Twilight characters are not mine. Plot is!

To refolin for the preread and ego stroke: a million thanks, bb! And to sophie921: thanks for bouncing ideas my way. To everyone that reads and reviews: enjoy!

There is a land where we all go,
Whence ne'er the frost nor cold wind blow,
And friends remembered reunite,
And those who hate, forget their spite,
In glow surround these gentle beings,
We call you now to bless our meetings,
Heaven's promise, our spirits thrive,
So now for the living, let the dead come alive.

The Spirit Speaks! Weekly Newspaper, 1901

Chapter 11

Séance

"Greetings spirits, come forth and communicate."

The girl's voice was loud, controlled and spoken with an ethereal tone that made her sound like she had one foot in the grave already. I couldn't hide my amusement and even chuckled a bit. The whole poem and eerie vibe she had going on was just too much. But I had to wonder, could I communicate with them through this stupid game?

I had made a small amount of progress with the photo and something definitely happened when I touched Edward last night. But would that be enough? How was I supposed to even start?

I moved closer to Edward, but kept my focus on Alice. She had explained their roles in this game, but I still had no idea of mine. Pulling into human form, I settled myself at the edge of the table between the concentrating siblings and stared at their fingers.

For a long time, the only sound was the flames of the candles' burning wicks. The only movement were the shadows dancing against the walls.

"I don't feel anything," Edward eventually huffed.

Alice shushed him, with a hiss. "Something is here, Edward," she said with closed eyes. "I can feel it with us. Come forward and speak," she addressed the board.

"I'm here," I replied without thinking. "I'm listening."

Nothing happened. Silence descended again. I brought my hands to my hair, tugging on it slightly before hanging my face toward the ground. How in the hell does this work!

"Guide the planchette," came a sudden voice.

I looked up, immediately startled by the smooth tone. Standing in the doorway beyond Jasper's hunched figure was Carlisle. My shoulders dropped as the relief slipped through my lips. Our eyes met: his calm and confident, mine weary and anxious. He had told me he was on my side, working with Emmett and Rosalie in whatever foulness was a foot, but I couldn't really be sure.

"Where are the others?" I asked making my skepticism obvious with my tone and raised eyebrow.

"They are in Nex." Carlisle floated across the room, between the three living beings, raising goosebumps over their flesh as he passed, then through the table, stopping just short of where I knelt.

"Time grows short, Bella," he finished ominously.

Something told me it was better not to ask him what he meant exactly. Something told me to heed his words as warning and that if I was going to be able to speak with Edward, this was it.

Tentatively taking my eyes from the glowing golden aura, I looked back at the plain, heart shaped planchette. Holding my breath, I reached for the small piece of plastic. I was careful to avoid coming into contact with either Alice or Edward. My fingers immediately slipped through the pointer and table and landed in my lap.

Carlisle bent down until he was level with me. He leaned forward. "Concentrate, Bella. You can do this."

I didn't look over at him, though I could see him shimmering on my right. I tried again, moving even slower this time. I could almost feel the smooth plane of the plastic, but again, my hand found nothing of substance. I huffed loudly, reaching out again and again and getting more frustrated with each failed attempt.

"I can't," I finally growled. Angry red waves flashing from my body.

"You're not concentrating," Carlisle soothed. His voice was smooth as glass.

I knew the spikes of irritation were lashing out at him, my entire form was ready to burst part. No matter how hard I tried to contain it, my anger became my undoing time and time again. Instinct told me I was a heartbeat away from completely losing it.

That's when Edward spoke. To me.

"Whoever…whoever is in this house….could you please come forward?"

It was awkward and hard to spit out. But it was enough. I gasped, each particle of my aura pulling into me as I inhaled sharply. Alice and Jasper stayed silent, but their breathing was ragged, coming in quick pants, then becoming small vaporous clouds where they exhaled.

"See?" Carlisle applauded. "You just need to concentrate. You want to speak to Edward."

And I really did. I wanted to communicate with him and to this point I hadn't really done more than make him aware of my presence. I tried one last time, resolve growing as I pushed myself forward. I wanted to talk to Edward. I hadn't wanted anything so badly since I awakened to this afterlife.

This time, my fingers felt the smooth plane of the planchette. I felt it cool and level beneath my fingertips. With slow exaggerated motion, I moved my hands, guiding the pointer to the left corner. The word yes was clearly visible through the plastic glass.

