บท 6: Ch. 6 One Door Opens and Another Closes

'Beacon Hills Animal Clinic'

Myrddin goes to the door and pushes it open. It took him longer than he expected to get back here due to his 'minor' injuries. Carrying his backpack, even with his locker now holding some books, still is a problem. But it's not too bad.

*Ding~*

A bell chimes when the door opens to let the shop know someone has entered.

A bald man comes from the back of the shop and sees Myrddin and his injuries. And the lack of an animal. "I'm sorry, but this isn't the hospital. I can only treat animals here. The hospital is a little bit down the road. And we are closed"

"Are you the owner?" Myrddin pauses before rephrasing. "Wait, sorry. That doesn't matter, are you a vet that can answer a few of my questions?"

"I am the vet and owner of this place. My name is Dr. Alan Deaton. If I'm only answering some questions I can spare the time" The man says with a smile.

Myrddin looks at the door behind Dr. deaton and notices it's a room full of caged animal and his eyes light up for a second, especially when he sees all the cats. But he brings himself back and clears his throat. "Erhem, thank you Dr. Deaton. I'm sorry for coming here late. I'll get straight to the point. Firstly, what can make a usually docile Papillon bark at a stranger from the second floor of a house and the next day run up to the same person and treat him like a long lost owner?"

The man raises an eyebrow and strokes his goatee. "Hmmm. And where is this stranger in position to the house?"

Myrddin is glad that this man is taking him seriously, after the day he's had it's refreshing. "The stranger is on the sidewalk. And considering the front lawn of this house is large it's decently far away"

"Basically, I believe this stranger just has a natural ability to make friends with dogs. You do t have to worry about this. What's your other questions?" Dr. Deaton does find it a little interesting. But having a dog be friendly to you isn't any cause for concern. But it noticing and barking at a stranger one day and then treating that same stranger the next day as friendly as it does it's owner is a bit abnormal but not unheard of.

"That's good, I guess… Anyway, my second question is about Coyotes. Specifically an injury I saw one have. I'm curious about how it happened. It wasn't bleeding, but it was very protective of its left ribs and it acted as if it was in pain. No visible wound so I guessed it was from something blunt" Myrddin can't help but want to pick Dr. Deaton's brain.

"I can't say for sure unless I see this coyote myself. But it could be from anything. It could be an injury from fighting with its family but those type of injuries usually include bite and claw marks and wounds of that type. I can't really narrow down how this coyote got injured with what you've told me" Dr. Deaton says. "It could be from being hit by a car, falling off a cliff, or it could have been hurt by an animal"

"A car… Why didn't I think of that?" Myrddin asks himself. But it's probably because Caval didn't seem the type to leave it's territory. But it did lead him out of the Preserve so it knew it's way to a road.

"What's you next question?" Deaton asks. He isn't particularly busy at the moment, but he does have to do the organizing and other work his part timer will do when he starts in a week or two.

"Hmmm?" Myrddin is brought from his thoughts. "Oh, sorry. Uhm, would I be able to see the animals back there?"

Deaton turns around and looks at the room where the animals stay. Then he turns back to the boy. "Only for 10 minutes"

"Thank you!" Myrddin happily says. He wants to meet a normal animal that isn't super intelligent like Caval or possessed like Prada.

"You can come back here" Dr. Deaton says and walks through the door leading to the caged pets. He also watches as Myrddin opens the swinging gate to get behind the counter.

Some dogs bark and some cats hiss but Myrddin is generally greeted warmly by the animals. He knows this situation looks bad. Going into the back of a vet clinics shop. That's how the horror movies start right? But Myrddin can tell this man is kind, if anything he gave off a cautious vibe until a few moments ago.

After he set his bag down he began looking at the various animals in the cages. He also looked at their wounds and asked Deaton how they got them, or at least the ones he didn't know.

"You appear to very knowledgeable in this area" Dr. Deaton praises Myrddin after a while. The 10 minutes having already passed.

