Centaur Planet

By Thom Nichols

Billy's passion is football. It's simple, enjoyable and pure. Then he learns that an exciting new player is cheating magically. Disenchanted, he tries to go one. Then everyone is spontaneously transformed into a centaur. Finding out one of his friends responsible, Billy has to join the NFL. He has to use his magic to intercept the magic that will change everyone back and defeat the cheater.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thom Nichols
• Release date: Oct 23, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452389370

Thom Nichols

Thom L. Nichols was born under a mountain in Mt. Shasta California. He grew up in Arizona, but has lived all over the United States. Starting out in the Marine Corps, he has had a multitude of jobs ranging from overnight security guard to UNIX Senior Specialist and everything in between. He married his wife of nineteen years (So far) two weeks after meeting her. He has three children and one granddaughter (So far). He has been writing since he was born, but always for fun. He wanted to get his degree in English so that he could become a writer, but with a family he decided to go the safe way and went into computers. Now that the kids are pretty much grown and moving out, he decided to follow his dream.

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Centaur Planet

Thom Nichols

Published by Thom Nichols at Smashwords

Copyright 2007 Thom Nichols

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

01. Football

Billy Dodd woke up. His head was throbbing. He looked over at his nightstand. There was a tall glass of water sitting next to his alarm clock. He closed his eyes and moaned. Someone told him if he drank a glass of water before passing out, the hangover would be lessened. He opened his eyes again. Next time he’ll remember to actually drink the water. He lifted his head off of the pillow and she moved.

Her hair was autumn brown. It was thin and glowing in the morning sunlight as it hung haphazardly over her face. She was lying on his chest and shoulder. His arm was numb underneath her. Billy slowly tried slipping out from under her, but she stirred. Hmmm. She moaned as her eyes fluttered open. Her hair was tickling her eyelashes. She shook her head gently to remove the thin strands and looked up at him. Normally she had very beautiful green eyes. This morning, they were slightly bloodshot and squinty. She lifted herself up timidly allowing Billy to rise. He forced his palms into his eyes, trying to physically dig the sleep from them.

Mouse rolled over and pulled herself up onto one arm. The sheet slipped off of her bare body. She was lithe with silky smooth skin. Billy reached his hand over to her shoulder and pushed. She tipped over. What are you doing in here? He asked shaking his head. Did Julie see you?

Falling onto her back, Mouse smiled sinisterly and pulled Billy’s pillow toward her. She placed it over the pillow on her side of the bed and propped herself up so that she was partially sitting. Slowly, she ran her hand through her long tangles pulling them out of her face. She wrinkled her nose daintily and smirked. Don’t you remember? She whispered turning toward Billy. She lifted her foot up to his elbow and rubbed it tenderly up his arm. She twisted her body as she reached his shoulder. Before Billy realized what she was doing, she flexed her leg muscles tightly and pushed. It was Billy’s turn to fall. She left early last night, before midnight.

Billy fell all the way off of the bed. He landed with a loud thump and a belated groan. He was reluctant to get back up. What time is it? Has the first game started yet? He finally said stretching out on the floor.

The bed began to squeak and move as mouse crawled slowly to the edge. She peered over the side. Her hair fell nearly to the floor. She smiled at him. We have about twenty minutes.

Billy groaned again. That means that I have to get up. Mouse began giggling. She dropped a pillow on his head. Mouse was not Billy’s girlfriend. But, she was his best friend. They were friends since their first day of school in kindergarten. During their high school days, while they were between boyfriends and girlfriends, they did become intimate with each other. At first, they thought that their coupling was a great idea. They were very good together. But, after about a month or so, they came to realize that they were losing their friendship. When they were together, they concentrated on the physical pleasures and ignored the interaction. They found themselves slipping apart. Astutely, they decided that they valued their friendship and the only way to save it was to give up the physical part.

The decision to stop seeing each other as a couple proved more difficult than they thought. They had come to kiss each other at every meeting and every parting. After they broke up, they found it awkward whenever they accidentally touched. They decided that physical rejection of each other was also not going to work. So, they came up with their current arrangement. They decided that since they had already been intimate with each other, they would allow certain liberties as long as neither of them was in a relationship. Billy didn’t like the term ‘Friends with Benefits’, because it presumed that they were always intimate. That wasn’t the case. They were just closer than normal people. They were allowed to sleep together, but not ‘sleep together’.

Currently, Billy was dating Julie. They had been going together for about six months now, and she was extremely jealous of Mouse. It was understandable. Between the two of them, they had lost more than a dozen relationships each due solely to their friendship. Mouse was between boyfriends at the moment. She had just broken up with one of the managers at Walmart. It was very messy. Julie stayed over at Billy’s for the first two days after it happened. Unfortunately her ex was staking out his place. There was a fight and Walmart-boy definitely came off worse-for-wear. In the process of getting rid of Mouse’s ex, Julie resented the amount of extra time Billy was spending with her. Her jealousy had advanced to the limit normally obtained when talks of breakups began. Billy was dreading it. He even asked Mouse to ‘tone down’ her behavior when she was around.

Throwing the pillow back up at Mouse, Billy forced his body to move. He pulled himself up slowly and stretched. He let out a growl or a moan at the end of a yawn and shuddered vigorously. He walked over to his closet door. There was a towel hanging halfway over the top of it. He pulled it down. Come on, He sighed. You can wash my back. He knew that Mouse hadn’t climbed in bed with him to seduce him, or to jeopardize his relationship with Julie. She had been drinking a lot last night, and just needed a safe place to crash. He stumbled to the sink which was outside of the attached bathroom, and began brushing his teeth.

