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Citadel Truths Episode Two - Mark of the Moon By Darrel James Vanwinkle 12/17/2000-07/17/2003

"I hate dressing up like this. Whose bright idea was it to attend a Boy Scouts Summer Camp?"

Andros Fox was feeling pretty itchy in his Boy Scouts uniform.

Valerian Mouse and Felix Ocean were faring no better in their uniforms.

Andros' friend, Darian Stargazer, was also in attendance here at the Summer Camp, and he likewise was not comfortable in his uniform either.

Darian Stargazer was an aspiring teen aged networking engineer. Being of stocky build, he stood six foot one in height and weighed 216 pounds, having dark brown hair, brown eyes, and ruddy skin. Darian normally wore loose blue jeans, a long-sleeved dress shirt, and dress shoes. He lived in the state of Alabama with his grandparents, but was also ready to forge his way into the world. Darian patted Andros' shoulder. "You look fine. If it's any consolation, we're the oldest teenagers at the camp. The four counselors are pretty nice. If anything, they might need our help helping the other 200 some odd kids."

Felix gave one of his trademark giggles. "It will be fun. At least we all get to see each other this year."

Valerian nodded his head.

When Darian contacted Andros about this outing, it seemed like a great idea for a summer vacation.

Camp Brightwater, which was located about 15 miles Northeast of Scottsbluff, Nebraska did promise a wide variety of camping, hiking, swimming and other curricular activities.

The four volunteer counselors were Morgan Hershel, a slender yet tall caucasian male from a national forest service in Wyoming; Janna Stoddard, a medium sized brown-haired casually dressed female horse rancher; Griffin Vandyke, a native American black-haired male pharmacist; and Rima Whitmore, a tall beautiful Asian female psychologist. Valerian was glad that he and his three friends were given the same cabin.

Over the next few weeks, the Boy Scouts summer vacation progressed without any major incidents. Many things were learned and many stories told.

On the final evening of the summer vacation, Valerian and his friends were gathered around a campfire with the four counselors, sharing roasted marshmellows and root beer.

The clouds covering the night sky break open revealing the full moon's light as it shone upon the campground.

Andros lifted his head and gave off a make-shift wolf howl.

The counselors jumped a little when he did.

Valerian chuckled.

Then everyone received a sudden chill when a distant wolf howl echoed back to them.

Andros said, "I didn't know there were any wolves around here."

Griffin replied, "Mayhaps a wandering wolf. Or one who is marking his trail..."

Morgan chuckled, "...or one who is making sure an old friend remains safe?"

Griffin shot a dark glance at Morgan. "That isn't funny."

Valerian arched an eye. "And why would a wolf seek an old friend so far out of it's usual territory?"

Griffin and Morgan, having forgot that the boys were here, flinched as they both turned to Valerian. Neither said a word.

Valerian stood up and turned slowly in place as he extended a vertical gesture with one hand from his forehead to his mid-section. As he slowly turned, his Boy Scout uniform vanished to be replaced with his mage's clothing and his fashionable silver-lined black cloak. Valerian faced those gathered now and spoke, "Now, who wants to tell me what they are implying?"

Andros and Felix were pleased that Valerian had long since included them in on the spell for changing clothing. Andros now wore his custom-made spacer uniform, all black with blue stripes and golden buttons, while Felix wore a more convenient classic explorer's outfit with backpack for his laptop computer and comfortable hiking boots.

Rima smiled gently and stood up. "A mage. I had heard that one existed."

Janna nodded her head but remained seated. "Valerian Mouse. So you are the one who won the property battle against the governor of Washington state a few years ago. I had no idea you were so young. Each of my friends and I know a little secret pertaining to a passage of the moon. But to reveal such... how do we know you can be trusted?"

Valerian smiled, "Stories of this nature is what I live for. Especially when they are based upon an actual occurance. If you four give me the details of your secrets, I will investigate each one with the utmost confidentiality. In addition, though I am wealthy and dislike to offer money for such information, I am willing to pay each of you $1000, as well as give you my promise that whatever you tell me will not be misused."

The mention of that much money was definitely a motivator, for each of the four's expressions seemed to brighten and focus a bit more when the money was mentioned. The four discussed the offer among themselves, then stepped forward once again.

Rima spoke for the four. "We really shouldn't accept your money, Valerian, but times are tight, and any income is better than no income. As for your promise, let us say that if you did exploit what we tell you, most likely you or your friends would die. I need not remind you of how serious this is. We are willing to accept your offer."

Each of the four calmly told the boys about what they thought they had seen, where each event took place, and about how long ago each happening was. Valerian calmly took notes and asked questions when appropriate. Andros, Felix, and Darian listened into the testimonials with intense interest.

Afterwards, Valerian thanked each of them and payed what he had promised.

Later, the four boys were in their cabin once again.

Darian was still surprised and amazed that his friends were real life adventurers.

Andros and Felix were somewhat used to this by now.

Andros smiled. "Lycanthropy. Who would have guessed? Are we about to embark on another investigative journey, Val?"

Valerian nodded his head. "Yes, we are. Like the unicorns we encountered a few months ago, this certainly bears some investigation, no pun intended."

Felix giggled again. "This should prove to be very exciting."

Darian looked back and forth between his friends. "You guys are serious about this, aren't you?"

Andros nodded his head. "Very serious. There are no fun and games of make believe here."

Darian glanced at Valerian. "I don't suppose there is any chance of letting me tag along, is there?"

Valerian hummed, as he read over the notes they had gathered. "You can come, although I cannot guarantee your safety if you do come along. I am still learning the mage game as I grow up. I really dislike using my powers when I do not have to."

Darian smiled. "Thank you. You won't regret it. And I'll try to be helpful too."

Valerian grinned. "We each have our uses and will make do with what we have. Let's get some sleep, guys. In the morning, we drive to Wyoming. The werebear is first on the list."

The boys laid themselves down and blew out the oil lamps. Sleep came readily for them, even though they anticipated the coming morning eagerly.

When the morning came, the four boys packed up Andros' minivan and drove out of the Camp towards the main highway. They drove for almost two days to get to where the event had taken place, and then, they hiked part way up the mountain to the Forest Service's Fire Tower to meet up with Morgan's friend, Bernie Holtz, a younger assistant forest ranger.

