A shiver crawled up my spine, then ceased. Nayla placed a paw on my leg, then laid down next to me, resting her head on the floor. Afterward, she closed her eyes.
Wait, this was no time for a nap! What was she doing? Instead of calling her out I stroked her fur. Footsteps! Maybe it was Cal? I turned my head to the door. It creaked open.
My mom glanced at Nayla sitting at my feet. Casually she walked over to us. Kneeling down, she pulled out a deck of cards from her back pocket. “These are for you.”
I took the cards pushing them into the pocket of my jeans, not giving it a second thought as to what the cards were.
“Is Nayla in a trance?”
“I'm not sure. She didn't say anything. I figured maybe she was meditating. Do you know where Cal is? Have you spoken with Eva?”
“Your father and I came from there. Cal’s with Minder. Nayla, wake up! What are you doing, sleeping on the job!”
She jumped up on all fours. Then glared at us. I was consulting the goddess. I assumed you’d be here much later.” She shook her body and pranced around the room in a circle twice. Then turned her head up towards the ceiling.
“Shh. Shh...”Tri whispered.
I closed my eyes. The shiver, I’d experienced earlier came again. It would pass. Nayla would finish, and we’d start the session. Ugh, I hoped I didn’t black out! All of a sudden the floor shifted beneath me. Was I being transported? If so, who the hell had initiated the spell? Small dots, black ones, then red, appeared as if I shut my eyes and held them creating images. I felt along the floor. Grass, wheat, brush maybe? My eyes opened. The black wolf trotted up to me.
“Listen, be on your guard. Follow Nayla’s instructions I’ve been tethered. They’re doing their best to keep me from reaching you. My soul was trapped.”
“Who? Why are you following me? Am I like your new person? Do you know what happened to Cal’s dad? The scientists? Can’t you just tell us?” I complained.
“If I had all the answers I would. You’re the guardian. I trust you. Now, only speak of me, if you must. Do not mention my name,” it stated.
“I don’t even know it, so how could I?”
It scoffed, then coughed, “Trigger.”
“What kind of name is that?”
“A spirit-guide, once, you and Cal are completely tethered I”m yours.”
“What? How do I use you, are you meant to be used?”
“You’re evolving Starla. Soon, you’ll have two tails, not only one.”
What else, did I need to freak me out!
“I’m not here for that. Du-Vance was planning to infiltrate the scientists. Right now, they have an army. They're forming an infantry. You're going to think I'm crazy. Their leader Sika is a fool, but if you can get them on your side. I suggest it.”
The ground began to shake-- fading was I fading!
“Go they’re waiting.”
“What do I do!”
“Put your hands on the trigger, but don’t shoot yet,” he cautioned me.
My eyes fluttered open. Ah, Cal had shown up. Eva was holding her daughter’s hand. I looked down, Nayla’s paw rested on my chest. Why was she holding me down?
“Here,” said my mom as she held out a bottle of water to me.
“I’m OK. Let me up.”
Nayla withdrew her paw from my chest, stepping aside. I pushed myself off the floor. Then, stood, stretching out my arms, arched my back, and pulled my legs behind me as if I was preparing to run. I wasn’t really. I had to get reacclimated to myself. I reached out my hand, taking the water from my mom.
“Thanks,” I said, taking a long drink. Afterward, I put the cap on the bottle and handed it back.”
“You gave us a scare. Where did you go? I tried to follow you after you collapsed. Whatever it was, it only wanted you,” Nayla commented.
I repositioned myself back on the floor. “The field of gold wheat. It’s usually where I always end up. This wolf claimed Du-Vance was going to infiltrate the scientists. He said he’d been trying to contact me, but they had his soul trapped. I’m not sure if they are the scientists or someone else.” I paused.
“Go on,” urged Nayla.
“The scientists are building an army. He said it would be best if we could get Sika on our side as crazy as he is.”
“Sika!” exclaimed Eva.
“Yeah, exactly what I thought. Then to top it off, this is the kicker. Once Cal and I, are tethered. This wolf claimed. He belonged to me. Not only that, he’s a spirit guide. He was specific I continue to follow your instructions,” I said, looking at Nayla.