Mouse, also yawning and stretching, joined him. She snatched the toothbrush out of his hand and began brushing her teeth. Billy gave her a face and rinsed his mouth out with mouthwash. He left her looking in the mirror as he opened the shower stall to prepare the water.

There wasn’t much room inside the shower. It wasn’t a tub. It was a shower stall with a glass door. Billy ran the water very hot. He stood under it for a long time without moving until Mouse slipped in with him. She stepped into his arms. It was impossible not to hold her in the tight quarters. Billy scooted over so that she could stand directly under the nozzle. He poured a healthy portion of shampoo into his hand and began washing his hair.

Billy felt Mouse’s hands, as she began soaping up his chest. He enjoyed it for a long minute. Then he took the soap from the washcloth in her hands and began lathering up a new washcloth as shampoo began streaming down his face. He wrapped his arms around her and began rubbing the soapy cloth up and down her back. She moved her hands from his front to his back as their bodies pressed together. Billy felt her rubbing the soapy washcloth over his shoulders and upper arms. He rolled his head from side to side so that his neck popped. He took in a deep breath and then realized something.

Mouse’s hands were both on his shoulders and upper arms. But, he also felt them running down his waist onto his bottom. His eyes opened wide. Shampoo slid into them so that he couldn’t see. He shut them tightly as they began to burn. He stepped back and the wall touched his back. He pushed mouse away from him and reached up to wipe his eyes. There was a bang, a squeal, a yelp and finally a crash.

Billy forced his eyes open. Mouse had fallen backwards from his push. She was sprawled on the floor in a tiny puddle. She had two sets of arms. The first looked like normal arms. They extended from her shoulders, and she was using them for balance. The other set extended from the sides of her stomach. Durf! You son of a… Billy swore as he stepped through the shower spray toward the stall doorway. He reached down and grabbed one of the extra arms. He tried pulling it out of her.

Ow! Mouse shouted slapping his hand. Don’t. That hurts.

Tell him to get out here. Billy ordered. I’m going to kill him. He released the extra arm and felt queasy. He didn’t know which set of hands were on his bottom, and the more he thought about them belonging to him the more he wanted to vomit.

Mouse reached up with one of her normal hands. Billy took it and helped her up. The extra pair of arms began retracting back into her body. Durf! She ordered austerely. Come out right now. She leaned forward, and kept her mouth open.

There was a pause. Then a tiny blue object jumped from her mouth. It looked like a tiny pulse of light. As it plummeted toward the bathroom floor, the object began to grow. By the time it hit the ground, it became a man. He was nearly seven feet tall, and had a hulking frame. He was almost too big to fit into the crowded bathroom. He had bright red hair including a full beard. He was dressed in rugged fur and leather. He carried a huge circular wooden shield in one hand, with a blue insignia painted in the center. It was painted with incredible detail. It depicted a Viking ship being attacked by a huge multi-limbed flying creature.

The figure was wearing a huge helmet that only covered the top of his head. It had two short horns extending out of it that twisted forward. Portions of his hair were braided in large loose braids, including portions of his beard. He had a light chainmail breastplate over his huge chest. His arms were bare except for a leather strap stretched crisscross down his muscular right arm. In that hand, he carried an enormous battle axe. He wasn’t holding it menacingly, but it looked very impressive as he hefted it up so that it rested against his right shoulder. His trousers were leather, with leather laces running up the sides of his legs where the seamstress stitched the pieces together. His boots were fur lined and made from some type of animal that neither Mouse nor Billy could identify. He looked exactly like a Viking from an old movie.

Before the Viking could say anything, Billy moved forward and pushed him as hard as he could. Billy only came up to his chest, but he was angry. He cursed. What do you think you’re doing? He shouted cursing again. The Viking didn’t fall, but he did stumble backward. He reached out with both of his arms. The battle axe sliced into the wall, hooking like an anchor, while the shield nearly shattered the open shower door. Billy looked up at the wall where the axe gouged through the drywall. Put that away. He said throwing up his arms in frustration. I’m going to have to pay for that.

Durf, come on. Mouse pleaded. Put it away.

The Viking corrected his footing. He had an apologetic look on his face. The shield disappeared as he reached for the battle axe. He gave it a good yank and pulled it free from the wall. Causally, he slid the axe into a slot in his belt, handle first. There was a leather strap that hooked over the blade to keep it snug so that he didn’t accidentally cut himself or something while moving around. Sorry about that. Durf said. His expression changed from the grim scowl of a Viking to a very wide smile. The change was very significant. Come on. He continued. He didn’t sound anything like a Viking. You gotta admit, that was funny. Did you see the look on his face?

Billy rounded on Durf, but Mouse stepped forward. You know Billy doesn’t like it when you do things like that. She scolded. And, you promised.

Durf lowered his eyes properly ashamed. I’m sorry. He said meekly. Mouse smirked and turned toward Billy shaking her head. Immediately, as soon as her back was turned, Durf looked up at Billy. He made squeezing motions with his hands and kissing motions with his lips. Billy scowled, seething. Mouse turned around quickly. Durf desisted and began looking around the room innocently.

