The two didn’t talk much as the hours passed. Zeltis had no idea how their coexistence would continue to affect Alex.
Zeltis continued to let his thoughts drift as he observed Alex wander through the rest of the day. Alex had written his report and ate dinner before spending the rest of the time on the computer.
When Zeltis took over he decided to walk for a bit and let the march wind clear his head before searching for a target.
The noise of traffic and bustling crowds were a good distraction as Zeltis made his way downtown. He wasn’t paying much attention when a small figure tripped and fell, knocking into him.
Zeltis quickly gained his balance and reached to grab the person by the shoulders. He noticed the dainty feminine figure before recognizing the riotous dark curls on her head.
“I’m so sorry. My hands were full and I wasn’t watching where I was…” she trailed off as her large eyes met his. “Oh Al..wait, who are you?” She interrupted herself her green eyes serious as they studied him.
“Does she realize it’s not me somehow?” Alex chimed in.
Zeltis had been about to pretend ignorance but knew Alex was right. He sighed, “It’s a bit crowded to talk here why don’t we find somewhere we can talk in private?”
Her mouth tightened but she nodded and followed him. They walked a few blocks until they came to a quiet out of the way cafe. Zeltis held the door for her and she entered.
A server led them to a quiet table near the back and they ordered some drinks. Summer dropped her bags to the floor under the table after she sat and looked at him curiously.
“You obviously noticed I’m not who I appear to be,” Zeltis said after taking a sip and clearing his throat.
“Your appearance and aura are different. Are you related to Alex?”
“I suppose you could say we're related, in a way.” Zeltis’ brow raised, “you can see my long silver hair and red eyes?”
Her brows wrinkled and he smiled at her confusion.
“Most people aren’t able to see it or wouldn’t people be staring at me?”
“Now that you mention it.”
“You mentioned seeing ghosts before so you must be sensitive to the supernatural.” Zeltis covered his mouth shocked he had revealed that.
She frowned, “Did Alex tell you?”
“Hey don’t make her hate me!” Alex yelled internally
“Sorry, I don’t know why I said that.” He smacked his forehead. Zeltis raised his hands, “It’s not what you think. I didn’t want to say anything but now that I have tripped over my tongue, I will explain.”
He paused and took a sip as he gathered what he wanted to say.
“Tell her the truth. I trust her.”
“I don’t usually trust anyone,” Zeltis answered and sighed.
He leaned a bit closer so he wouldn’t be overheard. “I’m actually possessing Alex’s body.”
Her eyes widened and she gasped before her brows furrowed.
“Wait, before you get angry Alex is fine. He is actually aware of everything and can hear what we are saying.”
Her brow rose and she sat back crossing her arms in front of her chest. “I don’t know if I can believe you.”
“I’m not sure how I can prove I’m telling the truth…” The bell jangled as more customers entered the cafe.
Zeltis glanced that way and his eyes met those of Lei Ling. Lei Ling was with two other young men. Lei Ling’s eyes widened and he grimaced before rushing toward Zeltis.
“Damn!” Zeltis yelled and jumped up. He grabbed Summer by the arm and stepped away just as Lei Ling crashed into their table.
People yelled and the nearby waiter tried to grab Lei Ling by the arm. Zeltis took the chance to rush toward the door but the two who had come with Lei Ling blocked his escape. He kicked one in the shin and shoved the other aside before dragging summer out the door.
The young man he shoved managed to fire a spell in their direction and Summer yelled in pain as it hit her from behind.
“Summer!” Alex cried.
Zeltis grabbed her collapsing form and carried her as he ran. He turned through an alley and into another street. Then the crowd swallowed him. He carried her to Alex’s house as quickly as he could.
He rang the bell since he couldn’t easily get his keys and Craig’s surprised face welcomed him into the house.
“Young master should I call the ambulance?” Craig asked after shutting the door behind them.
“Bring a first aid kit for now,” Zeltis said, breathing a little harder than he expected.
Zeltis carried her into the room Alex had used when in the wheelchair. He laid her down and she moaned but didn’t open her eyes. He turned her gently onto her stomach and let a breath out in relief when she didn’t have a visible wound.
“Why did you relax? She got knocked unconscious so it might have damaged her somewhere we can’t see.” Alex said.
There was a knock at the door and Zeltis went to take the first aid box Craig offered him.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
“Should I help you, young master,” Craig said, his eyes trying to peer around the open door to see inside.
“No thank you. I think she’ll be alright.”
Craig’s brows wrinkled slightly but he nodded and left.
Zeltis shut the door and placed the first aid box on the nightstand.
“I relaxed because the spell was likely one that only targets demons and spiritual entities. It gave her spirit a little shock but it shouldn’t have injured her. She should wake up soon.”
“Thanks goodness. But we sure made a mess and you weren’t wearing the mask either.”
Zeltis moved to make Summer more comfortable and draped a cover over her. “Yeah they might come after either of us now and we didn’t pay our bill either.”
“Don’t forget we had to leave Summers groceries there too.” Alex sighed. “She probably won’t be happy about all this. I hope she won’t hate me now.”
“I doubt she would hate you,” Zeltis sat on a chair next to the bed.
“I won’t hate you,” Summer’s weak voice said as her eyes fluttered open.
Zelti smiled, “I’m glad to see you awake. I don’t think the spell that hit you injured your body, But I could try a healing spell to make sure if you like?”
She turned her head toward him, “I’m still not sure I can trust you, but a healing spell sounds too cool, so if you wouldn’t mind.”
