Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Poppy's POV:

"I am going to kill him!" I growled to myself as I very nearly broke the speed limit towards the Gracey Manor. Turning from the main motor way into the misted road almost hidden from view I barely took note of the hundreds of dead trees creeping around the woods that surrounded the house, graveyard and acted as a repellent for anyone sane to buy the long abandoned property.

The large iron gate was open with the wrought iron twisted around with a large E and G entwined at the middle highest point looking every bit as much from the late 1800's. The dirt road originally laid with a stone road long since covered with dirt and weeds twisted around the woods until it came to a small wooden bridge over a small river.

"Im going to throw him in the river." I said continuing my threats.

"Maybe he will be of use to the fishes." I growled as I pulled up to the large, decrepit house.

Looming ahead was a large gothic revival-styled home with french twists here and there, four large white pillars supporting the wrap-around porch, balcony and roofing. The faded green metal fencing wrapped around all the balcony, porch and the same metal was used to decorate the friezes and other roof accents all twisting together in elegant swirls.

"Great. I'm going to die... then kill him." I muttered one last time.

Pulling up next to another car I barely noticed due to my seeing red I stormed out my car slamming the door before stomping towards the large wooden door surrounded with panel windows all around and chipping white paint.

Banging on the door I waited for whoever the unlucky soul was to answer till I saw that pain in the ass.

"Can I help-" A pretty woman with caramel toned skin answered with her hair in a practical updo while dressed in brown and yellow striped top and floral patterned skirt in matching colours.

"Where is he?!" I snarled, pushing past her towards the room with a light glowing the corridor ignoring her horrified protests.

I didn't notice the sudden chill nor a yankee candle on the end table to the left of the front door suddenly extinguishing itself as the smoke followed me.

"Oh no!" the low gravelly voice I was in search of uttered as he fled from the living room into the adjoining study by the looks of it as I hotly followed him.

"What the actual HELL do you think you're doing here?!" I asked loudly, ignoring the others in the room following a very troubled Mr Bruce Davis.

"What am I doing here? What are you doing here?" He shouted back, finally stopping after reaching a dead end and being out of breath while I finally got a good look at him in his PJ's.

"Your staying here? You have no idea how pissed I am at you! FIRST I get a call from hospital saying your there under supervision and had more tests running on your heart and were needing mental health checks as you were running in the street. THEN I get another call from a random ass police officer about the incident and them wanting your details. THEN I get to the hospital to find you disappeared. You were brought in with two people and then when the nurse returned to check on you she found an empty bed!" I snarled getting closer to his face as he looked almost ashamed.

"How did you know I was here?" He meekly asked.

"Seriously? I had the POLICE call me and give me the information and then you disappear again I look into the address and what do I find oh wait... it's the Manor you never stopped raving about so where else do you think I would look?" I asked as angry tears rolled down my face.

"Look ... Im sorry but... you gotta leave" He finally says after seeing the genuine concern in my face, he actually looks guilty.

"All I needed was a lousy phone call... you couldn't even give me that, did you think I wouldn't worry? I don't care? What? What is it?" I ask after a shaking breath.

"Look I .. I really am sorry. But this wasn't planned, you need to leave." He said firmly.

"Bruce. You know she can't now..." A soft voice spoke from behind me, turning I saw the woman from the door and immediately felt shame at my actions.

"Well she can try, I don't need or want her here!" He replied as I felt my heart crack.

"Oh go to hell." I murmured before walking out the way I came.

The woman and he started arguing, I made it to the door but it wouldn't budge.

Sniffing I turned ready to return and ask the woman I assume owner if she could unlock it. I froze in fear at the lanky form in front of me. Its see-through appearance made me look up and down. He was tall, well dressed and had his left hand holding a lantern? while his right reached out and wrapped around my throat pushing me into the door before roaming up my face and collecting some of my fallen tears wiping them away.

Within a flash, he was gone instead a darker man with a lean form approached head down looking at a camera. He was wearing a teal top with some stripes on, brown dress pants with some beaded decorations looping from the front to the back belt loop. He had a little scruff around his face and long shoulder length dreads that currently hung loosely around his neck.

"What ... " I started before shaking my head and giving up not wanting to know before trying to open the door but it held strong.

"Look I know that it's hard to believe, but this place is haunted and it attaches to you, you will be forced to come back.." The man said, looking away from his camera in confusion while looking at me.

"No I know that it's haunted, everyone knows it's haunted, there are ghosts. I know my dad is always researching ghosts and haunted properties" I said as he sighed.

"If you leave, they will drive you back." He said trying again.

"Wanna bet?" I snarked, regaining my anger as I heard the living room go quiet.

"Look it's har-" I cut him off. "No, just open the door." I sighed, moving as he held up his hands in a surrender motion while he leaned around me and opened the door.

"Thank you" I sighed.

I went to walk out but couldn't. Literally. It was like walking into glass and turning back.

"What the hell?" I asked.

The bloke frowned before reaching around to touch the glass time barrier before his hand went through it, he proceeded to walk and go through it while I leant against it in disbelief.

"Gabby!" He shouted while grasping my hand and trying to pull me out.

"What?" The woman who answered the door now named Gabby replied before turning the corner and seeing the most likely ridiculous sight before her as a kid about 10 followed her looking scared while holding his action figures.

"She can't leave.. " Ben said in shock.

Chapter Text

Poppy's POV

"What?" The woman who answered the door now named Gabby replied before turning the corner and seeing the most likely ridiculous sight before her as a kid about 10 followed her looking scared while holding his action figures.

"She can't leave.. " Ben said in shock.

"But how..." she came with the others in the room I hadn't even looked at originally.

A darker skinned woman with a cropped sleep cap on, a red shawl patterned with gold leaves embroidered and a long nightdress in deep green.

A tall man with tanned skin and sandy blonde hair with a large crooked nose while donning a priest's clothing and ofcourse, Bruce in his long sleep shirt white and blue striped sleep shirt.

"Look if your trapped here with us, we might as well get aquainted." The priest said with a southern lilt to his tone while he watched in morbid fascination at myself and the first man tried to get me threw the door.

Sighing we gave up and went to follow Gabby and the kid.

"So who are you?" Gabby said as she sat on a long armoire with brown cushions while the kid went into the tent set up just behind it.

The room was large and rectangular with a huge stone fireplace. Bookcase's lining the wall with a large archway leading to the study, tables dotted everywhere covered in dust, pillows, candles etc. There were other chairs dotted about, some sleeping bags laid out and towels piled in the corner with some other little bits.

"She's the woman who does my bins!" Bruce said as I almost growled.

"Oh is that how you define me?!" I shrieked as one of the candles went out in the middle of the table. Only the kid and I noticed.

"Well how else would you say it?" He gripped back as I was turning red.

"Im your daughter! It would be nice once in a while if you said such!" I snarled as another candle went out. This time everyone noticed.

"Bruce, you have a daughter?" Gabby said, astonished.

"Shes a kid I raised nothing more, I told her I can't be a dad!" He said grumpily.

"That would make her your child..." The man who was helping me by the door said.

"Look, me and her mum were an item and shouldn't have been. She had Poppy here and we agreed to help each other so I helped raise her, nothing more than a baby sitter." Bruce snarked.

"Or in other words he was my mum's teacher, they had an affair and she got pregnant, he promised to raise me with her so she wouldn't say who the father was to the school. But regardless of such, he still is my father and I have been trying to establish this bond since his last heart surgery but he won't have it." I explained sadly.

"So you are her father?" The priest asked, looking confused.

"Never was confirmed nor denied so until confirmed I will deny it." Bruce said before going into a corner to lay down, ending his part of the conversation.

"You selfish prick never agreed to the test, afraid of the results that would end with you having somebody who actually wants to be here for you!" I sniped. I got no reply.

"So, your name is Poppy. I'm Father Ken, just call me Ken." The priest said awkwardly as I glared into the corner.

"I'm sorry, here's some tea and scones, please help yourself, I'm Gabby that's my son Travis." Gabby said as she placed some scones, jam and cream on the table between us all.

Travis waved, he had slightly darker skin then his mom, a slight buzzcut and was wearing brown pajamas.

"Im Ben," The man who was trying to help me said.

"And I am Harriet, don't worry baby we will figure this out." The woman with the sleep cap on.

"The best we can do tonight is try and rest we have to look for Madame Leota tomorrow and be ready for a fight if we ever want to go to our homes and lives again." Ken said after they gave me a brief explanation of what was going on.

They were trapped in this house with a bunch of ghosts and wanted them gone. Right...

I nodded, not caring at the moment, Gabby led me to an empty sleeping bag in the corner and laid it out for me by the fire.

"Thank you, is there somewhere I can wash up?" I asked her as she nodded, leading me down the hall and to a door just before what looked like a kitchen.

"I'm sorry about Bruce it must have been horrible to hear, if you need anything just call." Gabby said apologetically as I just nodded.

Going into the small bathroom, it was tiled in black and copper with old large tiles with flowers made of copper set in the porcelain while the bath, sink and mirror was made of the same material the toilet was solid porcelain with a simple copper handle. Above it was a gas candle flickering as it lit the small room.

Sighing I put my forgotten bag on the top of the toilet and sat down on the floor.

It was cold, but was grounding me.

All I ever wanted was family, love and acceptance. It had become clear that I wasn't getting that now Bruce rejected me again. I'm just so done, he's my dad. I always called him that and after mum passed and I looked after him after his surgery when we were actually getting along I thought maybe, just maybe we were bonding.

Sniffing I took a floating tissue and blew my nose barely registering the fact another tissue was hovering to my side.

Looking at the floating tissue I barely reacted and muttered a simple thank you, unsure who or what it was but it was being kind in my time of need and I had other things to worry about at the moment.

I felt a phantom hand run gently down my jawbone but nobody was there, gulping the fingers following the motion before creeping up to my long hair and pushing it away from my face.

Sighing I stood weakly and looked into the mirror, my pale complexion was contrasted to my long chestnut coloured hair that was waving down my back to just below my bra strap. My almond shaped eyes were framed by shorter than I would like lashes enhanced with mascara, my dark hazel eyes were red rimmed from the previous tears surrounded in smudged light green eyeshadow, while my small pursed red lips hid my slight gapteeth.

I was fortunate to be wearing my black buttoned up blouse that had a collar chain with a small green gem on each point with the silver chain hanging between, I removed it simply and put it in my black jeans pocket before unbuttoning my blouse showing the strappy black vest top underneath. My feet were adorned with somewhat chunky boots which were also promptly removed exposing my odd socks, one blue with turtles on the other pink with raccoons.

Washing my face, I removed my minimum makeup exposing my freckles while the foundation was washed away. Next I removed my earrings, 2 cartilage piercings on one side and 3 on the other, each filled with small silver studs other than the corner stud which had a small chain to the one next to my head. Last but not least was the one small stud on my right nostril.

I had one other piercing which was my belly button with a silver stud and a pale blue gem I don't bother removing.

The phantom hands creeped around my hips, suddenly making me jump as I startled to look into the mirror to see the tall man from the front door again. Squeaking I turned my head but nobody was there, but it was when my head flicked to the mirror. He was tall with deep set eyes in a greenish tint while his jaw, and cheeks were pronounced due to death and his lips were exposing his grinning teeth. The only thing that was completely abnormal... the fact his head was in a hatbox reflected in front of me barely able to see my own face.

Chapter Text

Washing my face, I removed my minimum makeup exposing my freckles while the foundation was washed away. Next I removed my earrings, 2 cartilage piercings on one side and 3 on the other, each filled with small silver studs other than the corner stud which had a small chain to the one next to my head. Last but not least was the one small stud on my right nostril.

I had one other piercing which was my belly button with a silver stud and a pale blue gem I don't bother removing.

The phantom hands creeped around my hips, suddenly making me jump as I startled to look into the mirror to see the tall man from the front door again. Squeaking I turned my head but nobody was there, but it was when my head flicked to the mirror. He was tall with deep set eyes in a greenish tint while his jaw, and cheeks were pronounced due to death and his lips were exposing his grinning teeth. The only thing that was completely abnormal... the fact his head was in a hatbox reflected in front of me barely able to see my own face.

"Who are you?" I whispered as my breath plumed suddenly feeling how cold I was.

"I'm your future my dear, don't worry I won't leave you." His raspy voice floated into my ear.

"Bu-" "Poppy? Are you ok?" Gabbies voice cut me off as the phantom hands fled with a hiss.

"Y-Yeah just getting changed." I stuttered as everything crashed back to reality.

"Ok I got some spare clothes here for you if you're comfortable with that?" She said softly threw the door. I leaned out and smiled politely grabbing the small pile thanking her honestly.

In the pile was some different sizes shorts, pj bottoms and some different top options along with a few sanitary items, smiling I took the soap and moisturizer and washed and moisterised briefly before changing into a pair of light grey knit shorts and blue floral tshirt that was a bit big but comfortable soft material.

Putting the other items on a small stool in the bathroom I packed my bra up after using my compact hairbrush, putting my jewelry in the coin compartment of my purse.

Checking my phone it was nearly midnight, yawning. I put it back and plugged my power bank in not bothering to check my notifications.

"Hate sleepovers.." I muttered as I hooked my bag over my shoulder and left the rest room making my way to the living room. Harriet, Ken and Bruce were asleep, Gabbie was sitting in the corner talking quietly to Travis and Ben was resting in the sleeping bag adjacent to mine.

"How are you settling in?" Ben asked softly.

"Well my dad wont even consider the fact hes my dad and doesnt want me regardless just pretended for his own ass the past 30 years, I'm trapped in a house without the ability to leave, and essentially spending the night with a group of strangers waiting for ghosts to pop up and say boo..." I trailed off with a yawn ignoring his look of sympathy.

"Look I'm sorr-" I cut him off.

"Don't worry about it, he doesn't care about the only family left so what's one more loss he can shove it I'm done." I said bitterly as I rolled over and faced the blue window as the moon pierced through and illuminated the room eerily.

The room darkened as Gabby put the lights down, and everyone started to settle in for the night.

I was in that half dream state.

"Ben? BEN! Bruce is gone." Travis was whisper shouting to Ben who awoke with a start. Ken was talking with Gabby while Ben headed into the hallway with Harriett while Travis went to his mother. I got up and followed them slightly tiptoed due to the cold flooring.

"Poppy?" Gabby said confused before Travis pointed out that I was tip toe running after Harriett as she turned a corner.

"Wai.." I trailed off as I turned the corner to see nobody there, just a door.

I turned around the corridor I came from and was gone in place of the same door I just turned from.

