I turned to see that Gail was already folding her clothing into a neat pile on the picnic table. Janice had remained next to me but silent through the conversation. While Gail finished stripping off her clothes and folding them, Janice spoke.
“Please understand, this isn’t something we do for every case of accidental infection but we do it on an as-needed basis. So much of your life is rooted in fiction that when you receive information like we’ve dumped on you over the past days, it clashes with your worldview. The only way to break through is immersion therapy. Well, a variant of it at least. I’ll be right here with you the whole time. Once they’ve shifted and you’ve had a chance to interact a bit, we’ll talk more. Ready?”
“Um, Gail, what are the rules?”
“Rules?”
“Yeah, like when you’re a fox can I pet you?”
“Oh, those rules. Sure, I’ll make the offer by coming close to you. When one of us does that it’s an invitation. Just remember that foxes are somewhat fragile and we have ego issues. No picking us up unless there is some sign that we want that from you. Gentle petting is usually adored. I’ll be able to understand your meaning even if I don’t always understand the words in my animal form. Ready?”
“More than ready. Go ahead when you are.”
I sat back and waited. Gail walked around the table until she stood in front of me. Part of my brain noted that the brunette was in good shape but not rock hard or anything crazy. She was just a normal-looking female with a decent body, until she closed her eyes. As soon as her eyes shut, it was as if she got blurry. I blinked my eyes a few times but she continued to look blurry. As the appearance of motion became faster, Gail started to move to a four-legged stance and a tail grew. Red fur grew and her face changed shape. I heard her groan a few times but then, in under a minute she was done. A red fox sat where a short time ago a human woman had been.
I looked from Gail to Janice and back again. Janice said nothing but she had a slight smile on her face. Gail bounded away to the tree line then came back after offering a soft bark at the trees. As Gail headed back to us, my eyes were fixated on her. Her red fur was gorgeous but more importantly, I had just seen a woman transmute into an animal. Just behind her, another fox, slightly larger with brighter fur ran out and shot past Gail to leap up onto the table in front of me.
“Joe, I assume?”
A soft noise came from him and Janice leaned close.
“He’s letting you know that yes, it’s him and that it’s okay for you to touch him.”
I reached out, hesitantly at first but once I touched the soft fur I started petting him with a little more enthusiasm. Gail jumped up to stand next to her husband and bumped him with her shoulder.
“Was that a greeting or a shove-over-and-let-me-get-someattention move?” I asked Janice but Gail answered me first by stepping directly under my hand.
“Got it. Pet the very pretty fox.”
I continued petting them both for a minute and then one grabbed the other’s tail gently and they started to chase around the picnic clearing. I couldn’t do anything but watch in fascination and enjoyment.
“This is amazing. I really didn’t expect it to be real. Does it hurt?”
Janice smiled as she watched the antics of the fox pair. “It does involve some discomfort and pain. After all, we are talking about a serious bone, muscle, and ligament adjustment. Everything changes shapes, sizes, and configurations. The pain is worth it to me. The world is different when we’re in animal forms.”
“How does it work, the shifting? I mean, Joe must weigh one eighty or so in human form but there’s no way he weighs that much as a fox, is there?”
“There is a mass differential, you’re right. One of the things our scientists have been trying to learn is how that works. We know mass gets displaced and replaced. The conundrum for us is that we have no clue how. One of the projects in our labs is that study.”
“So, it isn’t like a book where someone can put mass into another object, like a statue, and then take it back? Or where the shifter weighs more than they appear to as a human?”
“No, none of what you’ve read in fiction, well, very little of it is true. There have been some theories in speculative fiction about viruses and bacteria causing lycanthropy or vampirism. We keep an eye on it but for now, people are just speculating on what could be if such things were true. The majority of humans have no idea that this is real and we’re hoping to keep it that way until we have more answers. We’re not looking for a cure or anything, just a basic understanding of our own condition.”
“Huh. I wonder, can you shift in non-natural surroundings? Can you become a coyote when you’re in your home?”
“Of course. Why, what were you thinking?”
“I don’t know. Some kind of connection to the earth maybe. Maybe the different masses could be explained if you could only shift with dirt under your feet or something.”
“Ah, no, we’ve looked into that before. So far, the mystery is simply that: a mystery. A theory that holds some promise so far is that the mass is stored and released as energy during the shifting process. Once we shift, we can’t shift back until we’ve eaten something. That reminds me, grab that bag on the table please.”
I did and handed it to her. I hadn’t even noticed it but it was a small brown paper bag next to Gail’s pile of clothing.
“Gail packed a couple of chicken breasts for them to eat.” Janice explained as she unwrapped the food and set it out on the wrapping paper on the ground. “There is a small amount of wildlife available for those who prefer to hunt their fuel but Gail prefers this way and always brings something. When people schedule to use this room for shifting, they are asked if they want anything like a rabbit released for a shifting meal.”
Both foxes came over and snacked on their chicken. One headed to the woods, the other sat and watched us talk. I suspected that Joe was in the woods.