The four boys carefully climbed the tower and entered the watchman's platform at the top.

Bernie Holtz greeted the four cheerfully, and soon, the five were drinking some hot cocoa while chatting about the unusual event that took place several months ago.

Bernie said, "Morgan sent you? Well, if Morgan trusts you, then I trust you. This isn't something a lesser paid government employee would report to his superiors or I'd surely lose my job and be confined to a psychiatric ward."

Bernie drank some more of his cocoa. "About eight months ago, I first came to work out here, fresh and green, but willing to make the best effort to prove I could make the grade. I was greeted by Morgan, shown around the mountain, and quizzed on service equipment usage. That night, I was up late making last minute sighting checks at key points on the search grid. I had just finished the last spotting, and had recorded my lack of findings, when suddenly, there was what sounded like a loud boom at the base of the tower."

Bernie shivered at the memory. "I shined my spotlight down to the base of the tower, and what I saw made my neck hairs stand on end. It appeared to be a grizzly bear wearing a lumberjack's shirt, and a large moose wearing a dark wool scarf around his neck. I could hardly believe it. The two were leaning against each other as well as against the base of the tower. They both looked up at me when I shined the light on them."

Bernie focused on Valerian. "I could've sworn I heard someone down there yell, "Futz, we're busted! Let's get outta here!", and at that moment, both the bear and the moose tore out of the area. The next morning, I examined the base of the tower and found grizzly bear fur, bull moose scent, and two fresh empty whiskey bottles. But there were no human tracks anywhere at all in the snow. That really bothered me."

Bernie sat back in his seat. "When I mentioned it to Morgan, he said, 'Don't report it or you'll lose your job, and you will never get another government job like this ever again.' So I kept quiet."

Bernie sipped his cocoa then said, "A few days later, I was checking a local salt block in the forest. A place where local deer and such go to feed on the salt blocks we place out there. I was about ready to leave, when I sighted something just off the trail behind a tree. I went and picked it up. It was a dark colored wool scarf, covered in whiskey and bull moose scent. I brought it back to the tower here and sealed it up in our study case. I now had half the proof I needed to prove what I saw the other night. I bided my time throughout the day, doing my tasks."

Bernie refilled everyone's cups with more hot cocoa.

Bernie sat back down and said, "That night, I finished my nightly readings and spot checks early, then took a full bottle of whiskey down to the base of the tower and waited for awhile. I waited till about 1 A.M. and was about to call it quits for the night."

Bernie smiled thoughtfully as he continued. "Just then, a rather large gruffy looking Canadian lumberjack walked out of the woods wearing the same lumberjack's shirt as the bear had worn the night before. He looked to me, and said, 'Is that whiskey you're holding?' I was surprised by his appearance, but kept my cool. 'Why, yes, it is.' I told him. 'Would you like some of it?'"

Bernie said, "He walked up close to me, and said, 'Sure thing. Thank you.' Then he took the bottle, opened it, and downed half the bottle in one swallow. I was surprised on how well he could hold his liquor. I invited him up into the warm tower and again was surprised when he accepted my invitation."

Bernie continued. "Once inside, we chatted for awhile and served him some hot food. Then, I took a chance and retrieved the scarf. 'Your friend dropped his scarf last night. Could you make sure he got it back for me?' He cautiously took the scarf, and smiled at me, saying, 'Thanks. I'll see that he gets it.' He looked at me seriously, then finished off the whiskey."

Bernie shivered again at this point. "Then he said, 'You know, don't you?' I nervously yet honestly responded, 'I am not sure what I saw last night, but I kept my mouth shut. Is that what you wanted to hear?' He sorta smiled at me, then patted my shoulder. 'Good. I think I can trust you and I think Vard can trust you too. Just continue to keep quiet and tomorrow night, Vard and I will come back to see you again.' He smiled at me again and said, 'You can call me Paul.' Paul then left the tower into the woods and vanished from view. All of the next day, I was kind of light-headed and anxious for what was to come the next night."

Valerian and the others helped Bernie fix dinner and set the table. They had a pleasant meal.

Bernie continued his story then. "It was the third night in the watch tower and the weather had turned bad. It was snowing heavily and was as black as pitch. Yet, I waited at the base of the tower for Paul and Vard, even though I wasn't sure they'd bother to show up in such a bad storm such as this. I had warm blankets and thermoses of hot soup and hot drink for them. I waited until about 1:22 A.M. I sighed and thought that they couldn't make it."

Bernie smiled. "I was about to cart all the gear back into the tower when I heard Paul's voice say, 'We made it, Vard. Don't give out on me now.' I turned and looked, as the bull moose said, 'My legs are cold, Paul. We should've stayed home.' Paul saw me and gave me a nice smile, then hugged me tightly. I was surprised that he and Vard weren't wearing any Winter clothing."

Bernie pulled his blanket over his lap. "I helped Paul get Vard into the watch station at the base of the tower, into the warmth of the room. I wrapped the warm blankets around Vard's body, and gave him a thermos of hot soup and a thermos of hot tea. Vard smiled, saying, 'Thanks.' Paul sat next to Vard and covered himself in another blanket. I sat down in a chair by the fireplace. I told them, 'I am surprised you bothered coming tonight. This weather isn't fit for man nor beast.'

Bernie became somber as he remembered this next part. "Paul and Vard smiled at that statement. Paul said, 'What if we are both man AND beast?' I didn't chuckle because I caught the drift of what he was implying. I'm not stupid, and I have heard of werebears before, but never believed the tales. So I said, 'You're a werebear, aren't you, Paul? And Vard is a weremoose, I assume?'"

Bernie sipped his hot cocoa again. "They both looked at each other and smiled smirkingly. Vard looked to me and said, 'Thanks for finding my scarf and returning it to Paul. I thought I had totally lost it.' I nodded my head and had guessed right. Now I was worried what my knowledge of this was going to lead to. Paul said, 'Something wrong, Bernie? You look kinda pale. Surely you don't think we're going to kill you, do you?' I again nodded my head slowly."