The collective intake of air was deafening. Alice seemed to be fighting the urge to say 'I told you so' but allowed Edward to continue when he was ready.

"Who are you?" I didn't miss the way his voice quivered slightly or the way he seemed to be breathing a little too quickly.

"You know me," I said aloud, then shot a wary look at Carlisle.

I had forgotten to mention him to Rosalie. I wasn't sure if he could be trusted. If I said too much to him and he was on the other side, Rose would definitely have my head. I looked away and shifted my glance from the board to Edward again as I contemplated.

Eventually, Carlisle cleared his throat. "I know who you are. I know you are hiding from the Trinity. I don't know how Jane and the others figure into this, so I had you keep quiet last time. But now," he shifted and I couldn't help but turn my eyes to his again. "Now, you're safe and it might be the only chance you get."

I stared at him for a moment, assessing the sincerity I plainly saw radiating from his being. I took three slow breaths. I had to take him on his word, because he was right. Timing was everything and I might not have another opportunity.

I began spelling my name, guiding the pointer slowly over the shiny board. I hesitated on each letter, letting them whisper it beneath their breath before moving to the next. But they waited until I had pointed at all five letters before erupting in a babble of surprise.

"Bella?" Jasper whispered in a breath. His soft drawl was lost beneath Alice's high squeal.

Edward just sat there staring at the planchette, a numb empty sort of look on his face. The other two noticed the expression after a moment, their faces falling into mirrored solemn expressions as the enjoyment dissipated.

"I saw you," Edward said to the board. Whether he felt shock or disappointment, I couldn't tell.

I swallowed hard and pushed the planchette to yes. Still, the room stayed silent and Edward ran a trembling hand through his hair.

"And you're here at night?" he prompted again, voice deathly clam.

I didn't have to make a move. The three letter answer was directly under the viewing window. Edward exhaled loudly. Jasper moved off the couch completely and now knelt on the ground next to him. Alice had her eyes closed again.

"Can I ask them a question?" I directed toward Carlisle who answered with a nod.

With no further prompting, I began to drag the planchette all over the board. Alice quickly told Jasper to write down the letters as I paused on them and a few seconds later I was done.

"How do you know me?" Jasper read off the corner of an old Sport Illustrated Edward had flung beneath the table. "What's that supposed to mean?"

The three of them shared a long, meaningful glance. They looked absolutely bewildered by my seemingly benign question.

"It must not be our Bella," Alice whispered.

Edward disagreed right away. "No. It is her. I saw her in the graveyard. And last night…last night…" He was unable to finish.

But I already knew. Last night I touched him and though I had no way of knowing exactly what he felt, I knew he had recognized me. I began pushing the planchette around the board again, making certain they read off each letter I touched. My confidence was growing and I was able to move it effortlessly.

I don't know who I am.

Alice shook her head slowly. A tear leaked from her clenched eyelids.

"Are you trapped here? Lost?" Jasper broke through the stifling silence. His voice was shaking, too.

I answered him immediately. Edward's finger nearly slipped off the edge as I pushed the planchette wildly.

Hiding.

"Not lost, then," Jasper mumbled.

Both of the men had their eyes trained on Alice, looking for answers she did not have and I knew I had given away more than intended. Without knowing Carlisle's true intentions, I had said too much with that one word. He was staring at me, but the emotionless expression was impossible to read.

"Have you finished?" he asked placidly.

I shook my head and stood up. Edward let out a yelp as I moved and my eyes flew back to him. His eyes were suddenly wild and fearful and he was staring directly at me. Slowly, he raised a finger, the board forgotten. Edward's quick movement drew even Alice's concentration away and Jasper seemed more confused than before. But Edward pointed his long, thin finger at me.

"Something's there," he choked out. "I saw something."

Though his fear caused my own panic to bubble, I was somewhat relieved. He was tuning to me now.

"Go to him. He may be able to hear you now," Carlisle prompted me forward.

I held my position, barely daring to turn my head back to the golden and mysterious man behind me. His eyes were too intense, flashing with confidence and brimming with deep intelligence.

"Why are you helping me?" I asked carefully.

He only stared for a moment, until I was ready to look away. In a mannerism closely related to the one I had seen Edward do a hundred times before, Carlisle ran a hand through his hair. It was the only time he showed any nervousness.

"They do know you," he finally answered, then catching the questions before I had a chance to ask, he redirected me again. "There is much you need to know, but for now, try to talk to him, while he's listening."

