Myth (Book 1)

by Angela K. Crandall

  “I didn’t realize you would be here tonight,” said Mrs. Porter.

  “I hadn’t either, but Megan wanted me to be here, so I am,” I answered.

  “Did you like the film?” she asked.

  “I did, and we both laughed and got sad at the right parts too.”

  “Your sister is an excellent student.”

  “Why thank you. She’s getting much better marks than I did in school.”

  “That may be true. Your sister thinks rather highly of you. She told me, you have a gift with words, that is,” she said, patting me on the back and winked before she walked away.

  I went to stand, when my sister inched towards me dragging a boy behind her with curly, dark hair.

  “You have to meet my sister,” she demanded.

  “But I am not your boyfriend!” he retorted.

  “No, but you are my friend. I’d like you, to at least say hi,” pushed Megan.

  “My name is Chaz, your sister and I are in English together. She sort, of has a crush on me,” he said standing beside her.

  My sister blushed.

  Then he turned, waved, and said, “See ya round, Megan.”

  “He’s cute, I’ll give you that.”

  My mom headed towards us away from her group of acquaintances. “Girls, let’s get going. It’s almost midnight. Megan, you will be going to school tomorrow.”

  “I have work, so I am more than ready to leave,” I replied raising my eyebrows at her.

  She linked her arms with ours, gently guiding us out of the building. I kept looking around, occasionally glancing back.

  “No worries, Suzie will lock up,” my mother stated when she saw me peering back.

  The ride home was fairly silent. I listened to mom and Megan talk. Sitting in the back seat I tried to keep my eyes open, but kept fading in and out of consciousness. Eventually, we made it home where I managed to, literally, crawl into bed. Sleep it had never felt, so good.

  (Tuesday)

  The milkshakes tasted delicious. I smiled, glad to be done with work for the day. Molly sat across from me munching on French fries.

  “I am so ecstatic to be out of the house,” she beamed.

  “So, what is going on? Did your folks totally spaz?”

  “If they had I’d probably be staying at your place. The whole thing to them is a choice. They’re convinced I’m using my sexuality as a way to gain attention. I tried to explain to them that it’s simply not true,” she said.

  “Are they playing the neutrality card?”

  “Basically, I’m not allowed to bring any girls home. I presume, they don’t want me to date them either. The matter is, we’re adults,” she responded.

  “Have you threatened to move out?”

  “No, but I do know, I’m going to the dance with Maine whether they like it or not.”

  “Stick to your guns, but be prepared for the worst.”

  “They did the whole, we still love you routine, and maybe this is just a phase, you’re going through. I asked them, how many guys have I dated?”

  “And their answer was?”

  “You didn’t find any of them attractive, really, didn’t you at least try to like them? My parents are set in their ways. Perhaps, I’ll find a job on campus at the bookshop. Who knows, maybe I could find a paid internship,” said Molly.

  “It could work. I’ve contemplated moving out myself. Mom, won’t be thrilled about it. I don’t really, want to live in the forest. Catching some Z’s on the frigid earth, even in fox form doesn’t sound comfortable. I need my independence from family nevertheless I don’t want to be too far away,” I said.

  “We could get a place together.”

  “Bingo, splitting the rent would be a lot easier than paying, on our own,” I admitted.

  “How are you and Jenson?”

  “Pretty good, we haven’t had a lot of alone time recently. He made me furious at the DMV the other day. I don’t need a separate permit for the Moped. My dad had Eva contact them. He put my name on the registration so I can drive it now. He called me this morning to let me know.”

  “Great! Could take me on a ride sometime?”

  “Sure, but you have to put on a helmet.”

  I took my coat off the back of the booth. I began to put it on when Marla came over with our check.

  “Here, and your discount was added,” she said, handing it to me.

  I smiled, “Thanks.”

  “Now make sure you leave me a nice tip,” she added, winked then sauntered towards the kitchen.

  Molly blushed.

  “Does she like you?”