Bernie smiled. "Vard then said, 'No, we're not going to kill you. That would be barbaric. You were civil enough to return my scarf, and then, invited us both into your warm home and fed us. You're already keeping quiet about this and that is a big help.' Paul stood up and came over to me. He looked me over and then exclaimed, 'Even if we were barbaric about it, we still wouldn't kill you.' He then smiled really darkly. I shuddered at his implication."

Bernie shivered again. "Paul continued to say, 'But could you really cope with becoming a werebear or a weremoose? If you betrayed either of us, that's what would happen to you. We'd make sure you joined the family as either a werebear, if you betrayed me, or a weremoose, if you betrayed Vard.' Vard then said, 'We don't like making threats, just making friends. And I hope we can count you as our friend. Can we, Bernie?'"

The boys helped Bernie wash the dishes, and then, followed him around as he did his nightly tasks and spot checks. When Bernie had finished making his reports, the five sat near the fireplace once again.

Bernie then resumed his tale. "I was relieved that Vard and Paul wanted me as their friend more than wanting me as a meal. We chatted some more and played some games. The two crashed on the two couches here and I went to bed. The next morning, they were both gone, but they'd left me a thank you note and this necklace."

Bernie showed Valerian the unusual totem necklace, then placed it back around his own neck. "From then on, both Paul and Vard came by periodically to visit me, to chat, have meals, play games, or to inform me of events around the forest. Just two months ago, Vard came to me in a rush and informed me of a forest fire that I couldn't spot from the tower. I called it in and was awarded a medal for my fast action. I didn't want the medal; Vard was the one who rightfully deserved it, but I hang unto it."

Valerian stood up and smiled. "I thank you for the explanation of your encounter. Is there anything I can do for you in exchange for this information?"

Bernie smiled. "This job doesn't really pay very well and also, I would appreciate it if you gave your word that this information never reached my superior's ears."

Valerian nodded his head and handed Bernie $1000 in cash. Valerian then swore on a Bible that he wouldn't reveal the story to Bernie's superiors. The boys said goodbye to Bernie, then headed out and hiked down to Andros's minivan. A hefty male lumberjack was awaiting them near the minivan. He asks, "Are you boys heading West?"

Valerian nodded his head. "Yep, just heading over to Idaho. Where are you heading?"

The lumberjack smiled, "That's where I'm heading. My pickup broke down back to the East and I'm already late. By any chance you might be heading towards the Moose Falls Ski Lodge?"

Valerian smiled, not really worried about hitchhikers or backwoods kooks. "As a matter of fact, that's exactly where we're heading next. There's a story there that I am wanting to listen to. I hope it's worth the trip."

The lumberjack quirked an eye, "What story would that be?"

Valerian answered, "My friends and I research the fantastic and record private notes about each event. You may not believe this, but we're going to Moose Falls to listen to a story about the local weremoose."

Three days later, Valerian, Andros, Felix, Darian, and the lumberjack, who's name was Harold, finally arrived at the Moose Falls Ski Lodge. They were fortunate to have given a lift to the resort owner's son, and soon, the boys had the best room in the lodge, as thanks for helping Harold out. Valerian and the others didn't get right into the job, but actually enjoyed themselves for awhile first. They went skiing, built snow unicorns, and attended a ballroom dance. A few nights later, the boys were sitting in their room, going over the notes that they had acquired from Janna about the weremoose encounter. There was a knock on the door, and Harold entered the room, not looking much like a lumberjack now, but more like a ski instructor.

"I'm not bothering you boys, am I?" Harold asked.

"Not really. Just looking over the notes we got from Janna Stoddard about the weremoose." Valerian replied.

"Did you say 'Janna Stoddard'?" Harold asked.

Darian looked at Harold. "Yes. Do you know her?"

"Janna sent you guys?" Harold asked nervously.

Felix giggled and replies, "Yes, she did. She's being a camp counseler in Nebraska currently."

Harold whewed quietly and then smiled a bit. "If Janna sent you, then it must be okay."

Valerian asked, "What must be okay?"

"I am the weremoose you're looking for." Harold continued. "I know it's hard to believe, but I can prove it. I only showed two other people that I could change. One was a fellow weremoose. His name is Vard. The other was Janna Stoddard, a woman I loved enough to pronounce my love to. I assume you want to hear my story."

Valerian replied, "First, show me that you can change into a weremoose, then tell me your story. If your tale is satisfactory, I and my friends will swear silence on what we learn here tonight, and I will pay you $1000 for the information."

Harold nodded his head and left the room. He returned a few minutes later with his duffel bag. He turned and locked the door behind him, and then stripped himself of his clothing. Valerian and the others watched with interest. Harold turned out to have one of those perfect bodies, in every way possible. Then Harold turned to the boys and said, "Here I go."

Harold got down on all fours and slowly arched his back and lifted his head. As he did this, his body slowly changed and grew bull moose fur all over his body. His feet became cloven hooves, while his fingers and hands reshaped into three-fingered hands. He grew his moose tail, and his head became very prominant, with lengthy ears and moose antlers. Harold finally stopped shifting, and slowly stood up.

Valerian and the others were very impressed by what they saw and they smiled to show their appreciation.

Harold smiled back and reached into his duffel bag and pulled out a loincoth, putting that on. He then pulled out an ankle-length cloak and donned that as well. He walked over to the boys and sat on the bed between them. Andros and Darian can't help but to smile at Harold and to give him a friendly hug.

Valerian nodded his head. "Okay, I'm ready to hear your tale."

Harold nodded his head and thought a moment. Then he said, "This happened about 8 to 9 months ago in this area. I had just finished college and came home to help my uncle run the ski lodge. I mean, I really loved this old place, and I'd do ANYTHING for my uncle. ANYTHING AT ALL."

Harold continued, "The first night I'm home, I arrive on the night of the full moon. There's not a soul anywhere in the lodge. So I let myself in and find the room I always stayed in when I helped my uncle in my younger days. I have just finished unpacking all my gear, when I hear some voices in the corridor. One is my uncle's voice; the other is Vard, but I don't discover that out till way later. So I just open the door to my room and step out into the hall calling my uncle's name. I immediately see two humanoid moose people in the hall. One is wearing a dark colored wool scarf, and the other is wearing my uncle's Winter coat. My voice catches in my throat as I quickly realize what I'm seeing."

