~Chapter One~
It all started on a day just like any other, the police were capturing crooks, firefighters doing exactly that and Harl would be helping out anyone he passed by. That afternoon a new antique store was being opened just across the street from the police station, the owner being from out of town. "I'm here live with our newest citizen, Cassian Doragon and his shop, A Touch of Magic. Sure looks like something out of a fantasy novel in there." Gabby Tocamera remarked. "Mr. Doragon, what made you want to open up shop in our city?"
"I suppose I just wanted to bring an extra touch here, it seemed just a little too grey for my liking." Cassian explained. "My shop's inventory ranges from spellbooks to potion recipes. I also carry bath bombs, buy one and get a free crystal pouch."
"Well, there you have it folks, a store that seems tailor-made to give Dr. Wexler a heart attack. Or to indulge in your inner child with all the gemstones and stuff in here, whichever you prefer."
The shelves of the shop were filled with what appeared to be remains of mythical creatures from all across the globe; unicorn horns, djinn jewelry, sea serpent scales, and kappa shells just to name a few. The crystals available came in pouches although some could also be fastened into rings. While the lead scientist was having a fit over the existence of magic, Cassian was more than happy to explain to everyone about the myths and legends he knew of.
"Each item has a story behind it, the lore of what it's based upon, for example, the pendant is connected to Sleipnir, the Norse god Odin's 8-legged horse, the wearer gets a speed increase-"
"Jah, there's no vay a horse pendant could cause a human to increase in sveed." Dr. Wexler stated, arms folded in skepticism. "Well, that's because you don't believe in anything besides science. Science doesn't always explain everything."
Meanwhile, the chief of police noticed the store since it was directly across the street. "Yo, there's a crystal shop across the street!" He stated, excited at the possibility of buying some crystals. "Oh, that's strange, I wasn't aware of anybody setting up business here. Also, why are you so into crystals all of a sudden?" his lieutenant, Duke DeTain stated. "The vibes, Dukester, the vibes are important. Anyway, how about you and me go over there."
"I mean, I'm not really into magic or mythology. But today is a pretty slow day for some reason, plus it would be nice to meet a new citizen." Duke stated. "Great, let's go!" Chief Wheeler stated before dragging Duke to the new store. Once the two policemen got into the store, Wheeler separated from Duke to go look for crystals, leaving the lieutenant by himself.
He wasn't alone for much longer, since Cassian approached him. "Is there a problem officer? I assure you, I have my license to sell and only sell the most authentic products." The salesman stated. "Oh, no, nothing wrong, the chief wanted to come here to buy crystals." Duke explained. "Ah, interesting."
Up on a shelf was an emerald statuette of two dragons, one eastern and the other western, complete with two pendants. "I see you've found the twin dragons, that creature is always my most popular pick in store." The owner remarked. "East meets West I call it. Made with real emeralds and silver, the pendants are complimentary."
"Whooa, these are way cool dude! So how much for it?"
"Well you're in luck, they're on sale for thirty dollars. Oh! But careful with that pendant there, it's of the Vietnamese Long. Specifically the dragon king, Lạc Long Quân. When he married the fairy goddess, Âu Cơ, they bore 100 sons together."
"A king huh? And dad to that many kids? Heh, just like how Duke here is like my own son. I'll take it! Here Dukester, you get a cool necklace too." Wheeler grinned, throwing the other pendant at the lieutenant. "Bet my Mom would have liked to see this, she's from Vietnam y'know?"
"I think so, it's a nice little shop here." Duke said. "Do these pendants have power too?"
"One a protective father, the other a fierce guard. I think you'll find out soon enough." Cassian chuckled. "Don't tell your lead scientist I told you that."