"You have to be kidding me..." I muttered turning again to the same door...taking a deep breath I turned the embossed detailed handle and pushed forwards.

It was a bedroom, large with a huge marble mantlepiece with gargoyles carved into the stone, rubys were placed in the eye hollows and large claws were a stark white marble against the black fireplace. Straight ahead was a huge four poster bed draped in dark green sheer sheets, the bed frame was a dark walnut with twisting pillars and large embroidered swirls were into the intricate duvet and curtains.

To the left of the room was a large walnut dresser and small stool, next to that was a large wardrobe with engraved flowers and winding twists as a border. To the right was a huge built-in bookcase filled with books.

Either side of the bed was a walnut bedside table one with a lone candle on the other a bunch of dried flowers. Above the mantle was a beautiful and elegant wrought iron mirror. A chandelier was twirling above the bed while the rug was vintage in a deep green colour while a filigree patterned wallpaper lined the walls.

"Wh..where am I?" I asked turning to exit but the door was gone.

"Great." I said almost petulant as I stood in the room a little more now seeing a black armchair with an extra pillow on the seat, besides the fireplace and a small table next to that with a tray of scotch on along with 2 glasses and a decanter made of cut crystal, all coated in a grey dust.

"Hello?" No reply came to my whisper as I went to the dressing table to look in the mirror, nobody else. Yet.

"Whos there?" I asked with a shiver as my breath curled in white wisps.

On the dressing table were a few vintage bottles of perfume, some metal hair brush with flowers engraved up the handle into the paddle part of the brush and a matching comb. Then a small dish... with some jewelry in. My jewelry.

"How the hell... " I muttered before delicately reaching out a hand for my earrings, tracing my finger tips over them softly before turning at the burst of heat that spread through the room.

The fireplace had burst to life with an eerie green fire, with nobody else in sight. All the dust and cobwebs that had hung from the bed frame, corners and mantlepiece had almost evaporated as the fire's warmth spread throughout the room.

Candles that were dotted around the room flickered to life as the glow in the room brightened with the fire.

"This is the last time I'm going to ask, and I know someone is here. I even believe I know who... but why?" I said my voice was barely quivering.

"I thought an... introduction was in order." A crisp voice stated as I spun again now facing the door but despite the voice being by my ear there was nobody there, turning again I shrieked lightly as a tall figure was in front of me, bowing lightly while keeping his eyes on mine the entire time. He was tall with a black peacoat draping him which dropped to his knees, he was wearing matching suit trousers and black leather boots.

He was meant to be a head taller atleast... but the fact that his head was residing in a lantern like container glowing with light greenish blue, his face was stark with deep set eyes and long curled hair that would have hung around the nape of his neck. And atop his head, sat a black tophat.

I jumped back and the floor fell out from under me as I fell into one of the chairs by the fire with a start.

Huffing I looked to the armchair opposite and now sat the complete body of a tall handsome man, head and all. He had blue eyes crystal clear with gelled back black hair and a firm body clear that when he was amongst the living kept himself fit.

"You can attach your head?" I asked numbly in a type of shock.

"Yes, it is nothing for a.. being with my limitations but it does tend to get unhinged due to the nature of my death." He wisped.

"Right.. why am I here?" I asked with a slight gulp looking back to the door.

"We seem to have many things in common my dear, so I see something within you." The ghostly man said his mouth worked in an unsteady way as his jaw waggled slightly out of sync with the rest of his face.

"Ok in what sense?" I asked frowning as far as I knew we had nothing in common, he was a ghost that haunted and trapped ghosts here while trying to apparently reach some goal which hopefully this Madam Leota would shed some light on.

"You have a great appeal, maybe loneliness. Maybe the fact that your father rejects you despite you being undoubtedly the only good thing that came from his very existence. The fact you dream of family and home." He said steepling his fingers and leaning forwards with his elbows on his knees as he looked deep into my face.

"My dad just didn't want kids, I understand that it was a mistake coming here, he really is amazing while being a great teacher to his students. I do want a family and home but now I know this is my family's idea of being a family I can look elsewhere." I said firmly.

"You, my dear. Are a beautiful, bright young woman. Adorned in jewels and art showcasing the unique individual are, undeserving of such loneliness and neglect. As for a home, my dear you can have one and a family I can help you with that..." He said almost a whisper as he lowered his voice to the end while his words made me flush.

"Still I intend on leaving once this is over, what is it that you want to accomplish?" I said starkly loud in comparison.

"I am trapped here also. So alone with many lost souls all screaming for freedom and longing for peace. I want the same, however I am trapped by unnatural methods. I need 1000 souls to release me. To return to my home and see the house my father left me." He said sadly.

"Oh, Im.. I'm sorry. I thought you were trapping the spirits here for some ... some dark purpose" I blushed embarrassed.

"I heard, they know so little about my sweet girl, I trapped them here but purely accidently. When the spell used to summon Gracey's beloved was cast it caught all who were within reach including me. Sadly as I was stronger then the rest I know how to break the spell. I need a willing soul to join me in the afterlife then we are all free. Everyone, I just need one single soul to spare all of us.." He said maintaining eye contact.

"You.. want me to be that soul?" I shuddered knowing he was asking me to kill myself.

"Perhaps, you could be bound to me and explore the world. My home would be yours and I would be your family. Worshiping you and staying here by your side for eternity... become my beloved." He said, voice like honey as he moved like a shadow around my chair, fingers creeping up my arms and neck. His voice echoing words of love and freedom within my ear.

"No. I can't die and leave my dad regardless of what has happened between us." I said my voice strong despite the shudder trying to escape as his hands clasp on my shoulders a little hard.

"My dear, think it threw you could be a companion, wanted and a part of saving 1000 souls.."He said a little roughly.

Chapter Text

"You.. want me to be that soul?" I shuddered knowing he was asking me to kill myself.

"Perhaps, you could be bound to me and explore the world. My home would be yours and I would be your family. Worshiping you and staying here by your side for eternity... become my beloved." He said, voice like honey as he moved like a shadow around my chair, fingers creeping up my arms and neck. His voice echoing words of love and freedom within my ear.

"No. I can't die and leave my dad regardless of what has happened between us." I said my voice strong despite the shudder trying to escape as his hands clasp on my shoulders a little hard.

"My dear, think it threw you could be a companion, wanted and a part of saving 1000 souls.."He said a little roughly.

"How do I know you're telling me the truth though.." I whispered as his nails slightly dug into my shoulders leaving little crescent moon shapes over my exposed skin.

"I can offer you an eternity of peace, no fear or anger. Away from everyone to see the beauty around the world I know you long for... you just need to be willing." He hummed almost in my head.

Swallowing, I shook my head a little hesitant.

He growled fingers digging in a bit harder making me flinch.

I fell again, screaming as I dropped but the pain in my shoulders and arms echoed, they would definitely be bruised.

"Let me show you the appeal, you just need to say..yes." His voice bounced off the walls as I landed with a plop into the soft quilts and duvets of his bed.

Shaking I tried standing just for something invisible to loop around my arms tethering me to the posters by the headboard.

"No! Just let me leave, someone else will come and let you out! You know this!" I shrieked as my top started dragging up my skin with invisible fingers.

"I don't want just anyone tethered to me my dear, you exceed all my hopes for a companion within the world of the dead." His voice murmured in my ear.

"I can't! I need to be there for my dad!" I shrieked as his finger nails scraped my ribs as I struggled.

"Poppy?" A voice, not Crumps bellowed from the corridor.

Growling his phantom weight disappeared before the tethers around my wrist evaporated.

About to answer I yelped... again as I fell (hopefully the last time) threw the bed and landed in the corridor just in front of Ben as he was coming down a ladder which steadied my fall making him, Bruce (I refused to acknowledge him at the moment) and Harriet as they all jumped.

Ben slightly less as he was holding what looked like a heavy box.

"Where did you go?" Harriet asked.

"Where did you come from?" Ben asked.

"Did you see a ghost?" Bruce asked, all at the same time as I groaned and shuffled as the ladder folded up and flipped back towards what was apparently a loft hatch.

"Doesnt matter, what you find?" I asked bitterly as I stood up brushing my clothing free from lint while Harriet frowned and opened her mouth to start asking something while a voice appeared behind them as Gabby and the kid came from the hallway.

"Shall we see if Leota's in there?" Gabby said curiously looking at the trunk that Ben had been holding as I fell down with him from the loft hatch, looking curiously around Ben shrugged before picking up the trunk and walking down the corridor.

After a few minutes we found ourselves at the seance room, it was beautiful. Dusty, old but obviously loved with deep purple marbled tiles lining the floor, panelled walls that where once a dark varnished wood with gothic wallpaper between panels now faded with age and in the middle of the room was a large circle table covered by a thin purple cloth that had some detailing on too but was too faded to make out the patterns.

The far side of the room sat a long end table covered with some candelabras and ornaments of small busts and animal figurines, some suspiciously looked like genuine ivory and natural carved crystals. As we entered all the candles and the large wrought iron chandelier crowning the seance table plumed to life with a green to yellow flame making the room illuminate with an almost eerie glow briefly.

Ben put the trunk on the end table and proceeded to open it pulling aside some silk cloths and a bound book.

Opening the book Ben muttered the words that read on the first page,

"Property of Madame Leota

If this does not belong to you,
Do Not turn another page!"

The eerie feeling returned.

Chapter Text

Opening the book Ben muttered the words that read on the first page,

"Property of Madame Leota

If this does not belong to you,
Do Not turn another page!"

The eerie feeling returned.

"Oh My God! This is Madame Leota's personal book of spells and enchantments!" Harriet said snatching it and proceeded to giggle in happiness before flicking through the pages.

The eerie feeling left.

"Well, someone had to do it." Gabby said with a smile to Ben who watched Henrietta in disbelief.

"This is incredible!" Harriet said distractedly as I peered over to look in the book as she softly tilted the book in my direction so I could look also.

The pages were obviously old, aged yellow with once black ink elegantly scrawled in a tilted calligraphy while atop all the pages I saw had a head of a creaming devil seen on the entrance plaque on the top of the page, while many spells were jotted down some with small illustrations of flowers, clocks, feathers etc.

Harriet settled on a random page, 1312 to 1313 on it containing the section "A Spell to Bring to Your Eyes and Ears One Who is Bound in Limbo"...

'Serpents and spiders, tail of a rat,
Call in the spirits wherever they're at!

Rap on a table — it's time to respond,
Send us a message from somewhere beyond!

Goblins and ghoulies from last Halloween,
Awaken the spirits with your tambourine!

Creepies and crawlies, toads in a pond,
Let there be music from regions beyond!

Wizards and witches, wherever you dwell,
Give us a hint, by ringing a bell!'

Seems intense, but almost like it would make you able to see and hear spirits.

Jumping as a large crystal ball that Ben pulled out of the trunk started speaking, "Well it's about time! That's a very powerful book you're holding there, make sure you look after it properly." A ghostly face uttered as her face smoked within the ball in a beautiful blue hue while her piercing eyes watched Harriot and me as I jumped away and Harriet closed the book and hugged it to her chest with a smile to the floating face.

"How did you get in there?" Gabbie asked, a mix of horrified and enthralled at the prospect.

Leota smiled at her. "I can show you what happened," Her lips quirked "But it will cost you... three dollars..." She said with a smirk towards us all.

Of course my dad piped up. "What?! That's highway robbery!" He announced loudly, appalled.

"It's fine, it's fine ok?" Ben said appeasingly before dropping three dollars onto the counter in front of Leotas Ball.

Nodding thankfully she disappeared and started showing a scene in the ball of what happened as her voice echoed around the room in time with the scene playing in the smoke.

"William Gracey, lost in grief, sought me out to contact his deceased wife.

'Eleanor Gracey!

Rap on a table, it's time to respond.

Open a bridge to the Region Beyond!'" was heard from the memory of the previous Leota in her physical form, she had a large jewel embedded hat and golden silk dress that glistened in the candle light.

"When she didn't come back to him, we called for her again and again. A seance every midnight, for a year." She said softly almost with pity for the man looking for his beloved.

Harriet appalled by the sheer amount of seances muttered. "For a year? That's so reckless!"

Leota's face snapped back to the ball glaring around for the person who dared not only interrupt, but doubted her past actions.

"Who said that?!" She snapped looking at everyone who looked sheepish and oddly non chalant.

Frowning, she resumed the ball's cinematic showing.

"The repeated seances opened the floodgates of the ghost realm.

Hundreds of spirits freely came and went, but never his beloved Eleanor.

I begged him to stop, for fear of what we might accidentally call forth.

But he insisted we keep going.

Soon, Gracey was receiving messages from Eleanor imploring him to join her on the other side.

But I knew this wasn't Eleanor.

We had summoned a terrible evil who fed on Gracey's grief.

This was no ordinary ghost.

He had the power to trap these once happy souls in this house." She muttered as it showed Gracey talking to the phantom luring him into poisoning himself for whatever reason.

The ball flooded with smoke as Leota returned and looked us all in the eye continuing her words and warnings.

"Before I could get a look at him, his dark spirit trapped me in my own crystal ball.

Who knows how long, probably months now.

He has trapped 933 souls. But he needs 1,000 to complete the ritual that will let him escape this house, beware the full moon, when he is most powerful...You won't survive it." She finished her appraisal of us all before lingering on Ben staring right into his soul, or so it looked.

"Oh, there's much grief in you...You will be most vulnerable to his manipulations." She said warningly and sympathetically, much like how she sounded describing Gracey and his lost love.

"Not on our watch. We got you." Kent uttered strongly, patting Ben on the shoulder with certainty.

"But what are you gonna do?" Ben replied with a strong doubt in his voice as Ken shrugged and swung an axe over his shoulder as though threatening... a ghost. With an axe.

"They're already dead!" Gabby said in astonishment at the stupid suggestion while Travis watched on confused.

"Yeah." Harriet said with a roll of her eyes.

"They're gonna be deader." Kent argued not liking that everyone was looking at him like he was insane... he was but not the point (apparently).

"Okay..." Ben said, much like you would to a child who is arguing about something silly and you just want them to shut up.

"You know what we need? We need a banishment!" Harriet said taking lead on the situation as she nodded and gestured with her hands towards Leota as if asking for agreement.

"A banishment?" Gabbie asked confused while hugging Travis to her.

"Yes... a banishment, but it requires an object the spirit once possessed." Started Leota sounding tired before nodding in agreement to the suggestion.

"Once you have tha-" Leota started explaining to us the needed items before a loud strong voice, (and obviously angry) interrupted.

"ENOUGH!" All the candles went out not even flickered or went down, just ceased to be lit as the smoke rose from the burnt wick.

