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    Headstall
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

Morningstar: The Malaise - 3. Chapter 3 Shifting Gears

Change is gonna come.

Morningstar: The Malaise

 

 

Chapter 3

 

 

Kellar had run further than he’d thought. Even with wolf speed, it had taken some time to retrace his mad dash. Standing just inside the treeline, he looked down on the prim and proper house, watching for movement. There was none to be seen, but he sniffed the air, searching for anything that might signal danger. Children could be heard playing three houses down. It was hot, and their splashes and squeals in the above-ground pool sounded like they were right in front of him. He could also make out snippets of conversation from the elderly neighbors to the left, even over the whir of their central air-conditioning. There was only silence from the house to the right because the Davis family had embarked on their annual summer vacation. All was as it should be, and there were no smells or noises to indicate potential trouble behind the line of tall, wood fences.

He had begun to consider the daunting task of nude tree-climbing in order to get a view down the side of the driveway when he realized his superb vision was allowing him to see through the back patio doors and right out the front windows. Warren’s parking spot was empty. There was no need to risk his junk after all. This wolf thing did have its own perks.

Cautiously, he moved out from the cover of the large trees and paused with his body and head low to the ground, watching and listening for any kind of sound or reaction signifying he’d been seen, but there was none. Before Kellar could overthink, he surged forward and leapt the same fence for the second time that day, this time rubbing his hind legs slightly. Landing in the yard, he froze. Nothing happened. He took a tentative step forward, and with nothing more than a thought, slid back into human form. Naked human form.

Quickly but quietly, he entered the house, and immediately sensed the emptiness of it. Only Warren’s hated stench was present… he was not. Kellar went into high gear, running upstairs to pack his stuff. He was pleased to see the keys to his nine-year-old Honda Civic still where he’d left them. He never knew what to expect from his brother, but it appeared nothing in his room had been disturbed. With determined speed, after pulling on cargo shorts and a tee-shirt, he began packing. Being in this house was necessary, but it would not be smart to linger.

A lot of the items in his closet no longer fit, so the clothes part of it went fast. Hand-me-down duffel bags from his older sibling were soon filled as he emptied his lone dresser. Needing something else to put his treasured books and scribblings in, he hastened to Warren’s bedroom to look for something suitable.

At the same time he saw the new Adidas bag, he noticed the drops of blood on the carpet. Shit. It all came back and this time he didn’t even try to push it away. He had sliced Warren’s leg pretty good when the prick had kicked him, but that in itself didn’t bother him. He shuddered at remembrance of the rage he’d felt at the time, uncertain if he had been truly capable of killing in that red-hazed moment. Facing that question, he decided the point was he didn’t attack the hateful bane of his existence, and that was a good enough answer. Grabbing the new sports bag, still with the tags on it, he left the room harboring no guilt whatsoever, for either action.

A few hurried minutes later, he was done. He’d grabbed all his important papers, his laptop, and his wallet, which contained his spanking-new license, insurance, ownership, bank card, S.I.N. card, and birth certificate. He stared at the family picture on his dresser for a few seconds, wondering if he should take it, but seeing it for the sham it was, he turned away. Only as he was walking out did he remember his phone, and went back to grab it from the floor beside the bed, along with the charger still plugged into the wall. With a quick glance around, Kellar was satisfied he had everything he wanted… his entire life in three bags… and headed down the stairs.

As an afterthought, he grabbed the camping equipment this family had never used, from the storage closet. It was already neatly contained in its own canvas bag. His requests for Don to take him camping had fallen on deaf ears, and he’d given up after a few empty promises. The outdoor gear was only meant for show, like most of what his pretend-parents did.

Kellar stopped at the front door, hesitated, and turned back around. He went into his foster-father’s den, grinning as he saw the busted window screen. That would freak them out. Keeping in mind the passage of time, he scribbled a succinct message saying he was leaving home.

At sixteen, his social worker had told him she was required to inform him of that legal option, although she strongly advised against it. Kellar had never thought at the time he would be taking it; the idea of being on his own had been too damn scary. Now, the choice of staying had become impossible to consider.

Realizing the note required more, he explained how he appreciated what they’d done for him, but he couldn’t deal with the tension between him and Warren any longer, and wanted to strike out on his own… maybe join the army when he was old enough. Don would like that, and be less inclined to try and search him out. He signed his name, but there was no mention of love because he’d never felt it, for or from them. The only reason he left an explanation for leaving was to deter them from calling the police about his disappearance. It had nothing to do with putting their minds at ease. Hopefully, it would suffice; he placed the folded page in Don’s top desk drawer, leaving it open a few inches so the meticulous man would notice.

