Chapter 1:Found *Ding* "Don't forget to do your homework!" the teacher reminded over the noise of the end of the day rush from the front of the class. A 16-year-old boy stuffed books into his bag and followed the class out into the halls. "Attention students!" a call came over the PA system, "Please come and join us before tonight's big football game verse our cross-town rival the Chelsea Bulldogs for a tail-gating party!" The boy struggled through the halls hoping to make it to his locker at the other end of the hall in one piece. "Hey Brian!" a female voice greeted from behind him. "Hey Katherine," he responded quietly without turning. "What's up?" Katherine asked trying to cheer Brian up. "Getting ready to go home," Brian answered hoisting his backpack onto his shoulders and shutting the locker. "You going to the game?" Katherine asked. "Yeah I'll be there," Brian affirmed turning around, putting a fake smile on his face. Katherine smiled back, "See you there." "Yeah," Brian nodded backing towards the closest exit, "Well I gotta go pick up my brother. Bye." "Bye," Katherine waved with a worried look. "Sorry I'm late had a little argument with my parents," Brian apologized taking up a seat next to Katherine. "It's ok, you didn't miss anything. The game hasn't started," Katherine waved it off, "Was the argument serious?" "Nah," Brian chuckled, "It was a stupid argument about sports, nothing big." Katherine smile, "Ya know Brian you seem like such a nice guy but you act too shy around other people." "I know but its fine with me," Brian shrugged the statement off. "I know its ok with you but ever since you got his idea of going out and capturing Pokémon you've clammed up," Katherine said concerned. "I know that too. The idea is just some thing that came to mind after I caught a glimpse of a show about Kanto and Johto. It's an adventure that no one in Dexter has tried," Brian sounded excited. "Yeah but you got school and a family to stick around for," Katherine tried to curb Brian before he went too far. "So those aren't holding me back," Brian said as he watched the Dexter quarterback toss a spiral to a waiting wide receiver in the end zone. The crowd erupted in cheers. "The score: Dexter 7, Chelsea 0," the announcer shouted over the loud speaker. "This may be our year to win the district and even the region," Brian noted standing up with the rest of the crowd. *Ring* *Ring* Brian snatched his cell phone from his belt. "Hello?" "Yeah, were winning." "Really?! Awe come on mom the game just started," Brian complained into the phone turning away from Katherine, "I'll be right home." Slapping the cell phone shut Brian turned back, "I'm sorry Katherine but my parents want me home ASAP." "Did they give you a reason?" Katherine asked looking for a way to keep her friend close for a while longer. "They said they found something that was my great-great-grandfather's," Brian shrugged, "I'll talk to you soon." The crowd moved aside as Brian moved down to the ground. With a wave he walked away listening to the crowd. At home his Mom stood outside looking at the object they had found. "That is what you called me home for?!" Brian said shocked at what had caused enough stir for his parents to want him home right away. "We told you it was your great-great-grandfather's," Brian's mother replied a bit in dismay at her son's attitude towards the new treasure. "What does that do for me?" Brian asked a bit irritated. "I'll tell you inside along with the rest of the family," His mom scolded with an angry look. Sighing, Brian walked in and plopped down in a chair. His dad and brother sat on the couch watching TV with zombie like stares. "Hello?" Brian asked waving his hand in front of his dad's face, "Wake up, mom wants to explain something." "Uhh oh I'm up," his dad said nudging Brian's brother out of his trance. The room was silent as Brian's mother entered holding a large album with a small book resting on top of it. She seated herself across the living room from Brian still clutching the books. A lamp sitting on the table next to her cast a mysterious shadow across her face, sending the mood deeper into suspense. Carefully, Brian's mom set the larger book on the table and opened the other book with great care. "This was your great-great-grandfather's journal, Brian," she said leafing through the first few pages, "There are a few days I want you to look at. They may help clear up the mystery about this thing." Standing up, Brian moved to the window and swept the curtains open to gaze at the thing still in the front yard. It was a small figure, almost like a lawn ornament, made out of some sort of gray stone. The figure was of a standing man arm extended holding some form of a ball. The figure was dressed in jeans, vest, and a backwards cap. "Ah here," Brian's mom chirped holding the book out for Brian to take and read. "December 8, 1802: I found a wonderful figure while strolling through town today. I simply had to have it, so I bought it. It makes such a beautiful decoration out on the lawn. Other than my purchase nothing of true value of my time to write has happened," Brian read aloud hoping things would make sense. "Go on read the next few days for about a week," his mom urged. "December 9, 1802: Not feeling as well as I did yesterday. My wife claims that the figure has evil magic. I laughed. Spent most of my time admiring the figure through the window while it rained all day. Enough for tonight I need to rest. December 10, 1802: Feeling even worse than before. Margaret persists that it is the figure doing this to me. Still raining with thunder and lighting now. Last night I swear that I saw the figure radiate an eerie green but when I went to look again it was dark. December 11, 1802: Almost too weak to write I am confined to my bed, and I can't see my figure. I feel as if my innards are changing into some other form. I must rest tomorrow is another day. December 12, 1802: I swear that the figure again was glowing bright but my outward appearance is changing. My skin is turning into a light purple and I seem to be growing a tail. My fingers are growing together and so are my toes. I can't seem to stop the change. Margaret has taken our only child, Mark, and moved away to protect him. December 13, 1802: I can't stand to look at myself. My body is no longer that of a human. My feet are large and I have only two balled toes with a third protruding from the side of my foot. The tail has grown to a long four feet. I don't dare finish. I hope no one reads this to learn of my horrible demise. Good bye," Brian finished closing the book and looking up with wide eyes. "Yes dear?" his mom asked with fear in her eyes. "That thing changed him!" Brian yelled thrusting his finger in the direction of the figure. "Yes and I fear it will change one of us," his mom whispered lowering her head. "We will never change," Brian growled, eyes narrowed. To be continued…