A deep wind almost tornadoed around the room as it made any dust previously residing there disappear as we all shivered from the icy chill as Leota was almost pushed back into herself and vanished.

"We're okay. Let's find a banishing. Okay, so…" Ben started as everything went still.

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there's been 66 deaths in this house since that ball lady was trapped there! So, he doesn't have 933, he's got 999... And unless one of you wants to start funeral arrangements, we better get out of here!" My ever so brave 'dad' uttered as he plopped into the large throne-like seat that sat at the head of the table.

The engraved bird that was perched upon the head rest, came to life however and dove at everyone before being shooed from the room by Harriet.

"Am I the only one who didn't know that was real!?" My dad said huffing while holding his chest in alarm.

"Um, we better hurry this up 'cause all these seances got the house acting up!" Harriet said sharply as she caught her breath.

"Never mind that, every one of the deaths that happened in this house happened on a full moon? Which means, we have less than four days. Didn't Madame Leota say something about needing an object they possessed?" Dad said as he worked the urgency of our situation out.

A ghostly giggle filled the air at us.

Chapter Text

"How are you gonna find an object someone possessed when you don't know who the "someone" is?" Dad continued ignoring the phantom's amusement.

"Now, there is something very special that I can do. It's quite extraordinary, my spirit will leave my body and go into the ghost realm, where I can get a look at that spirit. A reverse seance, if you will." Harriet explained slowly as she flicked through Madame Leota's spell book as though double checking.

My dad perked up. "A reverse seance? Count me in!" He almost shouted excitedly.

"Bruce, it's very dangerous. Not just anyone can do a reverse seance." Harriet explained trying to make sure that he knew the risks and would be aware of all the issues that we could encounter.

"Astral projection. Just say "astral projection." You don't need to use all these words as if you just invented them." Ben said with a sigh as he slumped into his chair, with a shake of his head.

"Astral projection? Have you ever heard of astral projection? Is that in your Bible?" Harriet uttered confused and a little indignant at the suggestion.

"Let's talk about what really is ridiculous." Ben started with an argument.

"Harriet, Harriet, okay, listen. Come on, we're all on the same team here. Although we're not actin' like one, and that plays into their hands, hey, I like the idea of a reverse seance. Yeah! they've been coming into our realm, let's go visit them. Oh, you're gonna scare us? No, we're gonna scare you!" Ken said with a chuckle and determination none of us really had. Yet.

"Yeah!" Harriot cheered trying to uplift everyone with little to no doubt.

Chapter Text

Next Morning:

After we all went to sleep for a thankfully peaceful night we all awoke with purpose to get this ghost dealt with.

Gabby was making breakfast for everyone with my dad, Harriet and Ken at the table discussing the course of action we would be taking while Ben was standing at the window watching Travis play.

I was just sipping my coffee watching them from the dining room. I was playing with the large organ which had winding pipes going up the wall with intricate carvings as I plinked at the odd key. I don't know how to play, but I always wanted to.

"Yes! We will find this evil spirit tonight!" My dad cheered happily with the prospect of sorting this mess out and seeing a proper apparition.

"Just, uh, pick the shells out. It's fine." Gabby said shortly, placing a large serving bowl on the table in front of everyone as she went to converse quietly with Ben while they watched her son.

I shuddered at the idea of egg shells crunching in my teeth and thought better of with just my coffee, two cubes of brown sugar and a generous helping of cream giving a sweet and rich taste that made me moan at the bitter after taste.

"I brought you some bread, just bread and a bit of garlic butter on. I saved you from the crunchy egg for now." Harriot said as she appeared , obviously concerned at my self isolation.

"Thanks, you didn't need to do that though," I said, taking the small plate with a smile and started munching on it, making her smile.

"I wanted to, your father is a difficult man. Mine was too, but he does love you. Just doesn't know how to show it." She said with a gentle smile as I smiled sorrowfully.

"I wish it were the case. I left university for him, I heard he needed care and so I didn't even think about it. I already lost my mum, she was disowned from having a child out of wedlock without knowing who the father was. She didn't tell anyone other than dad, he was just so amazing though... we would play hide and seek, daisy chains he would teach me about the things in class I might like, bake with me anything I wanted he would be there willing to help and get me that joy. Then mum died...he just changed and left the moment he could, how could you do that to someone you love?" I murmured quietly not wanting him to hear me. He didn't know I left school for him or that I looked forward so much just to spend an hour with him.

"He is scared I think." She replied after a few moments of silence.

"Oh?" I doubt it. He has never been scared of anything, and he had to remove some massive spiders from the house.

I grew up in a small flat, it was 934 Royal Street. It was a renovated apartment with a tranquil courtyard view covered in flowers and a large fountain, abundant natural light from the large windows, exposed brick, and a cozy kitchen in warm browns and creams. The apartment was located in the heart of the French Quarter, close to restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions meaning it was busy with a constant abundance of tourists and life. I loved it, our home was small but cozy with a large open floor kitchen, dining and living room all in one with a small double bedroom which was mum's. My room was originally a linen closet which dad tore apart (despite the landlord's ire) and built a small bed with a built-in bookcase under like a little cubby hole.

"From what I gather he is very ... independent and he has lost that now, having to have this weakness constantly and the reminder of what it can cost him. He knows you're there and he understands but I don't think he truly wants to let you care for him constantly and risk you losing your best years, your future for him..." She explained as best as she could, trying hard to not upset me.

"I don't think he thinks that deeply. I love him, I never had a moment of doubt that he is my dad, regardless of if it is blood or otherwise he raised me and then left me like I wasn't even worth an explanation..." I whispered remembering all the times that were now tinted with doubt. Because of him.

"Want to come with me to get sage?" She asked after a few moments of quiet without anything more to say.

Smiling, I nodded as I finished my coffee while she went to change. Following suit I went to the same bathroom as yesterday, now feeling warmer with the morning sun brightening and warming the small room as I had a quick shower.

Once I was showered and dressed in a set of black skinny jeans, black disney tshirt featuring the aristocats I slid my shoes on not bothering with my jewelry. Unsure to be honest where it even was as I sprayed some deodorant from my back and swiped some mascara over my lashes not worrying about anything else at the moment.

"Your hair is lovely, do you want me to plait it or something?" Gabby said behind me as I was finishing lacing my boots making me jump.

"Oh if you wouldn't mind I normally let it do its thing, normally it's just wavy but with the humidity of being out here it's just gone to this mop." I gestured with a laugh as my waves had frizzed into small ringlety curls all over my head.

"It's beautiful, such a lovely colour too!" She gushed as she set to work separating my hair into little sections to work her magic.

"Thank you! I got my da- Bruce's hair and mum's eyes. Her eyes were slightly lighter than mine but everything about her was beautiful but I love knowing that I have a part of her." I said with a slight stutter. If my dad was adamant he wasn't in fact my dad then he could be Bruce, Harriet's conversation made me think of all the positives he had been until this last couple years. You don't push people you love away, he might be my dad.. but he lost that title now.

"Oh.. You know my husband was the best man I knew, he was a real estate agent, with the biggest heart I knew. He was so funny and we knew each other for years, together we built up a company and sold houses together but my passion wasn't in it. When we had Travis I saw what I wanted to be. You see there was a complication and Travis was early, watching them doctors and nurses trying all through the night to make sure we would both be ok... amazing. Jim - my husband saw and pushed me to become a doctor. I made it though, I fully became a qualified doctor last year unfortunately Jim was late, an annoying habit he often held getting caught up at work. He was late. He got to the office the same time as I was on that podium getting my doctorate, while I was steaming at him thinking of the argument we would have when I saw him... he had a heart attack." She stopped as she finished braiding my hair, it was a beautiful waterfall braid with smaller plaits woven through and two wisps of hair framing my face.

"I'm so sorry..." I was unsure what to say.

"No, the point is, I only have Travis now. Sold his company, threw us into a spiral to escape the pain. I took this estate knowing ... he would have loved it and this place has made me see... not everything is as it seems. Things and people can hold on, he had his dream job, family and he moved on, he's waiting for us knowing we will be ok - threw all the obstacles that this place, life, money whatever it is. He trusts us to be ok, he loves us dearly and I will love that memory of him and honour it for not only me.. but Travis." She finished gently smiling while wiping a lone tear from her eye.

"Your dad, he loves you. He trusts you to be ok, without him. This is him trying to distance himself and know that you can live without being his carer, but he doesn't know how to say it, Jim was the most devoted father there was in the world. But he would have done the same sort of thing if Travis dropped everything to look after me or Jim he would have hit the roof. We want the best for Travis. We need him to move on as nothing lasts forever and if he puts his life on hold for us, I wouldn't be able to live with it knowing he may miss the love of his life, fun, jobs, all the good that can happen, it's equal to the bad. It will define us all. Bruce wants the best for you unfortunately he just can't say it." Gabbie said, making sure I heard her. Not just listened but actively tried to understand and see how she would see it as a parent.

"I suppose, but... too much has been said now I can forgive him, I do love him but he put his life on hold for me. Risked his career and livelihood for me and my mum and never even blinked. So to suddenly change that entire attitude, to want me gone without a second thought...I just can't." I said sinking into the sofa more as she held my hand.

"Are you ready to...am I interupting?" Harriet said as she walked in tightening her yellow floral shawl over her shoulder.

Chapter Text

"Your dad, he loves you. He trusts you to be ok, without him. This is him trying to distance himself and know that you can live without being his carer, but he doesn't know how to say it, Jim was the most devoted father there was in the world. But he would have done the same sort of thing if Travis dropped everything to look after me or Jim he would have hit the roof. We want the best for Travis. We need him to move on as nothing lasts forever and if he puts his life on hold for us, I wouldn't be able to live with it knowing he may miss the love of his life, fun, jobs, all the good that can happen, it's equal to the bad. It will define us all. Bruce wants the best for you unfortunately he just can't say it." Gabbie said, making sure I heard her. Not just listened but actively tried to understand and see how she would see it as a parent.

"I suppose, but... too much has been said now I can forgive him, I do love him but he put his life on hold for me. Risked his career and livelihood for me and my mum and never even blinked. So to suddenly change that entire attitude, to want me gone without a second thought...I just can't." I said sinking into the sofa more as she held my hand.

"Are you ready to...am I interupting?" Harriet said as she walked in tightening her yellow floral shawl over her shoulder.

"No just telling her about my husband, he was a bigtime real estate agent." Gabbie said with a quick smile plastered on her face as she leaned back releasing me.

"No way..Who was he?" Harriet asked as she came to us and sat downcrossing her legs to the side.

"Jim Evers, we owned Evers and Evers Real Estate. were voted the best agents for five years running in New York." Gabbie replied with a fond smile.

"No kidding! No wonder how you afforded this home!" Harriet said with a whistle.

"He would have loved it here, he believed in character. The history alone would have intrigued him without even seeing the place." Gabbie said with a laugh as she checked the small silver watch on her left wrist.

"I better go check on Travis. He and Ben were playing in the garden... not sure which is the bigger child." Gabbie said with a chuckle before leaving towards the kitchen.

"No doubt Ben!" Harriet called as she laughed before turning to me. "Ready to go?" Harriet said with a smile.

...I tried to leave via the front door. Kind of forgot the invisible barrier that doesn't want me to leave. In the end Ken left and went with her while I went and wandered back to the dining room to sit at the piano plinking the keys.

The keys started playing. By themselves.

Ok well that's the end of that! I jumped. Ok I tried to jump up but something snagged around my waist keeping me planted as the keys continued tapping gently. Hesitantly I started to copy the notions and soon we were playing. The song was lamentful and deep but beautiful, picking up and down as one would have danced too a hundred years ago.

"Didnt know you played." Bruce said suddenly as I jumped successfully this time as I spun, to face him as he watched me with folded arms while leaning against the kitchen doorframe.

"It appears you don't know many things about me." I snarked before standing and wandering off, just walking away as he muttered something under his breath.

Chapter Text

The keys started playing. By themselves.

Ok well that's the end of that! I jumped. Ok I tried to jump up but something snagged around my waist keeping me planted as the keys continued tapping gently. Hesitantly I started to copy the notions and soon we were playing. The song was lamentful and deep but beautiful, picking up and down as one would have danced too a hundred years ago.

"Didnt know you played." Bruce said suddenly as I jumped successfully this time as I spun, to face him as he watched me with folded arms while leaning against the kitchen doorframe.

"It appears you don't know many things about me." I snarked before standing and wandering off, just walking away as he muttered something under his breath.

A few hours later and a McDonalds dinner that Harriet and Kent brought back as dinner finished with us all in the seance room again.

"Dark spirit, whoever you are, Harriet's comin' for ya!" Kent said pumped as he fist bumped the air.

"Oh, yeah." Ben said slightly sarcastic, not that anyone was bothered we were all a little skeptical at this point.

"That's got some mojo to it.." Bruce said.

"A little Dragon's Blood? Yerba Santa? What are we talking about?" Ben asked semi seriously.

"Sage from Costco. Now, when I leave my body to look at this dark spirit, I don't want anyone else jumping in it. The sage will prevent this,not that I think it will get to that. I've done it a thousand times." Harriet said with a certain smile.

"You see, if you say it like that, it makes me feel like you've never done it." Bruce said with a scowl towards Harriet.

Obviously on the defence, Harriet argued. "Yes, I have! I've probably done it, like, 10,000 times."

"Why elevate it to that level? Then I don't believe it at all!" Bruce argued.

"How are we gonna get into this?"Ben interrupted with a tired look overcoming him.

One last dig to Bruce, "Believe it, boo. Believe it." Harriet snarked before turning to everyone else.

"Now, if I'm gone for more than 10 minutes, ring this bell. If I get lost, it'll help me find my way back. See, I have to be very raw in order to go into the other side. This is a picture of my dog that tragically moved to live on a farm..." Harriet said before whispering to Gabbie. "Actually he got hit by a car, bursted like a water balloon!"

Travis looked a little green as the rest of us edged away from her chair.

"We're gonna start." Harriet said as she looked everyone in the eye making sure nobody interrupted or wanted to leave.

"Spirits, I come with curious intentions.

Creak open the door to your dimension.

Protect my body as I leave this helm.

For now, my spirit will enter the ghost realm." She said strong and loudly.

She started snoring.

...

"Is she... is she asleep?" Kent asked incredulously.

"I don't know man..." Ben asked, equally quizzical.

"Maybe this is just her process?" Kent said after another loud snore.

"Shes literally snoring..." Ben stated.

"Can I do this?!" Harriet barked suddenly alert.

"Sorry." They both announced.

