The Hellhound's Return

Broken Spell: Part I

"You sure you can ride?" Nick asked, levelling out beside her.

Kali nodded and climbed back onto her bike. She re-adjusted her settings and clipped her helmet into place. "Let's go," she said. "Before the aftershocks hit."

For the next 25 miles, neither Nick or Kali spoke. Each one consumed with their thoughts - Nick was concerned about reaching his sister's home on time, while Kali was curious about the earthquake that had just hit. She knew that California was split down the middle by a fault line, but the last Earthquake to have struck was back in 1979.

"Hey, my bike's making a strange noise," Nick's voice came over the headset inside Kali's helmet. "I need to check. I think that quake may have done some damage."

"Alright."

They had already entered Briarwood, passing many shops and homes along the main road, but they didn't stop until at least three-quarters of the way in and parked opposite a record shop - Rock Porium. A battered old black jeep was sitting outside, and five teenagers were messing around near it.

Kali watched the group for a few minutes before turning her attention to Nick. "What's the damage?" she asked.

"The gas tank's ruptured," said Nick. "I'm lucky to not be leaking fluid right now."

"That's going to take more than a few hours work," said Kali. "It also looks like your suspension could go any minute."

Nick glanced over at Kali's bike. "How does yours look fine after a crash like that?" he asked.

"I have a great mechanic," Kali said.

"You know Nate only serviced your bike because he wants to get with you, right?"

Kali leaned forward on her handlebars. "That's why he only charged me half price," she said.

Nick rolled his eyes. Kali's beauty was unmatched by many and had most men she met falling at her feet. While he, himself, found her attractive, he was not head-over-heels for her like others he knew.

"Please, someone! Anyone! I need help."

Kali and Nick looked up as an old man hobbled towards the street. A small crowd, including the kids from across the road, circled around him.

"It's my brother," the man said. "We were walking just up the road, and some creature grabbed him."

A small murmur of uncertainty rippled through the crowd and Kali noticed that a few people were starting to leave.

"I fear the worst," the man continued. "I-It's just out of town. The creature took him into the woods."

More and more people were sharing nervous and even scared looks now, before leaving.

"Won't somebody please help me?" the old man begged.

"I will," Nick said. The crowd parted and those who were left turned to look at her. "I could use a break."

Kali nodded and looked up at the old man. "Count me in," sh said.

The old man smiled and hobbled over to them. "Thank you!" he beamed.

"Hey, I'm, uh - - I'm Xander," interrupted one of the kids from across the road. He was taller than his friends, with a mop of short brown hair, brown eyes, and a distinctive Australian accent. "You're both new around here, aren't you? Probably not aware of all the facts."

"If you're talking about the Bermuda-triangle-like curse that's supposedly on these woods, save it," said Kali. "We're aware of the stories."

"Besides, the guy needs help," said Nick, shrugging on his jacket. "No one else in this city seems to care."