His foster parents knew he couldn’t be forced to stay with them, and besides, he’d served his purpose. It wasn’t hard to comprehend the poorly-concealed fact they weren’t pleased with his suddenly older, more robust appearance. They could no longer parade the rescued, frail, young boy as their good deed at church, but he didn’t give a rat’s ass about their self-serving posing or a potential dip in social stature. Maybe they would replace him with a scrawny, new kid as proof of their charitable nature. He deluded himself no longer that he was ever a part of their family.

All he had left to do was notify his employer of his resignation. Kellar wouldn’t be sticking around this area, and he could stock shelves anywhere. He’d saved every cent he’d made since he was fourteen, but with the car purchase, and the insurance, he was down to about twelve hundred dollars in his account. It would have to do until he obtained a new job.

Opening the front door, he found himself staring into the eyes of a startled Warren. Weirdly, his first thought was the prick wasn’t so big after all. In fact, he now saw him as weak… puny even. Was it only his imagination or was he bigger after his shifting episodes? While his so-called brother stuttered, he took note of the gauze bandage wrapped around his leg. “Something happen to your leg, asshole?” Kellar snarled the question like a challenge.

“You know damn well what happened to me. You did this, and you’re going to pay when Mom and Dad get back.” The bravado wasn’t matched by the almost noxious smell of fear that accompanied it, and Kellar grinned.

“I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.”

“Yes, you do. You turned into a hairy fucking beast, and you tried to kill me.” The smell of fear intensified.

“Can you hear yourself? You sound insane, man, like you’re on drugs or something. But I’ll make you a deal. I’ll stay out of your life completely if you agree not to spread any nasty rumors about poor little me… or just maybe that hairy beast will come back here and rip your fucking throat out.” His words were said with an edge that promised violence, and Warren visibly quailed. “Of course, that’s if he really exists, and wasn’t just a figment of some drug addict’s imagination.”

“I’m not a drug addict,” Warren protested weakly.

“Aren’t you though? I wonder what Karen and Don would think if I emailed them the pictures I took of you in that patch of marijuana you and your spaced-out friends are growing in the back. I’m pretty sure you can go to jail for cultivating the stuff. There’s even a couple of shots of you laughing and smoking a joint. I have a great zoom on my phone.” He leaned closer, still grinning. “You know what they think of the evils of weed.” Man, had the wolf ever changed him he thought while observing the machinations on the detested face. He’d held that information in reserve, and judging by the reaction, it had been a smart move.

“You son-of-a-bitch….” That was all he got out before Kellar grabbed him by the throat and lifted, forcing Warren to stand on his tip-toes, bandaged leg and all.

“You want to be very careful what you say from now on. Do you get me?” He flexed his fingers and Warren’s panicked eyes bulged. “Just nod… do not speak unless I tell you to.”

He managed to nod despite the position he was in. When Kellar let him go, he was trembling, and the sharp smell of urine invaded the air around them.

“Did someone pee their pants?” Kellar looked down and back up with an eyebrow raised.

Warren opened his mouth, but only nodded, and his already red face flushed a darker shade.

He was tempted to ridicule the pathetic fuck, but that was Warren’s way, not his. “Help me carry this stuff out to my car,” he ordered, “and don’t get any piss on it.” The limping man complied, and said nothing when handed what had previously been his brand-new and coveted Adidas bag. Once everything was packed in the trunk, a thoughtful Kellar spoke again. “Go get me the comforter and pillow off my bed. I might need them.”

Again, Warren did as he was told, returning quickly with the bedding.

“So, do we have a deal, big brother?”

Warren opened his mouth to speak, but caught himself. He repeated the allowed gesture, and put his head down.

“Good… and remember. I’ll be watching you.”

His brother bobbed his head up and down again, but didn’t make any eye contact. The smell of urine had gotten stronger, and Kellar felt a modicum of sympathy for the guy who’d made his life a living hell on a regular basis.

Just how terrifying had he appeared when he’d shifted the first time? He believed he was roughly double the size of wolves he’d seen on TV, and with the added strength present in his human form, Kellar was positive he was much stronger than he’d been upon awakening that morning. He could have lifted Warren completely off the ground with one hand if he’d wanted to, but as much as he hated the jerk, he had no desire to snap anyone’s neck.