...

She started snoring again.

Chapter Text

"Is she... is she asleep?" Kent asked incredulously.

"I don't know man..." Ben asked, equally quizzical.

"Maybe this is just her process?" Kent said after another loud snore.

"Shes literally snoring..." Ben stated.

"Can I do this?!" Harriet barked suddenly alert.

"Sorry." They both announced.

...

She started snoring again.

Everything got very quiet as the air filled with static.

We all had linked hands and something changed. Peaking threw one eye. I saw the table, with everyone around it... including myself but I was floating.

"What the fuc-" I heard whispered next to me.

"Ben? Are are we dead?" I gulped as he jumped and looked down at me then down.

"No no look at us - our bodies? Are still breathing!" He whispered as something clinked the other end of the room as we both twisted to look.

"Eleanor?" A ghostly man, who I suspect was Gracey leaned his head threw a portrait before ducking out again.

Ben took off after him. "Gracey?! Hey, we need your help!"

"Wait!" I shouted and swam/ran after him as he managed to hold back long enough to grab my wrist as we both left the seance room.

"You shouldn't be here." Gracey spoke warily and kept flashing through walls as my feet finally sunk to the ground.

"Gracey, wait! We want to talk to you." I shouted in a last attempt as he fled.

"Well, I don't think we are going to catch him.." I murmured as we caught our breath.

A beautiful voice was singing, Italian I think as though part of a main stage Opera. Following the voice we saw a painting had come to life, no... they all had.

"One, two, three, four, five, six, seven." Counting ahead of us echoed before a loud set of bangs made Ben groan as the ghosts duelling shot him.

Following down the corridor we approached the bridge-like walkway that overlooked the dining room, there saw an elderly gentleman playing the blues on the giant organ while a beautiful flapper fanned herself while watching him.

"Now, baby, you know I love the blues, but can you play something a little more… light?" She asked breathily.

The organist shook his head with a chuckle as though the idea was absurd. "This is all he wants to hear, just have another drink it will get lighter then." He replied with a small laugh.

We kept walking past many paintings, some with women crying, one with a man from a noose all alive and conversing with each other and attempting to talk to us also. I felt a little bad ignoring them. One woman was holding her toddler both in Victorian dresses while she smiled sadly as we passed.

"Eleanor?" Gracey popped out the wall ahead, Ben released my hand to run after him.

"Gracey? Gracey, you have to help me!" Ben demanded as Gracey finally stopped.

"Ben, this is all my fault..."Gracey almost wept in response to the question.

"This dark spirit, who is he?" He asked.

"No one knows his mortal name, but he's not one of us. His power in this realm is beyond control, with many of us forced to do his bidding. Please, you must not let him take the last soul...Or we'll all be trapped here forever." Gracey muttered deeply as his eyes lingered on Ben's.

A loud bang shook the floor, almost like an earthquake.

"Wait. He's coming now! Leave now!" Gracey shouted as he fled without looking back, then the other spirits followed. One hid in a candle its little face forming in the wax with pure terror in its face as I felt sorry for it.

"Oh, no, he's here!"

"Hurry! Hurry!"

"Ooh, he's here."

"Do hide. Do hide. Oh!"

"Quickly, in here."

Voices grew in panic, terror as they helped one another hide, warning everyone including us that 'he' is here and danger is approaching.

Gulping I looked about seeing the hallway shadows darkening as life (ironically) fled and it was left cold and dark.

"No, no, no, no, no, no."

Taps almost thundered against the floor as whoever was walking with a cane got closer and closer.

"No! Oh, come on."

The last spirit was gone and me and Ben were alone... until a tall familiar form filled the end of the corridor.

"Ah, Ben, Poppy. Were you looking for me?" He spoke joyfully as his steps sped up ever so slightly in our direction.

"No!" Ben shouted grabbing me once more as a hollow laugh followed us as we ran the opposite direction.

"Whoa… Whoa!" Ben shouted as I shrieked, the entire hall twisted and spun inverting itself as we held tighter to each other before we fell into a portrait, and into another room. Almost like a study littered with dust, candles and book cases lined the walls, while a large desk with a main chair behind housing a plump pillow atop the main seat, in the centre of the room.

A slightly rusty suit of armor stood guard over the desk just behind by the large window housing bars and cracked glass. Then the suit of armour... tilted its head, gesturing to hide under the desk.

"Should we-" I got cut off as I was shoved under by Ben as he huddled in front of me slightly with an outstretched arm as if to stop me running.

The clack of his walking stick appeared right next to the table as the spirit walked by towards the suit of armour which was shivering by the sound of the metal clinking.

"No reason to be afraid my dear, now, I know this place is absolutely dripping with the most sorrowful souls, all searching for what eluded them in life. Searching for purpose, too cowardly to do anything about it. But you, you have promise, you have spirit. Ben, you know that life has no meaning. That we all end up in the dirt. Poppy you know there is more beyond the realm that holds you.." the voice god quieter... almost seductively.

"Boo!" His face suddenly shouted as the box holding his familiar face appeared at the edge of the table, highly amused if his chuckle was anything to go by.

"If you're willing to help me - to join me, I can give you what you want." The dark spirit pushed, staring at us both as his eyes flicked and watched as Ben grabbed my hand almost bruisingly and dragged me to the door.

"There's no use in running! Suffering is for the weak and I know the way out. We have a deal to make! A union to commit to!" The ghost's voice bellowed after us as Ben suddenly started being yanked, further down the door almost stretching as the sound of ringing got louder.

Shattering into the seance room with a bang the others were able to hear Ben almost elastically pinged into his body again.

However I didnt...

Chapter Text

"Boo!" His face suddenly shouted as the box holding his familiar face appeared at the edge of the table, highly amused if his chuckle was anything to go by.

"If you're willing to help me - to join me, I can give you what you want." The dark spirit pushed, staring at us both as his eyes flicked and watched as Ben grabbed my hand almost bruisingly and dragged me to the door.

"There's no use in running! Suffering is for the weak and I know the way out. We have a deal to make! A union to commit to!" The ghost's voice bellowed after us as Ben suddenly started being yanked, further down the door almost stretching as the sound of ringing got louder.

Shattering into the seance room with a bang the others were able to hear Ben almost elastically pinged into his body again.

However I didnt...

"Poppy?" Harriet said as Gabby and Travis confirmed Ben was back.

"Poppy?!" Bruce said as he roused up with difficulty from his chair to come over and shake my body. Nothing changed.

"My dear, looks like you're trapped..." A familiar voice uttered from behind me as a cold chilled hand swept my hair over my shoulder and his fingers trailed over my neck as I shivered.

"Poppy, come on kiddo wake up!" Bruce said again looking actually worried now.

"My dear shall we discuss our union?" An amused spectator said as his other arm wound around my waist yanking me to his chest as his hand was tightening around my throat.

"Here, some sage! This should purify the area, the bell should call her back to her body." Harriet said as she grabbed for the bell while the growl in my ear intensified as the sage made him back off but dragging me with him as Bruce rang the bell.

I felt a pulse in my chest as I jerked forward but the grip holding me wouldn't release me.

"Poppy came back!" Harriet said as my body was almost like an elastic band now snapping around me to yank me back to my body mere feet away.

"Don't forget that you are mine, I will get what I want!" The ghostly figure clutching me to him uttered into my ear as he relented, letting me snap back to my body with a loud gasp exhaling from my lungs.

"I'm all right." It was the first thing I heard from Ben as Gabby and Trevor attended to him while Harriet hovered over me.

"We saw him. He isn't a regular ghost...Gracey was terrified." Ben started as he shivered in fear while he recounted the other world. Bruce was breathing loudly with a hand over his heart watching me... until Ben mentioned the other world.

"They all were." I muttered as Harriet held an arm around my shoulder and passed me water with her other hand that I took gratefully with a small smile.

"Come on, a ghost who haunts other ghosts?" Ken inquired incredulously as he stared between us.

"That's not fair." Trevor said with a disbelief in his voice at the idea of a haunting... haunting a haunting.

"Aren't there any rules?" Ken asked with a flap of his hands to the table.

"Did he look human?" Bruce asked, entranced with the story he dreamed of before him a light in his eyes I hadn't seen before.

"Sorta...He walked with a cane and a limp, and he carried his head inside of a hatbox..." Ben said as he tried to remember.

"What part of that is "sorta"?" Ken asked with raised eyebrows.

Harried was amazing holding me to her like mum used to do when I was little and there were thunderstorms, it was comforting despite my 'dad' being less then 2 foot away not showing any of the previous concern.

"Is there anything else that we can go on to identify this "Hatbox Ghost"?" Bruce asked with the excitement of a three year old at Christmas.

"The face in the box, it, um…He had this grin. This grin that's just burned into my memory." Ben said as his voice grew stronger with determination.

"What was it like there?" Trevor asked, a little too curious drawing my gaze.

"I mean, for a ghost realm, there was just so much… life." Ben started.

"It was bright and beautiful, but the air was odd.. like when you know a storm is coming and static fills the air. The danger is in the air itself..." I added looking into Travis's eyes as something flashed.

"I mean, it wasn't even really hard to reverse seance." Ben added on, looking to Harriet whose grip had tightened as her posture became stiff.

Chapter Text

"What was it like there?" Travis asked, a little too curious drawing my gaze.

"I mean, for a ghost realm, there was just so much… life." Ben started.

"It was bright and beautiful, but the air was odd.. like when you know a storm is coming and static fills the air. The danger is in the air itself..." I added looking into Travis's eyes as something flashed.

"I mean, it wasn't even really hard to reverse seance." Ben added on, looking to Harriet whose grip had tightened as her posture became stiff.

"No, I feel like I felt it for a couple minutes, like I was tripping." Ken started with a grin looking at the other members of the table.

"Like an out-of-body experience." Gabbie said as she smiled at Ken and Travis.

"It was a little bit of a shake, a tingle...static!" Ken said recounting my words and beaming at Gabbie and then me while I'm sure my arm was bruising with the hand tightening over my shoulder.

"I know, Harriet, I know that you can do that thing, but I think I was just feelin' so raw...natural" Ben said looking at the Psychic at the table who released me and sat back in her chair looking defeated now.

"No, no, it's fine. I'm limited." She admitted with a lowering of her voice that hinted that she was unloading a secret.

"No, you're not." Ken said as he turned shocked she would even suggest that in the first place.

"It is what it is. My family never believed I had the gift either." She murmured and looked at the still smoking candle on the table instead of making eye contact.

An awkward silence filled the air. "Do you have any living family?" Gabbie asked, breaking the silence.

Harriet smiled "Three sisters. Bullied me every day of my life. My older sister? She's just terrible. My middle sister, she's just an awful person. But my younger sister…" she paused with a fond chuckle. "I actually believe she is the Devil. Anyways…I know I can be challenging to be around." She admitted as I shook my head before she even finished the sentence.

"You're not, you're amazing and need to give yourself credit.." I whispered as the conviction carried through my voice.

"Shes right, it's not you, Harriet. He wants me.. or Poppy I think he wants me to be his last soul. But he did... have a fascination with you" He looked to me with confusion as I shrugged not knowing what to say.

"No. Ben, look at me, both of you. You're not alone. Neither of you are, he won't win." Gabbie uttered, making us both look at her as she had determination in her eyes.

"My… My wife died in a car accident." Ben said as his eyes pooled.

"What was she like?" I asked softly as he smiled sadly at me.

"She was the best. Yeah, she was just herself. And, um…" He paused to laugh before looking to the ceiling as if she was there. "She liked to dance. She never… She couldn't dance, but she liked to. She also was the world's slowest runner. She'd say, "Let's go running," and she was eating a cheesesteak while she said this. Talking about, "I'm getting my carb load." She was the type of person that just included everyone. And, you know, I was…I was kinda the opposite. People made me nervous." He said with a sad smile as he laughed.

"Oh, you… You have no social skills at all." Bruce said with a sarcastic laugh.

"It's true. And there's, uh… no way I could have gotten to where I've gotten without her." His voice broke and he sniffled with tears now dripping down his face "Then one day, she, um…She decided she was gonna go get some, uh, tater tots. She liked tater tots. She asked me to go with her. And, uh…I just… I couldn't do it 'cause I was frustrated. I had so much work, and so many things I still had to do. So I, um…So I went off. And I said, "Not right now, I'm doing something." And then, uh, she left. Apparently, she stopped off to get some ice cream, at a little Baskin Robbins. She got into an accident, and about 20 minutes later… (CRYING) she was gone, and…So, that's why I put all my time and energy dedicated to finishing the camera. Because I just wanted to see her one more time. She died alone. And I feel like she didn't know that I loved her." Ben broke with tears as he cried into his hands sniffling.

"No, I'm sure that she knew." Gabbie said, reaching to hold Ben's hands.

"She definitely knew." Harriet said with a certainty that held that conviction.

"My God. What was the cholesterol on that woman?" Bruce snarked.

"Bruce!" Harriet nearly shouted.

"I mean, can you imagine? Cheesesteak, tater tots." He continued. "She stopped off for ice cream. Salt and fat." He listened on his fingers.

Gabbie laughed facepalming "Oh, my God!" She muttered.

"That's it! She was going to the bone orchard!" Bruce finished with a flip of his arms and slapped his knees.

"Bruce!" Travis shrieked mortified but the others were laughing.

"Oh, my God!" Gabbie swayed in her seat mortified along with Travis.

"Thank you, Bruce. I needed that." Ben uttered softly, wiping his tears away from previous grief.

"Look, I don't know if any of us are gonna make it out of this alive." Ken said with a grin before gesturing to Ben, "It certainly seems like Ben's a goner, but I'll tell ya, I wouldn't wanna be going through this with anyone else."

"Wait, wait, kid, you said the image of his face was burned into your brain." Bruce snapped out looking excited leaning forward in wonder towards Ben.

"Yeah..." Ben gave his dubious reply.

"I have an idea!" Bruce grinned.

Chapter Text

"Thank you, Bruce. I needed that." Ben uttered softly, wiping his tears away from previous grief.

"Look, I don't know if any of us are gonna make it out of this alive." Ken said with a grin before gesturing to Ben, "It certainly seems like Ben's a goner, but I'll tell ya, I wouldn't wanna be going through this with anyone else."

"Wait, wait, kid, you said the image of his face was burned into your brain." Bruce snapped out looking excited leaning forward in wonder towards Ben.

"Yeah..." Ben gave his dubious reply.

"I have an idea!" Bruce grinned.

It turned out that Bruce's idea was to go to the police and get a sketch artist to recreate the ghostly form terrorising us all and the other dead spirits within the house.

