Chosen Chapter 3: Under The full Moon 2
Xxx
Later that morning, Billie and Violet walked down the campus to the place where they were supposed to meet for training. However, Duncan had called in sick, so it was just the two of them. Billie smiled as she thought about Violet's little crush on Duncan. She was thought it was cute, but for some reason she couldn't quite figure out, she just couldn't imagine it happening. Even though she was the one who encouraged Violet to ask him out, she needed to make sure that she wasn't setting both her friends up for heartbreak. Luckily, Craig had asked them out, so they were would be lots of other cute guys Violet could meet. As the two witches continued walking, Billie's phone suddenly started ringing. She stopped and picked up.
"Billie. It's Mikelle." Mikelle's voice sounded from the other side.
"Mikelle?" Billie asked surprised. "You're our whitelighter and you're using a cell phone?"
"I haven't been dead that long." Mikelle remarked. "I figured cell phones were easier than orbing in at the middle of campus."
"Right." Billie said. "So we're just on our way to meet you."
"Never mind that." Mikelle said. "Something came up. There was an incident in the park last night. An innocent was killed and the Elders want us to check it out. "
"What happened?" Billie asked.
"The media is describing as some kind of wild animal attack, but the Elders are convinced it's demonic." Mikelle replied. "Just meet me there."
"Change of plans." Billie said as she hung up and turned to Violet.
"What is going on?" Violet asked.
"Demonic attack in the park, the Elders are concerned, the usual." Billie replied.
"Usual? Remember I am still getting used to all of this." Violet remarked.
"Of course." Billie said, somewhat forgetting she was the most experienced demon hunter of the group. "Let's go."
About ten minutes later, Billie and Violet arrived at the park entrance and found Mikelle waiting for them. After explaining why Duncan wasn't there, the three of them headed into the park. The crime scene was set up with yellow tape and there was police everywhere, as well as a large crowd that had gathered to get a glimpse of what was going on. It was becoming a familiar scene. The group circled around and managed to find a spot at the front of the tape. Billie saw a group of officers standing around a white, blooded sheet while others searched the surroundings.
"I can hardly see a thing." Violet said.
"Well, we are going to need some more information, so we need to find a way to get closer." Mikelle replied.
"Maybe we can find some clues or something outside of the crime scene." Billie said. "Let's check the rest of the park."
The group circled around the crime scene trying to find a spot where they could see something, but the crime scene was closed off completely and there were people everywhere. When they reached the other side of the scene, Billie noticed something on the ground. When she took a closer look, she saw it was a footprint of some kind of animal, but larger than she had ever seen.
"Look!" Billie said as she pointed at the print.
"What could have left a print like that?" Violet asked nervously. "It's huge."
"Whatever it was, it was responsible for what happened here." Mikelle replied.
The three young women followed the trail until they reached a destroyed phone booth with was thrown over and had large slashes on the glass and metal. It looked like the monster attacked here as well, possibly the girl from before or another victim.
"Maybe you can get a premonition." Billie said to Violet.
"I can try." Violet said reluctantly.
Violet carefully moved closer to the phone booth and reached out her hand. However, before she could touch it, a hand grabbed her arm and pulled her away. Billie turned and saw a young man with short dark brown hair holding Violet. He wore a brown trench coat and a shirt and tie underneath. He was wearing dark pants and worn-down sneakers. He was attractive, with dark brown eyes and unshaved face, and only looked a few years older than Billie. However, there as instantly something about him that raised Billie's suspicion.
Billie raised her hand to fend him off her friend, but Mikelle grabbed her arm before she could. At that moment, Billie saw the stranger raise his hand and hold out a police badge. The man stared at Billie's raised hand and raised a suspicious eyebrow, so Billie quickly lowered it.
"This is a crime scene, you shouldn't be here." The man said as he let Violet go.
"I don't see any yellow tape." Billie replied.
"We're still investigating the surroundings." The man said. "Who are you?"
"We go to college here, we heard what happened and we wanted to see for ourselves." Violet quickly answered.
"Did you know the victim?" the man asked.
"We don't know, we haven't seen her or heard her name." Billie replied.
"Her name was Abby Wilkins." The man said. "She was a freshman."
"I think I shared some classes with her, but I don't really know her that well." Violet said.
"Well, there is really nothing here for you." The man said. "You should get going."
"Wait, who are you anyway?" Billie asked.
"The name is Jake Porter." The man said. "Inspector Jake Porter of the SFPD."
"Little young to be an inspector." Billie remarked suspiciously.
"I got lucky on a few cases, early promotion." Jake replied. "What about you? Why are you really here?"
"Like we said, we were curious." Billie said.
"And did you happen to hear or see anything last night? Were you around the park?" Jake asked.
"We walked by the park a little after midnight, but we didn't go through it." Violet said. "We have not seen or heard anything."
