Night Shifters

[Book Cover Page]

Night Shifters

Introduction

Ever stare into the dark and wonder if something was looking back at you? Ever think that you saw something so real but later, thought that maybe you did not and that your eyes were just playing tricks on you. On the other hand, perhaps you did see something so scary that you were too afraid to tell anyone in fear that people would call you crazy or would not believe you.

Ever feel like someone is standing behind you but, no one is there? Well get ready to take a journey into the life of Kyle Green, a young teenage boy whose nightmares becomes clues to the missing pieces of a puzzle about his life. As he learns more about the unknown, he will meet another young boy just like him who also holds the key to unanswered questions about him.

 Which will help him learn to search for the truth about his past, present and future to save his family and possibly humanity.

He also falls in love with a girl who is strong spirited who captivates his heart and she too will help him on his journey. Follow a young man on a quest as he tries to end the nightmares and defeat the unknown. With help from his friends and a local schoolteacher, Ms. Creed who also learns that she will play a key role in this mystery.

Kyle will learn more truth about his parents. Keep your eyes open wide they are everywhere and you will never know when or where they might strike.

Chapter One

The Nightmares

My name is Kyle Green; I am sixteen years old.

I was very young when the nightmares started. I prayed every night that they would stop. It just felt so real; my breathing would increase, and I would break out in night sweats.

Something is chasing me and it is very fast. The woods are dark and cold and the night mist covers the trees like a silk blanket. I feel like an animal running away from its hunter. I can see their shadows moving in the moonlight night. They used it to shield themselves. Despite the fact that I could not see them, I could smell them. The scent was very distinct but also hard to describe. Either way, I know they were there.

I kept running away from whatever was chasing me. I just knew it was something horrifying, even the sounds they made scared me. They were like a chainsaw in the night, ear piercing and gut wrenching.

I am still running as fast as possible; it felt more like slow motion. Regardless, they were getting closer. I can see movement all around me; I am trying to escape before they can get to me. My mouth opened to scream but, there are no words; no one could hear me.

There is a white mist moving fast in front of me. It changes paths constantly, ushering me in different directions. My instincts tell me to get to the clearing, a part of the open valley where the trees met at the top. All the while, they are getting closer and the smell is unbearable.

I do not know how I wake up but, when I do, my mom has to replace the sheets and pillows. Because of the nightmares, I would rip them to shreds.

My parents never understood why I would get these nightmares. They sent me to every shrink doctor they could find but, no one knew what was wrong.

They both took me to a festival one night and, even walking through crowds of people, I swore I could smell “them” as if they were close, watching me in the night. I could feel strange eyes watching me; I stayed close to my parents. They were busy talking with friends and neighbors and suggested I go and play. I guessed that they wanted me to be ordinary and make friends but somehow, I knew I was different. I did not have many friends and other children teased me because they thought I was weird.

I will never forget that night at the festival some of the bullies were teasing me and I ran off as I wandered around I watched people having fun, girls screaming, the sound of the music playing. As I walked, I felt the wind on my face and looked up at the sky filled with stars. The moon was full and bright that night.

Then, I stopped in my tracks. There was an odd smell in the air. I thought to myself for a moment, this only happened in my dreams, but; this was no dream, this was real.

I walked slowly and it got stronger I could feel something but, I could not see anything. It felt as if the night was watching me. I had to find my parents.

I walked as quickly as possible to get away. My breathing increased, my heart was pounding. I could feel them all around me; I could see the night air ripple like a silk sheet but I thought my imagination was playing tricks on me. I rubbed my eyes and just kept going.

There were so many people I could not see my parents. The wind started to blow harder. I felt driven to keep going, as if something was pulling me to safety somehow.

I saw a tent with bright lights up ahead and I ran inside only to turn back to see if I were still being followed. To my surprise, there was nothing. I had a sense of calmness immediately come over me. I looked around the tent that had interesting items inside, stuffed animals, and artifacts of all kinds. There was also a display of all sorts of candles, colorful charms, and books. It was a very strange place.

The charms glowed like sparkling diamonds. I deeply gazed upon it. I was surprised. I reached out my hand to touch it when someone spoke to me.

“May I help you young man?” I jumped.

“Sorry, I was just looking.”

“Beautiful, aren’t they?” the man who spoke said.

“Yes, they are.” I replied.

“So, young man, what brings you to my place? Perhaps I could be of some service to you.” I kept looking over my shoulder I felt them watching me.

“I’m sorry sir,” I nervously started, “I didn’t mean to-” I stopped in mid sentence. “Why didn’t they follow me inside this place?” I had to ask myself.

“Son, are you frightened by something?” He asked me. “Well don’t be afraid you are safe now.”

For some reason I believed him.

“What is your name son?”

“My name is Kyle, Kyle Green.”

“Well Kyle, my name is Benjamin. My native name is “OTOAHHASTIS,” he told me.

“What does that mean?” I asked.

“It means “tall bull,” he explained. I laughed a little.

“You don’t look like an animal.” I said.

“No son, when we are born we are given names by our tribal elders who say we carry the spirit and strength of animals.”

He started to explain.

“We learn to be like them in many ways and learn to survive by watching them. My father was a tribal elder and he named me tall bull because I learned how to hunt and not to be afraid. He says the name represents masculine strength because I was so young and much taller than my older brothers were.”

He winked at me and I laughed again. I looked around in such amazement everything inside was so wonderful.

“What are the charms for?” I asked.

“These are the charms of my people legend says they keep us safe from evil spirits and each one is very unique.” He explained.

“What do you mean”? I asked. 

“Well, it’s a long story but, I will tell you.”

And he began his story.

