I don't know how I missed this
Still, I think you did a wonderful job. Initially, my heart sunk when I heard that Chris couldn't be apart of the pack, until I heard the reasoning. It's a very clever reasoning that never even crossed my mind. I was interested to see how you'd smooth that minor dilemma and you executed it perfectly. And now Chris has to face The Howler wanabees. I can't wait to see where that takes him.
Great job!

Very nice! I loved those descriptions of the warehouse. I could see it play so vividly in my mind - like a movie. As for the winged shadow streaking across they sky, silent, that was superb. It nearly sent a trail of shivers down my spine.
And I can't wait to see whether he'll meet The Howlers and perhaps get into a skirmish with the group of people that sounded none too thrilled about him.
Please post more whenever you can!

Ditto, Wolfsongx beat me with the comment.

Oooh, suspense! and this is really interesting too, I really like how it's turning out, I've never read anything regarding to a group in a warehouse (I was so tempted to say werehouse) this is good and I can't wait for more!

Wow! Now that was something I wasn't expecting. It took my breath away. Great job with the suspense and creating it through the atmosphere. It was so vivid! I especially loved this ...and its echo died a lonely death. You did a superb job and this story just keeps getting more and more deliscous. I can't wait to see the end result!

Sorry for the delay; life and stuff getting in the way. Not only that, but I don't think I like where this part of the story is taking us, so I may have to re-write this whole chapter. I'll finish it first and see what comes of it, though.
   Here's another short segment - it's all I have ready, for right now. Sorry I don't have more, Punx, but I'm working on it, and thank you so very much for your interest.
-------------------------------------------

  Justin drew nearer with a stumbled walk, but he focused solely on Chris, not paying any attention to Melissa, Phillip, or his gang of followers. Chris noticed that the bald one was greatly concerned at the emergence of Justin, but surrendered to the action loyally. Chris then looked upon Justin, one of his only confidants in Romberg, and began to assess his current state. Justin looked to be unstable mentally, his eyes darting back and forth with a lack of self-confidence. As he evaluated Justin’s condition, Chris understood that Justin was not himself; with his recent experience with Raaym’s tribe in mind, Chris was reasonably sure as to the cause, but he was nowhere near sure as to why, or how.

  “C-Chris?â€� Justin stuttered as he drew near.

  Chris reached out and held Justin by the shoulders. “Yes, Justin. It’s me.â€�

  “You came back. You finally came back?â€� 

  “Yes, Justin,â€� and Chris smiled. “I’ve come back.â€�

  “That’s good, r-right?â€�

  Chris could not stop the wave of pity that poured over his heart, pushing heated tears into his vision. Ever so gently he gave Justin a supportive, brotherly embrace, and Justin began to cry. Chris squinted, squeezing the tears out from the corners of his eyes. He turned his attention to the bald man, who was watching this with surprise, and perhaps even relief.

  “I’d guess that he was fine when you first met him, but after a while he became incoherent and indecisive, and gradually became this. Is that about right?â€�

  He submissively gave a nod of confirmation, still watching Justin.

  “What happened to him?!â€� Melissa cried out through her quivering voice. She took Justin’s face in her hands, looking directly into his eyes. “Justin; it’s me, Melissa. Can you tell us what happened to you?â€�

  “Melissa?â€� Justin asked.

  “Yes,â€� She replied desperately. “It’s Melissa from the Deli; don’t you remember?â€�

  “W-where did Chris go?â€� He asked.

  Chris stooped down so that his face was in Justin’s line of sight again. “I’m right here, Justin. It’s okay; everything will be all right.â€�

  “Why doesn’t he recognize me?â€� Melissa asked.

  Chris shifted his eyes to Melissa as he explained. “His instincts are recognizing me as his own kind, and that’s all he can recognize right now. If we can heal him, he’ll know who you are again.â€� Chris looked back at Justin. “Justin, this is my friend, Melissa. She’s going to help us out, so I want you to listen to her, okay?â€�

  For a moment, Justin’s face was bemused, but then he seemed to understand and nodded. “Okay,â€� he replied.