Warren didn’t move. He stood beside the car as if waiting to be dismissed. Kellar squeezed his big body into the front seat that had once felt roomy, and backed out of the driveway. Leaving the subdivision, he watched in the rear-view mirror to see his no-longer brother sink to the pavement in the driveway.

Kellar felt no remorse at leaving his old life behind. He didn’t know what to expect, but he was done jumping through hoops for other people. That had been his life up until today, but no more. It was time to leave it, and the east coast of Canada behind. A new destination and a new start was what was needed, and the province of Ontario seemed as good a place as any.

Turning on the car radio, he began to sing in a deep, rumbling voice. It too had changed. When Kellar got to a high part, he powered down all four windows and celebrated his freedom with a howl that had to have been heard throughout the entire neighborhood.

Thank you to my editor, Timothy M., and all those reading this story. Likes and reviews would be appreciated. Join us in the COTT thread of the promising author forum for discussion of the story:
www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/39932-cards-on-the-table-by-headstall/
Copyright © 2017 Headstall; All Rights Reserved.
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

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  On 1/19/2018 at 7:33 AM, Timothy M. said:

 

This is such an intriguing reply, but now I know exactly what you mean. Kellar's wolf has finally emerged and he is ready to begin his journey and find his future. The most amazing future none of us could have predicted at this point in the story, no matter how we tried. It was a fantastic experience the first time and I can feel myself quiver with anticipation at the thought of embarking on the roller coaster once more. (I jumped in half way though the other night, but decided to go back to the beginning and start all over again.)

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Exactly! The first three chapters lay the groundwork for when we meet the Kellar of the story... as you say, the one who is ready to begin his journey. Perfect! I'm blown away that you would quiver with anticipation, Tim. It means so much to me. I am going to try to find the time to read it from end to end. I've never really done that, and I think I should. :D 

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  On 1/22/2018 at 12:09 AM, Albert1434 said:

What a chapter I love how Keller handled his old step brother and peeing his pant was priceless! And how with cool  thought  the collecting of his things

loved it:yes: Down to the note he left for the people that never love him or for that matter cared for him!

Great Great chapter:thankyou::worship:

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That note was very smart. Leaving it lessened the likelihood of him being searched for. It is only inferred subtly, but I think Warren sees the dramatic change of Kellar's human form. He is way bigger, and way stronger than he was that morning, before the shift. He is no longer shorter than his older foster brother. So Kellar, in either form, is scary... I would have peed too if I was Warren. :P  Thanks so much for the great comment, Albert. :hug: 

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So much groundwork and yet with economy.  Powerful little phrases, like "pretend-parents," or "but there was no mention of love because he’d never felt it, for or from them."  I'm really starting to groove on reading this at a slower pace. 

 

So, I've always segregated mystery from suspense.  So, they both can be a "who done it," but suspense changes the rules or springs new information at you to wrap things up.  Mysteries, no, they give you all the tools to solve them cleverly and mundanely hidden in plain sight very organically along with the story.  I'm not so sure you use misdirection, but your strength is in how you incorporate real clues as random bits of inner dialog. That skill takes practicing your craft. 

 

This is the solid foundation to start, yet it drew us in and synced us up to Keller flawlessly.  Even as adults, empathy to feeling unsure but planning your best and moving on is very relatable.  Hence, why I'm reading this again as I move onto the next phase of my "do-over."  LOL  ~ Ms. V

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  On 3/16/2019 at 3:24 AM, Y0rite said:

So much groundwork and yet with economy.  Powerful little phrases, like "pretend-parents," or "but there was no mention of love because he’d never felt it, for or from them."  I'm really starting to groove on reading this at a slower pace. 

 

So, I've always segregated mystery from suspense.  So, they both can be a "who done it," but suspense changes the rules or springs new information at you to wrap things up.  Mysteries, no, they give you all the tools to solve them cleverly and mundanely hidden in plain sight very organically along with the story.  I'm not so sure you use misdirection, but your strength is in how you incorporate real clues as random bits of inner dialog. That skill takes practicing your craft. 