The next morning me and Harriet made breakfast, toast with a variety of jams and spreads along with some pancakes I was flipping while she was setting the table. Gabbie was in the shower, Bruce and Ben were getting ready for the police station and getting their stories aligned while Ken was doing god knows what (no pun intended) (ok pun intended) while Travis was in the corner of the kitchen playing with some action figures.

"Can I help?" Travis asked hopping over while Harriet was setting out drinks now and so he came to me.

"Sure, see those blueberries and chocolate chips?" I asked while finishing the plain pancakes off.

He nodded enthusiastically.

"I have two bowls of batter left, want chocolate chip and blueberries as well as the plain ones?" I asked with a smile as he grinned and started mixing in the fruit while I plated the done pancakes and put them on a serving plate before cooking up the blueberry pancakes that Travis had just finished mixing in and was now working on the chocolate ones.

"So why were you so curious about the other side, honestly?" I asked, he froze.

"It will stay between us, but you wanted to know more right?" He nodded, "I'll answer any questions if you answer mine." I bartered as he thought it over before nodding.

"My dad, I have been speaking to him. But if mum knew she would be upset, he's been asking me to visit him... and I was wondering..." He started but grew unsure.

"I'm sorry Travis, your mum has mentioned him and he passed?" I asked confused as a dark pit filled my stomach at the implication.

"Yeah... but he talks to me..." He murmurs.

"Travis - trust me on this I lost my mum not long ago so I know how you feel but, your dad would want you to be with your mum... not leaving her alone..." I said getting a vague idea now on what he was implying.

"He says he misses me..."

"I know he does. But he will love you and be with you no matter where either of you go, what you do or even when you reunite in the next world, I don't think he's here though..." I was never good at being gentle but I needed to be here. He was effectively talking about joining the afterlife to be with his dad.

"Joining the afterlife, you may be with him but it will be in exchange for your mum." I added as I took the bowl of chocolate chip batter from him as he took over plating up the blueberry pancakes next to the plain ones.

"But he misses me..." Travis argued quietly as Ken had joined the room and was now pouring coffee while sitting next to Harriet.

"And you miss him, but are you willing to miss your mum the same way by going to him?" I added as I started flipping the pancakes again.

"...I don't know..." He murmured, before sniffing.

"Travis, your strong and your mum needs you, your dad would want you to be there for her like he was, support her and love her as he is unable to show her that now." I said with a smile as he looked pained at the idea, but he was thinking now.

"You won't tell my mum?" he asked dubiously.

"The ghost, he wants me as his bride, to leave my life to join him. I can't. My dad needs me, even if he argues that. I love him and all I ever wanted was someone to want me for me... now dad.. Bruce doesn't seem to. But your mum convinced me without even knowing that I still love him and need to be here for him, I know how you feel. That nowhere feels right, everything is out of sync but that can't change without you fighting for the things you love...You keep my secret, I'll keep yours?" I explained as my voice wavered at finally explaining the previous day's discoveries.

"Wow..." Was all he could say.

"I know right, promise me. You won't do anything without fighting for your mum - I'll do the same, fight for my dad." I whispered as Ben and Bruce turned up now as Bruce struggled into the seat.

"Deal." Travis rushed out as his mum walked through the doors smiling at him helping and dishing pancakes out.

Nodding I smiled and gave him the rest of the pancakes as Gabbie came over.

"How's my little chef?" She beamed as he flushed while she stroked his head and kissed his forehead while her other hand sneaked over his shoulder and nicked loose blueberries from its little dish as Travis flapped about trying to protect the garnishments. I smiled and took the syrup, strawberries, bananas and blueberries to the table centre while Travis brought the loaded platter over.

"Wow, this looks amazing thank you!" Ken said, launching straight for the chocolate pancakes and syrups while Ben snagged a piece of toast with his coffee.

"Well we better get going if we want to get there early enough to make a plan, full moons tonight." Bruce said almost giddyly at this adventure, once more like a three year old.

"Nu uh, you're gonna finish your breakfast before you even think about leaving!" Harriet said around a sliver of pancakes.

"But time wastin-" Bruce started before huffing at the look in her eyes.

"Nope. Eat your breakfast we all have a long day ahead of us." She said with the look of determination in her eyes making Bruce huff and start reluctantly eating his food.

I settled and started eating as Bruce and Ben were finishing and started for the door chatting about the 'mugging' while Gabbie and Travis went to clean up outright refusing mine and Harriet's help as we did most of the cooking.

Chapter Text

"Well we better get going if we want to get there early enough to make a plan, full moons tonight." Bruce said almost giddyly at this adventure, once more like a three year old.

"Nu uh, you're gonna finish your breakfast before you even think about leaving!" Harriet said around a sliver of pancakes.

"But time wastin-" Bruce started before huffing at the look in her eyes.

"Nope. Eat your breakfast we all have a long day ahead of us." She said with the look of determination in her eyes making Bruce huff and start reluctantly eating his food.

I settled and started eating as Bruce and Ben were finishing and started for the door chatting about the 'mugging' while Gabbie and Travis went to clean up outright refusing mine and Harriet's help as we did most of the cooking.

"Im going to go and cleanse the house at 12, until then do you have any plans?" Harriet asked as we went for a walk around the house towards the seance room almost automatically.

"Not really why?" I asked as she led the way and smiled before taking a seat gesturing to the chair opposite as I took it with little confusion.

"I was wondering if I could read your cards, your future. I know you are curious and don't know the paths ahead but I feel you need some guidance. This might help show you a little of the doors ahead." She said pulling out a large deck all with dog eared corners and beautiful ornate markings on the back as she shuffled them awaiting my response.

"Oooh I dont know how that works I never had them read before.." I replied, flushing a little.

"Oh huni all you have to do is think of the question in your mind, what you want to know and I will display the cards then you pull as many as you feel drawn too." Harriet said with a flourish fanned the cards out in an arch in front of her.

A beat of silence passed as I nodded while she lit a few candles, letting me think.

"Ok, what do I have to lose?" I shrugged, closing my eyes and thinking as strongly about all the possibilities that can happen tonight, the anxiety bubbling in my stomach.

Will I survive the night and escape this house?

Opening my eyes slowly as I looked over the cards, my fingers ran over them gently left to right as my eyes examined them, there, I picked one pretty central tapping it and pulling it towards me as Harriet watched me entranced as my fingers danced again flying over the cards again, there to a card about 10 from the left pulling it down next and as I leaned back before another card caught my eye as I flickered to it and pulled it out. Nearly the last one to the right and arranged it above the other two like a little pyramid.

Harriet put the rest away after a moment and stacking them into a pile before taking my three cards and pulling the first one I picked. The Hermit, showed a tall man shrouded amongst leaves and surrounded in light from his lantern casting gold lain clouds.

"This is the Hermit, the meaning for you to go inward, to look within your own soul and mind for the answers you seek, the lantern represents your inner light or wisdom, which you use to illuminate your own path. The journey of the Hermit is about a quest for deeper meaning and understanding, often leading to a spiritual transformation. This is just the basic meaning but I think this means for you that your future is about you finding out truths and learning to find your own peace." Harriet explained leaving me a moment to stare at the card as she nodded and moved on to the next.

The next card was Judgement. It featured a large angel in a warm gold while in a cold silver was hundreds of people weeping below the hands outstretched to them as though casting them away.

Harriet hummed thoughtfully. "Judgement, This card is referred to as a time of resurrection and awakening, a time when a period of our life comes to an absolute end making way for dynamic new beginnings. I think your life is about to change, hopefully for the better but you are going to see a spiritual opportunity to learn about yourself as well as change the course of your future.

After a moment she turned the last card, The Devil. Harriet flushed and cleared her throat as I was hesitant to ask, the devil surely isn't a good sign. This card showed the traditional looking devil, a part goat and part man with red and gold flames bordering the corners while the devils horns curled into the sun and the moon on either side framing them.

"This is the Devil, This card is referred to as a time of resurrection and awakening, a time when a period of your life comes to an absolute end making way for dynamic new beginnings, It suggests being swayed by desires and impulses without taking responsibility for one's actions and the darker aspects of ourselves, including our fears, insecurities, and negative thought patterns. I don't know if this card is for you, maybe someone else on the other side..." Harriet said knowingly.

So from what I could see from these cards as they are, the future will show a truth, desire and new beginning. That didn't answer anything about whether I would survive but I suppose they aren't set in stone.

"It's odd." Harriet said, packing them all away.

"What is?" I uttered.

"You picked all the odd cards, no chalices or swords, wands or coins. They make up 56 of the 72 cards amongst this deck. well 71, I lost one." She chuckled and shrugged bringing the light back into the room.

"Is that a bad sign?" I asked curious.

"No you felt something to them cards, they drew you in there is many facets of every card and every card has a reversed meaning but I think they are all bound together in fate whether they be reversed or not, like a coin each side is still the same coin and all have a chance of being heads or tails. Now, I think you should change. I'm going to go and cleanse the house, some sage will hopefully make the house more ... inviting." Harriet said with a slap to her legs and getting up with a smile as she ushered me out. Laughing, I agreed and headed upstairs to the bathroom to have a long shower...completely missing the shadowed look of sadness that crossed Harriet's face as she watched me before looking at the Devil once more... and burning it with the candle.

Chapter Text

"Out loud..." He purred in my hair as his fingers trailed invisibly up my arms and over my ribs like a cage.

"No!" Harriet shouted as the vines followed Crump's fingers now encircling my waist and just below my bust.

"I agree" I whispered and in a split second everything changed.

The air dropped in temperature making everyone's breath visible, the vines sparked in life and covered me completely and dragged me somewhere unknown as a searing pain travelled in my veins the moment my breath carried the last word of my vow. I lost sight of Dad as his eyes widened as a darkened shadow of Crump flew to him and covered him like a blanket as I tried to shout for him.

All this in a split moment as time froze... as quickly as it froze - it sped up and everything went black.

When I awoke I was laying in a light blue room with smoking shadows lingering on the walls and falling endlessly from all the furniture. There was a large four poster bed with moth-eaten curtains hanging in a floral screen around me. On either side was a small dresser holding candelabras lit with a ghostly flame, next was a large vanity with ornate combs, brushes, perfume bottles and jewelry covering the small shelves on either side of the large cracked mirror. I swung my legs of the bed heavily as I took note of the console table (next to where I assume a door was meant to be) holding a large bouquet of long dead roses in a crystal vase with a sad looking woman's portrait hung above it and lastly a huge wardrobe to the left of the bed next to the small dresser, there was also a long ottoman at the foot of the bed with faded gold and blue velvet sunken into the seat.

And right there in the last corner next to the console table was an antique mannequin made of swirling metals holding a wedding dress.

It was stunning a long train that was draped around the base in delicate laces made of ornate patterns emboldened with small diamonds lining patterns that seemed to have a mind of their own, the tight bodice was made for an hour glass figure with that thin mesh patterns covered the bodice to the top of the bust where it curved off into an off shoulder sheer sleeve that would drape down to the floor from the back and stop in lightly ripped edges at the elbow. The front was swooped in a sweetheart cut while more diamonds lined the bust with delicate crystals hanging from the embroidered flowers here and there like small water drops giving the illusion that whomever wore it just arose from a lake.

Balancing on tip toes I headed towards the dress gently running my fingers over the soft lace.

"A bride must always be well rested..." A sultry and feminine voice said behind me making me jump. Spinning I saw a bride, she was wearing a mermaid tailed dress thinning at the knees and draping over the floor in a silvery blue silk with small clusters of pearls making up flowers all over the dress while a tight bust was showing her ample cleavage decorated in what looked like a crystal chandelier surrounding her neck decorating her throat in sparkles. Her hair was up in a twisted bun on the top of her head sporting a clipped veil which fell to the floor.

"Uhmm..." was my elegant reply as I took in her beauty she was stunning with large eyes, once a light blue now an eerie white glowing slightly in the darkened room, dark hair with small braids in keeping the veil in place, slightly hollowed cheeks you could tell was originally from high cheek bones and her full pouty lips pulled into a knowing smile.

"I am for today yours, I will help get you ready for the most important day of your life..." She whispered happily in an almost dreamy way.

"Ohh..I'm Poppy.." I said awkwardly.

"Oh we know, we all know who you are. His little flower, his bride in life and death!" She grinned as she started going paler as the candles went from a ghostly blue to stark white.

"Im Constance," She announced as everything snapped back to normal (well as normal as possible) and she curtsied.

"Now, let's do your hair and make up!" She said as the large chandelier above lit with flue flames brightening the room as she flashed to the old chair tucked into the vanity and gestured for me to take a seat.

"Oh um ok..." I uttered nervously as I went to her, for the next what felt like eternity I was dressed and made up like a doll by Constance.

Soon enough I was dressed, with my hair and make up done as she was gently applying jewelry. A simple oval diamond pendant around my neck which fell perfectly down to my collar bone and a matching pair of silver earrings too.

Soon enough the flames flickered around the room and turned green as she quickly brushed her hands down my dress making sure I was perfect before she conjured a large floor length mirror revealing my appearance.

My warm brown hair had been curled into ringlets and then half pinned up with silver clips housing little diamonds and a delicate veil swirled to my elbows, she had smudged some brown eye liner around my lashes making my eyes look bigger and then shadowed in a light dusting of silvery blue. For my lips she had adorned my lips in a deep red, making my face look so much more defined and the main focus was drawn to my pouty lips contrasting all the light colours on me.

The only thing I was skeptical of was the fact I hadn't been given any shoes, she insisted I was barefoot but my legs were covered in a skin toned set of silk stockings. I can't deny I looked lovely the dress that had previously sat on the mannequin complemented my figure perfectly with a narrower waist and enhancing my breasts, the front was slightly shorter then it looked so you could just see my feet poking out the bottom of the luxurious gown and the train followed me about 5 ft as the lines and swirled stitched into it made it tie in with the idea a river was following me everywhere I went.

My lips bubbled as I held back a sob, I knew that this was it. All I can do is hope that Crump will keep his promise and leave my dad in a pristine condition and the others safe.

The shadows ebbed in around the room as Constance curtsied and left with a giggle, "I have other guests to entertain now, congratulations!" She uttered in the air after she left. The cold creeped in again and made my breath apparent as gooseflesh covered any and all exposed skin, Crump was here.

"My beloved, you look radiant!" His voice growled into the room, not coming from any direction in particular but just bouncing off every surface surrounding me, much like the shrinking shadows.

I wanted to say something, but I couldn't. I just froze unsure what to say or do, until his fingers trailed up my neck and into my hair carefully, making sure not to ruin my make up or curls.