“Legend says there were a group of people selected from each of the tribes to come together to protect the people of the land. We call them “QALETAQA” which means “guardian of the people”. Each of them received rare silver stones, which came from deep within the earth. There was a sacred ceremony with the chosen ones linking their souls to the stones.”

“What happened to them?” I asked.

“Well some say that when they linked their souls to the stones as long as the light inside exists the darkness cannot harm us. We wear them to remind us that they are always watching over us.”

Benjamin went on to say more but, by this time my parents found me and they were hysterical.

“Honey, we were looking all over for you!” my mother came toward me.

“Sir, I hope he was not a bother to you,” dad said.

“No bother, I was just showing him some of my tribal memorabilia’s,” Benjamin said.

“Well, we must be going now, thanks,” dad informed him.

“Bye Mr. Benjamin.” I said my goodbyes.

My parents led me out of the tent as we walked they said hello and goodbye to friends. My mother says we have a busy day tomorrow and we need to get home so I could get some rest.

There were times when I thought my nightmares were becoming a reality.  I was about twelve years old when my parents drove me out of town to a hospital. A doctor there claimed he could heal children of their nightmares through hypnosis. He had been successful in helping other children my age. He came highly recommended by other physicians.

The place looked more like an asylum for crazy people. However, it was also like a hospital. There were benches out front where people sat and it had a long driveway. However, I did notice the odd shape of the trees and how they met at the top. I just could not take my eyes off them.

Dad parked the car and we went inside.

“Hello my name is Dr. Frank D. Hill.”

The doctor met with my parents to explain the session telling them that he videotaped so he could do further studies. He gave them a guarantee the nightmares would stop.

He placed me in a room with other children while he finished explaining to my parents about his success stories. I sat down, with them and watched them play. Another little boy sat alone none of the other children spoke to him.

I played with my football since it gave me comfort. It helped me focus on playing like my dad. He was the head coach of the local high school football team, the Arizona wildcats, and number one in the district. I want to play on the team one day when I get to high school.

I sat and played catch by myself for while tossing my football up in the air. I waited and I could hear the other children through the wall vents.

The rooms were like cells with monitors. I was still afraid and did not want to be here but, my parents wanted me to get better.

I could hear crying coming from one of the vents. I moved a little closer to listen, it sounded like they were praying. I sat down to the vent and spoke to him.

“Hello, are you all right?

“Yes…just a little scared,” he answered back.

“My name is Kyle. What is your name?”

“Eric…My name is Eric Spearhorn.”

“What are you here for?” 

“I am here because I have bad dreams.”

“Yeah, me to.”

“What do you see in your dreams?”

“I don’t know, it’s hard to explain them,” he informed me but he tried anyway. “I see things moving about when others cannot. I know they are there. Sometimes it is as if I can feel them watching, waiting on me to fall asleep. My mom thinks it is because of my Grandfather tells me tribal ghost stories when he comes to visit.

She does not allow me to visit my Grandfather that much because of it; I can only see him if he promises not to tell me tribal stories. But it’s who we are; she just doesn’t understand that my dreams are real.”

“The doctor says that sometimes we have to face our fears in the dark. I begged my mother not to take me inside but she said it would help me get better. My father was not much help at all he just said be strong and brave and patted me on top of my head.

He is not my real dad; he died when I was younger. My real mom decided to move away, to get away from the memories.”

“Why are you here?” Eric asked as he finished.

“Nightmares, sounds like you and I have the same problem.”

“Do you ever smell them?”

“Yes,” I whispered. I did not want the other children to hear me. “I can’t quite explain it. It is as if I know when they are near.”

I never thought that I would meet someone who had the same dreams as I did. It gave me a sense of hope. With Eric’s help, I convinced myself that I was in my right mind.

“The smell is it like nothing you had ever smelled before,” he asked me.

“Yes. It is hard to explain. My senses let me know when they are near. It’s even harder to escape.”

“What do they look like?”

“I can’t tell. They move like a black mist. I can hear them growl too.”

“Shifters,” Eric said.

“What!” I said almost aloud.

“We call them shifters; they blend in with the night and change into wolves.  They have a distinct smell, and they are very mean. They don’t like people who can expose them, they’re like trackers almost.”

“How do you know this?”

“My Grandfather is a tribal chief on our reservation and I have heard many of the Elders tell stories about them. He says only special people can expose them; that is why they can move at night and in dreams. If they get to you, they can kill you.” He explained. “Suhnoyee Wah is what they call them.”

“Suhnoyee Wah?” I struggled to say the name.

“It means ‘night wolves’.”

“What about in the daytime?

“Grandfather says they have ways to spot their victims. They sometimes use the animals,”

He began to explain.

 “All I know is that they are dangerous and they love dark places. They can use the night to shift into many images.”

“How do they survive?”

“They take the soul of the living by paralyzing them somehow. I think they hypnotize them; I am not sure, my Grandfather also told me there are also guardians that help guide the gifted ones and protect them in their sleep.”

“How does your Grandfather know this?” I whispered.

“My Grandfather said there was a young boy in his tribe years ago who spoke of seeing a black shadow change into a half man half beast,” he said me as told me the story.

He told me that the boy drew in closer to the shifter and it picked up his scent. The boy tried to scream but he was traumatized by what he saw. Later, his mother noticed he was missing.  His father and some of the other men in the tribe followed his trail into the woods. When they got to him, they saw the half man half beast standing over him. The boy was not moving.

The men stood motionless and in amazement at what they saw. They had encountered a shifter standing before them. They watched as the shifter transformed itself to blend with the night. The men did not know what to do. This was the first time they had ever encountered such a creature. The boy lay almost unconscious.

Eric told me that his Grandfather says, in his rage and thinking the shifter had killed his son, the father charged after it and the shifter immediately struck him down. He never saw it coming. The shifter took him by surprise. Grandfather held up his hand and began to say a tribal prayer over the remaining men and the shifter could not cross their circle. The boy lay not moving and his father wounded.