Taking the word of a soul I did not know, I edged closer to Edward.

"I'm here," I said softly, unsure what I should do.

"Did you hear that?" Edward shouted excitedly. Neither Alice nor Jasper answered, but they shook their heads. "Bella?" he asked, eyes pointed directly at me.

I hovered near him, watching as the cold of my soul caused bumps to rise all over his arms.

"Edward," was all I said back.

This time, all three heard me. Alice and Jasper were on their feet in an instant. Expletives spilled from Jasper's open mouth in a rush and Alice's eyes were now staring, unfocussed, at the exact spot I stood. I couldn't believe it. I had been alone and unheard for so long and was bolstered knowing they heard me. All of them heard me!

Not thinking about what I was doing, I reached out. My hand fell onto Edward's shoulder with the weight of a feather. Warmth and life jumped from his flesh to my soul. My body reacted and began to pulse in time with his elevated heartbeat.

Alice screamed. The effect fell over them like dominoes and they were scrambling backward. Alice sped into Jasper's arms and together, they pushed themselves against the wall, as far away from me as possible. Edward essentially jumped from under my touch and rolled over the back of the couch, landing with a thump and groan on the other side.

Carlisle chucked lightly. He was bent low and with the smallest of breaths, blew out a candle on the coffee table that had fallen over in the commotion. He stood and regarded me with a smile.

Half a minute later, the humans in the room sped for the door and slammed it closed behind them. My natural inclination was to follow, but Carlisle reached out to stop me.

"There's much you want to know and they aren't the ones that can answer," he said, voice still alive with humor.

"I want to know what is going on! I want to know how they know me, but I can't remember them."

"Come," he said and dissolved into his shining aura. "I have much to tell you, but something you must see."

I looked at him skeptically, but gave in. Something about him said I could trust him. I just hoped he was right.

Dusk had fallen some time ago and Carlisle and I made our way inconspicuously through the sleeping town. We moved slowly down the streets of Forks, winding out of reach of the orange glow of the streetlights above. Eventually, Carlisle began to speak.

"Most souls live numerous lives. You have. Edward has. I know you think it despicable to leave him. I do myself, but please don't doubt I love him. I have followed him through a thousand lives, served and guided him a million ways. But I did what I had to do."

This wasn't really what I was expecting, but was irked all over again. He had deserted Edward.

Carlisle sensed my emotions easily, our trails mixing together as we flew up the streets. "I'm trying to explain to you…" I wondered why he stumbled, but he caught himself quickly. "Everything about this, all that has been going on, has a much grander scale than you can imagine. I did what I had to do, because, while this may not be entirely about you and Edward…"

Carlisle sighed loudly, his form shaking slightly. "This is only about you and Edward."

I kept moving with him, digesting his words.

This is only about you and Edward.

"The thievery of all the souls, the plunder of life is a great sin, but I have been with him since the beginning and I won't lose him now."

"But, what are you saying? They're targeting Edward, too?" I totally didn't understand.

Carlisle stopped and turned to look at me, pulling back into human form.

"They're targeting anyone who makes connections transcending the veils."

I fumbled into shape, still reeling over what he had revealed. "Then, what about you? Rose?"

Carlisle nodded solemnly. "It is much harder to track those in who've already passed. The connections are more obvious through life."

"So, Edward and I…"

"Have known each other many times," he finished for me.

"And you?"

"I have never taken a body. I have known you both from the beginning."

Whoa. I started shaking my head. Did this even make sense? Maybe not, but did anything anymore?

Then, Carlisle was holding out a hand to me and I was grabbing it. Together, we walked toward the small white house in front of us. He waited patiently for me to pass through the front door first and slipped quietly in behind.

I could hear the sound of mumbled cheers and an announcer rambling on excitedly. Without pausing to see what Carlisle wanted to show me, I began moving toward the sound. To the right was a dark room, only lit by the flickering images on a small television. Stretched out on a recliner was an obviously sleeping figure. Entranced, I moved toward it, listening to the steady and regular breathing and the chest rising and falling.

It wasn't until I was right on top of him that it clicked. The dark curls of hair, gray streaked mustache. I knew immediately.

"Charlie," I choked.

Oh my god, it was my dad. My mind instantly flashed to the vision I had before leaving Nex, of my human body being struck by the burning bolt of lightning. This man had cradled my lifeless form to his chest. He had bent low and wept over the empty vessel where my soul once dwelled.