"Her time of death was estimated around that time." Jake said. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah, we're sure. She just told you." Billie replied.
"Fine." Jake said as he picked up a pen and a notebook. "I am going to need our names and phone numbers, in case anything comes up."
"Why? We're not suspects, are we?" Violet asked scared.
"Well, you seem awfully interested. Crime scenes always draw a crowd, but you actually followed the foot prints here. If I had not stopped you, you could have tampered with potential evidence." Jake explained.
Billie and the others reluctantly gave him their names and phone numbers, as well as their addresses. There was something about the inspector that Billie didn't trust. The way he reacted when Billie raised her hand, preventing Violet from touching the booth. Plus, he was treating them like suspects. As she watched him write down Mikelle's address, Billie suddenly noticed a heavy silver ring on his finger with a dark green stone in it. It could be an heirloom or something, but not typically something a guy his age would be wearing.
"Nice ring." Billie said.
"Thanks, it's been in the family for generations." Jake replied. "Alright, I got your information. I wouldn't leave town anytime soon."
As the inspector began walking away, Billie grabbed the others and dragged them away from the park. She had seen enough and didn't want to make them any more suspicious. When they reached the exit of the park, she relaxed and turned to her friends.
"I don't trust him." Billie said.
"Well, that was obvious." Mikelle replied.
"I don't get it; he was just a cop, wasn't he?" Violet asked.
"I doubt it." Billie remarked.
"So what now?" Mikelle asked.
"Judging by the attack and the tracks we found, I might have an idea about what we're up against." Billie said. "The Charmed Ones faced one of these things years ago. I copied some of the content in their Book of Shadows; I think I have an entry on this. Let's get going."
"What about Duncan? We might need him." Violet said.
"We'll call him if that time comes." Billie replied.
Billie and the others started making their way back to campus. She hoped her guess about what they were facing was correct, however, she also knew that these things were very vicious and dangerous. If it was true, they would to be better prepared than ever. At the same time, she could take her mind of Jake Porter. She just knew he knew more that he was letting on. Perhaps he was even involved in this whole matter. She would need to find out.
xxx
A door magically appeared on the wall and Duncan stepped through, finding himself on the familiar grounds of Magic School. After a quick shower and taking care of his injuries, which were almost healed already, Duncan was determined to find out what was happening to him. He still had a light-headed feeling and knew he should have probably asked for help, but something was holding him back. It was like the scratch had done more than just injuring him. Meanwhile, as he walked down the hallway, he could feel his senses working overtime. He heard the noise coming from the classrooms he passed, despite the thick walls and he could smell the students' presence.
Duncan made his way to the library, which was deserted, and started looking for the book he needed. However, he could not easily find what he was looking for.
"Can I help you?" A voice sounded.
Duncan turned around and saw a young man standing behind him holding a pile of books. He had short and wavy black hair and dark brown eyes. He was dressed in a grey sweater vest and dark jeans. A few years older than Duncan, he looked too old to be a student, but too young to be a teacher.
"Who are you?" Duncan asked.
"I could ask you the same thing." The guy replied as he dropped the books on a table.
"Duncan Phillips." Duncan said. "I used to be a student here, I graduated two years ago."
"I see." The guy said. "So why is a former student going through the library without getting a visitor pass?"
"It was kind of an emergency. I need a book." Duncan said. "But you still haven't told me who you are."
"Oh, sorry." The guy said. "My name is Arthur Cobbs; I'm the new History professor."
"You're a professor here?" Duncan asked surprised.
"I know, it's still surprising to me as well." Arthur said. "Headmaster Leo hired me last year."
"So you're a Witch?" Duncan asked. "Most teachers and students are."
"Actually no." Arthur said. "This might come as a surprise, but I am actually a Wizard."
"But Wizards are almost extinct." Duncan said. "The Source nearly wiped out their entire race."
"I don't need the history lesson, 'I'm quite aware of it." Arthur said.
"So you're immortal." Duncan remarked.
"No." Arthur replied. "My father was a Wizard, but my mother was a mortal. I was born with magic, but I am not as powerful as pure Wizards, and certainly not immortal."
Duncan's head was filled with a million questions. He always thought the Wizards in the history lessons were interesting, but suddenly a sharp jolt of pain shot through his arm. He clutched his arm and stumbled back.
"Are you okay?" Arthur asked.
"Not really." Duncan said. "Something happened to me, and I need a book to find out what."
"What is the title?" Arthur asked.
"Magical Infections and Transformations." Duncan replied, hoping that the wizard would not ask too many difficult questions.
"I see, the library has been reorganized lately, you would find that book where it used to be." Arthur explained. "Follow me."