  “Not like that, she’s always teasing me about Jenson. She calls him my boy toy,” I smirked.

  Molly rolled her eyes.

  “Yeah, exactly,” I replied.

  “So are we going to go back to your place to study for this big test or would you rather go to the library?”

  I made a funny face, squishing up my nose.

  “Not sure?” asked Molly.

  “Not really, going home would be fine, but at the same time, I’d rather not.”

  “Is Jenson home? We could visit him. What is he doing tonight?”

  “Not sure, we could give them a ring. Do you want to call or should I?”

  “Call Jenson, first, then he can contact Owl. We’ll meet them at the library. Sage is a sweet kid, but we need to study.”

  I nodded in agreement and dialed Jenson’s number. It rang and rang, nothing.

  “He isn’t home. I’ll try Owl,” I said.

  Again, the phone just rang. I shrugged helplessly.

  “Well, maybe they’re at the library and forgot their phones. You know boys, that’s what happened last time we couldn’t reach either of them.”

  “Let’s go, do you have everything?”

  “Yeah,” I said, lifting up my backpack off of the booth beside me.

  Molly stood up as we got ready to leave. I put down fifteen bucks for our treats. That should cover the tip too, I thought.

  Molly put on her scarf, hat, and mittens. I already had mine on.

  “Do I owe you anything for the meal?”

  “No, it’s on me. Don’t you remember milkshakes all over me?”

  She laughed and playfully hit me in the shoulder.

  “Come on, it’s going to be a cold walk to the library,” I said.

  We took a steep stairway leisurely descending into the basement of the library. Molly stared at the rows and rows of discarded books that occupied the shelves surrounding us.

  “Are these all surplus books?” she asked.

  “All of the stories they were unable to sell. The librarians don’t like to throw them out. The city prefers they get rid of them, but what they don’t know can’t hurt them,” I answered. I touched the book bindings that lined the walls, before finding an adequate place to sit.

  We set our bags down on a table near one of the shelves. I just loved the smell of old musty books.

  “This is out of the way of distraction,” said Molly sarcastically. She clearly had seen me eyeing the books.

  “It’s OK, here.” I pulled out the cards Mr. Jones had given me. I handed them to Molly, watching as she scrolled through them. Pictures of the mythical creatures, urban legends we’d studied were on one side and on the other definitions, strange symbols for each, and what was that?

  “Hey, what is that in the right-hand corner of each card?” I asked.

  “Just a trademark,” she said, laying the cards down flat so I could check each one more closely. “I don’t sense, it’s anything, we need to scrutinize.”

  The Kitsune Fox’s card contained a paw print, for the Owl a feather, the wolf an eye, and it went along like that. Each piece, of the animal, was depicted in the right-hand corner on the opposite side of the card the image was printed on.

  “They’re only flash cards. I’m not sure why you want to make this into something more,” said Molly.

  “It could mean something ab
out each animal, a symbol they go by. I have that fox tattoo, so maybe these are the ones the other clans have, or tribes depending on how they refer to themselves,” I stated.

  “These little clues are driving me nuts!”

  “You have to admit, little by little we’re gaining an understanding. The main problem is the lack of conclusive evidence. Let’s anticipate that whoever bothered Nuria, left us various clues back in her cabin,” I stated.

  Molly handed me the cards, and I began to quiz her. We had a lot of reviewing to do. I couldn’t just wish for a good grade and get it.

  Chapter 23

  (Wednesday)

  The blustery wind whooshed by us. The cold air, hitting my face. Chilled, Molly and I stood along the curb outside the apartment complex. A few seconds later, my father’s car pulled up next to us. Molly leaned over as my father rolled down the passenger side window.

  “Hi, how are you?”

  “Good, it’s nice to see you, Molly,” he said. She opened the door climbing into the back seat. I grabbed the handle on the other side of the car and pulled the front passenger door open.

  “Dad, can I drive?” I asked, holding out my hand for the keys.

