as she yanked the book out of Casey's hands, "It's probably just a prop thing. Come on Greylek, you're the scariest of all of us, you read."
Rolling her eyes at the brunette Kim took the book and turned the page, "The year was 1888, and the city of London was filled with a terror that blanketed the streets, almost thick as the most rolling from the Thames. Jack the Ripper stalked the streets of London; he claimed the lives of at least five women, creating a sense of fear so heavy it blanketed the streets. Yet, as Officer Donald Cragen looked down at the body of a young boy he felt his heart sink, what people didn't know was there was something more terrifying lurking in the mist. This was the fifth gruesome scene he had been forced to attend in as many days, a boy no older than twenty, his face a mask of fear, the flickering of the gas lamp highlighting where his eyes had once been…"