  Chris gave Justin’s shoulder a supportive squeeze, accompanied by another confident smile, and then stood up. He wiped the tears away from his eyes and Looked at Phillip, who gave him a nod of support. Phillip also accompanied Chris as he approached the three men, focusing on the bald one.

  “My name’s Christopher Hansen, and this is Phillip Alton. Can I ask your name?â€�

  “Lance.â€�

  “Are you the one in charge, Lance?â€�

  “The Howler is the one in charge,â€� he said with pride, but pride faded away with a look toward Justin and a sigh of surrender. “But I can make decisions in his… absence.â€�

  “I understand, Lance, more than you know. You’ve probably already figured this out, but Justin’s mind is in bad shape, and we need to get him to a place where he can heal. I don’t really have any way of proving what I say right now, but I’m sure you know what Justin really is, and you saw him recognize me. Can you trust me when I say that we mean no harm, and we want to help him become what he once was?â€�

  “We have no idea who you are, or what your intentions are,â€� the large blond stated.

  “I understand that, and that’s why I’m asking for your trust. We need to get him to a forest for a while, for a few hours at least. Bring as many of your own people as you think you might need to protect him, but we need to get him there as soon as we can.â€�

  Lance stood his ground, unwilling to relent so easily.

  Tell him it’s in the name of the Howler, Chris heard in his mind. Without a mental response, Chris softened his face.

  “Lance, please; in the name of the Howler, help us to heal him,â€� he pleaded.

  Lance looked at Justin for a moment. He slowly approached Justin and positioned himself to look at Justin’s face. After a moment’s hesitation, Lance stood up and turned to the men that were previously standing with him.

  “Alright, we’ll give this a shot. Weber, get the van and bring it around.â€� The smaller of his comrades, Weber, nodded and ran for the exit. “Follanz, help me get him into the van.â€� The large, muscular blond stepped toward Justin. Lance started walking toward the drape dividers. “Biz! Hey Biz!â€�

  A head wearing a baseball cap emerged from the dividers. “Yeah?â€� the head called back.

  “We’re going out on a run; you’re in charge until we get back!â€�

  “Whatever!â€� the head retaliated, and disappeared into the dividers again.

  Lance and the muscular Follanz approached Justin, who was still being supported by Melissa. With great care they took Justin from Melissa’s loving arms and helped him to the exit. Melissa stood at a loss, and accepted Phillip’s support as a replacement.

  Chris consciously formed a thought in his mind. “In the name of the Howler? What did you guys do, turn me into a messiah after all?â€�

  Not a bit, Came the mental response. We set it up so people would want to make things better in The Howler’s honour, remember? ‘In the name of the Howler’ just means in honor of what the Howler stands for. It’s not a hypnotic suggestion or a religious phrase; it’s just a very encouraging influence, that’s all.

  “Whatever,â€� Chris thought back, mocking what he heard the one called Biz say a moment earlier. In response Chris received the mental image of Jake sticking his tongue out at him, with his ebony hands in his enormous ears, flailing his fingers. It very nearly took all Chris had to stop from laughing out loud.

  “We’re going with them, right?â€� Phillip asked Chris.

  Chris looked around at him, and Phillip’s serious but curious face gave Chris the fortitude to overcome said mental image. “Yeah; we need to go with them.â€�

  “Something wrong?â€�

  “Time and place, Phil; I’ll tell you later. For now, let’s get going.â€�

That's a good point, Wolfsong. I think I might rewrite it with more conflict; it might actually make this chapter work. Still, I'll finish the chapter before I rewrite it.
Here's some more.
------------------------------------------

  “How long is this going to take?â€� Lance asked as they all rode with Justin in the back of an old-fashioned, ground-hugging van.