My mom moved closer to me taking my hand. Nayla, Cal, and Eva sat down, forming a circle. Should I tell them about evolving? It wasn’t as if it was going to happen now. Trigger hadn't made it seem earth shattering.
“Starla, are you with us?”
“Yes,” I said, looking up at her.
“Our session must go on. We cannot let it effect this,” stated Nayla.
“Of course not, am I going to get to see Cal turn? Are we going back to the field of wheat?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“It wouldn’t be a good idea. It’s best if you and Cal turn today. I’ll have you complete some mental exercises that will specifically connect your souls to each other,” suggested Nayla.
“Are these similar to spells?”
“No, you’ll be spiritually joining Cal’s spirit,” Nayla answered.
I froze. What? I thought that was something you only did, physically like... Sex? In a way, I was horrified. What about Jenson?
My mom put her hand on my back. I turned to face her.
“It’s OK. It’s not like that. This way, you’ll be able to maintain a protective circle, around each other. Once completed the only way an enemy can harm you, is if you disconnect. It’s why the entity wanted you.”
I should have been excited, ecstatic even, at learning this data. “Mom, there’s something else. The wolf said,” I gulped. “I’ll evolve. I..I.. I’ll have two tails,” I stammered.
“Never mind that now. We need to focus on you and Cal. Let’s get started. Then we’ll discuss what you’ve told me,” answered Nayla.
“Okay, so do I just change into a fox?”
“First, we’ll let Cal change. Next, you’ll transform. Afterward, you’ll both begin the meditation, but you’re not going anywhere. You’ll be connecting to each other mentally.”
“How can Eva and I help?” asked Tri.
“We need to observe them, make sure nothing goes wrong. Cal is the most vulnerable. Starla has had, experience connecting before.” Nayla turned to me, “It was when you learned to use memories, against others.”
I nodded to her. Cal got up off of the floor and began stretching her arms and legs. She positioned herself on the carpet like a child ready to crawl for the first time. This was going to be strange. What fox and wolf qualities would she have?
“Quiet your thoughts. Cal needs to concentrate. I don’t want her to pick up on you mentally yet,” mind spoke Nayla to me.
Cal let out a yelp, and a whine as her legs began to take shape. They were strong muscular wolf legs.
Her body lean and gray. Out jutted whiskers and a fox-like face, her tail emerged from her backside. Again she stretched out and pranced around the room a few times before stopping to sit next to Nayla.
“As you can see, Cal has the body and the legs of a wolf. She has the head, and tail of a fox. It is extraordinarily unique. You two will be fitted well together. Soul sisters.”
“Now that I’ve seen her turn do I?”
“Go ahead dear, and I’ll instruct you,” Nayla answered.
I took my stance to do so my body trembled in anticipation. Concentrating I recalled what Nayla had told me. I needed to learn to switch without pain. My hands became paws, my legs thicker yet lean. I felt my whiskers materialize and face re-shape, while my tail emerged. Then shook my body, stretched and trotted around. I stopped plopping down next to my mom.
“Now, that you’re both in the proper form you’ll sit in the circle,” instructed Nayla.
Cal and I both stood up, trotting into the circle the three of them had created. Cautiously we sniffed each other. Then backed off a bit, I let my tongue hang out and playfully swatted her with my paw. She jumped on my back, pushing me down. We began to wrestle.
“Girls, this is no time for play! Now, sit down, and we’ll begin,” Nayla ordered.
Cal and I broke out in hiccups of laughter.
“Come on. I”m serious,” Nayla stressed.
“Okay, Okay,” I replied.
“Memories play, an important role in your ability to attach to one another. Starla was able to save you due to her gift to hold this bond. Now, you must not only pick a memory but find a way to link to her soul. Once done, it should not be too difficult for her to do the same.”
“Is there a way you want me to attempt it? Can I handle doing it alone?” asked Cal.
“We’ll try your way first. If you are unable to, then we’ll do things my way,” Nayla smirked.
Cal inched towards me to touch my paws.