“What happened to the boy? I interrupted his story with curiosity.

“The boy tried to run but, he lost his balance. He knocked himself unconscious on a tree stump. The shifter was to be ready to kill the boy but, Grandfather and the other men arrived before he could.”

I could hear the suspense when he talked as he explained it to me.

“The shifter stood there looking at them, the men stopped in their tracks. The shifter pointed at them and spoke in a native language, as a sign to send them a message; but, it was more than just a message, it was a warning. The men hurried to get the boy back to the tribal doctor along with his father. The shifter had not wounded the boy however, the boy began to come out of unconsciousness and started calling for his father, but at the time, he did not know his father was badly injured. Grandfather says that the tribal Doctors noticed that the boy’s father had an open wound on his chest from the shifter.”

“What happened to him?”

He went on to tell me the rest of the story.

He said his grandfather was afraid to tell him more, but he said that he was brave enough to hear it. They called for the tribal Doctor and the Elders. His wounds were so severe that he had developed a fever and his eyes had turned pitch black. They selected a few of the men to stand guard outside of the teepee; no one was aloud to see in. The Elders kept watch over him all that night but he died of his wound.

They had a sacred burial; they placed his body in an underground tomb.

One day the boy and his mother went to pay respect to their dead and were surprised that their loved ones body was gone.

“How could that be possible?”

“The body was of another kind, a dark kind. He told me that one day I would understand the full meaning of the Suhnoyee Wah. It is why my grandfather needed to keep me protected. But, he couldn’t until he was actually on the reservation.”

“Does the reservation keep you safe?” 

“Yes and no. The shifters cannot cross some boundaries. The boundaries are what keeps us separated,” He explained. “Grandfather is working on me going to school on the reservation. He believes it’s important so I could learn the ways of my people.” He stopped for a moment. “My mother though…she not happy about it, she does not believe the stories he tells me.”

Just by talking with him, I felt connected somehow; it was as if we understood each other very well. I just could not pull myself away from him; it is as if destiny wanted us to cross paths. He was just like me and though I could not see his face, I felt such closeness to him.

There were other children in different rooms and I could hear them screaming while their parents just paced the floors. Then the nurses came into my room to escort me out. I called for Eric but he did not answer.

I started to feel beads of sweat roll down my face. My father told me; I would be all right, that the doctor told him so. That he would make it all go away.

While my father calmly spoke to me, my mother just looked at me with tears in her eyes. I looked at them both frightened and full of fear. The doctor led me down a long hall with big lights. We came to a room at the end of a hall.

“All right young man, now you just lye down right here.”

He placed these sticky probes on the side of my head and hooked them up to a machine. He placed another one right on my chest and just told me to relax. A nurse came into strap my hands down to the bed my mother looked worried.

“Is that necessary?” She asked.

“No, just a precaution,” said Dr. Hill.

I wanted to scream but I could not. I couldn’t move or speak; I had become paralyzed.

Another nurse came in and ushered my parents into another room where they could watch me through a big window. As I lay there, I could see them waving at me. Of course, I could not return the gesture because the nurse strapped my arms down to the side railings. I just gazed up at the ceiling and listened to the doctor. As he talked, I felt my pulse racing. The nurse dimmed the lights and told the doctor that they were ready to begin. He told me to breathe very slow and focus on the light.

“My voice will sound faint…just keep looking at the light,” he told me.

My eyes were getting heavy and my body grew weightless. I could feel the nurse’s hands on my head and, just before I felt my body drifting, I remembered the smell.

I could barely hear the beeps from the monitors and then it happened. What appeared to me was the room getting very dark, like a black cloak covering the room. My body started to shake and sweat rolled down the side of my head. I shook vigorously and tried to gain control.

It moved quickly around the room my eyes following its every move. The smell was unbearable.

“Where are you?” the doctor asked. I did not know what say, I was scared.

“Tell me what you see?”

“It’s moving too fast,” my breathing increased.

“What is moving fast?”

I started gasping for air. The room was so dark. The shifter moved hovering over me like a ghost, staring down at me. Its eyes were gaping wide and dark as a pit with no life inside. I could feel it pull at me as if it was trying to suck out my soul. My breath was leaving my body; I had no control. Could they possibly see it?

I didn’t know what had happened. By the time, they turned on the lights everyone was standing over me asking me if I was all right. My mother was screaming at the doctor trying to figure out what had just happened. They went to another room so I could not hear their conversation. Doctor Hill explained to my parents that he had only just begun the procedure and that I was still conscious.

He told them that he could not explain what had just happened but only that I could have suffered a psychotic episode; that could have possibly triggered some neurotic brain cells similar to seizures. He also thought I could have been having delusions. The doctor wanted to continue further treatment but my mother could not take anymore.

By this time, my parents had me by my hand hurrying to get me out of the hospital.

“I’ll get the car,” dad said as we walked.

“Can I say goodbye to a friend?” I asked my mother.

“There’s no time,” she told me. However, I insisted.

The doctor interrupted and told my mother that she needed to sign some paper work since the procedure was unsuccessful. He wanted her to reconsider helping me since the nightmares were very intense. He needed another session for his research to determine what triggered them. My mom eventually agreed and left me in the waiting room.

I went to find Eric to say goodbye. As I went into the waiting room, I didn’t see him; but, a girl told me that he was not there. She said that he went into the room but he never came out. I asked her how she knew and she said they always bring children back to this room but he never came back. By now, my mother came in, grabbed me by my hand, and we met dad outside. While my parents spoke harshly to one another, I tuned them out and tried to relax my mind. I tried to figure out what happened to Eric but decided that I would find out somehow later.