  The ride was not very distracting, so Chris was able to determine that Lance was asking out of curiosity, not out of irritation. Weber seemed to have decent driving skills; the expected lunging around the corners was practically non-existent. The back area of the vehicle was neither spacious nor cramped, given that five people were encased in it. The walls of the van were stripped of any decoration, leaving only a molded layer of sheet metal between the passengers and the city outside. Chris and Melissa were sitting on either side of Justin, supporting him as they traveled. Phillip had taken a position near the back doors across from Chris, and Lance asked his question from in front of the side door, squatting where there was no bench to sit upon.   

  “I don’t really have a way to tell,â€� Chris responded. “The thing is, I’ve seen our people in this state when they’re in hybreed form, but I don’t understand why he’s like this in human form.â€�

  “What’s a Hybreed form?â€� Lance continued.

  Justin stirred a little, causing Chris to refocus his attention. Phillip provided the explanation as Chris focused on Justin.

  “It’s their werewolf form. Their species is called ‘Hybreed’. The hybreed are genetically-engineered werewolves created to become caretakers of the planet’s ecosystem. Justin’s one of them, and so is Chris.â€�

  Lance barked a mocking laugh. “Werewolf gardeners? You can’t do any better than that?â€�

  Phillip raised an eyebrow over his frowning countenance. “I see; so let me get this straight: You’re a member of a street gang in Romberg that’s accepted leadership from a real-live creature of myth and legend known as a werewolf, who’s also a crime fighter, and might lose his mind if we don’t get him to a forest environment, and suddenly you have a problem believing their intended calling?â€�

  Lance’s mocking smile dimmed and his gaze shifted downward, and then he tilted his head and raised his eyebrows in submission to Phillip’s argument. Chris felt an instance of pride warm his insides as he heard Phillip defend and describe his people, and continued to listen as Phillip provided further explanation.

  “Honestly; we’re not making this up. Chris and Justin are part of a hidden werewolf society that will eventually be discovered by humanity. Now, people like you, me and Melissa have learned that these werewolves are nothing to fear if we prove ourselves their friends, and they do the same. But the rest of the world won’t see it that way, and it’s going to be up to people like you, me and Melissa to show that humans and hybreed can coexist peacefully. However, that also means we don’t have the luxury of doubting their name or their intended purpose. Does that make sense?â€�

  “I get you, I get you,â€� Lance replied calmingly, and then looked at Justin again. “I’m just having to get used to this all over again.â€�

  “Well, if we ever get the chance, I’ll introduce you to Jake and Julie; they’ll really blow your mind. In the meantime, please take our word for it.â€�

  Lance looked at Phillip curiously, almost with scrutiny, but did not debate his statements. Instead he redirected his visage upon his leader, the second Howler of Romberg, who was resting his head in Melissa’s lap like an innocent child would nap in the protection of a loving mother. As Lance looked upon his leader with concern, Chris added a quick thought to finalize Phillip’s argument.

  “Lance, the world is a lot bigger and more complex than even what you’ve already discovered on your own. Werewolves are just the tip of the iceberg; humanity is going to have to stop being so naïve, and that’s going to happen in our lifetime. You’ve already taken the first few steps by accepting the existence of Justin and me; don’t stop taking steps now, okay?â€�

  Lance looked at Chris with a deep-rooted understanding glistening in his dark brown eyes, and nodded with assurance, but then changed the subject as he turned to Philip. “So how do you know about the, um, hybreed?â€�

  “Chris and I work for Dep:118 of the Empire. We track and investigate unexplained phenomena. Werewolf sightings fit right into our charter, and there’s been hundreds of werewolf sightings in the past few decades alone. We found Chris about two years ago, and he agreed to join us in order to help humans and hybreed learn to accommodate each other.â€�

  Lance looked at Chris for a moment, and Chris returned an affirmative gaze. “Are you the only… hybreed, that the Empire knows about?â€�

  “To be honest, the Empire itself doesn’t know about us yet,â€� Chris said, “but they will soon enough, there’s no doubt about that. Right now, Dep:118 is the only part of the Empire that knows we exist.â€�

  “In answer to your question, though,â€� Phillip interjected, “Chris is the only one on the human side of the fence for right now – unless you want to count Justin as well.â€� 

  Once again, Lance took a moment to look upon Justin in his dilapidated state. As he did, Chris suddenly noted that Melissa had been rather quiet through the trip, and her attention seemed to be focused on the front of the van. She may have been focusing on the front of the vehicle to stop from feeling sick, or perhaps to take her mind off the predicament of the man who rested his head in her lap. Whatever the case, Chris decided not to break her attention at that time, just to be courteous if nothing else.