“No, touching, when you’re out guarding the perimeter, or one another you will not be able to stay linked that way. You need to be able to connect mentally,” Nayla said.
I pulled back, staring up at Cal. “You called out to me before I heard you,” I mind spoke to her, repeating it several times.
Moments later she responded, “How are we supposed to combine, link, whatever. I hear you. I see you in front of me.”
“What connects us, what makes you and me different from others who surround us. Parents, friends, people, the bandits, what?” I asked her silently.
Nayla watched us, her eyes darting back and forth.We had to do something to impress her quick or else she would intervene.
I pulled out the memory of us defeating the entity. The necklace that we used to contain it. Where had it gone? What had been, done with it? I supposed Cavin had found a safe place for it. I shrugged it off trying to concentrate on our connection again. A strong tugging sensation pulled at my chest. It gravitated me towards Cal.
“What are you doing? What?”
“Relax, I’m pulling you in. Accept it,” prodded Cal to me in my head.
I assimilated to her soul’s presence. A warmth spread, little by little overtaking my being. It wasn’t a memory that was binding us. It was something else. I wanted to pull back, to run. But I stayed. Maybe this was a part of evolving.
“Cal, can you make me a little more comfortable. It’s like your trying to take over my body,” I admitted mind speaking back to her.
Memories, what kind did Cal have of us? Were they different? Out of the blue, my mind was flooded with an image of us on a fall day, playing in the park. Fall leaves fluttered to the ground. Cal and I ran along a path. My mom and Eva were behind us. Was this in Springville or L.A.?
A rush of adrenaline filled my body, then heat, we linked. Cal was with me. I couldn’t see her soul. It wasn’t a physical form, but I could feel it. How were we supposed to use this? Would it protect us from outsiders? Tri and Eva, stood up, moving briskly towards the circle. An electric buzz sounded. Pulsating vibrations surged out of us. Electronic waves radiated to the invaders. Wham! They fell a foot away from us. We were keeping them out. How had it been that easy?
A loud clap hit the ground. Startled, I shook dropping to the floor, placing my paws over my head. Cal backed away our connection broken. After a few moments of silence. When nothing else occurred, I stood up, surveying the damage.
“Mom? Eva? Where is everyone?” I asked. Then looked down at my body. I'd reverted to human form while Cal remained a fox-wolf. I did my best to cover myself using my hands.
“Is everyone OK? It’s just lightning. Rare, but it does happen. Nothing to get worried about,” said Eva. She stepped back into the room, shutting the door behind her. “Nayla and Nuria left to get your father. We’re impressed you connected so well. There was a strange glow, though. It has Nayla a bit concerned. We fear another spirit, may be guiding you,” Eva said.
The black wolf no doubt. However, I wasn’t ready to say it out loud. You’d think they would have figured it out. How else had we been able to connect so quickly? Unless it was the bond we formed when I’d saved, Cal’s life.
“Um, can I get some clothes? Mom, you packed them right?” Gah, I’d forgotten I wore my favorite sweater. I’d have to be more careful about what I wore on training days.
The door to the reflection room swung open. My Mom pushed my dad back practically shutting it in his face.
“Mom!”
“Well, you are naked, let me get you those clothes I stashed. Nayla tossed the ones you discarded while transforming. After that, I’ll let your father in.”
I blushed. Mom walked close to the fireplace. She’d tucked a paper bag behind the chair near it.
“Here,” she thrust it at me.
I pulled on a pair of yoga pants, a clean sweatshirt, socks, and noticed I hadn’t any shoes. When I turned back to Cal, she’d already taken human form again. She was putting on clothes. Eva must have brought her. The door burst open. My dad leaned half way into the room.
“Is it safe to enter?” he asked.
“Yes, is Nayla with you?” questioned Eva.
My dad opened the door wider. Nayla trotted inside in front of him. He left the reflection room door ajar.
“You girls have performed exceptionally today. It’s key you don’t let distractions bring you back from your link. We’ll work on that,” said Nayla trotting over to where I stood near Cal.
“Will there be any more lessons today?” asked Tri.