Come on. Mouse said. She grabbed her towel from the towel hook and threw it into Durf’s face. She took Billy’s towel and wrapped it around herself. We’re going to miss the kick off. Billy still looked angry, but she pushed him out the door.

I swear, I’m gonna kill him one of these days. Billy said as he fumed toward his dresser. He opened the top drawer without even thinking about what he was looking for.

Mouse came up behind him. She kissed him on the ear. One of these days, I might let you.

Billy turned around, but Mouse was already heading toward her dresser. He swatted for her butt, but only caught a bit of the towel. Billy sighed and watched her opening drawers. She had more clothing here than she had at her place. She lived with two other girls, one floor down and six apartments over. They were all friends in school. When Mouse and Billy decided to move to Prescott after high school, the two girls moved in with her while Billy moved in with their friend Ki. Billy sighed and breathed in. He could smell something cooking. It had to be Ki. She loved to bake, and was very good at it. Billy turned back around and found the clothing he was going to wear. He was pretty much dry from all of the commotion, but as he dressed, he still felt damp.

Mouse dressed slowly. Billy finished and watched her for a while as she rubbed lotion here and there. But, when she began asking which looked better, this shirt or that one, he decided it was time to go. Besides, whatever Ki was cooking, smelt much too good to wait any longer. It was definitely time to get breakfast.

There was a body passed out in the hallway right outside of his room. It was Surfer Joe. He wasn’t a real surfer. There wasn’t anywhere to surf in Prescott Arizona, and Joe had never been out of the desert in his life. But, everyone called him Surfer Joe. Billy kicked him as he stepped over. Come on. He said. "The game is about to start. Surfer Joe moaned and rolled over. But, he didn’t get up.

Stepping into the living room, it was obvious that a party occurred last night. There were four other bodies lying here and there. One of Mouse’s roommates, Jeannette, was sitting on the sofa. She was watching the pre-game show with a guy she brought. Billy knew his name, but couldn’t think of it just then. There were empty bottles and cans littered everywhere. There were ashtrays overflowing and the whole place still stunk like cigarettes. Billy wasn’t a smoker, and was very adamant about people not smoking in his apartment. But when the music was playing and the liquor was flowing, it was hard to keep track of everyone. Billy and Ki had a nice collection of DVD’s and CD’s displayed on the entertainment center. From the look of it, every one of them was open and the disc’s missing or misplaced. There was also clothing strewn about. Not all of it was from the bodies of the people passed out. Some of the people must have forgotten them when they left.

Carefully, Billy made his way through the mess to the kitchen. Ki was busy over the stove. Kenny and Paul were sitting at the table greedily devouring a mound of eggs, bacon, and pancakes. They both grunted as he walked in. Kenny even lifted his fork in greeting. The kitchen was in complete contrast to the living room. It was immaculately clean. Billy came up behind Ki and kissed her on the cheek. Morning. He said breathing in the alluring aroma of the sausage and ham she was currently working on. Even that wasn’t enough to overpower the incredible aroma from the oven of freshly baking bread.

Good morning. Ki said pleasantly. She turned toward him and smiled. Are you alive?

Barely. Billy said holding a fist to his eye. I’m working on a real nice headache.

I can fix that. She said indicating toward the table. Billy grabbed a plate and started loading it up. Ki floated over and placed a huge ham patty down on his plate. He thanked her, but didn’t look up until he had put away several mouthfuls. He was about to thank her properly when Rob walked in. He was Ki’s boyfriend. He came up behind her and wrapped her in his arms. They were an odd couple. Rob was Billy’s best-male-friend. Billy even introduced him to Ki. Rob was tall. He had black hair and dark brown eyes. Ki, on the other hand, was very small. She was only three feet tall. She had long blonde hair with clear blue eyes. She was an elf. She had huge pointed ears and fair skin like all elves.

Hi Rob, hi Ki. Mouse said as she entered the room. She kissed them both on the cheek. Something smells delicious. She only grunted at the guys, who grunted back.

The kitchen table wasn’t big enough for everyone. So, Kenny and Paul got up to make room. They were nearly finished anyway. Talk of the game broke out. The noise of the conversation and the aroma of food woke the rest of the party stragglers. By the time the game actually started, breakfast moved from the kitchen to the living room. Billy and Mouse did their best to straighten up while keeping the flow of the conversation. But, it was Sunday, and it was football season. Even if they cleaned it spotlessly, it would end up in the same shape the next morning after three games.

Arizona played the second game today, so the first game wasn’t as important. It started at eleven, and everyone used it as a Get ready type of game. Everyone watched, it was football after all, but people were allowed to talk through it and come and go as they pleased. Billy was a little more interested in it than the others. The New Orleans Saints were playing. Later on in the year, they were going to play the Cardinals, the last game of the season. But, that wasn’t why Billy was interested in them. He wanted a look at their new quarterback. His name was Eddie Van and for the last two games, he had received a perfect quarterback rating. And, since he joined the team this year, the Saints hadn’t lost a game.

Billy was something of a football fanatic. He loved the game. He loved reading the stats on every player, and he could quote them to you. He even knew the stats from before he was born. From a statistic point of view, his team shouldn’t have won those two games or this coming up game. One player being hot didn’t mean that the rest of the team was going to be hot. But, the rest of the team had been stepping up. There was an old sports announcer’s adage that said Any team in this league could beat any other team on any given day. It meant that all of the teams in the league were good even though some teams always seemed to rise to the top while others always seem to struggle. It meant that at any moment a team could come from nowhere, like the Saints, and make their way to the top. It depended on coaching, luck, the players, and perseverance.