 

This is the solid foundation to start, yet it drew us in and synced us up to Keller flawlessly.  Even as adults, empathy to feeling unsure but planning your best and moving on is very relatable.  Hence, why I'm reading this again as I move onto the next phase of my "do-over."  LOL  ~ Ms. V

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Wow. You really are delving into this story, and I love it. I love what you say about economy. I have learned to use restraint, I think, and it is a constant balancing act. I truly believe there is such a thing as writing too clean, where you can sacrifice subtle but important elements, though, and I was on guard for that... I still am, in everything I write. 

 

I did strive to keep the reader off guard, but I thought it was important for them to be able to say 'ah' with each new revelation, even if they didn't consciously know why it made sense. Every detail of Morningstar pretty much resided in my head from the beginning, but translating that to the page/screen required lots of thought and induced some stress.... not a bad thing because this story, being so different for me, held great importance to me. :)  It is great validation to hear the start to Kellar's story, the first three chapters, were relatable, especially considering he is a shifter. I'm pleased it syncs up with your 'do-over'... that is awesome. :D  Thanks again, Ms. V... you rock! :hug: 

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Its a wonderful scene at the end: Kellar being able to Howl away all the years of abuse and neglect at the hands of the foster care system.

Taking Warren's new Adidas sports bag and even getting the bitch to carry it to the car, sure would have made for the perfect trophy. 

I just hope that Kellar doesn't find out that his parents fatal crash, was inadvertently caused by his sudden and unexpected transformation into wolf.

Edited by Bard Simpson
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  On 9/7/2019 at 1:35 PM, Bard Simpson said:

Its a wonderful scene at the end: Kellar being able to Howl away all the years of abuse and neglect at the hands of the foster care system.

Taking Warren's new Adidas sports bag and even getting the bitch to carry it to the car, sure would have made for the perfect trophy. 

I just hope that Kellar doesn't find out that his parents fatal crash, was inadvertently caused by his sudden and unexpected transformation into wolf.

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Damn. I just wrote out a reply and lost it. :(  The most surprising thing I've found, upon becoming a writer, was that I feel what my characters feel, so that howl that something I couldn't wait to get to. It was so freeing, and rewarding. :)  I'm pleased you liked it.

And yes, taking Warren's Adidas bag was symbolic, but what I liked most was Kellar's restraint. He knew perfectly well he could have ripped his foster brother to shreds, yet he controlled his earlier rage. An impressive young man in my opinion. 

Kellar's parent's car crash happened when he was four, and this was his first change, so whatever caused it, it couldn't have been his sudden transformation as a seventeen-year-old. It's an interesting question, but I can't see toddlers shifting into wolves. :no: 

Thanks for your wonderful comment, buddy. Much appreciated... now the story really begins. :D  Cheers... Gary....

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  On 2/16/2020 at 12:41 AM, Jasmine94 said:

They way Keller avenged himself was hilarious. But I love though. It serves Warren right. Thank you for your hard work author.

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Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. :)  Poor Warren... not. :P  I loved writing this new and powerful Kellar... it was fun. Thanks so much, Jasmine. I appreciate you leaving comments on each chapter... it means a lot. :hug: 

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  On 2/16/2020 at 2:21 AM, Headstall said:

Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. :)  Poor Warren... not. :P  I loved writing this new and powerful Kellar... it was fun. Thanks so much, Jasmine. I appreciate you leaving comments on each chapter... it means a lot. :hug: 

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You're a very polite person. I too really appreciate your response to my comments. And I promise you, this  won't be the last of your stories that I will read.(as long as it has a happy ending.) Thanks Gary.

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  On 2/16/2020 at 11:16 PM, Jasmine94 said:

You're a very polite person. I too really appreciate your response to my comments. And I promise you, this  won't be the last of your stories that I will read.(as long as it has a happy ending.) Thanks Gary.

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Thanks, Jasmine! I love interaction with readers. It makes all the hard work of writing even more worthwhile that it is by itself. Readers have become friends. :)  Great to hear you will read other stories of mine. :D  As far as happy endings, you can pretty much count on it. :yes:  Cheers... Gary.... :hug: 

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  On 3/25/2020 at 1:29 AM, Albert1434 said:

Once again very great chapter. I loved how Kellar show self restraint in not killing his brother Warren what a loser:thankyou:

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Yes, he showed tremendous restraint. Warren was a horrible brother to Kellar, yet he showed mercy while feeling powerful and unfamiliar instincts. We see more of the 'person' Kellar is in this chapter. Personally, I loved writing the howling scene at the end as he was driving away from Turtle Dove Lane. :D  Thanks, Buddy! :hug: 

