[Allyson's Perspective]
It felt like a wild ride during the transportation. I could see purple blobs and runes flying one by one. A flashing image scrambled inside my head as I stumbled into something thick.
" You okay Allyson? ". Of course I'm not okay.
" What was that? ". I stood up as I try to regain my composure. My head feels like a cotton wool — dizzy and confused. Mr. Charles was right, there was indeed a f*cking recoil.
" For first timers, that was a negative effect of the transferring a living being of that portal. " Charles headed north as he picks up his hat covered in dirt nearby tree — He wasn't enjoying the ride at all.
" I think I can handle for now. ". I replied to Rachel as she assisted me by sitting on a nearby rock. After that, she stood and began roaming around the area.
" Alright, seems we landed in the North America! ". Rachel shouts. I can see birds flying away, scared by her shout.
" North America? " I asked. Rachel opened a backpack which I didn't noticed and pulled out a map.
" Yes, in fact were in the Coastal Plains of North America. Looks a bit far. We need to hitch a ride. ". She suggested as she pulled something from her pockets.
Mr. Charles then pulled one of an unusual marble thingy from his pocket. Rachel gave me some of it too.
It was round and different spiral of colors embedded on its shell. It almost looked like a small jawbreaker.
" Let me guess. Are we gonna eat it? ". Despite my curiosity I'm a bit hesitant to swallow these things. I was about to put three on my mouth when Rachel stopped me. " You only need one, hahaha. It's a candy. It's makes us hide our identities from humans. ". She explained as she took the other two.
So this is a kind of candy, I wondered who thought of these ideas so advance than the technology of Humanity.
I ate the one Rachel gave me, at first it tasted minty and sweet. Kinda reminds me of a minty candy. It was sure something will happen if I'd ate it, but nothing bizarre happened.
" So let's head to Mt. Mitchell. " Rachel lead the way on a nearby bus stop.
The case we're investigating are about the strange behavior of Mt. Mitchell... Despite it's high peak, few residents and local rangers. There seems to be a disturbance.
The Mysterious Claw Marks on the trees. and The strange light that sparkles during midnight additional with the voices that workers often hear.
Rachel gestured the bus driver to stop. Reluctantly, the bus driver stopped by.
" You should stop in a bus stop next time.. You're lucky I was kind to stop by. ". The bus driver opened the bus doors as we get inside.
" My bad. My bad. We'll sure follow the rules next time. ". Rachel gave an apologetic smile.
" Anyway... Are you tourists? That seems light weight. ". The bus driver asked.
" Umm.. yeah... We were just heading back to Mitchell State Park. ". Rachel replied as we take seats.
" It's not your business to question. " Mr. Charles whispered on his breath.
* Bus engine starts
" I'm curious to what do people see us? ". I finally asked her
Rachel smiled and pointed the window. " No one exactly knows.... ".
What?
" The candy is called Mawwgum, it changes the appearances of Specias to blend in the Human Society. Some people that are involved in few investigations depicted the alteration as a success. Disabling them to differ the true faces of those who consumes it. ". She explained briefly.
" If you're wondering where did these faces came from. Then I have no idea. But I've heard that these faces are actual real people. Who knows where they are. ". She added.
That's quite uncanny....
********************************
We've arrived at the destination as the investigation starts. Rachel and Mr. Charles pretended to be tourists looking for places to shoot.
" If you want to see the best view of the summit I suggest you to go there. ". The ranger pointed at the far direction. Rachel began to open her backpack and pulled out a camera.
" I bet the sunrise is dazzling there. ". She chuckled as she opens the camera and began filming like we're tourists.
" You can stay here for a night. But the trail is off limits for now. ". The ranger warned us. This raised our suspicion.
" Why's that? ". Mr. Charles asked.
The ranger looked nervous and told us that the forest is currently under investigation. Eventually, he lead us to a nearby cottage to rent.
....
It's currently 4:35 PM and we're inside the cottage we just rented. We tried to investigate people earlier and only few told us the details of the rumors.
" They won't tell exactly. ". Rachel arranged the equipment she brought and placed it on the small table.
" This investigation will lead us to sneak in the forest tonight. " Mr Charles suggested. He looked at the map, Rachel had brought.
" It would take long for us to reach the site if we follow the trail. I suggest we head when 9 struck. "
Here I am sitting at the chair thinking it's probably normal for Dixinians to be in this kind of situation. I mean, it's a secret organization that normal people wouldn't know....
As I was listening to their conversation, I noticed something was going outside.... A distress? Ruckus? I peeked and saw a boy and a ranger.
" I'm telling ya, Cavil. It's still under investigation. You are not allowed to search in the forest. Besides it's far for you to reach on foot.". The ranger explained.
" I'm not gonna stay here and do nothing! I'll find him myself! ". He yelled. Before the ruckus had gone bad, I walked outside to talk to them. I can ask the boy for details as well.
" Umm... Is everything okay here? ". I asked the two. The ranger looked at the boy and spoke.
" There's nothing to be worry here, ma'am. ". He tried to dodge the question.
" You. ". The boy pointed at me.
" You wanna ask something right? ". He asked, making quite shock.
" You look like you need something from me. ". This kid is very observant. After that, the ranger let go of his hand and sighed.
" You finally calmed down. ". He then looked at his wrist and flustered by the time.
