Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Adaine already despised this place.

So when people started turning into vampires and werewolves, Fabian jumped into action. “We need to find everyone,” Fabian spoke over the music. Without a response from her, he started running further into the Black Pit leaving her behind back in the whiskey bar area, confused and just that simple order from Fabian.

Remembering the moon cycles from her divination classes she knew it was nowhere near the full moon. Something else was turning these people into their forms but with no clear communication with her friends, she couldn’t rely on it. 

Then, Adaine remembered the bouncer that Fig tricked in the beginning. With no other hope besides running further into danger with little to no strength or any type of dexterity. Adaine ran past the others turning into vampires and werewolves, clutching onto her orb and making her way through more people. 

Hearing the sounds of music coming from the speakers or band nearby, along with what she recognized as Fig’s, glass shattering, and more chaos from zombies snarling, vampires screeching, and werewolves barking. Running further before she ran outside for the bouncer.

“It’s bad! It’s bad! Vampires, they’re werewolves-” Adaine yelled out. Almost out of breath as she came to a skidding stop in front of the entry. 

Before she could even explain more, the sight of the bouncer was unsightly. He was taller, with claws, and hair all over as he was transforming into a werewolf. “Not again! Not again!” He yelled, clawing at his body, thrashing as his eyes became dilated and his body further transformed into its true form.

Shit

Adaine ran back inside, the werewolf in front of her snarled and barked. Almost like a reflex at this point, she raised a finger to it and shot a ray of sickness. The green bile shot from her fingers as the monster started puking and became sick from her spell.

The sound of music coming further inside blaring in her ears, shooting, clattering of swords, axes, and more fighting further in. All while she was having a completely different fight.

Adaine took a breather for a few seconds. A werewolf, the same one that she just hit with her ray of sickness. Twisting and trying to get away, she used her divination, knowing the werewolf would hit her one way or another. She forced fate for a split second against the claw which narrowly missed her face.

But missing the claw meant taking the bite to her right arm.

She felt the canine teeth sink into her arm, breaking through the fabric of her uniform blazer and her button-up sleeve. Pressure and pain shot through her arm as it started to throb. Yelping as she pulled her arm away with its canine teeth raking across her arm while pulling on it.

Tears welled in her eyes with the pain being worse than from the corn fight and from the car Fig crashed Luckily, it seemed the werewolf had its fill as it let go of her. A chuck on her flesh missing from the bite and the dragging. Blood flowed onto her arm, the fabric stained and blood dripping onto the floor.

Suddenly, Adaine’s ears rang as she dropped her orb onto the ground with a thump and a crack, letting it roll across the club floor. She couldn’t breathe properly as her chest heaved, but it wasn’t the way she recognized her panic attacks. Throbbing with pain her arm was trembling. 

At this point, tears fell as she felt something spread from the arm into the rest of her body. With her little collected thoughts left in her mind, she recognized it as the lycanthropy spreading.

Collapsing onto the floor on her side, not hearing anything with the ringing in her ears. Adaine clutched onto her arm while sobbing and gasping from the pain. 

Her heart was pounding, her ears ringing, tears falling, heavy breathing, throbbing pain, and lycanthropy spreading inside of her from the bite. She hated this, hated her family, hated Fabian leaving her side from the start, ringing in her ears and…

The pain seemingly started to numb in her arm. 

Adaine’s breathing was no longer uneven but deep and slow.

Her vision started to blur but she could see the blurry light of her orb on the ground. Rolled against a wall of The Pit. She used her other arm to pull herself closer to it. Maybe she could get to the others, fight whatever they need to, and help in some way…

Adaine breathed in, trying to calm down more. She reached out with her good arm. Her ears slowly started to stop ringing as her fingertips were just barely touching the orb.

But just as the ringing stopped

The music could finally be heard.

The loud music played through her ears was louder than before. Adaine winced as she pulled back her arm to try to cover her ears. 

Everything started to feel wrong.

The clothes were too tight, everything too loud, and her body started to feel uncomfortably hot. Then something started to feel wrong in her arm that was bitten. Before Adaine could comprehend the feeling something suddenly snapped!

The music is even louder. 

Yelping in pain she grasped her arm once more, Adaine with blurry vision tried to get a good look at her arm again. Then another snap in her shoulder, yelping with tears gathering again with another snap in her arm, another in her shoulder, and another this time in her good arm. Adaine cried, yelping and at this point screaming in pain. 

Moving from her side she got onto her hands and knees, pressing her forehead against the cold floor. Tears once more welled in her eyes.

The music was ringing in her ears at this point.

Adaine heard the snapping turning into cracking. Accompanied by the sound of fabric tearing which she recognized as her blazer. Her bones were cracking and snapping out of place as she cried more on the ground. 

Then, the music dropped with a repeating beat, and the voice of somebody ringed out through The Black Pit “Th-Th-That's all,”

A breath of fresh air came into her lungs as Adaine reeled back. Breathing suddenly even as she felt her body slowly shift back into place. Thankfully no more snapping happened in the shift back.

On her back, she sighed deeply. Tears fell on the sides of her face, getting into her messed-up hair. Finally breathing right she calmed down. The music was doing something, and she didn’t bother with her bite mark right now…

Adaine felt something stir deeper inside the pit of her stomach.

She shakily got onto her knees and felt the blood on her arm dry onto her blazer and sleeved button-up. Adaine knew she looked like a mess. Looking up and straight forward she saw the same wolf that she attacked and that bit her. He was sitting down on the floor as well.

“Agh, kid look-” The man spoke up. He was still in the wolf form clutching his head that was bleeding from something else, possibly from another wolf or vampire. 

“That…what…” Adaine spoke up. Her words were stuck in her throat. Sitting on her knees as tears no longer fell but her face was still wet from them. She stared at him with a blank face, not knowing what to do at this moment.

“Lycanthropy, I-I don’t get insurance and if I did I would get cured but like…” Speaking up he motioned to his werewolf form. He stood up more as he walked over to Adaine slowly.

“I…uh…Augefort has a position open,” Adaine hesitated for a moment before speaking again, “Guidance counselor,”

“Oh, hey thanks kid,” He spoke as he walked in front of Adaine. Holding out a pawed hand to the blonde.  

Adaine took the paw with her good arm. With shaky legs she stood up from the floor, the idea of her orb abandoned as it lit with a faint glow in the corner of her eye. The blood and tears on her are now drying. She sighed heavily and let go of the man’s hand after a few seconds of gaining her composure.

“My name's Jawbone kiddo, thought I saw you and some more kids earlier,” Jawbone spoke before he moved past her. Adaine turned her head to witness what he was doing, Jawbone was kneeling and grabbing her orb. Without even needing to look further she could see the crack it had from when she dropped it prior. Wincing to herself, she knew her father would notice or someone at home. Jawbone stood back up and held out her orb to her.

Adaine hesitated just for a few seconds. She reached out and grabbed her orb back, capturing a grunt in her throat from the bite in her arm, it was somewhat numb but still hurt like whenever she moved her arm.

“I-I have to…go” She muttered under her breath, still shaky in her legs while she clutched her orb close to her chest again. Without waiting for a response she turned and almost sprinted away out back into the front. 

Cold air immediately hit her, and the sound of sirens in the distance, and more ruckus coming from inside became noticeable from here. The distant sirens hurt her ears more than they should have, she thought it must've been from the loud music from earlier affecting her hearing…Shuffling her orb underneath her arm she shrugged off her blazer. The dark blue sleeve was covered in her blood and her white button-up sleeve was also stained. Her blazer seams were ripped around the shoulders from earlier.

She threw the blazer into a nearby trash can and cast the mending cantrip on her sleeve. Light blue magic fixing the seams along it. However leaving the blood stains still there, a contrast to the white. She’ll have to use another blazer from home and most definitely throw this shirt away. No shot of trying to get the blood stains off even with mending and she didn't have prestidigitation ready on hand.

She tried her best to remember anything about lycanthropy. That it was a curse, full moons, and the basics. That werewolves couldn’t stand sil-

“Adaine!” A familiar voice behind her spoke up.

Adaine turned to the voice behind her, holding her orb. Fig and Fabian were rushing towards her along with the other trailing behind. Gorgug let Kristen lean on him and she looked badly hurt with the others. While she was still looking behind her like she was looking for something. Riz looked around with a paranoid look in the direction of the sirens blaring. 

“Adaine what happened?” Fig spoke, placing her hands on Adaines shoulder. Before grabbing Adaine’s arm and inspecting her injured arm. Only seeing the blood and not the bite hidden underneath the now-fixed sleeve.

Damn it. What should Adaine even say? Hey, got bitten even though you can’t see it and possibly cursed with lycanthropy now. Also, I gave a random man our school name for the guidance counselor position.

“I thought we agreed on finding everyone? What happened back there?” Fabian came up, covered in his injuries and some blood that was possibly not his with his rapier covered in blood as well.

Adaine tried to speak before Riz cut her off. “We need to go, the police are coming soon, we need to go before we get caught. Zayn got away but he’ll get to school tomorrow so we can  catch him then.”

Damn it. She didn’t want to interrupt with the possibility no, 100% chance that she's been cursed with lycanthropy. 

“We need to rest or go home. Not my parents they suck,” Kristen spoke up as she now started leaning on her staff and no longer Gorgug.

“My house is almost down the street, we can rest there for the night” Fabian turned to the others, placing a hand on Adaine’s shoulder with his rapier in the other hand.

Gorgug, Kristen, and Riz started making their way down the street. Fig still held her arm with Fabian trailing behind the three. Fig let go of her arm as they walked side by side. Playing a soft and low familiar tune. Adaine felt something on her arm, while not seeing it she felt the wound almost stitch itself back up. Not fully and enough but good for Adaine. She smiled wearily at Fig who gave a smile back.

However the pit of her stomach, the unrestless stirring came to a stop.

Again, for the second time, Adaine hated this.

Fig and Bill Seacaster played sea shanties all night with the pirates in the barrels. The others and Adaine tried to sleep but were ultimately forced awake. Not to mention the drills they had to run in the morning by Bill and the pirates.

Gorgug and Fabian sparred with Bill and the other pirates on how to strike vulnerable points. Riz was chased around the manor and forced to use his stealth to get away and be more stealthy at the moment and to use the environment for him. Fig was made to try strategy more against others and with them. While Adaine and Kristen were the most vulnerable in the group. Doing more running drills with Kristen as the other laid down on the ground from exhaustion in the gardens. Gorgug’s, Riz’s, and Kristen's phones clattered on the floor when Bill knocked them out of their hands. Refusing to let them call or warn a parent.

While Kristen was tripping over her two feet, her staff slowed her down and dragged her to the floor. Somehow, instead of falling behind with Kristen like she would've before. She was running faster than she should have been running. Her breathing wasn’t uneven but steady and deep unlike before like in the cafeteria fight or while running away from Jonny Spells into the car or many more times with the others. 

“Adaine!” Kristen yelled out from behind her, “We’re supposed to run together! How are you doing that!” 

“Ay! There you go, lassie!” Bill yelled out from the sidelines. Waving his rapier around and pointing to her, “Run! Run!”

Another drill, after another drill, Adaine’s turn to spar with Bill Seacaster. Kristen and Gorgug went after her. Being exhausted as they lay collapsed next to the pool. Adaine held the rapier in her hands tightly, Bill parrying every time she tried landing a blow and pushing her back, she hated this again. 

She was exhausted from this already. She hated this fucking fight.

While Bill did another parry against her blow, a stroke of something like anger came to her. But it wasn’t like when she was mad at Aelwyn or her parents. The stirring in her stomach started again as she breathed deeply.

Adaine felt something rise in her throat and before she could comprehend the sound, a low snarl started as Adaine tried another slash against Bill's chest. Frustrated with this entire day, hating everything about these drills even though she was doing more exceptionally than she would've thought. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she focused on a line and the pressure. Bill catching the strike, two rapiers clashing against each other. Adaine flexed her arm more, pushing harder against Bill’s rapier. Forcing the man to step back on his right foot.

“There you go, lassie! Ha!” Bill’s voice and laugh rang out in the backyard. “Keep pushing!”

Bill twisted his rapier, forcing Adaine to let go as she stumbled backward almost falling, her hair stuck to the back of her neck and to her forehead, her face bright red and hot, sweating everywhere. The skirt of her uniform was wrong on her hips, her dress shirt was sticking onto her body, and her tie was fully undone and just dangling off of her neck. She breathed heavily again, burning her lungs with the cold air.

“There you go!” Bill shouted, “Alright then! Rest with the others!” Waving his rapier in the air again as he pointed to Kristen and Gorgug.

After they already missed the entire school day they finally got their phones back without Bill knocking them out of their hands. Fig still played some sea shanties with the pirates while Fabian rode around the Hangman around the neighborhood with Bill riding behind him and taking down mailboxes.  

She opened her phone to text messages from her mother and Aelywn. 

Bitch Face Cunt (Aelwyn)

Wherever you are Mom and Dad are grounding you when you come back

Also, they know you skipped school.

Mother 

Adaine where are you? 

Adaine Abernant respond to me now.

We just received the email that you did not arrive at school today.

Me and your father discussed, and you will be grounded for the remainder of the month. 

Goddamnit 

Adaine sighed as she turned off her phone and slipped it into her pocket. Not bothering to respond to either of them. Before turning on her heel to go back inside.

Adaine went inside Seacaster Manor, finding her way through the place to the dining room where Kristen, Gorgug, and Riz were all eating steak with sides of mashed potatoes and greens even though it was past lunch already. Cathilda, Fabians’s maid, was refilling drinks with a lemonade pitcher. 

“Ah! Miss Abernant. Would you care for some food?” Cathilda said. Holding up the pitcher as she motioned to another plate of food in front of the chair on Kristen’s left.

“It’s so good!” Kristen yelled, though muffled through the food in her mouth. The fork and knife were in her hand as she cut through the steak.

Riz and Gorgug nodded with Kristen as Riz used his hand and the utensils were a bit smaller for Gorgug than it was for the others. 

Adaine nodded her head before sitting down on Kristen’s left. Taking the glass cup of lemonade in her hand. Practically chugged it as she hadn't drunk or eaten much through the whole day so far. She placed down the glass, reaching for the fork and knife. Trying to scrape anything else she knew about lycanthropy.

However, when Adaine’s hand touched the fork before even reaching the knife. Her skin sizzled and burned like it was in a campfire. 

She screamed in pain, standing up and letting go of the utensil. The chair screeched against the floor as everyone panicked. Kristen grabbed her staff right beside her which was leaning on the table, hands glowing with golden light as a spell, Riz and Gorgug were more focused on what caused her scream and Calthida rushed over quickly. Clutching her wrist with her other hand, her burning hand started having blisters, her skin turning red as tears pricked the corners of her eyes again.

Chapter Text

Adaine let out another scream as she felt her hand blister and burn from the fork which she theorized was silver. The one thing she should have easily avoided in the less than 24 hours she's been cursed with lycanthropy. The blisters grew and her skin more red, the handle of the fork left a burn mark that turned her skin flayed almost. On the middle of her palm and on the tips of her fingers trying to grab the fork.

“Adaine?!” Kristen yelled over her screaming, staff in one hand as the other reached out towards her. Gorgug and Riz stood from their chairs but with no healing aspects, could do nothing to help.

She heard footsteps rushing towards the dining room as Kristen placed her hand on Adaine’s forearm, her hand glowing with a familiar golden light. Cathilda rushed into another room as the footsteps became louder and louder for Adaine.

Adaine felt tears fall as she gripped her wrist tighter. Kristen’s hands glowed more brightly as Adaine saw her hand, the blisters going away, her skin going back to its normal color and the sizzling and burning came to a stop. Adaine felt the burn not yet fully healed, what should've been maybe a second-degree burn on the verge of a third-degree turned into a first-degree. It still felt hot and it hurt like hell still. 

Cathilda came back in a flash, with Fig, Fabian, and Captain Seacaster in tow behind her. 

Fig saw the burn mark, and with her guitar in hand, she played the same melody from when she healed Adaine back outside The Black Pit. The burn mark no longer hurt as she felt it completely cool over, leaving a light barely visible pink scar on her palm and the tips of her fingers. She let go a shaky breath as the tears stopped in her eyes while the last fell onto her cheeks. Trying to compose herself as Adaine tried her breathing exercises.

“Adaine, are you alright?” Fig put her hand on Adaine’s shoulder. While Kristen took her hand and inspected it further for more damage. Fabian and Gorgug started to help Cathilda and started to take the silver utensils away from the table. Captain Seacaster gave her a look that she couldn’t decipher at the moment.

“Yeah, thank you I-I think the spells fully healed the wound s-so…” Adaine mumbled softly. Her voice was shaky even as she tried to compose herself more.

Adaine looked around as she felt her face burn with a bright red, she hadn't told them about the bite she was going to but then Captain Seacaster started playing the songs with Fig then the drills started early morning…

“Adaine what was that?” Riz spoke up. He had the same look he had when he was trying to investigate something. 

Everyone glanced at Riz and she could tell on their faces that they thought the same thing Riz thought and spoke… 

“I-I…back at The Pit I uh…” Adaine stuttered. She knew she could trust them. So why couldn’t she just speak about her stupid lycanthrope curse? She felt her chest suddenly heave, her face burned brighter from the embarrassment, and her breathing going faster.

“I have to go!” Adaine’s yell startled everyone that Gorgug almost dropped the utensils he was holding and Fig and Kristen backed away from her. Their hands retreated in the process which gave Adaine the opening to run, which she did. 

She turned on her heel and made a break for it the opposite way the others came through. She heard someone, which she narrowed down to it being Captain Seacaster yelling to go after her or some other order. To which she heard more footsteps following hot on her heels. She booked it down the long hallways of the manor. The others called out her name as they rushed behind her. 

Adaines heart pounded in her chest like it was going to burst out of her any second. She was sprinting, bumping into a few walls while rounding the corners. Nearing the front doors or was it the backdoors? Adaine panicked. She didn't know this place like the back of her hand like Fabian or Captain Seacaster or anyone else! The yelling and footsteps got closer, or was it her hearing messing with her again? She couldn’t focus on anything like that right now anyway!

Adaine almost tripped and fell face flat as she tried speeding up. That's when her ears almost twitched as she picked up on something. An engine roared through the manor, getting closer in front of her. Before she could think of it, a red skull crossbones motorcycle came crashing through as it knocked down a side table, speeding past Adaine. She yelped and practically screamed as it flew by. She rounded another corner, and looking past her she saw Fabian in the driver's spot, Fig behind him and Riz clinging onto Fig’s back.

She panicked again, she took another sharp turn before she saw the doors of the manor's entrance a few feet away. She couldn't cast spells with her orb still being broken and not having a spell book as that was what the orb was for… 

Still having her phone in her pocket Adaine thought it was good enough as she made a final sprint towards the door. Before the motorcycle flew past her again. All three of her friends were on it as the bike circled again towards her. Fortunately, she pushed open the doors enough for her to slide through and not the bike. Closing the door she heard the crash and all three of her friends groaning in pain as they all crashed on the bike on the door.

Adaine had hidden behind a nearby neighbor's garden bush as she saw the motorcycle ride past her with the others from before. She felt her phone buzzing in her skirt's pocket, and her broken orb was left behind back at the manor. She reached down, waiting for Fabian’s new motorcycle to stop riding around the neighborhood before she could make a run for it again. Taking out her phone she saw her notifications blowing up. From all of her friends on both the prayer chain and her messages.

Kristen:

Adaine? Where are you?

If it's about the burn we can ignore it happened?

Maybe

Fig:

ADAINE WHERE ARE YOU?

WE’RE DRIVING AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

COME BACK????

Fabian:

Adaine please we don’t want to hound you for answers but what was that

Answer us.

Also, my motorcycle can look out for you so 

we got four pairs of eyes looking for you

Kristen:

Okay, we do kinda wanna know.

Riz:

Adaine we can ignore the burn but we can talk about this later

We’re looking around the neighborhood

Can we talk this out???

Right now preferably

Adaine

Gorgug:

We can talk at school??

Maybe

I dunno…

Adaine powered off her phone, no luck using it right now if she was constantly being bombarded with messages…She glanced around and didn't hear the roaring engine of the bike. With that, she made a break for it across the sidewalk. Every minute or so hiding behind a bush or a garden of some type for cover from her friends.

Adaine took the nearest bus station and started the ride through the neighborhood. Having to take multiple before she made it to the nearest one at her house. She turned on her phone which was at four percent, turning off her messages. Making sure she was taking the right routes and buses. Finally, in what was after almost 24 hours she saw her house. Letting out a sigh for the first time in forever at seeing her home, even with its other inhabitants in it. She knew she would have to face her parents and that bitch of a sister eventually…

She jogged up the walkway, and patting her pockets she froze in place.

She had left her key in the right breast pocket of her blazer, the same one she threw away in a trashcan of The Black Pit, miles away and she was not going to make another trek through Elmville. She sighed, turning on her heel down the walkway. Her room was on the second floor…

Her window! She left it open!

Adaine with a new profound confidence ran across the house and on the sides of her house. She ran until she saw an open window, glancing around it was the same view which she saw through her window. There were a few places where she could climb, and thankfully she didn't have her orb to carry around though it would come back to bite her…

However, it was hard due to the small crevices she could put her foot on and the lack of grip she already barely had. She was amazed that she could pull herself on the walls and crash into her room with a soft groan. She patted her pocket and was relieved to still feel her phone and it had not fallen out while she was doing the climb. Lying down on her back she let out a deep breath.

She grabbed her phone, powering it back on. The messages had stopped around twenty minutes when she had run out of Seacaster Manor. Most of the notifications were from Fig, Fabian, and Riz, the ones who were on the motorcycle or…whatever that thing's name was since it was technically alive.

She tried to open them to see what they had said before the screen turned black on her. She let out a groan as she stood up and walked over to her desk charging her phone. She looked over to her desk which still had the books from yesterday. Before she went to The Black Pit and left for Seacaster Manor. 

But, she needed to shower first.

After throwing away the still blood-stained dress shirt (truly how did no one on the bus question that?) she threw the rest of the clothes in her laundry basket. Wearing new nightwear while the sun started to set, turning the sky into an orange color. Drying her hair with the towel, she managed to make the shower quick so no one would notice. Aelwyn was more than a few doors away and her parents' room was on the other side of the house.

Checking her phone which was at 17 percent. Sitting at her desk and opening the messages. She needed to face her friends one way or another. At this point, they probably went all home. But before that, she checked the moon cycles…

The next full moon was 7 days away, a full week until she was a monster on all fours…

She sighed, whatever happened at the Pit wasn’t exactly what she called good. Her bones were snapping and unbearable pain. She looked at her arm, the same one that was bitten. The bite mark was a light pink scar and was dragged across her skin from when she was trying to drag her arm away from the man…Jawbone? Right, from Jawbone's bite.

She went back to the messages and opened the group chat they all made after the car chase with Johnny Spells since no one wanted to chat on Kristen's prayer chain.

Totally good kids(stop changing the name Fig and Kristen)

Gorgug:

We can talk at school??

Maybe

I dunno…

Fig:

Guys we haven't found Adaine it's been a few hours

The road around the neighborhood like

Ten times

Or smth

Fabian :

We think she probably took the bus.

Or got picked up by someone??

Riz:

I’ve narrowed down the possibilities to what caused her burn from the fork

It was silver and what did we go against yesterday guys?!

I saw her sleeve but since it wasn’t cut or ripped I thought it was someone else's blood.

Adaine sighed as she read the rest of the messages, all of them were conspiring about what caused her burn. All of them narrowed it down to her being bitten back at the Pit and to her being a werewolf. Looks like she didn’t need to hide it from anyone but her family…She unplugged her phone, typing a response while she climbed back into bed.

Adaine :

I took the bus home or multiple buses. 

Climbed through my window since I threw my blazer away and it had my key to my house

But I’m fine somewhat.

Also, might 100% be cursed with lycanthropy, I got bit by this man named Jawbone.

And I used mending on my sleeve so that's why I didn't look hurt and why it didn't look like my blood.

Also, sorry for running out, I panicked.

Adaine checked the time which was around 6 six pm. So, she threw her phone onto the other side of the bed, choosing to ignore the rest of the conversation. And quickly she fell into her trance...She’ll be fine missing dinner, and more time ignoring her family and their probably judgemental words and stares.

When Adaine woke up, it was dark outside which she predicted as she tranced her normal four hours. However she felt more groggy and tired even, she sat up, rubbing her eyes as she climbed to the other side of the bed to grab her phone. She tapped it and instead of showing it was 10 pm, her normal four hours it was 2 in the morning. A full eight hours of not trancing but sleeping…Like a normal person.

Her mouth was gaped open and her eyes wide, how could this have happened?! 

She checked her phone which had messages from everyone. She knew her parents and Aelwyn tranced at 10 pm and woke up at 4 am. She had two hours before anyone woke up. And she knew everyone else, minus Fabian who also tranced, and Riz who she knew didn’t sleep that much, was possibly asleep already.

Adaine turned off her phone and lay down on her back. Not only was her hearing messing with her, weirdly strong enough to climb through a window and into her room, and outrun all of her friends. She slept for the first time since she was like 3! Elves start trancing when they're young and barely ever sleep.

She hated this!

Hated this stupid curse! Hated how it was messing with her body! Hated her damn family! Her stupid orb was broken! Her family didn’t care where she was but grounded and were angry at her instead of caring!

Her breathing became heavy and uneven. She felt her heart pounding in her chest as she felt her ears starting to ring again. The same feeling came over her back when she took the entrance exam for Hudol, with Vice Principal GoldenHoard confronting her about the Watches and Wards book and when she killed Doreen and countless other times. It started coming back.

Suddenly something in her stirred. Something that lay dormant since the Pit.

She felt her body change, in the same way it had back in The Black Pit. She didn’t feel it or even hear her bones snap and crack out of place, she looked down at her hands which were no longer humanoid hands but her nails into sharp dark claws and with growing fur that was an almost dirty blonde. Or that her clothes started to tear and rip, and her bed started to creak underneath the new weight.

Adaine tried to reach for her phone but turned out clawed hands without knowing how to use her opposable thumbs in this form felt like she was a baby trying to grip onto things for the first time. The phone clattered onto the floor while she climbed down onto the floor off the bed. The shifting stopped, and the sound of bones cracking and snapping out of place stopped.

Adaine gave up on trying to grab her phone. The sight of her no longer normal hands made her look at the rest of her body. Covered head to toe in fur, her feet were paws along with her hands. She was on all fours, so when she tried to stand up she ended up almost crashing down onto the floor again. Instead of words, whining came out of her throat. She pawed the phone which almost cracked against the force. Adaine’s heart was pounding even faster as she fully realized her situation.

She backed away from it, and she realized she was taller than before. Her normal 5,5 height was now reached to what she guessed was around 6 feet. She could see more clearly as this form in the dark. Glancing around she struggled to think in this form more properly. That and she couldn’t speak, all that came out of her were whines or soft barks. Even in this form, she felt like crying as tears pricked in her new set of visions.

She tried to stay silent, Aelwyn may be far away but the sound of bones breaking, whining, and even barking might attract some attention…

She tried to will herself back into a human or her original form but she couldn’t calm down right now. Not while she was a full werewolf in the middle of her bedroom!

The whining from her became louder as she panicked further from this situation. 

Until her ears perked up and caught something.

Someone was coming down the hallway, the sound of pages flipping, the sound of a familiar voice chanting a spell or muttering under their breath. Adaine couldn’t decipher what it was she was hearing. But she knew that voice anywhere. Aelwyn was down the hall if not already a few feet away from the bedroom door.

Chapter Text

The sound of Aelwyn’s footsteps sounded either a few feet away from her bedroom door or much longer down the hallway. However, Adaine in the moment of her panic couldn’t decipher which it was, but the conclusion was that Aelwyn was nearby, and with the soft chanting of a spell and the pages being flipped. She assumed it was Aelwyn’s spellbook. She didn’t have much time.

Adaine was a staggering 6,5 in her wolf form, in no way could she try to hide from Aelwyn in her bedroom. 

Adaine let out a small whine as she backed away from the door the best she could, her ears flattening on her head. Before hitting the wall that was on the opposite side of the door. She looked around, phone on the ground that she couldn’t pick up with her paws, older sister was seconds away from finding her like this and probably either attacking her, casting a hold person spell, or calling for her parents. 

Adaine looked from the corner of her eye, the window! She hadn't bothered to close it since she forgot to when she climbed back in through and did not after she showered and fell asleep. She practically sprinted towards the window, her paws on the sill while she readied for a jump from the second story.

Adaine froze at the new sound that reached her ears. The doorknob began to slowly turn as the door pushed open just a small crack before opening halfway, the light hum of a spell at fingertips and louder chanting could be heard with her new hearing. She looked back behind her.

Aelwyn, her face being lit as a purple and red hue colored arcana glowed in her left hand while in her left she held her spellbook. She looked at the empty bed first, before her blue eyes landed on the massive werewolf in the room with paws on the windowsill. The only light in the room was from Aelwyn’s spell and the light of the moon in its phase of a waxing gibbous.

Aelwyn froze and so did Adaine in return. 

Aelwyn’s eyes widened with fear as Adaine felt her breath begin to quicken.

Adaine felt her tail go between her legs and her ears flatten on top of her head. Adaine felt her breathing again beginning to be unsteady as she looked at Aelwyn for any bead on what she was feeling. Any movement to see if she was going to cast that spell which Adaine couldn’t tell what it was at the moment. But she knew it was something to harm her in any way. 

Adaine tried to speak, anything to let Aelwyn know it was her. Even if they hated each other for most of their lives, she just needed someone to understand her. But all that came out of her mouth was a low whine that almost echoed through the room.

Aelwyn’s widened eyes stayed that way, but they ever so softened and didn’t hold fear anymore as she looked further into the wolf in front of her. 

The purple and red hue at her hand calmed down to barely being visible and no longer lighting the room or Aewlyn. The spellbook in her other hand closed shut as she stepped further into the room. Adaine hesitated between making another break for it out the window or letting Aelwyn come in closer. 

Adaine still stayed in place, paws on the sill ready to pull herself out the window at a moment's notice. 

Aelwyn’s steps were light and steady. Her hand is still dimly light with the mixed hues or arcana. Before she stopped in the middle of the room. Her breathing was steady but Adaine could hear the slightest bit of shaking in her breaths. 

Aelwyn gazed further into the werewolf’s eyes, those blue eyes that seemed so familiar to the elder sister. As Adaine looked into Aelwyn’s eyes, an almost pleading look came from the wolf.

Aelwyn tilted her head, her eyebrows furrowing and her eyes narrowing at the wolf. Her eyes darted across Adaine’s figure in the dimly lit room. 

Adaine let out a huff as she relaxed ever so slightly, her sister wasn’t attacking her.

Oh how wrong she was.

The mixed-hued color glowed brighter than before in Aelwyn’s hand as she yelled “ Non-mover !” The red in the spell took over the purple as a spell was thrown in Adaine’s direction. Adaine’s paws pulled her through the window as she jumped out. But even as she jumped the spell hit the back of back of her head. 

Adaine felt her body almost freeze in place, falling out the second-story window she saw the ground come closer as her body and limbs almost hesitated against her will before she forced herself onto her side to brace for the impact. In the same second, she recognized the spell.

Hold person

Adaine let out a loud yelp as she collided with the floor on her left shoulder. She shook her head and tried to walk before she yelped at the pain in her front left leg. She limped further before she glanced up at the house and to her window.

Aelwyn had the same spell ready at her hand as she looked down the window. Adaine couldn’t tell what Aelwyn was going through. But she had to get away before another spell was shot at her again. 

Running at her best with the limp Adaine sprinted out and into the streets of the neighborhood of Clearbrook. Street lights are on and cars are parked in the driveways. Adaine couldn’t care less about anyone seeing her, she just needed to get as far away as possible from that house. 

Adaine ran past Oakshield Middle School, then she took another turn to the right where a few cars were driving by. The sound of thundering paws against the concrete as Adaine rushed past them and swerved between all the cars ahead of her. Cars honked at her and their lights in front of her face. 