  “Weber,â€� Lance asked, “how long until we reach the Forest Preserve?â€�

  “Ten minutes or so,â€� Weber called back over his shoulder. “The streets are pretty clear, but I’m doing my best not to tip off any Fivers.â€�

  Chris looked at Lance with confusion. “What are Fivers?â€�

  “Agents of Dep:5,â€� Lance answered. “Police.â€�

  Chris found this confusing. When he was the Howler, Dep:5 was willing to let him continue in his efforts as long as the property and collateral damage was kept low; but now it sounded like they were after the Howler like he was a fugitive.

  “Wait a minute,â€� Chris said, “I thought Dep:5 didn’t mind you guys or the Howler helping out with the crime rate.â€�

  Lance looked at Chris. “They didn’t use to. They even gave us commendation for helping to get people on the streets cleaned up and taking jobs. That’s what we’re doing back at the warehouse. But ever since he got sick,â€� and Lance jutted his jaw at Justin, “they’ve been trying to capture him, and us.â€�

  “Ever since he got sick? Do you know why?â€� Phillip asked.

  “No, we don’t, but it just doesn’t feel right that they’d suddenly take an interest in capturing him once he got sick. It’s too much of a coincidence.â€� 

  “And there’s no way they’d know his condition unless someone who knew about it told them,â€� Chris said as he thought about the circumstances. He looked back at Lance and saw his dark brown eyes looking back at him with an unceasing steadiness that made Chris feel a little self conscious.

  “Exactly,â€� Lance replied.

  Chris looked back at Lance, mirroring his expression. Chris realized that Lance was not accusing him of anything, but he was silently informing Chris of the seriousness of the situation. Lance suspected a traitor in their midst. Chris looked over at Phillip to find out his thoughts on the matter. Phillip was staring back at him with curiosity.

  “Still worried about me and my conspiracies?â€� Chris asked him.

  Phillip shook his head slowly. “Yeah, I am; but Lance is right. If Dep:5 started hunting the Howler just as he started getting like this, then it’s likely they know he’s not at his best right now. And they haven’t contacted Dep:118 since you left Romberg, either. They never told us about the Howler returning, or his gang. I think this is something we should tell Dad about as soon as we can.â€�

  “Wait; you’re from Romberg?â€� Lance asked Chris.

  Chris looked at Lance, and noticed the surprise on his face. Lance was on the edge of putting the whole picture together, one that revealed Chris as the Howler and Justin as his successor. Although Chris wasn’t sure if he could trust Lance and the rest of the Howlers completely, perhaps they had the right to know the origins of the one in whose name they acted. He took a deep, steadying breath and looked squarely at Lance.

  “With everything going on, I guess there’s really no reason to keep it from you, and I think you have the right to know anyway. Two years ago, the Howler stopped showing up for a while.â€�

  Lance nodded, his eyes wide with anticipation.

  “Well, that was because the original Howler got recruited by Dep:118.â€�

  Lance sat motionless. Not even the lurching of the van swayed him, and his eyes were fixed upon Chris.

  “Justin isn’t the original Howler; I am. I let Justin know who and what I was to show my thanks for his support, and apparently he went searching for me. He found my people instead and they turned him into one of us, but then he left for Romberg before they could teach him our ways. Once he got back to Romberg, I guess he tried to pick up where I left off.â€�

  Lance continued silent for many moments, staring at Chris with wide, dark brown eyes, until finally he was able to manage a question in reply.