Myrddin pokes his right index finger into a cage where a cat rubs its cheek against his finger and begins purring. "Yeah, when me and my sister were younger we wanted a pet m. We didn't care if it was a cat or a dog, as long as it wasn't another fish that dies in a month. Gwen's crying was terrible even after the 5 fish. RIP Mr. Goldy the 3rd. Ehh, I mean. Long story short I ended up studying in depth about various animals just to be safe"

Deaton raises a brow. By 'in depth' does the kid mean the animal's biology? "So, what animal did you two end up choosing?"

Myrddin smiles at the cat and scratches it's head. "I wanted a cat, Gwen wanted a dog. We didn't end up getting any animal. We move around too much. And not having a stable, safe, and secure place for a pet isn't very good for them"

"It's not good for humans either Myrddin" Deaton nods to the boy.

Myrddin's eyes widen and shakes his head. "No, no, no. You've got the wrong idea. Me and my sister have had a good life if you take out the moving place to place parts. I just meant for the animals in general. We can do the safe and secure part but making sure it's got a stable place to live is the hard part. My dad works in London and my mom is an architect that spends most of her time in the at the home office or guest bedroom. Me and my sister have to go to school so if we got a pet it would be very lonely! And I wouldn't want to do that to something just so that I fell a little better when I go home"

"They say that being apart teaches how to be together. Imagine the joy that pet would have when it does get to see you? Just as much as it would help you feel less lonely, you would be doing the same for it" Dr. Deaton gestures to the cat in front of Myrddin.

"Still…" Myrddin stands up and takes his finger from the cage. The cat puts its paw and arm through the cage and tries to get Myrddin to continue petting it. But Myrddin just looks at it. "I'd rather not force it to be lonely when another family could give it so much more"

Deaton folds his arms across his chest and silently sighs. "How would you feel about working here part-time?"

"Really? Are you sure? I'm only 15 right now" Myrddin is confused by this turn of events.

"All that means is that you can't work as much. When you turn 16 you will be able to work more hours if you want. But for now it would mean that you would come here after school for some time and then you would be free to go the rest of the day. There is another 15 year old that will be starting in a week or two. He's got lacrosse and he wanted at least a week to adjust to highschool and lacrosse. So basically you would work until he is done with practice and you two would then swap. We can talk more in-depth about this when you ask your parents if it's alright" Dr. Deaton looks at his watch. "And your 10 minutes are up. If you want the job you know where I'll be. It was nice meeting you Myrddin"

"Same to you Dr. Deaton, I'll stop by tomorrow after school and let you know the verdict. Have a good night" Myrddin leaves the clinic significantly more happy than before.

He hadn't thought about working before 16. And a a vet clinic no less. And this way he can still be alone for the most part. Going to school, going to work, then being alone or meeting up with Caval in the preserve to study. Even if this is only for a few short months it would be great.

——————

As Myrddin begins walking towards the preserve he finds himself in front of Beacon Hills First National Bank. It was random. Mostly because he was trying to find a place that will sell meat and now he ended up at a bank.

——————

When it's around 8 he makes his way back into the reserve and begins wandering around. It he isn't stupid enough to bring fresh meat into a forest. But at the same he still did. He did mask its scent but he's banking on the fact that if trouble does come he can just toss the meat and get out of there. He also doesn't have to go far:

"Arrrroooooo~"

Myrddin spots the blue eyed coyote walking towards him. "Hey Caval. Did you know your eyes are super special for coyotes? Like 1 in a million? But your blue eyes are even more unique because they're so vibrant. I didn't even find any information about your color. You are an anomaly among anomalies"

Caval just goes up to Myrddin and circles him. Specifically sniffing his left hand, back, and stomach. Completely ignoring the grocery bag in his right hand.

"Cmon Caval. You should eat before we draw the attention of some less friendly creatures of the night" Myrddin takes the meat out from his bag and hides some medicine in it before putting it on the ground for Caval.

The coyote hesitates for a minute before devouring the meat.

"Wow, didn't catch much yesterday huh? Glad I brought you something then" Myrddin takes the garbage and puts it in a bag near the edge of the preserve. He doesn't want to be walking around with that, he will just grab it when he goes back home.

"Awwwoooo" Caval calls out and grabs Myrddin's attention.