Harold glanced at Felix as he continued. "Being the typical god-fearing person, I screamed and locked myself in my room. It wasn't until almost noon the next day before I was coaxed to unlock and open my door. When I did, my uncle was standing there fully clothed and with a kind smile. We hugged each other and he asked me when I got in. I told him about my arrival and what I'd seen in the hallway the night before. He stopped smiling, then looked at me all serious-like. He told me that lycanthropy ran in our family blood and that I too had the 'blood' within me."

Harold looked to Darian, and said, "I was shocked my uncle was talking like this, but I listened to him because I loved him and would do ANYTHING for him. He showed me the torn Winter coat from the night before and then, he 'showed' me that he could change into a weremoose. After the change, he told me that he was used to living like that and had 'brothers' among the weremoose community. I was shocked that Moose Falls even HAD a weremoose community, and no one had ever told me about it. My uncle changed back to normal and asked me if I still wanted to stay on as the lodge's ski instructor. There was no contest to my answer to that. I would have stayed even if he had changed into a wereslug. I loved my uncle and would... well you know..."

Valerian nodded his head. "Yes, you would do ANYTHING for him." Valerian chuckled and hugged Harold.

Harold hugged Valerian back very snuggly, then continued his tale. "My uncle told me that the weremoose gathered once a month under the full moon to party and socialize and the previous night had been no exception, until Vard escorted his uncle home to the lodge and got surprised by my appearance and scream. My uncle showed me where I'd be working and I got straight into it. The first month went smooth. I met and helped several young men and women."

Harold smiled. "One day I met Janna Stoddard who had come to get some required ski lessons for her horse ranch in Montana. I was in love instantly. And stupidly. I must have made a big fat fool out of myself in front of her. One evening, two nights before the full moon's night, I confessed my love to Janna and told her I was a weremoose. Well, being the typical woman, she wanted to see some proof. So I went to my uncle and asked him how I could change into a weremoose on command. My uncle loved me a lot, but this time refused my request, saying that he didn't think I was ready to learn it. I literally begged to learn it. He still said NO. So I became desperate and did something that I considered later to be very stupid. I went and found Vard and asked him to teach me how to change into a weremoose. He was pleased to do so."

Harold blushed from the memory. "He invited me into his private quarters, locked the door and stripped off all his clothes. He suggested I do the same, so I did as I was told. Vard then placed his arms around my neck and buttocks and pulled our bodies together, rubbing his groin against my own and then, pressing his lips to mine and kissing me deeply, forcing his tongue into my mouth. I could taste his saliva in my mouth and for some reason it burned and felt hot inside of my body. That's when I realized that Vard was changing into a weremoose and feeding me the weremoose saliva directly into my body as he was changing. Before I knew it, I too changed. Painfully. My mind went immediately and I seemed to black out."

Valerian nodded his head and waited for Harold to continue.

Harold took a deep breath and resumed his telling. "When I awoke, I discovered that I was lying naked in the snow, lying next to Vard, with both my arms around him. Vard asked me if I was okay, and I answered by asking what happened. He told me that I frenzied from undergoing the primary change. He then told me that frenzy usually happens when the hereditary weremoose isn't ready to accept the primary change."

Harold blushed again now. "That's when I revealed to Vard that my uncle refused to teach me how to change and I had gone to him instead. Vard was understandably upset, but he was cool about it. He hugged me and welcomed me to the community. We went back to his place, got cleaned up and redressed. Vard then literally spanked me with a leather belt and told me to never do something so stupid again. Vard took me back to my uncle and my uncle also gave me a lashing with the belt. He then hugged me and welcomed me to the wereherd. I resumed my duties as the ski instructor that afternoon."

Harold sighed now. "That night, I met up with Janna Stoddard again and was saddened to learn that she was leaving the next morning. But I was intent upon keeping my vow to her, so I showed her that I could change into a weremoose. It was strange because she didn't seem very impressed. I asked her what she thought and she said that her horses came first, then her husband. My heart fell immediately. I didn't even think to ask her before if she had been married. I felt like the world's biggest fool. She saw my sadness immediately and tried to comfort me, but it was too late. I gathered my clothes and left. The next morning, she went home to Montana and I never looked at another woman ever. Although, I did end up spending more time with Vard and a few male friends."

Valerian nodded his head solemnly, saying, "I'm sorry I made you remember all that. Is there anything we can do to make up for it?"

Harold smiled and looked to the boys, snugging all of them gently, saying, "I'm sure we can think of something..."

The next morning...

The boys were loading the minivan and bidding farewell to their friend Harold, and Harold's uncle. Valerian handed Harold the $1000 as promised and kissed him goodbye, saying, "I promise, we'll keep in touch." He hands Harold a business card. "My email address is on there. Until we meet again."

Andros started the minivan as Valerian got inside, then they were off toward Washington state and the werewolf encounter area.

The boys soon found themselves at the highway intersections of 12 and 123 just South of Mount Ranier National Park, after spending a few days in the National Park itself. They doublechecked the notes on Griffin Vandyke's encounter, and followed Highway 12 Southwest to the little town of Packwood. When they arrived there, Andros parkd his minivan at the motel, and Valerian registered a room for a week's stay. The four boys then headed over to the local cafe, and ordered up some hot food. After the meal, and Valerian leaving the waitress a tip large enough to put her grandchildren through college, the boys returned to the motel room, while Valerian headed over to the sheriff's office. As he entered, a deputy noticed him and said, "Howdy stranger. Can I help you?"

Valerian asked, "Is sheriff Albert Taylor in?"

The deputy says, "Ouch! You got bad timing. Sheriff Taylor is in Seattle attending a law enforcement convention. Can 'I' help you instead?"

Valerian says, "I'm here on behalf of Griffin Vandyke to investigate an unusual encounter that took place in this area about eight months ago..."

The deputy smirked. "You mean that Indian who became a pharmacist then moved to the city? And what are you investigating?" The deputy's sneer placed Valerian on edge immediately.

"I believe my business should be conducted with your superior officer and not his underling. If the sheriff isn't here then I'll investigate on my own, and not involve the help of the local law. Thank you for your time." Valerian turned to leave. The deputy seemed to growl almost immediately.

"UNDERLING?! While the sheriff isn't here, 'I' am in charge, and you won't do anything in this town, unless I am right there with you. What do you say to that, smarty-pants?"