  “Why? Why did you leave?â€�

  Far from his own expectations, Chris suddenly felt a pang of guilt at his leaving Romberg; he never really considered that he might be missed by those in the City, even when he was talking with Melissa back at the Deli. However, he also felt a wall of boldness muster inside of him. He understood the reasons for Lance’s question, but he was not about to put up with a guilt trip.

  “Lance, I needed to find out why I was the only werewolf I ever heard of. I had to find out where I came from, and what happened to my family, or even if I had one.â€�

  “And those are just some of the questions he had, believe me,â€� Phillip added.

  Chris sighed. “I needed to find some answers; and those answers led to something much bigger than being the Howler.â€� Chris took another breath as he glanced down at Justin for a second, and then redirected his attention to Lance. “Look, I’ll tell you more later on, but right now let’s focus on getting the current Howler back up and running, okay?â€�

  Lance also looked at Justin for a moment, and then looked back at Chris. “So what are you going to do once you heal him?â€�

  Chris cocked his head summarily. “That will be up to your Howler,â€� he said as he glanced at Justin. “As for me, I want to find and protect others of my kind, and I can do a much better job of that with Dep:118. Besides, you follow Justin as the Howler, not me; why should I try take that away from all of you?â€�

  Lance’s eyes looked Chris over once more, and then he seemed to relent. What’s more, his body language hinted to Chris that he was growing in respect for Chris, as well as acceptance. As he looked over Lance’s shoulder, he noticed that Follanz and Weber were staying quiet, not doubt also listening to the conversation. He hoped that the two would accept his explanations as thoroughly as Lance did, but only time would tell.

  And the rest of the trip was filled with respectful silence, the passengers digesting the information that was shared in an old-fashioned van on its way to the Imperial Forest Preserve.

Last edited by Grayle (2008-09-05 11:55:26)

Caught up! Love it as always. I really like how the whole feel of it works out. It's really exciting to get to the next part!

Thanks, Wolfsong. I agree that this last segment works pretty well, but I still think I should rewrite the initial meeting with the Howlers. It just feels too blah.
  Thank you also, Werer! I'm glad to know that the feeling is there behind the story. It adds stability to the story, in my opinion.
  Thanks much, Punx! I tend to explain things to the audience through the character dialogue, instead of through the narration. I'm not convinced that it's the best way to go, because it's limited to the questions that the character asks. Still, it seemed to work pretty well in this last segment, at least.
  Here's the next bit. We got a TF sequence coming up after this one, yay! We have to get through this segment first, though.
--------------------------------------------

  It had been a while since Chris had actually been to Ashley Campground, and the site seemed to be exempt from the relentless passage of time. The spaces had not been improved or modified, the trees offered no recognizable change, and the little building that housed the restrooms displayed paint that had neither faded nor been replaced. With great effort Chris pushed back the flooding memories of his regular lycanthropic treks through the surrounding foliage, in preference of keeping the well-being of his successor foremost in his mind.

  Lance directed them to a paved road that took them furthest into the campground and closest to the expanse of the Preserve. He had Weber move the van slowly, so that the idling engine made as little sound as possible. They found two open sites next to each other and Weber parked in the one to the right. Although the dim light from campfires could be seen though the trees behind them, the nearby neighbours had already succumbed to the seductive call of the Sandman. Silently but swiftly the group assisted in transporting Justin further into the wild of the Forest Preserve. Lance insisted in his men supporting their leader, and Chris saw no detriment in submitting to their demand.

  After a few minutes of their hike, Chris felt a tug on the back of his shirt. He looked behind and saw Phillip gesturing with his head for Chris to fall behind. Intrigued, Chris began to increase the distance from the Howler and his men, and met up with Phillip and Melissa.

  “What’s gong on?â€� he asked.

  “I’d call it a bit of a red alert,â€� Phillip replied, and then looked at Melissa. “Go ahead; tell him.â€�

  Chris looked at Melissa.