That night my mother gave me pill to help me go to sleep. She told me to try not to think about the events of the day, if she only knew how hard that was.

She sat looking at me long and hard. Then she jumped as if she saw something in my eyes. I could see that she started to say something but, instead, she kissed me on my forehead.

That night I must have slept like a baby. I do not believe that I had a nightmare; maybe somehow these shifters had decided to leave me alone for the night.

The next day as I was getting ready for school, it felt like only yesterday this all started. Many thoughts still ran through my mind. What do they want with me? Could I be the gifted one? So many doctors and my parents still say they do not know what could cause these nightmares. I thought about Eric a lot too. I really needed to find him. There was only one that I know who could tell me about him. I would have to be sneaky about it though.

I found it funny how time flew. The older you get the more responsibility you have. I had few friends around and Tony was my best friend. His parents moved to Patagonia last summer and we became friends right away. It was mostly because some of the local football jocks were picking on him because he carries around lots of books. Since the jocks could not keep their grades up they needed tutors, they had to apologize and be kind to him. Yep, you guessed it, Tony. He’s really book smart.

We planned to meet up later at the library to study for midterms. One of our teachers, Ms. Creed, did volunteer work at the library; she is very good at helping students do extra credit work.

I went home to help my mother out with a few chores before going to the library. While I was helping though, I heard something that sent chills up my spine. The local news was on and they reported that a couple of hikers that were hiking near Wolf Creek made a gruesome discovery of a mutilated body. I just could not turn myself away from the television.

As I listened, the reporter explained that police had sealed the area and were not allowing anyone access to the campsite until their investigation was complete. No one was allowed near the site.

“At the moment, there are no witnesses and no one in the area has seen anything suspicious. Police say it looks as though it was an animal attack seeing that the victim’s chest was ripped open.” The reporter went on.” The authorities have no further comments on the story.

“Honey,” my mother started. “Do not keep your friend waiting. Kyle…” she called to me but it was as if I could not hear her. “Kyle honey, are you all right? Kyle, what is wrong?”

“Sorry I will be late for dinner. I rushed out of the house.

“Don’t be long!

She said to me as I left.

 “There is a storm approaching. I wouldn’t want you to catch a cold.”

I yelled back to her as I hurried out the door. Everything started to come back to me now, the story Eric told me about the boy and the shifter in the woods. I wondered what ever became of the injured man.

I arrived at the library before Tony. He had phoned and said he would be a little late so I decided to do some research on the Spearhorn reservation to see if I could locate Eric. There was a listing for several Spearhorns and decided that I would check them all out.

The actual reservation was about forty-five miles out of town and, since tomorrow was Saturday, I thought I would take a drive.

“Are you studying for finals, young man?” A voice asked; it was Ms. Creed. “Yes, I mean no…just looking up an old friend.”

“Perhaps I can be of some help,” she said.

Ms. Creed was a very nice person. She had helped a lot of people research their family history as well. She is a tall slim African American woman. She learned that, in the early 1800s, her ancestors lived on a reservation with Black Foot Indians. While escaping slavery, they sought refuge on the reservation. She also learned her great-great-great-grandfather fought in the civil war.

Ms. Creed is part Native American with a smile that could light up a room. She never married or had no children of her own; nevertheless, she considered her students as her children. We could always count on her to help us out. One of her many gifts was always lending a hand. She loved to get involved within the community.

“Why are you researching the Spearhorns?”

“It is a long story,” I started.

“Well I’m all ears,” she said laughing.

“My story’s very complicated. I don’t know if you’ll believe me.”

“Well why not?”

“It is a little complicated.”

“Well, you can tell me; perhaps I can give you a bit of information. I am very familiar with the Spearhorns and I know all about their tribal background.”

“What exactly do you know about them?”

“I know enough. They are very peaceful people. Over the years, the Spearhorns have expanded their reservation by building schools, libraries, and multicultural centers. This way, the children can learn more about their heritage. The Spearhorns’ have a lot of influence in the community. They believe in taking care of their people, especially the elderly. Otherwise, they have donated books to this library and given charity to our hospital and senior centers. This is the way they express their kindness. We live in a new time now, some history whether true or false needs to remain history.”

“Have there ever been some doubts about them?”

“Yes, truthfully, there has been some speculation from many yeas ago that Native Americans were very vicious people who robbed and killed for no reason. What people did not realize was that they were protecting their land to ensure the future of their tribe. They did their best to keep the government from telling them what they could and could not do on their own land. However, there were some treaties made and many negotiations. Therefore, everything we see on television about them being savages is not all the way true.”

She continued.

“I am afraid Hollywood has its own depiction of how life should be. That is why for generations our ancestors told stories about the history of our people and kept records in books so that when you and I read them, we can understand our background. That is also, why we must remember our history; it is very important. It tells us who we are, why we are here, and how we can learn from the past. History has a way of repeating itself. As time changes, so do we but, there are some cultural trends that repeat themselves: music, fashion, dance moves.”

“I never thought of it that way.”

Ms. Creed had a way of explaining things so I could understand. She loved talking about her family history even about the early 1800s. When her ancestors escaped slavery, they sought refuge with a local tribe.  The white man came to take them away; the tribal leaders refused to give them up though. In some cases, this sparked a war between the white men whom traveled onto the reservation to come to reclaim their so-called lost property. Some returned empty handed and others never returned.

Her great-great-great-grandmother was also a medicine woman who helped the injured braves who suffered from severe wounds during battle. During those times, there was a lot of intermarrying between cultures. Ms. Creed had many ties to Native Americans because she is one-fourth Black Foot.