Admittedly, she did almost fall more than a couple of times, the limp not at all helping her run through Elmville. She then passed what she recognized as the Hudol College building then she started running through the Ballaster neighborhood. In the far-off distance, she recognized The Black Pit, still taped off with caution tape from the incident. That wasn't even a full two days ago.

Not even two days ago did life decide to fuck her over with this stupid curse!

Adaine started to run out of breath. The throbbing pain in her limb made it clear that she was worsening it with her running. She panted as she started slowing her pace. Still, trying to avoid cars that were driving at what? 2 or was it 3 am at this point? Passing the Elmville train station she saw a tall building in view that started to get closer. 

The Strongtower Luxury Apartments. The current residence of her two friends Fig and Riz. Same ones she just ran away from but Adaine couldn’t help it as she started running towards the apartment complex.

Adaine reached the front of the building. Stopping dead in her tracks she felt her front left paw throb with pain once again as she whimpered. She felt her chest heaving for more oxygen and her head was still reeling from the attack from her sister. The only reason it didn't work even though it felt like it did for a split second was because, technically she was a monster. Not a human…

That's when Adaine came to a problem.

Who was going to let a towering werewolf inside the complex? Not like she could try to cast spells to open the door let alone open the door with her paws…

Adaine limped towards the front doors. No one there besides a few strays who, at the sight of her, immediately ran away. Adaine nudged the front doors with her snout. The door made a slight creak but did not open. Another attempt as she then decided to push with her shoulder. Adaine pushed against the door with her body, the door creaked and the metal started to make the same sound as she huffed, and pushed against the door again. This time the glass started to crack.

Adaine stopped her attempt as she stepped back from the door. 

And with her best sprint with her limp, ran at the door. 

The glass broke easily as she burst through the doors. The lobby of the apartment was also empty as the lights flickered a bit. Adaine looked around and saw the way towards the stairs, again pushing her way through the door and not breaking it. (She made sure she didn’t push it too hard this time or tried to…) She did her best to be quiet but her claws tapped against the flooring making a small clattering sound that echoed through the stairwell. 

Adaine tried to remember to the best of her abilities if Fig or Riz mentioned to them their apartment numbers. Fig lived with Gilear and Riz with his mother, Sklonda. She clambered up the stairs with her limp, huffing a bit as she went up multiple floors.

Adaine picked up a familiar scent of clove cigarettes. At first, she sneezed a few times and was annoyed with the smell before she recognized who it was probably coming from. She perked up and started climbing the stairs faster, almost tripping again before picking up the scent from a certain floor. She stopped when she did and found the door to it, she again pushed through and was greeted by two people by a vending machine and trying to shake it. 

Fig admittedly didn’t feel like smoking for once. The clove cigarette dangling from her mouth as she had her hands in her pockets. Waiting for Riz to finish his trick with the vending machine.

Adaine hadn’t been heard from since she sent those text messages and didn’t respond to any of them. Not Gorgug, not Riz, not her, Kristen, or Fabian. They would’ve texted her parents if they were any good…She wasn’t mad, or she wanted to be. They may not have known each other for long, maybe a month or so since the cafeteria fight and the car chase. Trying to solve the whole mystery of going to school and the seven missing girls, the palimpsest with Sam in it.

She leaned against the vending machine as Riz was on his tippy toes trying to reach all the buttons of the vending machine. She heard some type of clattering sound of something against…something. She best assumed it was either coming from the vending machine or somewhere else in the building. Who knows what the other people living in this complex were doing…

The floor was empty beside them and the dim light of the ceiling lights flickered and the vending machine.

She had her bass leaned right next to her as Riz pressed the final button of the machine. Riz then grabbed the thing on both sides and started shaking it the best he could. Fig sighed softly as she stood up and stepped back from the machine. Before ramming it with her shoulder on the side and trying to help Riz

“So…” Riz mumbled as he stood up and rammed the vending machine with his shoulder in the front. “Where do you think Adaine would be?” Riz questioned.

“Her house I think? I don’t know if she knows anyone else besides us or if she has any other family in the area,” Fig sighed as she leaned on the machine again. Taking the cigarette out of her mouth and throwing it to the floor. Before stomping on it multiple times when the small flame went out.

“Well she couldn’t have gone far, she texted us that she got home but that was around six maybe? It’s three am and she's probably trancing…” Riz huffed as he looked at the vending machine. A few of the snacks began to pour out but none of them being the ones they wanted.

“If her parents found out about what happened to her they would’ve probably freaked out or something. They're shitty from what I gathered,” Fig sighed before bracing herself to ram into the machine again. Riz went onto his tippy toes again and started pressing all the buttons again. 

The clattering was louder and more quick now.

“Hey, what's that?” Fig mumbled as she took a glance around the floor. 

“Either the vending machine is broken again or someone in the other apartments,” Riz muttered as he finished pushing the buttons again. 

Fig braced herself as she readied her shoulder to ram into the vending machine again with Riz as he also braced himself.

The creaking of the stairwell doors echoed through the empty hallway and the sound of soft thumping started. The clattering stopped as well. Riz and Fig both stopped their motions and they turned their heads towards the sound. 

A werewolf, with what seemed like shades of blonde hair from the dim lights and this far away at a height of 6,5. The wolf looked in the other direction before its gaze landed on the two teens. Both of them froze at being seen by the wolf. However, the wolf looked anything but dangerous. As its gaze caught them it almost perked up. Its tail starts wagging almost as its head tilts at them.

“Uh…Is that normal here,” Fig mumbled under her breath. One hand reached towards her bass as Riz shook his head. His hand reached for his gun which she still had at his side.

However, Fig and Riz were confused, rightfully freaked out, and a bit fearful.

Adaine was having the best time of her day so far! She had her friends with her! She tried her best with a smile but in this form, it was her sharp teeth and a wagging tail is all she could make right now. She walked over to them at a leisurely pace with her limp still hurting. While Fig and Riz reached for their weapons as the wolf came closer.

Adaine noticed with hands reaching for the bass and the gun. She stopped her walking and backed away a few steps. She felt her ears flatten against her head again as she remembered her friends hadn’t seen her like this yet and didn’t know it was her yet.

The two teens noticed the wolf's sudden hesitation and the backing away. Fig started taking a few steps forward, leaving her bass leaning on the machine. While Riz let his hand rest on the machine instead of his gun. 

“Hey, doggie?” Fig smiled sheepishly as she raised her hands in the air as a peace. Riz gave her a half-hearted glare at Fig before following right behind her.

“Hey…” Riz sweated a bit on his forehead. Waving towards the wolf with a shaky hand, he leaned closer to Fig, “Hey, it’s not the full moon tonight right?...” He whispered to Fig.

Adaine tilted her head. She felt annoyed by the ‘doggie’ name from Fig. But she couldn’t blame her at the moment. She let out a soft ruff before walking towards them at a more slower and careful pace. Fig and Riz noticed the limp in the wolf's steps almost immediately. Fig put her hands in front of her, motioning for the wolf to stop before running back toward the vending machine for her bass.

Riz gave the tiefling a confused look before looking back at the wolf with a sheepish look. Before he looked into the wolf's blue eyes further. He furrowed his eyebrows, staring at the blonde further.

Adaine only gave him another head tilt with a confused stare.

Fig came back with her bass and played a familiar tune. A soft hearted melody played and Adaine looked down at her paw which started to feel better. She stepped on it a few times before she felt no pain at all.  

Riz looked at the wolf for a few seconds before he noticed it. Those eyes, he’d seen them before and countless times. Not to mention the color of the blonde somewhat matched the color of a familiar blonde elf. He straightened his posture when Riz finally pieced it together in his head while Fig smiled at the wolf and Adaine came closer to them.

“Adaine?” Riz muttered as he walked closer to the wolf.

Adaine perked up at her name. Before barking at Riz as a response and almost jumped as she tapped her paws against the carpet floor of the hallway. She didn’t have to wait to shift back to tell them it was her!

Fig looked at Riz with a confused stare, looking at Adaine and back and forth between the two before piecing it together. She gasped as she stared and realized the towering wolf in front of her was her best friend Adaine after all. She almost squealed when she also realized she was probably here for them!

“Adaine it’s not the full moon, how are you…like this?” Riz questioned before he realized and remembered Adaine couldn’t talk like this. “Never mind that, do you wanna…come inside or?...”

Fig nodded quickly “Oh wait!” Fig yelled out before rushing back to the vending machine, sliding her bass onto her back and she started grabbing an armful of the snacks that they managed to get from using the vending machine hack Riz knew. “Come on!” 

Sklonda just wanted to sleep. So when she came back from patrol after maybe a dozen or so frantic calls that a werewolf was running through the streets she just wanted to rest for the night. Seeing the broken-down door of the apartment complex already made her worry. But after returning to her apartment and seeing no sign of her son her best guess was that he was a few doors down with Fig and Gilear. 

She walked over and knocked a few times before waiting for someone to come by and open it, hopefully it would be her son. However, what she didn’t expect was the sound of something large running across the floor and two pairs of feet running with it. She placed her hand on her gun holster just to be sure.

The door opened to Fig who was leaning to cover the left side of the apartment to the best of her ability. She looked down at Sklonda before she let out a relieved sigh. “Hi, Miss Gukgak!” Fig smiled brightly even though it was around late 3 am and about to be 4. The kids were lucky it was Saturday and not a school day.

“Hi kiddo, is Riz here?” Sklonda sighed as she tried to look behind Fig

“Um! Yeah, he’s just…uh…in the bathroom!” Fig gave another smile as she tried to block Sklonda’s view of the inside of the apartment.

Sklonda raised her eyebrow. Even if she knew Fig only for a month and a little longer she knew the kid was a good liar. But Fig’s smile faltered as a loud thump came from inside. Sklonda didn’t wait for another lie as she pushed past Fig and entered into another worrying sight.

There was a werewolf with familiar blonde hair that she couldn’t piece from where in the moment that was a staggering over six feet at height or around that. In the middle of Gilear’s apartment. It was looking anywhere but Sklonda as it tried to hide by diving behind the couch.

Riz was sitting on said couch with a sheepish smile on his face twiddling with his thumbs sitting up straight and tense.

“Hi Mom,” Riz muttered through his teeth as he looked like he was almost sweating even.

“...”

“...”

“...”

“I’ve tried to feed Miss Abernant some food to the best of my abilities but as it turns out she does not like yogurt,” Gilear’s voice came from the kitchen as he stood there with a yogurt cup that was 100% expired by now.

A loud whine came from behind the couch as Adaine poked her head up from her not-so-good hiding spot.

The rest of the early morning Riz and Fig try to explain all of the events of the days prior. The Black Pit, Adaine burning her hand at Seacaster Manor, her running away at an alarming speed and not responding to them and her never once saying anything besides the messages, then finding her coming through the doors from the stairs.

Totally cool kids (Stop changing the name Fig and Kristen)

Fig: 

We found Adaine!

Or her wolf self

She turned I think sometime later in the night

We found her coming through the stairwell doors of the apartment complex

But she’s here now

image.jp (a large wolf sitting next to Riz who is taking notes on a sticky notepad)

Fabian:

???

When did this happen

Also

How did she get there doesn’t she live like

Thirty minutes or more minutes away from you both?

Kristen :

Ooo tell Adaine that she looks so cute as a wolf!

Also, why is everyone awake rn??

Gorgug:

Is that what I saw in the distance running?

However, I saw something near the apartment complex through my window.

Fabian:

Why were you looking through your window?

WHY ARE YOU PEOPLE AWAKE AT THIS TIME

This is ruining my beauty sleep

But tell Adaine that we were worried sick, please

Go to bed

Fig shut off her phone after a few minutes when no one responded to Fabian’s texts. Adaline looked worn out, from her limp that she still didn’t know where it came from and how she ran here apparently and was the same wolf Sklonda was called about at the police department. The blonde wolf was lying down on the floor with the largest blanket that she could find in the apartment to drape over Adaine. Fig was lying down on the couch after changing and brushing her teeth with her blanket.

Riz and Sklonda left after their bit of explaining to Sklonda that the wolf was Adaine, aka the same girl who had the orb or their wizard friend. 

Either or, Fig was just happy to have her friend back. Even if she came a bit taller and with some fur.

“Goodnight Adaine,” Fig mumbled as she placed her phone on the armrest of the couch.

A small ruff echoed through the dingy apartment as she saw Adaine fully close her eyes and her body relax and fall into a steady rhythm of breathing. Fig reached her hand out and casted mage hand, the hand going and flipped the light switch of the room and turned it into darkness again. Flipping onto her side and adjusting so her horns didn’t cut the couch again and get stuck she started drifting off into a night of sleep at maybe 4 in the morning,

…

A loud thump came from the kitchen area before a familiar voice rang out, “Daughter, when you turned off the lights it seemed I dropped my yogurt, slipped and I feel that something in one of my fingers is not properly in the right position.”

Another huff came from Adaine as Fig saw her friend with her dark vision try to slip underneath the blanket and cover her ears with her paws.

Chapter Text

Adaine once again felt groggy and more tired when she woke up on the hard wooden floor against her skin with a blanket draped over her that was covering her entire body. There was light shining through the blanket from the ceiling and somewhere else. Along with the smell of something burning hitting her nostrils and something sizzling.

She groaned softly while trying to pull the blanket off of her body before she heard the sound of footsteps coming her way.

“Adaine!” A familiar voice rang out.

Adaine managed to wrap the blanket around herself like a cocoon. Above her was Fig wearing a graphic t-shirt of a band that Adaine didn’t recognize, a pair of sweatpants, and her hair let down from its usual braid. Fig looked concerned and worried a bit as she looked at Adaine.

“Fig?” Adaine said, her voice raspy compared to her normal vocals.

“Yeah!” Fig smiled brightly at the blonde realizing she was okay. She sighed softly before she grabbed something that was on the couch. “I don’t know what kind of clothes you liked but this is all I have that's clean and you don’t want Gilear’s clothes…”

Fig held a clean set of clothes matching the ones she was currently wearing. Adaine looked at her confused before she looked down at herself and saw that all she had was the blanket. Right, her clothes were torn from when she shifted last night in her room.

After changing a pair of clothes from Fig, Adaine put her hand on the doorknob of the bathroom before she went out, and her thoughts started to race again. A part of her felt guilty for night answering any of them for the majority of yesterday and ignoring them willingly. Even more so when she had to have Fig and Riz help take her inside the apartment and the fact that multiple people saw her last night running through the streets.

Not to mention Aelwyn. 

Adaine could not tell what the other thought about her now. If she knew about Adaine’s curse or if she even knew it was her in her room or if it was just a random werewolf that got in. But the chances of the latter were slim, her clothes torn on her bed from shifting, her phone, with how she easily trusted Aelwyn must’ve given her away. Adaine knew her older sister (even though she’ll never admit it to Aelwyn’s face) was not dumb by any means. 

Adaine felt worried again. Her heart was pounding in her chest again and her breaths started to get shorter. What would Aelwyn’s next step be now? Tell her parents? Tell no one and blackmail Adaine into doing something? Or could her older sister find some type of compassion for her? (Adaine knew the chances of it were low in her heart). Adaine took a deep breath, composing herself before she opened the door and walked to the kitchen of the small apartment of Gilear and Fig.

Fig was still cooking something though Adaine knew Gilear would have little to nothing in his fridge. Adaine walked up a few steps away from Fig’s side. She didn’t have to make a noise before the other turned her attention towards Adaine. The tiefling smiled brightly again at her, but Adaine could see the slightest bit of worry in her gaze.

“Morning…I think it's morning?” Adaine smiled softly, trying to lighten the mood between the two.

“It’s actually eleven right now, but today's Saturday,” Fig shrugged while she went back to cooking what Adaine could see were two eggs. 

“Also, you slept. I thought you tranced like my mom or Gilear would?” Fig looked at Adaine quizzically.

“I think it’s a new thing now…” Adaine mumbled softly as she went to lean on the kitchen counter. She looked down at the ground, not meeting Fig’s eyes, “Happened yesterday as well. I went to trance right after I texted you guys and ended up sleeping for eight hours instead of my usual fo-”

Adaine’s words were cut off by rapid knocking on the door of the apartment. Both Fig and Adaine turned their heads towards the sounds. Adaine picked up on the sounds of muffled talking and shuffling with her new profound hearing.

Fig turned off the stove with the eggs a bit burnt and rushed over to the front door. Adaine stood up from leaning on the counter. Straightening herself out a bit before walking after Fig. As the door swung open four familiar faces showed. Riz, Kristen, Gorgug, and Fabian arrived at the apartment.

Fig welcomed them in and stepped aside to let them walk. Gorgug was carrying something in his hand. Riz immediately locked eyes with Adaine while the others spoke up. 

“Adaine, are you okay?” Kristen almost yelled while gripping onto her staff. Seemingly looking over Adaine for any wounds. 

Before she could respond Fabian spoke up right after, “Yes are you alright? You ran off and then we couldn’t find you at all. Did you run or something? Take the bus or?” Fabian spoke, with worry and concern in his eyes as well.

“Guys I’m fine please, stop worrying…” Adaine said with an almost shaky voice. How could they not be angry? She ran away, with little to no communication between any of them. She felt her heart race. Were they just saying these things before getting angry at her? “And, I’m sorry for running away I just…panicked that's all,”

There was a small silence between all six teens. Adaine looked frantically between all of them for any sign of anger or something relative to that. Before Gorgug spoke up softly, he had a small long box in his hand.

“Um, I saw that your orb was broken and I tried to get my parents to fix it since their tinkerers and stuff…” Gorgug looked at the ground before walking over to Adaine. Holding out the box to her, “They said they couldn’t fix it because the crack ran too deep but they had this and said that you can have it instead,”

Adaine took the box in her hands before she opened it. The cardboard was ripped as the inside showed an arcane focus, a hand-carved wand. The wand was made out of dark oak, the handle was carved and painted with a dark blue that matched Adaine’s uniform. While the birch of the wand was smooth to the tip.

Adaine’s head went completely over the fact that the orb was broken but instead went to the beautifully hand-carved wand in her hands now. “I…thank you Gorgug, and your parents! Really you didn’t have to do this. I’ll repay you guys I promise I just…” 

Gorgug nodded softly back at Adaine and smiled as well.

Adaine had explained to the rest of her friends what happened. The bite back at The Black Pit, her running and hiding away from Seacaster manor, (she was informed by Fabian that whenever she would come over next they would make sure no silver was around, courtesy of Cathilda and his father) explaining the sleeping instead of trancing, and how Aelwyn caught her in her room and tried to capture her and how her sister 100% might know it’s her that was the werewolf in the room. 

While Adaine explained the events to everyone she played with her new arcane focus in her hands sitting on the couch. It didn’t look out of place, not tiring her arms while carrying it all times of the day, and easily could be put away and looked better with her instead of a bright glowing orb in her arms.

Gorgug was listening to music on the couch with Adaine, Fig and Kristen were attempting to make sandwiches with the expired food Gilear had kept. While Riz and Fabian were arguing about Bloodrush and its rules. Adaine got lost in their conversation the moment they started talking about strategies.

“So, do you think Aelwyn would’ve told your parents by now?” Kristen spoke up, breaking the small peace between the six teens.

Everyone looked at each other. Adaine felt her heart start to pound again. She pushed the thoughts of Aelwyn far in her head trying not to remember the elder elf. Adaine took in a small shaky breath before responding.

“If I knew Aelwyn, that bitch would have already told someone or she’ll use it to blackmail me in some way,” Adaine said. She gripped the wand tightly and thought she was going to break another arcane focus again.

Aelwyn tried to fire another spell, this time it was the spell hold monster instead of hold person. But the wolf, or by her best guess, Adaine was already running away at the best of her ability with the limp in her paw. Aelwyn let out a shaky breath as Adaine ran off into the distance, onto the streets not bothering if anyone was going to see her like this.

Alewyn backed away from the window of Adaine’s bedroom. Her heart was pounding. Adaine hasn’t been seen in over a day or more. Adaine left for school one day, never came back that night and then she overheard her parents speaking on how they were informed Adaine never went to school the next day. So when she heard clattering coming from Adaine’s bedroom she didn’t think it would be a giant werewolf almost jumping out the window of her sister's bedroom.

Aelwyn looked over at Adaine’s bed, the clothes she recognized as her sisters were torn and ripped, and Adaine’s phone was on the ground with light claw scratches on the screen. The notifications were filled with people that she guessed were from Adaine’s new friends at the Augefort Adventuring Party. 

Adaine’s friends.

Did Adaine and her new friends know anything about her working with Kalina? She knew that they fought the corn monster in the cafeteria. Would Adaine being a werewolf mess with the plan in a way that Aelwyn was unknown to?

Aelwyn already finished her part of the plan so far. Kill the Oracle and make Adaine take the Watches and Wards book out of the restriction area. She just needed to assist in kidnapping the Seven Maidens a little further, after that she didn’t care what else happened after the plan. She just wanted to be free from these people... 

Kalina had threatened her death if she didn’t comply. Aelwyn didn't want to fight a curse that was seemingly unbeatable and incurable at the risk of her death, or Adaine’s. 

Oh god.

Kalina.

What would the woman do if someone found out about Aelwyn working with them? She took the Spies Tongue Curse that she couldn’t write nor speak Kalina but still. What would the tabaxi do to her if she was caught at any time? Her heart spiked in her chest and her breathing became heavy.

Aelwyn ran back to her room, throwing her spellbook onto the bed before rummaging through her closet. She used her slight dark vision to see in the room. She found the ship model of The Harpy. It was dusty and hadn't been touched in over a month by now. Aelwyn turned it around, and looked at the sides, the parts of the ship, and the bottom. Looking for any marks anyone would’ve left if they touched it.

And there was no sign of anyone touching it besides her. 

Adaine hadn’t found out.

She wasn't going to die today.

Aelwyn let out a shaky breath that she didn’t know that she was holding at this moment. Her heart calmed down again while Aelwyn started to breathe normally and paced again. She thanked her sister's incompetence and lack of knowledge of the plan and situation currently going on.

She put the ship model further into her closet and hid it behind clothes and more items so nobody would find it easily. She closed the closet doors before turning back to face her bedroom.

Aelwyn let out a sharp gasp as she was met with the sight of a familiar tabaxi sitting on her bed. Her heart spiked again, she backed up until her back hit the back of the closet doors again. Kalina however, smiled at Aelwyn’s shock. 

Kalina stood up from the bed, leaving no trace of ever being in the room as she disappeared into the shadows of Aelwyn’s room. Using her dark vision Aelwyn caught onto the familiar slitted pupils and eyes in the corner of her room. Aelwyn backed further into the closet doors, trying to calm down in front of the woman who threatened her death.

“Hey Miss Abernant,” Kalina’s voice rang out through the room.

Aelwyn composed herself to her best abilities at the moment, “Hello,” Aelwyn tried to say Kalina’s name yet her mouth seemingly snapped shut after the ‘Hello’. Right, the tongue curse thing…

Kalina laughed softly at Aelywn’s failed attempt to say her name before her gaze locked onto the spellbook on the bed. 

“Was just trying to check in on you kiddo, when I found you going head to head with. Now I’m just guessing, your sister, Adaine is a werewolf,” Kalina glared at her, “Am I right or am I wrong, Aelwyn,” 

Aelwyn gulped, before nodding softly back at the women's question. She didn’t trust her voice to be stable in responding to Kalina.

“Mhm, one of my…contacts was at the Pit with all of those werewolves and vampires and I saw some kids, didn’t expect one of them to be your sister Aelwyn,” 

“She didn’t come back after she left for school. I just found out moments ago as well,” Aelwyn’s voice was shaky. She never saw Kalina fight or anything but she knew the woman was capable of things she didn’t know of yet.

Kalina merely nodded at Aelwyn’s response. 

There was a silence that covered the two’s conversation. Aelwyn looked at Kalina trying to decipher what the tabaxi was thinking at the moment. 

“Don’t tell your parents,” Kalina said. Aelwyn was taken aback. She knew her mother was cursed with Kalina and was a part of the plan as well in a way. Her father she was unsure of at the moment but her mother was an almost hundred percent possibility. 

“I-I’m sorry but if I can ask-” Aelwyn tried to speak up.

“Attention can’t be drawn here more than you and Adaine already have. But someone will find out about the stunt you pulled on her tonight,” Kalina said sharply at Aelwyn making the elf almost flinch.

“Also, I wanna see how this turns out for your little sister,” Kalina said, not letting Aelwyn speak at this point, “If she does turn out to be a murderous wolf, then maybe we can just dose her with a little bit of your or your mother’s blood than we can use her for the plan,”

“We could always use some more people on the team, especially if one of them is the Elven Oracle and a werewolf,” Kalina sounded amused at the prospect of cursing Adaine with her.

However, Aelwyn was horrified at the idea of Adaine being pulled into the plan more than she should be. She hated Adaine almost her entire life span of seventeen years, but she couldn’t let her younger sister be pulled more into this. 

No, she was already risking Adaine’s life too much. She hated the younger elf but not enough to the point of wanting to abuse her new condition and make her into a living killing machine.

Kalina saw the fear on Aelwyn’s face and looked amused more by it. She chuckled softly before she disappeared into the shadows once more. 

Once again, Aewlyn was left alone in her room again.

Adaine had changed into more of Fig’s clothes as it turned further into the day. The plan was to find Zayn when they went back to school and find out what Aelwyn did after Adaine ran away from home, and the next was a blur besides finding more about Zayn and the missing girls.

Adaine was wearing a skirt with another t-shirt with one of Fig’s jackets. Just in some lighter colors that Fig had available in Gilear’s apartment that wasn’t left back at the Faeth home. She didn’t have her phone with her due to leaving it behind back at her home when she shifted.

Adaine was taking a car that Fabian had ordered. With everyone stuffed inside of the car. Adaine kept her new wand in the inside pocket of Fig’s jacket. The car ride was silent, no one knew what measures Aelwyn took after Adaine ran away. Eventually, they pulled up a few blocks away from the Abernant home. 

The home looked almost menacing to Adaine. As they all walked down the sidewalk to the house, Adaine felt her heart start pounding in her heart. She felt her breathing start to become unsteady again and something started to stir deep inside of her again. She tried to calm herself down again. Her friends were here, they were here to help her with her stupid family. Her parent’s cars were parked in the driveway, so far it wasn’t good.

“I’ll go inside with you. I can hide inside easily and if anything happens I can text the others to rush inside,” Riz spoke up once they were a block away from the house. 

“If they do anything rash we’ll immediately go inside Adaine,” Kristen said, the cleric was not much of a fighter in the few times they fought but Adaine heard the tone of determination in the redhead's voice.

The others agreed and nodded with Kristen and Riz. Adaine was still silently panicking inside her head. But with the courage from her friends, she felt her thoughts steady ever so slightly with them.

The others hid on the sides of the house the same side Adaine’s room was. Adaine and Riz went up to the front door, finding it unlocked. Adaine looked uneasily at Riz who gave a comforting look at her back. Adaine pushed the door open as she slid inside, leaving it ever so slightly open for Riz to slip in, who immediately hid after he got inside the house. 

Adaine looked around the empty house so far. No one was there in the front entrance.

Adaine walked further into the house. Her hearing picked up on the lightfall of footsteps that she knew was Riz hiding in the shadows of the house. She walked further into the house until she saw familiar faces when she glanced into the main living room.

Angwyn was reading the newspaper sitting on a chair by the unlit fireplace, while Arianween was eating a piece of waybread while on her laptop on another chair by her father.

Adaine froze, her heart pacing again as she felt panic rising in her again. That familiar feeling of something stirring inside of her again. Like last night when Alewyn found her. Before she could even try to draw attention to her, her mother already saw her standing out.

Arianwen raised an eyebrow, through her glasses she looked confused and almost disgusted by Adaine’s new look. “Adaine, what on earth are you wearing?” Arianween spoke up, drawing Angwyn’s attention from the newspaper and to Adaine who shared a familiar look compared to Arianwen.

“Truly Adaine what is that?” Angwyn said, rustling his paper in his hands.

“Since you didn’t come by yesterday you're grounded as well. We know that sending you to the adventuring party instead of Hudol since you failed the exams was already a risk. But now that you’re skipping school and come back wearing that?” Angwyn continued with his rant further. Looking at Adaine with a disgusted look.

But for once, Adaine didn’t have a fuel of anger rising inside of her and wanting to snap back with another passive-aggressive comeback like she normally would. She was confused. Either they were more concerned about what she was wearing over her being a werewolf. Or they didn’t know anything at all about her new condition. 

Adaine remained silent, a wave of confusion taking over her face. Silence took over all three of the elves. Before Arianwen spoke up, closing her laptop and pinched her nose. “Adaine, go to your room. You will not be receiving lunch or dinner,”

Adaine weakly nodded before walking off to the upstairs. She heard her parents speaking in elvish in low tones and Riz still trailing behind her. In no way was she staying home but she needed to grab a few things and maybe, talk to her older sister.

Once they were out of view from her parents, Riz popped out of the shadows next to Adaine. “Adaine, are you okay, do you want to?...” Riz trailed off, looking once again worried for her.

“I-I don’t know. I thought Aelwyn would immediately tell on me to our parents after she found me last night but,” Adaine let out a heavy sigh. She didn't know what to think of her sister. Whether to be thankful or even more worried about the information Aelwyn had.

Before Riz could speak again Adaine picked up on footsteps rushing towards them.

“Hide!” Adaine whispered to Riz. Who didn't hesitate to run into another room which turned out to be an extra bathroom. Leaving the door open just ever so slightly to peek through.

To Adaine’s shock and horror, Aelwyn turned the corner towards Adaine. With a look of something in her eyes that Adaine couldn’t believe. Desperation and fear.

Adaine froze on the spot. After Aelwyn turned the corner she immediately saw Adaine. Adaine saw there were slight eye bags from Aelwyn. As though she hadn't tranced last night at all. They both froze at the sight of each other. Just like from the night before when they were in Adaine’s room.

Neither of them spoke nor tried to make any sudden moves.

Aelwyn moved her hand to her back pocket, pulling out Adaine’s phone, and was now holding it out to her. Adaine looked back and forth between the look in Aelwyn’s eyes and her phone. She didn’t move, casting mage hand to grab her phone instead. The older elf didn’t fight back, her hand dropped to her side.

“...”

“...”

“Why didn’t you tell mom and dad? You know it was me, the werewolf in my room. I know you’re not dumb Aelwyn” Adaine spoke up, breaking the unsettling silence.

“...”

“Aelwyn answer me,” Adaine spoke more harshly. But it lacked the usual bitter and hate-filled venom she normally would have.

“Please Adaine just go,” Aelwyn’s voice raspy and tired. Adaine again was confused, Aelwyn’s voice didn’t carry the hate or venom as well, “Just go to your room or leave with your friends or something. Just don’t come talk to me and be wary around mother and father,” Aelwyn’s voice suddenly became desperate and worried. Stepping closer to Adaine.

“Aelwyn what’s wrong?” Adaine was worried. What was causing this sudden change in her sister? The sister who hated her guts for the entirety of her life was now pleading with her to leave for her safety or something. 

Aelwyn rushed over and grabbed Adaine by the shoulders. Adaine stiffened and looked at Aelwyn with concern and worry.

“Adaine, listen to me,” Aelwyn said harshly. Adaine nodded quickly in response, “There’s more to this than you and your friends know. Please, just stay safe and learn to control that wolf,” 

“Sister, please do this for me,” Aelwyn pleaded with Adaine once more. Glancing further down the hallway. She let go of Adaine before she turned on her heel and rushed down the same way she went.

Adaine stayed in her spot. Confused, worried, and utterly shocked by the interaction with Aelwyn. Riz stepped out of the nearby room, equally confused as Adaine. “What was that? What does she know?” Riz questioned further and looked in the direction Aelwyn went.

“I don't know. She’s barely out of place like that so…” Adaine trailed off. She grabbed her phone and texted into the group chat with the others. As she was texting Riz spoke up.

“I’m gonna follow her, you grab whatever you need and then we’ll leave out through your window,” Riz said, without waiting for a further response he sprinted after Aelwyn.