After setting the garbage in a relatively hard to reach place he turns towards Caval. "Okay. I have some free time so what do you want to do today?"

Myrddin then follows Caval through the woods while remembering how to get back to the road just in case Caval disappears randomly again. He also begins playing some music. It seems to keep the smaller animals of the preserve away.

They make it to a small grassy clearing and Caval sits in its center.

"Is this the spot for today? It seems nice" Myrddin looks around at the trees.

He goes over to Caval and carefully sits down to not cause aching throughout his body.

"Hey!" Myrddin pushes Caval's head away carefully. "I was right you know! I can die from you licking my wounds! I have to carefully watch my back now!"

"Arrooo" Caval nips at his hand.

"I'm just wanting to lay down and rest for a while. By the way, I might end up coming here to study from now on. But I guess it depends if I get to work at the clinic or not" Myrddin can picture himself sitting against the giant stump reading a book with the moonlight while Caval rests its head on his legs. That would be great.

Caval nudges his head against Myrddin's hurt shoulder and causes him to shut one eye.

"Yeah, yeah. I know. I got into a fight earlier today. But it shouldn't be a recurring thing. I have a plan that should keep me safe for my duration here in Beacon Hills. But no plan survives contact with the enemy so I had to change it a little bit on the fly" Myrddin scratches the top of Cavals head and behind its ears.

The sounds of the woods combined with the music is actually kinda relaxing. "How are you feeling Caval? In an hour or so you should start feeling a little better"

The coyote tilts it's head and looks at Myrddin for a few seconds before plopping onto the ground and resting it's head on his legs.

There are a few seconds and Myrddin also goes down onto his back. "That's an entire mood there Caval"

Caval moves to rest it's head on his unhurt shoulder and it's body leans against Myrddin's. "Awoo raaaa hrawwooo"

Trying to interpret that is like discovering a new language. Not impossible, but close to it. But Myrddin just goes with his own whims. "The school seems pretty good at least. I mean the building itself. The people in it kinda suck. Not everyone, but you'd have to sift through the entire place to find a handful of decent people. It's filled with hormonal and anxious teens, and I don't exactly help that situation. Some of the juniors and seniors… those girls definitely are smokin. Unlike that nurse that Springles talked about. She was probably good looking back in her prime, but now she gives off more of a caring and wholesome grandma vibe"

"Arrwo woo" Caval howls low and shifts its body to get more comfortable.

Myrddin keeps petting Caval. "Did you tell me to shut up? Too bad for you that I'm gonna keep monologuing. It helps me keep my thoughts organized when I say them out loud"

Caval moves it's head to his chest and just yips twice.

The two of them just lay there on the ground for a few moments before Myrddin starts talking again. "I think Springles and Spock, their real names are Stiles and Scott, I think they are some decent people. But they look at me with too much pity. They might be decent candidates for friends. But who knows, at least they seem funny enough to overlook some of their negative sides"

He waits for a response from Caval but doesn't get anything. "The teachers there are… kinda lackluster. They're either rude, uncaring, oblivious, or ignorant. But it's not like I'll be relying on them. The P.E. teacher at least seems understanding of my unathletic nature, or she saw the video of me getting thrashed"

"Arrrrrrghrrrr" Caval growls.

Myrddin pets it's head. "What? Did you want to see it too? Or did you not like me mentioning I got beaten up"

There wasn't any response so Myrddin figured it's either both or neither. Or maybe it's completely unrelated.

With nothing else to do Myrddin takes his phone and wraps his uninjured arm around Caval from under it. Now he can rest the phone on Caval's back and read from the archive of his downloaded books.

——————

Unfortunately, there wasn't root nor bark of that stump in sight throughout Myrddin's stay and walk in the preserve. But he can find it later.

For now, he has to make it home. And he will be cutting it a little close. On his way home he makes sure to toss the garbage in a public trash can. It's dark and not many people are out and about. Just a few cars, or really anyone else is walking which makes it extremely peaceful.

At least it was until he got back to the gated community. Down the street he sees a Porsche parked on the street.