We all had to learn not to be bias toward people. We must take our time to get to know them. Ms. Creed had a way of teaching people about their family history and locating distant relatives. However, I wonder if she could really help me with my problems. The doctors could not help me, but then again, who knows? I will just have to take that chance. She does know the Spearhorns and perhaps her information will be helpful. She also has connections to the reservation. I do not know if I really should tell her about my nightmares. There just had to be a reason for them though. 

While at the library, I learned that the events of our day could have an effect on our dreams. The only thing was that my days are good except when the night comes. That was when my nightmares usually happened.

On the other hand, if I fell into a deep sleep, it felt so real. The sounds I heard, even the smells, were all too real. It was as if I had lived some of the events before.

I never thought I would meet someone with the same problems as me though. That was why I had to find him. He had to know more than I did. I wondered, perhaps he could answer many of my questions.

With all of this in mind, I decided that I would tell Ms. Creed; maybe not everything but, I would tell her enough. She was a smart woman and it was hard to play her as the fool. Some of the students thought that she could read minds. I just thought it was because she had been around a long time so, she could read peoples body language. She is always on guard but she did have some mysteriousness about her. You know when I ask her certain questions like why she does not have any children she quickly changes the subject. I believe in respecting people’s privacy. If they want you to know, they will tell you.

She took a leave of absence for a while, something about her mother being sick. We didn’t think she would ever come back to teach but, she did. She was absent for most of the school year and no one knew what had happened. Some said her mom was very ill and she left to take care of her. However, when she returned there was something very different about her. No one dared questioned it though.

Chapter Two

Journey to the Past

“Hey dude, I’m here.” Tony had finally showed up.

“Well hello Tony,” Ms. Creed said.

“Hello” he replied.

“So is this a private lesson.” Tony whispered.

“Shut up, you dork! Ms. Creed has been giving me a history lesson on Native Americans, ok. So, why don’t you just sit down and maybe you will learn something.”

 I told him.

“I thought we were going to study for midterms.” Tony said.

“Something came up, is that ok with you?”

“Does this have something to do with your nightmares?”

“How do you know about that!” I yelled.

“Shhh,” someone said.

“Some of the kids overheard your dad talking to one of the other coaches about how you used to scream in your sleep and talk about the ‘unknown’ chasing you. I never told you that I knew because you are my friend and I guessed it was none of my business.”

“Well thanks.” I felt a little relieved that I had a friend who really cares.

“What nightmares?” Asked Ms. Creed, “Kyle, what kind of nightmares?”

“Nothing.” I scowled, “It is just nothing! I should have never come here! You have a big mouth Tony!”

“Kyle, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.”

“No it’s okay,” said Ms. Creed. I grabbed my belongings and turned to walk away when she said, “Suhnoyee Wah” I froze.

“What does that mean?” Tony asked.

“It means night wolf or wolves,” Ms. Creed said. “Sit down Kyle and I will explain.”

“What does this have to do with Kyle’s dreams?” Tony asked Ms. Creed. “Sit down and I will explain.”

I did not know whether to sit down or run. While in my thoughts, Ms. Creed placed her hand on my shoulder and smiled. A sudden sense of calmness came over me, almost like magic.

“I too have heard many stories about theses Shifters and your nightmares.” Ms Creed said.

“What do you know about them?” I asked nervously.

“Your nightmares or the shifters?”

“Both.”

“I too have heard people talking about your nightmares.  I do understand what you are dealing with. On the other hand, the stories about the shifters were stories passed down from generation to generation in my family. I usually do not discuss it much because it is very hard to believe but, some things I do take to heart.  It is the way that I remember the good and forget the bad.

“What if the bad does not want to be?”

“Then I must face destiny,” she smiled. “Many years ago, the elders of ancient tribes told of horrific legends about the unknown beings, Shifters, as we call them. Nevertheless, some people believe that they are just superstitions told just to scare people. However, others believe these legends are true. I don’t really know how they came to be; but, legend has it that a young warrior from the Shahwanee tribe was one of the fiercest in his colony. He was nicknamed Fearless One because he was never afraid of a challenge, anything, or anyone. Others tested their strength against him and failed.

The warrior brought many victories to his tribe and the Chief elders praised him for the honor but, there were others that thought he consider himself a God. This would cause many problems amongst the tribe.”

As she spoke about this warrior, I had an eerie feeling come over me, as if some one or something was watching me. Then, my cell phone rang and I jumped.

“Oh, hi mom. Yes mom, I know I forgot, okay? I’m on my way.” I quickly finished the conversation. “Sorry, I must be going.” I explained.

“Oh my goodness, I didn’t realize the time either,” Ms. Creed seemed startled. “Listen boys, I will be teaching a class on ancient history here next week. We can talk more then. Can I drive you home?” she offered.

“No thanks, I rode my bike. I will be fine.”

“Kyle, I must warn you to be very careful. There are many things that you don’t know. Are you sure I can’t drive you home? It looks really bad out there.”

“No thanks. I don’t live far from here; just a few blocks, I’ll be home in no time.” I told Tony I would call him tomorrow.

“Later dude.” he said,

I hurried out of the library, jumped onto my bike, and headed home. The lightening started and then, the thunder.

“Please hold the rain,” I mumbled to myself, “Just a few more blocks.”

Just when I spoke, it started to rain. I begin to peddle my bike faster. That odd feeling was upon me again, as if something was following me, keeping pace with me. I just kept peddling faster and faster until I reached my street. As I did, I thought I saw something dash in front of me. It almost caused me to lose control of my bike. I tried to convince myself that it was just the rain in my eye.

I reached my street and finally I made it to my house. Dad was just getting home and I followed the car in the garage.

“Hi, son.”

“Hi, dad,” I greeted him as I kept looking back, staring at the darkness as if I was in some kind of trance.