Adaine:

Guys we got in but Aelwyn never told my parents about what happened

Also, she was really freaked out about something and told us “There’s more to this

then you and your friends know”

???

Riz went after her and I’m going to grab my stuff.

Fabian

Hello???

Do you know what she meant by that

Fig:

Riz?!

Why are you going alone?

I’m climbing through the window of your room rn.

Kristen:

She actually is

Gorgug isn’t typing cuz he's gonna catch Fig if she falls

Fig just fell and collapsed on Gorgug

I'm gonna heal them hold up

Fabian:

Is no one worried about what Adaine’s sister just said?!

Adaine turned off her phone before she rushed to her room. Looking through her window and true to their words, Fig was on top of Gorgug, and her ankle looked twisted a bit. Kristen healing them both while Fabian was presumably screaming at them both.

Adaine sighed before opening it, “I’m gonna grab my stuff and Riz should be here by now!” 

She rushed back inside, grabbing an extra backpack, filling it with some clothes and some of her school supplies, a phone charger, some of her extra gold, and a few books. Including the ones from the library.

While packing and overhearing the small banter between the others. Riz came through the door and closed it shut behind him. “Riz!” Adaine yelled.

“I tried to follow Aelwyn and I did. But she locked herself in her room, I overheard her talking to someone but I couldn’t hear the other person. Might’ve been over the phone,” Riz spoke, rushing over to the window after Adaine finished the last finishing touches to her packed bag. 

In the corner of his eye, Riz spotted something. A file was underneath Adaine’s desk. He walked over to it as Adaine was getting ready to climb down through the window. He opened it and found documents. Adaine’sl documents. He looked at the file before he saw a written note on the back.

‘Don’t come back here, please for your own safety dear sister’ written in beautiful cursive.

Aelwyn needed Adaine to leave. Who knows what Kalina would have her do to her sister? She just hopes that Kalina doesn’t have eyes on Adaine in any way or if she cursed anyone that Adaine is close to…

Chapter Text

The six teens, once they arrived back at the Strongtower apartments, decided to stay a while longer before most of them had to leave back to their own homes. Fig, Kristen, and Fabian were in the kitchen trying to find anything Gilear had to make a decent meal for them. Before they deduced just ordering food and paid by Fabian’s allowance. Gorgug was sharpening his axe while listening to his headphones.

Adaine sat on the couch, her backpack filled with her items from her house with her wand sat on the floor, and leaned on the couch. Riz was sitting next to her while Adaine held the file in her hands. It was turned to the back, the handwritten note left by Aewlyn in the familiar handwriting facing Adaine.

‘Don’t come back here, please for your own safety dear sister’

Adaine stared at the writing. Her eyes darted between each letter for a sign that this was written by someone else. Not by Aelwyn, not the same sister who had brutally mistreated her throughout her entire life. The constant belittlement, insults, shared resentment and hatred for each other and more Adaine could list on and on that happened throughout their childhood. 

Adaine and Riz both checked through the papers. Everything from Adaine’s birth certificate, her citizenship for Solace from when her family moved from Fallinel to Solace, and a few more of her papers. Riz checked the papers more thoroughly while Adaine double-checked the papers. Trying to make sure all of the information written down wasn’t forged by Aelwyn in some way. 

While checking the papers with Riz. Adaine rethinks all of her interactions with Aelwyn to the best of her memory. What caused her sister to have a change of heart after all this time of mistreatment? Why did Aelwyn act like that in the hallway? Who was Aelwyn talking to in her room that Riz couldn’t hear? 

Adaine zoned out of checking the information mid-way through double-checking her birth certificate. What caused Aelwyn to jump the gun from her usual behavior and help Adaine in a way that Adaine would have never thought about until much later or until it would come up in another way? 

“Adaine?” Riz’s voice broke Adaine out of her thoughts. Adaine’s head shot back up to face Riz who looked worried and concerned once again. 

“Y-Yeah?” Adaine said softly. 

“If you want anything from this restaurant we’re ordering from!” Fabian shouted from the other side of the small apartment. Holding his phone in his hand up in the air waving, “I’m also paying so don’t worry!”

Right…

Adaine hadn’t eaten a full meal in a while since the utensils were silver at Seacaster Manor she couldn’t eat there and ran away and only ate a sort of cooked egg that was possibly expired that Fig made from Gilear’s fridge. 

Once everyone ordered, with Fabian footing the bill, Riz put all the papers back into the file and handed it back to Adaine. She refused to look at the note left at the back and shoved it into her backpack with the rest of her items, placing her new wand into the side pocket. While putting everything away in her backpack she grabbed her phone. 

Excusing herself from the others while they bickered about something new today Adaine made her way to the bathroom. While it was fairly clean it was still a bit dirty, closing and locking the door behind her she leaned on the sink counter. Her phone was still on a low battery from when she left it back at her house when she ran away from Aelwyn. There were slight claw scratches on the screen from when she tried to grab it in her wolf form. 

Opening her phone, she quickly read the messages from her friends when they sent them on when she ran away before she took that nap back at her house. She tried to go on a search engine to do some small research on lycanthropy before she had to go out. Unfortunately, her phone died the moment she entered the word ‘lycanthropy’ 

Adaine let out a groan and almost slammed her phone against the sink counter, before catching herself and gently placing it down. Not wanting to attract more attention to herself from the others than she already has. She had limited knowledge of the curse besides basic knowledge. Silver was a major weakness, transformation on full moons, and she could shift because of anxiety or major stress but could be in control of it.

Adaine turned her head to the bathroom mirror which was stained with light handprints and smudges which she expected from it being Gilear’s apartment. Sighing softly she fixed her hair which had a few strands poking out of place. Adaine looked at her mouth while it hung open slightly. She noticed her teeth, most importantly her canine teeth.

She leaned in closer to the mirror and pulled the corner of her top lip with her finger. She looked at the upper left canine tooth. Last time she checked it was normal and even a slight bit smoother than it should have. Now, the tooth was longer and she swore the tip was now sharper. 

Adaine leaned back and wiped her finger on the shirt. Before softly smiling with her teeth on show, she looked at all of her canine teeth. All of the teeth bore the same similarity she noticed mere moments before. Longer and sharper than Adaine last saw them.  

Adaine leaned back, covering her mouth with her hands. A glance back at the mirror showed her horrified expression. Since when did that happen? Since when did her humanoid body start sharing the changes that the werewolf had? Adaine felt her heart picking up and beating faster. 

Goddamnit, curse her limited knowledge of the lycanthrope curse. How many more changes was her humanoid body going to make than it already has?! She was stronger though she didn’t have many occurrences on that, breaking down the front door of the apartment building and outrunning everyone back at Seacaster Manor she counted that. Her canine teeth changed already, and now her anxiety was worse! Now if she did have a panic attack she would change into a stupid fucking wolf!

Adaine’s heart was rushing, but the panic wasn’t alone in the cause of the rushing heart. Anger filled her as well. Adaine’s hands let go of her mouth and clutched onto the sides of the sink. She heard the solid surface slightly cracking underneath the pressure she applied. Looking down she could see the slight cracks forming as well. Though it only fueled the blonde’s anger even more.

Adaine hated this entire curse! Why her?! Why was she so stupid and did not follow Fabian that night, why wasn’t she strong or better in some way back then to fight against this curse that now has ruined everything she’s known so far?! Aelwyn was acting off only because of Adaine in that werewolf form that night, she’s left the Abernant house, apparently now living in a crappy apartment!

And now, she was some type of fucked up elven anxiety-filled werewolf!

Adaine felt tears prick her eyes. She felt her heart racing so fast that she thought it would jump out of her chest, her breathing was becoming uneven once again. Once again she felt an uneasy shift starting inside of her.

Looking down she could see fur starting to once again grow on the back of her hands, a few strands poking out of the cuffs of the borrowed jacket as well. Panic rose even further in Adaine while she took steps back before she hit the wall. Glancing at the mirror she could see the shifting occur. Fur gathering and she almost could anticipate her body readying for the bones once again cracking and snapping for the shift.

Adaine was knocked out of her racing thoughts and rising panic by a knock on the door. 

“Adaine? The food is here if you want to eat now?” Kristen’s voice came through the other side of the bathroom door. 

Adaine took a deep breath and slowly slid down the wall until she sat on the floor. She looked up at the ceiling not wanting to see the monster she was becoming again in the mirror. A few seconds of silence before Adaine spoke up.

“Y-Yes I’ll be right there!” Adaine shouted before she noticed that her voice was much more raspy and was cracking a bit. Mentally she hoped that Kristen would leave her alone and not question her voice change.

Adaine closed her eyes, feeling the tears fall, and started her breathing exercises to the best of her memory. Taking in a shaky breath for four seconds. Then she held her breath for a roundabout of seven seconds and exhaled as slowly as she could in the moment. Before repeating them again and again for maybe a minute or so.

When Adaine opened her eyes her gaze fell on her hands. Which were still hands! The sight of fur was gone as she brought them up to her face. Quickly standing up she looked at the mirror and saw no change at all, besides her eyes still welled up with a few tears, slightly red, and her face tear-stained.

Using the sleeve of the jacket she wiped away the tears on her face and in her eyes. She took a few more deep breaths before she sighed shakily. She ignored the cracks on the sink and grabbed her phone. She turned on her heel and exited the bathroom. 

She walked out of the bathroom and closed the door, turning to head to the living room. Adaine was met with the sight of Kristen, who was leaning against the wall, staff in hand. Kristen at the sight of Adaine stood up and gave a smile at the blonde. 

Yet, Adaine saw concern and slight confusion cross the cleric’s face while Kristen looked at her more closely. Adaine stood up a bit straighter trying to hide the panic attack that she almost had plus the almost werewolf shift again, but presumably failing as Kriste still looked concerned. 

“Uh, I didn’t want to leave you behind so I just stayed,” Kristen said softly, “But the food's ready…I already said that we should?...” Kristen spoke quickly before she pointed in the way to where the others presumably were.

Adaine didn’t trust her voice not to break or sound raspy so she just quickly nodded. The two girls walked the very short distance in the small apartment to the others. Adaine picked up the sounds of chatter and some banter with the combined sound of clattering utensils.

Fig and Gorgug were on each side of the couch with the middle seat being filled by Fabian with Riz sitting on the couch armrest on the side of Fig. All of the kids ate out of some plates that she guessed were from the apartment. Gilear had come back from wherever he went and had a black eye on the right side, while he was slowly eating a portion of what Adaine noticed of Fig’s food in the kitchen. 

All of them glanced at Adaine who once again felt her heart spike again. Adaine still felt her eyes slightly dry and swollen from the crying mere moments before and she knew she looked a slight bit disheveled from her almost shift plus panic attack. Adaine noticed the concern across all of her friends' faces.

Kristen placed her staff leaning on the table before grabbing two styrofoam containers and handing one to Adaine with a gentle smile. Adaine smiled tiredly and took it from Kristen’s hands. 

Small bits of banter and lots of talk, parts of it being banter, parts of the following mystery and about Zayn Darkshadow. Adaine tried to ignore or deflect questions about Aelwyn’s strange behavior as she didn't even know about it with even more deflection when it came to her new lycanthropy. Along with small bits of the question of what happened to Gilear who apparently got punched by a stranger at the grocery store and got robbed again (the again part is what concerned Adaine) 

After a few more hours passed before Kristen, Gorgug, and Fabian had to leave and return to their homes for the day. Leaving Riz and Fig with Adaine in Gilear’s apartment. They had thrown away the leftovers and cleaned up Gilear’s apartment while the elf was in his room with an ice pack for his eye. 

After cleaning and a few more conversations which Adaine tried to stay silent for, Riz left for his mom’s apartment around nine pm. Fig was brushing her teeth in the bathroom after changing into a similar sleepwear from last night. Adaine had already brushed her teeth with the new one Fig gave her. Changing into a white T-shirt and a pair of black shorts. 

Adaine was sleeping on the floor with a pillow from Gilear’s room with a blanket underneath her and one covering her. Sleeping between the couch and the coffee table with Fig sleeping on the couch. Already lying down Adaine left her backpack down next to her with her phone in her pockets. While Fig and Adaine conversed it was mostly speaking about Sandralynn, mostly Fig on how she never told her about her real father. Adaine didn’t speak much while making small little comments now and then.

Adaine did everything to ignore the topic of her curse. 

Adaine was staring at the ceiling in silence while Fig was in the bathroom. She thought about Aelwyn. She kept on replaying the scene in the hallway and she wanted to grab the file with Aelwyn’s note on the back and keep on reading it over and over until she noticed something wrong. Something to show that it wasn’t her sister and someone else, that Aelwyn was fine.

Adaine sighed softly, grabbed her phone from her pocket, and unlocked it. The only messages that she received were from her friends from when she was taking her trance or sleeping back at the Abernant house for what she didn’t know at the time, for the last time. 

Adaine opened the text with Aelwyn. Rereading the last message with her sister from when she didn’t come back the night of The Black Pit. She wanted to know more about Aelwyn, she didn’t know much about her sister besides that she was an absolute bitch.

Adaine hesitated before she typed her message to her sister.

Bitch Face Cunt (Aelwyn)

Adaine:

Aelwyn

Are you there?

Hello???

Adaine waited for a minute or so with still no response. She didn’t expect an immediate response from her sister but she just hoped for something or anything from the older elf. She heard the bathroom door close shut. She shut off her phone as she shoved it back down her pocket. However, she remained herself to change Aelwyn’s contact name.

Fig walked into the living room and essentially jumped onto the couch. Before rolling a bit around and adjusting onto the couch. Adaine raised a hand in the direction of the light switch and cast mage hand. The familiar blue arcane hand turned and switched the light switch while the room turned into darkness once again but with both of their dark vision they could still see each other.

“Goodnight Adaine,” Fig said into the darkness. Adaine heard the soft rustling again and could vaguely see in the corner of her vision Fig had turned her back on her.

“Goodnight Fig,” Adaine softly said. 

Once again that night Adaine slept instead of her usual trance.

The following Monday Fig, Adaine, with Gilear in tow, went to Augefort. They took Gilear’s car which, when Adaine went in, thought it was a miracle that it hadn’t broken down in some way as there was tape in some places holding things up. Adaine wore her normal white dress shirt with the uniform knee-length dark blue skirt and a red tie. Her school backpack had her new wand from Gorgug and his parents, with her backup spellbook just in case. 

Fig was trying to help Gilear with his self-respect and she helped him get ready for applying for one of the two positions in Augefort. Either for the guidance counselor or the lunch lady, or what Fig called “Lunch Lad”. Adaine kept on checking her phone on the text thread with Aelwyn. She sent the text messages around late nine pm. All that she got back was the fact that she was left on delivery.

Adaine checked a few more times on the drive before she gave up and shoved the phone into her backpack. Adaine was in the backseat looking out the window. She was messing with the hem of the sleeve of her dress shirt. When she pulled the sleeve of her right arm the scar of the bite showed.

Adaine felt her heart spike again just at the sight of the scar, but she felt anger instead of panic rise more. She gritted her teeth from the growing hate of her new lycanthropy. She pulled down her sleeve and once again stared out the window until Augefort came into view.

The two girls arrived before the others did since Gilear wanted to talk to Vice Principal Goldenhoard before school got too chaotic. Fig was trying to encourage Gilear the whole way who unexpectedly, had the smallest bit of hope in his eyes. Adaine was following the two a few steps behind them, she had nothing else to do besides following the two.

Once they headed to Goldenhoard’s office Fig knocked on the door, “Come in, Come in!” Goldenhoard’s voice muffled from the other side. Gilear stood up a bit straighter as all three of them walked into the office. 

“Ah! Young Miss Faeth and Miss Abernant!” Goldenhoard stood up from his chair behind his desk as his voice rang out. A wide smile with his sharp teeth. Adaine nodded back at Goldenhoard and crossed her arms. Before in the corner of her eye, she saw him.

Jawbone was still in that shift of half werewolf and half human. Adaine felt her heart racing again (really it’s a miracle she hasn’t gotten some medical thing from her heart beating too fast so often) and her breathing getting uneven. Panic and hate grew in her just at the sight of the man who looked…happy?

The same man who cursed her with this stupid fucking lycanthropy was happy?! Adaine felt her breathing becoming heavy and her face even getting hot. She gripped onto the fabric of her sleeves, not wanting to attract attention to her while Goldenhoard and Fig spoke.

“Hey, kiddo! I got the job!” Jawbone’s loud voice snapped Adaine out of her thoughts. She was gripping so tight onto her sleeves so to the point she thought she heard the fabric ripping. Adaine knew she was being stared at by the three other people in the room. 

Adaine let a forced smile come to her face, “That’s great that…just great!” Adaine’s voice had an underlying hint of hate and venom in it. The same man who cursed her was in front of her all smiles. 

Adaine let in a sharp breath, “I’m going to go to my locker to…organize,” Adaine turned to Fig who looked a slight bit confused and looked between Adaine and Jawbone. She turned on her heel and quickly walked out of the office and down the halls of the school. It was still early morning and students hadn’t yet started filling the halls. 

She let go of her sleeves and stormed down the hallways at a quick pace. 

Adaine felt the pace of her heart picking up from the anger. She hated that man and she hated herself for becoming this damned monster!

Adaine came to a stop in what she remembered was the hallway where her locker was and her friends' lockers. Clenching her fists tightly and breathing heavily. Not only that but she felt tears prick her eyes when she came to a stop. Anger filled her because of Jawbone and everything else in this part of life. There was luckily no one around the hallway and only Adaine in the area. She breathed heavily and looked at her locker. Her fists clenched tighter and she felt the same rage she felt at Aelwyn on the first day of school.

Adaine let out a half growl and scream and punched the door of her locker. A loud bang filled her ears and a creak. She let out a small yelp and took her hand in her other one and immediately regretted her action. Red was rising onto her pale skin on the knuckles. Adaine looked back at the locker, which was bent in the middle and was now slightly open even with the lock still on it.

“Ah, mother fucker!” Adaine whispered under her breath. Shaking her injured hand while she breathed heavily. 

Adaine felt the rage and hate to stop and the sadness begins. Tears filled her eyes and threatened to spill onto her checks which were red from the anger mere moments before. She felt her ears droop and burn from the heat which now came embarrassment from the small outrage no gathering all over her face. She slid her backpack off of her letting it thump onto the ground.

Adaine felt the same uneasy shift start inside of her and at the feeling, Adaine hurriedly started her breathing exercises. She felt panic and sadness while her emotions were haywire. She leaned onto the wall of lockers and slid down onto the floor. 

She pulled her legs close to her chest while her breathing was essentially heaving now. Tears started to fall once more and her hand was still hurting and red. Adaine put her forehead onto her knees and sobbed softly. She heard that there was still nobody in the hallway but Adaine still tried to keep more quiet.

Everything was all over the place. Nothing was wrong as everything was out of order. Adaine killed a woman on her first day, essentially helped kill a few men back at the car chase with Johnny spells, turned into a monster, ran away from home, and now can’t even control her anger or any emotion without a panic attack on the rise.

Tears flowed freely onto her cheeks while a few even fell onto her skirt. Blurring her vision.

Adaine sobbed to herself for a few minutes or maybe more before her ears twitched and picked up on something. Multiple footsteps coming down the hallway. She panicked and stood up quickly but unfortunately hit her head on the open door of her locker. Letting out another yelp, anger flared from the annoyance and Adaine softly kicked the locker below hers leaving another dent in the metal.

  She quickly wiped away the tears falling with the sleeves of her dress shirt and tried to fix her appearance while ignoring her hand still throbbing softly. Letting out shaky breaths she turned back to her locker and tried her best to fix the damaged door. If she couldn’t she’d just say she found it like this.

Adaine looked down both sides of the hallway and just saw a few students starting to fill up the hallways. School was starting in maybe twenty minutes so that explained the people coming possibly from the buses. She closed her locker which thankfully worked, somewhat. Picking up her backpack she walked down the hallways towards her wizarding class.

While in Tiberia Runestaff’s wizardry class, Adaine hated herself for once for picking to be in the front of the class. She tried to focus in class but she felt restless. She looked down at her spellbook which was open onto “ hold person ”. Adaine stared at the page and started remembering Aelwyn’s spell attack when she was in the Abernant home as the werewolf.

Adaine closed her book and just stared at the whiteboard of Ms. Runestaff’s class. Trying to listen to the older woman who was talking about divination and portents. Which she should’ve listened to but just couldn’t. Her eye caught onto something written on the board. 

1st Level spell: Find Familiar

School: Conjuration

Verbal, Somatic, Material  

Adaine opened her spell book and wrote the same lettering on the whiteboard on the corner of one of the pages for a reminder about the spell. 

She always liked frogs in a way.

Adaine grabbed her lunch for the day which was once again corn and tuna with Gilear serving her, being the new lunch lady or lad is what Fig said. Though she was more distracted by her new hearing. People were talking much louder, she could almost hear the chewing from people and the clattering of items. She tried to focus as well on getting to her friends and not on the sound of everything around her. 

She was the last one to arrive at the table, sitting on the edge with Gorgug beside her and Kristen in front of her. Adaine let her backpack sit on the floor and started eating along with the others. She let herself finally calm down from the running emotions in her head. 

Adaine glanced around the cafeteria, still ignoring the fact she could hear almost everything happening around her with her ears slightly twitching. What she was more concerned with was Zayn Darkshadow. She looked around the room looking for the not-so-familiar drow elf with black hair with a red streak of hair dye. 

She gave up after a minute of searching and just went back to her lunch once more. They’d find Zayn at some point in their mystery. 

“Guys, can I ask you all a question?” Adaine said. Not meeting anyone’s gaze and just staring at her lunch. All five of the teens looked at her, “I think I need new clothes since all I have are these. And I'm not going to stay with my family so they can't say anything. Like a makeover. But I need to go buy more materials for my spells like incense and ink as well…” 

Kristen lights up almost immediately, “Oh my god yes! I’ve got like ten camp shirts and I think one of them is blue with different patterns. Maybe we can find a werewolf t-shirt for you!” Adaine ignored the werewolf t-shirt part, “My church probably has a bunch of incense but they might smell like corn a bit,”

“You can have some of mine, I just need to go back to Sandralynn’s house to grab more of my clothes. I didn’t bring enough to Gilear’s,” Fig spoke up. Tugging on her t-shirt with a skull.

“I was thinking of shopping. Maybe a mall if there’s one nearby or stores where we can get all of the stuff?” Adaine said. This time looking at her friends.

“I can give you a forty-five gold piece gift card and you can go buck wild or something with the card,” Fabian said over the three girls. Picking at his corn and tuna lunch before passing it once more to Riz.

Adaine disassociates herself from the conservation once everyone starts bickering about Fabian giving forty-five gold when his father gives out over eight hundred gold worth of drugs to everyone back at Seacaster Manor. 

Gorgug’s new friend. Friend? Adaine didn’t know what they were, Zelda talked about Zayn when she came by. How he hung around the Cravencroft Cemetery sometimes. Then the whole earthquake or tornado plan was made for Riz to steal the emergency kit in the cafeteria by Gorgug and Fig.

Adaine, annoyed by Ragh simply lifted her finger and cast a ray of sickness when he came to make fun of Gorgug again. Not even looking at the older boy. Not feeling the joy she would feel when people who annoyed her or were mean started puking from her spell.

She truly just wanted to fall into a trance. Wake up the day of the incident of The Black Pit, go back to the night, and use her divination to manage to dodge the bite on her arm instead of the claw that narrowly missed her.

Chapter Text

Adaine tried her best to focus on the rest of her classes. However, like her class with Ms. Runestaff, she was restless the entire school day. Not only that but she also had trouble with her new keen senses. Trying to block out new sounds she heard wasn’t easier said than done. Also with the new sense of smell, she couldn’t block that out either. Not to mention that Aelwyn hasn’t yet responded to Adaine’s message from last night. 

With everything being overwhelming and overbearing Adaine barely made it through the school day without having another panic attack.

After school let out the six teenagers made their way to the Cravencroft Cemetery where Fig made that nightmare of a rat illusion. Also finding out that Zayn died sometime after The Black Pit by the necromancer's orb given by Sylvester, the caretaker of the cemetery. The icy white orb marks Zayn’s death. After finding out about Zayn’s apartment they headed there next.

Then finding more than enough evidence with Johnny Spell's warlock contract with Gorthalax the Insatiable that was rewritten to make Zayn his patron in a way essentially, the pills Zayn used to keep cool, the obvious attack that happened here in his apartment.

While Edgar, Zayn’s rat was nowhere to be found. Adaine found signs of a ritual that happened on Hallow’s Eve of last year, which she managed to locate in the abandoned Durinson Mithral Factory.

After a more than exhausting fight by the Oakshield middle schoolers who were dwarven stakers at the factory. Dragging down a giant rock construct with Gorgug and Riz pulling it down by the ramp on top of it, using her new wand Adaine manages to bend the web spell to her will to make two strands of web pulling it further with Fabian taking one of the webs and using the Hangman to drag it into the acid. 

With Fig coming out of nowhere with a giant devil, Gorthalax the Insatiable. Who was trapped in a ruby? While figuring out what was the next step they found Zayn’s rat, Edgar.

It was safe to say Adaine was mentally and physically exhausted from the entire day. 

When they arrived by a spell Gorthalax did, at Basrar’s Soda Fountain, they made their way towards a cushy red corner booth in the shop. Gorthalax is in the middle with Fig and Kristen on both sides. Adaine sat next to Fig with Gorgug seated at the edge. Fabian and Riz seated next to Kristen’s side of the booth. 

Adaine checked her phone once more. Checking the text thread with Aelwyn and to no surprise, she was still left on delivered. She sighed before slipping her phone back into her skirt pocket. Her wand sitting in her other pocket.

Basrar came over, the ice whirlwind genie in his uniform. With his iconic smile as always with the underlying hint of sadness that Adaine figured out from him only being able to grant ice cream wishes. 

“I can cover the ice cream for you kiddos,” Gorthalax exclaimed. His deep voice almost reverberated through the building. Adaine almost flinched from the loud noise, still not yet used to or able to control her sensitive new hearing.

  She took one glance at the devil and felt sympathy. Gorthalax, even with his intimidating looks and features. Was trying to seem more peaceful? Even more so he looked the slightest bit nervous while he gave a fanged smile at Fig who looked like she was having the time of her life. 

“So these are your pals, kid? And how's the academy going?” Gorthalax looked down at Fig. Still smiling at his daughter.

“School is good so far and I’m taking barbarian classes. And they are Adaine, Gorgug, Riz, Kristen and he’s Fabian,” Fig said in an enthusiastic tone. Pointing to every one of them. Adaine tiredly smiled, Gorgug was looking almost curiously at the devil, Riz waved and reached into his briefcase for what Adaine assumed was one of his business cards. Kristen smiled and waved while Fabian still looked suspicious of Gorthalax.

“I’m a barbarian so we’re in the same classes together,” Gorgug mumbled. Fig nodded with his statement but before she could say anything else Gorgug continued, “Um, I’m sorry to interject here but I didn’t want to risk an opportunity passing by so I just wanted to ask…”

“Gorgug,” Kristen said while trying to hold back a grin along with Fig who looked to be holding back laughter. 

“Gorgug please not this,” Riz whispered. Fabian sighed and with a downcast glance stared at the table.

“Oh my goddess,” Adaine whispered. Before just putting her head down on the table. 

“Are you my dad? Are you my sister?” Gorgug looked between the devil and his friend. Fig and Kristen laughed while the other three groaned.

“Gorgug you gotta stop asking-” Riz said. Trying to be a little sympathetic. 

‘“I’m so sorry sir,” Fabian shouted over the talking.

“Oh my god are you my brother?!” Fig exclaimed.

“We’re all thinking about it!” Gorgug shouted.

“No one’s thinking that!” Fabian and Riz said in synchrony. 

Fig almost started crying, “The family grows!” 

“Don’t encourage him! Don’t encourage this!” Fabian argued, almost standing up from the table.

Adaine zoned out on the small bit where Gorthalax explained how Gorgug would’ve shown some type of infernal legacy. Basrar came back with their orders in the middle of the explanation so she lifted her head off of the table and slowly started drinking her vanilla milkshake. With the others eating their desserts like sundaes, ice cream, etc. Thankfully, Basrar used plastic utensils so Adaine didn’t have to worry about another burn scar similar to the one on her hand from Seacaster Manor.

While the others talked, Adaine listened. 

Gorthalax being trapped in a ruby by Arthur Augefort, how the devil was once an angel for Heilo before he fell. While Fabian helped explain how Aurther died and killed another man to bring Kristen and Gorgug back from the dead. Even with Kristen and Gorthalax doing a little bonding over how Heilo sucked in truth.

Gorthalax filled in the holes of their missing pieces to their already growing mystery. The Harvestmen is a religious cult of Heilo trying to bring about the apocalypse. Somehow a Harvest Festival where to stay awake for twenty hours of lecture which Kristen went to? Concerning but that meant they had a way in the cult if they ever needed to.

The KVX bank when Johnny Spell’s tried to rob it in Bastion City and it was forced to work for the Harvestmen in return, how Zayn was essentially a stooge for the Harvestmen. The stooge part made Adaine perk up.

“What about Daybreak? He’s in the church of Helio right?” Adaine said. Wiping the corner of her mouth from the milkshake. 

“Daybreak was at the Harvest Festival as well! He was one of the lecturers,” Kristen exclaimed. Unfortunately oblivious to the small accusation Adaine just made.

“Then we already have a Harvestman at Augefort,” Fig said.

“Maybe that’s how they got Zayn into the plan in the first place? Maybe they needed a wizard or something to overwrite Johnny’s contract and Zayn was a possible person,” Riz questioned. Grabbing a piece of paper to write down more information. 

“You guys just need to know the Harvestmen handshake,” Kristen smiled. Eating more of her ice cream while Gorthalax looked in shock at Kristen.

“You know the Harvestmen handshake kid?” Gorthalax said. A look of worry at the redhead with his voice laced with concern and curiosity. 

“Can you teach us?” Fig asked.

“Um, I’m not supposed to but! I’m not supposed to eat so much ice cream!” Kristen murmured her last sentence. 

Gorthalax explained more about the Harvestmen and Solace as well. Solace was a human country before dwarves, halflings and other races began to fill into the nation. Harvestmen were human conservative people with origins in the High Court area. Someone had something over Zayn to make him work for the Harvestmen in the first place.

Adaine related Zayn to Aelwyn in a way. Aelwyn knew something about what was happening in Elmville. Adaine knew Aelwyn had more information she just couldn’t prove just yet. Was Aelwyn doing something against her will? Her sister was evil in some way that Adaine could believe but Aelwyn acting like this? 

Adaine knew it was a long shot but when Aelwyn said “There’s more to this than you and your friends know” back at the Abernant home. Adaine couldn’t shake the small nagging feeling that Aelwyn was in this mystery somehow.

“...Johnny got into the Harvestmen. Again something about that ba-”

“Mr. Insatiable?” Adaine chimed in.

“Yeah, kiddo?” Gorthalax looked at Adaine. The others turned toward her as well.

“Did Johnny say anything or do you know anything about someone named Aelwyn?” Adaine made a motion towards her face, “Blonde, blue eyes, elf, abjuration wizard…my sister?...” Adaine mumbled the last two words but was sure the man heard her.

The table was silent for a few seconds. In the corner of her eye, she saw Riz, looking like he made the same connection as Adaine had just done.

“Johnny said something about another wizard who was in on the plan. Working and doing something with palimpsest. But I don’t know anyone named Aelwyn. And I don’t know what school the wizard was or what they looked like,” Gorthalax said. Looking ever so sympathetic for the young elf, “Sorry kiddo but Johnny didn’t say everything about who he was working with,” 

At least they knew another wizard besides Zayn was in on the plan working with palimpsests like the one Sam was in when they found it around the garage Johnny and his gang were in. Sam in her palimpsest, was with Biz who was still trying to get her out of it slowly.