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  On 3/25/2020 at 1:34 AM, Headstall said:

Yes, he showed tremendous restraint. Warren was a horrible brother to Kellar, yet he showed mercy while feeling powerful and unfamiliar instincts. We see more of the 'person' Kellar is in this chapter. Personally, I loved writing the howling scene at the end as he was driving away from Turtle Dove Lane. :D  Thanks, Buddy! :hug: 

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It totally rocked man.:yes:

Edited by Albert1434
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  On 12/24/2020 at 10:50 PM, Story Reader said:

I hope Warren does what Kellar tells him to cause if he mouths off, he may end up in a mental hospital or if not then he might have Kellar come after him! 

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It's tough to say what Warren will do. If he talks, I doubt anyone would believe him. I don't think Kellar would waste any time coming after him... it appears he's leaving that life behind, and good riddance. :)  But yeah, Warren could end up being pretty messed up by what he experienced. Thanks, Sherye! Cheers! :hug: 

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  On 8/13/2021 at 10:19 PM, Albert1434 said:

Just a great and powerful chapter!

Thanks for sharing:thankyou:

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I just reread this chapter and I remember the feeling I had when I wrote his howl at the end. It was a powerful moment for me, and I think I had my first inkling this story could be something special... if I didn't screw it up. I wrote feverishly after this, needing to get as much of what was in my head down on 'paper'. It literally took over my life, but I will always think of that as a good thing. Thanks, buddy! :hug: 

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  On 10/5/2021 at 12:57 AM, drpaladin said:

There is a perverse, visceral satisfaction in making ones foes pee their pants. I think this cements in Kellar's psyche how intimidating he is now.

He's better off than I thought he would be. He has money and reliable transportation and should be able to support himself.

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I agree. Kellar has always been self-sufficient, relying only on himself really, and that was because he was weak and frail, and for the most part, alone... and bullied in both the group homes and at the Apsleys. It's ironic that what made him so resilient was his weakness. He is anything but now. On the average guy, I imagine the changes would be a little too self-empowering, to the point of being dangerous. We know of the rage he felt, but he controlled it. It brings to mind... with great power comes great responsibility. 

So, the story really begins after this chapter. His caring nature kept him from committing a serious crime, and his sense of responsibility has aided this escape he's taking. He is not afraid... he welcomes what is ahead, and there is sooooo much more to come, Dr. P... I think you'll like it. :)  Cheers! :hug: 

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I really enjoyed @drpaladin 's comments and agree with them.  I personally was impressed with Kellar's resourcefulness in getting into the house and logically removing his presence from his former residence.  His ability to anticipate actions by his foster parents and defuse a possible problem was impressive.  His confrontation with Warren was both gratifying and humorous.  What a brilliant segue to his new life.

Edited by raven1
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  On 12/3/2021 at 8:28 AM, raven1 said:

I really enjoyed @drpaladin 's comments and agree with them.  I personally was impressed with Kellar's resourcefulness in getting into the house and logically removing his presence from his former residence.  His ability to anticipate actions by his foster parents and defuse a possible problem was impressive.  His confrontation with Warren was both gratifying and humorous.  What a brilliant segue to his new life.

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Dr. P usually sees to the heart of things. I enjoy his comments too. Kellar is impressive... there is no doubt about that as he prepares to embark on this new life. The fact he embraces it with so little knowledge is what fascinated me about him. And the way he handled Warren! Who is this guy? What is he? Where is he going and what will he encounter along the way? Kellar intrigued me as much as he did the readers. I loved that howl at the end. I remember actually doing it myself to see how it would feel, after I wrote it. It was... liberating. :)  Thanks, buddy. I hope you are enjoying it so far. :hug: 

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  On 5/2/2023 at 6:40 PM, Albert1434 said:

He could have killed Warren but that isn't the guy he is! I loved Warren peeing his pants so cool lol.. With everything he will need pack up and in the trunk. I can't wait to read the next chapter!

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I think we can see that while Kellar is still Kellar, there is a new part of him he can't ignore. But you're right... he isn't a killer. I'm glad you liked the pee part. I must say I got great enjoyment from reducing Warren to a urine soaked wimp. He deserved it. :)  There was so much satisfaction in this role reversal between the two foster brothers. :D  Thanks, buddy. Glad you are eager even with another reread. :hug: 

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