  “Remember when I was telling you about the suits coming around the Deli?â€�

  “Yes,â€� Chris answered slowly.

  “The big blond is one of them.â€�

  “What? Are you sure?â€�

  “Yeah; I wasn’t sure until we got out of the van, but then I saw him clearly. He’s definitely one of them.â€�

  Chris glanced at Phillip with a look of surprise, and Philip returned the gaze with a look of concern, as well as a shrug of his shoulders. The return message was clear enough: Phillip wasn’t sure what to do about it. Chris stood as his eyes darted back and forth, his mind trying to process the best course of action.

  The blond one, Follanz, was one of the ‘suits’ that had been asking people about the Howler, without revealing a reason for their inquiries. Melissa said that they were unsuccessful, and continued with unscrupulous means to gain information. Not only that, but Lance indicated that Dep:5 had begun trying to capture the Howler and his gang, and their actions coincided with Justin’s mental faltering. It was certainly a possibility that whoever Follanz really worked for was after the Howler. But who, then, did he really work for, and what was their intention?

  The mystery also reminded Chris of the tale that Janna told him, about the unknown attackers of the old Colony. There was no way to know if this new development was linked to that event several years ago, but Follanz was probably not as loyal to the Howler as he purported to be. Regardless of the strange goings on, their options were greatly limited by Justin’s current mental state. If Justin was in control of himself and once again reliable in his hybreed form, he and Chris could easily overpower Follanz if they needed to. Once he was subdued, Jake might even be willing to probe his mind for answers to this mystery.

  “Alright; you guys do your best to keep clear of him for now, but try not to set him off that you’re avoiding him, if you can. At this point there’s no telling what he’s up to – or what he’s capable of, for that matter. Jake was going to meet us out here, and I’m guessing that he should arrive pretty soon. We should let him know about this first thing when he gets here.â€�

  Phillip nodded in agreement.

  “In the meantime, just try to keep your distance for your own safety and I’ll keep an eye on him, okay?â€�

  Both Melissa and Phillip agreed. The three began to shorten their distance from the others up ahead, but not by much.

  Lance and Weber were supporting Justin, and Follanz followed closely behind. Chris increased his pace to meet up with them. As he did so, he watched Follanz intently. He took note of how Follanz walked through the forest, and how his head twitched with the slightest sound. He watched the mannerisms and reactions that Follanz had to every sound of the forest, and also how he reacted to every scent as well. When Chris reached his undeniable conclusion, his blood ran cold. It might not be as easy to subdue him as Chris originally thought.   

  He cautiously drew within view of the Howlers, and Lance addressed him.

  “How much further?â€�

  Chris surveyed the surroundings. They were very close to the clearing he used to life-link when he first met Truug and his pack. “Veer off to the right a bit. There’s a small clearing over there. We’ll use that to get to work.â€�

  Fluidly the gang members began turning to the right, and Chris directed them to the small glade. He had them help Justin to a kneeling position. Chris asked them to watch the perimeter. He gave a reassuring glance at Melissa and Phillip, and then took a kneeling position in front of Justin.

Last edited by Grayle (2008-09-09 11:24:47)

I am new to theses forums and this is my first post.  Yours is the first story that I've read here, and let me tell you it is nothing short of riveting.

I actually found this sight by accident in my search for werewolf and  wolf related topics.  I too am attempting my skill at writing and when ever I find myself in a lull I often do research, read a good book ( and by book I mean nothing less than a trilogy ), or seek out inspiration such as what I have found here at the Werewolf Cafe.

Because I arrived late into the midst of this incredible story that you're weaving I actually had the privelage to begin my reading with part one, then part two (up to this point), and finished up with part three.  It is simply an excellent story.  With only a few adjustments I think the three parts you have can be combined into a complete book.

The personalities that you have given your characters and the way they convey themselves through out the story add such a depth of realism that the reader can attatch themselves to and find qualities that they can identify with.  I'd also like to point out your amazing skill to blend and use words in such fantastic ways that they easily paint a picture in my mind with barely an effort from my imagination.  You have truly constructed an incredible piece of work here, and if I had more time to wite I would post some specific examples of the many things that I have enjoyed in your writing style.