"No need to fear, my love. We are ready to begin to be joined together forever!" His face now fading in (from the previous invisibility he possessed) directly in front of me lips a hair width away from mine.

"My dad, is.. is he ok?" I asked, whispering.

He froze and grinned.

"Of course he is, I did promise you, I wouldn't betray my bride by lying to her would I now?" He uttered a rhetorical question as I shivered.

Chapter Text

"No you felt something to them cards, they drew you in there is many facets of every card and every card has a reversed meaning but I think they are all bound together in fate whether they be reversed or not, like a coin each side is still the same coin and all have a chance of being heads or tails. Now, I think you should change. I'm going to go and cleanse the house, some sage will hopefully make the house more ... inviting." Harriet said with a slap to her legs and getting up with a smile as she ushered me out. Laughing, I agreed and headed upstairs to the bathroom to have a long shower...completely missing the shadowed look of sadness that crossed Harriet's face as she watched me before looking at the Devil once more... and burning it with the candle.

"Alistair Crump. Very bad man. Very bad.

Son of cutthroat real estate tycoon, Addison Crump. A cruel father who kicked Alistair out of the house when he was just a boy, after claiming Alistair cried too much at his mother's funeral. Said he needed to make him a tougher man. His father's high society turned its back on the boy. And with no friends and no other family, Alistair disappeared.

Years later, following his father's mysterious death, Alistair returned as a wealthy tycoon who became famous for throwing lavish parties with the very people who'd betrayed him. Only many of those guests never made their way out!

Whispers grew that Alistair was embroiled in a form of dark magic that required blood sacrifice to maintain his wealth and power. No one ever found the bodies, but after years of abuse, his staff finally rose up against him and beheaded Crump! Just before the axe fell, Alistair vowed revenge on all from beyond the grave. Crump, a murderer in life. Now, a murderer in death. Fortunately, for us, his old house was deemed a historical property, up a few hours north. And turned into a bed and breakfast." Bruce explained his voice darkening as we all imagined this little boy being judged and exiled because his mother died and he showed sadness, the horrors he must have endured and circled back to be the bigger evil not only to his father but to anyone who could come close to being friends or more...

"Wait, his house is only a few hours away?" That was lucky considering, thankfully it wasn't in England or anything.

Nodding Bruce grinned, "So, we go there, get something of Crump's, and we don't have to die! We got his address..." Bruce said almost giddyly while Gabbie and Travis sat in front of the fireplace looking at one another while Harriet was smiling at the luck, Ken was outside when someone from his parish called and he left to answer apparently.

"Let me get my things." Ben was excited to get back to his own life and was standing while Harriet followed suit, "Yeah, I can go 'cause I know how to handle the item." She added while Ben left to go to the library where Travis had followed curiously.

An eerie loud laugh echoed amongst the room as we all froze.

"Leaving us already?" Now named as Alistair Crump voiced with obvious amusement.

A crunching noise caught our attention, the walls were bricking up blocking Ben and Travis apart from us in the Library.

"Ben!" I yelled as Gabbie in sync yelled, "Travis!" While Bruce hobbled quickly to the shrinking doorway barely handing Ben a sheet of paper.

"Ben, here's the address!" He shouted as the door sealed. "If you make it out, get to Crump Manor!"

A whisper echoed the room so quietly but everyone heard it as Gabbie ceased banging the wall for Travis.

"Oh, I do love surprises...And I've got a great one coming up for you..." He added into the shell of my ear making me shiver as I struggled to move feeling frozen.

"Not today, Satan. Uhuh. You better get back, I rebuke you!" Harriet said as she waved a burning stick towards the wall where the door was previously trying to cleanse Crump away.

My attention ceased to Bruce, he was grunting and almost choking his legs buckling out from under him. "Bruce!" Harriet and Gabbie said in sync as again I tried to run towards him but actually couldn't, I thought it was fear but looking down I saw it, vines curling up my legs keeping me in place.

"Dad!" I shouted in concern almost physically in pain at not being able to help him.

"Bruce! Stay down!" Gabbie said sternly watching as Bruce tried to get up and shuffle back groaning in obvious pain.

"No! Crump!" Bruce said in fear as sweat beaded down his head pooling at his eyes.

"Keep your head back!" Gabbie continued as her doctor instincts kicked in.

"DAD!" I screamed trying to force myself to move.

"You know... you have a chance here to save your father..." An eerily familiar voice whispered in my ear as Dad watched something over my shoulder now as Gabbie was trying to regulate his heart beat and Harriet was swishing smoking herbs around the room.

"How?" I whispered back as this spell of clarity took over me, I was going to take the deal...regardless of the cost.

"I am going to offer you the chance to save your father, he will come out of this with no health concerns after this ordeal.. but you will take your place as my bride in life.. and death... forever." He whispered as I felt his phantom lips trail over my neck and shoulder.

"If you promise nobody will get hurt and my dad will get out of this alive without any lingering issues." I whispered knowing his word was the only thing I had, but if words trapped him here then maybe they can tie him to this deal.

"I can promise your dad will be free from any and all ailments and survive, the others there is no guarantee but I can give you my word... I will make every effort for them not to be harmed..." He growled roughly as he bit my ear, the vines travelling up my legs more and more tying me in place almost to my hips now.

Whimpering, I nodded hesitantly as I watched dad struggle with Gabbie as Harriet looked over to see who I was talking to just as dad pointed fearfully at me.

Gabbie's head swivelled to me too as both ladies' eyes widened.

"Out loud..." He purred in my hair as his fingers trailed invisibly up my arms and over my ribs like a cage.

"No!" Harriet shouted as the vines followed Crump's fingers now encircling my waist and just below my bust.

"I agree" I whispered and in a split second everything changed.

The air dropped in temperature making everyone's breath visible, the vines sparked in life and covered me completely and dragged me somewhere unknown as a searing pain travelled in my veins the moment my breath carried the last word of my vow. I lost sight of Dad as his eyes widened as a darkened shadow of Crump flew to him and covered him like a blanket as I tried to shout for him.

All this in a split moment as time froze... as quickly as it froze - it sped up and everything went black.

Chapter Text

When I awoke I was laying in a light blue room with smoking shadows lingering on the walls and falling endlessly from all the furniture. There was a large four poster bed with moth-eaten curtains hanging in a floral screen around me. On either side was a small dresser holding candelabras lit with a ghostly flame, next was a large vanity with ornate combs, brushes, perfume bottles and jewelry covering the small shelves on either side of the large cracked mirror. I swung my legs of the bed heavily as I took note of the console table (next to where I assume a door was meant to be) holding a large bouquet of long dead roses in a crystal vase with a sad looking woman's portrait hung above it and lastly a huge wardrobe to the left of the bed next to the small dresser, there was also a long ottoman at the foot of the bed with faded gold and blue velvet sunken into the seat.

And right there in the last corner next to the console table was an antique mannequin made of swirling metals holding a wedding dress.

It was stunning a long train that was draped around the base in delicate laces made of ornate patterns emboldened with small diamonds lining patterns that seemed to have a mind of their own, the tight bodice was made for an hour glass figure with that thin mesh patterns covered the bodice to the top of the bust where it curved off into an off shoulder sheer sleeve that would drape down to the floor from the back and stop in lightly ripped edges at the elbow. The front was swooped in a sweetheart cut while more diamonds lined the bust with delicate crystals hanging from the embroidered flowers here and there like small water drops giving the illusion that whomever wore it just arose from a lake.

Balancing on tip toes I headed towards the dress gently running my fingers over the soft lace.

"A bride must always be well rested..." A sultry and feminine voice said behind me making me jump. Spinning I saw a bride, she was wearing a mermaid tailed dress thinning at the knees and draping over the floor in a silvery blue silk with small clusters of pearls making up flowers all over the dress while a tight bust was showing her ample cleavage decorated in what looked like a crystal chandelier surrounding her neck decorating her throat in sparkles. Her hair was up in a twisted bun on the top of her head sporting a clipped veil which fell to the floor.

"Uhmm..." was my elegant reply as I took in her beauty she was stunning with large eyes, once a light blue now an eerie white glowing slightly in the darkened room, dark hair with small braids in keeping the veil in place, slightly hollowed cheeks you could tell was originally from high cheek bones and her full pouty lips pulled into a knowing smile.

"I am for today yours, I will help get you ready for the most important day of your life..." She whispered happily in an almost dreamy way.

"Ohh..I'm Poppy.." I said awkwardly.

"Oh we know, we all know who you are. His little flower, his bride in life and death!" She grinned as she started going paler as the candles went from a ghostly blue to stark white.

"Im Constance," She announced as everything snapped back to normal (well as normal as possible) and she curtsied.

"Now, let's do your hair and make up!" She said as the large chandelier above lit with flue flames brightening the room as she flashed to the old chair tucked into the vanity and gestured for me to take a seat.

"Oh um ok..." I uttered nervously as I went to her, for the next what felt like eternity I was dressed and made up like a doll by Constance.

Soon enough I was dressed, with my hair and make up done as she was gently applying jewelry. A simple oval diamond pendant around my neck which fell perfectly down to my collar bone and a matching pair of silver earrings too.

Soon enough the flames flickered around the room and turned green as she quickly brushed her hands down my dress making sure I was perfect before she conjured a large floor length mirror revealing my appearance.

My warm brown hair had been curled into ringlets and then half pinned up with silver clips housing little diamonds and a delicate veil swirled to my elbows, she had smudged some brown eye liner around my lashes making my eyes look bigger and then shadowed in a light dusting of silvery blue. For my lips she had adorned my lips in a deep red, making my face look so much more defined and the main focus was drawn to my pouty lips contrasting all the light colours on me.

The only thing I was skeptical of was the fact I hadn't been given any shoes, she insisted I was barefoot but my legs were covered in a skin toned set of silk stockings. I can't deny I looked lovely the dress that had previously sat on the mannequin complemented my figure perfectly with a narrower waist and enhancing my breasts, the front was slightly shorter then it looked so you could just see my feet poking out the bottom of the luxurious gown and the train followed me about 5 ft as the lines and swirled stitched into it made it tie in with the idea a river was following me everywhere I went.

My lips bubbled as I held back a sob, I knew that this was it. All I can do is hope that Crump will keep his promise and leave my dad in a pristine condition and the others safe.

The shadows ebbed in around the room as Constance curtsied and left with a giggle, "I have other guests to entertain now, congratulations!" She uttered in the air after she left. The cold creeped in again and made my breath apparent as gooseflesh covered any and all exposed skin, Crump was here.

"My beloved, you look radiant!" His voice growled into the room, not coming from any direction in particular but just bouncing off every surface surrounding me, much like the shrinking shadows.

I wanted to say something, but I couldn't. I just froze unsure what to say or do, until his fingers trailed up my neck and into my hair carefully, making sure not to ruin my make up or curls.

"No need to fear, my love. We are ready to begin to be joined together forever!" His face now fading in (from the previous invisibility he possessed) directly in front of me lips a hair width away from mine.

"My dad, is.. is he ok?" I asked, whispering.

He froze and grinned.

"Of course he is, I did promise you, I wouldn't betray my bride by lying to her would I now?" He uttered a rhetorical question as I shivered.

His arms wrapped around me, one looping around my waist pulling me into his firm chest while his other pressed under my arm and his hand stroked my exposed skin as the world sunk into purples and blues flashing one colour to the next.

We were outside, the moment passed and my feet were on solid ground again amongst hundreds of graves and their owners. Some shot into the house probably to slow down Harriet, Gabbie and Dad. I don't know where Ken, Travis and Ben were or if they managed to get the item belonging to Alastair from the museum.

The grass was crunching under my toes as frost coated everything in a sparkly dew, the moon was high in the sky as slightly red clouds blocked most of the stars from view, trees that hung low over the high wrought iron fences keeping the graveyard safe and tall ancient mausoleums cornered the grounds.

In front of us stood a large stone grave built up with a small iron fence around with arrow topped bars, all rusted over and moss covered the previously white stone now tinged green and grey from age. Atop the casket sat a small gold bottle adorned in gems and matching chalice. A chill covered me at the site.

"Now this won't do..." Crump uttered with a cheeky smile on his restored face, previously sunken and honestly scary. Now his thin face, large blue eyes and slicked back hair stared at the scene ahead. Flourishing his hand vines sprouted from the ground, entwining and picking half dead flowers as they gathered, forming an arch, tall and pointed behind the casket and in front of a large mausoleum with twisted iron gates opening like magic now.

"Thats better!" He grinned his straight white teeth almost grinning like a predator.

"Ready my blushing bride?" He asked, his piercing blue eyes staring into mine as I was short, breathed suddenly as his features, he reminded me a little of Jared Leto from 30 Seconds to Mars? I don't know if he just struck me as beautiful now, a real demon in disguise of an angel.

"What now?" I gulped I knew he intended us to wed, I don't know what this will accomplish though.

"I want you to be tied with me forever, you make the darkness fade in my life. And as you now know, my life was dark. I am becoming obsessed with you and the flicker you stir in my chest." He revealed eyes flashing with grief so briefly I thought it was my imagination.

"Will I be the last sacrifice?" I asked, voice small and quivering. I knew this spared my dad but I don't know if it will spare the others.

"In a sense, you will be trapped with me though, not on this site. We can travel the world, be free as the birds and the stars moving above everyone and everything until the sun swallows the planet and then we can cherish one another until the end of time itself.

Gulpling I nodded, this would save the others if they didn't get the personal item. Would save Ben and Travis, I gathered Travis's dad was actually Alisair in disguise much like how he tricked Gracey and Madame Leota said Ben would be easy to manipulate.

"Then lets proceed," He flicked his fingers as a tall ghostly priest sprouted from the ground, he had long ghostly grey/green robes that smoked around his feet and a tall hat that showed symbols I didn't recognise and unlike the previous ghosts I had seen he didn't have white hollow eyes. His were just dark shadows, empty sockets.

He lifted his hands and brought them down pulling a book from thin air, nodding to Alastair briefly he placed the aged (and very real book) detailing in spirits and spells, dark magic and various other things that flickered past page by page until he stopped and flattened his hands over the pages allowing me to read the cursive title. Soul Binding - Vows from Beyond.

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to witness this union between Lord Alastair Crump and Poppy Davis, to bear witness of their bonding until the end of time." The raspy deep voice emitted slightly out of sync with his mouth.

"My Lord, will you repeat after me." The priest started as my hands started shivering from the cold air that seemed to settle in around us and the air bellowed out in plumes from my breath.