“No, why don’t we meet in the dining hall. The Crusaders are there. We’re discussing the trial. It won’t be long. Dan, will you lead the way?”
“Of course,” he answered.
“What happened, before Cal and I connected?”
“Generally, it’s a combination of emotions, bonding, and friendship. Oh, and fear. It happens,” acknowledge Eva. She turned to Nayla. “Are you ready to head to the dining hall?”
“Okay, Starla and Cal. When you're ready, we'll see you there.”
They ambled out of the reflection room, leaving the door slightly opened. I caught a glimpse of my mom and dad standing in the doorway.
Cal took my hand pulling me aside. Then glanced at my parents. “Give us a minute,” she demanded.
“Sure, you girls can meet us there,” my dad replied.
“Thanks,” answered Cal. The door closed quietly behind them.
“When we joined what else happened?”
I paced back and forth. I felt like Nayla when she was anxious. Then let my hands fall to my sides, staring at Cal.
“What?” she asked.
“It could have been the wolf in-between us. It claimed you and me, had to unite first, though. It can’t be anything else. We are not anything else!” I screamed.
“Starla, hey, it’s OK. We’re friends, kindred spirits. We have this bond. It’s scary. I’d give my life for you. You already practically did for me a few weeks ago,” she admitted.
I nodded, leaning against the wall embarrassed. Cal gave me a sympathetic, puzzled look.
“Would it be weird if I hugged you? I mean after all that emotional stuff, and fear?”
I shook it off embracing her. Then let go. She pushed my hair back behind my ears. The bit that always wanted to cover my face. “We’ve always been best friends. We have a tougher job now than ever before. All these people, are depending on us. I overheard Nuria talking about it on the phone to Rascal. I guess, I’m just good at ease dropping.”
I laughed, “Yeah, those were the good ole’ days.”
“When?”
“L.A., ease dropping on mom. Megan and I would deliberate on when she would date. She never did.”
“Did you ever find that odd?”
“Hmm, I never thought about it. Mom and dad were on and off. It
was confusing. Now things are gradually getting back on track.”
“We should get going,” suggested Cal. She slightly bounced away from me to the door, pulling it open. The hallway dimly lit. Would I be here again before the trial? How much of it would, I attend? This black wolf had ideas of his own. I shook it off as Cal and I walked in silence to the dining hall.
Chapter 38
(Dan)
Starla and Cal stood in the doorway of the dining hall. I got up from where I sat to greet them.
“Hey, come on in. Sit down. The food is ready, you both need to eat something. Cavin will introduce us to the Crusaders. They’re helping with the trial. I’ve let him know we need to speak to the group concerning this black wolf.”
“Sure dad, sounds like a plan. Cal, why don’t you sit here next to me?”
“I would, but I should stick by my mom. I’ll be going to Nuria’s tonight,” Cal answered.
“Oh, she’s going to be here?” Starla asked.
“Everyone is here,” said Star, wandering up to my daughter.
“Oh, hey,” she said. We followed Star to the main table.
“There you are. Your Dad and I didn’t imagine you’d be this late. Is everything alright?” asked Tri.
“Yes, mom. We just had some things to discuss. We’re good. I should sit down.”
My wife nodded to Star, who trotted off to talk to another fox nearby. I looked a crossed the room. Lance and Shellena waved while standing next to Owl. I nodded to them as Jenson jogged up to Starla. She immediately stood up.
“I almost forgot you were here! I’ve been so wrapped up in connecting with Cal and what happened,” she stammered.
He laid his hand on her shoulder, then turned to me. “I should have come with you Dan, but I thought I’d stay here.
“Owl and Cavin wanted to discuss the scientists. No leads. You said not to pursue them. I’ve been keeping it hush-hush.”
“Jenson, if he told you, not to then don’t!” she exclaimed pulling away from him. Jenson’s hand slid off her shoulder. He let it fall to his side.
“Starla, he’s only looking into the facts, where they have been. Not where they are. I’m trying to get an idea of what’s going on. This way we have a chance to prepare for what might occur,” I added.
Spirit Guide (Myth-Series Book 2) Page 17