I must say, before I go, that I honestly feel privileged to have read it here first, and I promise that when you do finally get this book published ( because I'm certain that you will ) I'll show my support by buying a copy and recommending it to everyone else I know.

Thank you very much, Punx! Knowing your capabilities at deduction and your grrrreatly appreciated familiarity with this story, I'm confident that your suspicions are correct. However, there may be a twist on the twist. Stay tuned...

  SilentStrider, I am honoured completely beyond words. I thank you so much for your compliments and your appreciation, and I also welcome you to The Werewolf Cafe. I am extremely pleased to hear what you think of the character development as well as the level of realism - especially given the setting and the premise.
  Even though I am greatly thankful and flattered by your reading of my stories, I would encourage you to read some of the other works on the site - Niktoma, Werer, Wolfsong and Punxnotdead all have astounding works that show superb imagination and creativity, as well as storytelling and descriptive style - and that's only four names of all the ones that are on here.

  Don't worry, Wolfsong, your suspicions are correct. The fan will be hit soon, but not quite yet.

  However, here's the next segment. It's a bit longer than normal, though.
---------------------------------------------------------

  Almost immediately Justin focused his eyes on Chris, once Chris was in front of him.

  “Chris?â€�

  “Yes, Justin; I’m here. It’s okay.â€�

  “Where am I?â€�

  “We’re in the forest. We’re safe here. Justin, do you remember how to shift?â€�

  Justin cocked his head as he tried to process the question, and finally answered. “I change my song.â€�

  “Yes, Justin; that’s right. We need to change our song so that we can become what we really are. Can you do that for me?â€�

  Justin thought about the question, and became agitated. “I-I don’t know.â€�

  “I understand. I can help you get there, and then your body will do the rest. Okay?â€�

  Justin nodded, but his demeanour testified that his apprehension and his trust in Chris were at war with each other.

  “Okay. I want you to close your eyes, and listen to my voice.â€�

  Justin did so. As he did, his demeanour intuitively calmed. His nostrils flared, and his head twitched in a barely noticeable fashion with the slightest sound. Chris took this as a good sign that his senses were beginning to instinctively compensate for the temporary loss of vision.

  “Justin, I want you to listen to the forest, and smell the scents on the air. I want you to try to locate the directions of each sound and smell, and then try to figure out their sources.â€�

  Justin complied, ever so slightly reacting to the sounds and smells that Chris himself was detecting.

  “Okay, Justin. Now I want you to start listening inside of yourself. I want you to listen to your heart beating and the blood going through your veins.â€�

  Chris gave Justin a moment to accomplish the task.

  “Okay; now listen deeper inside yourself. Listen for your song. When you find it, it will sound like it’s out of tune. Try to think of what it should sound like.â€�

  Moments later, Justin’s eyes shot open, and so did his mouth. His back began to arch, and he cried out. Chris heard Melissa ask what was happening, and he also heard Phillip explain that she was about to see Justin shift into his hybreed form.

  Justin’s face twisted in agony as he bent forward again and collapsed onto his hands and knees. His skin began to darken in shade as the amount of hair on his arms increased exponentially. His back hunched as pops and cracks resounded, little explosions under his skin ran along his spine. Justin’s head twitched to one side and he grimaced, and his teeth now accompanied a set of fangs. His arms and legs began to warp and writhe in form.

  With sudden remembrance of a certain aspect of the shift, Chris immediately looked over at Lance. “Quick, give me a knife!â€� he called as he came near. “Quick! I need a knife!â€�

  Lance looked at him with astonishment.

  “Come on!â€� Chris called. “I gotta make room for the tail! You guys gotta realize that!â€�

  Surprisingly, it was Follanz that supplied a knife first. Without concern, Chris took the knife and ran back over to Justin, who was no longer grimacing with pain. He had hands that now resembled paws. His feet had narrowed and lengthened, his shoes no longer fit them, and his shire was tearing at the seams where the sleeves met the shoulders.