  “No, but I’ll buy you both coffee.”

  “Bummer, what a master manipulator,” I said, giving him a weak smile. I sat down in the car.

  “Is something bothering you?”

  “No.” I strapped on my safety belt. “It’s been a while since I drove. I miss it. When I get a chance, I’ll have to take the Moped for a spin.”

  “She’s been thirsting to get out, on that thing ever since she drove it back from Hunters Park,” Molly interjected.

  “Be careful with that,” he replied, pulling out into the street. “So, what’s going on with you and Jenson? Do I need to worry?”

  “Dad, no, we’ve been dating for a few days. What do you take me for?”

  “I’m just asking, after all, you are nineteen.”

  Molly tried to keep from snickering in the back seat keenly aware that the farthest Jenson and I ever had gone had been hand-holding and cuddling. I don’t’ think she was even aware we’d kissed each other.

  I patted my dad softly on the back.”I’m grateful you realize this. Jenson, he’s a good guy.”

  “Coffee, you’re passing Joe’s,” Molly complained.

  “I’ll have to pick up a cup for Jenson, Dad.”

  “Please, get me a regular, black, then we’ll pick up your main squeeze,” my dad said with a huge grin.

  I cringed, parents!

  When we arrived the ranger’s lodge buzzed with excitement.

  “This is crazy! There are members I don’t even know here yet,” I said to my father as we stepped into the station.

  “It’s OK, let’s all just sit down and get started. I’m glad Molly stayed at the house last night. Did you two get a lot of studying done for Myth class?” he asked.

  “Yes, we spent most of our time at the library. Mom brought us home around ten after her shift. The staff adores her. They allowed, Molly and me to stay after hours to finish up,” I said.

  “That basement is kind of creepy,” said Molly taking a seat next to Jenson. I was sure the meeting would be starting quite soon. Everyone had helped themselves to food and coffee. There was a lot of chatter. Glancing around, I noticed Lance and Shellena had not yet arrived. They’d better show up. They were supposed to lead us to the cabin.

  “Hey, how are you Starla?” asked Mike.

  “I’m full of questions I’m hoping you can answer,” I replied, taking a seat.

  He chuckled at that. “So you’re going to give us the third degree? Lance and Shellena should be here shortly. I understand they are taking you out, to Nuria’s cabin. No one’s been there since she disappeared. None of us considered it a possibility she was involved, in this.”

  “Look, I’m pretty sure Nuria isn’t behind Rascal’s son’s death. We suspect she may have been threatened by someone, thus leading to her quick departure. We’re not sure who at this time caused it. We have suspensions, but no evidence or documents to back it up. The thing is we have to verify that the Bandits are involved,” I tested.

  Mike flinched falling backward. He braced himself against the wall.

  “Are you OK?” asked Jenson, moving from his seat, he helped him up.

  “Yeah, we need everyone to get comfortable, so the meeting can begin,” said Mike. He then sat down.

  Shellena and Lance strutted into the room seating themselves near Eva, and Star. I saw a few male foxes; Owl was here, no Rascal, though. My dad stood up looking like he was going to take the lead. Really, the ranger wasn’t going to be in charge of this? Then again, dad was the detective.

  “Starla, please present the clan with the information you brought here this morning. Include all of the questions you came up with since your last meeting with Eva and Star,” he instructed.

  I stood up, “If I may address you there are several things I’d like to clear up first. This way I might be able to further, identify with you,” I finished.

  “Starla!” My father exclaimed.

  “It’s alright, go ahead,” said the ranger motioning with his hands for me to continue.

  “First of all, my tattoo, what does it mean when it glows? Is it a warning, a signal, or does it mean you are tracking me?” I inquired.

  A small elderly man with graying hair spoke, “Therein lies your answer. We use all three methods you’ve mentioned. Did you discover this on your own?” asked the male fox.