Adaine sighed and still felt multiple eyes on her. She felt her heart slowly picking up pace and her breathing starting to become faster. Aelwyn was in some type of danger or something happened to Aelwyn. Why was Aelwyn warning her and then suddenly helping her? Then never talking to her again?

Adaine clenched her fists tight. Aelwyn was just so stupidly complicated.

“Sorry,” Adaine mumbled as she stood up from the seat of the corner booth. Gorgug didn’t hesitate to stand up and make way for her, “I just need some air,”

Adaine didn’t look at her friends or Gorthalax when she got out of the booth. Before speed walking out the door of the soda fountain. She walked until she got to the end of the block. There was barely anyone driving by and she was sure no one followed after her. She sat down on the curb, pulling out her phone once again.

Bitch Face Cunt (Aelwyn)

Adaine:

Aelwyn

Answer me

I know you’re getting these

Bitch

I know you know something about the missing girls or whatever the hell is happening. 

Please

If you don’t answer I’m coming to the house 

If it’s about our parents you know I’m more than happy to hate on them

Adaine was impatiently tapping her foot on the concrete. She gripped her phone more tightly and could almost hear it crack. Aelwyn was either in trouble, knew something and wasn’t telling her, or just being an absolute bitch again. 

She waited for another two minutes or so before she gave up on getting a response. 

Adaine shoved her phone into her skirt pocket once again. Once again bringing her knees to her chest and she crossed her arms on top of her knees. Resting her chin onto her forearms. She felt her heart slowly picking up its pace and her breathing becoming heavy. Adaine thankfully caught onto the signs of a panic attack starting, she started to use her breathing exercises.

Inhaling through her nose for four seconds. Holding her breath for almost seven seconds and then exhaling for around eight seconds. Repeating the same three steps for a minute or so while her heart calmed down and her breathing evening out.

Adaine stayed on the curb for maybe another minute before she heard rapid footsteps from behind her. The same way as Basrar’s Soda Fountain, the same route she took to come here. Turning her head she saw a more than worried Kristen and Fig both running towards her direction. She immediately stood up and stared in confusion at both of the girls. She heard the familiar sound of an engine roaring as the Hangman with Fabian and Riz rounded the block Adaine was at.

“Adaine!” Riz shouted over the Hangmans’ engine roaring.

“What happened?” Adaine exclaimed. It had barely been a few minutes, maybe five at most when she left. 

“It’s Biz! Weird AV kid. The dude who had Sam in the palimpsest and was working to get her out like we asked,” Fig yelled. Running up to Adaine with Kristen right behind Fig.

“He got attacked, he’s at the hospital right now but we don’t know what’s happened to Sam or where she is in her palimpsest,”  Fabian said, “Get on and we’ll explain everything that happened when you left,”

“Gorgug is with the driver that Fabian ordered we’ll meet you guys there!” Kristen shouted before she turned on her heel back towards the soda fountain with Fig in tow as well. As much as Adaine didn’t want to see Biz they needed to know what happened and where Sam was.

Then Adaine rushed onto the street and climbed onto the Hangman with Riz climbing onto her back. Her arms barely wrapped around Fabian before the boy revved the engine once more and sped down the street. She buried her face into his shoulder while not trying to scream from the speed limits they were breaking. Riz essentially claws her shoulders trying to hold on as well.

Once they arrived at the hospital Gorgug, Fabian and Adaine decided to stay outside. Kristen went to the bookstore while Fig and Riz went inside to find Biz with Fig disguised as a hospital resident, Riz sneaked inside the building with Fig.

Adaine was once again sitting on the curb of the hospital entrance, her legs crossed while she continuously cast Mage Hand to make the coin Fabian and Gorgug were tossing, always landing on heads. While the two boys did the coin toss Adaine played with her arcane focus wand in her pocket. The wood twisted between her fingers while she stayed quiet as the two boys talked.

Aelwyn doesn’t know why she was even doing this. Maybe she does.

She had heard that Zayn was murdered by one of the Harvestmen so all of the wizardry, and magic parts of the Kalvaxus plan were left to her to do. She was told by Penelope, another person working with the palimpsests to modify someone’s memory. 

She was a little surprised by the request a little since the most she’d done by casting Modify Memory was on herself or Penelope so if anyone cast Cone of Truth, they wouldn’t remember and talk about their parts in the Kalvaxus plan.

(Aelwyn had to admit she thought about casting it on herself to forget about Adaine more than a few times)

Biz Glitterdew to be specific. He was working with a group of kids from Augefort trying to find out their plans. The Harvestmen attacked him to steal back Sam Nightingale’s palimpsest. At the mention of some children from Augefort, Aelwyn just knew it was Adaine and her friends trying to meddle with everything once again. 

She hasn’t replied to Adaine at all even though her phone’s buzzed more than a few times from messages from Adaine.

She can’t bring herself to block her sister just yet. What if something happened and Adaine needed help and decided to call her of all people? The chances of it were low but Aelwyn didn’t want to risk her sister being in more danger than she already was. Kalina has been teasing her about the fact that Adaine is not yet giving up hope on her older sister just yet.

Aelwyn’s more glad that the tabaxi never figured out that Aelwyn and Adaine talked in the hallway of the Abernant home or that she snuck into her father’s office to steal Adaine’s papers to help her younger sister. Kalina believed that Adaine had run away from home.

Their parents didn’t take the realization well. Angwyn had a temper for the entire day, screaming about Adaine being ungrateful for everything they did for her over all three meals of the day. That when he would catch her he would feel the consequences. Arianwen was creepily silent.

She cast Invisibility on herself to walk through the hallways of the hospital freely without any chance of getting caught or being recognized in any way. Her spellbook in her arms while she avoided anyone and stayed near the walls of the building. She got Biz’s room number from two nurses talking and easily enough it was nearby.

Once Aelwyn opened the door to an older fairy woman sleeping on a nearby chair. Another fairy that Aelwyn assumed to be Biz was in full traction in the hospital bed. He was resting which meant the job was going to be easier for her.

Aelwyn dropped the invisibility and leaned closer to the boy. She opened her spellbook to Modify Memory. Casting the spell at a much higher level for more efficiency and results, Aelwyn’s palms were covered in a light blue arcana color. Her spellbook’s pages flipped wildly as she focused on changing the boy’s memory. 

She made Biz believe that the entire palimpsest plan was his idea, he trapped the seven maidens in their separate way to have them for himself since ‘good guys’ never get a chance.  She made the boy believe he was better and deserved better.

She was going to secure the spell, make sure no one could easily track the spell down to her if anyone found out his memory was changed. Before she could finish the last finishing touches Aelwyn heard the door knob of the hospital room start to creak open.

She drops concentration on Biz and once again casts Greater Invisibility on herself.

A tired-looking resident of the hospital came into the room and Aelwyn could see someone else in the room that was following the hospital resident. She quickly hugged the walls of the hospital room and avoided the people's gaze. The resident took Biz’s clipboard file and started to read it with Biz starting to awake.

Aelwyn walked out of the room while she cast Dimension Door over and over again until she got outside. She was in the parking lot of the hospital. Far away from the hospital entrance and thankfully no one saw her.

Once Fig, Riz, and Kristen came back from their adventures. Kristen looked dejected and even a little confused when she went looking for the books of her childhood. Adaine knew there was more to unpack when it came to Kristen’s upbringing, especially when it was apparent the Harvestmen were in her church.

Fig and Riz both reported about Biz being attacked by a man in sweatpants, a whistle, and a harvestmen mask on his face-attacking with a two-handed halberd. Unfortunately, the man left Biz very injured and with Sam’s palimpsest in hand. Everyone knew it was Daybreak and Adaine could see the small sadness that crossed Kristen’s face. Also, that Fig was kissed by a doctor? For some reason and somehow…

Adaine, Riz, and Fig took the bus route back to the apartments. Kristen and Gorgug took the car Fabian ordered for them while Fabian rode away on his motorcycle. 

The sun was falling by the time Adaine and Fig arrived back at Gilear’s apartment, with Gilear covered in tomato sauce from earlier in the day when he tried to cook spaghetti for them. But somehow he dropped the bottle and slipped. Fig helped Gilear clean up the sauce with a few napkins before he retired to the shower while Adaine helped clean up the mess. Fig finishing the spaghetti with the remaining tomato sauce.

Adaine was brushing her teeth, trying to ignore her new fanged teeth when she looked in the mirror. Once again wearing Fig’s clothes for sleepwear, she needed new clothes that weren’t Fig’s. As much as she enjoyed the tiefling she didn’t exactly like wearing bands she didn’t know or skulls on her t-shirts. 

Adaine made a list of items she needed to soon get on her phone notes. She had some extra gold that she grabbed from her room when she left the Abernant home. She didn’t pack many extra clothes and only had one pair of shoes.

Shopping list/to-do list:

Ink

Paper

Incense

Feathers

Sleepwear(t-shirts, shorts, etc)

New shoes 

Any clothes besides school uniforms 

Research lycanthropy

Look into find familiar spell or ask Ms. Runestaff 

Find Aelwyn or talk to her again

Find Sam’s palimpsest and the other girls

Look into Daybreak 

Adaine closed the notes before she went to the search engine. She searched for the next full moon. To Adaine’s horror, it was this Friday. She shut off her phone and stared at the sink. She felt panic once more rising combined with fear.

She had full control that one time she shifted when she ran away. But when it would be a full moon she would become rabid and out of control like the werewolves back in The Black Pit. Who would she hurt? Could she turn people into the same monster she was if she bit them by accident?

Adaine felt her heart racing and her breathing starting to become heavy once more. She gripped the sink counter. The cracks in the sink from when she was in here last time and almost shifted and had a mini panic attack, they still ran deep. If she could do this when she’s only panicked.

What chaos and ruin would she make when she would be under the full moon's influence?

Adaine didn’t dare look at the mirror when she saw the blonde fur starting on her hands once more. She panicked even more, she backed away from the skin until her back hit the wall. She looked down at her fingers turning into claws, her palms turning into paws. She hated this, she hated herself for becoming this monstrosity. Her eyes started to fill with tears.

Adaine felt her knees wobble, crashing onto the floor. She curled onto herself and felt the shifting all across her body. The clothes were tearing from Adaine’s body growing rapidly. Her teeth became even more shaper and her arms became front legs. Her tears fell onto fur instead of skin.

She closed her eyes. Only hoping for the transformation to end soon.

Adaine thought it had been a minute or so before she felt the strange sensation stop. She opened her eyes to see her arms and hands were front legs and paws. Her nose was a snout while her hair was fur all over her body. She still felt her heart racing and tears flowing and staining her fur. 

Adaine didn’t bother to stand up. She only curled up more into herself, her tail between her legs and her paws going over her ears. Her breathing was short and fast, uneven and her heart started to pace. She tried to block out any sounds that were arriving at her sensitive ears.

“Adaine?!” Fig shouted through the door. Adaine heard the door being pounded and footsteps in front of the other side of the bathroom door. She only whined at the loud noise. Tears falling onto her fur even more and staining the blonde fur.

“I’m coming in. I’m gonna break down the door!” Fig once again shouted. Adaine heard the low deep thrum coming from a familiar bass guitar. The door cracked and broke into pieces, the floor even cracking with the mirror shattering but not falling apart.

Adaine flinched from the loud noise and tried to cover her ears even more.

Fig stepped through the broken bathroom and moved the strap of her guitar so the bass was on her back instead of holding it in her hands. Fig looked more than concerned and worried when she rushed to the giant wolf that barely fit in the small bathroom and kneeled. She looked at the crying wolf and torn clothes on the floor. 

“Adaine? Can you hear me or?...Look at me?” Fig said softly. Held her hands above Adaine’s body but did not yet touch the wolf. 

Adaine only whined and tried to cover her ears more. She was still crying while blue eyes looked up at Fig. Her gaze filled with dejected and shame-filled emotions. Fig only felt her heart break more. She knew Adaine had panic attacks but never knew how the other girl dealt with the panic attacks. 

She saw the way the girl was unevenly breathing. The tears flowed down and the way the wolf kept trying to block out any sounds.

“Um, can you try to breathe with me?” Fig asked softly. She tried her best to sound comforting to the best of her abilities towards her friend. 

Adaine looked up at Fig slightly confused but Fig made it a good sign that Adaine was at least focusing on her, “Breathing exercises right? Can those help?” Fig smiled sheepishly. Still speaking softly.

“Breath in,” Fig said softly. She could see Adaine trying to take a shaky breath in. Fig did the same motion. She held her breath with Adaine for maybe a few seconds only, “Out,” Fig said. Exhaling out through her mouth. 

Adaine exhaled which sounded more like a huff. The two girls repeated the same steps again and again for maybe two minutes. Fig sat down next to Adaine eventually on the bathroom floor. They both fell into silence.

Fig looked at Adaine, the werewolf’s fur was stained with tears near her eyes. At least Fig saw the other girls breathing steady and even. She stood up slowly trying not to startle the other girl who was still curled up into herself.

“Do you wanna move into the living room?” Fig mumbled softly but knew the wolf could hear her. Adaine slowly stood up on her four legs. The tears stopped while Adaine towered the tiefling. Adaine softly nodded or did the best she could. 

They both moved towards the living room. They avoided the broken wood from the door and moved to the couch. The makeshift beds were already made before the incident started. Fig motioned for Adaine to lie down on the bed instead of the floor for the night. 

“I can sleep on the floor tonight, just sleep on the bed for once,”  Fig said. She motioned her hands towards the couch. She then grabbed the pillow from the floor and placed it on the couch. She changed the blanket on the couch for the one on the floor since the one on the floor was larger. 

Fig grabbed the floor blanket, ready to drape it over the wolf. Adaine slowly climbed onto the couch and did a few circles before plotting down. The pillow underneath her head while Fig draped the larger blanket over the wolf. Adaine still looked dejected and more guilty.

Fig patted down the blanket on Adaine softly. Then she grabbed the other blanket and lay down on the floor in front of the couch, “Goodnight Adaine. I promise we’ll help you if you ever need it,” Fig whispered a small reassurance. 

Adaine could see with her dark vision, Fig smiling at her. She gave a small ruff and moved underneath the blanket. Getting more comfortable and dozing off softly. Fig could also see with her dark vision and could see the wolf calming down and sighing softly. Dozing off with the werewolf. 

Adaine and Fig were driven by Gilear once again to school. The two girls didn’t speak much to each other about the panic attack (mostly Adaine ignoring or deflecting any conversations about them) but mostly about what they were going to do about Daybreak or the Harvestmen. Adaine wore her normal school uniform minus the blazer even though it was getting later in the year she felt hotter than normal, maybe because of the curse but she didn’t mind that part.

Once again since Gilear worked at school and had to help serve breakfast, they got there before anybody else. Fig ran off to go to barbarian class and apparently “watch out for Porter” because she still thought he was evil. Adaine merely waved the tiefling off while she went toward the library. 

She casts a mage hand for a few books into her arms before she walks off towards the librarian to check out. While waiting she glanced over towards the restricted section. To her small shock, the book Watches and Wards, the one she remembers taking on the first day of school. Still wasn’t in its original place. 

Adaine brushed it off as it was deeper in the restricted section before walking off with her books. While she walked towards the quad to wait for everyone else and eventually Fig to come back, as she rounded the corner she bumped into another person. 

“Ah!” Two voices both simultaneously yelped. She looked up with utter horror and saw him again. 

Jawbone.

Jawbone looked more than horrified and worried. He looked more different than he did yesterday, he was still wearing the rock band t-shirt but with a cardigan and some jeans. He was in a shift of half wolf and half human. Though covered in his fur he had the figure of a normal humanoid but with his sharp teeth, pawed hands, and his fur ears at the top of his head.

“Ah! Sorry kiddo! I didn’t see you there, and you're silent like a ghost. I didn't hear you rounding the corner either,” Jawbone said. Smiling widely and with a gentler tone.

Adaine stared in horror at the man. She’s only interacted with him twice, the first time he bit her and she contracted lycanthropy. The second time she left just after he thanked her for recommending the guidance counselor position here at Augefort, only staying for maybe three seconds at best.

So, not been very good interactions just yet with him.

“Uh, kid you alright? You look pale,” Jawbone’s voice knocked her out of it. She took a few steps back away from him.

“I-I’m fine I just..” Adaine tried to speak. But she took one glance at his sharp teeth and suddenly remembered the feeling of having them dug into her right arm. The scar she still refuses to look at when she’s changing or rolling up her sleeves serves as a reminder maybe not to trust this man.

Adaine felt her heart race and her breathing becoming uneven, and she just knew Jawbone noticed it as well.

“I should go,” Adaine blurted out. Surprising Jawbone with the loudness of her voice. Before she could turn on her heel to maybe walk away or do a full sprint out of here Jawbone spoke up, “Kiddo, most of the buses are already coming in so. It’ll be loud out there,”

Fuck, Adaine had completely forgotten the small rush of students from the bus. She didn’t want to be somewhere where she had to listen to almost everything happening around her. 

“How about you come into my office? And you can rest there until you feel like you're good with loud noises,” Jawbone spoke softly. He pointed towards the guidance counselor's office.

Everything rational was screaming in Adaine’s mind to run away like a flight or fight response. This man attacked her once, what’s to say he won’t do it again? But Adaine already felt her heart pounding and the library was quiet but too far unless she wanted to collapse to the floor and have another panic attack where people could walk in on her.

Adaine didn’t half hate this but with her ongoing panic attacks, she couldn’t bring herself to love it either. 

The office was a bit barren since Jawbone has been working since yesterday. But he guided her towards his office and onto the couch they had off to the side. Adaine sat quietly, her heart felt like it was going to jump out of her chest, her breathing short and fast while she felt an unsteady shift starting just like from the night before. She placed her backpack on the floor.

“Adaine?” Jawbone spoke softly, “Can you look at me for a bit?”

Adaine turned her head, she was sure tears were filling her eyes once more. 

“Don’t worry. I’ll do my best to help you,” Jawbone reassured Adaine. But the elf still felt the same shifting feeling starting across her body. It was almost a flight or fight response in itself rather than being from her panic attack. 

“Can you tell me a color in the room,” Jawbone asked.

Adaine hesitated like there was a wrong answer, “White, the walls,” she breathed out. Voice shaking.

“The color of your skirt?”

“Dark blue,”

“Your name,” 

“Adaine Abernant,” Adaine’s voice was less shaky but her breathing was still short and fast. Her heart was pounding like crazy.

“Can you breathe with me Adaine?” She nodded softly.

She only needed to listen to Jawbone similar words that Fig said to her last night. She breathed in for four seconds. Hold her breath for seven seconds. Then exhaled for eight seconds. She repeated the same steps with Jawbone until she was breathing steadily and her heart was calm. They both stayed silent for another few minutes, the soft humming of the air conditioning through the building, chatter that was barely audible out in the hallways.

“I need to go,” Adaine stood up with shaky legs. Grabbing her backpack in a swift motion Jawbone looked both worried and concerned. (She was getting sick of people looking at her like that)

This time Jawbone didn’t say anything as Adaine nearly ran out of the office. She quickly walked through the halls until she came back to her locker. The locker still had the dent in it from when she punched it just yesterday. 

Adaine sighed heavily. She placed her forehead onto the locker, looking downcast at the floor of the school. She pulled on the right sleeve of her dress shirt. 

Once again the ugly pale scar of the bite showed. It was dragged along her forearm from when she tried to pull away from Jawbone’s maul. She felt fear run through her once more.

She pulled it back up. It still served as a reminder of why she wasn’t supposed to trust the same man who cursed her like this. She should’ve never gone into that office. But, she needed to get back to her friends before they got suspicious about her small disappearance. They needed to find Sam, the missing girls, and find out more about Daybreak.

She opened her locker to place her new books inside when she was greeted by a card inside. She grabbed it and it was a gift card to the Gilded Coin. Adaine looked around, before stuffing it inside her backpack and placing her new books inside. 

She turned on her heel back towards the quad and towards her friends. 

Chapter Text

When Adaine joined the others outside, she tried her best to hide the fact she had a panic attack and was almost crying mere moments ago in Jawbone’s office. They decided to go to the lockers before school started. Just like Adaine had found the Gilded Coin gift card, they all had something in their lockers. 

Fig found a ruby red guitar pick with “Gorthalax’s Girl” written on it, Kristen had a book called On the Subject of World Religions, Fabian had a car wax made for the Hangman, Gorgug had a leather axe holster with a tin flower emblem, and Riz received a new suitcase with new business cards that had beautiful calligraphy. 

While everyone conspires on who gave them the gifts, Adaine excused herself to attend Ms. Runestaff’s class about twenty minutes early. She grabbed her spellbook for school while her wand sat in her backpack, opening to the page where she wrote a note about the Find Familiar spell.

Adaine walked up to the door slightly opened by a trash can. Pushing open the door with one hand she saw Tiberia Runestaff at her desk with no one else in the class. The other hand, holding her spellbook. The older woman was writing on her desk with her staff leaning on her desk. 

Adaine stepped into the room, “Ms. Runestaff?” she spoke up.

Tiberia looked up from her desk, “Hello Ms. Abernant. Did you need something before class?” she stood up from her desk, grabbing her staff. 

“I just wanted to ask about this spell, Find Familiar?” she pulled her spellbook open to the notes on the spell, “More specifically if there’s anything I could use to learn it?” 

Tiberia took the book and read the small note about the spell Adaine made yesterday. She looked it over for a few seconds before handing the book back to the elf, “The materials needed are incense, herbs, and charcoal. An hour of casting time and the materials need to be lit on fire,” she spoke up, breaking the silence.

“There’ll be more information on the spell in a few books in the library,” Tiberia walked back to her desk. Grabbing a sticky note and writing a few titles of books on it before handing it to Adaine after she finished writing. 

Adaine smiled and felt happier than she had in a while. She put the note in her spellbook before closing it, “Thank you Ms. Runestaff,” 

One step closer to having another friend or more like a familiar.

Adaine checked out a book during lunch about spells and read more about the spells. When school let out again the others minus Kristen and Adaine. Kristen went to look for books she had when she was a child.

 Adaine still felt more guilty towards the redhead, the Harvestmen were a large part of the Helio church in the way with Daybreak and her childhood being evidence. Adaine stayed behind and grabbed a few extra materials she had in class. 

Adaine went underneath the bleachers of the Bloodrush court. She got out of her last class early by using the excuse she needed to go to the guidance counselor. She felt guilty but she knew she needed more time to cast the spell before they went out for more information. She took out the herbs, incense, and charcoal.

Adaine re-read the page a few times and placed all the materials in the exact order and place while saying the incantation. She waited patiently and kept on repeating the same incantations before the final bell rang. She sat underneath the bleachers while she saw people walk past her, she was already about thirty-five or forty minutes into the hour.

She texted in the group chat she would be busy before waiting for the spell to finish. She thought of the familiar she wanted. At first, she thought about a bird, an eagle of sorts, and then she thought about something smaller. A frog, maybe a bit more rounder like her old orb but smaller. 

She zoned out while she was waiting. Sitting criss-crossed on the concrete and looked at the ritual in front of her. Adaine read the book she checked out while she waited. 

She eventually saw the spell wrapping up, this smoke appeared before she realized it was fog. Spinning softly like a small whirlwind and the runes she wrote on the ground glowed a bright blue like her magic. The fog took shape and appeared in front of her. A classic frog almost, with a light cream green underbelly, dark green all over the rest, two round eyes, and the expression of “just happy being here” on its face. 

While the frog was almost perfectly round.

The frog ribbited and jumped in front of Adaine. She opened her hands and the frog jumped into her hands and it was an almost perfect fit in both of her palms. She saw a collar wrapped around its middle since it was so round.

“I’ll name you, Bogerial Frogerial,” Adaine smiled. She felt calmer than she did in the past few days with her new friend, “Or, Boggy the Froggy for short,” 

Boggy let out a soft ribbit. Adaine smiled more and started cleaning up the ritual. After she cleaned up and put the book into her backpack, Boggy jumped into her backpack while she was closing it. He turned into mist midway through the jump and reconstituted when he landed. She only felt more happy and let her backpack open slightly so Boggy could look out.

She walked out from underneath the bleachers and walked through the Bloodrush Court towards school. She was heading to go inside before heard something rushing through the air behind her. Adaine turned around but couldn’t avoid the ball hitting her face first She stumbled backward and fell onto the ground, Boggy jumped out of the backpack and into her lap.

“School let out kiddo, so why are you loitering around here still?” Coach Daybreak’s voice was clear as day, his giant Halberd in hand. He walked up with Ragh close behind him, and Ragh picked up the ball. She almost saw the hint of guilt in the half-orcs eyes before they turned into rage.

“I-I was just waiting for my friends but they’re inside so…” Adaine mumbled. She wrapped her arms around Boggy tightly. 

“Well, I just want to let you know that you are poisoning Kristen’s mind. Her befriending you heretics is the root of the problem!” Daybreak shouted.

“Excuse me?” Adaine didn’t feel anxious but slightly angry. Kristen was struggling with her faith, she knew that but that made no excuse for Daybreak to blame everyone else for “poisoning her”.

 Adaine stood up and wiped the dust off of her, “It’s Kristen’s belief, not yours or anyone else's,” Adaine mumbled under her breath. She felt an anger bubble and the shift she felt whenever she was going to transform started not out of panic or fear but of anger and hatred and an almost protectiveness for Kristen towards this man.

“What did you just say?” Daybreak took a step closer. Adaine didn’t back away and almost stepped closer with her fists clenched before a voice broke out

“Hey, Daybreak! Hey Kiddos!” A familiar werewolf yelled from behind the bleachers. For once Adaine didn’t feel very nervous but now had a way out since she didn’t have Dimension Door or Misty Step prepared if things went sideways.

“Jawbone,” Daybreak said. Glaring at Adaine who immediately walked away and towards Jawbone’s direction. She gave him the same glare but with Boggy in her arms she didn’t look very intimidating. 

“Everything alright?” Jawbone in his cardigan merely flashed a fanged smile in Daybreak’s direction. Adaine clutched onto Boggy who ribbitted in her arms, the frog being squished like a water balloon. 

“Yes, just getting some practice in when that one was getting in the way,” He pointed towards Adaine.

She scoffed softly while Jawbone kept his composure, “Alright I’ll leave you to it then!” Jawbone exclaimed.

Adaine and Jawbone both turned in the other direction. She purposely walked faster to not interact with the man. Boggy gave her a look that was “I-dunno-about-this” when she started ignoring Jawbone. Felt weird to have an almost disapproving look from the frog she barely made five minutes ago but whatever.

“Kiddo,” he spoke up from behind her.

Adaine stopped, she felt her heart picking up but from slight fear and not overwhelming panic. She turned back to him still clutching Boggy like a lifeline, “Y-Yes?”

“I don’t know what's happened since last week when I last saw you. But I can see you’ve been through a lot already,” Jawbone said softly.

“...”

“You can always come by my office, Adaine. Whether it’s to talk or you just need to be somewhere else,” Jawbone tried to smile softly as well, “I won’t bite,” he chuckled softly trying to make the mood lighter. Before he cleared his throat, smiled, and walked in another direction to the school. 

Adaine was left standing there. Boggy looked up at her with a “Just-happy-to-be-here” look in his round eyes. She didn’t know what to think about him anymore. Hatred from cursing her with lycanthropy? Fear from when she remembered his teeth digging into her skin with blood in his mouth and her blood spewing everywhere? Or maybe slight hope from his kindness? 

She shook her head and made her way back to the academy.

Adaine walked towards the A.V. club since the others minus Kristen went to the A.V. club and tried to get more information on what happened to Biz. She heard Boggy ribbit softly a few times when she walked through the hallways. Her forehead didn’t hurt from the ball being thrown at her but she did still feel angry at Daybreak.

She turned the corner and saw a familiar redhead. Adaine rushed towards her until Kristen turned her head towards her. She decided not to tell her about the interaction with Daybreak to her friend but maybe the others when she had the time.

She immediately saw the somber look Kristen had on her face, “Hi Adaine…um apparently Blood Soaked Nails was checked out so” she let out a forced chuckle before looking down at the floor, “Maybe there's more somewhere else…”

“Oh, well…” Adaine said sheepishly. She didn’t know how to help her friend, but she knew someone who could. She turned her backpack until it showed Boggy sitting in the bag, “Do you wanna hold him?” 

Kristen looked at Boggy and smiled softly. She shifted her staff and book in her hands, the new book underneath her arm and staff in one hand. She opened her hand to grab Boggy, and the frog jumped. Turning into mist midway and turning back into his normal form in Kristen’s hand. He barely fit since he was larger than a hand but Kristen made it work by balancing him. 

“Where did he come from?” Kristen said. Squishing Boggy who worked like a water balloon. Expanding in one way and becoming smaller in the other.

“I got out of class early and I cast the ritual and I summoned him. His name is Bogerial Frogerial,” Kristen looked slightly confused at the long name, “Or, Boggy the Froggy for short,”

The two girls walked with Boggy ribbitting softly between them. They turned the corner to see the rest of their friends. 

All four filled them in about what they found out which wasn't much but they found something out of place. A van with no license plate in the teacher’s parking lot. They were planning to check it out before Kristen got a call from her mother about the church being vandalized or attacked. 

Either way, they couldn’t check out the mysterious van for long before they had to rush towards the Applebees residence. 

Investigating the missing church door with Pastor Amelia’s information that it belonged to an old monastery from the nation of HighCourt. The door conspired to be the portal for the apocalypse (Adaine had no clue what they were talking about but it was with Gorthalax’s talk after she left, which everyone including her forgot to tell her about). 

With the keys to the church provided by Kristen, they made their way inside until they found the missing doorway. The others investigated while Adaine and Kirsten both cast spells. Adaine with her Detect Magic and Kristen with Detect Good and Evil.

While she was casting the spell with her wand in hand, Boggy on her shoulder she felt more calm. When the ritual finished she came to the results. Someone cast a spell of sorts to soften the stone around the doorway before a person or multiple people pulled the doorway out. While Kristen came with no evil or good in the area. 

They rushed back to school and found the van they couldn’t investigate earlier with the backdoors opened. With both of their spells still up, Adaine and Kristen both detected magic and energy following the Bloodrush field. Kristen started giving a speech or tried to on their way to the field.

“And we don’t know! There’s no rhyme or reason!” Kristen rambled on while clutching her staff. Adaine wanted to comfort her friend but let her go on her long-needed rant, “And I hate wind chimes!”

“It’s about to get inspiring soon,” she heard Gorgug whisper to Fig. The tiefling holding her bass guitar just nodded as she walked.

Adaine held Boggy up to her face. She smiled almost apologetically at the frog, Boggy had been alive for less than a few hours. While she was already dragging him to fights like these. She gave him a squeeze which made him expand like a stress ball. The screeching and the sound of concrete breaking snapped her out of the train of thought. 

Everyone started making a run for it towards the field. She had her wand in one hand while Boggy leaped up onto her shoulder. As it was later in the year the sun was already setting in the west. 

When they came up to one end of the field they were met with the arch of the church Sol, covered in skulls with kinetic energy and glowed a bright purple. At the opposite end of the playing field were Coach Daybreak and his team of skeletal owlbears players. Behind them a chest that glowed the same purple as the arch.

One of the skeletal players held a similar shade of purple ball underneath his arm. The smoking ball he was holding, the skeleton was slowly cocking his hands back for a throw.

“Kristen, did the door to your church always have a bunch of skulls around it?” Fig’s voice spoke up from behind. The girl was no longer herself but using a Disguise Self to look like a Harvestman.

“It was just a reminder of what not to be…now that I’m looking at it…” Kristen mumbled her words.

“Okay, uh huh,” Fabian said.

“Red flag,” Adaine muttered under her breath.

Coach Daybreak blew his whistle, Adaine could see the grin on his face while he gripped onto his halberd. The skeletons all shook with a rattle of bones, Daybreak looked at all of them. With a grin on his face, “Tryouts are open again kids! Let’s play ball!”

Fabian wasted no time as he sprinted into action across the field, tearing through the field with a rapier in hand until he met in the middle of the court. She heard him talk to himself or more importantly, the Hangman in his head to make a rush to the school.