"With this hand, I will lift your sorrows". Crump repeated and took my quivering hands raising them as the priest wrapped a red silk scarf around his wrist,
"Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine". He poured whatever was within the bottle into the chalice, I suspect poison into the wine that bubbled up to the rim of the chalice.
"With this candle, I will light your way in darkness". The candles dotted around the cemetery I didn't even notice flared to life.
"And with this ring, I ask you to be mine" The priest grinned creepily and gave a ring to Alastair who slid it with ease onto my ring finger. The band was simple a white gold with a saphire in the centre and ornate etching around the rest of the ring.

"My Lady, your turn," The priest said with approval at the perfect (so far executed vows.)

"With this hand, I will lift your sorrows" My voice was nowhere near as certain as Alastairs was, my voice quivered as the priest took the other side of the silk scarf and wrapped it around my wrist tying me to Alastair. In more ways than one, I could feel something in my being drawn out like a shortness of breath and weight on my chest the moment the knot was tightened.

"Your cup will never be empty, for I will be your wine" The Chalice was handed to me by the priest who motioned that I should drink it. I stared into the rich red wine and took a deep breath as my eyes watered knowing this was it, my last chance. A quick glance around proved there was no salvation coming for me. I drank it, the bitter taste overpowering the cherry notes while the pressure in my chest got heavier and my heart instantly started to speed up... although that could have been from fear also..

"With this candle, I will light your way in darkness" The candles that were lit now went out as the smoke joined and circled me and Alastair before settling around our bound wrists.

"And with this ring, I ask you to be mine" I was handed a matching ring to mine but with smaller gems and in my increasingly drowning state I was aware enough that I pushed it onto his ring finger.

"I now pronounce you, husband and wife!" The priest announced with a bellow as the smoke that had sunk into the scarf turned the scarf from a dark red into an inky black with fire sprouting impossibly and turned the scarf to ashes that blew away on the wind.

"You may now kiss the bride and all who witness shall forever hold their peace." He wisped as he started smoking away into the darkness... or was that just my vision.

I felt soft lips against mine the only thing I felt for certain, I knew I had started to fall but Alastair had held me up and his arms previously ice cold now felt burning hot. He scooped me up into an ironic bridal style and carried me within the tomb, I heard the doors creak shut behind us as though a prison door closing on my freedom, I felt myself being laid down on a plush bed or sofa and I won't admit this to Alastair but I felt him holding my hand as my heartbeat slowed, loudly ebbing away as I felt it harder to draw in a breath.

I was so cold.

So weak.

And so very tired.

Then, I let go.

Chapter Text

"I now pronounce you, husband and wife!" The priest announced with a bellow as the smoke that had sunk into the scarf turned the scarf from a dark red into an inky black with fire sprouting impossibly and turned the scarf to ashes that blew away on the wind.

"You may now kiss the bride and all who witness shall forever hold their peace." He wisped as he started smoking away into the darkness... or was that just my vision.

I felt soft lips against mine the only thing I felt for certain, I knew I had started to fall but Alastair had held me up and his arms previously ice cold now felt burning hot. He scooped me up into an ironic bridal style and carried me within the tomb, I heard the doors creak shut behind us as though a prison door closing on my freedom, I felt myself being laid down on a plush bed or sofa and I won't admit this to Alastair but I felt him holding my hand as my heartbeat slowed, loudly ebbing away as I felt it harder to draw in a breath.

I was so cold.

So weak.

And so very tired.

Then, I let go.

Harriet's POV:

Soon after Bruce had his heart attack we knew something was wrong, different with him.

The first clue could have been his pain suddenly left him, not the fact he didn't seem concerned at his daughters disappearance or maybe, just maybe the fact he launched at Gabbie and knocked her out with a swift slap to her face.

"Crump!" I shouted the burning sage clouding the room in a thick mist, completely unaffecting him.

"Ohh the medium gets something right?" He chortled in Bruce's voice, the only appearance given away was his eyes, once a hazel like his daughters now a black like the moonless sky.

"Let him go and bring Poppy back, now." I demanded, I knew it was hopeless but I needed to try no telling what he would do to her or us - especially if the others can't get a personal item from his previous home.

"Oh little seer that I can't do, you see me and my little flower have an accord that can't be broken." He grinned, creepy considering he was in Bruce's body talking about his daughter.

"What is it about her? What is it you saw, you knew the moment she walked in. You refused to let her leave and the air went heavy, so heavy around her the moment she crossed the threshold. That was you following her wasn't it, attaching yourself to her." I said, saying what I had suspected out loud the entire time Poppy had resided with us, something was dark around her like a shadow in every doorway guarding where she went.

"More observant than I thought... well little seer, there is something familiar about her that calls to me. Pulls me in, in all the time of being stuck in this realm, all this time being trapped in this house..She changes it. I saw her and knew she was mine, so I will make her mine. That is my accord with her, she will belong to me in exchange to heal her worthless father of any and all ailments and escape this prison alive." Alastair grinned, Bruce's face contorting in unnatural ways.

"You're obsessed with her?" I asked, there was something more.. just beneath the surface.

"In a sense but, every individual knows not to reveal all secrets when the games are not quite done...So little seer time for a nap, don't you think?" He sneered after a beat of silence.

And then, he hit me too.

Not long after I found that myself and Gabbie were tied together and trapped on Gabbies bedroom balcony. She was already awake and struggling with the binds as I joined in her attempt thinking of what possibly Crump could want with Poppy.

"Gabbie? Harriet!" Ben's loud voice appeared just out of my vision as he almost smashed through the doors from the bedroom and started pulling all the ropes, Gabbies came off first and she took off to god knows where as I tried exclaiming in shock at her speed but apparently been gagged at some point.

"Come on! We have to get to Bruce!" I said as he helped me up the moment the knots were loose enough and took off after Gabbie towards the lounge.

"Whats happening?" Ben asked as we jogged down the stairs seeing Father Ken facing off with Bruce both of whom were holding a glass of whiskey.

Gabbie slammed into Bruce smashing his glass into the wall as he went as Ken went over, holding a hat? and helped Gabbie up and pulled her away from the now chuckling Bruce in a voice that didn't belong to him.

"The moon is high, don't fret. I have an important appointment and it's time for me to go." Crump said evacuating Bruce's hovering bodie as Bruce lit in a strange light before dropping... not quite as graceful as one would hope onto the floor by the sofas.

"Im not going to be your willing sacrifice! We know that's the conditions for you to leave!" Ben shouted as Crump hovered above us in the centre of the room.

"I don't need you Ben, there are others who are ... willing." Crump said smiling a cocky look to Ben and then pointedly to Gabbie.

"Travis?!" She exclaimed suddenly."Where's Travis?" She asked urgently.

"Look, he's ok. He's talking with his father" Ben tried to calm her down.

However this stoked the panic. "That's not possible, his fathers dead, Ben!" The look of horror overtook them both as they looked to Crump as he hovered there gleefully staring at us.

"One last thing" Crump uttered and zipped the top hat that Ken was holding and threw it into the flames that enveloped it in a vigorous flame. "Well it's time for me to go, I'll leave you with my friends to... look after you." He flickered out of view and disappeared as an army of the 999 ghosts appeared and surrounded us.

"Ken tell Harriet, Bruce will get the hat and Gabbie will get Travis. Once Bruce and Harriet know Ken lead the ghosts away and Harriet get Leota there's more we didn't know!" Ben said as Gabbie flapped next to him and they took off.

"What?" I asked Ken as we helped Bruce up who was nodding as we huddled for a quick discussion.

"Before Crump was exiled by his dad he was in love with a neighbor girl but she wasn't from a prosperous family, his mother wanted them together, for him to pick his wife but then his mother died, under suspicious circumstances and then Crump was kicked out. That night he went to the girl's family home and it had been burned to the ground with no survivors. One portrait Crump commissioned was of a woman called Melody, she looks the exact same as Poppy. She was Crump's first love, after he left there were rumours he dabbled with witchcraft and voodoo to earn his status..." Ken said as suddenly it made sense.

Poppy's tarot cards.

The Hermit spiritual transformation, the lingering of Crump when she walked in. He said he was drawn to her.

Judgement, resurrection and awakening. He needs the last soul to be willinging but what would that do to just release him? No, it was to find her.

The Devil... dark realisations and new beginnings. He wanted to try again with her.

"He wants my daughter because she looks like his dead girlfriend?!" Bruce shouts incredulously.

"No, he wants to bring his girlfriend back. He wanted to find her, that's what the last soul would do to free him, to find her..." I uttered putting the pieces together. This was all about her.

"Nope. Not happening!" Bruce said lunging for the top hat burning his arm as he went, his cry of pain lingered but faded into surprise...the skin healed.

"I need to go to Madame Leota..." I said and ran for the stairs avoiding the ghosts that were closing in as Bruce gathered the only thing that could destroy Crump.

"The power of Kent compels you!Ipso facto. Carpe diem..." Ken shouted, drawing the curiosity from the spirits.

"Just like I thought. Exorcism went right over your head. You know why? 'Cause you're too stupid to understand Latin!" He laughed as they reared up in anger and leaned into him.

"That's right, I said it. Morons!" He finished as the bride at the front had her skin peeling free and started chasing him with a hatchet.

That was the last I heard as I reached the seance room, "Madame Leota! I need your help!" I shouted as her smoked orb billowed and her face appeared.

"Poppy... She's Crumps first love reincarnated isn't she? He turned to dark magic and unspeakable curses to try and bring her back and now he's got her." I said fast as Leota looked like she was mourning.

"Yes. He has spent hundreds of years chasing the love that drew him into Gracey, they shared the same anguish but once he entered the grounds, he couldn't leave..." Leota said unsure.

"Did you know?" I asked, if this was true why hadn't she said.

"Not for certain, he has friends and one speaks to me, she is usually in my attic with me." Leota said sadly. "The only chance we have to defeat him is by combining our might. You must release me..." She continued.

"You kept this from us, it might cost - if not already, Poppy!" I exclaimed furious.

"She is lost. The air has changed once the moon rises from the tree tops."

"No she can't be gone..." I murmured at the horror she was suggesting.

"It's too late but we can still keep him trapped here, release me!" She almost snarled as the seconds passed and I made no move to help her.

"If I do, she's gone for good..." I whispered backing up.

"No! This is our last chance!" She wailed as I backed up and ran, not sure where just ran to where I was being pulled too.

Chapter Text

Harriet's POV:

"She is lost. The air has changed once the moon rises from the tree tops."

"No she can't be gone..." I murmured at the horror she was suggesting.

"It's too late but we can still keep him trapped here, release me!" She almost snarled as the seconds passed and I made no move to help her.

"If I do, she's gone for good..." I whispered backing up.

"No! This is our last chance!" She wailed as I backed up and ran, not sure where just ran to where I was being pulled too.

I found myself amongst the graveyard as hundreds of lost souls cried as they circled the ground.

"Crump!" I yelled over the wails.

"Yes?" A voice much too close for my liking echoed from behind me making me jump.

Turning I saw him, well I assume it was him but he looked normal - human. With slicked pack hair and black tophat wearing a traditional suit for the 1800s all in black with red accents.

"Where is she?" I asked getting to the point, ignoring his appearance.

"You're too late Miss Haddish." I shivered, very aware I never mentioned my surname. "She has joined me and our union is complete," He chuckled.

"Then why are you here? Why not leave if the curse is over?" I asked motioning to the spirits, noticing there seemed to be an abundance on one side of the graveyard...where the mausoleums are.

"You're asking the wrong questions...but I will answer yours if you answer mine...do we have an accord?" He queried with his blue eyes flickering with calculation and curiosity.

"Deal!" I answered without thought.

"I need to wait for her spirit to be stable on this side, she is ... resting for now and then once she is put to rest properly with me we can leave. She also wants to see that I kept our agreement in regards with her father. And we shall leave once the moon drops and the spell is complete." He explained with his hands behind his back wandering around the tombstones around him.

"So only once the moon has set the spell and curse is complete, what accord in regards to Bruce?" I asked, confused. I know that they spoke briefly in the lounge but was unaware they made a deal.

"Ah ah ah... My question next...Why not accept the Oracle's help?" He enquired with a smug smile.

"You have made an effort to split us up but considering what you have done previously... tenants you could have done much worse to us all, you didn't want to upset her. I know that she is a reincarnation of a past love but she is also Poppy..." I explained wandering vaguely in the direction of the ghosts circling the mausoleum I assume is where Poppy's bodie lays.

"You are smarter than I gave you credit for. Ben or the Boy were going to be my preferred willing souls and both I had planned for Poppy, walked through those doors and I knew I was given another chance...and so I waited. I waited hundreds of years, what was a few more days but I couldn't risk her leaving..." He sounded human, the grainy quality leaving as his voice spoke in mournful laments.

"CRUMP! WHERE'S MY DAUGHTER?!" Bruce and Father Ken appeared by the back door upon a porch that led down to the graveyard with large spacious steps.

"Oh the father, or is he? After all the times you rejected her... he's no longer your 'daughter' she's my wife!" Crump's expression and appearance changed in a split second and he now floated with grey skin, long torn coat and most importantly his head was within a large lantern grinning menacingly towards Bruce, his left hand raising towards Bruce waving his hand towards him showing him the new wedding band upon his ring finger pointedly.

"She will always be my daughter, you bastard! Give her back!" Bruce snarled, hobbling down the porch steps while Ken slid away and towards me.

"Harriet, what happened to Leota? I have the item, part of Crump's tophat." Ken whispered almost silently.

"She said it was too late for Poppy and something wasn't right, she's Crump's first love reincarnated and apparently the curse is lifted once the moon sets not while its up, she agreed to marry him and be the willing soul for our safety but I wonder if she can be resuscitated if the curse doesn't lift until the moon sets..."I theorised. If there is until the moon sets that means there must be a chance and a middle ground without destroying Crump because as much as it pains me, he is in love with Poppy and I know she feels something for him just not aware what their feelings are.

"Well damn, maybe we can bring her back but it's still risky - why can't we just destroy him?" He replied confused.

"She might stay dead then, he is actively not killing or harming us because of her. I'm willing to bet once he's free we will be free along with the other souls, the curse seems to hold spirits to this land and being that he did voodoo and black magic in life he knew how to work it in death to create or find this loophole..."I whispered as I tried pulling Ken with me towards where I suspected her corpse was.

As Bruce is shouting at an amused, Crump me and Ken reach the mausoleum, the moon begins its slow descent. The closer we get the more the spirits grow restless, sensing the shift.

Crump, now fully spectral, appears, hovering above the unnamed resting place. Watching over protectively as the air stills as his anger surges as me and Ken got close to the door his wedding band glows ominously, catching the lingering moonlight.