The deputy suddenly found himself forcefully pinned to the upper wall of the jail. Valerian had hoped that he wouldn't be forced to use his Psionic powers, but this jerk of an upstart had pushed his luck a bit too far. "As I said, I will investigate on my own. If you're smart, you'll forget I even walked in here. If not, I can 'force' you to forget my visit, which usually reduces my victims to hypnotized vegetables. The choice is yours."

The deputy suddenly finds himself crashing to the floor as Valerian departs the sheriff's office. After the stars stopped spinning around his head, the deputy slowly got up and looked to see where Valerian went. "Great... That's all this town needs: a Mage investigating something..."

Valerian, having disgustedly left the sheriff's office, went over to the town's tourism offices. Once inside, he picks up a pre-paid postcard and takes it over to the counter. There was a cute female teenager running the counter. "That'll be a dollar fifty, please." She had long black hair and blue eyes. She was about five foot nine inches tall, and very slender.

Valerian smiled to her, asking quietly, "Who do I talk to about werewolves?"

The girl blinks! "Are you some kind of nut?! There's no such thing. Get out of here."

Valerian produced a thousand dollar bill, waving it in front of the girl's eyes. "This is real and serious. Who do I talk to?"

The girl seemed entranced immediately!! "Is that really $1000?!"

Valerian merely nodded his head.

The girl then said, "Okaaaayy... I shouldn't tell you this, but I need the money so I can get outta this hell hole. The deputy will kill me if he finds out I said anything. He just doesn't want anything bad happening to this town. About 2 miles back up Highway 12, there's an Eastern side road that goes all the way up to Packwood Lake. When you get there, go to the opposite side of the lake for about 1 or 2 miles, and you will find Raul Wolcott's place. He doesn't like getting visitors, but something tells me he'll see you."

Valerian smiled and thanked her kindly, and handed her the thousand dollar bill and his business card. "If you have trouble getting out of town, let me know. I have 'connections'." Valerian grinned knowingly. The girl waved goodbye to Valerian, as he headed out.

After Valerian and the others had checked out of the motel, allowing them to keep the over-payment, they drove up to Packwood Lake, following the teen aged girl's directions. They then drove around to the other side of the lake, and into the wilderness along what looked like an old logging trail. Soon, Andros pulled his minivan up in front of the secluded house. The boys hopped out and walked up to the front door and knocked. After several minutes, the door opened, and a teenaged young male with black hair and green eyes, stood there stripped to his waist, and wearing only ragged cut off shorts and hiking shoes.

"Hello. What do you want?"

"Are you Raul Wolcott?" Valerian asked.

The boy looked at the boys suspiciously. "Who wants to know?"

Valerian politely answered, "I am Valerian Mouse. Griffin Vandyke sent me."

Raul seemed extremely relieved! "Yes, please come in... I have to be careful these days. Did you say Valerian Mouse? Didn't you write a novel about a month ago? To Dream Of Dragons?"

Valerian blushed and smiled, "Um, yes, I did. I wasn't aware anyone remembered that book."

Raul brightened up nicely and grabbed a book off his book shelf! "Will you please sign my copy of your book? Please?"

Valerian smiled and signed the book for Raul, and then said, "Raul, I'm here to ask about the werewolf encounter that Griffin Vandyke had. What can you tell me about it?"

Raul sighed as he placed the book on the shelf. "So that's why you're here." He turned to the rear window and placed both hands on the window sill. "Like I said, I have to be careful these days." When he turned back to Valerian and the others, he was partly transformed into the wolfman form. He leaped at Valerian but suddenly found himself trapped in mid-air!

Andros, Felix and Darian all blinked at Valerian's lightning usage of his powers.

Valerian sighed. "Are all the males in Packwood insane? This is the second time I've had to utilize my Psionic powers. Why did you try to attack me?"

Raul growled in mid-air where he was stuck... "Got to kill you. Protect myself."

Valerian and the others watched him fully change into a werewolf while held in mid-air. When the change ended, he seemed to shrug off the power that held him in place. He looks directly at Valerian. "I kill you all dead."

Valerian says, "I'll quickly transform my skin into pure silver vorpal needles, if you try to come too close."

Raul growled angrily...

Valerian glared back very seriously, "I am not kidding. I will transform the entire area into pure silver." He glared a bit more. "Or we can talk about werewolves."

Raul growled a bit more, then eased up and smiled, his muzzle turned in a humorous way. "You just want to talk about our kind? Nothing more?"

Valerian replies, "The truth is that we came to listen to your side of the story and offer help, if we may. Of course, I will pay you for the information, $1000, and we will all swear an oath of silence about what we learn here from you. So. What do you say?"

Raul seemed to calm almost immediately and slowly shrugged his shoulders as he sat down on his bed. "What would you like to know?" He sighed unhappily. "Life as a werewolf is not all it's cracked up to be."

Valerian came over and sat beside Raul. "It's okay. Just tell me your story. I'm sure you're not alone in this." Valerian cautiously placed a hand around Raul's torso and hugged him gently.

Raul looked to Valerian almost nose to nose, then looked to Andros, Felix, and Darian. He then replied, "You have no idea what it's like to be an immortal werewolf. Alone. All alone... No one wants to share a lifestyle with a flesh eating werewolf."

Andros smiled. "If I didn't have another year of school to finish, I'd stay with you in a heartbeat."

Valerian nodded his head to Andros, glad someone else spoke up. "And I DO know what it's like to be immortal. But I don't let it control my life." Valerian held Raul closely. "Now will you please tell me what led up to your encounter with Griffin Vandyke? I have an open mind and will hold you in the highest regard."

Raul nodded his muzzle and said, "It was about ten months ago. Griffin was a local boy I really liked. And I think he liked me too. One night, I invited him to spend a weekend up here at my house. We were going to play cards, go fishing, and just enjoy the natural surroundings together. The first night, we went swimming in the nude, played some cards, and listened to some new age nature music. We settled down to sleep in this bed together. He felt so good against my body. It wasn't long till we were arm in arm and rubbing our bodies together. We kissed deeply sharing the same breath."