While the others decided on their actions Daybreak made the same move to run across the field as well and met with Fabian face to face. Skidding to a stop he held his halberd in a defensive position. Before anyone else could even more he swung his weapon twice.

His strikes found Fabian only once but caused him to bleed badly already. The red blood stains her friend's jacket and seeps into clothes, “You monsters have no heart and are only useful for corrupting others!” 

“Is that the best insult you've got?!” Fabian shouted back but his shaking rapier in his hand said other things.

Adaine couldn't stand her friend being hurt. She felt an uneasy shift, the same one from her panic attacks but instead of her shifting from panic it was an almost protective anger. She pushed the idea of transforming right now away and decided to do what she would normally do.

She ran up to Gorgug and with her wand waving in the air, cast fly on him. She ran across the field to be in the middle but off to the side. Gorgug looked at her confused, “What did you do? What’s happening?” he said. His feet lifted off the ground by an inch or so.

“You can fly now!”

“What?!”

Adaine looked ahead to see every single undead owlbears player rushing towards her direction. She took on a defensive position with the tip of the wand crackled with arcane energy. All played but the one holding the ball rushed, who was still cocking it back in his hand to throw.

Riz rushed onto the field alongside the other two. He ran into the middle of the portal but much closer and behind Adaine. His eyes locked onto the receiver rushing past Fabian, he cocked his gun and aimed to fire but holding it for now.

“ Receiver rushing on Fabian’s side! He’s getting the ball next!” Adaine heard Riz shout in elvish then whisper yells it to Gorgug behind him. The half-orc is still trying to figure out how to fly or move at all.

Fig, or her disguised as a Harvestman ran up into the field as well, “You guys need help!?” Fig shouted in the best-disguised voice she could. Adaine thought the plan wouldn’t work as the chaos around them was happening and that Fig came from the same direction. 

“Finally! Someone competent around here!” Adaine thought the man was dumber than she thought initially. Harvestman Fig cast Suggestion on one skeleton player holding the ball but it seemed to take no effect on the undead.

While Fig winked at Riz, Kristen raised her staff in the air while holding her new book. A glowing golden light circled Fig, Gorgug, and herself. All three of them were blessed while Kristen ran up to the portal right in front of Riz in the middle as well. 

Gorgu finally seemed to get a hang of flying as the boy finally stabilized in the air. He let out a roar as Gorgug shot across the field toward the skeleton that was going to catch the ball. Flying while in a rage Gorgug took only a single swing at the undead player, with his axe crashing into the concrete bones flew everywhere as the undead player died once more.

Adaine took a glance at the chest and the portal. Fighting the skeletons was almost too easy already. Gorgug only needed one strike to kill the monster, Adaine prepared another spell with the wand while she played an almost defensive position. 

The quarterback skeleton throwing the ball was knocked off course as the one he was going to throw it to just died from Gorgug. At the last second, he threw the ball to another receiver on the other side of the Bloodrush field. 

Fabian steadied his rapier and dashed towards Daybreak, one slash across the chest ripping the fabric to slice the flesh underneath. When he swung his blade back for another attack it just nicked his clothes, not finding the skin underneath. 

“Don’t see the work from tryouts freak!” Daybreak shouted, even with the large gash he didn’t seem very affected by the injury. Fabian left another opening on his left side when he tried to raise his rapier for another attack. Adaine could almost hear the flesh ripping as blood spewed from Fabian’s side when Daybreak swung his halberd.

Fabian was already looking worse for wear while he stumbled back with his normal perfect pose and form was lacking. Adaine begrudgingly decided to leave the Daybreak just for now and looked at the bigger picture which was not letting the portal open. She raised the wand and with a gleaming blue light, a web was conjured and thrown towards the three undead in front of her. 

While the other more lanky skeletons wriggled free from the web, the bruiser was stuck while the monster’s bones rattled while it fought against the web the best it could.

The remaining skeletons rushed towards all of them, ignoring Fig who was still disguised as a Harvestman. Most rushed towards Kristen and her while the receiver holding the ball rushed towards the arch.  

Riz with his readied bullet aimed for the running undead. He aimed and shot straight at the bony hands holding the ball. Adaine almost felt it, a pull towards the scene happening around her. Adaine left lightheaded and suddenly had a pounding headache Boggy tried to comfort her by nuzzling into her cheek with a soft ribbit.

Riz shot the bony hands of the running skeleton. The bullet would only nick the hard bones as the portal opened and a flash of bright blue light flashed over everyone in the area. Adaine could only see small snippets from there.

Chaos, ruin, and destruction.

Adaine snapped back and saw Riz’s finger starting to pull the trigger.

She lifted a hand and a streak of light blue divination energy shot towards Riz. What should’ve happened was Riz missing and the portal being opened by the ball contacting the archway door. Causing chaos. Changed into Riz hitting the hand with a direct shot, the undead player somehow managed to throw the ball out of the course and it landed in Riz's hands. 

The skeleton crashed into what was supposed to be a portal but it turned out to be nothing. Slamming his head against the doors while Riz fixed the ball in his hands.

“ Riz has the ball!” Adaine shouted in elvish. Gorgug looked confused when he turned around.

“The Ball has the ball!” Fabian, Fig, and Kristen all shouted at the same time

“ The Ball has to get the ball into the chest before they can get it back!” Fig yelled in the same language as Adaine while she readied her bass guitar.

“Gorgug what they both said was…” Adaine heard Kristen talk to Gorgug who didn’t understand a word of what everyone said. 

Adaine saw one of the skeletons rush towards her. She readied to doge for an attack but instead was grappled. Even with her new profound strength, she couldn’t fight against being tackled to the ground. 

She gripped the arcane wand to not let go of her focus. Boggy jumped off of her shoulder and tried to do a measly attack against the undead but with no damage done.

She tried punching the monster with her other hand but she was slashed by a sword, more importantly, a silver sword. The slash started at her right shoulder and went down to the right side of her ribs.

She screamed in pain as the gash across her burned and blistered. She felt tears prick her eyes from the silver affecting her. Blood stained her clothes and she felt her heart race. Adaine tried to get up but with the burning and bloody gash and being tackled, she couldn’t find herself to do it. She felt her consciousness slip away from the concentration she had on the Fly spell that was on Gorgug.

Kristen avoided the tackle from another skeleton while Gorgug pushed away two skeletons on each of his sides. Her screaming attracted more than enough attention from her friends and even Coach Daybreak.

“Silver burns you? Your friend is one of those monsters?!” Daybreak yelled at Adaine and the rest. His halberd clashed with Fabian’s rapier who looked more than pissed at the man. Kristen and Riz were the closest ones to her, she could see the worry and fear on their faces.

Riz looked between Adaine and Gorgug, “I’ll get the ball in the chest, someone gets Adaine out of there!” the goblin dashed towards Gorgug and jumped on his back. Clutching the ball close to his chest.

Fig rushed over towards Adaine and the skeletons surrounding her. Dropping the Disguise Self  Fig played the bass with a sound reverberating through the field and unfortunately hurting Adaine’s ears. The image of a giant bulldog? Eating a bone and barking was made out of pure vibrations and sound.

The skeleton on top of Adaine let go, she breathed fast and shortly while all of the undead around her looked frightened and ready to run away. Fear filled their empty eye sockets. 

Adaine’s tears fell on the sides of her face, and the burning and sizzling on her chest worsened when she tried to move. She cried out in pain and panic, it hurt to breathe because of the large gash. She felt her heart racing and her breathing coming short and fast. Adaine rolled onto her side only to be met with Boggy’s concerned look.

She heard footsteps come to a stop a few feet away from her. Before hearing the familiar soft and gentle tune. Adaine felt the wound close only a bit but still burning and blood oozing out. The wound was healing but Adaine could feel another rising panic attack. The frog nuzzled her cheek while tears fell and ribbited softly. 

Kristen looked back to see Adaine on the floor with Boggy trying to comfort her and Fig using Healing Word on their friend. Running up closer to Daybreak and Fabian, she held up her World Religions book in the air, “Fuck you Daybreak! It’s okay to have more questions than answers and don’t hurt my friends!” 

With a golden bright light, the two skeletons surrounding Daybreak both exploded into ash and dust onto the ground. Gorgug and Riz with no more skeletons surrounding, booked it to the chest on the other side of the field. With no fly on them, they were slower but still managed to make it halfway to the chest.

Both boys were making a run for it until a voice screamed at them, “Hoot growl motherfuckers!”

Gorgug was tackled to the ground and slashed in the stomach with a greatsword by Ragh. Both half-orcs were tackled as blood spewed and spilled around them. The strength from both of them breaks the concrete underneath them. 

Riz managed to not take much damage from the fall off of Gorgug and kept the ball close to his chest in the meantime. 

Fabian swung his rapier twice at Daybreak, again missing one attack while the other one hit his ribs and even dug deep enough to feel the blade scrape against Daybreak’s rib bones. Fabian steadied himself and his form, a second wind of energy flowed through him while he felt some of his wounds close ever so slightly.

Daybreak raised his halberd and the blade found its way into Fabian’s leg. The sharp blade dug into Fabian’s thigh right above his knee, causing the boy to lose his balance and fall backward onto the ground. Fabian screamed in pain, holding his leg with one hand and his rapier clutched into his other hand.

“Better luck next time,” Daybreak said. With a grin on his face and made a run for it towards Riz who was holding the ball.

Adaine felt her heart racing and her breathing shorten. Boggy was doing the best he could at the moment, she didn’t feel much panic but fear for everyone else. She saw Daybreak gravely injuring Fabian and Ragh clashing with Gorgug on the ground. Not to mention the amount of skeletons still surrounding them though she didn’t know if they were still frightened. 

She painfully got up on her knees to see Fig a few feet to her right. Holding her bass guitar and seemingly trying to decide on her action. The sun set just now as it was getting later in the day with this fight taking everyone’s energy.

Adaine felt the same uneasy shift and a deep pit of anger flared inside of her. She looked down at her hand which was shaking and holding her wand. 

Arcane magic against brutes like Daybreak and the skeletons wasn’t going to be enough.

Adaine let go of her wand and let it clatter to the floor. She looked down at her hand, which was growing a familiar blonde fur. Adaine didn’t try to fight it like with her panic attacks. She was sure everyone heard the bones pop and crack out of place and her body shifting while the fabric of her clothing ripped. Boggy ribbited softly while he tried to comfort the wolfed-out Adaine.

The others turned not to see their friend but a towering werewolf, a large bleeding gash on its chest staining the blonde fur, and a frog by its large paw. Fig and Riz immediately recognized the wolf to be Adaine while the other three, never seeing the girl wolfed out like this, were rightfully so confused and slightly freaked out.

Daybreak came to a skidding stop and stared in horror and confusion at the werewolf in the field now, “What the?!”

The skeleton behind her was still lying down at the foot of the portal when it crashed through it. Adaine turned her head towards it and with a snarl jumped towards the skeleton and with only one bite ripped it apart.

Boggy jumped his way to Fig since Adaine was too far for him to catch up with. Jumping onto the tiefling shoulder and turning into mist mid-way and reconstituting when on her shoulder. Fig looked more than excited at the prospect of Adaine fighting as a wolf, “Whoo! Go Adaine!”

“That’s Adaine?!” Fabian shouted while he tried to stand up with his bleeding leg, “Why didn’t she do that earlier?!”

“We’ll deal with this later!” Riz shouted from across the field, still holding the ball.

With the majority of the skeletons frightened by Fig’s spell, almost all of them ran away from the Bloodrush field. Leaving only two skeleton players left in the field with them. The quarterback was still at the far end of the field and the bruiser Adaine caught with her web which now dissipated.

She circled back ran up in front of the portal and faced the rest of the field.

The orb crackled in Riz’s hands and erupting through the ground three skeletal owlbear players came out. All three of them surrounded the goblin and before he could even make a move they all attacked. Riz uncanny dodged out an attack and nimbly escaped away from the skeletons, attacked him to the left, and readied to throw the ball at Kristen if Daybreak or any of the skeletons attacked him.

Fig rushed toward the direction of Daybreak and played low notes on the bass while a wave of psychic energy rushed toward the coach. He still took damage but he smiled with a triumphant grin, “Nice try devil spawn! You can’t get in here!” he tapped his forehead, “I’m protected by the lord's work!”

Kristen rushed towards Fabian and kneeled to his level. With her hands glowing with a familiar golden light Fabian’s wounds on his body closed almost all the way. Healing the boy almost fully back to his original state.

Gorgug was still fighting Ragh on the floor of the field and pushed him off of himself. His sweatshirt was stained with his blood from Ragh’s attacks. Gorgug stood up and took a few steps away from Ragh but in front of Riz.

Ragh rolled right back up and ran straight for Riz, swinging his greatsword and slashing the boy twice. Once in the stomach and the other being a stab in his shoulder. Fabian stood up with a jump, rapier in hand.

Fabian sprinted towards Riz’s direction and without ever breaking his speed picked up Riz and the ball. Ran towards the chest, making direct eye contact with Daybreak who looked confused and angry. 

The two boys made their way to the rune-covered chest with the skeletal quarterback ready to tackle them. However, Fabian fully Heismaned the skeleton and pushed him out of the way to dunk The Ball and the ball into the chest. Riz jumped out of the way last second with Fabian turning around with both middle fingers up.

“What’s good! What’s good you piece of shit!” Fabian yelled through the field at Daybreak. Fabian and Riz both tackled each other and were screaming out of joy at the last-minute plan working.

All of the remaining skeletons vaporized into nothing while leaving Daybreak and Ragh with the other six teenagers.

Daybreak rushed towards Fabian, passing Gorgug who took a swing at him. However with the weight of the halberd and running at the same time he missed badly while Gorgug tried to take a similar attack as well but missed as well.

Adaine saw the remainder of the battle starting on the other side of the field. She took a full dead sprint towards the other side. A scream came from the wolf that nearly frightened everyone. The sound of thundering paws against the concrete while she ran towards them, she still felt the burning sensation of silver from the gash on her chest but ignored it. 

Riz closed the chest with the orb in it, dragging it against the concrete to hide it behind the large scoreboard. After trying to hide, not so successfully he grabbed his gun and essentially was guarding the chest.

Daybreak stopped in his tracks to look back at the werewolf running. He panicked before he reached into his pockets, “Time to pull out the big guns,” grabbing a small crystal palimpsest, “Hoot, growl, hoot, growl!” raised the ball in his hand. Threw it and it shattered on the ground.

The growling is what started, then the howling. 

A large owlbear, about the size of Adaine’s wolf form, maybe even taller than that. The school mascot in its terrifying full form. Turned towards the wolf across the field and dashed her. While the owlbear rushed towards her, Adaine came to a skidding stop. The mixed growling and howling made her reconsider her original plan of action.

Fig rushed towards Daybreak and tried to get into his head once more. This time the low-tune notes worked on the man, taking more physic damage as his nose started to bleed while a few blood vessels started to pop.

Fig looked back toward the werewolf and winked, “You got this Adaine!” she shouted. As much as Adaine was confused by that, she focused on the owlbear.

Kristen ran to the middle of the field, raised a hand aloft, and cast Hold Person on Ragh. Ragh turned to Kristen before he was paralyzed in place, “Freeze! I just wanna talk to you!”

“Stop picking on me!” Gorgug raised his axe above his head. Slashing Ragh three times with blood flowing and gushing out, bones breaking and cracking. He breathed heavily as Ragh now collapsed to the floor dead with the spell having no effect anymore.

He let the blood spill while Gorgug ran over towards Adaine and the owlbear, sprinting as far as he could without the fly spell on him anymore.

Fabian heard the sound of an engine roaring when the Hangman came crashing in and skidded to a stop beside him. He immediately mounted the motorcycle and at full speed to try to run over Daybreak, “Let’s play Daybreak!”

He revved the engine, and the Hangman’s wheels gladly ran over Daybreak. While the man was prone Fabain stabbed him in the dick with his rapier. The Hangman came to a skidding stop on the edge of the field.

Daybreak barely got up, legs wobbling and his pants stained with blood. He rushed to Fabian and with the heavy Halberd sliced Fabian’s right forearm open and with another attack, he sliced Fabian on the thigh. 

“You’ll never be an owlbear, you’ve got no heart, you’re a heretic!” Daybreak shouted. Trying to stand up properly with his cuts and bruises all over, “Hoot, growl. Hoot, growl…”

With the owlbear right in front of her. Adaine took her new profound abilities in this form for a test. With a loud growl, she lunged at the creature and took her claws to dig into its stomach. Blood stained her claws and fur while the monster screeched in pain.

She took a step back before lunging for its throat.

Adaine sunk her sharp fangs into the fur, flesh, and bones. Pulling on the flesh just like Jawbone did when he bit her on her arm. The monster tried to claw its way out of Adaine’s bite but couldn’t. Adaine placed her paws on its shoulders and pulled. Until she was thrown back by the equal force she put into the pull.

Adaine held a piece of fur and flesh in her mouth. Dark red staining her blonde fur and blue eyes filled with frenzy for more as she tasted blood as a werewolf for the first time. The owlbear almost collapsed, trying to breathe with its missing esophagus and vocal cords. 

Riz, witnessing the nightmare of an attack by his friend, came out of hiding and shot Daybreak in the back. Daybreak screamed in even more pain while Riz immediately went back into hiding.

The owlbear, stumbling backwards. Tried to lunge at Adaine who dodged it expertly. With a change of heart, it tried to run away growling in pain. Before it could even get more than a few feet away from her Adaine raised her claws and swiped it on the back of the head.

The skull cracked it collapsed onto the with a wheeze as blood spewed everywhere.

Fig tried another charm spell on Daybreak while Kristen avoided the dead body of the owlbear. She swung her staff and golden light touched Adaine’s bleeding chest, the wound scarring over.

With the owlbear dead, Gorgug looked nervously at the dead creature and the frenzied-looking werewolf which was eyeing the dead body with a piece of flesh in its mouth he turned around to go over to Daybreak.

Fabian, with no idea what Adaine just did, skews Daybreak’s jacket. Dragging the man in a Tokyo Drift style. Fig nearby spat on Daybreak as he passed by and Fabian skidded to a stop beside Gorgug near Adaine and Kristen. 

“I don’t have any heart motherfucker?! Me and my friends have killed people! I’ll kill you!”

“I think I’m having a change of heart about everybody,” Kristen said. Eying wolfed out Adaine covered in blood and Fabian.

Daybreak broke free from Fabian’s rapier. Clutching onto his halberd he rushed to Kristen and started to take swings. Three slashes across Kristen’s stomach, and chest and one on her arm, “You call these monsters?! These heretics, your friends Kristen?!”

“Never mind guys,” Kristen coughed up blood.

Adaine turned her head to Daybreak and lunged toward him. She tried to bite off his head but missed and landed on all four paws, running up once more she clawed him in the face. His left eye almost fell out from the sharpness. 

Adaine felt her heart racing, but not from panic, fear, or anger. The werewolf’s heart was racing out of satisfaction with the blood and gore and more importantly a meal.

Riz remained hiding with the chest behind the scoreboard but saw the frenzied look in the wolf’s eyes.

Fig tried to take a swing with her bass on Daybreak but he ducked out of the way last second. Instead, she played a soft melody and healed Kristen with another Healing word. 

Kristen backed away from Daybreak and the chaos around her. Her hands glowed golden as she placed her hands on herself. She felt the refreshing feeling of her wounds closing and leaving nothing but very light scars.

Gorgug closed in on Daybreak, slashed all over his back to the point of his jacket coming off from the amount of blood-soaked fabric and from how torn up it was.

The moment, a small opening that Daybreak made when he became vulnerable just for a second. Fabian reached out with his rapier, slicing Daybreak’s throat.

He gasped and tried to breathe before collapsing onto the ground, “Y-You’ve got…” wheezing heavily as his voice broke, “N-no heart…”

“I may not have one. But I’ll take yours,” Fabian smiled wickedly. 

Fabian took a deep breath. The fight was over, he considered taking his heart for real but decided against it. Fig looked at the dead man when she felt her shoulder suddenly lighter. Boggy jumped from her shoulder onto the ground and was hoping towards the werewolf.

“Boggy!” Fig yelled after the frog who didn’t turn around. The other turned to the frog with Riz coming out of his hiding place.

Adaine was maybe a few feet away from them. The blonde fur on her mouth and around her paws was stained with dark red, and her white fangs were stained with the same color. She had a look that no one could quite pinpoint. Breathing heavily and stared right at everyone. Before her gaze landed on the small frog in front of her. Her pupils were constricted and focusing. 

“Um…is she always like that?” Fabian whispered behind Fig. Not letting go of his rapier.

“Not like this,” Fig said worriedly. Adaine transformed from her panic attacks, she had an idea that maybe she could shift on purpose but. Maybe killing the owlbear started something in the wolf inside Adaine.

Boggy jumped in front of Adaine and looked up. The frog and the wolf meet eyes, Boggy giving his same look. “Just-happy-to-be-here”

A moment of tense silence while Boggy let out a soft ribbit. 

Adaine’s harsh gaze softened and she collapsed to the floor on her stomach. Meeting eye to eye with Boggy who jumped closer to her blood-stained mouth. The others let out a sigh while Riz pulled out the chest. Kristen and Gorgug rushed towards a dying if not dead Ragh.

Fig and Fabian stayed with Adaine and Boggy. Adaine opened her mouth and started chewing on the frog like a toy. Boggy, somehow didn’t mind it at all. He gave the same look all the time while the two teens stared at her with the Hangman yelling in Fabian’s mind about fighting alongside a werewolf. Too excited.

“Fig,”

“Yeah?”

“If that’s how she acts now when she attacked the owlbear under her own will. How is she going to attack when it’s a full moon when she’s not?...”

“...”

“...”

“Fuck”

Chapter Text

Fabian was worried, to say the least. He didn’t stay in the conversation with Ragh when they revived him. Instead, he tasked himself with the duty of watching the wolfed-out Adaine. His said friend had her mouth covered in blood with her paws the same color as well. She was walking around in circles with Boggy jumping around with her.

He held his rapier in his dominant hand and grabbed Adaine’s wand from when she dropped it in her action to shift in his other hand. He tried not to seem tense or alarmed by his friend's appearance to her, but he was sure he was failing.

Adaine was an easy person to trust. She had her downs, especially in recent times but he always tried to lend a helping hand when he could. Especially with his gifts he got for everyone but they didn’t know that yet. 

Right now, it is an interaction he thought he never would've had. Adaine was eying the dead owl bear's body, with an unmistakable look of hunger as she licked her teeth and failed not to keep her eyes off the dead body. Fabian gripped his rapier tighter.

He trusted Adaine, his friend, his wizard.

He however did not trust this other side of her he just met. As much as Fabian cared for all his friends, he didn’t name this wolf in front of him his friend.

It was Adaine or a fragment of her. But otherwise, this thing was not her fully, he could see someone or more like something else when he stared into the familiar blue eyes. An unfamiliar feeling of fear settled in Fabian but it was not for himself, more like for Adaine.

How did one cure lycanthropy? He could ask Papa, he was sure he had heard a story about a wolf more than once from him. They could cure Adaine, the wolf would not be a problem. He cared for Adaine, but he tried to bring himself to care for the wolf.

Fabian looked behind him, Ragh was crying or looked like he was while Gorgug kept him in a chokehold from behind with Fig and him pressing for answers. They grabbed Daybreak’s whistle and his jacket as evidence or something Riz said along those lines.

“Ribbit,” the frog leaped up next to Fabian’s foot. The wolf was close behind. 

Boggy stared up at Fabian and the boy almost immediately felt more calm. 

He stuffed the arcane wand in his pocket and picked up Boggy with one hand. He ignored the stare coming from the wolf with her mouth hung open with the stench of iron blood pricking his nose, “Hello…uh, Boggy correct?” he asked.

“Ribbit,” Boggy stared up with his almost perfectly circle eyes on top of his head.

“Alright. I’m taking that as a yes, Boggy,” Fabian remarked. He glanced towards Adaine or the bloody wolf and saw her staring intently at Fabian. He felt his gut twist and the grip on his rapier tighten as a reflex. 

He should ask papa about lycanthropy. Papa had dozens of crew members, at least one of them had to be a werewolf or he could give Fabian some advice on what to do when your friend or crew member is cursed like this. 

“Thank you guys! I won’t let anyone mess with you guys, even her!” Ragh shouted from behind him. He was running off towards the school and pointed towards Adaine with his last words. The wolf nearly started snarling at the sight of Ragh.

“I don’t think she’ll need a lot of help!” Kristen yelled out. Taking note of all the blood ruining the blonde fur.

“Wait, where's Daybreak’s house?!” Riz shouted suddenly.

“Come back?!” Gorgug exclaimed as well with Kristen and Fig waving their arms for the other half-orc to return.

Ragh came to a skidding stop and turned back to them, “Coach’s house is right across from the church!” Ragh waved at the girls back before running towards the school once more. 

The others rushed towards Fabian and Adaine. Fig seemed the least concerned about the wolf even though she heard Fabian’s remark on the full moon thing, Fabian let Boggy jump onto his shoulder.

“Daybreak is a Harvestman officially which we knew and was working with Zayn in a way. We should go to his house, there’ll be a lot more evidence there I’m sure of it,” Riz said. Already looking hyper just at the thought of more incriminating evidence against their mystery. 

“I don’t think we can be walking around with…Adaine, like this,” Fabian remarked. Motioning to the wolf right beside him which was still eyeing the dead owlbear with hunger. 

“I can watch over her,” Fig announced. She walked up to Adaine without a care in the world for her safety, “She wolfed out like this one time, I can go back to the apartments and keep her there until she shifts back or falls asleep,”

“Just make sure she doesn’t get seen by anyone?” Riz asked Fig. He looked stressed when it came to the wolf, “Maybe get Gilear to stay in his room with his luck something will go wrong,”

“So it’s Fig and Adaine to the”

“I’ll go with them. Two is better than one,” Fabian suggested, cutting off Gorgug’s sentence. Not that he didn’t trust Fig but he wanted to keep an eye on the wolf.

The others soon split, they would have needed Adaine’s arcane knowledge but with her like this Fabian knew she wouldn’t be much help sadly. Fig and Fabian walked to the Hangman since he was resting.

“Hey, Fabian?” Fig broke the small silence. Boggy ribbiting in the silence as the wolf walked behind them at a slow pace, almost stalking them like prey he thought.

“Yes Fig?” Fabian replied. He turned around a few times to look at Adaine, who looked calm but still had a hungry gaze that he didn’t know if it was growing or shrinking. Still gripping onto his rapier-like a lifeline. 

He didn’t want to hurt her but if it did come up…

“What happens if elves sleep, like, instead of trancing like they're supposed to?” Fig asked. He knew it was about Adaine but he didn’t press,

“Elves aren’t supposed to sleep for long periods,” Fabian said, “If they’re sleeping things can happen like they'll be more susceptible to sleep spells or any charms,” 

Fig stayed silent for a few seconds and so did he.

“I’ll drop you both off at the apartments but I need to go home and talk to my papa,” Fabian whispered to Fig. He looked back and saw that the wolf didn’t pick up on his words, “I think he’ll know something about lycanthropy and maybe we can help Adaine…control that thing,”

“Control? Fabian, are you hearing yourself?” Fig whispered and yelled back to him. Boggy ribbited, trying to keep a peaceful atmosphere between the two friends.

“I don’t know?! What do you expect us to do about her? You saw the way she tore into the owlbear. I care for Adaine, yes. But it hasn’t been long since she’s contracted lycanthropy,” Fabian argued. The two were already close to the Hangman whose engine roared at the two coming by.

“What happens on the full moon? When she’s like that but ten times worse and probably, won’t won’t recognize us as her friends?” Fabian remarked. He looked back at the wolf who was slowing down her pace. She seemed tired from the fight and that bit of hope in Fabian.

Fig remained silent but climbed on the back of the Hangman. Fabian went onto the front with Boggy still on his shoulder, where the Hangman roared his engine, “Sirre! Is that wolf Miss Abernant?!” 

“Yes, but that does not mean she’s some monster. It’s still Adaine,” Fig announced to the Hangman. Her last words were directed to Fabian with her tone laced with growing anger. She grabbed Boggy off of his shoulder and essentially squished him between the two so he wouldn’t fly away.

“Yes! Siree, we have a beautiful beast among the crew now! She will ravage enemies like meals!” Hangman said. His voice filled with excitement of more destruction and blood.

“Yes, yes Hangman she will,” Fabian sighed. He gripped onto the handles ready to take off now.

“Adaine!” Fig shouted to her. The wolf perked up and focused on Fig intently, “We’re heading to the apartments! Keep up!” 

Fabian sped off and knew Adaine was following without even needing to look back. He heard the thundering footsteps against the concrete behind him while the Hangman sped towards the Strongtower Luxury Apartments. While he rode across the neighborhoods he knew they were gaining more than enough attention.

Fabian slowed down in front of the apartment buildings with Fig hopping off with Boggy around her arms and Adaine coming to a halt behind them closely. She was panting heavily and the blood was dried to her fur and at this point sticking. 

“Couldn’t slow down for her?” Fig remarked. She still had some boiling anger for Fabian, naming Adaine a danger. Though they both knew it had to come up soon enough.

Fabian didn’t respond at first, Adaine seemed tired enough that she would need to sleep soon enough, “I’ll be heading to my house. I promise I’ll be back I just need to check with my papa,”

“Fabian,” Fig sighed. Getting tired of the small fight they were having.

“Fig, I care for Adaine as much as you do and the others. But we can’t just hope for her to be under control when the time comes,” Fabian said. Starting the Hangman’s engine once more he glanced at the wolf.

The wolf looked tired and was about to lie down on the concrete from her exhaustion. Fabian looked at the blue eyes and could again feel something or someone different in the wolf than his beloved friend Adaine. 

Fabian merely looked away and drove off on the Hangman. Looking back to Fig trying to gently lead the werewolf back inside without causing a ruckus.

Fabian ignored the Hangman screaming in joy of having the wolf in the party. He drove down the streets until Seacaster Manor came into view, slowing down and leaving the Hangman to ride around the streets while he waited for Fabian.

Fabian walked to the front doors and let himself in. 

Cathilda was passing by but they both caught each other's eyes, “Ah! Master Fabian, how was the fight? You’re covered in blood and I hope it’s not yours!” Cathilda exclaimed. Coming close with a clean handkerchief from her pocket.

“I’ll clean up later, Cathilda. But have you seen papa? It’s urgent…” Fabian muttered. He just needed information that anyone with first-hand experience might have. His father traveled across the seas and Leviathan must have known something.

“Yes, he’s out in the back sparing with everyone you know, your father,” Cathilda said. Pocketing the handkerchief and walking to the back, Fabian followed close behind her.

He walked out to the backyard of the manor. The sound of metal clanging and slashing against each other he walked towards the sound with his rapier holstered at his side. For once he was not happy but worried.

“Fabian! My darling boy!” Bill shouted out. The poor pirate he had in a chokehold with his sword knocked out of his hand was let go. Bill walked towards Fabian, “And you’re covered in blood! Not yours but your enemies I hope?”

“Yes papa, I’ll talk it over later but I wanted to ask you something,” Fabian said. The two started to walk around the large backyard of the manor, “Did you ever…encounter lycanthropes during your journeys?”

“Why plenty! One of my crew members was one before he decided to leave for some other business,” Bill exclaimed, “Why the question boy?”

“...You know Adaine? The one who got silver burned here and is a lycanthrope herself?” Fabian muttered. He didn’t know whether his friends had left a good impression or not yet.

“Why yes! Did you tell her she’s welcome and we won’t have any silver as long as she’s around?”

“Yes, papa. The question was about her, however,” Fabian said. Bill looked a bit confused at his words and he continued, “She, shifted the first time in combat and something was…wrong,”

“I was just wondering, how did you deal with your crew member being a lycanthrope?”

Bill remained silent for a few seconds and Fabian thought something was wrong. They stopped walking and were near the gardens they had. What if the crew member was never treated equally by the pirates, would papa suggest he treat Adaine with the same cruelty? 

“Did the wolf seem only like a fragment of her?” Bill broke the silence. Fabian couldn’t hide the surprise and just nodded swiftly.