"Swag. anyway, from what I heard on the net, emeralds symbolize universal love." Wheeler stated. "Yes, but also compassion and mercy." Cassian explained before selling the statue and going off to help another customer. This was where he bumped into a man in search of something. "Ah, good evening sir, what may I assist you with? Would you like to know about the background of these magical items-"
"Nah, I don't really care about magic, I only came cause on the news you said something about a necklace that makes you fast." The man stated. That man was racing star Tread Octane, so of course he was interested in a pendent that makes one's speed increase. "Oh, you must be referring to the Sleipnir pendant." The shopkeeper stated, taking it out of its box to display. "Whoa! How much is that?"
"Oh there's a price, but it may be more than you expect." Cassian stated, trying to be mysterious. However, the mystery didn't land with the himbo. "Yeah, I'm aware of sales tax." He stated flatly.
The shopkeeper just looked at him for a bit. "I- Nevermind. I am selling this for 19 dollars." He said before Tread eagerly accepted the deal and bought the necklace with cash.
As more people flooded inside, Dr. Wexler was grumbling and giving everyone with a pendant a major stink eye. "Magic pendants, ridiculous! It goes against everything I stand for!" The German scientist growled. "Look at these chumps, can you believe this, Ravenhurst? Oh vat is that you're vearing?!"
"Oh chill you. I know it's all a big play for the people, doesn't mean I can't find jewelry nice." His colleague laughed. "I got you one too, it's of Hydra."
"Ze multi-headed sea serpent? Pfft, you von't catch ME wearing it. Conjoined hatchlings already exist in reality anyways."
Back at the station, Wheeler propped up the dragon statue on his desk. "Makes a nice addition to this drab place." He remarked. "Ey Bennett, you got one too?"
"Well Poppy Star insisted on going so I had to be her police accompaniment. She just got a werewolf pendent, the owner said they're guardians of children in Irish culture."
"Oh poggers, that's so cool. Wow, I love mythology it's so whimsical." Wheeler said. "I know, I don't really understand some of it, but it is indeed interesting," Duke stated. "Wait what's your pendant of? I know you said Poppy got a werewolf but, what's yours?" He continued. "I'm not really sure, I wasn't paying too much attention to what the salesman was saying since I was doing my job of being her escort." Bennett stated.
"Well lemme see it." Wheeler said as he lifted the pendant. On it was an elf with a house around it. Ah, this is Domovoy, the house elf. It looks over people in a household, specifically children. It originated in Slavic tradition. That really is like you since you care about your own child and make sure she's safe y'know?" The chief explained.
"Really? Huh. I suppose so, in some way. Anyway, we better get back to work." Bennett stated. Though it was a slow work day they still had another 4 hours until their shifts were over. Once it was over, the cops went home to rest up for tomorrow's shift while the night shifters came in.
Since the good cops are at home, this allowed a criminal to do his dirty work. That criminal was Snake Rattler, an outlaw, and all-around bad boy. And his next heist was going to be at the new shop. "Place doesn't seem to have security cameras, perfect." The outlaw stated before going through the vents.
Once he actually entered the shop, he quietly looked around, looking for things to steal. Though most things he saw as valuable were too big to bring with him through the vents, that is until he saw a particular necklace. "My my, is that a vial of venom? Might be useful for me to use that." Snake stated, grabbing the necklace, not really caring about the pendant.
He was about to look for more small things, but he heard a sound. "Dammit, the owner is still here?" He thought to himself before quickly running and escaping.
Cassian simply chuckled as he watched the outlaw make his escape. "He took the pendant for Takshaka, the tribal chief of all serpents in Hindu mythology. The naga itself will only bite the most pure evil. I have a feeling this cowboy isn't all bad." He thought. "The moon is in place."
Taking a crystal ball, the shop owner placed it on a diamond pedestal. "Time to bring a little excitement to this world, after I was banished from my old one." He began to chant in a language unlike anything heard on earth, the sphere gleamed in the moonlight as he continued.
"The pendants have chosen their owners, they and their blood relatives will become anew once the sun rises." He grinned. "I must make my leave now. Find a new city to turn."
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top