Billy looked at it from another point of view. Both the Saints and the Cardinals were very much alike. They were both very good teams that for one reason or another had never had that special something that gave them the edge. He believed that if this Van guy could take the Saints all the way, than the Cardinals could do the same thing. Maybe all they needed was that little oomph to get them over the hill. Billy really wanted to see how this quarterback preformed. He wanted to study him and learn what he had that their quarterback didn’t have.

Throughout the game, Billy wasn’t disappointed. Van was a machine. Everything he wanted to do, he did, effortlessly. Eddie Van threw two touchdowns in the first quarter. The first was a fifty-three yard bomb to the wide receiver, and the second was a twenty yard strike across the middle. Both times, and every other time he threw the ball, the receiver was open. They were open so readily because he threw to eight different players. If his first choice wasn’t open, he just sailed it to the next. And, to complement the passing game, they ran for forty-seven yards.

Can you believe that guy? Billy said excitedly as the quarter ended. He hasn’t dropped one pass yet.

He didn’t drop one the entire game last week. Rob said from across the room. He and Ki were sitting in the recliner. She was on his lap. Ki no longer looked like an elf. She now looked like a midget or little person. Her hair was pulled into a pony tail exposing her ears. They were no longer pointed. Most of the people that came over for their parties and the games didn’t know about or believe in elves. She and Durf were forced to keep their true identities under strict guard. At the moment, now that the TV woke up the party stragglers so that they could leave, everyone in the room knew who and what they were. But, someone could come over at any time. Ki and Rob were both wearing Cardinals jerseys. Ki’s was much too large for her. She tied it in the middle with a belt, but it still swallowed up her legs. She looked like a baby in a Cardinal’s blanket.

Mouse and Jeannette were sitting together on the loveseat. He’s also single. Mouse said.

And beautiful. Jeannette giggled.

And he’s going to beat the Cardinals at the end of the season. Durf said joining in the laughing.

Mouse! Billy bellowed. He picked up his beer bottle and threw it at the huge Viking. He was now dressed in a three piece business suit. His hair and beard were combed and he had on a pair of glasses. Sitting on a counter stool, his pant legs were pulled up so that his argyle socks were showing. Even though he was trying to fit in disguise-wise, he looked more ridiculous than if he were wearing his Viking outfit.

Durf raised his hand and the bottle stopped in midair. Reaching behind his back, he pulled out an enormous mug. He held it up, and the remaining beer from the bottle floated up into the air and then down into the mug. There wasn’t enough beer in the bottle to fill up the mug, but when Durf brought it to his lips, the froth was overflowing. Durf drained it with one long gulp. Ahhh. He moaned contentedly.

Mouse stood up. Come on Durf. She said. Time to go back inside. She stepped toward him with her mouth open.

No wait. Kenny and Paul said together. Can you make me some of that magical ale? Paul stood up and moved between the Viking and Mouse.

Yeah, come on. Let him stay. Surfer Joe said turning to Billy. He’ll be good. Won’t you? He turned back to Durf. You won’t say anything about the Cardinals, will you?

Durf pretended to put a key in his mouth and turn it. Paul sat down next to the Viking and nodded toward the empty mug. Durf reached behind his back and pulled out three more enormous mugs. He was holding them by the handles and they were foaming down the sides. He gave one to Kenny, Paul, and Surfer Joe.

You know, we went down to Wickenburg the other day. Kenny said taking a huge draw from his mug. And, we didn’t see any magic.

You must not have been looking in the right place then. Durf said heartily. His mug magically refilled itself. He took a swig and continued. Wickenburg is the biggest magical hub left on this world.

We went everywhere. Paul said shaking his head. We even found that house.

Yeah, the one with the two palm trees. Surfer Joe added.

Mouse looked over her shoulder at Billy. He shook his head and she went to sit with him. Come on Durf. Paul continued. Teach us how to magically make beer.

I showed you how last time. Durf laughed, enjoying the attention. You just have to practice.

We have been practicing. Kenny said defeated. You guys just want to keep it secret.

The game was back on, but no one was watching. Even Billy was turned around. Would I do that? Durf said acting hurt. Mouse did you hear that? They wounded me.

Oh, I think you can take it. Mouse nodded.

Come on. Paul pleaded. Really teach us.

A cheer roared from the crowd. Billy turned to see what had happened. They began the replay of Eddie Van throwing through the hands of two defenders to connect on a thirty-two yard touchdown. Billy turned toward Rob to say something, but he was leaning over. Ki isn’t going to teach you anything. He said forcefully. And she is as magical as that… that caveman over there.

What’d I miss? Billy whispered to Mouse. But, he turned back to the television. Not really listening.

Ki floated up into the air. Elf magic is different than Durf magic. She said. She had a tiny voice, but it was very melodious. As she spoke, she ran her hand through her bangs and pushed them to one side. Her eyes began to glow. Instantly, a huge wooden barrel appeared in the center of the room. There was a tap attached to it. She floated down to Durf and took the mug from his hand. She placed the mug against the ancient keg and pulled the small lever. Golden brown ale fell from the tap into the mug. A foamy white head fell over the sides as she released the lever. Cheers. She said lifting it to her mouth.