" Damnit! I took too long. ". He rushed, leaving the two of us outside. He sure is busy tonight.
" Hey are you listening to me? ".
I looked in front of me as the kid continues to snap his fingers to gain my attention.
" You wanna ask something right? Then, I have a offer. ". He said. Judging from his appearance, he might be around the age of 10. His tone is quite arrogant for someone small.
He sat down to a bench just next to it and began explaining.
" My name is Cavil. I'm currently trying to gain access to the forest just below the mountain. ". He explained.
" That's why I want you to take me to the forest. ".
He had this bossy tone and was very worried. If I'm correct, he's searching for someone. But Him going to the forest in the middle of the night? That's risky.
" Hold on, I'm not sure if I can bring you to the forest. We're not even allowed to traverse the mountain. ". I answered. " It's okay. The trails would do fine with me. ".
" You see.. I'm searching for my dad. ".
His dad?
" He and his expert friends traveled here to conduct their research about the fauna and flora of the mountain. ".
" They left me here along with his friend as he promised to return on the next 3 days. ". He explained.
I then asked him why he was left here while his dad went to the mountain. He said he wanted to join his father's little expedition but he refused so he was left here to wait for him after a day or two.
He explained to me that his father and his team didn't return. Of course, the local rangers called the authorities for a missing report. Police came next day and searched the mountain... He also explained that the police found strange things on the mountain.
There was no sign of the team, there were claw marks on trees, wild animals around the area seemingly decreases and strange sightings of light from afar was spotted only to disappear when approached.
" That's why I want to find him. They said that the police would return after 3 days, but I won't wait! ". He added. I can sense the worry and anger in his words.
" I can't take you there... It's dangerous. ". I replied to him. He clearly knew I would say that. Cavil sighed and left.
Poor kid..I wanted to help him but it's too dangerous for him to be involved. Who knows what kind of creature lurking there.
As I was about to go back, I was met by two faces staring at me. They we're listening...
" It's almost 9, we're about to go know. ". Mr Charles spoke as he pick up his hat. Rachel approached me and spoke.
" It's okay Ally, we'll make sure to find the missing people there. ". I smiled back at her.
" Hmm... But it's quite a hassle for policemen roaming on the area. ". Mr Charles complained.
" Well then, it's time to use this. ". He took an object from his suit and dropped it on the ground. " Brace yourself Ally. ". Rachel, carrying a small bag and walked towards Mr Charles. I followed them.
" We're about to teleport there. ". She answered. In a flash, runes began flying out of nowhere. Much like what happens back at Rekoda Magis. In just an instant, we we're suddenly transported on a very dark forest.
The runes fades as Charles spoke. " Our job starts from here. ". He begins to state our plan.
" Missing people, strange light and claw marks — Phantom Activity is most likely happening in this forest. We have to devise a plan.... Rachel. ". He called Rachel.
She waved her and smiled, like a student who raised her hand.
" This is the South-west of the forest... Hmmm... I want you to investigate the north and East of the forest. Your can manage to notice any unnatural noises, right? ". Rachel nodded at him.
" Allyson. Since you are still a Dixinian in Trainee, you are under supervision. You will assist Rachel during the investigation, you will not engage directly only if Rachel told you, understood? ".
I agreed at his orders.
" The policemen are still roaming around this forest carrying an investigation, avoid bumping at them, we don't want to proceed in Execute No. 9 ". He said.
I'm curious about this Execute No. 9 ... Probably a Dixinian Code .....
" I will take care of investigating the entire South and West. ". He said.
The tension is getting high. I'm excited and nervous about what's going to happen tonight. Will it be dangerous? Will it be fun? I don't know... Calm down, Allyson... Be serious about tonight.
As I finished calming myself down. I looked at Rachel. She was standing, covered by the faint moonlight and was staring at the something.
Her golden eyes glowed as the fur from her tail moves along the wind.
Why does she have that tail? I don't remember her having that features...
She then crouched down and looked back at me. " Let's not waste time. Hop on my back, Ally. ". She smilingly patted her shoulder. I looked at her, thinking why would I be carried by her?
" Oh...I forgot to mention what kind of Specia we are. ". Mr Charles spoke.
" Rachel's a werewolf. She can carry you on the way to North-East easily. ". He added.
A werewolf?
I looked at Rachel. She was smiling at me. Honestly, it didn't surprise me. I mean.. magic and portal devices exist so...
" We have to go know, Ally! ". Rachel exclaims as I hurriedly hopped on her. She then tells me to grab tight to prevent myself from falling when she starts running. I make myself comfortable on her back. I guess getting a piggyback ride is not bad if she's the one carrying me.
" Well then, Charles. Good luck on your side! ". Rachel exclaimed then carried me towards the North-East side of the mountain....
I wonder how can Charles investigate just by himself.
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Third Person's POV.
The wind echoes. The leaves rustles. Charles is left behind as the two make way to their destination. He raises his left hand. Something begins to sprout from his fingertips.
Strings... The strings that are coming from his fingertips. Reaching in one of his pockets, like a snake slithering.
Upon latching inside his pockets, he reveals a small doll. Strings poking to each part. Charles is about to control the doll...
The doll moves. From limbs into it's head. Charles sighs and spoke.
" This might be a long night. ".