“What do you prefer?” I couldn’t help but ask, even if it was gauche. I was fascinated and repulsed by the idea of hunting as an animal. I’ve hunted most of my life but I always like to cook my meals before I eat them. I don’t even like sushi.
“I have used the rabbit on occasion but I prefer that the staff or I leave out something already prepared. I love the chase and the hunt but even in my fur form I don’t relish the kill or eating that way. We’re all different. Some love to fully embrace that side of their Other’s nature. My Other allows me my human quirks and I allow her the freedom to play with the rabbits and what not without taking a kill.”
“I see. What about those who shift into deer form? They wouldn’t chase a rabbit.”
“We have a grazing area set up with berries and the like but also the grass is fine to nibble on. A few of our deer shifters prefer some form of human food left for them, so we also grow some lettuces and other veggies here. Those like yourself, with two stomach sections rather than three, tend to stick to the human consumables. Those with three sections are more likely to go with whatever they find like leaves, bark, or other things.”
“This is a lot to think about but I’m grateful for the chance to see it for myself.”
Janice looked at me and blushed but then asked me a question. “Would you like to see my Other?”
“You’d do that for me? It hurts, doesn’t it?”
“Some, but the more we shift, the more our bodies become accustomed to the changes and it hurts less. At least, we notice it less. I won’t lie about it. Your First Shift will be slow and involve some pain. After you’ve been guided through it and a few more, the pain will start to be more manageable and the joy will intensify.”
“If you’re certain, I’d love to meet your Other. What would you like as food to shift back?”
Gail spoke as she rose from the ground. I hadn’t even noticed her shifting back to human form. “I brought some chicken for her, too. I figured she might make the offer.”
“Then, yes please. What should I do? Is it an
y different for you than for the foxes?”
Gail started to dress as Joe walked out of the woods, fully dressed again. He smiled at me and went to his wife as she answered my question for Janice.
“Every species shifts in a similar manner. Everyone is a little different right after the shift. Once you’ve gone through your First Shift and met your Other, the two of you will determine how much of each personality is in control at what times. During the shift, the two work together and on the other side there is usually a momentary disorientation as one regains dominance over the other one.”
Joe hugged his wife as she finished her explanation. “That’s the most concise version I’ve heard. It’s very accurate, too. The thing is, the Animus virus essentially brings us together with an animal being. We share one body but we are two separate beings.”
“So I’m going to end up with multiple personality disorder? Is that why we all see shrinks?”
“That may have been flip and a sarcastic defense mechanism but it isn’t far from the truth I’m afraid. The therapy is to help the two personalities reside where there was only one.” Janice looked at me and I felt safer somehow, knowing that she and the others would watch out for me. Me being me, I shrugged it off and pressed on.
“I’m not sure how else to deal with this, I’m sorry. I’m not trying to offend anyone, I promise that. I just lived my entire life believing that there was no such thing as werewolves and now I find out that there are werewolves, bears and other animals and that I’m going to be one of them.”
“Technically, we don’t use the term were. Were implies a lot of things that we are not. We aren’t forced to shift based on moon cycles, we don’t go looking to attack humans, silver does us no harm, and much of the rest of what Hollywood has produced is far from our reality.”
“I’m sorry. I’m really not trying to be offensive.”
“I know or I wouldn’t offer to show you my Other. Would you like to meet her?”
“Yes, I’ll sit very still, I promise.”
“There’s no need to worry, Tori. I’m still part of the coyote and we won’t attack you.”
Janice smiled and touched my shoulder with her hand before she began to strip. She mimicked Gail’s earlier actions and folded her clothing and placed it on the table.
Gail had finished dressing and came around to sit by me while Joe took his seat on the other side of the table. Gail took the time to explain to me about the natural interaction of wolves, coyotes, and foxes.
“In the wild, coyotes and wolves don’t intermingle much but it happens. Foxes and coyotes do on occasion and generally coyotes don’t attack red foxes. Wolves and coyotes have been known to mate and coyotes are descended from grey wolves. Thankfully, the shifter groups are all intermingled and safe to be around. The scientists have identified a common genome in the changed DNA of those with the virus. They think it is what allows us to spot others who shift in both our human and animal forms.”
“So, you as a fox can run alongside a wolf or a cougar and be totally safe?”
“As long as the other animal is also a shifter, yes. Now, Janice is ready and she’s a fast shifter, watch.”
I turned to face her and I admit, I looked her over in a way I hadn’t done with Gail. Janice was ripped. She had an amazing body and I couldn’t help but admire her form. There was still a softness to her body that I found appealing. At least, I found it appealing until I recognized that I’d been checking her out. I forced my eyes up to hers and felt myself flush when I saw that she had caught me.
“I’m ready.” I stated the obvious to detract from my faux pas.
Janice began to blur. Her edges faded into grey fur, she knelt on the ground and her hands and feet became paws similar to a dog’s paw.
As I watched she grew a bushy tail, her ears became pointed and moved to the top of her head, and her facial structure changed until standing in front of me was a grey and tan coyote.