Surfer Joe and Kenny fell over themselves rushing for the keg. So, she’s more powerful than you are? Paul asked Durf.

No, no no. Durf said in his own defense. It’s like she said. Her magic is different from mine.

But, who is most powerful. Paul insisted. Is there a magical way to tell?

Durf and Ki looked at each other. We could use an imp. Ki said shrugging. I’ll summon one.

Ahh, you’re trying to cheat. Durf said smiling broadly. This is getting interesting.

I’m not trying to cheat. Ki said taken aback. What’d I do?

If we are going to use an imp, you will have to keep him alive magically. Durf explained. If you are keeping him alive magically, your magic will be active. If we ask him who is the most powerful between us, yours will be active so yours will seem more powerful.

Well, what then. Ki shrugged.

We can still use an imp, but we’ll have Billy conjure it. Durf suggested.

What? Kenny said tearing himself away from his ale. I didn’t know he could do that. I thought he could only…

I can instruct him. Durf said. He looked up at Ki. We can instruct him. He knows some magic. It will be easier for him to learn. He can do it.

Everyone turned toward Billy. At that moment, the other team scored their first touchdown. Billy was excited about Eddie Van, but he was also secretly voting for the other team. No matter how Durf said it, it was true. The Saints were scheduled to play the Cardinals at the end of the season. So, if someone beat him before they played each other, there would be more hope that Arizona could win.

Mouse touched him on the sleeve. Billy turned. Everyone was still looking at him. What? He asked timidly.

After a quick explanation, Billy agreed to try and summon an imp. If it had been closer to the second game, he would have refused. But, it wasn’t even halftime yet. There was plenty of time before the Arizona game. He listened to the instructions of both Durf and Ki. It didn’t seem very difficult.

Everyone moved the furniture away from the middle of the room. Billy sat down in front of the television, Ki to his right and Durf to his left. The rest of their friends sat or stood in a semicircle a few feet away from them. As Billy began, a tiny puff of smoke appeared between the two magical people. Slowly, it twisted and formed into a figure. In truth, it looked like a tiny devil. It was red in color. It had a long tail with a barbed spike at the end and horns on its little head. It stood about one foot tall and was unhealthily thin. It looked like a skeleton with skin stretched over it.

The tiny creature timidly looked around at all of them. It had huge eyes. They looked much too big for his tiny head. It wasn’t wearing any clothing, but there weren’t any characteristics to determine if it was male or female. It must have been able to tell that Billy was the one who conjured it, because it ran toward him in fright of the others. Scared, it tried to hide inside Billy’s hand.

Go ahead and ask it. Surfer Joe said inching closer. He was down on his hands and knees crawling forward.

Billy cleared his throat. Imp. He said. He lifted the tiny creature in his hand and placed him between Durf and Ki. Excluding me, who is the most powerfully magical person? He excluded himself because he didn’t want his active magic influencing anything.

The imp rubbed his hands together looking at both of them. He also glanced up at Surfer Joe as he inched forward. Then, with shaking hands, he slowly lifted his hand and pointed.

I said excluding me. Billy sighed. That means not including me.

At the sound of Billy’s voice, the imp cringed. Again, slowly, he lifted up its hand and tremblingly pointed at Billy.

Wait a minute. Mouse gasped. Everyone turned toward her. She blushed, but held up her hand for them to wait. Finally, after ten seconds, she lowered her hand. Try it again now.

Billy asked the question again. Excluding me, He said with emphasis. Who is the most powerfully magical person?

This time, the imp, still cowering, pointed toward Durf.

I knew it! Durf exhaled. I knew it. He jumped to his feet and magically created new mugs for everyone. They were larger than the others and overrunning with foaming ale.

Wait a minute. Billy said halting everyone as they were all breaking out in private conversations. Mouse, what were you waiting for?

She smiled. Try it again. She said picking up the mug of ale and rubbing it between her hands.

Billy tried one more time. Like before, the imp pointed toward him. I don’t get it. He said confused. Everyone turned toward Mouse. She smiled and motioned for Billy to scoot out of the way. Billy looked behind him. The television was still on. Eddie Van was just taking a snap. The imp was pointing directly at him.

Awe, now that’s cheating. Durf said incredulously. "I thought that you said you couldn’t use magic in sporting events.

02. Wilhoit

Billy was dumbfounded. The realization that Eddie Van was using magic to influence the football game really affected him. For the rest of the game, and during the entire Arizona game, he didn’t talk to anyone. He lived his life by strict rules when it came to magic. He learned early on what would happen if he used it excessively.

In the summer, less than a month after his fourteenth birthday, Billy was touched by a magical curse. It was the day he met Ki. The swimming pool was closed, so Durf was showing Billy and Mouse the magical hub in Wickenburg to pass the time. While they were there, they discovered Ki escaping from the magical nexus. She was swept up in an elemental dust devil. It was throwing her violently in an upward swirl of stinging wind. She performed a quick piece of magic that projected itself as a yellow beam of light. The elemental released her, and she landed outside the nexus. Unfortunately, it threw her into a cactus. She was near death and impaled by dozens of tiny cactus needles.

Billy carefully extracted her from the cactus, but in the process was touched by what Durf called a magical curse. It was underneath the tiny elf, pulled from the nexus by the elemental. When he touched it, the magic of the curse changed him. At first, he didn’t consider it a curse, because it somehow gave him the ability to see the future. He could look at anything. He could see who was going to win all of the football games. He could see what the lottery numbers were going to be. He could even see what he was going to look like when he was older.