"This can't be good" Myrddin comments as he tries to walk past Lydia's house as fast as he can.

But he's not as fast as he hoped.

"What's the hurry Tom? Got somewhere to be?" A familiar and annoying male voice calls out to him.

But he keeps walking, trying to ignore Jackson.

It was a valiant effort, but it was in vain when a hand clamps down on his injured shoulder.

"Wow, you really don't understand your situation do you" Jackson scoffs.

Myrddin dips his hurt shoulder as he turns around to get Jackson's hand off. "Where did you hear that line? Some B-rate villain from a movie?"

"What are you doing out here so late?" Lydia asks from beside Jackson in some rather revealing clothing.

"Not interrupting the shagging you two were doing in the bushes while you were waiting for me? But I guess I messed that up" Myrddin says without a care. His right hand holding something in his pocket. There are two cylindrical objects, and hopefully for Jackson he grabs the right one.

"Listen here you bag of bones, and you listen good" Jackson grabs Myrddin's collar which causes him to drop his bag.

Myrddin gives an approving nod. "That one was actually much better. Too bad it took you the whole day to come up with it"

Jackson is about to respond but Myrddin pulls out the object from his pocket and sprays it's contents in Jackson's eyes.

"Arrrgghhhhh!!!" Jackson screams as he lets Myrddin go.

Lydia immediately puts her arms around Jackson and stops him from falling. "What the hell did you do?! You psycho!"

Myrddin holds up the cylinder to the moon light and sees he got the less mild pepper spray. "It looks like Jackson here is lucky. He didn't get the animal spray"

"The what?!" Lydia exclaims. "Why did you pray him?!"

"Was I supposed to just wait for him to punch me again? He will be fine after 45 minutes and a good night of rest. Make sure to wash his eyes. He might have to wear sunglasses tomorrow in class. Luckily there isn't any lactose practice right Jackson? I heard some Juniors and Seniors thanking the lord for a day off"

Jackson rubs his eyes but it only makes it worse. "Y- aghh, you bastard!"

Myrddin leans over Jackson a bit for effect. "Now YOU listen here, and YOU listen good Jackson. We are going to be good friends for my stay here in town. At least for this year. If anyone asks, we hang out after school quite often. Mostly in the evening though since I'll be getting a part time job soon. But this also works in both of our favor as well. Because you can say you were hanging out with me when you and Lydia are off fucking each other's brains out wherever you want. But of course, as soon as the law gets involved we all tell the truth and not create a web of lies. You dig?" Myrddin grins evilly and pockets the pepper spray. "Oh, and if anyone decides to attack me at school you have my back right? How can you stand someone bad mouthing or hurting your close friend? If you say no that's fine. I can just press charges. It won't be too hard considering everyone in school already saw you pummel me and go to kick me while I was down. Sure I instigated it but you just kept going. And going. Don't even think about lacrosse, your looking at-"

"He's well aware of what will happen!" Lydia cuts in. "Why do you think we were trying to talk to you?!"

"I don't know? You were going to try and intimidate me to keep my mouth shut. Since you couldn't fine me at school you had to get a little creative. Now if you wanted to apologize you wouldn't have grabbed me by the collar or waited out here at 10pm. You would have done it at school or something so others would see. Show the whole school that Jackson regrets his actions and that we're are cool now" Myrddin picks his bag up and takes a slip of paper.

"Text me if you need me to cover for either of you. I'll take that as your agreeance and acceptance of this deal. Ciao" Myrddin walks away satisfied with how this went. It was a little more villainy than he expected, but he did just have to rub that villain act in Jackson's face. He may have felt bad for Jackson if he got the animal pepper spray rather than the mild one. But he wouldn't be losing any sleep over this either way. And they can't complain since he was in the right. He tried walking away first and he didn't retaliate until Jackson grabbed his collar. Everyone on this street probably has camera's on their front lawn.

With this, he finished his plan with Jackson rather nicely. Blackmail isn't his 'go to' but it sure worked out perfectly for his first time doing it in such a way. He is a little disappointed in the fact that the school didn't take any action, but maybe it's for the best. Saves his mom the worry at least.