“You’re beautiful.” I didn’t realize I’d said it out loud until the coyote, Janice, gave me a doggie smile and panted at me. She stood taller than I had expected, about the size of a large German Shepherd. She went to Joe first and snuffled at him as he scratched her head. She came around the table to Gail and received the same kind of head scratches before she pulled away. She approached me a bit more slowly and I stayed stock-still. I wasn’t afraid of her attacking me but I didn’t want her to feel as if I were a threat.
Janice came over and plopped her largish head in my lap. Gail was obviously amused by my confusion.
“Go ahead. She’s showing that she trusts you. Pet her, scratch behind her ears. Basically, you can treat petting her like you would a large dog. They all come from the same genetic line if you go far enough back.”
I’d always loved dogs but had never committed to one since I lost my first dog as a young teenager. I petted, scratched, and stroked Janice’s animal form. She moved a bit to give me better access before she pulled away to give me a doggy kiss. I couldn’t help but grin because it was so unexpected.
“Five bucks, Joe.” He grumbled and handed it over to his wife.
“Do I want to know what you bet on?” I asked as I continued to rub down the coyote form in front of me.
“Joe bet me five dollars that Janice would offer to shift in front of you. I bet him ten bucks that she would give you free access to pet her as well as show you affection in return. So, I netted five bucks.”
“I see. And now she knows you guys bet on her.” I noticed that Janice had narrowed her eyes and huffed at Gail.
“Um, yeah, okay I didn’t think that part through as well. Janice, I’ll just put that with your clothing.”
I couldn’t help but be amused by the playful nature of the three friends. That was obviously what they were if the two foxes were comfortable enough with Janice to joke with her like this and place bets on her behavior. I found myself a bit envious of that kind of friendship. Maybe being locked away in my cabin for so long kept me from something that could be good for me.
“Janice, if you want to run around, please do. I’m fine and you must want to stretch out a bit.” I figured that all the shifting must leave her a bit sore or something.
Janice looked me over then at Gail. She must have been happy with what she saw because she gave a short bark and took off. Janice tore through the clearing and into the wooded area. She was out of sight for a few minutes before coming back with a branch that had some raspberries attached to it. She laid the branch in my lap, stayed long enough for me to thank her and took off again.
“Now I know she likes you. While coyotes tend to stick to a lot of animal protein, they love fruit and berries. She just gave you her favorite berries.”
I popped a few in my mouth before offering the branch to Gail and then to Joe. Gail set out the chicken she had brought for Janice and the three of us chatted for a bit while we waited for Janice to finish her run.
About twenty minutes later, Janice was back and scarfed her chicken breast in two bites. A matter of a minute later she was pulling on her clothes with a big smile on her face.
“Have fun?” I asked, as much to say something as out of curiosity.
“I did. Thanks for the scratches. You’re good at that. I see a future career path for you if you get tired of writing and painting.”
“I’ll take that under advisement. Thank you for the berries. They’re my favorite actually. I have a big section of them on my property.”
“Mine too. My favorite I mean. Anyway, so, what questions do you have? I assume you believe us now?”
“Hard to disprove what I’ve just seen. I’m sure I’ll have a million questions later but for now, it’s all too surreal to fully grasp. I mean, you were just a coyote and now, you’re you again.”
“My Other likes you apparently. It was her idea to bring you the berries. Apparently, you scent like a deer already.”
“Can you still talk to your Other now? When you’re in this form?”
/> “Talk might not be the right word but we can exchange thoughts and ideas. It’s more pictorial than anything but you’ll understand. It flows very naturally once you make that initial contact. I actually find that I translate it into words at times.”
“What is up with the healing? Why did my surgery heal so quickly? It only took days instead of weeks or months.”
“Well, in general, shifters don’t get sick often. Some minor stuff like colds just never happen, bigger stuff like cancer and others are rare. When we shift in either direction, things are breaking and healing. The process can heal almost anything. Dementia still happens but not until just before death and again, that’s rare. Broken bones or other injuries can be healed in a shift or two but you’ll need more than the normal amount of food between shifts.”
“So, what? I’m Superman? Why didn’t the guy...I mean...why didn’t he?”
“If you’re as good a shot as I heard, there was simply no time. Fatal wounds are still fatal wounds. If it helps at all, anything that fast means he felt no pain.”
“So much to learn and think about. Would you guys mind if I just went back to my room for a while?”
Gail and Joe stood, took their leave and left me alone with Janice.
“Are you okay?” Janice asked softly. “I would be surprised if you weren’t a little freaked out and full of questions. I’m here to help you. I offered to help before Kerstin even thought about her schedule this morning.”
“Why? Why help me?”
“I can assume you want the honest answer, right?”
I nodded. I didn’t know if I could handle any more major truthful revelations right then but what else could I say to this kind woman with deep amber eyes that seemed to see through me?
“The truth is, I like you. You strike me as a nice, kind, self-reliant woman who got caught up in a tragic mistake. I know what guilt is and how horrible it can feel. If I can help lighten your load and become a friend you can come to when things are hard, then I’m grateful. At the least, you should be welcomed into the community, and that means assisting you in any way we can. I tell you what, let’s do something mundane and normal to ground you a bit. What about laundry?”
Stranger Than Fiction Page 17