He'd been right here all along. I truly had come back from where I came. The shock of seeing this man whom I instantly remembered loving drowned out the whirlwind of emotions the séance and Carlisle's story had surfaced. The only thing that existed for a long silent minute was the man sleeping before me.

Carlisle moved closer and laid a firm hand on my shoulder, but I paid him no mind. I only had eyes for Charlie. I could only think of him weeping over my dead body. It rested heavily on my conscience.

"But why did you bring me here?" I finally asked without tearing my gaze away. I was trying to remember something, anything other than the memory of him at my death. I knew was I loved him, so much. Why couldn't I have something happy instead of my death?

"So you would believe."

I turned around. Now, Carlisle's entire being shimmered with a longing sadness. "He has been your father, your brother, your uncle. And you have been his grandmother, his mother. It is the way of your bond."

"But not everyone makes these?" I was so lost and I wish he would stop talking to me in circles. I could handle anything at this point.

He shook his head. "Most forget everything from the last life when they cross the Divide, while others never truly forget."

I looked one last time to my father, Charles David Swan, and said a short, silent goodbye. I didn't think this would be the last time I saw him, especially now I knew he was so close, but it was hard this first time. And I was ready to know everything.

We were walking back toward Edward's apartment and I was quiet for awhile. Carlisle had all the answers I needed. I just didn't want to give him reason not to tell me which made me hesitant to speak.

"I admit I thought you'd have much more to say," he chuckled after awhile.

"I just don't even know where to start," I answered. "What does this mean? What does it mean for Edward?"

"The forces that have taken the souls of others like you are trying to eradicate you from existence."

That doesn't really answer the question. "But why?"

"To change the order, Bella." There was that intense look again. I was reeling from the strength.

Carlisle's voice dropped. "If there is no one to remember, there will be no one to stop it from happening." He stopped walking and grabbed my shoulders with both of his hands. His eyes were fathomless. "They're trying to initiate a complete balance reversal. I'm afraid of the havoc they will create. There are very bad things out there, Bella. Things that should not be allowed to roam freely."

"Are you talking about the Trinity?" He nodded and we were walking again, getting very close to Edward's. I could feel him pulling me. "But how do you know all this?"

He said nothing until we were at the front doors of the complex and he stopped just outside the lights. "Bella, I have always been what I am. I remember everything. I have seen everything. I am old as existence." I knew I was gaping openly, but he didn't care, just pushed on. "I know things, please trust me. I am connected to Edward as you are to Charlie. It transcends space and time and never disappears."

"So, are you just helping me because I've known Edward so many times? I don't understand our part in this."

"Your connections are the strongest I have ever seen. It has been nurtured from the first life and yours is the one the Trinity covets the most. They are already hunting you and there is more you must know, but it is enough for tonight. Edward is back and I suspect you can reach him again while his mind is still open. It'll be harder after he has time to doubt."

I was completely off-kilter. It was so much to take in, so much information to sort. My mind was already wandering and I found myself nodding to Carlisle as he backed away from me, breaking the intensity of his stare, cracking the last of my peace.

"But, I don't know what to do," I murmured as he began to move away.

"Just stay with Edward."

And Carlisle was gone.

I floated in the direction of the apartment, guided by that inexplicable connection to Edward. How deeply did it truly run? What is he to me? In this last life? And most importantly, if we were so connected, why couldn't I remember him the way I instantly did Charlie?

I was more confused than ever and barely discerned as I passed through the seemingly solid barrier and right into the apartment. I didn't even notice that Edward wasn't alone and that he was completely aware of the intruder. I was so wrapped up in my thoughts that I nearly walked into the thick, black cloud before realizing it was there and growling at Edward.

For his part, Edward looked like he had been awakened from the couch, not by my touch, but by the choking presence looming in the darkness. I blinked once, twice, unsuccessfully trying to flush away the vision as Edward's heart pounded against his chest. My eyes, wide and panicked, flew to him. It lasted less than a second and dread leaped into my throat and I pulsed with the fear swimming through Edward.

Then, I screamed, "Run!"

His eyes caught mine, seeing me, and he was gone, scrambling for the door and leaving me alone and afraid with the dark cloud bearing down.

A/N: So...what did you think?

Do you have any spooky, ghosty tales to share? Let me know!