Bill sighed softly, “He never accepted his lycanthrope side. It’s what caused him and his wolf to be so separated, the consequence was that the wolf was in a constant state of hunger and rage. Not on equal terms together meant he was unstable in his combat with the wolf,”

Fear spiked in Fabian just a little. Was Adaine accepting of her new self? He hasn’t spoken or he doesn’t think anyone has spoken to her about the curse. She deflects any attempt so it was a cordial rule they didn’t speak on it much. 

“Full moons were worse. We would have to bind him on the ship's lowest deck with chains and give him as much meat as we had available so the wolf wouldn’t try to eat us. And hope he didn’t break the chains and claw through the wood of the ship,”

Fabian felt more than worried. The others, Fig especially, didn't show much worry nor fear for Adaine’s wolf but when would that come back to bite them? Maybe literally bite them back. He looked down at the ground in silence with his father.

“We can always clear out a big enough room to hold a wolf, here in the manor,” Bill said. He put a hand on Fabian’s shoulder, “I’m sure the old ship still has the room where we kept him,”

“Thank you, papa. I’ll talk with the others and her about it,” Fabian mumbled. He pulled in Bill for a tight hug.

Fabian left the Hangman in the parking lot of the Strongtower Luxury Apartments while he went up to Gilear’s apartment where Fig and Adaine were staying. The other three had fully cleared out Daybreak’s apartment but had to head to the police station for statements by Sklonda. Fabian and Fig were cleared for the moment but Adaine had diplomatic immunity. 

He didn’t know if Adaine’s parents were going to be a problem or her sister but he ignored the other Abernants and focused on his friend. If they did care about her they would’ve gone looking for her now.

He knocked on the door of the apartment. Hearing a ruckus inside he had his hand hover above his rapier before the door swung open.

Fig was at the door, her arms up to her elbows drenched in water, her fishnet, jacket, and boots taken off as well as her legs splashed with water. Her hands were covered in a foamy soap with the scent of lavender and a mix of iron as well as the white foam had a mix of red.

“What the fuck?” Fabian asked. His hand relaxed at his side while he raised an eyebrow. He walked into the apartment and there was a trail of water splashed going inside the apartment,

“First off, do you know how to get blood off of fur,” Fig said. A sheepish smile on her face while she tried to not stain her skirt and shirt. Walking towards the bathroom where Fabian could hear splashing and ribbiting.

“No? Why would I?” Fabian remarked. He knew the ribbiting was from Boggy and he concluded the splashing was from Adaine, “What are you trying my god,”

Fabian and Fig walked into the bathroom which looked recently repaired from Fig’s shatter spell when she was trying to help Adaine with her panic attack and shifting. But now it was covered in water, foam with a giant werewolf with a frog floating around in a bathtub.

Adaine was soaking wet and the tub water was stained red. She was shivering and looked embarrassed almost. The blood was sticking to her fur like a stain and Boggy was trying to comfort the giant wolf but was stuck floating in the water. She looked less intimidating especially when covered in soap.

“So…” Fig mumbled. Walking up to Adaine she grabbed a bottle of soap and a rag that was stained a light red, “Wanna help? I tried to stay clean but she kept shaking her fur,” handing over the bottle of soap.

“...Fine,” Fabian sighed took off his letterman jacket, and placed his rapier leaning by the doorway.

The two friends tried scrubbing away the dried blood stuck in small clumps in the blonde fur. Boggy tried to comfort the cold and embarrassed wolf while Adaine shook her fur, splashing water all over the bathroom and the other two. 

Fabian worked on the claws and between spaces with Fig scrubbing around her mouth and underneath her jaw. By the end, everyone was equally wet and they dried off Adaine having to use four towels underneath her on the bathroom floor. Using another two to dry off her fur to the best of their abilities.

They let Adaine dry off in the living room with towels under her and on top of her while she took a nap. 

Fabian used a towel to try to dry off the water on his pants with some success. Putting back on his jacket he stayed in the living room on his phone. Fig cleaning up the bathroom and fur with Boggy softly ribbiting on the couch with him.

Bad Kids (That's the name and its final stop changing the name people-R)

Fig:

Adaine is sleeping rn

And I gave her some food

We also tried to clean off the blood on her fur with some success.

Riz:

We’re still at the police station but we just finished giving our statements. 

And about to leave

You two will also need to give yours

Adaine was excluded because she has diplomatic immunity

Fabian:

Has anyone even heard from her family?

Like

“Daughter missing and we’re not worried lol”

Hated them already but what

Gorgug:

Do we know anything about her sister?

Also, I don’t think they’ll even bother with Adaine anymore.

Kristen:

Why not? 

My parents are bad they’re harvestmen related

but if I went missing they’d say something

Gorgug:

They’re diplomats, right?

If something goes wrong like Adaine is missing won’t it cause some trouble between 

Solace and Fallinel cuz Adaine is a Fallinel citizen technically 

That’s their job

Help not cause trouble between the nations

Kristen:

I thought Adaine was born here.

Riz:

The entire family is from Fallinel which means she has Fallinel citizenship.

And probably a Solace one as well

Fig:

The entire family sucks minus Adaine

Riz:

We should look into Aelwyn, her sister

I was hiding in a nearby room when they talked in the Abernant house

Aelwyn said something like

“There’s more to this than you know”

Fabian:

Shouldn’t we have this chat when you all come back?

I’ll order another car for you three

Also, I found some things about lycanthropy that might be important 

Fabian shut off his phone, grabbing the arcane wand he kept all this time he found Adaine’s backpack on the ground near the couch. Sliding it inside the small side pocket he waited for the others to return and for Fig to finish up.

Fig finally finished cleaning the bathtub and the excess water in the bathroom when the knocking started. She already put her original outfit on since she wasn’t being splashed with water constantly. Arriving at the living room she saw the sleeping form of Adaine and Fabian opening the door. 

The remaining three of the party arrived still looking bloodied from their clothes but fully healed from Kristen probably. 

“Our statements were given to my mom and we went over everything in Daybreak’s apartment while you were gone. He had a list of all the Harvestmen and they’re going through the process of tracking everyone down before they start raiding houses,” Riz announced. Pulling out his phone and showing a few pictures he took.

The photos were incriminating evidence, he was helping Zayn and paying for his apartment, that's how he got the necromancer to work for them, he was transferring money to the KVX bank on a much bigger salary than a coach should have.

The list of Harvestmen members including Kristen’s parents and much more that Riz explained since he couldn’t take some photos.

“You said that you found something about lycanthropy?” Fig asked. Turning to Fabian she still had the lace of anger in her voice. 

“I talked to my papa and, apparently he had a werewolf crew member,” Fabian replied. He hesitated before speaking once more, “If Adaine doesn’t come to equal terms with her new lycanthropy she can be a much more of a hazard,”

“She’s not some monster Fabian, are you even thinking before speaking?” Fig argued. She nearly reached for her bass just to shut up Fabian.

“I’m sorry for worrying about us and her?! On a full moon do you just expect her to be in full control like she’s had the curse for her entire life?” Fabian complained. 

“Either way!” Riz butted in, “We don’t know how lycanthropy works and every option sounds terrible for Adaine,”

“She did look out of control when she was fighting the owlbear…” Kristen mumbled, “I’m not saying to tie her up but I'm not fully against it either?”  

“Could we try to test it maybe?” Gorgug commented, “We could take her out in the woods but be prepared to stop her if she tried anything?...”

“See! That is an idea instead of blindly trusting the werewolf and instead of tying her up in a room with chains,” Riz remarked.

“When did I say anything about chaining her up?!” Fabian yelled.

“Okay!” Fig yelled back, “How about we leave this conversation for tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I’m tired and the yelling is still making it worse,” Gorgug muttered.

“I say we’ll discuss it with Adaine and then plan it out for the next full moon,” Kristen sighed.

While they all stayed in a small silence contemplating what was the next step the soft sound of snarling started. Fig whipped her head to Adaine who looked either to be having a nightmare or a dream. Which shouldn’t have been possible since she was an elf but like this she should.

Adaine didn’t know where she was. 

She was lying down on the floor of Gilear’s apartment aka her temporary home or maybe permanent, in her wolf form drying off from the bath Fig and Fabian tried to give her to wash away the blood. One moment she was comfortable in her wolf state for once and the next she was passing out.

What she was seeing, felt like a memory almost, if memories didn’t give her headaches. A dream if she ever had one before or maybe a nightmare. Adaine couldn’t tell the difference.

It was running across a forest. Maybe the Far Haven Woods, maybe not. The thundering paws against the forest ground filled its ears. There was an engine roaring behind it, the distant yelling over the engine and to itself. But it didn’t matter. 

It was hungry and filled with hate.

The wolf turned sharply and lunged at the boy on the motorcycle. There were a few kids that it could hear in the distance but they didn’t matter. It opened its jaws wide to bite and chew but then the boy and bike did a sharp maneuver to avoid the bite. Clamping on nothing it turned back to the boy only to be rammed on the side and pushed away.

Rolling back it snarled and tried the claw. Ripping fabric and flesh on the chest of the boy, he fell off the bike and it once more lunged only to be met with the metal rapier to the face. 

Snarling and howling with pain it stepped back. Not silver but metal still causing pain.

“Adaine! Please!” It could hear the boy scream. Clutching his side it could hear the desperation and pain with the rapier in his hand shaking. The sadness and guilt filled his voice as well.

It only snarled at the name. The girl was replaced with this. That girl was not a part of it. The girl rejected it.

The motorcycle was controlling itself and drove to ram into it once more. It returned the favor and it clawed the engine as it tried to ram into it again, and the motorcycle started sputtering smoke. The motorcycle collapsed on a tree side, and it turned back to the boy with white hair. 

It lunged again with teeth bared only to be interrupted once more but a blinding golden light burning its face.

A redhead stepped in front of the boy and raised her staff. The burning light came from her, its next meal after the boy would be her. All of them.

All of them feared it.

All of them were monsters as well.

All of them betrayed it by locking her up.

Why? Why did they do this to her? To it and her? To them?

It was painful, the betrayal, but in pain there was weakness. It lunged forward, standing on its hindlegs and it swiped. Its claws are stained with holy blood as the full moonlight shines on the blood.

Chapter Text

Adaine woke up with a sharp gasp along with a pounding headache, her heart racing, and her chest heaving for oxygen. Opening her eyes were suddenly blurry, she could barely make out the layout of the familiar living room apartment. Her haven has been her temporary home for the past few days.

The first thought that came to mind was the nightmare or strange dream. Her eyes welled with tears just at the thought of the nightmare and panic rising.

It felt too real to be a nightmare, but she never had one before since she started sleeping instead of trancing just recently. So, she didn’t know if nightmares were just that realistic or if something was wrong with that almost memory-like dream.

It was her as a werewolf under the full moon out of control. Attacking her friends. Like a rabid monster hungry for a meal. The werewolf attacked Fabian more than once and attacked Kristen and the Hangman dealing irreparable damage to her close ones.

Kristen and Fabian both attacked her as well.

Her breathing became even faster and shorter with her heart racing. Adaine's tears fell freely on the sides of her face while she dealt with the headache. In the corner of her eye, she could see a frog hopping in her direction from the couch. Trying to sit up with no success as Adaine had to lie back down due to the mind-splitting migraine. 

She stared at the ceiling and felt the uneasy shift start in her stomach. 

Panic rose even more, was she going to attack her friends like some monster? Is she a monster?

Adaine snapped out of her thoughts with the familiar ribbits starting beside her. Turning her head boggy softly nuzzled her cheek and his ribbits almost acted like a rhythm to breathe with. Inhaling, holding her breath, and then exhaling she tried to calm her rising panic.

She would never hurt her friends! And her friends would never hurt her!?

Adaine panicked more at the thought of her friends and Boggy was the only thing grounding her from an even worse panic attack. Would they try to hurt her? Would they even try to help her with her werewolf, she thought about Fig who so far has been caring to the point of housing Adaine, helping with a panic attack, and her transforming..

She thought about Fabian and Riz who seemed weary about her lycanthropy shift. Kristen and Gorgug seemed on neutral terms with it as she hasn’t seen their reactions about her much. She grabbed Boggy and hugged her companion close to her chest.

Her heart returned to her normal pace with her breathing becoming steady even with the shaky breathing. Adaine felt her hair damp from when Fig and Fabian tried to wash away the blood from the fight with Coach Daybreak, Ragh, and the skeletal players. She felt the migraine slowly fade away but the pain was still there as she sat up slowly.

It was dark and she guessed maybe midnight or very early morning of the next day. Adaine looked around and saw a pair of clothes folded neatly next to her makeshift bed. Right, she shifted right after this so her clothes were ruined from the shifting. She needed more clothes…

Adaine quickly changed underneath the blanket and tried to comfort herself with any memory besides that nightmare or whatever it was she saw. Boggy ribbited softly and sat next to her while she tried to keep the tears at bay.

Standing up she saw Fig, who was almost falling off the couch. A leg and arm dangling off the bed while she snored softly. Adaine thought about Fig’s kindness and it brought some type of comfort to her dilemma. Fig would never hurt her and she would never hurt Fig. She grabbed Boggy and made her way to the bathroom.

Turning on the light she blinked away the grogginess in her eyes and placed Boggy on the sink counter. She grabbed her toothbrush and tried to ignore how she still tasted iron in her mouth. Looking down at her fingernails she could see the dirt and dried blood still gathered underneath the nails. 

Brushing her teeth Adaine could see the white toothpaste turn a light pink from the blood. Gagging more than a few times she spat out the light pink foam and washed away the blood gathered in her mouth with sink water. Boggy tried to comfort her more and she tried to calm herself down with more breathing practices.

Adaine looked in the mirror, the shirt was a bit loose and she could see her right shoulder. There it was, the silver scar from the fight. Lifting her shirt slightly it showed the same ugly jagged scar that started at her shoulder then went straight down to her ribs in a light pink color.

She looked down at the palm of her hand, the same hand that grabbed the silver utensil in Seacaster Manor. It was the same but the scar was much lighter but it could still be seen. She’s collected three new scars including the bite mark on her right arm.

Adaine grabbed a toothpick and leaned on the sink counter, trying to pick away the grim and blood underneath her nails. She thought about the fight with the owlbear. She felt something inside her uneasily stir and she knew it was the lycanthropy wanting more of something…She ignored the way her mind kept on drifting to the dead owlbear. How it could've been a meal.

While she was working on the nails on her left hand she could hear the sound of something falling with a loud thump.

She froze in place with Boggy doing the same while they both heard the sound of rapid footsteps.

“Adaine?!” Fig shouted from somewhere in the apartment. 

Adaine relaxed threw away the toothpick and walked to the bathroom door. Boggy hopped onto her shoulder as she went to the door. Before she could even twist the doorknob in her hand the door slammed in her face as it was opened from the other side.

“Ah fuck!” Adaine yelled while Boggy stumbled off of her shoulder. She stumbled back a few steps while a familiar person rushed inside.

“Oh my god! Adaine I’m so sorry! I woke up and I didn’t see you and I got worried that you ran off or something happened to you so…” Fig exclaimed. She looked worried and guilty while she looked at Adaine who had a hand over her mouth and nose.

“You’re fine and thank you for worrying but I'm fine Fig,” Adaine mumbled. Her face was slightly sore and throbbing while she tried to calm Fig down. Boggy hopped onto Fig’s shoulder, starting his comforting and repeating ribbits for the other girl.  

“You normally sleep through the night, did something happen?” Fig asked. Grabbing Boggy off of her shoulder and looking concerned still. The question made Adaine freeze while a strike of panic filled her.

Adaine didn’t say anything while she remembered the nightmare all over again. The werewolf attacked Fabian, Kristen, and the Hangman. Clawing Fabian in the chest, destroying the Hangman’s engine, and possibly even severely injuring Kristen before she could see anything else the nightmare ended there.

“I uh, it was a…” Adaine stuttered. She felt her heart race once more and her breathing became short. What to even say? That she had a nightmare or some strange dream or whatever it was and it included her attacking her friends.

“Adaine? If you don’t want to talk about it we can just-”

“No, I think we should,” Adaine cut off Fig. If it was a nightmare some part of it was true. She barely had control over her shifting already due to her panic attacks. She knew that the lycanthropy part of her was unstable when it came to attacking already, how was it going to react to the full moon?

When she won’t have any full control or any control at all. She’ll be a different person and unrecognizable to her friends. 

“It’s just…I don’t think I’m in full…control yet?” Adaine mumbled softly, “I had a nightmare where it was the full moon, I attacked everyone and then I attacked Fabian and Kristen and somehow I almost destroyed the Hangman’s engine, and Kristen tried to help Fabian” She took in a deep breath that was shaking, “Then I attacked Kirsten who, was just trying to help Fabian and I…”

Adaine took in a sharp breath while she recounted the dream, “Are nightmares supposed to be that realistic? It felt too real, I don’t think that there supposed to be like that but then I’ve never had a dream I’m an elf for…fucks sakes,”

She sighed and felt tears starting once more. How could her life come to this? Lycanthropy she could barely control, living in a new home, her family didn’t bother with her disappearance, a mystery still ongoing but, on the bright side she had a few friends.

“Adaine, nightmares are normal. And probably since it was your first one it will go away, “ Fig said. Softly placing a hand on Adaine’s shoulder, “You won’t even remember it later and you won’t attack anyone, not Fabian, Kristen, or anyone else. We can help you and we’re more than willing to help,”

“You’re not a monster or anything like that,” Adaine felt like crying. She tried to hold back tears while Fig still had her hand on her.

“It’s still early…we can go back to sleep if you want?” Fig asked. Grabbing Adaine’s hand in hers Boggy leaped onto the blonde’s shoulder. Adaine nodded softly and held back tears wanting to fall.

They both made their way back to the living room. As Adaine went to lie back down on the floor with her makeshift bed, Fig grabbed her pillow and blanket from the couch and laid them down next to Adaine’s spot on the floor.

“What are you doing?” Adaine asked. She placed Boggy in her lap as she wiped any remaining tears in her eyes.

“I’m sleeping with you, so no more nightmares as long as I’m here,” Fig mumbled. Adaine could see Fig’s pointed ears twitch and swore in the dark that her skin turned even pinker. 

Adaine just laid back down on her spot and stared up at the ceiling. The other girl lay down next to her and turned on her side facing Adaine, the blonde swore Fig’s tail brushed her wrist almost trying to grab it.

“Goodnight Adaine,”

“Goodnight Fig,”

Adaine felt her mind slip into a familiar unconscious. However, she was once more haunted in her sleep while before she slept a mind-splitting headache appeared once more as she fell into a deep sleep.

It was racing through a familiar neighborhood. This time a car and a motorcycle engine roared behind it as its thundering paws raced against the street concrete. The engine of the motorcycle roared and it came closer to it.

A boy with white hair was driving, a girl with horns behind him, and another boy on the girl’s back that held a briefcase. It barked and slashed the air between them, a promise and a threat of danger.

It didn’t want to hurt them if it didn’t want to. 

It raced in a neighborhood before a familiar house came into view. The house's lights were still on, the cars parked and it knew the inhabitants inside were still awake. The same family that treated her, its counterpart so harshly her entire life.

“Adaine, come on!” The boy with white hair screamed. He drove in front of it. The girl turned on the seat with a red bass in hand, a look of desperation and plea in her eyes while the green boy looked worried.

“Adaine, please! I know they’re bad but we can deal with them later but not tonight!” the girl yelled. She looked guilty before a wave of sound hit it, at first it felt compelled to follow the girl’s command but it shook the thought away.

It clawed the girl's bass and scratched her hand badly. The boy on her back took out an arquebus and shot it near its paws. It almost lost balance but regained it and rushed past the three people. 

A car came up to her other side, with the windows down she could see an orc driving with a redhead popping out the window, “I know you’re in there! And I’m sorry for what I’m about to do!” her staff glowed with a golden light as the redhead threw a familiar red purple-hued color spell.

It felt almost paralyzed for a moment before the spell wore off. It was a hold-person spell, it remembered the last time someone tried to do it and anger flared. It then clawed the door of the car which the redhead was at and almost clawed her face which made her scream.

It could see the house in view much closer as it ran up the pathway, past the somewhat familiar garden bushes, and to its grand doors.

The werewolf didn’t wait to start pounding into the grand doors. The wood creaked as the banging began, it could hear people inside. Their frightened heartbeats and the rush of footsteps towards the doors.

With the car engine coming to a stop and the motorcycle rushing up the pathway. With one final push, it opened the grand doors.

Three familiar blonde elves showed their faces. A woman with glasses, her hair tied up. Another woman with bangs had a look of recognition and fear at the sight of it. Then a man with his hair slicked back and he wore a suit.

It didn’t hesitate as it rushed forward, jaws wide open towards the elf in front which was the younger woman. It heard the screams of the other teenagers behind it calling her name but it wasn't her right now but the werewolf.

The young woman tried to back away but then its jaws clamped down on the pale skin.

Adaine woke up with a sharp gasp again and another pounding headache. Her eyes were blurry and this time, she knew it wasn’t a nightmare she was experiencing but she still couldn’t tell what it was. A sign? A vision but that only happened to the Elven Oracle which she didn't know who it was since the previous one passed away on the first day of school.

Adaine knew the Oracle wasn’t her, she wasn't a powerful diviner but she knew the nightmares had to be something like a sign. Two paths, two futures almost. Something would happen on the full moon and so far both paths she could see were terrible in their ways.

She looked around and couldn’t find Fig anywhere, sighing out of relief. Adaine sat up, her head aching still but she knew the girl couldn’t find out about the other dream. She couldn’t dare make Fig more worried for her than she probably already made her.

Fig and Adaine arrived early to school with Gilear driving them. Adaine excused herself to the library once more and didn’t wait for Fig to say anything but she could see the slight heartbroken gaze she gave to Adaine. 

Adaine arrived at the library once more and rushed towards the divination section. She used her mage hand to grab about three books and sat down at one of the tables. She opened one of the books which was titled An Oracle’s Vision and started reading.

After around thirty minutes she closed the book and tried to summarize the information she read. When an Oracle did have a vision the difference between like a nightmare or a dream was that, first it would be too vivid for a dream. 

Oftentimes dreams are forgotten quickly but Adaine could recall them like the back of her hand. Visions also have after-effects like headaches, blur of eyesight, and memory problems which she was glad she wasn’t experiencing right now. The pounding headache and the blurry vision she had now made sense.

All signs pointed to a vision which is only accessible by the Elven Oracle. She felt panic slowly rise but thankfully Boggy besides her acting like a paperweight for the pages gave a few comforting ribbits. She ignored the possibility of her being the Oracle and just thought about the nightmares or visions she had as a warning of some sort.

Adaine had one more thing to do before school started and she had to face her friends once more. Today was Wednesday, and the full moon was the night of Friday and she could use some…guidance on her next move on the full moon.

Adaine knew that someone else was in Jawbone’s office so she patiently waited outside for whatever conversation he was having to end. In the meantime she clutched onto Boggy like a lifeline to her chest, the frog grounding her while she waited.

If she had any hope of trying to control herself in any way during the full moon she would be out of control. The next best option besides hoping for the best was asking for help from the werewolf who started this in the first place.

Now that she thinks about it, she isn’t sure if Jawbone even knows she's contracted lycanthropy from him. Thinking about that possibility makes the situation even worse.

Adaine leaned on the wall beside the door and waited. Before the door swung open with almost a bang a halfling girl, maybe another freshman that had blonde hair and a pristine outfit stormed off in a rage almost.

She peered into the office and saw Jawbone walking towards the door. He noticed her almost immediately and waved at her with a fanged smile, she almost felt the bite scar on her arm throb once more as she waved weakly back at him.

Adaine knew she had to get help in some way and this was the only option so far. She hesitantly walked inside the office, closing the door behind her softly.

She stood there stiff like a wooden board while Jawbone waved her over to the chair in front of his desk inside the room. She walked towards it and could see the room looked much more vibrant than the last time she was here. A few posters, the walls colored a lighter color, and his desk decorated with a few trinkets even.

Adaine sat down at the chair and hugged Boggy closer to her chest. Taking off her backpack and putting it on the floor next to her. Jawbone sat down in his chair and cleared his throat, “Hey kiddo, what brings you in today?” 

“When you bit me back in The Black Pit,” Adaine mumbled. Holding onto Boggy who gave her a few comforting ribbits to continue, “Did you ever realize that I was cursed with lycanthropy?” 

She looked down at the floor but she could feel the tense silence start while Jawbone froze in his seat. Adaine could almost hear his racing heartbeat with her enhanced senses.

“Adaine,” Jawbone’s voice sounded like it was breaking. She still looked down at the floor and refused to look up, only her grip on the frog tightening, “Kiddo I-”

“I don’t think I can control it, I had a vision I think,” Adaine cut him off, “On the full moon I’ll either hurt my friends or family. I don’t think there are other choices,”

She sighed shakily, “I just wanna learn how to control this…thing in me without hurting anybody,” 

Jawbone sighed softly, Adaine finally looked up and saw the guilty and shame-filled look in his eyes that hurt her. He stayed silent for a few minutes before speaking again, “There’s no controlling it, it’s not some random thing inside of you Kiddo. It’s still you,”

“It’s another flaw,” She muttered. Adaine felt anger flare inside of her, the lycanthropy was a mess and it was another flaw just like her anxiety.

“It’s not a flaw kiddo. You’re not a flaw at all, it’s a part of you just like anything else,” Jawbone said. Adaine felt tears gathering in her eyes again, and Boggy gave her comforting ribbit in her arms. The anger quickly dissipated just as soon as it came.

“Just, tell me what I can do to not hurt anybody,” Adaine asked. Her voice was breaking as well.

“First off, is coming to terms with the lycanthropy,” Jawbone replied. His voice was comforting and soft, “It’s hard at first, coming to terms with something else even though it is you deep down. Like another personality that is out of control at first,”

“But hating yourself because of it and trying to control it is not a way to help it. The werewolf reflects off of you Adaine because it is you kiddo. Whatever you think it’ll think the same, if you’re hating this side of you it’ll only learn to hate in return,” 

Jawbone was out of breath and stayed silent for a few seconds, “The lycanthropy isn’t a monster because it’s just another part of you, and you aren’t a monster Adaine,”

“Anyone who thinks otherwise is a terrible person because you are just a kid trying your best Adaine. I can see that in you,”

 Adaine felt the tears spill onto her cheeks while Boggy ribbited in her arms, the only thing grounding her from not fully sobbing was Jawbone talking and Boggy. She thought this entire time the lycanthropy was just another flaw like her panic attacks but here Jawbone was telling her she was never a flaw. 

Someone she should be hating for ruining her life like this was comforting her in a way her family never could.

Adaine grasped onto Boggy while she stood up from her chair with wobbly legs. Tears flowed freely while she tried not to let out the soft sobs. Jawbone stood up from his desk and walked over to her, a warm fur hand touched her shoulder and it broke her.

Adaine let out a choked sob while Jawbone softly wrapped his arms around her. She buried her head into his shoulder while tears spilled onto the cloth of his cardigan.

Adaine and Jawbone remained there together for maybe a few minutes before Adaine gained some of her composure and pulled away from the hug. She wiped the tears dried on her face and the ones in her eyes.

“I-I’m sorry I just,” Adaine’s voice was breaking and quiet. She held Boggy in one arm while she looked at the floor.

“Adaine, it’s okay,” Jawbone said softly, “You’re welcome to stay here kiddo if you need more time,”

“No, no I need to go with the others. Thank you Jawbone,” Adaine mumbled. Grabbing her backpack off the floor, “But I should go with my friends now before school starts,”

“Kiddo,” Jawbone said.

“Mhm? Y-Yes?” Adaine stopped in her tracks to look at the werewolf.

“You’re more than welcome to come here ever again, I’ll do my absolute best to help you any way I can Adaine,”

“Thank you, Jawbone,”

Adaine had maybe a few minutes before the first bell rang while she rushed towards the quad. Everyone already sitting down she sat next to Gorgug with Kristen across from her and she knew whatever conversation they were having was about her. Or more like her lycanthropy.

“Adaine-” Fabian started but was cut off by her.

“I had visions last night, and both were about the full moon,” Adaine said. Fig looked confused at the vision part while the others looked worried. She hugged Boggy and didn’t look at anyone, “There are two choices for me. I either hurt you guys or I hurt my family,”

“Either way someone is going to get hurt because of me and I don’t think anything we can do can change that,” Adaine mumbled. She felt shame start inside of her, she knew she couldn’t do anything to change the future but she hoped her friends not be hurt.

Everyone stayed silent, pondering her words while she felt a hand on her shoulder from Gorgug. She felt like crying again but kept the tears at bay for now.

“So the nightmare,” Fig started.

“Was a vision of the future or one future that can happen,” Adaine admitted. Sighing softly she kept her head down.

“Adaine, the original Hangman. My papa’s old ship had more than enough room for you-”

“We’re not keeping her locked up,” Fig interrupted Fabian. Adaine would’ve felt honored if she didn’t know she would hurt Fig in one of the futures in her wolfed-out form.

“Guys-” Gorgug tried to butt in. Trying to keep the two from fighting.

“I never said that Fig!” Fabian exclaimed, “I care for you all and I’m sorry that I’m worried for the majority of us. I tried to say we can keep her in one of the decks not chained up!”

“You were the one worried that Adaine couldn’t control herself when she could!” Fig shouted back. 

“We should try to keep quiet,” Riz looked worried. Glancing around while some people started to look in their direction from the argument

“He’s right,” Adaine sighed softly and placed her head on the table. She just hoped the start of their argument didn't pay too much attention to the point of staff.

“Could we try the Far Haven Woods near here?” Gorgug questioned. He looked in the direction of the forest nearby, “Maybe we can let you out for the full moon and be around just in case?”

Adaine tensed up, the woods in the first vision is where she attacked her friends. She immediately shut the idea down, “No I think that keeping me somewhere in Seacaster Manor is the best so far. I don't think keeping me roaming around is a good idea, sorry Gorgug,”

Plus, she knew that being in the Seacaster Manor meant that she was much closer to the Abernant House. Which meant the possibility of hurting her shitty family was higher than hurting her closest friends.

“Are you sure? We can try to find something else,” Fig asked. Looking worried and still eyeing Fabian with some anger.

“I’m sure,” Adaine said.

School came to a close while Adaine waited outside for the others. The police’s investigation of the Harvestmen was going to begin soon by Sklonda’s word which was told to Riz who told them during lunch. This meant the houses of Harvestmen were going to be raided and hopefully some more clues would rise.

Adaine rummaged through her backpack and felt something hit her hand. She grabbed it and pulled out the forty-five gold coin gift card for The Gilded Coin, she still pondered who gave them the gifts in the first place. The others still weren’t here yet.

Bad Kidzz (Last time I promise-F)

Adaine:

Do you guys wanna go to this store with me?

The Gilded Coin, it’s from the gift card I got from those gifts we all got.

Forty-five gold coins are the max.

Fabian:

I’ll come

And if you want I can buy anything else if the gift card doesn’t cover it.

Kristen:

I’ll go!

Can I also get something Fabian 0:<

Fig:

I’ll come

I also want something, Fabian.

Fabian:

One item limit for everyone besides Adaine

Gorgug:

Do you know if they have sweatshirts at that store Adaine?

The one I have is getting banged up.

Riz:

I think something wrong with my new briefcase. 

It can hold anything and I don’t think it has a capacity limit. 

I put my head in it and almost dropped it on me which could have trapped me inside. 

Fabian:

What

Kristen:

Can I go inside the briefcase?

Gorgug:

I don’t think that is a good idea.

Like at all

Getting some new clothes was a small breath of fresh air from her old ones, especially her new wool-lined denim jacket which felt more than comfortable. New jeans a new purple shirt and a few similar clothes that Fabian paid for, deep down she knew it was a small apology for his behavior on her lycanthropy.

Kristen was staying over as well now, since the Applebees residence was raided due to the Harvestmen activity her parents found out she was questioning her beliefs. Fig, Riz, and her were more than happy to welcome her to the apartments.