I step forward, holding the fragment of Crump's top hat. "You said you wanted her back. But you never asked what she wanted."

Crump falters. Looking at me in that way shows repressed emotions - probably a result of his fathers lack of emotions and his lantern dims.

The moon drops just below the tree line as Ken manages to open the mausoleum at Crump's falter. Inside laying within a coffin devoid of any life lies Poppy. She's dressed in a dress with an elegance to it making her more beautiful then I thought possible, her porcelain skin now looking hollow as she lays so still.

So cold. Like a china doll. Her hands are crossed over her chest, laying in a traditional resting position while Bruce finally reaches us with his face ashen as he lays eyes on his daughter.

Chapter Text

Harriet's POV:

I step forward, holding the fragment of Crump's top hat. "You said you wanted her back. But you never asked what she wanted."

Crump falters. Looking at me in that way shows repressed emotions - probably a result of his fathers lack of emotions and his lantern dims.

The moon drops just below the tree line as Ken manages to open the mausoleum at Crump's falter. Inside laying within a coffin devoid of any life lies Poppy. She's dressed in a dress with an elegance to it making her more beautiful then I thought possible, her porcelain skin now looking hollow as she lays so still.

So cold. Like a china doll. Her hands are crossed over her chest, laying in a traditional resting position while Bruce finally reaches us with his face ashen as he lays eyes on his daughter.

"No...Poppy..." The grief only a parent can express as they lose a child much too young and early is thick in the air as he hesitantly approaches her coffin. Picking up her hand, barely pausing at the sight of her wedding ring as he holds her hand, thumb stroking the back of her hand gently almost scared to touch her.

"Shes mine now, she agreed to wed me." Crump's crisp voice cut through the solemn silence, our chance to resuscitate her was gone, she was stone cold not even a flicker of life.

Behind us the moon settled below the tree line.

Moments passed as we all awaited with baited breath, Crump looking more anxious as the moments ticked by as if he was expecting Poppy to either appear or return, but the air just stayed still. Getting heavier.

Finally Poppy's spirit appears, ethereal and flickering, caught between realms her wedding dress on her even in death as she was the same sickly blue the other souls possessed but she looked lighter, almost as if she was an angel.

She looks at Crump—sorrow lacing her words. "You loved me once, but you never let me go. You bound me to your grief." The voice wasn't hers, it was as if someone else was in her place...

"Melody?" I asked curious as she barely saw me, Ken or Bruce all stood in this apparent intimate moment, but she still nodded almost absent mindedly.

Crump's face contorts, torn between guilt and longing. His appearance fading with the curse, humanizing as he turned back into the man I saw by the patio before Ken and Bruce appeared.

"I waited centuries…" He whispered to his lost love longing and obvious obsession cracking this illusion of this villain we all saw him as, he was no doubt bad but he was only trying to get his love back, you can't help but sympathise.

Melody touches his face, fingers tracing up his cheek as the tips of her fingers whisper over his features remembering previous motions they exchanged in life. "And I forgave you centuries ago."

The lingering lamp Crump still holds within his grasp smashes, disappearing as the curse breaks. All at once three things happen...

A bright blue burst of light engulfs the graveyard.

The curse begins to unravel.

999 Unfortunate and trapped spirits rise, freed from their bindings.

Crump mournfully leans in as they kiss sadly, knowing this is it. "I love you, Melody. I love Poppy too, she is so much like you - generous, loyal, funny and has made my spirit lift my love..."

"I love you too, my Alastair. I'm moving on my love, show her the world, show her who you really are because she will see the truth of how amazing you are." Melody whispered so quietly I almost couldn't hear as her spirit brightened turning white as they had their moment, before she was gone.

Crump shut his eyes as he once more lost his first love but as he approached his deceased wife's body he reached out, his phantom hand brushed over her hair fixing it in place as her body brightened as her spirit arose with the sun as the sky changed to deep purples and oranges.

"Poppy?" Bruce asks as her confusion is obvious over her features as her eyes widened in what I assume is in understanding and memory of what happened.

"Dad? Are you ok?" She asked not even seeing me or Ken lingering, giving them both a moment as Crump did the same lingering within the shadows as he reached for her, but his hand flew through her.

Bruce collapses, sobbing, as Poppy's eyes watered as she kneeled to him. "Dad, I love you and always will. I had to do this, not only for you but for me. I know there is something new ahead, the adventure you always wanted for me..." She whispered as she reached out, placing her phantom hand on his face making him shiver.

Leaning in, she kissed his forehead as his breath catches as he sobs in loss.

"I am your dad, you will always be my daughter Poppy and I am so sorry... I wasted so much time hiding from you but I am sorry bug..." Bruce whispered.

"I know, dad. I know. I love you too and we will see each other again, who knows we can drop in for a quick haunt every now and then..." She smiled as he chuckled sadly tears dripping down his cheeks.

Ben, Gabbie and Travis come running from the house thinking we won and Crump is gone.

They soon saw the truth.

"Poppy?!" Gabbie gasped running to the body and went to provide CPR.

"Gabbie, Gabbie it's ok. I made a deal and now the curse is over. The spirits are free to enter, leave or move on." Poppy insisted now facing us, me and Ken slightly closer as Ben and Travis hover in shock and sadness at this conclusion.

"No... no.." She cried face pale while she turned to me and Ken.

"What happened?" She gasped.

"It's ok, Harriet will explain later we will pop in for a haunt every now and then no need to be sad, I'm ok honestly." Poppy interrupted as I started to explain.

The sun was creeping higher and higher, time was running out.

Crump appeared behind Poppy making not only Bruce flinch back but also Gabbie as Ben and Travis shiver or jump as Crump entwines his hand with Poppy's looking more human then before the skin now fixed around his previously sunken eyes the only thing now obvious (other then him being transparent and blue...) was the thick scar surrounding his throat.

"Is that Crump?" Travis blurted as Ben and Gabbie tried to shield him as they recognised him from the police sketch.

"Yep and it's time for us to go." Poppy answered with a smile.

The sun's rays were peaking through the tree line dancing over the graves and chasing any lingering spirits away as the darkness disappeared.

We all could see, Crump and Poppy were fading clutching each other.

"It's ok." Was all Poppy could say as Crump and her faded more the goodbye she rushed to say was almost unheard on the air as the air stilled before a loud crack jolted us all out of the mourning.

"We need to go!" Gabbie rushed as Ben grabbed a crying Travis and hefted him out the mausoleum swinging the boy like a ragdoll while Gabbie and Ken ran to Bruce who was struggling to get off the floor from where he fell to his knees.

I rushed out as they followed suit barely making it out as the crypt as it cracked and crumbled when the sun touched it and the morning dew became apparent.

We mournfully made our way back to the house as Gabbie comforted her son.

Upon entering the house there was a chill, "What now?" Ben asked as unshed tears reflected in the brighter then usual house...A trail of lights lit the hallways leading to the seance room.

"Leota?" I asked following Ken as he took the lead while I followed soon after, staring at the bright orb floating in the room as she smiled, surprising us.

"Edward Gracey has moved on, reuniting with his beloved Eleanor, now angels in heaven, together at last. The tale is well ended for those who have passed." Her smile brightened, "Forgiveness is found in the hearts of the true. Now Melody, a lost love, has ushered her final tears, the curse is lifted - I did not foresee this." She continued as the candles flickered in the room and her orb started to dull.

"Whats happening?" I asked as she faded in and out of smoke.

"The spirits once lost will dance in the gardens of forever, where time does not chase and love does not fade." She utters as the smoke puffs.

"With my last moments I shall bring forth the messages for the grief filled souls within the room, from the spirits who have moved on to the netherworld...Ben, You were never meant to walk through life alone. I want you to live again. To laugh without guilt. To love without fear. There is a new story waiting for you, one with laughter echoing through hallways, small feet pattering across floors, and a heart beside yours that beats with a different rhythm—but one that still sings of home." Leota says eyes white with the message crossing from the beyond as Ben's unshed tears finally fall as he smiles with his wife's message.

"Gabbie and Travis, I have one last message from great beyond my boy you are stronger than you know. I see the man you're becoming, even through the tears. You don't have to be perfect. You don't have to hide the pain. Let yourself feel it, and then let yourself grow from it. And my love, One day, when the stars align and the world grows quiet, we'll find each other again. I'll be waiting—proud, grateful, and full of love. Until then, live. Love. Laugh. And know that every step you take is one I walk beside you in spirit." Gabbie smiled as Leota burst into light and her smoke floated from the crystal ball and dissipated, able to finally move on for her final peace long awaited.

"Me and Jim used to say 'I love you to the stars and beyond' a little twist on Buzz lightyears to infinity and beyond one of the first films we saw in cinema when we first started dating..."Gabbie sniffled holding Travis close.

"Son, you will be ok..."Bruce uttered to Ben who was silently crying in a chair in the back of the room.

"So will you." Ben replied as Bruce patted Ben's shoulder and Ben held Bruce's hand for a comforting moment.

In the end, we will all be ok. It will just take time.

Chapter Text

5 Years later.

Bruce living in a small assisted living house was able to be free, no more hospitals or being poked and prodded; the concerns of his health fled with the curse, long healed and healthy as a horse. He wrote books of the history in New Orleans mainly in haunted houses and buildings often waiting for Poppy to appear, but never quite seeing he but the odd ghost whisper would show when she had been or been thinking of him...the scent of fresh grass and poppies filled his senses or dreams of bright red poppy fields even just the bins being taken out by his new care assistant made him smile able to appreciate what he lost too late but he made a new family with Ben the son he never had, Gabbie and Travis both there for him as much as he is there for them.

Gabbie and Ben, once two souls, rebuilt something new together—not a replacement, but a rebirth. Travis, took to Ben like a second chance seeing a father figure in him making able to help and support one another like a true family. Their home was now filled with warmth, the old mansion filled with and fresh new furniture. Ben, once a skeptic, now chased shadows professionally—his paranormal research uncovering truths that science dared not touch, exploring what he knew to be true, looking for a way to connect people with loved ones and finding closure he needed to grow, hopefully giving others that peace. Gabbie taking the lead role at New Orleans main hospital as Chief of surgery is a way for her to help, heal and show others the depth of her compassion.

Ken never changed. He didn't need to. He wandered through town, fixing what was broken—sometimes a leaky pipe, sometimes a broken spirit. He was the kind of man who left behind better days wherever he went, never asking for thanks, only offering kindness.

Harriet, once unsure of her gift, now stood tall among mystics and mediums. Her psychic abilities had grown beyond anyone's expectations. She could see deeper, feel stronger, and speak truths that others feared to hear. But more than power, she found confidence—a voice that no longer trembled, a presence that no longer hid.

And somewhere beyond the veil, Crump and Poppy roamed. No longer tethered by vengeance or sorrow, they drifted through forgotten tombs and ancient ruins, places untouched by man and time. They were explorers now, seekers of peace and wonder. Together, they found joy in the mystery, companionship in the silence, and a love that defied death itself.

The world moved on. Seasons changed. But in the quiet spaces between moments, you could still feel them all—living, loving, healing, and searching. The story didn't end. It simply became something deeper.

Something eternal.

Chapter Text

Bruce lay in his favorite armchair, the one facing the garden where poppies bloomed wild and untamed. The sun had dipped low, casting golden light across the room, and the scent of fresh grass mingled with something sweeter—something otherworldly.

He knew the time was near. His breath came slower, but his heart felt light. He had lived, truly lived, and now he was ready.

The air shimmered.

From the corner of the room, a soft glow emerged. Two figures stepped forward—one cloaked in shadow and regret, the other radiant with love.

“Dad,” Poppy whispered, her voice like wind through leaves.

Bruce’s eyes fluttered open. Tears welled instantly. “Poppy… my daughter…”

She knelt beside him, taking his hand. “I never stopped watching over you,dad. Its ok to let go. You deserve peace.”

Alastair Crump stood behind her, solemn but softened. The villain’s mask was gone—only the man remained. He bowed his head. “I owe you peace, Bruce. For all I took… I give you this moment.”

Bruce looked at him, then back to his daughter. “You loved her. That much I see.”

“I still do,” Crump said, voice cracking.

Bruce smiled faintly. “Then take care of her. In whatever world you roam. Should you ever find peace please just protect her like I should off...”

Poppy leaned in, pressing her forehead to her father’s. “You gave me everything, laughter, love and an amazing childhood dad. Even when you couldn’t see me, I felt your love. I’ll carry you with me forever and when this world burns I will find you and mum once more...”

The room grew brighter, not with light, but with warmth. Bruce’s final breath came like a sigh of relief.

Outside, the poppies swayed.

Bruce’s final breath was soft, like the hush of wind through poppies. The light in the room dimmed, not from shadow, but from transition. The veil between worlds thinned, and in that sacred silence, something stirred.

A gentle glow bloomed beside him—warm, golden, familiar.

She stepped forward.

Not a ghost, not a memory, but a presence. Poppy’s mother, radiant and serene, her eyes filled with the kind of love that never faded. She knelt beside Bruce, her hand brushing his cheek, and he opened his eyes one last time.

“Lena…” he whispered, voice trembling with awe.

“I’ve waited,” she said, smiling through tears. “And now we’re whole again.”

Bruce reached for her, and their fingers met like stars colliding—quiet, brilliant, eternal.

Poppy stood nearby, watching, heart aching and full. She had never seen them together like this, not in life. But now, in death, they were everything she had imagined—tender, complete, unbroken.

Crump stood beside her, silent in reverence.

Poppy stepped forward, her voice barely a breath. “I love you both. I always have.”

Her mother turned, eyes shimmering. “We know, darling. And we’ve never stopped loving you.”

Bruce nodded, his smile soft. “You gave me peace, Poppy. You gave me purpose.”

She knelt between them, pressing a kiss to each of their foreheads. “Go. Be free. I’ll carry you with me.”

The room shimmered again, and the veil began to close. But before it did, Lena reached out, touching Poppy’s heart. “We’ll be waiting. At the edge of time. In every poppy field. In every whisper of wind.”

Bruce added, “And when your journey ends, we’ll walk together again.”

Poppy closed her eyes, letting the tears fall. Not of sorrow, but of release.

And then they were gone—hand in hand, drifting into the stars.

Crump took her hand, grounding her. “You gave them peace. And they gave you eternity.”

She nodded, the poppies outside swaying in silent tribute.

The world moved on. But in the quiet spaces between heartbeats, Poppy could still feel them—her parents, her love, the promise of reunion.

Not an ending.

Just a pause.

Until the end of time itself.