1101 Words

Chapter Four, Night Visitor

Jess called later with the news that she'd contacted the priest. "He's really nice."

Jess drove them to a small house. It didn't look freaky. It was actually fairly normal. A middle aged man, wearing a simple blue button front shirt and jeans answered. Again, not freaky. "Welcome. I'm Chris. Come on in."

He led them into a normal looking living room, if a bit sparse and minimal. It was light and airy, with lots of plants. As Becker looked around he could see signs of the New Age religious movement: a small gong, incense burners, goddess statues, so on.

The room was set up so a couch sat in front of a window. To the side were two chairs, facing each other beside a large desk, set with candles, figurines, and more incense burners.

Chris asked Jess to sit on the couch as he pointed Becker to one the chairs. He then sat in the identical chair facing Becker.

"Now, tell me about your problem. Jess has spoken about it, but I want to hear your words."

So, Becker talked about both attacks.

"Yes, it does sound like a possible succubus attack. Now, Captain, the intercourse itself, will you describe it please?"

Becker turned pink and looked at Jess, who was also pink and quickly looked away.

Chris smiled. "Jess, would you mind making us some tea? The kitchen is straight through that door."

Jess nodded, and left.

"Now, proceed."

Becker felt horribly embarrassed. The incidents were bad enough without having to describe them to a complete stranger. He kept reminding himself that at least it wasn't Connor.

"I know it's uncomfortable," said Chris, "but really Captain, if something serious is occurring isn't that more important than your pride?"

"No."

He laughed. "Jess is very worried. Do it for her."

"Not the right thing to say. She's the other party in this…mess."

"Do you really believe that?" asked Chris.

Becker laughed. "No, of course not."

Chris nodded. "If this is a succubus, and she has taken Jess' form, she too could be in danger."

"What?"

"I'm sorry to alarm you, but it is possible. Sometimes when a succubus or incubus has had its fill or if a victim suddenly becomes unavailable they will continue to feed off people close to the victim. Succubae, you see, like a specific taste. Once they find a suitable victim, they do not let go. Feeding off someone with an emotional attachment to the victim can keep that preferred taste going."

"No! No bloody way is it feeding off her!"

"Good," said Chris. "Then help me to protect her and you. I need all the information you can give me."

"Fine. The uh, act…was bad."

"Be more specific."

Becker turned red. "She was cold. She wanted it rough and didn't seem to care if I…helped much."

"Was it painful?"

Becker looked away. "Yeah. Sort of."

"What do you mean?"

Becker shut his eyes. He really didn't want to talk about it.

"Captain, I can't help you if don't give me the chance."

Becker sighed again. "Fine. It was like…being with an iceberg."

"I see. Describe the pain for me."

Becker sighed. "It stung, kind of like frost bite."

"Hmmm. That confirms it. You have a succubus. I suspect it took the form of Jess because the two of you are close."

"Can it take other forms?" asked Becker.

"Yes, but once they've found a victim they like they will usually take the form of someone close enough to allow them intimate contact."

Becker nodded. "Like Jess."

Chris nodded. It was now that Jess poked her head in. Chris smiled and beckoned her to come in. She brought the tea with her.

"Thank you," said Chris. They poured and drank the tea. Then he said, "I'm afraid I do not have good news. I believe the succubus is too established in your life for you to attempt to break contact. Sometimes, in the beginning, if you find out who the succubus is, you can cut contact with the person, and the succubus will move on."

"We can't do that?"

"No, Jess," said Chris. "She is masquerading as you. Even if you located her in another form I fear she will come after you."

"Me?" she asked, nearly dropping her cup. Becker left the chair and sat beside her on the couch, taking her hand.

"I'm sorry," he said.

Jess looked confused and scared.

"You are close to the Captain, which is why your form was chosen. The succubus can use your close attachment to him to feed."

Jess shuddered. "Feed…on me?"

"That's not going to happen," said Becker.

"I'm afraid I don't have much to advise. You can't run from it. If it can't find you it will go after anyone with a relationship to you."

Becker sighed and shook his head. Jess looked more worried.

"However, you must do something," Chris said. "If the succubus continues to feed from you, Captain you will get weaker, sicker, and eventually…I'm afraid that death is possible."

Jess gasped.

"No. It's not going to happen," said Becker.

"Good. Think positive," said Chris. "Now, I can recommend some prayers. You should meditate, and purify yourself through ritualistic bathing."

"Do I have to dance naked in the moonlight too?"

"Becker! Don't be rude."

Chris laughed. "It's OK, Jess. It is a lot to believe. I don't blame the Captain. In fact, it's good that he trusts his instincts. Evil spirits and demons can sense the truth. If you don't believe in the rituals, they won't work."

"I don't believe," said Becker. He stood up, but walked over and shook Chris' hand. "Thanks for your time. Come on Jess."

"We're leaving?"

"Might as well," he said, looking at Chris. "Right?"

Chris nodded. "I cannot help you much. I'm sorry."

"Yeah, me too," said Becker, leaving the room.

"Jess," said Chris. "You may be his only hope."

"Me?"

"The succubus chose you. It sensed you were the one he could be intimate with. It used your bond. I know you said you're just friends, but even close friends can share a type of love. That's what he needs. He needs to focus on love, on purity, and on cleanliness. Help him to be strong."

Jess nodded. "I will. Thank you."

Jess left and found Becker in her car.

"That was a waste of time," said Becker.

"Maybe not. He said you needed to focus on love."

Becker scoffed. "What's he want us to do, start singing "All You Need is Love?"

Jess giggled. "Couldn't hurt."

"You haven't heard me sing, Jess."

End of Chapter Four