  “I pieced it together with what Eva and my mother told me. I noticed some fox tracks, the other day outside this sub shop. Molly, Jenson, Owl, and I, decided to get some lunch after class, and when we left we saw them in the snow. Who are you anyway?”

  “My name is Cavin. I’m one of the elders. I watch over the clan with my wife. She can be a bit bossy,” he said smiling. “Today Kaya is looking after some of the young kits. Our place is to guide, and protect our clan family. Over the years, I have met and trained with Wiccans, and Shamans, learning how to cast spells. Please forgive me, the day you came to meet us our men were protecting the perimeter of the park. It’s something we’ve started doing more regularly since Du-Vance was killed,” he replied.

  “Are you, and were you aware that Nuria, Eva’s sister’s missing?”

  “Yes, why do you ask?” he questioned.

  “When I met with Eva, I told her I suspected that Nuria and Du-Vance were, somehow, tied together in, all this,” I replied.

  “What is the all this you refer to,” he responded.

  “The death of Du-Vance, one of them must have known something that got him killed. We don’t know why Nuria fled before this happened to Rascal’s son. Was she trying to protect them or herself? Whatever they knew or she knew the enemy didn’t want it brought to the surface. Cal and Lang seem to be intertwined in this also. Cal, was half fox-half human like me and Lang? After what Star told me about them along with information on my mother and father. It seems plausible that it’s, them. If not, the only other suspects we have to talk to would be your wolf friends sharing this state park. I need to know what you know, now,” I shouted.

  Hushed voices filled the room. The members spoke amongst themselves. Were they trying to figure out if I was worthy of them or something? Maybe we should have just continued without their help. Wait, I was supposed to be helping them! It seemed as if I was doing all the work for them and my father.

  “Remember when I said, I would feed you clues that you were on a need to know basis, for your protection?” asked my father.

  “She wasn’t there for that,” Jenson interrupted. “She’d gone to the diner, but I recall it,” he replied.

  “OK, well, we did speak with the neighboring wolves. They, of course, claim they were out that night hunting in a different territory,” said Dan.

  “They are allowed to leave?” I asked.

  “Yes, as long as they plan, confirm, and hunt in authorized
areas,” spoke Mike.

  “So they have an alibi, that doesn’t mean they’re not involved,” I concluded.

  “She’s right, one of them could have stayed behind, snuck up on Martin and attacked him. He was alone with no weapons unless you count the backpack,” said Shellena.

  “What, a backpack? No one told me about that. It wasn’t in the report,” I cried.

  “No, because it was shredded when they found it, leaving no evidence,” countered Lance.

  I put a hand in the middle of the table, sliding out the report, and photos Jones had given me. I positioned them so everyone could see.

  “These photos and this report were given to me by my professor Mr. Jones, who teaches my Myth class. I find it odd he would not only have them, but in addition, be teaching, about urban legends that pertain to us. All of you should take a look at them. Are they familiar to you?”

  Each constituent carefully examined the report and pictures sending it on to the next individual. It stopped at a placid aged fox. It was unusual, that the Park Ranger or my father hadn’t introduced me to the new parties. He was all fox, and I had not heard him utter a word from the time we had entered the station.

  “This, this can’t be right!” he said, stopping with one of the photos in his paw. “Can it?” he asked.

  “What are you referring to,” said Star, who sat beside him.

  “In the photo do you see it?” he asked, pointing, “A shadow, a shadow of a girl!”

  “What, we never saw any shadows when we went through them. How can that be? You an elder have better eyesight than those in our youth?” asked Owl.

  “Sonny, with your experience, alongside the spirit of an Owl. I’m quite surprised you did not take notice, look again,” he pushed the photo towards him.

  Owl picked it up, holding it near the sunlight squinting to pick out an odd shape. Behind the gladiator lay a faint shadow. The only way you could claim it was a girl was her ponytail.

  “How do we know it’s Cal? It could be a different girl,” said Owl passing it along to be observed by other members.

  “There is a way,” spoke up Star.

  “Give me the photo,” Cavin demanded.