After using his new magical ability for a while, he found that he could also use it interactively. He could use it to look at himself, and see what would happen if he sat in one chair, and then he could look at it and see what would change if he sat in a different chair. It was amazing the way things changed by simply doing one thing verses another.

Being fourteen, Billy used his new ability to get everything he ever wanted. By the time he was sixteen, he was bored with life. There was nothing to strive for. He had the best girlfriend, the best car, all the money he could ever want. He even had people to do his chores and school work for him. He had absolutely no reason to get out of bed. He finally realized that the gift he received wasn’t a gift after all. It really was a curse. It took the combined magic of Ki and Durf to undo the damage Billy did to himself. From that day forward, he decided not to use his curse unless absolutely necessary.

When he and Mouse graduated, they moved away from Wickenburg, away from magic. But, magic wasn’t something he could move away from, especially when he brought magical beings like Ki and Durf with him. In trying to be as normal as he could, Billy took a job at the McDonalds restaurant near his house. He was a swing manager back in Wickenburg, so it was easy for him to get a job. Slowly, he arranged for most of his friends to work with him. He became the closing manager and took off every Sunday and Monday for football.

For the three years he had been living in Prescott, he had refrained from using his ability to win the lottery, even though he bought a ticket every week. He hadn’t used it to get a promotion, even though he did use it to predict what customers would purchase to prepare for high volume. But, most importantly, he never signed up to play fantasy football. He desperately wanted to. There were several leagues that he had access to, not to mention the ones available on the internet. But, his friends would find out, and they wouldn’t believe that he wasn’t cheating. It was hard enough to get them to believe that he could predict the games from the stats alone. He had an amazing track record.

Arizona won the afternoon game. They were now three and two. It was the sixth week, but they only had five scores because they had a bye during the third week. It was a close game, but Billy couldn’t feel excited for them. If Eddie Van was cheating, who else might be? Throughout the whole game, he talked himself out of summoning another imp a hundred times.

Billy? Mouse whispered quietly. Billy looked up at her, but he didn’t see her right away. He was still a million miles away. As his eyes focused, he noticed her indicating with her head. Billy looked up. Julie was standing in the doorway looking at them. She had her arms crossed and she was scowling. Julie didn’t watch football. She knew he was going to watch it all day, so she usually didn’t come over until after the night game. But, sometimes she would show up between the afternoon and evening games to check up on him.

Billy realized that he was sitting next to Mouse. He sighed. She was going to be mad. He looked quickly over his shoulder. Durf was nowhere in sight. Billy didn’t care where he was, just as long as Julie didn’t see him working any kind of magic. Even though he was disguised, he sometimes let magic slip without realizing it. Billy didn’t share his knowledge of magic with everyone. Neither Julie, nor her friend Amy, who was standing next to her knew anything about that part of his life. It wasn’t because he didn’t want her to know. It was because he didn’t want her to stay with him just because of the magic. If she really liked him, she would stay with or without it.

Hi Julie. He said trying to sound nonchalant. He stood up and went over to her. He didn’t even make it half way. She started walking toward the bedroom. Billy had no choice. He had to follow. But, he wasn’t in the mood to get into an argument.

He walked into the room and she was primed, ready to explode. He didn’t give her the opportunity. Billy moved in close before she could speak. He really liked Julie and wanted it to work between them. He planted an open mouth kiss on her and held tight. She attempted to squirm out of his grasp, but he controlled her easily. With a girl as a best friend and another as a roommate, Billy had gone through jealousies before. He knew he had to distract her from Mouse. Julie tried again to pull away. She tried to push his mouth away, but he continued kissing her.

After nearly a minute, Julie’s hand slowly moved up his arm. Her touch was delicate. It sent tingles down his spine. Julie was a very beautiful young woman. She was about five inches shorter than Billy. She had long golden blonde hair and a perfect face. Her eyes seemed overly large. They were emerald green and shimmered in the light. She had a long thin neck and cream skin. She was wearing a Cardinals T-shirt and jean shorts. She had long perfectly shaped limbs and her touch was slightly cold. As her fingers caressed his skin, Billy loosened his grip.

Loathe in bringing up Mouse’s name, even to make up an excuse, Billy searched his mind for something, anything to say so that he didn’t have to make an excuse. The only thing he could think of was football. But, that wasn’t any good. She didn’t like football. She only wore the shirt to please him. The shirt! He thought to himself. He pulled away from her mouth and snuggled up to her neck just behind her ear. You look very beautiful tonight. Is that a new shirt?

Julie cooed as he sent goose bumps down her arms. No. She smiled, enjoying the gentle touch of his lips on her neck. She placed both of her hands on his sides and rubbed them up to his chest. She knew what he was doing, but at the moment she didn’t care. There was plenty of time for arguments and excuses later. Right now, Billy was paying attention to her on a Sunday. It’s actually my sister’s shirt.

Well, it looks great on you. Billy schmoozed. In fact, He gently slid his hands down her back pressing gently. He pressed her svelte body firmly against his. How about we head out to Wilhoit early? We can spend some time together. We can build the fire, lay out a blanket.

Julie pulled away from him. She stared intently, incredulously. Before the night game?

Billy shrugged. Yeah. He said moving back into her neck.