Duncan followed the young professor to the other side of the library and watched him pick the book he needed from a place he had never thought looking. Arthur handed out the book to Duncan, but when he tried to reach it, he pulled it back.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Arthur asked. "You seem a little out of it, and your arm is clearly hurting."
"I'm fine." Duncan snapped. "I can take care of it myself. I just need to figure out what is going on and then I can cure it."
"Alright, if you say so." Arthur said as he handed over the book. "You graduated, you can make your own calls. As long as it doesn't pose a threat to the students."
"I won't." Duncan replied as he grabbed the book.
"Come find me if you need help after all." Arthur said.
"Thanks." Duncan said.
Arthur walked away and gave him one last concerned look as he left the library. Duncan ignored it and sat down at the table. He started flipping through the book until he found the page he was looking for.
"The Wendigo"
"A being of darkness that shows its true nature during the three phases of the full moon, taking human form during the day. The first Wendigo was created when a mortal cut out the heart of his lover, who betrayed him, and ate it. Since that time, the curse of the Wendigo has been spread through contact.
The Wendigo possesses increased strength and speed, as well as enhanced senses. It can heal remarkably fast and can only be defeated through fire. The Wendigo seeks out those with the blood it craves and those who possess a good or loving heart to devour.
When one is transformed into a Wendigo, one must vanquish their sire before taking innocent life. Beware, as its slash may affect the mind, causing one to desire to release the beast inside."
Duncan sighed and slammed the book shut, this confirmed his fear that his mind was not truly his own, why he could not bring himself to ask for help. The power that grew inside him, the beast, tried to break free. He needed to find a way to stop it, but there was only one way. He needed to find the Wendigo that infected him and kill it before he became a monster himself.
Duncan got up from his chair and left the book on the table. He made his way out of the library and headed back to the campus. He knew that the Wendigo was somewhere around there. It had presumably chosen to hunt in the park specifically for easy prey.
When Duncan had left, the air in the library shifted and Arthur appeared out of nowhere is a flash of light, having broken the illusion that had hid him from sight. He walked over to the book and flipped it open to the Wendigo page. A concerned look appeared on his face and he took the book with him as he left.
Xxx
The elevator opened and a young man appeared whose face was obscured by the darkness. All the curtains were closed and the penthouse of the former Source was only lighted by a few candles. The young man picked a cloak from the wardrobe near the entrance and covered his face out of respect. In the center of the room stood another cloaked figure, one of the five members of the new Brotherhood.
"You wanted to see me, master?" the man asked as he kneeled down.
The member of the Brotherhood turned and faced his servant. He removed his cloak and revealed himself as an elderly man with dark grey hair, with a scar running down the right side of his face and a missing eye.
"I heard the news report, a student ended up mutilated in the park." The elderly man said. "I believe that was your territory."
"I apologize, master." The man said. "I had not yet eaten and her smell was irresistible. The full moon made it impossible for me to control the beast."
Suddenly, the elderly man let out a disturbing, beastly growl and with inhuman speed, grabbed his servant by the throat and slammed him against the wall a few feet behind them. As the elderly man looked at his servant, his features grew more animal like, until he regained control and reverted to his former self. He let go of his servant, who fell to the ground and coughed.
"I know it is hard to control the beast." The elderly man said. "Even after all these centuries, I still struggle under the full moon."
"I am sorry, master." The young man said.
"Do you know what you have done?" the elderly man asked. "For years I tried to persuade the others, to convince them that we are more than wild animals, that I deserve a seat at the Brotherhood table. And then you go and lose control over the first pretty girl that runs past. The rest of the Brotherhood is not pleased."
"I know I have already disappointed you beyond measure, master." The man said. "But there is more you should know."
"Tell me, then." The elderly man said calmly.
"After I killed the girl, there was a witch, a conjurer." The man explained. "I attacked and he managed to slow me down with a crossbow. I tried to kill him, but I only managed to scratch him."
"A conjurer?" the elderly man asked surprised. "And he conjured a crossbow?"
"Yes." The young man replied.
"Then I believe that this might work in our favor after all." The elderly man said. "The witch that you attacked, there is no doubt he is one of the Chosen. If he completes the transformation and becomes loyal to our pack, we can destroy the remaining two and end the Elders' little project once and for all. The Brotherhood will be pleased and we will have secured our place at the top of the food chain."
"What do you want me to do?" the young man asked.
"Find him, but keep your distance." The elderly man said. "He will try to reverse the transformation and will try to kill you if he finds out you turned him. When he transforms, make sure he takes the life of an innocent."
"Of course, master." The young man said.
The younger man took a deep bow and left the penthouse through the elevator. The elderly man smiled at his fortune and he walked to the window. It had taken centuries to fully master the beast inside, but he was treated like a wild animal. If this succeeded, no one could deny the power of the Wendigo race any longer. They would finally be seen as more than simple beasts.
xxx