“Son.” My dad called to me. “Son is everything alright? Kyle!” He yelled. “Son what is wrong with you? Are just staring out in space; what is on your mind?”

“Nothing dad, just thought I saw something that is all.”

“Well there is nothing there, son. Let’s go inside, your mother is waiting for both us who, apparently, are late for dinner.”

“Uh oh dad; I guess we’ll be washing dishes tonight.” I said laughing trying to put what had just happened out of my mind.

 “There you both are. It’s raining cats and dogs out there.”

“Hi honey.” Dad kissed mom on the cheek.

“Hi mom.” I went to kiss her but she said not until I dried off first. I did it any way.

“Kyle, your soaking wet!”

“I know mom. I’ll hurry for dinner.”

I ran up stairs to take a quick shower to relax myself and let the steam take me away. I listened to the sound of the rain outside and the wind was howling unusually loud.

The more I listened the more I relaxed myself. It felt like I was drifting off to sleep. It was as if I was in a trance. A voice in the wind continued whispering to me. My eyes grew heavy and I could barely stand. I heard faint knocking and the sound of my name constantly. I could not break free.

The knocking increased and, like magic, I heard my name called again. I instantly snapped out of it.

“Kyle! Kyle!”

“Son, are you alright in there? What’s that noise! Kyle, open this door right now young man!” My dad yelled. I gasped for air my breathing was heavy again. “

“Okay dad. I’m all right.”

“Son, you’ve been in there a long time. Your dinner is getting cold!”

“Okay dad. I will be down in a minute.” I gathered myself together trying to figure out what just happened. I got dressed and went downstairs sorry mom, sorry dad. Mom placed on her hand on top of mine and asked was I feeling alright, and if I have had any nightmares lately, I told her no.

“Son,” dad said. “Are you having in trouble with any of the kids at school?”

“No dad.”

“Son, you are not doing drugs are you?”

“Honey, how can you say such a thing?” Mom yelled. “How could you?” Dad stopped mom in dead sentence.

“Son, I am just trying to figure out what’s been happening to you lately.”

“Dad, I am not doing drugs! I am not having problems at school! You know dad, I thought that you would be more understanding. Since I was little, I have been trying to convince myself that I am not crazy! I see images that aren’t there! I hear sounds and I know that they are there. I have to tell myself that it is just my imagination and it is not happening to me! Why not commit me to an asylum and maybe you won’t have to worry about me anymore!

“Kyle, honey we know you are not crazy, honey we love you.” Mom said. “And we want what’s best for you.”

By now, I was standing up and pacing the floor.

“Son,, please come sit down and we’ll talk.” Dad said.

“There’s nothing to talk about. I’m going to bed.”

In the back of my mind, I knew I shouldn’t have spoken to my parents like that; but, the more I think about this, the more answers I needed.

I ran upstairs to my room and slammed the door. I could overhear my parents now arguing with one another. Dad suggested that mom call Dr. Hill; but, mom was not to keen on the idea. I so did not want this to be happening to me right now. My gut instincts were telling me to find out more; maybe seeing the doctor would not be a bad idea. After all, I could get my answers and maybe find out about Eric.

I decided to go back downstairs to talk to my parents and apologize. Before I could, however, the doorbell rang; it was Ms. Creed.

“Hello, I’m sorry to disturb you at this late hour but, your son left his book at the library. I thought I would bring it by.”

“Please come in,” mom insisted. Before my mom could call out to me, I stepped into the room.

“Hello Kyle. You left your book at the library and I thought that you might need it for your research.”

“Ancient Almanacs of the Spirit World,” my mother read the book’s title. “Wow, what a huge book!”

“Yes, it’s very interesting” Ms. Creed said. Mom handed me the book with a worried look on her face. “Well, I must be going.” Ms. Creed started.

“Oh no, would you like to stay for some coffee?” Mom asked.

“Perhaps some other time, it is quite late and I must be getting home.”

“Oh no, we insist,” dad said. “Please, come in, the storm appears to be getting worse and the national weather service just issued a tornado warning for our area. Please come in.”

“Ok maybe for a little while.” The thunder and lightning increased. Mom ushered Ms. Creed over to the couch.

“Kyle, will you help me in the kitchen, please?” Mom asked smiling.

“Thanks again for bringing my son his book,” dad said.”

“You are quite welcome. Kyle is a very inquisitive student and it was no problem bringing it to him.”

“So, Ms. Creed, what is it that you actually teach?” Mom asked.

“Jha’net, you can call me Jha’net.” She corrected. “I teach Ancient history and I do paranormal studies.”

“That is very interesting.” Dad said.

“Ms. Creed is a good teacher; all of the kids at school like her a lot.” I also explained to my parents.

“Cream and sugar?” mom called.

“Both, please, thank you.”

“Kyle tells us that you do a lot of research on ancestry,” my father recalled.

“Yes I do, I love to read a lot and learn all that I can. Books are our friends; they help us learn our past so we can be prepared for the future.”

“Very well spoken,” dad said.

“I think its best that children should learn about their ancestors to give them a sense of where they come from. The more we learn about our past the more it opens a doorway to our future. In this day, age, and world though, technology makes this easier. To say that technology is advancing is an understatement. I do enjoy teaching my student, to make fun out of learning.”

“No wonder they like you so much”. Mom said. They all laughed.

“Well mom…dad, it’s getting late and I should be getting to bed; long day tomorrow.”

“Do you have plans, son?” Mom asked.

“Yes, Tony and I are going to take a drive up to the hills tomorrow.”

“Just stay away from Wolf Creek, okay? There has been some strange things going on up there and I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“Yeah dad, I heard about the body they found.”

“That is now missing…” dad interrupted.

“What do you mean missing?” Mom said.