Julie pushed him away again. What’s the catch? You never miss a game. She looked carefully into his eyes. She had heard once that someone guilty would often try to make up for whatever they did, even if they didn’t tell their significant other. Her mind immediately turned to Mouse. Lowering his head, Billy sighed. He didn’t know how he was going to explain what he was feeling. But, he had to try. She didn’t let him have a chance. She misinterpreted his looking away as a sign. He was about to lie to her. You slept with her didn’t you?

What? No. Billy insisted. It actually was true. They might have slept in the same bed, but they didn’t make love. He furrowed his brow and shook his head. No, it’s the game. He tried to explain. Julie crossed her arms and took a step back. Before you got here, I found out that one of the players was cheating. He paused and leaned against the wall. He didn’t want to tell her how he knew about the cheating. He hoped she wouldn’t ask. He casually kicked the leg of a dresser and was looking at his feet as he continued. He wanted to tell her how outraged he felt, how deeply crushed he was. He wanted to tell her that he was deceived and he didn’t know what to do about it. But, he couldn’t come up with the words to explain it to her, especially if he couldn’t tell her about the magic. How could he tell her that the player was still getting away with cheating? I’m just a little disillusioned today. I don’t think I can watch anymore.

When he finished, he looked up at her. She seemed to have mixed feelings. He couldn’t tell what she was thinking. She still looked angry, but she also looked like she wanted to believe him. And, mixed in with all that, she seemed disappointed with herself for wanting to believe him. The whole thing sounded like a line to her, something to get him out of trouble. But, she didn’t understand the game. She didn’t understand why he needed to watch all of the games. She didn’t understand how all of his friends could spend so much time watching it. But, on the other hand, he was offering to spend the evening with her. Billy pushed himself away from the wall with his shoulder. He took her hand in his and decided for her. Come one. He pulled gently. Let’s go.

Moving her out of the bedroom gave credit to his explanation, and Julie moved more freely. But, in the back of her mind, she wasn’t going to completely believe him until he actually missed the evening game. They entered the living room and half the people were gone. Surfer Joe and Kenny were still there drinking with Durf. The television was off and the stereo was on. It wasn’t very loud, but the guys were. They were trying to teach Durf the lyrics while falling about themselves drinking. Rob was in the kitchen with Ki.

Hey Ki, where is everyone? He said poking his head in. Ki was not floating in front of the stove like last time. She was still wrapped in the illusion of a little person, and she was using a small step stool to reach the counter of the middle island where she was chopping vegetables. The illusion was for Julie’s friend Amy’s benefit. She was sitting at the table, snacking on a carrot dipped in ranch dressing.

Paul went with Jeanette and Mouse to hit on their roommate. Ki began. They said that they would be back for the night game.

I don’t think we’re going to make it for the game. Billy said. We’re going to head up to Wilhoit early, get things set up.

You’re going to miss the Broncos Raiders game? Rob said putting his hand up to Billy’s head. "Are you feeling all right?’ Ki stopped slicing the vegetables and just stared at him.

You know, Billy said shaking his head. I don’t know. He looked over at Amy. Are you coming with us or staying here?

Amy saw Julie shaking her head and decided to stay. Rob told them that everyone would meet them up there after the game and walked them to the door. Do you want us to come up there with you? He whispered while pulling him into a hand shaking hug so that Julie couldn’t hear.

No, I’m good. Billy shrugged. I’ll see you guys tonight.

Billy owned a large yellow truck. He helped Julie into it and took her to Denny’s. It was a little awkward at first. Billy didn’t want to talk about football. In fact, he didn’t really want to talk about anything at all. So, Julie initiated the conversation. She talked about her day and about school. She was attending a nursing school and was already talking to a nursing home about a job. Billy was polite and feigned interest. He was content to let her talk so that he didn’t have to think about anything.

They stayed at Denny’s for more than an hour. After leaving, they made stops at the liquor store and the lumber yard. Wilhoit was an actual town. Billy found it on the map once. But, he had never been there, and they weren’t even going to go close to where the map said it was. A little way down the mountain heading toward Yarnell, there was an almost invisible turnoff. It was barely at trail, much less a road. It led toward the waterfall which someone dubbed Wilhoit. Billy scratched the sides of his truck on the brush as he wound his way down. He finally came to a small river that most cars and some trucks couldn’t, or shouldn’t try, passing. He slowly made his way over it and parked on the other side.

They walked the rest of the way. Billy carried everything. The waterfall was around the bend and fell into a small lake. There was a wooden gold-panning trove next to the small waterfall. But, over the years, kids broke most of it down for firewood. The remnants of it were barely recognizable. Billy had bought two wooden pallets at the lumber yard. He set up the blanket and cooler of beer before he went back to the truck to lug them over. Julie began gathering small sticks and broken tree branches. They piled all of the wood up near the fire pit, but they didn’t start it. They made a little cozy fire for two, just to have light.

The next few hours took Billy’s mind completely off of football and everything else. They swam in the lake. They snuck into the crevice behind the waterfall to make love. And, they snuggled together next to the fire to enjoy each other. It did get cold in Arizona, but the season only called for a light jacket or a sweater. They would turn the small fire into a bonfire when the others arrived.

Time flew, and before they realized it, people began arriving. The first arrivals were friends of friends or coworkers. Billy and Julie talked to all of them, and each of them brought supplies, either coolers of beer and alcohol, or music, or wood. No one really arrived until Rob and Ki showed up. Ki was still wearing the illusion that made her look like a midget. They made the rounds, talking to the other people, and finally settled near the fire. The only bad thing about everyone showing up was that the main topic was football. Everyone was excited about the Cardinals winning.