 A new addition to the apartments made Kristen, Fig, Riz, and her sleep in the same apartment building. She slept on the floor beside the redhead before Fig moved down to the ground with them. Fig in the middle with the other two on both of her sides.

While Fabian prepared the Hangman, the ship was to be cleared of the entire lower deck for the full moon. Fig tried to ask her if it was truly what she wanted but she was sure of it.

Now today was Friday, and she was more than restless. Barely focused on her morning classes and barely spoke during lunch. Her already heightened senses were off the rails, almost hearing heartbeats and she could smell even the slightest of scents, Boggy looked worriedly at her the entire day and tried comforting her.

Now that she thought about it, Jawbone, normally seen talking to students, was nowhere to be found. She thought about speaking to him but it seemed he had his struggles as well with the full moon tonight coming. 

It was a silent drive to Seacaster Manor with Fabian on the Hangman leading the way. When they approached the front doors of the manor Adaine knew everyone was glancing at her now and then. She could also hear their racing heartbeats from them as well, even Fig seemed slightly frightened of the upcoming night. This saddened Adaine a bit since Fig was the most adamant one that she was in full control or could control it.

Before she got even a few steps inside and not even yet discussing the plan tonight, Adaine could hear the steps of a peg leg coming down a hallway and someone else.

“Abernant, you’re the Lycan, yes?!” Bill shouted while he rounded the corner to the front entrance with Cathilda in tow. Pointing at her with his hooked hand.

Adaine tensed up and only nodded swiftly. Fabian tried to speak up but was cut short before he could get a word out, “Well then, the entire lower deck is cleared for you and we’re more than honored to have another werewolf scratching at the wood of the old Hangman,” laughing he patted Adaine’s shoulder hard which almost made her fall.

“Uh, thank you Captain Seacaster,” Adaine mumbled, “I promise I'll try to keep the damage to a minimum I wouldn’t want to damage your ship,”

“Why, I’ll be more than willing to let you claw up the lower deck. No one truly goes down there anymore and we just cleared out a few things down there,” Bill assured her.

“In the meantime how about we have dinner early before the full moon? Lemonade?” Cathilda spoke up. Holding out a tray she had behind her back filled with some glasses of lemonade, “And don’t worry Miss Abernant we’ve gotten rid of the silver around the manor already,”

Everyone grabbed a glass from the maid while Adaine smiled sheepishly. Boggy croaked on her shoulder as a comforting presence. She placed her backpack at the front door with everyone else's, her phone and arcane wand left behind as well.

Dinner was filled with conversion from both Seacaster men. Stories shared with Bill and Fabian talked about the adventures they had, she stayed quiet and tried to deflect anything about her lycanthropy. Cathilda filled her plate more and she gladfully ate the fancy meal not to be hungry in wolfed-out form.

After dinner Adaine glanced out the window, the sun was already setting and it was nearing nighttime. She felt panic slowly rise and fear along with it. She merely sat down in her seat at the dinner table and tried to seem calm. Blocking out the sound of everyone talking over each other. 

“Miss Abernant?” Cathilda’s voice broke her out of her thoughts.

Whipping her head to look at the woman, “Um, yes?” Adaine replied.

“I was told by Master Fabian that you normally tear through your clothes during shifting so we thought you could change into these for the night while we keep your normal clothing,” Cathilda held out a pair of clothes in her hand. A simple white shirt, cloth black harem pants, and some socks.

Adaine felt grateful for the fact that Fabian was helping her. She grabbed the clothes from Cathilda’s hands with a small smile, excusing herself she went away to the nearest bathroom. Changing out of her clothes into the new ones, her jacket, shirt, and pants were neatly folded. Her boots were taken off since she knew that she would rip through those as well.

Exiting out of the bathroom, Cathilda took her normal clothing and left promptly somewhere else. 

The sun was nearly fully set when everyone started making their way to the Hangman ship. The wood creaked as they went further down until they made their way down to a hatch door to the lower deck. Adaine suddenly heard Fig’s voice in her head, even when the girl was walking right beside her.

“ We don’t have to go through with this if you don’t want to Adaine,” She turned her head to Fig who was pointing to her. Fig cast a Message to her.

Pointing back “ I promise Fig, I want to go through with this. I don’t want to hurt you guys,” she tried to give a comforting smile to her friend. Fig only gave a worried glance before looking away, her tail softly reaching out to Adaine’s wrist but could only softly brush the pale skin.

Boggy ribbits on her shoulder, grabbing the frog she looked at him in her hands. She didn’t know if her wolfed-out self would attack her frog but Adaine didn’t want to take any chances, “Kristen,” 

“Mhm?” The redhead turned to her.

“Could you just watch Boggy for the night?” Adaine asked. Handing the green frog to her friend, shifting her staff in her arms Kristen held Boggy in her free hand.

 “You sure?” Kristen asked and she nodded back while Fabian and Bill opened the hatch door. Boggy gave her a ribbit and looked at Adaine with his normal gentle stare.

“Miss Abernant, Cathilda, and I stockpiled some fresh meat for your wolf, and your regular clothes can be found in a small chest for you after the full moon,” Bill said. His hooked hand pointed down to the lower deck with a ladder down.

“I set up some blankets and a few pillows down there as well,” Fabian mumbled.

Adaine smiled back at both Seacaster and walked towards the hatch before she was stopped by a hooked hand on her shoulder, “Abernant,”

Adaine stopped and looked back, “Don’t be afraid to let out any anger down there. It’s better to lash out now than to keep it in for so long,” Bill said, before removing his hand off of her shoulder.

Adaine nodded swiftly and climbed down the ladder. Landing at the lower deck it had countless lanterns on with the windows showing the sun showing its last light before the night took over. Looking up she saw everyone and their worried gazes besides Bill who looked confident in her.

“Uh, goodnight guys?” She said, smiling sheepishly at her friends.

“We’ll watch your other stuff,” Riz yelled down.

“I’ll keep great care of Boggy! Don’t worry!” Kristen exclaimed. Holding the frog in the air to emphasize her words.

“Goodnight,” Gorgug waved at her.

Bill grabbed both doors of the wooden hatch, “The Hangman is happy to have another werewolf clawing at its wood like old times,” he gave a loud laugh before closing the wooden doors. Adaine, being left alone in the lantern-lit deck. The sun showed its last light through the small windows.

As Bill closed the hatch he walked over to the side and grabbed a wooden beam. Sliding it over the hatch and inside two small metal holes on the same side of the beam. 

“Is that necessary?” Gorgug asked. His voice was low since Bill was already a frightening man in his eyes, “The wooden beam and…”

“In control or not, Miss Abernant will try to escape,” Bill replied.

“We should keep watch then,” Riz commented, “Just in case anything happens to her,”

“I can stay first,” Kristen said. Boggy in her hand gave a ribbit while he looked worriedly at the barricaded hatch.

“I’ll stay with Kristen,” Gorgug announced. 

“I’ll trance just for a bit and I can stay awake for the entire night,” Fabian said.

“So it’s Kristen, Gorgug for how long then?” Riz asked. 

“Maybe a few hours?” Gorgug assumed. 

“Three hours and I can stay up for the rest of the night,” Fabian said.

“I’ll get some sleep and I can stay with Fabian,” Fig interrupted.

“I’ll be the backup then. Just in case anyone can’t stay up I will,” Riz announced.

“Then it’s settled, watch shifts until the morning when Miss Abernant is normal again,” Bill remarked. Before turning back up to the upper decks and eventually into the manor.

Gorgug and Kristen both sat down near the hatch, the deck they were on was mostly for cannons so it was a bit cramped. Boggy still looked worried at the hatch with his friend inside deeper in the ship.

Riz and Fabian turned to go back inside while Fig stared at the barred hatch before quickly turning to go back up with the others.

Adaine walked around the lower deck. She already felt the same shift start inside of her yet it didn’t feel uneasy like it had countless times before tonight. She thought about Jawbone’s words, she wasn’t a monster in any way.

The werewolf was a reflection of her. She wasn’t flawed, and she wasn’t a monster. 

Sighing shakily, Adaine explored the lower deck with the little time she had left as herself. It was chilly the only light being the many lanterns but it was still lit properly. In the middle with one of the support beams were pillows around the base of the wooden beam, and white cotton blankets spread out around as well.

The almost makeshift bed was a circle around the wooden beam and when she laid on it, the blankets were so soft it acted like a mattress. There were two blankets as a matter of fact, one thicker one below and a thinner one on top. Adaine lay there for maybe a minute or so before getting back up to explore again.

On the side of the deck by a wall was a small chest, underneath a window. Adaine opened it and she saw her regular clothes. Her new jacket, shirt and everything. While she was by a wall, she saw something almost carved into the wood.

Looking more closely, she saw it wasn’t a carving. But a large claw mark that has faded over time. She remembered Bill Seacaster’s words, another person was a lycanthropy during his sailing days and was locked down here just like she is right now.

Looking closely the claw mark was about the length of a motorcycle like Hangman. She felt a small spike of panic rise, was she going to act wild like this? Like the person before her locked down here?

Adaine quickly shook the thoughts away when she noticed the final bit of sunlight fade away. Replaced with the night sky, moving to the other side of the deck. Adaine looked out through the window and saw, for the first time since the bite at The Black Pit.

Saw a bright almost shining full moon.

Chapter Text

Adaine saw the bright almost shining moon through the small window through the lower deck. She almost felt enchanted, if it wasn’t for the sudden sharp pain in her shoulder blades. Adaine felt a sudden spike of pain all over while she stared at the moon.

Before she could even dwell on it, Adaine was dropped to her knees while her legs gave out under her. Pain, worse than the burning silver or anything she had ever felt, start all over her body.

She let out a yelp and soon fell onto her side. The feeling was almost burning all over her body and before she could scream or ask and yell for the others. The bones in her legs started to snap out of place with a loud crack.

‘Fuck! Mother fucker!’

Adaine screamed, more like a wail of pain at the top of her lungs while panic and fear rose in her. She felt her bones all over start to snap out of place and even extend to be longer. Looking down at her hand she saw the fur start growing once more.

Screaming she tried to move but her body felt like it was on fire. The fabric of the new clothes started tearing while she felt her hands extend. Her nails became sharp claws, her mouth was open and she also felt her teeth hurt. Canine teeth to be more specific as they grew longer and sharper.

She felt her body turn into something unnatural and different from the form she had just gotten used to.

Adaine felt the tears well and flow while she tried to curl into herself for comfort. It hurts, everywhere. Her bones cracked and reformed in new places while she tried to close her eyes. Adaine could feel the sudden loss of control and her vision began to become blurry. The corners of her vision became dark as a headache began.

‘God no, please this can’t be what it is like every goddamn full moon!’

Her voice broke while the screaming no longer sounded human. More like screeching coming from a wounded animal. Adaine, in her last moments of consciousness, cried again and tried screaming while no words could form in her different vocal cords. 

‘Please, I don’t want to hurt anyone! Why! Please I don’t want to be a monster like this!’

Adaine soon lost consciousness and blacked out. Crying while she turned into something much more different and something she now hated instead. While she hated and feared it, it was now hate and terror that replaced her instead.

Gorgug was leisurely messing with his axe in his hands. He heard the croaking and ribbits coming from Boggy, Adaine’s familiar. Or that’s what he remembered her calling him. Kristen had him in her lap while he kept on staring at the locked hatch door. The redhead tried to comfort him, even trying to pet him did nothing to calm the frog.

It had only been maybe five minutes since Adaine went down there to the lower deck. He could see the sun just falling while night took over the day with the moon as a light in the sky instead. 

“Come on Boggy…” Kristen mumbled under her breath. She was already worried for Adaine and Boggy was acting weirdly, “I promised Adaine I would take care of you,”

“Do you think he’s hungry?” Gorgug asked. Reaching over with his hand opened for the frog to leap in.

“I don’t even know if he eats,” Kristen muttered, “I think Adaine just feeds him whatever,” 

Gorgug let Boggy climb onto his hand and his lap. Boggy croaked nervously and seemed more distressed than ever, he had a new expression ‘I’m not sure about this’ different from the usual happy one he kept.

Gorgug and Kristen stayed in a small silence. The sound of muffled footsteps inside the lower deck and the croaking being the only noise. Kristen flipped through her new book while Gorgug played with his headphones.

“How long until the sun rises?” Gorgug asked. Pulling the side of his headphones to listen to his friend.

“I think around six? Seven am,” Kristen replied. Looking back to the barricaded hatch, “Right now it’s,” Kristen rummaged through her pockets for her phone before responding, “6:37 pm,”

He forgot how early the sun fell since it was later in the year. That meant more time with wolfed-out Adaine. Not that he hated her lycanthropy, but he liked the one time he saw Adaine as a werewolf, “And we’re taking how long shifts for everyone?” He asked.

“We’re taking three hours so until 9:30” She put her phone back and closed her book.

“Then Fabian trances so he only needs three? Four hours?” Gorgug pulled off his headphones fully.

“I think it's us first and then Fabian and Fig? Riz as a backup for anyone what he said, I think,” Kristen mumbled. Slowly moving to lie down on the hardwood floor of the deck of the Hangman. 

Gorgug hummed in response. Petting Boggy in his lap while the green frog stopped his anxious croaking but still gave his unsure look to anyone who looked at him. Gorgug tried to pet softer but nothing could calm down the frog, “Do you think he’ll come upstairs or will want to stay?”

“I promised Adaine I would take care of him,” Kristen said, “But I think he’ll want to stay here for her, I’ll get Fabian and Fig to watch over him,”

Boggy seemed happier at staying instead of leaving Adaine more than he could. He stopped the croaking and merely nuzzled into Gorgug’s stomach. Gorgug smiled and hugged the frog softly back. 

“What do you think of Ada-” Kristen was suddenly cut off by a sound. As if she were right next to them, clear as day an ear piercing wail from presumably Adaine broke through the air. 

They both shot up from their spots while Boggy thrashed in Gorgug’s arms. The frog desperately tried to escape Gorgug’s grasp but couldn’t, “Ah?! Is that Adaine?!” 

“Adaine?! Um! Are you okay?!” Kristen ran towards the locked hatch and tried pulling off the wooden beam blocking the hatch door. The wailing started to turn into a long scream, the voice breaking more than a few times. Gorgug let Boggy go and tried to pull the wooden beam out of its locked place with her.

The sound of rapid footsteps coming down to the lower deck with them started. It was muffled and the others still needed more time to come do-

A bright blue portal in the shape of a door appeared while Fig and Riz rushed through. Before quickly closing behind them Fig didn’t hesitate and rushed to the wooden beam with the other two to try to slide it out of place barricading the door. 

“What happened?!” Fig shouted while the screaming continued. If it wasn't for the lower deck, they would be able to hear the bones cracking, snapping out of place while the screaming from Adaine. Was soon replaced by loud howling. 

Fabian, Bill, and Cathilda rushed down to the same deck. Before anyone could even get a word in about the situation like Kristen or Gorgug the pounding started. The hatch was pounded on the other side, they could all hear the clawing of nails against wood. Snarling and loud barking started as well.

All three teens backed away from the hatch. The wooden beam was already creaking against the force being put on it from the other side. Bill pushed through everyone and stared down at the hatch while the force on the other side became impatient.

The clawing started becoming the main force while the wood started to tear and bend on the other side. Everyone could hear the way the beast on the lower deck was not only clawing but trying to chew through the hatch. The only reason for its failure was from the hatch being on the floor of the upper deck and it being the roof of the lower deck it was on. 

“Adaine?! Can you hear me?!” Fig neared the hatch. Trying to find anything her friend left.

“Adaine!” Gorgug and Kristen yelled simultaneously. Boggy only croaked and seemed more anxious than his creator.

“Hey Adaine?! Can you understand us right now?!” Riz yelled. His hand was ready above his arquebus, readying his next move just in case anything happened.

The clawing and snarling came to a sudden stop. They could hear the loud footsteps back away from the hatch and farther away from the entrance. It was a tense silence while Bill’s hand was above his saber.

“That’s not your friend, not fully,” Bill mumbled. Everyone turned their head in awe, fear, and a small trace of anger from a few of them.

Before anyone could make a move, a sound, or take an action the gone footsteps came back and rushed towards the hatch. Swiftly moving out of the way Bill and Cathilda behind him jumped out of the way while the beast smashed against the hatch. The wooden beam creaks and even snaps into small bit of its wood.

“Should we try to? Block her?” Fabian yelled over the loud pounding.

“She’s pretty adamant about getting out!” Riz shouted while the wooden beam started showing small cracks in its wood.

“Either way, she’s finding a way out!” Bill announced. Unsheathing his saber the wooden beam finally broke under the force.

As the beam broke in half the hatch was forced open as well. A large clawed paw tried to force itself up out of the lower deck. Everyone immediately backed away with Riz aiming at the hatch.

A bullet shot off near its paws, a loud bang through the snarling and howling the paw backed away with the beast remaining down in the lower deck, “Sorry! This is for your own sake and ours Adaine!” Riz shouted. 

A loud screech, and howl almost echoed while thundering footsteps started. Two paws, both on either side of the open hatch while the blonde werewolf tried to pull itself up. From that view, everyone could see the wild, feral, and almost hungry, gaze the beast now had.

The gray-blue eyes filled with unfamiliar emotions, the pupils constricted, and the white of its eyes barely there. While a fanged mouth reached out and tried to bite anyone nearby. Bill, who was nearby, hurried and fell back away from the hatch.

“How do we stop her?” Kristen yelled over the loud chaos. Boggy was once more in her arms while she kept her staff aimed at Adaine. She seemed as confused and worried as anyone else in the room.

“I don’t think we can do it without getting injured?!” Fabian responded. The beast managed to pull itself up almost halfway through the hatch. At this point, everyone drew their weapons, but unsure of what to do against their own friend. 

“Out of the way!” Bill shouted. Grabbing Fig and Fabian who were in the direct line of the werewolf which managed to pull its full body through the hatch. Everyone else managed to get out of the way and the free line was unwillingly made for the wolf to run.

And it did exactly that.

Without even sparing a second glance to anyone in the ship's deck it ran on all four paws. Now getting a good look, everyone could see its full form. Its limbs seemed too long almost, its jaw wide open while it snarled with drool from hunger at the corner of its maul. The claws seemed much longer, and its eyes still had the same crazed look. The familiar, soft, and closed-off elf they knew was no longer. 

A blur of blonde fur rushed past them and up to the higher decks of the ship until it could find its way out. 

“After her!” Bill announced. Rushing up to the upper decks after the beast. 

“Hey Gorgug? Do you think you could stall her?” Fig asked him. Grabbing her bass with no mischievous intent this time. Just pure worry for her friend Adaine.

“Yes? I could tackle her for a moment but-” Gorgug was grabbed by the side of his sweater and Fig played a high tune on her bass. The same blue portal door opened in front of them while the others rushed for Adaine.

Fig pulled Gorgug through the door and they arrived on the deck of the Hangman ship. The moon was bright and provided light for them, but with their dark vision, they didn’t need it much. Both could hear the rush of footsteps and the paws against the wood. Fig prepared another spell and the low tunes of maybe control or another enchantment spell.

“Get ready to just distract her! Or just hold her long enough!” Fig exclaimed. Playing the first tunes of her spell already for the incoming werewolf. 

Gorgug nodded and didn’t take out his axe. He ran towards the entrance where Adaine would hopefully pop out and got ready to grapple her. Fig rushed close behind her but made some distance between them so she wouldn’t disturb the fighting. They were both tense when they heard the snarling with the muffled shouting from the lower. 

The hatch door to the lower deck burst open with a flash of fur trying to rush past them. Gorgug readied, ran head first, and wrapped his arms around the werewolf. He tackled Adaine to the wooden floor of the ship, she was flailing all over while he could hear the others close by.

“Adaine, just stay here and don’t hurt anybody!” Fig commanded, her spell ready. The tunes of her bass were low while her voice reverberated in the night. The monster felt the need to follow the girl's words, a Suggestion spell. Her voice was almost like sweet honey or music like her bass to its ears. Keyword, almost.

It snarled while its paw managed to reach Gorgug’s back and clawed his flesh and sweater. Blood stained the grey cloth while Gorgug screamed out of pain, the claw starting on his lower back to his shoulder blades. The flesh tearing while in his moment of reaction time, the wolf shoved Gorgug off of it. Fig could almost see the flesh and blood underneath the claws.

It didn’t wait anymore but rushed at the tiefling while Fig was left stunned in place. The others just managed to arrive while Kristen with her staff sent a wave of healing to Gorgug, not fully healing but helping him enough. Rushing with the others alongside Fabian.

Riz shot a bullet at the wooden floor near the paws of this beast. Trying to distract instead of hurting or causing any permanent damage to Adaine. While Cathilda rushed to help Gorgug with Fabian and Bill rushing towards Adaine. 

The werewolf stopped just ten feet in front of Fig, it heard the rush of footsteps behind it and turned towards the two men. It let out a loud screech and rushed towards them both with its maul wide open for a bite. It lunged towards them all, Kristen, Fabian, and Bill with Boggy on the redhead’s shoulder.

It jumped right in front of them, before standing on its hind legs. The claw tore through Bill’s clothes on his chest as blood spilled onto him and the claws. It darted forward for the bite on Kristen. Said the girl managed to duck just enough while the teeth clamped right on the side of her head barely missing. But the same bite managed to bite down on the frog on her shoulder. With a loud croak, Boggy dispersed into a cloud of mist. 

“Boggy!” Kristen yelled. She gripped tightly onto her staff while the others looked at the beast. She sent a wave of healing towards Bill in a hurry while the man tried to keep his stance steady.

“If she doesn’t care for Boggy, how is she going to care for us? I’m pretty sure we’re on our own!” Riz shouted, reloading another bullet while he prepared for more distracting shots. Shooting near her paws and her head while he tried to do anything but damage.

“We have to…” Fig mumbled to herself. Her voice almost broke when she realized the dire situation, “We have to try one more time before we do anything rash!”

Cathilda helped Gorgug up to his feet and healed his wounds more while Fabian rushed for Adaine, “Hangman!” he shouted. The roar of an engine started far away and rushed towards them. 

Bill rushed alongside his side while they both tried to tackle the werewolf. Fabian had less success as it shoved him away onto the floor while Bill had the same results. The wolf shoved them both off of it while it tried to figure out its next move. Fig snapped out of her momentarily stunned while she played her bass once more.

“I’m sorry, I know you won’t like this either but you’ve left me with nothing! Stay here and stop!” Fig shouted. Playing a harsh and loud tune while the sound reached the wolf. The beast felt another wave of command takeover but this time the girl's words were harsh. A Command spell tried to take over but it fought once more and snarled at the girl.

The wolf looked around, it was easily outnumbered and couldn’t take this fight. But it knew another place where it could satisfy its hunger.

It howled at the moon. Before backing away from the two men and the redhead and made a run off of the deck of the ship. The moon almost lit the way while it ran for it and towards the nearby neighborhood of Clearbrook. 

“She’s making a run for it!” Fabian shouted.

“For her family! She’s going to try to attack her family!” Riz rushed towards the werewolf. 

It made the jump off of the ship on land and barely took any damage on its impact. It merely rushed towards the houses and down the street while the roar of an engine was too far to try to catch up with it right now.

“Damn it!” Fabian muttered. He tried to rush to his father’s side who was still injured, “Papa are you-”

“Go! Go after your friend before anything else happens!” Bill shouted. He dug into his pockets grabbed a pair of car keys and tossed it to Kristen who was trying to heal him, “On the Hangman and the others can drive!” 

“Hangman!” Fig shouted over the deck of the ship. The red motorcycle came into view with its fire as a bright light in the night. 

“I can try to drive?!” Kristen sheepishly said.

“I’ll do it?!” Gorgug shouted. His wounds were still open but barely while Kristen tossed the keys to him. The other three rushed down off of the ship Hangman to the motorcycle. 

It felt the blood on its claws from attacking the boy in the sweater. He didn’t seem to try to hurt it nor did any of the others. But it was hungry, it almost took a bite out of the boy it clawed but fought against the hunger. They wanted to help her, not it. It raced down the streets of the neighborhood, the beast could recognize a sense of familiarity almost as it ran further and further.

It could also hear the sound of an engine roaring behind it and the motorcycle closing the distance. It didn’t matter, it would find its meal somewhere else. Preferably the three elves that had wronged its counterpart all of her life. An act of revenge or a price to pay for what they did. It snarled just at the thought of those people.

It ran faster, weaving through the few cars in the way. It could almost see the house already in the far distance. Before it could get closer the engine of the bike came closer and revved while the mike and the three people on the bike sped up to be in front of it. The girl from before who tried to compel it, the boy with white hair, and the boy with the hat and gun.

It could see the house just a few blocks away. Its meal was nearby but these pestering people won’t stop. 

“Adaine! Come on, we can figure something out!” The white-haired boy shouted. The motorcycle purposefully slowed down a bit to try to create some closeness between each other. 

A car pulled up nearby on its right side. The boy in gray was driving and the redhead was in the backseat with the window pulled down. The one in gray was focused on driving but was trying to find a time to block the wolf.

“Adaine, please! I know you’re still in there! Come back to us!” The girl in red yelled. The words are more of a command than a request. Less sweet and like honey than last time but almost harsh like from an authority. It snarled and ran faster to close the distance.

It didn’t feel compelled and the girl seemed to be giving up hope, the small sign of weakness and it took its shot. It lunged forward and clawed the girl's bass with her hand. She screamed out in pain almost dropping her instrument. Holding her hand which was almost limp from the deep claw mark on the back of her hand.

“Turn around! We can lead her to the woods then!” The one in the hat yelled to the two boys driving. He started shooting directly near its paws. Trying to direct it off the course of its meal.

The boy driving the car turned so the car was almost right up to the right side of its body. It tried backing away before the motorcycle turned and was now on its left side. The drivers were trying to box it into control. It screeched while it tried maneuvering itself out of the situation.

With no avail, the two drivers started turning it in the direction of the forest. If it slowed down they both would slow down. If it tried going faster they would both end up keeping pace with it. It gave up on the prospect of getting revenge on the family and in turn tried to bite at the car. 

The redhead poked out of the window, with her green staff a familiar red and purple hue color started, “Adaine I know you hate this spell! But you’ve given us no other choice, I'm sorry!” her voice was mixed with guilt and almost shame while the spell went flying to the wolf.

The wolf felt a sensation of control and paralyzation took over it. It felt like all of its muscles were freezing in place but the spell couldn’t take full effect. It was a Hold Person spell, it was no longer the girl in control but it. Do these people dare try to control it?!

It snarled and swung a claw at the car door. The screech of metal ripping and the redhead screaming out of fear while she backed away into the car. It ran faster, it no longer craved the flesh of the elven family mere blocks away but the blood of these people ruining its night. It ran faster trying to outpace the two vehicles. Thundering footsteps and two roaring engines passed the manor of the Abernants.

The car sped up and managed to drift and stop the wolf in its tracks. The tires screeched while the wolf tried to go around it. But the bullets of the gun stopped it from moving and was forced to turn back around. They kept on playing the same game. The two vehicles boxed it in and controlled its path while it kept on running. 

The girl with the horn’s hand was healed by the redhead with a golden spell flying toward her. Everyone looked more than stressed even though the wolf could see that.

The more they stalled the more its hunger stayed unsatisfied. They passed houses, stores, buildings, and the Augefort Adventuring Academy before they were all forced into the path of the Far Haven Woods. The motorcycle could continue but the car had to be abandoned with the boy and the redhead was forced to find another way to keep up with everyone else. 

As the forest was silent beside them, the wind eerily calm, moonlight shining through the trees, and the rats, squirrels, and other animals ran to get out of their path. It could hear almost nothing over the roaring engine behind it trailing close. As the wolf ran into the forest it decided on another tactic. It could no longer keep running on an empty stomach. 

It came to a sudden halt while the bike was forced to swerve around it to stop crashing. Taking the small window of opportunity it reached over with its claw hoping to find its next target. By some twisted fate of luck, it struck perfectly. 

She let out a terrifying scream as the horned girl was slashed on her ribs and part of her stomach. The green boy on her back fell while they both collapsed onto the forest floor. The white-haired one and the bike did a sharp turn back to the wolf. It could deal with the other two first, the girl was prone on the ground and trying to grab her bass which was tossed away from her fall. 

It pushed her onto the ground with its large paw on her back. The girl turned her head, the look of fear and terror in her eyes overwhelmed the small hope she still had left. It raised its other claw to tear her face before a loud bang and a sharp, almost burning pain in its side. Howling in pain it let go of the girl. She immediately ran away grabbing her bass guitar as well. 

It swore her eyes were glassy from tears.

Swiftly, turning its head to the smoking gun barrel the goblin was holding. He had a look of desperation and fear in his eyes as well. It could feel the bullet burn but it wasn’t sliver, not near enough damage it could’ve done to stop it.

“Adaine,” He mumbled under his breath but it could hear him loud and clear. The gun was almost shaking if it weren’t for his tight grip. It screamed while it lunged for the boy, an engine revved as the fire of the bike came into view and slammed the beast into a nearby tree before it could get in range of the boy.

It yelped in pain, limping almost while it shakily stood up. It locked eyes with the white-haired one, sharing the same look on his face with the girl. The boy’s face hardened before he revved the engine and drove away, “Come on! You wanted to hurt them, you can hurt me as well!” he yelled.

It felt the need to feed, but it would get its meal from that one first. It snarled from the pain and rushed after him. 

Chasing after him leaving the other two behind, it closed the distance easily. 

The engine roared while its fire shone through the quiet forest. The boy kept on looking back and I could see the fear yet determination in his eyes. One hand remained on the handlebar while he unsheathed his rapier. It lunged forward with its open maul for another bite, trying to find its purchase. The monster couldn’t keep up and its teeth clamping on nothing.

The boy made a sharp turn to maneuver around the wolf. Then slamming the front of the bike into its side causing a sharp yelp that echoed in the forest. It could feel a rib or two fracture and almost break. The boy tried to move out of the way and turned and went back from where they came. The wolf was done and needed to feed on something.

It turned swiftly, sliding its claws against him. Finding its perfect moment while he was trying to run, his back was turned to it. His scream first then the sound of flesh and fabric tearing, the dark red perfectly blended with the dark green grass. His scream almost sounded inhuman, monstrous like it. He fell off the bike and collapsed onto the ground face-first.

It took another chance for a bite, the boy reacted first and got onto his back. It was met with cold and sharp metal. Its face was sliced on the right side. The cut is clean from below its right ear to the right eye. It howled in pain and stumbled back. It felt the blood loss starting to catch up to it, lightheaded and out of breath it didn’t have long.

“Adaine! Please!” he cried out. With its good eye, it saw the same glaze of tears in his eyes. The boy’s voice cracked with desperation and fear. His rapier shaking in his hand while he tried backing away on the forest floor. 

It snarled while the sound of an engine revved. It turned its head to the side and was once more rammed. The monster yelped while the bike rammed into the same side as before. The already damaged ribs broke while the others fractured. It swore one of the bones broke into segments and another fully shattered. Possibly the sharp broken bone cutting its lung. Limping it regained its stance. 

The bike was trying to distract it from its meal. It revved and tried another ram head-on this time. It returned the attack and swerved around it, with a small opening as it passed. It clawed the engine as oil and fire spilled. Out of control it crashed into a nearby tree and collapsed onto its side.

Heaving out of breath and running out of energy. It turned to the boy, his fear turned into determination. He raised the rapier and got into a fighting stance. The monster could hear his pounding heart, loud like it was right next to its ear. It planned to stop the heart for its meal. 

They stayed in silence, almost stalling. It could hear the rapid footsteps of the others coming. It lunged while he rushed forward as well. 

Before it could even get within range for a claw, in the corner of its good eye, a blinding light raced forward to it. It tried to react and stop but the blinding light turned into a burning fire on the side of its face. It faltered and stumbled back. The fur is burning with the flesh underneath. Screeching in pain it backed away while someone ran in front of the white-haired boy. The redhead girl from before, her staff was glowing with the golden light from earlier. 