“Well, apparently, they think that some one is playing a trick on the town morgue up there because the body they bought in is now missing.”

“Missing?” Ms. Creed repeated. “This is very interesting…” She stared off into space for a moment. “When did this happen?”

“Well a friend of mine is a detective on the case. He said that, somehow, the body disappeared from the morgue. The strangest thing though was that the body was gone but the clothes remained untouched, like it dissipated right out of them. It has them all puzzled and no one can explain it. Some of the local tribes have been talking about some ancient myths but the police think that it is just some practical joke by some of the college kids. Stealing a body from the morgue is a serious offense though.”

They all froze for a moment before my dad continued.

“The coroner states he was on duty when it happened; but, he cannot explain how someone can get into a room. According to the coroner, the door was locked and it requires a code key to open.”

“Well he has a lot of explaining to do,” my mother interrupted. “I heard on the news the body was severely mutilated. Why would someone do that?” Mom said.

“I heard that as well but it remains a mystery at the moment.” Dad said.

I felt cold again and a little light headed I thought about the story about the tribal leader. Then, all of a sudden, the thunder struck so loud that it startled everyone. Soon after came the lightning and, crash, went Ms Creeds’ cup onto mom’s nicely polished hard wood floor. On impact, the lights flashed off and on. I nearly jumped out of my skin.

“Oh I’m so sorry. I’m afraid I got a little clumsy; please forgive me.”

“Kyle paper towels, quickly.” Mom said.

“I will check on the fuses” dad stated as he walked out of the room.

Mom and Ms. Creed were on the floor cleaning up the spilled coffee and the broken mug when mom noticed Ms. Creed’s necklace. She just stared into it as if she was almost mesmerized.

“Your necklace has some sort of glow to it.” Mom said.

“Oh this, it belonged to my mother. She passed it down to me from her mother and so on and so forth. It has been in my family for generations. Perhaps one day if I ever decide to have children of my own, I may pass it down to my daughter.”

“You say that as if you don’t want to have children.” Mom said.

“Well I don’t because of…” she paused in mid sentenced. “There all done.” She turned her attention back to the floor.

“What kind of stone is that?  Mom asked. 

“It is a silver stone with a rare diamond inside.” Ms. Creed explained.

“It’s very pretty; I have never seen anything like it.” Mom said.

“Like I said, it has been in my family for generations, handed down to the women in my family.”

“Is there a reason why only the women receive them?”  Mom asked.

“Perhaps I will have to share it with you some day.” Ms. Creed said. “Well, I must be going now. It sounds like the storm is over. Thanks again for your hospitality and, again, I do apologize about the floor and your coffee mug.”

“That is ok. Don’t trouble your self over some spilled coffee.”

“You sound like my mother.” They both laughed.

“Good night Ms. Creed,” I said.

“Good night Kyle. Don’t forget to study; we have a test in ancient history on Monday. Remember, if you need help after school, you can find me at the library.”

“I won’t forget.”

“Perhaps on page fifty-six in your book you will find some helpful tips that will prepare you for your test. Take a look at it, you might find it useful.”

“Thanks Ms. Creed.” I watched her get into her car and drive away.

“Wow, some night, huh?” dad said.

“Yeah she is a very interesting woman.” Mom replied.

 “She is very charming and she has a warm sense about her. I just can’t explain it.”

“Yeah I know. Mom, dad, about earlier, I am very sorry the way I acted; I did not mean to yell. It’s just that I was angry and I sometimes I feel like I am alone.”

“Son, you are not alone. We are both here to help you. We don’t even understand what this all means but, we will figure it out together, okay?”

“Ok dad,…... “Well I am going to bed now, good night.

“And don’t forget-”

“Yeah yeah, dad I know; stay away from Wolf Creek. We are just going to take a drive near the Spearhorn Reservation that is all.”

“Good night honey,” mom kissed me on my forehead.

I went upstairs to my room and set the book on the table. As I did, I noticed that there was a something sticking out from the book. I opened it to see what was on the inside and found a folded up news paper clipping with an article. It was on Eric Spearhorn, stating how a local teen was found after missing for several weeks in the woods.

The article reads:

Eric Spearhorn disappeared several weeks ago after he went missing on a hiking trip. Search and recue teams found him alive in the underground caves in the east canyons. He had fallen through a mineshaft that had given way underneath him. He survived by eating berries, herbs, and drinking water from an underground spring. He had suffered cuts, a fractured leg, and a bump on his head. He has since been undergoing treatment for slight memory loss.

He is currently living on the Spearhorn reservation. No one is aware of what happened to him but, due to his tribal teachings, he learned to survive on the land. Last reported, Eric has been doing well since his release from the hospital. The tribal chiefs are asking the local media to stay away from the reservation; they will hold a press conference giving them an update on the boy’s condition.

No one can enter the reservation without an appointment or unless special permission is given. Due to recent events, the tribal chiefs are taking special precautions to be sure their students and others are safe. They are working with the local police department to help locate two other missing students who also went missing around the same time as Eric. Investigators have teams searching all over the hillsides.

With help from the police, the tribal elders are hoping to find the missing teens very soon.

 I couldn’t believe it; she found him. The only problem was figuring out how I could get in to see him.

I sat the paper down and fell back on my bed. Well, at least I knew where he was. I had to talk to him though. What if he didn’t remember me? I really wished I knew what was happening to me. The odd feelings I get when I felt like something evil was near me was becoming nerve wrecking.

I thought back to when my parents took me to see Dr. Hill. There was something strange about that place…the trees. The trees meet at the top; I had seen it in my dreams. I would never be able to get that image out of my head, those soulless eyes staring down at me as if it was searching for something within me.