Raul sighed. "Then it happened, stupid werewolfism... Griffin accidentally bit my tongue and the sudden surprise of the pain and the taste of blood in my mouth caused my body to initiate the transformation into my werewolf form. I quickly realized what was coming, so I bailed out of bed into the dark floor where I fully transformed. But I still desired a kill. So I somehow got outside without Griffin seeing me and I went hunting. Found a nice big buck, killed it, and devoured it. Only then did I change back to normal. I made my way back to the lake where I washed my body thoroughly before heading on up to the house. Griffin was waiting on me, asking where I went in such a hurry. I nervously lied and said I needed to piss suddenly. Griffin believed me, but I felt terrible for lying to him about it. I didn't want a relationship based on a lie. So I got back into bed with him and once we were arm in arm again, I told him that I was a werewolf."

Valerian nodded holding unto Raul. "And what did Griffin say?"

Raul replied, "Griffin said he knew. That bothered me. I asked him how he knew and he told me that among his tribe, everyone knew about the wolf spirits and those chosen few who were blessed by the wolf spirits. I asked him if he was afraid that I might kill him and he answered me by saying that if I killed him then that meant that the wolf spirits had desired it. What Griffin didn't know was that I could actually feel his fear and hear his trembling breath and skipping heartbeat. I knew that I had permanently scared Griffin away from me."

Raul nuzzles Valerian's neck. "The next morning, I asked Griffin if he wanted to go home. He said that the weekend wasn't over yet. I was pretty surprised that he wanted to stay. So I asked him if he remembered what we talked about the night before. He said he did and that I had told him that I was a werewolf. I looked at him asking why he wasn't scared. Griffin says to me that upon thinking about it, he decided that I was only a werewolf in my mind, but he still liked me anyways. I told him I could prove I was a werewolf. And he asked me to show him."

Raul exhales a breath. "So, thinking that he really wanted to see my true form, I initiated the transformation right in front of him. After the change was complete, I looked at him and asked him if he believed me then. That was the end of our weekend outing. Griffin gathered his things and he left. I never saw him again. He was nice enough to write me letters and send me cards, but I was heartbroken. He wasn't coming back to me..." Raul pressed his muzzle into Valerian's chest and sobbed, a few tears flowing...

Valerian patted Raul's back softly while holding him very close rocking back and forth with him. "If you'd like, we can spend a few days with you. We have some free time."

Raul slowly looked up at everyone. "Really? Even after I tried to kill you all?"

Darian replies, "You couldn't be sure if we were harmful or not. You had to protect yourself. We can forgive you. No sweat."

"Thank you, guys." Raul licked everyone's cheeks.

Although they only intended to spend a few days with Raul, those few days quickly turned into a few weeks. Raul's feelings and spirits were quite high when he announced that he felt the call to hunt deep in the wilds. So the boys bid him farewell, promising to return another time.

Valerian had Andros stop by the Packwood Bank and deposits $5000 into Raul's savings account.

Then Andros drove the minivan Southwards towards California and to the wererat event area.

Roughly a week later, the boys arrived in the China Town section of San Fransisco. They walk along with the crowd and did some sightseeing while they were there. A few days later, Valerian led his friends into the Foo-Ching Martial Arts Studio.

The boys stood to one side and watched the students practice their moves. Valerian smiled as he saw the female instructor showing her students some special moves. She noticed Valerian's smile and called him and his friends over. The four walked over to Kara Foo-Ching and Valerian smiled. "Hello Ms. Foo-Ching. Shall I show your students how to defeat their instructor in one easy move?"

Kara smirked, "You'd better not, Mouse-san or I will be forced to get rough on you. How are you, Valerian?"

Valerian smiled, "I live. These are my friends Andros Fox, Felix Ocean, and Darian Stargazer. Do you have some time to help me find someone? I can pay, as you well know."

Kara smiled to the other boys, then tilted her head to one side and placed both hands on her hips. "Why do you only come by when you need something? Just once I'd like to see you in your free time so I can personally show you around China Town."

Valerian said, "Help me out and I will not only spend a few weeks with you, but I'll be a gentleman and take you out on a date too." He smiled big with a wink!

Just then, a man's voice is heard to the other side of the studio. "And if you try to take my wife on a date, I'll have to really hurt you, Valerian." Lou Foo-Ching stood there sporting an easy smile and wearing a chef's apron.

Valerian looked to Lou and said, "Lou, I am glad you and Kara are still together. You two make the perfect couple."

Kara asks Lou, "Aw, you never let me have any fun. How often do we get to see Valerian, Lou?"

Lou answered, "Not often enough, but you heard him. He and his friends are in town on business and we should not delay their search. Valerian, my good friend. How may Kara and I help you this time?"

Valerian looked to the students gathered for a moment, then to Lou and Kara. "What I need to ask is not for every ear. Let us go into the other room for a moment."

Kara and Lou lead the four boys into the kitchen in the back of the studio.

Valerian then asks, "I am looking for a young China man named Kim Shou. It's very important I speak with him. Can you help me?"

Kara shrugged, "Sorry, I have never heard of him. If you will excuse me, I have students still." Kara headed back into the front room.

After she was gone, the boys look to Lou.

Lou makes sure Kara is out of hearing range then answers, "The boy you seek lives thirteen blocks from here. It's an old condemned boarded up building and he lives in the basement, so I've heard. I hope that helps you, Valerian."

Valerian nods, and presses $1000 into Lou's hand.

Lou presses it back into Valerian's hand. "We are doing well. Do not be offended, but we don't really need the cash right now. What we'd really like is for you and your friends to spend a few weeks with us, as our guests."

Valerian nodded his head. "I'll do what I can, Lou. After I am done with my job." Valerian put the money away and got the building's address from Lou. Valerian had the others remain behind with Lou and Kara, then headed out through the front, giving Kara a kiss before heading out.

Lou's directions were good. Valerian soon arrived in the sparsely populated section of China Town and the building in question. He walked around the building before locating the only entrance to the basement. Once inside, Valerian walked around a bit and located another stairway heading further down past the basement level. Valerian searched around for a while, following the obvious tunnel. He had just approached a door, when suddenly he was struck from behind, knocking him unconscious.

When Valerian awoke hours to a day later, he found himself within a dark chamber lying on the stone floor, stripped of all of his clothes and belongings. Another voice in the dark chamber asked, "Are you okay?"