Alex laughed, “That’s just like Summer. She cares more about learning about spells than worrying you might hurt her.”
Zeltis chuckled and leaned toward her. His hands started to to glow a soft golden color as he waved them over her reclining form.
“It kind of tickles and feels warm at the same time. It’s nice,” She said when the glow faded.
“I’m glad I could be of service.”
She looked around the room, “Where am I anyway?”
“Sorry, I rushed you into Alex’s house. I didn’t know where else to take you. A hospital wouldn’t have known how to help and even if I did know where you lived…” He shrugged.
“Explaining all this would have been a little awkward to say the least so it makes sense for you to bring me here. I get it. What I don’t understand is what actually happened. Not only do I find out Alex is possessed, but as soon as that guy saw you he attacked. It was strange to say the least.”
“It’s a long story. The short version is that I came upon Alex after his accident. He most likely would have died if I hadn’t helped so I made a deal. I get to borrow his body at night. The one who attacked me was probably an exorcist. He likely saw my true appearance and attacked.”
“I feel like you left a lot out of that explanation, like why you need Alex’s body?” Her eyes held suspicion and disapproval as they studied him.
“It is an agreement between us so you don’t need to know. He will be back to his normal self once I relinquish control.”
Her face lit up, “Does that mean you could let him come back now?”
Zeltis sputtered, “Clever. Yes, I can do that.”
“I would appreciate that too Zeltis. I know you didn’t get to hunt but with those exorcists out looking for you…” Alex said.
“Yeah, I know.” Zeltis got comfortable in the chair and closed his eyes. He let control go and slid back so that Alex could take over.
Alex opened his eyes and they could both see Summer’s round eyes and open mouth as she gaped at him.
“Wow the hair and eyes seemed to melt away. So cool,” she finally breathed out.
Alex laughed and blushed pulling a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry you got pulled into all this mess. You could have gotten seriously hurt.”
“Now I’m sure it’s Alex,” She laughed. “Don’t worry about it. I’m actually glad. You know the supernatural fascinates me and now I’m getting to see it in person. It’s awesome!”
“I should have known a little danger wouldn’t deter you. Still I’m sorry about your things.”
She waved her hand in dismissal as she sat up. She moved carefully, checking her body before speaking. “It’s not too bad. I can get some more. It’s inconvenient but the nearby store is open all night.”
“You can’t get it in the morning?” He tilted his head to the side.
“My parents are away on a trip and won’t get back until the morning so I was buying my dinner.”
“I can’t let you go home to an empty house and I’m sure my cook wouldn’t mind making something.”
“We barely know each other and now you're asking me to spend the night?” She raised a brow and covered her chest, but at his shocked look she relaxed with a laugh. “You seriously don’t get sarcasm do you?”
He coughed and looked away his cheeks red as tomatoes. “Come on don’t tease me. I told you humor sometimes goes over my head. Anyway you can stay here for tonight. My room is upstairs. I have a live in butler, maid, and cook if you need anything. So, um I will get you something to eat,” he got quieter as he tripped over his words.
“Oh come on do you have to be so nervous around her. She’s your friend isn’t she. Get it together,” Zeltis commented with a sigh.
Alex stood, “Yeah, yeah but I’m just not used to having a girl in my house ok. Give me a break.”
He smiled shakily, “I’ll be back soon.” Then shuffled out the door shutting it behind him before she could say anything else.
When he returned with the food he sat down again so they could talk. He liked talking to her. She was so bubbly it made him more cheerful being around her.
She kept glancing at him as she took a few bites, “So based on what you implied Zeltis is a demon?”
“Oh yeah, but he only hunts other demons. Demons come from another realm in spirit form so they need to borrow a body to stay here. Defeating demons lets Zeltis gain power.”
“Do you need to tell her so much?” Zeltis complained.
“That is the bare minimum to let her get enough understanding. Your explanation was lacking too much.” Alex returned.
“Are you talking to Zeltis when you get that distant look sometimes?” Summer asked.
“I didn’t realize I was so obvious, but yes. We can speak in my mind. I thought I was crazy at first, but now I’m getting used to it.” Alex laughed and shifted in his chair.
“I guess that would be a little strange at first but it sounds super cool. So you have been going out every night to hunt demons?”
“Basically, but I am just an observer. Zeltis is the one actually doing everything. It is even more strange than telepathy to be aware but unable to control your own body. I thought it was all a dream for a while.”
“I understand. This all seems unreal. But I can’t help feeling excited that all the supernatural stuff I’m interested in is actually real.”
“Being real though, means that it's also dangerous. We were just attacked.”
She glanced away and shivered a bit, “Yeah, that was a little scary.”
She finished eating and Alex took her tray to the kitchen. He came back with some pajamas he borrowed from the maid. He stood outside the room while she changed.
“I don’t have my uniform though,” Summer said as she opened the door.
“I can drive you home on my bike early tomorrow and we can go together to school from there.”
“That sounds good. Thanks Alex. Oh and Zeltis too,” She giggled. “I almost forgot that he was also listening in.”
“How can you forget my presence. I resent that,” Zeltis said in a joking tone.
Alex laughed, “Zeltis felt we forgot about him and was complaining. I’m glad I can talk to someone other than Zeltis about all this. It’s a little daunting all by myself.”
“No problem. I finally get to experience stuff I only dreamed about. Good night Alex, and Zeltis.”
“Good night Summer.” Alex said and Zeltis grunted from inside.