The images just kept playing repeatedly in my mind like a movie reel. I knew I wasn’t crazy. I saw it hovering over me; it was real. I wondered what happened to Eric. He just disappeared from the hospital. I had to find out what happened to him. I had to get on that reservation somehow. Someone is going to give me the answers I need; perhaps it will explain the nightmares and sightings. Maybe I should just drive down there. No, that wouldn’t work; they are not going to just let me on the reservation; it’s heavily guarded. I need some serious clearance to get into that place.

On the other hand, maybe I could pretend to be a reporter for the local school newspaper; maybe they will let me on then. No way, come on Kyle focus they will check out your story. Think about what you are saying.

I felt a little frustrated, I took some deep breaths closed my eyes, and then I remembered what Ms. Creed said: page fifty-six of the book. I wondered what she meant by that. I reached over, grabbed the book from by table, and opened it up. I read the titled Mythical Stories of Ancient Tribes. There was piece of paper folded up inside the creased page of the book. I unfolded the piece of paper to discover it was from Ms. Creed. I began to read it.

Kyle,

I took the liberty of contacting Chief White Feather, one of the elders, and explained to him that a couple of my students were studying ancient myths on some of the local tribes for their term papers. I informed him that you would like to interview some of the local leaders to help them with their studies. He has agreed to let you on the reservation to attend one of his sessions. Please do not take any cameras or tape recorders with you, just a note pad and pencil.

Please respect them and follow their orders!  Also, do not wander away unless you’ve been granted permission. Chief White Feather will have an escort meet you at the main gate; his name is John Morningstar, nick named Big John. He will take you where you will need to go. The tribal leaders will meet with you in their council building on the south end of the campus.

 Once you are inside listen attentively and, once the session is over, you can ask your questions about your studies. Do not tell them about your dreams; stick to the subject on the ancient language. You will get the answers you need.

Good Luck!

Ms. Creed.

 I couldn’t believe it! How did she? Never mind. Why not tell them about my dreams or ask about Eric? This does not make sense. I had to find out all I could about Eric and the stories he told me. Maybe his grandfather will would tell me more. Why does he appear so secretive?

Oh, so many questions are in my head.  I do not want to disappoint my parents but there has to be a reason why things are happening to me. Who am I, really? What is my background? Is there a connection? All my life I have known my parents to be honest with me, I think. Dad wants me to play on the football team.

My mother, I know she worries about me but I have always felt that she wanted to tell me something. She would always stop and stare at me and say in “due time.” She would try to introduce me to some of the girls in our neighborhood but; I guess I’m too shy.

Shucks, I hadn’t even kissed a girl yet. Maybe they think I’m too weird. Heck, I think I’m too weird. Not that the thought has not crossed my mind several times, I mean there is a girl at school and she is very cute…

“Aarrrgh!” I growled.

How can I even sleep with my brain on over load? I had better get to bed; I had a long drive tomorrow.

I glanced at the book and noticed an article on The Secret Language of the Wolves. I started to read some of it. The more I read the heavier my eyes got. I do not know when I drifted off to sleep but I had a dream.

I was running with a pack of wolves. It appeared as if I was one with them, we understood each other. Then, all of a sudden, we were surrounded by total darkness and there were eerie sounds coming from the woods. The wolves howled and surrounded me.

A tall dark figure emerged from the woods. The white wolf on my left clanged to me while the others appeared to be on guard. The figure did not move though. The white wolf growled even louder as more of them appeared. The wolves stood up on their hind legs like soldiers at war.

We passed through a clearing on the other side of the forest; it was like a barrier that the dark being could not cross. Once we got to the clearing, I was alone. The wolves were gone. I saw a young boy with his back to me. He did not move he just stood there. I went to reach out to touch him but, when he turned around, I gasped for air as my eyes widened. I could not believe what I was seeing.

The boy was a splitting image of me; he was my twin almost. He spoke in a language that I could not understand. The only word I recognized was “Suhnoyee Wah”. He pointed behind me and I saw it again, the dark being.  He was half man half wolf and shifting in the dark. It reached out to me and I felt fear grip me like a bear hug. I heard growling behind me. My heartbeat increased. I did not know what to do; I thought I was going to die.

The dark being moved slowly away from me. I turned my head slowly to see a white wolf towering behind me. The dark being stared deeply with his eyes fixed as if he was speaking a secret language. While he did, my legs weakened I fell to the ground. The two were now face-to-face. It looked as if they knew each other somehow. The dark being swiftly went away and the wolf leaned into me looking into my eyes looking deep within my soul. I stared back at it trying to get an answer.

The more I stared at it I could see my self in its eyes. Then it was gone I got up to chase after it.

“Wait!” I said, “What does it all mean?”

I was answered with a series of beeps, My alarm had been going off very loud.

“7 am…” I mumbled to myself, “Tony will be here soon.”

Whoa…I thought to myself. What a dream…or was it a nightmare. There had to be some clue to my dreams, what did they mean? I hope I get my answers today; this is going to drive me crazy. I gathered my books and my note pads and filled my backpack with snacks and some bottle water. Honk! Honk! Well Tony is here.

“Come on dude it’s time to hit the road!” He yelled.

Hold on okay!” I yelled out of the window. “I will be out in a minute.”

I left my parents a note that I would call them when I got up to the hills. I ran down stairs, backpack in hand, and proceeded out of the door.

“Well it is about time.” Tony said. “Dude you look rough, are you okay? Did you get any sleep?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“Did you have another dream?”

“Well, kind a sort of. They are getting creepier with time.”

“Well maybe you will get some answers today.”

“Hey listen,” I started getting Tony’s attention. “No one on this reservation must not know about my dreams. Promise me you will not say anything! Tony! Promise me!”

“Okay, I promise. You should know that you can trust me by now right?”

“Yeah, sorry bud. Come on lets go.”

 W