At first, Billy tried to resist, but every time he turned around, someone put a beer into his hand and began reliving the game. As more people showed up, he gave in and was right in the middle of the football conversation. Julie stuck with him for at least an hour. When Amy and three other women arrived, she was happy to leave them to the endless replays and missed calls.

Mouse arrived with her roommates around eleven thirty. Billy knew from experience that most of the people would be leaving around midnight so that they could get to work the next day. It would mainly be his crew, the ones that worked at McDonalds with him, that would stay for any length of time or all night. That was when Billy really enjoyed himself. He liked being out in the middle of nowhere with only his friends around. Mouse hurried toward him. She seemed anxious to talk to him. She was forced to greet everyone as she entered the circle around the fire. After about half an hour, she was finally able to pull on his arm. Come on. She shouted over the barrage of four stereos playing four different songs at full volume. I need to talk to you.

They began to make their way over to the parked cars and trucks. Several of the car radios were on. It was actually noisier there than it was near the fire. Billy grabbed his keys and hit the clicker to unlock it. He helped her in, and followed her as she slid over. As he was closing the door, he saw Julie. She and her friends were staring at him. Billy looked over at Mouse. He was in trouble again. She thought that he was sneaking into the truck to get a quickie. They passed several people doing just that in several other vehicles. Billy growled in frustration. I’ll be right back. He said to Mouse. He rolled up the window, and opened the door again. As he was stepping out, Julie turned around.

Julie! He shouted. But, she either couldn’t hear him or she ignored him. Shaking his head, he took a few steps toward her. Amy nodded toward him, and grabbed Julie by the elbow. They began walking away. Great. Billy moaned. He sighed, and turned back to the truck. He didn’t feel like getting into a fight right now, so he might as well see what Mouse wanted.

The radio was on low when he reentered. Dude, you are so busted. Mouse smiled shaking her head, giggling. You should go talk to her. I can wait a few minutes.

You’re enjoying this aren’t you? Billy said beginning to chuckle himself. Mouse didn’t hate Julie, but she didn’t like her very much either. She usually didn’t like any of his choices in the opposite sex. She flashed him a coy smile. Yeah, yeah. Billy shook his head. What’s so important? And, what took you so long to get here anyway?

Mouse looked around suspiciously. There wasn’t anyone around. She turned away from him and opened the passenger side door. Durf was hunkering down beside the door. He quickly climbed in. As the door shut, Durf blew towards the windshield and side windows. Instantly, they fogged over. Billy’s first reaction to Durf was anger. But, he was surprised to see them take security precautions. Then, he realized that Durf hadn’t exited Mouse’s mouth. He was hiding outside the truck. His anger transformed into curiosity. Neither Mouse nor Durf had ever taken security very seriously. Billy was constantly after him and Mouse to be more careful. He decided he had better hear them out. He crossed his arms and kept the scowl on his face. This had better be good. He said plainly, but kept a touch of anger in his voice just in case this was some kind of Durf trick.

Mouse took a deep breath and held out her hands to steady Durf. Billy noticed a nervous look on his face. He actually looked scared. Ok. She began. Now, don’t rush into an answer before we have a chance to discuss this. She paused looking him directly in the eye. Billy nodded skeptically. All right, stay calm. She paused again. Durf needs to move out of my mouth, and into yours. She stopped.

Slowly, Billy’s mouth turned up into a grin. He shook his head. He knew it. This was just another one of his jokes. Yeah, right. He laughed. He turned and reached for the door handle.

Billy, wait. Mouse pleaded.

Billy didn’t open the door. He turned to look at her. She seemed sincere. And, she usually didn’t involve herself in Durf’s antics. Come on, what’s really going on? He said deciding to listen.

I am serious. He needs to move in with you. Mouse continued. The queen Durf is here. It’s some kind of religious thing with them. He had to offer her his house, and she accepted. He had to leave, and now he has to move in somewhere before the morning or he’ll die.

Billy’s smile slowly turned into a frown as he listened to her. What, no. Billy started flatly. He couldn’t stand Durf. He wasn’t going to do anything to help him, especially let him into his mouth. He didn’t know what kind of sick things he would do in there.

Billy, wait, listen. Mouse tried explaining.

Queen Durf didn’t give us any warning. Durf interrupted. She appeared this evening during the game. Something big is coming…

Mouse held out her hand in front of Durf’s chest before he could explain. She’s coming. Durf grabbed for the door handle. He quickly threw open the door and jumped out. Mouse scrambled after him as quickly as she could. She was barely out of the door when her mouth was forced open. A bright blue glowing object flew off of her tongue. It began growing as it glided to the ground. Billy scooted to the end of the long seat and paused in the doorway.

The blue object grew into an enormous woman. Billy expected a female Viking. But, when she reached the Viking’s height, she kept growing. Within moments, she towered over the top of the truck. Mouse took charge very quickly. She sent Durf down the side of the mountain threw the brush. There were the makings of a path, but it was really more like an animal trail. Mouse bounded after Durf which caused the Queen to follow. Billy stood up on the lip of his door and peered over the top. If anyone noticed the giant, they didn’t give any indication.

He jumped down and followed the three down the path. After a few moments, the trail opened up into a clearing.