Demons Rising (Book 2)

Chapter 18

Dani walked into the kitchen at about five am and saw coffee already made and the back door slightly ajar. She poured herself a mug and then went outside where she saw Christina sitting on the porch seat with her legs tucked up underneath her and a blanket over her lap. 'Can't sleep?' Christina asked as she watched her walk over. Dani sat down beside her and tugged the blanket until they were sharing.

'Not really. You?' Dani asked, sipping her coffee and looking out across the large back garden.

'Not in a long time.' Christina admitted. 'Not peacefully anyway.' They sat quietly together for a moment.

'You know you can talk to me right?' Dani said, turning to face Christina who looked back at her. 'I'm just your kid sister, and I don't really know what it was like for you after mum died, but you can talk to me.'

'Of course I know that Dan.' Christina said. 'And you're far more than just my kid sister.'

'Why don't you talk about it then?' Dani asked.

'Because.' Christina sighed. 'Anything I say will probably make you think differently about dad. And I don't want you to think bad things about your father.'

'Trust me, after the last few conversations I already feel differently about him.' Dani sipped her coffee.

'Dan, you shouldn't. He did come back eventually and he did try to raise you.' Christina reminded her.

'All his coming back did was make you move out.' She looked at Christina. 'We spent more time at your place just waiting to be able to move out with you. You helped us with homework, and talked to teachers and parents of bullies, not him. He did not raise us, he just gave us beds until we were old enough to leave.' There was another long silence until Christina cleared her throat.

'So, telekinesis.' She said, bumping Dani's shoulder. Dani grinned.

'I'm so happy I have a new power. And an active one. You don't have to fight demons alone any more.' Dani said excitedly.

'I'm never alone Dani.' She said. 'But it will be nice to have you by my side.' Christina patted her leg. 'And thank you, for saving me back there. From Jonah and dad.'

'No one touches you like that, not ever.' Dani said firmly. 'They have me to deal with now.'

'Just, be careful please.' Christina said. 'Having an active power does not make you invulnerable.'

'I know, I'll be careful.' Dani promised, just as the back door was pushed open again.

'So this is where the party is.' Lauren said as she and Lisa came out onto the porch.

'Just doing some sisterly bonding.' Dani smiled. Lisa was looking out into the distance, squinting her eyes.

'Guys, what's that? She pointed. Standing at the edge of the garden was the reptilian demon who attacked them at their home. He made one step towards them and set of their alarm system. Ringing echoed around the house as Katherine, Amy and Robert joined them on the porch.

'Your alarm works Kath.' Lisa yelled just before the ringing stopped.

'That's the demon from the house.' Amy told them. 'He shoots thorns from his arms.' Just as she said it, he sent a shower of thorns towards them. They all ducked but Christina had already put her shield up. The thorns bounced off of it as he started walking towards them. Dani stood up and tried out her new power, trying to throw him backwards. He stumbled slightly but continued forward as if it was nothing.

'What's he doing?' Lisa asked. 'He can't possibly think he can defeat all of us together?'

'Enough of this.' Christina said, walking down the porch steps to meet him in the middle.