Magic Spawn Origins

Magic Spawn: Chapter 22

by Meredith Skye

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"At least let me go trick-or-treating," argued Haley. The seventeen year old had been stuck at the campground for nearly half an hour since Rian and the others had left to go after Kyran.

"No," said Edward sternly. "It's too dangerous." He and Zane and Ray all huddled around a map of the city, feeling very important and looking quite busy.

"You're like one year older than me! It's not fair!" said Haley, impatient to escape from the campground and the "safety" of the tent. "You don't really think it's dangerous out there, do you?"

"In fact, I do," said Edward in his self-important, Steward-manner.

Haley sighed and came back in the tent, plopping down on a folding chair next to Anya, the Goth vampire queen, complete with badly dyed black hair and black lip stick.

She shivered. Her own thin gown wasn't proving very effective against the chill air.

"Hi, Haley," said Anya. Anya was her junior by about four years. She slouched in a chair with her fake leather high-heeled boots up on a small table, looking bored and annoyed. Her trick-or-treat bag lay empty on the floor.

They exchanged a glance.

"Worst Halloween ever," Anya pouted.

Haley nodded. "Totally." She fussed a little with her high heel shoes. She didn't wear them often, mostly she wore more practical shoes to school.

Grandma Baggins busied herself on the two-way radio, calling others of the Gondorian Warrior Circle to action. "Yes. Tonight, at the campground. That's right, a necromancer."

"They've been up in the graveyard awhile," Anya said.

"And all we get to do is sit here ... while the boys save the world." Haley grimaced.

I don't think so.

The two girls stared silently at each other a few moments as the inane planning continued at the main table. Haley hadn't liked Anya from the start, not that she knew her very well. She was like an annoying little sister—moody, jealous, and enigmatic. She reminded Haley a little of Kyran--who was like an annoying little brother.

Slowly, Haley stood and slipped quietly towards the door. Anya said nothing, but simply watched her. Haley's father, Harlan, and Grandma Baggins were busy talking and took no notice of Haley.

She wouldn't stay here all night, not with everything that was going on in town. Once she reached the door, she slipped out quietly, all while Anya watched without saying a word. Haley had to give her credit for that--at least she wasn't a snitch.

Once outside, Haley ran at top speed ... toward home. The streets were quiet and dark. The fog had lifted a bit and she could see enough to make her way through town. She didn't see any skeletons or ghouls walking the streets, real or in costume.

She only lived a few blocks away. Nothing was far from anywhere in Millersfield. The electricity was out at the house, leaving it as dark as the rest of town.

Once inside, Haley hurried down the stairs of the split level, treading carefully in the dark, until she found her bedroom. After some searching, she found a small camera bag under her bed. It held the camcorder she'd begged Dad for last Christmas. She checked the battery—it was charged.

Also she took the flashlight she kept under her bed so she could read after lights out, without her parents knowing. All the guys in the Gondorian Warrior Circle read science fiction books like Star Wars, Isaac Asimov or fantasy, like the Lord of the Rings. Haley had read some of those, but she liked a different kind of story, like Charlene Raddon historical romances, or Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin, or even the classic Nancy Drew mystery stories. Or even the "Twilight" series.

Her shiny evening dress wouldn't do for outdoor reporting. She changed to a nice purple shirt and her best jeans and a stylish gray sweater and cap. And of course, she put on more practical shoes.

She grabbed her tripod and set the camera up, using the flashlight for lighting. First she brushed her hair and put on a little make-up, though it was hard to see herself in the mirror next to her bed. Then she turned the camera on to make a video log.

"Today is October 31st, Halloween Day, in Millersfield, Nebraska. I'm Haley Holman reporting." Of course, that wasn't her real last name--it was a screen name and sounded better than "Haley Elliot."

"This evening our town of Millersfield was invaded by some sort of otherworldly man and his army of what seems like re-animated human skeletons. This person, who goes by the name 'Molan' has allegedly kidnapped a mother and his boy from a home here in town. The streets have been cleared of all trick-or-treaters and a group has gone to the graveyard to look for this man. That's all for now."

She clicked off the camera and packed it back into her bag and folded up the tripod. Haley had started her own YouTube blog a year ago, called "Goldenrod Gazette." She reported on local happenings in town, mostly at the high school, but sometimes she covered the annual 4th of July parade, the Corn Husker's Harvest, Sandhill Crane Day, and so on. Her audience was growing, but she could hardly say that she had hit the big time.

If this went viral, then she could become a known name and maybe even be invited to talk shows. It could jump start a whole career for her. Haley Holman, reporter and commentator.

And why not?

She grabbed her flashlight and, after some thought, a pair of binoculars and headed back upstairs. Now, she just had to catch up to the others.

Feeling ready, she opened the front door and came face to face with the girl, Anya. They stared at each other. "What are you doing?" demanded Haley.

"I might ask you the same?" said Anya. She looked a little creepy, with her black leather skirt and black goth hair.

"Nothing," said Haley, locking the door and coming out of the house. She looked expectantly at Anya. The girl stared back at her, not at all put off by Haley's answer.

"You should go back to camp. It's dangerous out here," said Haley and she turned and walked down the front steps. Anya followed her, doggedly.

"Is it?" asked Anya, stupidly.

"Yes!" said Haley, impatiently.

Anya just gave her that fixed look. She was so stubborn. Haley didn't have time to deal with her. "I'm going to the graveyard," said Haley. "Just don't tell my Dad."

She took off down the road but a moment later, Anya was by her side, keeping up with her without much trouble. "I'm coming with you."

"No, you're not," said Haley, stopping dead in her tracks. "Dad will kill me." Anya still had on that ridiculous Halloween costume of a goth vampiress with black hair and a black leather skirt. "You can't come dressed like that."

"Why not?" the girl countered. Anya just stared expectantly at Haley, waiting for her to make a move.

Honestly! It was like being followed by a pathetic little puppy dog. What did she have to do—throw rocks at her? "Go back!" shouted Haley.

"You go back!" yelled Anya.

The child couldn't follow her—she'd ruin everything. Mom and Dad would never forgive her. "Just scram. I said I don't want you with me. Anya, the Annoying—that should be your nickname. Get lost!" With satisfaction, she saw Anya fall behind with a perplexed look on her face.

Good.

Kinda' the same as throwing rocks. Haley felt a little guilty, but it would be for the best.

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