Valerian tried to sit up, but could not. His ankles were tied securely to one end of the small chamber, while his wrists were tied securely over his head. Valerian asks, "What happened? Who are you?"

The voice replies, "You entered a patrolled area and the guards sacked you but good. You're now in my private chambers. You're lucky we found the note from Rima Whitmore on you or you'd be dead right now. My name is Kim Shou, the wererat you're looking for."

Valerian struggled a little, knowing he could get loose at anytime using his powers. He asked Kim, "Are you going to untie me or are you going to leave me like this?"

Kim says, "I don't know if I can trust you or not. Just because Rima thinks you are okay, does not mean that I and the family think so. You remain tied up until I am convinced that you mean the family no harm. Why did you come?"

Valerian smiled a little, "Rima said you might beat me up before I could talk to you. I came to hear your side of her story. What was your encounter with Rima like, from your own mouth? I want to hear the truth from you. Nothing more. I swear it. Afterwards, I would leave and not return unless you allowed me too."

Kim snapped his fingers and the dark chamber was slowly lit up by candle light. Valerian then saw 'the family'. There were about seven male wererats and six female wererats in the chamber. One of the males directed another male to usher the family out of the chamber, until only Valerian, Kim, and one male remained within the dimly lit chamber.

Valerian exclaimed, "Nice looking family. A little undernourished, but nice."

Kim replied, "Yes... We are undernourished. Food is hard to come by, especially for a family of wererats. We could just eat you, but you're about as thin as we are and that would only solve the problem for one day. Ryu Shou," Kim pointed to the other male wererat, "is our food hunter. After you got knocked out, it was Ryu who found you and brought you back here." Ryu smiled softly as Kim continued. "What is my story worth to you, stranger?"

Valerian sorta smirked, "Don't laugh, but my name really is Valerian Mouse. And I have sufficient financial funds for 'paying' for the stories I collect. But I also give my word to each individual for my silence about their existence."

Ryu suddenly spoke up. "You're THE Valerian Mouse? The writer?" He looked to Kim, "If he is who he says he is, then his word is unshakeable. He speaks the truth and we can trust him." Kim gives Ryu a fast glance and Ryu became quiet.

Kim asked, "Are you really Valerian Mouse?"

Valerian replied, "I swear I am. If I am lying and you find out that I am, then you may kill me. Agreed?"

Kim looked to Ryu, then back at Valerian, "It is agreed. Ryu. Untie his ankles. I will untie his wrists." Kim and Ryu proceed to untie Valerian's bonds and soon, the three were sitting at a table in the back of the chamber. "I am taking a chance on allowing you to be free like this, but Ryu seems to think you can be trusted, so you are only free to roam this chamber. Just so you know, I do not trust you fully yet."

Valerian nodded his head, "That is fair enough, Kim. I will remain in this chamber until such a time that you trust me. I swear it."

Kim looked to Valerian, "You realize you may be down here quite a while, right?"

Valerian exclaimed, "I gave my word. Take it or leave it."

Kim nodded his muzzle. "Very well. You are our formal guest until your trust can be assured. That is something akin to being a prisoner, except you will be treated fairly, and you will not be molested by the guards. You will live and sleep in this chamber and we will share whatever food we may acquire with you."

Valerian smiled. "And I will do what I can to provide whatever services I can perform for your family and share anything that I may acquire."

Kim nodded his muzzle again and motioned to Ryu. The two wererats left the chamber, securely closing the door behind them. Valerian listened as he heard the tell-tale 'CLICK' on the door and the two wererats walking away chatting. Valerian stood up and tried the door. He only did so because he felt that it was expected. Then once he was satisfied that the door was truly locked, he turned and walked back to the center of the chamber.

First, he cast the CLEAN SELF spell upon himself.

Then, he summoned his spare clothes, shirt, pants, and shoes, from his home. He got dressed immediately.

Next, he looked around the chamber and cast the 'Mary Poppins' spell of CLEAN ROOM on the entire chamber. The spell cleansed the floors, ceiling and walls thoroughly, then struck all of the furniture, blankets, cabinets, cushions, pillows and mattresses, making them all squeaky clean and spotless.

He then rearranged the chamber's decor magically so as to resemble the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle's lair. He teleported in a refrigerator and plugged it up to the mystic power grid. He also teleported in a color television and appropriate seating couches and sofas, enough for the entire family. After plugging up the TV to the mystic power grid, Valerian then proceeded to magically fill the refrigerator and cabinets with food.

When he was done there, he summoned in a new cooking stove and hooked that up to the mystic power grid. The floors became magically tiled and carpeted in the appropriate areas, and the beds became covered in soft clean quilting. Valerian scanned the room approvingly, admiring his work. He hopped on a couch and clicked on the TV and watched the local news and weather.

Some time later, Kim returned with the family. As he unlocked the door and walked into the cleansed chamber, he stopped and just stared in utter disbelief at the spotlessly cleansed chamber filled with new furniture and clean coverings. Kim and the family entered and looked around a bit. Kim then saw Valerian in the kitchen part of the chamber.

"Valerian? What... What happened here?" Kim asked still in a bit of shock.

Valerian turned around and smiled a bit. "Do you like the decor? I hope so, because I am giving it all to you and your family. Is anyone hungry?"

Valerian proceeded to set the table with more food than the wererats had seen in quite a while. After Valerian magically cleaned each and every wererat with a spell, they all sat down to eat the best meal they have had in a while.

Kim looked to Valerian and nervously said, "You are more than you appear. You are an Mage, aren't you? What we would call a Wu-jen?"

Valerian smiled, "Guilty as charged. I really dislike having to use my powers, but this time it was completely necessary. Your family was starving and you needed a clean place to live. I give all of this to you and your family and will refill the refrigerator and cabinets magically to assure you all have plenty of food. Is there anything else I can do to earn your trust, Kim Shou?"

Kim smiled honestly and pleasingly, "You have done well, Valerian Mouse-san. This is enough to prove your trust. You came to hear my story, so now, I feel I can trust you enough to tell it to you. It involves myself, Ryu, and Rima Whitmore. About a year ago, or so..."