  Very carefully Chris approached and then quickly grabbed the back of Justin’s jeans at the waist. With his other hand he cut a small vertical slit in the seat of the jeans, deep enough to also go through his undergarments, and just in time for the protrusion of a tail to begin poking through. Chris released his hold on the jeans and then stood back, supervising the final stages of the shift. Justin’s face elongated into a short muzzle and his ears stretched and lengthened, but they kept a position close to the side of his head. Within moments the change finished, filling out Justin’s body into the form of a hybreed.

  Chris once again stood before Justin, who held his head down and was breathing heavily. After a few seconds Justin slowly raised his head and bent it to either side, popping joints in his neck. He opened his hazel eyes and focused them on Chris. They were no longer darting and uncertain, but steady and aware. Even so, Chris was not convinced that Justin was completely back to his normal self.

  “Do you know who I am?â€� he asked.

  “Chrrriss,â€� Justin replied in a rough, husky, strained voice. “Howlerrr.â€�

  Chris smiled. “How’s it howling, little brother?â€� He asked, remembering the final note that Justin wrote to him before he left Romberg.

  Justin began a chuff-like laugh.

  “I understand your hybreed name is Jolaar,â€� Chris said.

  Justin nodded in confirmation.

  “How do your feel?â€�

  “MBetterrrr, Thaaankkk-â€� Justin tried to say, and then coughed and hacked, which only made Chris smile wider in sympathy.

  “It’s kind of tough to speak American when you’re in hybreed form, huh?â€�

  Justin nodded his head as he coughed a few more times, but then shook his head vigorously as if he just exited a pool of water.

  “What’s wrong with him?â€� Melissa asked as Justin coughed.

  Once again, Phillip offered an explanation. “The Hybreed jaw and lip structure doesn’t support human standards of communication very well, so if he tries to speak American, he’ll literally choke on his words.â€�

  “He’ll understand the hybreed language instinctively,â€� Chris added as he looked over at Melissa, “but new hybreed sometimes can’t tell the difference when someone is talking in our language or in another one. It’s basically because of how our minds process the communication. So, new hybreed will often keep tying to speak in the language that they’re used to speaking, which won’t work. Don’t worry, though; Justin will get to know the difference in time.â€� Chris looked back at Justin. “But for now, you may want to limit what you’re trying to say to a few easy words now and then, okay?â€�

  Justin accepted the information, and then began to take note of all the others in attendance. His eyes met with Melissa, who was understandably staring at her former manager with complete astonishment. He approached her on all fours, his eyes wide with recognition. His mouth was open, the corners of his lips curved upward, and his tongue was lolling out from above the end of his jaw. He was smiling at her.

  Melissa, however, was not as well composed. She grabbed hold of Phillip’s arm and took a step behind him as Justin drew near. Phillip did his best to encourage her.

  “It’s alright, Melissa; he’s still Justin. And it looks like he knows who you are again, too.â€�

  When he said this, Melissa looked at Phillip for reassurance. Phillip gave her a quick smile and redirected her to face Justin.

  Justin was sitting on his hind end with his head slightly cocked to the left, no doubt trying to look as disarming as possible. His reddish auburn fur, the same colour as his hair when he was human, gave off a dark sheen in the dim surrounding light. Melissa very tentatively took one step after another, slowly approaching him. She reached her hand out to him, and finally her fingers met the soft, dark ginger fur on the back of Justin’s hybreed neck.

Once again, another fine addition to your ongoing tale.  I love the detail that you give to the hybreed language throughout the story.  For that matter I love the detail you give to the hybreed... period.   Nice touch with having Jolaar trying to speak American.  Also as mentioned before in previous posts I like the variety in your description of each of your hybreed, so that no two look exactly alike.

Last edited by SilentStrider (2008-09-14 06:34:47)