Kim began his tale, "Ryu had located a new area to conduct food hunting in and asked me to come along the first night to check out the area. We waited until after midnight, then made our way through the streets to the market district. Ryu and I saw a woman running from eight ruffians. I didn't want to get involved, but Ryu convinced me that ignoring such a plight was a dishonor to our ancestors. So the two of us beset upon the ruffians and using our martial arts, drove them away. We approached the woman cautiously while remaining partly in the shadows, and asked her if she was okay. She nodded that she was, and Ryu and I left immediately. She called out for us to wait, but we were in a hurry, and departed anyways. I guess she saw our tails and paws."

Kim eats and drinks some of the meal, then continues. "Some days after that, I was in my human guise in the market place trying to acquire needed spices and herbs for the family and the same woman appeared again. I guess this time she recognized my voice and paid the shopkeeper I was talking to, telling him to give me whatever I asked for. Afterward, I turned to her and smiled, saying that I was grateful for her kindness. She told me her name, Rima Whitmore and I told her my name, Kim Shou. She leaned in close and kissed my cheek, saying to me that we were now even and wheels of karma would now continue to turn."

Kim smiled. "She then left and I was left standing there feeling quite awe struck by her kindness. I was worthless the next few days after that. Rima was the only thing on my mind. I just HAD to see her again. So I got Ryu to come with me and we went hunting for her. We finally found her at the airport. I called out to her and she turned to me and hugged me tightly. I told her that I was in love with her, then she shushed me. She said that our encounter was fleeting at best, but she could not return my love. That is when I learned that she was engaged to a man in Nebraska and was flying off to meet with him. She saw my tears and comforted me with a hug, then whispered into my ear that my secret was safe with her."

Kim sighed. "I looked into her eyes and I saw immediately that she knew what we were. But she wasn't afraid at all. Because we had saved her life that one night, we had made a long lasting friend of her. Ryu and I bid her goodbye and she left in the airplane. Ryu and I returned home. I still get letters from her. I guess that is better than nothing."

Valerian and Ryu did the dishes after the dinner had ended. Ryu was quite talkative and asked Valerian about EVERYTHING. Valerian did his best to answer all of Ryu's questions. When the dishes were done, Valerian prepared for bed. He layed himself down and got pounced by Ryu and Kim quite suddenly. He tickled them as they tickled him, then they all three fell asleep soundly.

Valerian spent another few days with Kim and Ryu, then returned to the Foo-Ching Martial Arts Studio. He greeted Andros, Felix and Darian, and filled them in on the events. Afterward, the four boys spent another week with Kara and Lou, as they went sightseeing around the city. They all thoroughly enjoyed themselves with the vacation.

Then, the boys packed their things and bid farewell to Kara and Lou. Valerian and his friends met up with Kim and Ryu on the edge of China Town. Valerian hugged them both and gave them a safety deposit key and papers proving them to be the legal owners. Valerian explained that he set them up with a savings account with $12000 living funds. The four bid the wererats farewell again, retrieved the minivan from storage and drove Northward out of San Fransisco. They crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and smiled as they glimpsed the misty bay.

Andros drove the minivan back Northward for about a week before arriving at Raul Wolcott's property. They were a bit shocked to see the burnt remains of the house and the obvious carnage and destruction in the area. Valerian conducted a magical search for Raul, finally locating him in the tent of a local native American reservation's shaman. Raul was badly injured but smiled when he saw the boys' faces. "You, you came back..."

Valerian knelt beside Raul and asked, "Yes, I did. Didn't I say I was going to? What happened to you? I saw your house and property. It looks like a storm hit the area."

Raul coughed a little then replied, "A storm named sheriff Albert Taylor and his trusty deputies. A local saw me in my werewolf form and reported it to the sheriff. He had enough of my presence in Packwood and came up to my property with a mob of people, guns, and torches. He demanded I come outside. When I did, he said he was going to run me out of the county once and for all. People were chanting, "Kill the werewolf! Kill the werewolf!" One of his deputies jumped the gun, so to speak, and shot me in the chest. The sheriff started telling the deputy to stop firing, but it was too late. The pain caused me to uncontrollably shift right there, in front of everyone. After that, I don't remember anything at all. I awoke here in the shaman's tent in the condition you see me in now. You arrived five minutes later."

Valerian visibly darkened. The shaman noticed the magical force build up around Valerian and moved away cautiously. Valerian looked to Raul and exclaimed, "I will take you home with me. But the sheriff must be punished for his actions against you. Everyone who raised a voice against you must pay. And I know how."

A few hours later, after a carefully worded 'power curse' spell cast upon the town of Packwood itself, the boys and Raul were in the minivan driving Northward out of the area.

Raul asked, "What exactly did you do to the people of Packwood, Valerian? I'm very curious."

Valerian hugged Raul and replied, "They hate werewolves. So I cursed them to be werewolves."

Everyone laughed out loud as they drove up the highway!

Soon after their arrival at the mystic citadel, Mr and Mrs Mouse listened to Valerian's explanation about Raul and the others. By now, they were used to his bringing home odd and strange people and things. They were happy to help Raul get moved into a room of his own.

Darian Stargazer had to return to Alabama to close off some financial and family matters. He said he'd be back eventually, if he was allowed to return. Valerian, Andros and Felix saw Darian off at the Seattle Airport, then returned to the mystic citadel.

A few days later, Ryu Shou arrived with the request to study magic under Valerian's guidance. Valerian smiled, and Mr. and Mrs. Mouse merely shook their heads with a smile. They helped Ryu get settled into a room of his own, as well.

The senior year of high school was soon starting and the boys were eager to attend the final year's worth of classes. When winter came, Valerian, Andros and Felix enjoyed a few weekends together with the weremoose Harold on the Moose Falls ski slopes. It was there that the boys finally had the pleasure to meet the weremoose named Vard, who turned out to be a real sweetheart and poetic romantic.

Valerian was soon informed that the forest ranger Bernie Holtz and the werebear named Paul moved into the Northern Washington state logging district.

Andros smiled at Valerian and said, "It was great to meet all of these lycanthropes in the past few months. And I am really glad Raul came to live with us here at the Mystic Citadel. He's a lot of fun."

**End of Episode Two - Mark of the Moon

Stay tuned for Episode Three - Animals Enforced**