“Adaine! I know you’re still in there! You need to stop, we’re just trying to help you!” she yelled. Obvious fear in her eyes and her voice shaking. 

It screamed and tried to run for the two children. It stood on its hind legs and swung its claws in multiple attacks. Its claws are sliced like a hot knife on butter. The sound of flesh and fabric never sounded better to its ears. Its claws are stained with holy blood.

The girl couldn’t even scream but merely choked on her blood and fell backwards. She was still conscious but barely, hanging by a thread. The boy didn’t care for his safety, dropping his rapier he kneeled down and tried to cover her dying body. He was crying with her. 

But it wasn’t their friend, she hated it. So, why should it care for her? It stood, towering over them, and tried to bite them.  

While the two braced for the attack a bullet, handaxe, and the loud screech of a guitar started. The bullet landed straight in its ribs, the flesh burning as it made a desperate yelp. The handaxe found itself in the wolf's right shoulder and buried itself into the fur and flesh. The blonde fur that shone mere moments before, the blood kept inside the body, and the wolf confident and wild.

Was now in ruin. 

The fur was stained from two bullet wounds, the handaxe, the burning radiant blast, blinded in one eye from the boy, and multiple broken ribs on one side. Before it could even whimper, yelp, or make any reaction out of the pain a loud high screech from the guitar started.

A wave of thunder made its way to it. The other side of its rubs, the uninjured ones. Bones cracked and fractured while a few remained in place. A bone was particularly shattered and the sharp edges broke through the skin and fur. Bone poking out. 

It collapsed onto the ground. Heaving, lightheaded, barely alive. It could see the vision going black while it could hear the footsteps of the others coming near it. They were cautious, slow, steady steps. But their hearts and breathing betray them. Hearts racing, shaky breaths, and the sound of soft sobs coming from more than one. 

Trying to stand up it couldn’t move. It relented and stayed limp on the forest ground. Dark red blends with green just like moments before. Except it was the one spilling blood. It felt something inside of it, wanting to cry out. Wanting to scream. But it pushed it further down and ignored its counterpart. 

It blearily opened its good eye, looking up. The sight of the horned girl above it, her tears stained her face. She had a tight grip on the bass, and the green boy in the hat came up and raised his gun to the air. He was still on guard, not shooting but ready to. Moving weakly, it turned its head to the white-haired boy and the redhead. He was trying to stand with her hands glowing a golden light, covering her bloody chest.

The boy in the gray hoodie ran over, he tried to help her stand as well. 

It felt the blood worsen and the burning on its face from the holy child throwing the radiance more. It whimpered weakly, it could find no joy in the pain it caused. For a multitude of reasons. Deep down it felt guilty, ashamed. But the hunger and hatred overwhelmed the ones deep inside. Turning its head the horned girl and the goblin walked further away.

The girl played her bass, it braced for another harsh spell. But, a lullaby started. It was sweet, soft, and sounded beautiful. It closed its good eye and felt its consciousness slip away.

Chapter Text

Kristen felt herself being lifted by Gorgug and Fabian, their arms underneath hers. Her legs were shaking while she leaned on Gorgug. She still had her blood in her mouth and almost clogged her throat. 

She could hear the soft thump of Adaine falling and being affected by Fig’s sleep spell. Fabian the moment she was stable rushed towards the broken Hangman. Kristen didn’t have dark vision but she could see the horror and fear in his eyes right before he left. 

She placed one hand on her chest, ignoring how the blood seeped into the entire front of the cloth. A bright golden light on her palms started while it sank into her wounds. The torn and deep cuts of flesh started to repair themselves. By the time the spell was done her flesh was still torn but the wound less severe.

She was sure, the claw mark barely missed her heart and lungs. Leaning on Gorgug she placed her other hand on his back and cast a similar spell. The glow was not as bright as hers but still healed the claw mark on his back fully.

“D-Does?-” Kristen hacked up another clot of blood that fell onto the forest floor. Gorgug patted her back while she heaved, “Anyone n-need healing? I still have the spells I just,” she trailed off.

“I’m fine…do we heal Adaine?” Gorgug asked. Fig and Riz glanced at each other while Fabian tried to drag the Hangman off the tree stump. 

Kristen looked at the wolf. She was barely breathing, almost heaving in her sleep.

Bone was sticking out on one side, her right eye cut, Gorgug’s handaxe buried into her right shoulder, two bullet wounds, her other side looked bruised from the Hangman ramming into her Kristen was sure there were broken ribs. Her Guiding Bolt from earlier badly burned the side of her face and fur, and Fig’s Thunderwave causes even more damage to the ribs.

The blonde fur in the night looked more of a dirty brown from the deep red staining. Her claws are stained with everyone's blood, some flesh stuck underneath with fabric. By some fate of luck, Adaine managed not to bite anyone though they did come close more than a few times.

“We heal ourselves, then her,” Fabian announced. Dragging the Hangman from the back wheel to the party as the fire in the bike was dim, barely there, “If she wakes up then we’ll have a better chance,”

Everyone gave affirmative nods and glances. Fig, for once didn’t argue not to help Adaine. Kristen only felt her heartbreak and her sympathy for Adaine grew, but the sympathy for the werewolf shrank. She held her hand over her chest and the dim glow healed the last part of her chest wound.

Gorgug gave Kristen a glance between the Hangman and her, “I’m gonna go help do you want me to?” 

“I’ll be fine yeah go help them,” Kristen mumbled. While he ran over to the bike and elf Kristen grabbed her staff off the forest floor. She grabbed Fabian’s rapier that he dropped when he tried to protect Kristen from Adaine.

Gorgug rushed over to Fabian, helping turn the Hangman upright. Kristen rushed over to Fig who was badly bleeding on her side and her stomach. She already prepared a high healing spell she had, Riz went over to the others and tried to help the Hangman with the med kit he stole. 

A wave of healing rushed over the tiefling while she stared down the sleeping wolf. Kristen couldn’t bear the sight of Adaine’s injuries like this because of them and didn’t look down at the wolf. The same golden light that covered her covered Fig’s flesh as it started to mend and only the stained blood and torn jacket and shirt left from the attack. Fig relaxed and swung her bass back over her back. Kristen could see the hurt and almost guilt in her eyes while Fig kneeled to the sleeping wolf.

Fabian with the help from Gorgug lifted the Hangman upright on his wheels. A puff of weak fire came from the bike as he could hear the tired and raspy voice speak out once more, “Sire…” his voice weak and quiet, the oil and fire from his engine were no longer spilling but there was still a deep gash.

“Hangman,” Fabian muttered. He reached into his jacket for the car wax, he used it already and it could maybe mend just his friend a bit. 

“Sire! I can fight Miss Abernant in my other form. Let me regain my honor to the crew master,” Hangman argued while his fire flared, almost singeing his clothes. Everyone looked over to the Hangman with a curious gaze. 

“What do you mean by another form, Hangman?” Riz asked. Fabian let his hand rest from trying to grab the wax. Gorgug and Fabian backed away from the bike. In a flare of fire and the strong smell of sulfur, the familiar sound of an animal screeching echoed through the forest and the radiating heat. A flash of fire and smoke covered the bike, not the sound of an engine but a roar as a four-and-a-half-foot hellhound jumped out of the smoke.

Fabian and Gorgug backed away in surprise as the Hangman tried to step forward. However, from the claw on the engine, the injury was now a deep claw on his side. Fiery blood spilled while a weak whine came from its fiery jaws. 

“Hangman? Since when could you do that?... Oh, we’re so back!” Fabian exclaimed with excitement. Even pumping his fist in the air with his severe injuries. This was a small breakthrough they’ve made in the entire night so far.

The Hangman looked happier and nearly pounced on Fabian. Riz and Gorgug relaxed while Kristen did another high-healing spell to finish closing the wounds on Fig’s side. Fig looked worried still while kneeling next to Adaine. She reached out one hand on the wolf and ran her hands through the bloody fur. Staining her hand with blood in the meantime. 

Her hand went over to Adaine’s side. The bone that was poking out came from her Thunderwave, her broken ribs, and her pierced flesh came from Fig. The bloody fur was because of her. Fig’s hand went over to her side, letting it rest there she could feel the steady breathing from Adaine. Hearing her, feeling her alive brought some sense of peace to Fig.

Kristen rushed over to Fabian with golden light at her palms once more leaving Fig with Adaine. She placed her hands on both the Hangman and Fabian. Their flesh wounds healed just enough so it wasn’t a major threat. Kristen noticed she was running out of high spells for healing and managed to do just enough healing on the ones she already spent.

“How long does sleep last?” Riz spoke up to Fig, “We should figure out the next step before-”

Fig’s hand on Adaine’s side suddenly fell still. Fig turned her head to Adaine’s side and saw her breathing suddenly stop, worried already she turned to look at the wolf. With its remaining left eye, it was staring directly at Fig already, frozen at the sight of her but Fig could see the hunger and hatred in its eyes.

Right, Sleep only works for one minute. Fuck.

Fig’s bass was on her back and she couldn’t cast anything without moving first. Adaine in this form was sure to hold a grudge for what they all did against her, more than capable of reacting first before Fig. Once nobody heard anything from Fig they turned to her and saw the same thing. The Hangman reacted first and rushed towards Adaine. 

With a loud bark, Adaine pushed her paw on Fig’s chest and grappled her to the floor. It opened its jaws almost teasingly close to Fig’s face not to bite but just to scare. Fig could see the sharp rows of teeth and the bloody claw on her chest. The claws digging into her shirt and almost tearing fabric already.

“Fig!” Kristen shouted. Riz stayed where he was but aimed his gun towards Adaine’s paw on Fig’s chest.

“Adaine, come on! She’s your friend! We’re your friends!” Gorgug screamed, “We’re trying to help you!”

Fabian grabbed his rapier from Kristen’s arms and rushed with the dog. The Hangman came to a skidding stop when Adaine turned her head towards him. Fabian and Gorgug are already close behind the hellhound. Kristen and Riz stayed and kept their distance from the more hand-to-hand combat. The werewolf snarled a warning almost while the three stopped and were only maybe eight or ten feet away from the two.

The wolf turned its head back to Fig, who looked struck with fear once more. It didn’t try to bite but nor did it seem so welcome to letting Fig go just yet. The Hangman kept his footsteps light while he slowly walked towards Adaine as she kept her focus mainly on Fig pinned by her. The werewolf snarled, opening its jaws while Fig tried to wrench herself away from Adaine’s paw on top of her. 

Looking up, Fig could see the blue eye staring straight into hers. Normally she would've loved looking back into them but now she felt nothing but overwhelming fear. The other eye was cut from Fabian’s slash. It didn’t bother with Fig’s fearful gaze, all it remembered was her attacking it with the thunder spell. The bleeding from its side and the broken ribs and torn flesh served as a reminder of who the girl was to it, who they all were to it.

Nothing but threats, and possible meals.

It raised its other claw and tried slashing Fig’s face, maybe leaving a match scar on the eye if it did manage to succeed. The Hangman acted first however, with a breath of lava and fire it blasted toward the werewolf’s fur and burned the already ruined flesh. It screeched in pain and let go of Fig as it rushed off of her. Fabian already rushed towards Fig’s side while Gorgug rushed for Adaine.

“Adaine! I know you and the wolf are the same but right now the wolf is leaving us with no other choice!” Gorgug rushed forward. Axe in hand the wolf tried to back away but Gorgug merely swung his axe deep into her front right leg. She howled in pain and tumbled backward. 

Thank god they didn’t heal her first otherwise, this would’ve been a longer fight.

A shot rang out as sudden blood spewed from the left side of her body. The crunching sound of a rib cage bone breaking as well as Adaine screeching, howled and cried in pain once more. The barrel of Riz’s gun was already smoking while he perfectly aimed for her and shot with the same perfection. 

The wolf gave no fight as it collapsed onto the floor. With a loud thud, it weakly whined in pain, the blood, cuts, shots, spells, fire, and every other injury it was given finally catching up with it and making it fall. Kristen rushed over with a dim healing spell,  only meant to keep her stable but not make her conscious. Fabian helped Fig up as they both witnessed Adaine finally falling in front of them. 

With the fight over, their friend is almost at death's door because of them in front of them. They finally breathed, while the werewolf was dangerously close to taking her last breath.

Gorgug took his handaxe out of her shoulder, Kristen tried to heal the broken bone poking out and managed to heal it back into place, Fig and Riz worked on getting the bullets out of her, and Fabian cleaned the burns with Riz’s med kit. With her last high healing spell, Kristen manages to heal the cut on her right eye and some of her broken ribs. Still, the burns, bullet wounds, and the deep cut in her shoulder were there.

They shoved Adaine’s werewolf deadweight body into the backseat of the car that Bill let them borrow they left at the treeline of the forest.

They managed to drive up back to Seacaster Manor around, maybe around 7:49 pm. They left maybe around 6:41 pm when they chased after Adaine. There were still countless hours left in the night, countless hours left with their werewolf friend. The Hangman drove himself to the garage tired just like them. Bill was already at the front doors of the manor with Cathilda when they dragged Adaine's body out of the backseat.

Bill walked over, helping by carrying Adaine’s unconscious body with a soft grunt, “Kids, rest. I’ll bring her back to the deck and I’ll keep personal watch,” he didn’t wait for any arguments and already started making his way back to the ship Hangman.

“Let's get you all cleaned up,” Cathilda said. Coming up with some towels and a sympathetic gaze, “There’s enough bathrooms on the first floor for you all, just call for me and I’ll get you all some clothes to sleep. I’ll deal with your torn ones,”

They all grabbed the towels, and without any arguments or talking the exhausted and bloodied teenagers made their way inside the manor. Kristen used her last high-level healing spell to finish the cut on Fabian and the Hangman after they came out of the bathrooms. All wearing similar sleepwear Cathilda led them all into bedrooms near each other on the first floor.

Finally resting for the night the dying werewolf was left on the soft blankets left by her friend in the lower deck. With a pirate having his saber unsheathed, on guard for the rest of the night by the broken hatch entrance

Fig woke up from her sleep, still feeling the soreness of her healed wounds from last night. The sun shone in her eyes through the curtains of the window as she slowly made her way to the dining room. She knew the claw mark on her side and stomach was healing leaving no scar but she could almost feel the pain still. The soreness is a part of the pain.

The sound of clattering and talking already filled her ears. She turned the corner to the long dining table, Fabian at the head, Kristen to his right, and Gorgug to his left. With Riz on Gorgug’s other side and Adaine was nowhere to be seen at the table yet. She made sure they didn’t see her just yet.

“Miss Faeth?” 

Fig nearly jumped from the voice behind her. Only to realize it was Cathilda, looking down she cleared her throat, “Sorry, I didn’t hear you but um yes?”

“Breakfast is ready for the lot of you kids,” she smiled and motioned to the dining table with her friends. Their plates filled with eggs, bacon, hash browns, pancakes stacked on top of each other draped in syrup and fruits all over. Powdered sugar on the pancakes and some juice in their cups. Fig felt more than hungry but she was more worried about something. 

Or, more like someone.

“Is Adaine still down in the lower deck of the ship?” Fig asked. Keeping her voice low enough for the others not to hear her. She knew they would all have to confront the problem of last night. 

Cathilda gave her an almost pitiful smile and look before whispering back, “She’s in one of the rooms still sleeping, Captain Seacaster brought her back up when the sun came up. Kristen healed the rest of her wounds earlier this morning,”

“Which room?”

“Take two rights then on your second left and the door onto your right Miss Faeth,”

Fig only nodded and stealthed past her friends. Glad no one noticed her presence at all while she made her way to Adaine’s room. She just hoped, essentially praying that Adaine wasn’t in pain anymore, or that she would have to say she was the one who gave Adaine her broken ribs in the first place. 

Fig’s thoughts raced. Replaying last night's events, Adaine’s claws on her skin ripping flesh, pinning her down nearly slashing her face, Fig casting Thunderwave breaking her ribs, Adaine once more trying to hurt her when she woke up from her Sleep spell. Keeping count of the turns she was making until she made it to the door that was supposed to be Adaine’s room.

Fig nearly chickened out, even if Adaine was still sleeping what to do? Keep an eye on her like she was a threat? Fig knew deep down she was but she refused to think it over anymore then she could’ve. She shook her head and softly turned the doorknob of the bedroom. Opening the door quietly she could see the curtains were pulled shut, light breathing somewhere in the room and the figure of someone lying on their back on the bed.

Fig quietly closed the door behind her, her dark vision lighting her way. She slowly walked towards the bed until she could see Adaine underneath the blankets. The blanket pulled to her collarbone, showing the very light scar of an axe cut on her right shoulder. There was no scar other than that Fig sighed out of relief. She worried most about the eye but it seemed fine at the moment. Adaine was breathing softly, resting peacefully, and how she looked…

Fig shook away her last thoughts and moved back away from the bed. Adaine needed her rest, they could talk about what would be the next step with her later. She would’ve loved looking into Adaine’s blue eyes but Fig knew she would only be reminded of the way those blue eyes wanted to kill her.

She ignored her rumbling stomach and walked over to the other side of the bed. The mattress sank slightly under her weight while she sat upright next to Adaine’s sleeping body. Still feeling tired from the soreness Fig relaxed the best she could in the same room as the person who tried to kill her last night. She was ashamed to admit it but she felt a small bit of fear.

Reaching out to her friend her hand was now running through blonde hair. Fig noticed Adaine’s cleaned and healed wounds and reminded herself to thank Kristen later. Her hand played with a few strands, untangling a few knots in the meantime as well. Fig stayed like this for more than a few minutes. 

Chapter Text

Adaine first felt the pain and soreness before she opened her eyes. It was almost dull throbbing all over her body, more importantly on her sides and her face. The second thing she noticed before opening her eyes was the feeling of someone’s hand in her hair. She blearily opened her eyes, her right eye seemed to take more time to get used to her surroundings she thought. Then, she fully realized it, her sight in her right eye was worse than before. 

She looked up at not the Hangman’s lower deck but the Seacaster Manor’s ceiling. Adaine brought a hand to her right eye and tried to rub away the bleariness in her eye thinking it was just from trancing, or sleeping since that was becoming more frequent now. But, nothing fixed the way she couldn’t see the details of the ceiling like she could’ve before. Panic rose before she remembered someone’s hand was in her hair again.

Turning her head to the right, Adaine saw Fig. The tiefling was sitting up against the headboard and by the steady breathing Adaine could hear was also sleeping once more. Now there were more than a few things running through Adaine’s head.

She was sore and in pain, her right eyesight was fucked up, Fig had her hand in her hair and was sleeping, and the fact that she wasn’t on the lower deck of the Hangman meant only one or more a few possibilities that happened.

First, she either went to the full moon perfectly fine, and by the morning they carried her up here. Second was that she transformed and tried to run away and was brought back into the manor by the end of the night. The third possibility that Adaine prayed didn’t happen was that she tried to escape and hurt someone. By the end of the night, she was brought back and Fig was meant to keep watch on her.

Adaine moved her head away from the warm hand while she felt panic slowly rise again. She felt the signs all there, her heart was racing, and her breathing started to get shorter and shorter with each breath. All while the normally unsettling shift was now almost painful across her body. She winced and tried climbing off the bed while covering her body with the blanket. Looking around her clothes were neatly folded on the nightstand, jacket, shirt and even her arcane wand was there.

She thanked god but knew it was probably Cathilda who folded them. She grabbed the clothes hastily and changed underneath the blanket. While putting on her clothes she could feel whenever she stretched the throbbing on her sides worsened. Slipping on her jacket with the rest of her clothes on she looked back at Fig who was still sleeping. The girl was now slumped against the headboard with her hand holding nothing. 

The elf reached her hand to her hair, running her fingers through the strands she felt no knot or tangle in them. How long was Fig with her? How long did she stay here running her fingers through her blonde hair? She glanced at the girl before grabbing her arcane focus and walking out the bedroom door with almost zero sound made by her.

She started her breathing exercises again, without Boggy in sight Adaine only hoped that the frog was somewhere else. The girl stopped in an empty hallway, grasping her side she only felt the throbbing pain almost turn into stinging and burning even. Adaine tried to breathe while she leaned on a wall, it wasn’t just her side even it was on the side of her face as well. 

At least her ribs were only throbbing. The side of her face felt like it was on fire. She reached to the side of her face and tried to massage the pain but it felt like someone threw a fire bolt or one of Kristen’s Guiding Bolt at her.

Tears pricked her eyes as she tried to find another room to be in, anywhere but here. Where someone could find her vulnerable and weak, Adaine leaned on the wall for support and grabbed the nearest doorknob. By some twist of luck, she opened the door to a bathroom, hurrying inside and shutting the door she turned to the mirror. 

Adaine stared into the mirror, the bathroom was much better than the ones in the Strongtower Luxury apartments. She leaned in much closer and looked more closely at herself, her right eye was different. Her eyes were blue but more specifically a grayish blue but her right eye looked even duller in color before Adaine swore it. She tried to rub her eye again but the vision in her right eye was still bad. 

Looking more closely she could see her right eyebrow had a slit in the middle. In the light, she could see something on her face as well. Moving closer she saw the pale healed cut going from above her eyebrow to right below her right eye. Adaine backed away from the shock but felt the throb in her body sting.

As for the pain, Adaine lifted her shirt with a wince, showing something she didn’t see when she was changing in a hurry. On the right side of her ribs, there was a giant burn scar. It was light yes and not jagged like it should’ve been or like the silver scars but still. She gasped but moving still made the throbbing worsen. Her best guess for the pain was that the wounds were healed but she was left to deal with the aftermath as her body recovered. 

Adaine turned more and could see pale dots on her body that she realized were healed entrance wounds from bullets. Looking around her ribs more wincing from moving she could see a scar that in the light looked jagged like something sharp ripped her open. 

She let go of her shirt and looked at her reflection with horror. She didn’t have those scars last night when she changed into the clothes that Cathilda gave her for the full moon. The only reason for the scars’ origin was something that happened during the full moon. She knew almost immediately the pale dots were the bullets from Riz’s gun, her best guess for the giant burn mark was some fire spell.

She must have attacked them and they attacked her in return.

Oh god.

Did she claw them like she did to Daybreak or the owlbear back at the Bloodrush field fight? Did she tear through their skin with her bite just like Jawbone did to her in The Black Pit? Did she sink her sharp claws and even sharper teeth into her friends? Into Kristen, Fabian? Gorgug and Riz? What about Fig, the girl who was so adamant Adaine didn’t need to be locked in the lower deck?

Fuck

Fuck, mother fucker! Fuck!

Adaine felt her eyes well with tears as looked down at her hands. Noticing that underneath her nails was dried blood. She felt her heart race and the tears spill onto her face ignoring the pain spreading through her body still. Gripping onto the sink for something to ground her Adaine heard the beginning of cracking start in the marble. She felt sick to her stomach and was sure she’d be throwing up.

Why? Why was she cursed with this, why couldn’t have been someone else? She should've been stronger to resist the lycanthropy spreading into her or used her portant on the bite missing and not the claw. 

A soft sob came out, and Adaine felt the painful shift in her body start. It wasn’t the feeling she had gotten used to over the past few days but something so much worse. Her sobbing became snarling as she tried to calm down but with no success. Adaine stopped holding onto the sink and tried to reach for the bathroom door. For someone, anyone to help her but…

Would they even want to see her? The same monster that attacked them?

Adaine froze right in front of the door, her hand hovering above the doorknob. She felt the painful feeling of her body starting to change again, her senses heightening again and her hands shaking. She looked down and could see the start of blonde fur already growing on the back of her hand. 

They tried to hurt her once, what's stopping from them attacking her again? She should try to make a run for it before they could have the chance to hurt her again. Adaine’s thoughts ran wild in her head as she stayed frozen. The shifting stopped but her hands stayed growing fur while she felt her teeth grow.

Adaine tried to breathe, her heart remaining at its running pace. Clearing her thoughts was no possibility while she thought about the others. Cursing the fact that she couldn’t remember anything last night. She cried, her hand dropping from the doorknob, turning as she leaned on the door and slid down to the cold floor.  

She saw it coming, attacking her friends.

Yet even after seeing it, Adaine couldn’t even the future in the slightest way. How about that for being a divination wizard, a disappointment to the arcane practice. 

Maybe she could predict her end. Maybe she could see when this nightmare would finally end. Just like how the previous Oracle sank in a shipwreck she should’ve seen coming. Adaine could see her end and she won’t avoid it.

She cried while the pain of shifting into her werewolf stopped as she retracted back into her normal self. The haunting prospect of Fig, Fabian, Kristen, Riz, and Gorgug all attacking her while she was a monster stayed in her mind. It was not panic that rushed through her but instead was just pure misery.

Fig woke up to the sound of knocking at the door. She stretched her arms in the air while the door creaked open. A hand reached out to the spot on the side where Adaine was. 

Or more like where she should’ve been as Fig’s hand only felt the cold sheets of the bed. She lifted herself off the headboard and looked down at the spot on the bed. The familiar elf is now gone and nowhere in sight.

“Fig? Where’s Adaine?” Gorgug’s voice rang out in the room. He was wearing his normal clothes which were fixed by Cathilda thankfully.

Fig looked around suddenly awake. The only thing in the room besides Fig was the messy bed and the disappearance of Adaine’s clothes on the nightstand where Cathilda put them. Gorgug looked both confused and worried while she spoke up, “I don’t know. She was right here sleeping and then-”

“Fuck!” Fig jumped out of the bed while Gorgug rushed out the door. She was still wearing the nightwear that Cathilda gave them last night with her bass nowhere in sight. Casting any locating spell was out of the question in two ways. She didn’t have her guitar and none of the party was able to cast those high powered spells yet.

She rushed out of the bedroom and followed after Gorgug. She couldn’t have gotten that far away not without Fig noticing first right? God dammit why didn’t she stay awake? She closed the distance between Gorgug and in the next hallway, they were both met by Kristen and Riz. 

“Hey guys?” 

“Is everything-” 

Fig cut off Riz, “Adaine’s gone, I woke up to Gorgug knocking on the door, and when I woke up Adaine was gone, and now-”

“Okay hold on,” Riz tried to calm down Fig.

“I’m gonna get Fabian, I'll be right back!” Kristen announced already a few feet away from the three while she ran off. 

Fig was worrying mentally while Gorgug tried to recount what happened and where Adaine might be. Trying to de-escalate the situation was no use as Adaine left no note, nothing for the others. Maybe just maybe Fig hoped the girl was just in the bathroom or something. She felt her panic slowly calm as Kristen rounded the corner to them not only with Fabian but Cathilda as well.

Adaine already found her crystal and her backpack by the front entrance where they all left it the day before when they arrived. She had managed to calm herself down but now looking back on it, the memory almost felt like she was on autopilot and not herself. But worrying about that will come later, her boots were with the clothes, and her crystal was half charged.

She couldn’t feel her usual connection to Boggy. She must’ve attacked him as well, how dangerous was she Adaine kept on thinking. Her arcane wand in hand after just casting Nondetection on herself, was a waste of her already few high spells but if they had any way of finding Adaine it would most definitely be by magic so Nondetection was her best bet. 

Slipping her backpack on and her wand into one of the many pockets of her jacket she tried to open the large doors without any sound. Constantly looking back behind her and at the doors, there was just enough space for her to slip through and close the door promptly.

Adaine didn’t know where she was going, not back to the apartments that was for sure and neither to anyone’s home. Abernant house was long crossed off the list of safe spaces. She sprinted across the pathway and past the shrubs, countless plants, and front yard decorations they had. 

She knew deep down this was a stupid mistake, leaving. But Adaine needed to just breathe without someone breathing down her neck about both her panic attacks and her newfound lycanthropy. With last night's events, she didn’t feel very trusting with them even though she knew it was her fault as well. Adaine needed space just for the day at least.

She prayed that the Hangman was nowhere and the bike wouldn’t catch her and by some miracle, he didn’t. Already a block away from the manor with the bridge between the river Marigold that crosses Elmville she heard her crystal buzzing non-stop already. She had half a mind of chucking it onto the nearby river but knew she probably did need it still.

Grabbing it she could see a few of the notifications already on the lock screen. 

Fig

Adaine? Where are you?

Fig

Seriously, can you answer us? We’ll talk about everything please come back.

Kristen

Hey Adaine? Um, I dunno if you're even reading these but please answer us.

Gorgug

We can talk, I’ll tell you everything that happened if you want me Adaine.

Adaine opened the group chat to the others only to see even more messages flooding in. Adaine knew they wouldn’t stop with the worrying and constant messaging so she just left one last note.

No one is to change the group chat name without consulting the party-R.G

Adaine:

I’m sorry for leaving and worrying out guys

But I just need some air

I’ll be back

Sometime soon before the day ends or maybe later than that

Fig:

Can we at least talk just for a moment?

Adaine, please

Fabian :

If this is about last night we can talk about it Adaine

What happened was no one’s fault

Missed call from Fig

Missed call from Fig (2)

Missed call from Riz

Missed call from Fig (3)

Riz:

Adaine you don’t have to pick it up but

At least share your location

Or don’t just

Text me now and then so I know you’re safe I won’t tell the others.

Adaine cleared her notifications and powered off her crystal. Deciding on taking Riz’s offer she’ll text him maybe in another hour or so.

Deep down she knew they didn’t mean any harm to her but the scars that littered her body said other things. This reminded her painfully of when she ran away when she was burned by the silver utensil on her first day of being cursed. She walked across the bridge and kept on looking back behind her. Waiting for something to happen, the familiar roar of a motorcycle, the cry of her friends calling after her, or anything.  

Adaine stared ahead after the first ten minutes that passed by of her leaving the manor. She passed by a grocery store, and the sound of cars passing by as she walked on the sidewalk was truly the only thing grounding her. Then another twenty minutes went by while she passed by the mall and already passed by Mumple school maybe two minutes ago.

Her feet hurt but now the soreness across her body was gone. Her right eyesight was still slightly blurry and she knew it wouldn’t get any better so she gave up on squinting and just stared. 

It was around maybe another ten. Twenty minutes later when she passed by the St. Owen’s Memorial Hospital when she finally was knocked out of her well she wasn’t thinking more on autopilot again. When she was knocked out of her autopilot state at the sight of what was ahead.

To her right across the street was Krom’s Diner and Arkon Gas Station. However to her left, on the side of the sidewalk she was on was a tall looming manor. It had a stone tower poking out away from the rest of the house, it looked like a Victorian-style home really, and behind it was the Cravencroft Cemetery. 

Adaine needed rest, maybe she could follow what Zayn did in his past life and hang around the graveyard just for a moment of rest. Then she’ll find out the next steps of her rushed plan. She adjusted her backpack and walked towards the graveyard. Maybe she could replicate the ritual to bring back Boggy again with her extra materials in her bag. 

She walked past a few trees and walked through. The headstones marked countless names and Adaine swore she felt a chill down her spine but chalked it up to the cold. It was later in the year already so the cold was her best reason. Looking around the graveyard keeper was nowhere in sight, and none other than her in the cemetery. It was cloudy maybe around midday already? She powered off her phone before she could check the time. Adaine didn’t want to bother with the barrage of text messages from everyone.

She walked around, the cold wasn’t that terrible due to her jacket. While she had been mostly ignoring her thoughts about last night the sudden loneliness with the sound of nothing combined left her nothing but her thoughts. Adaine stopped at a grave, it had nothing but what was written down while no flowers, pictures, or anything to respect the dead was given to the person.

Zayn Darkshadow

Adaine read the name and only felt worse. Zayn was manipulated by the information they found out. A scapegoat for the Harvestmen used by Daybreak and since the man was the only way to live by paying for his apartment and a few other things along with Zayn being emancipated he had no one. Maybe if they found him earlier, Zayn would’ve lived because of them.

She closed her eyes, ignoring the direness of her situation, and felt the cold wind brush against her skin. Focusing on her surroundings rather than herself. Adaine listened closely, the rustling of the tree leaves already falling, the soft howling wind, and the sound of soft sobbing.

…wait

Sobbing?

Opening her eyes she listened more closely. Her heightened senses are the only reason for catching the sound. Looking around she caught the sound coming from nearby, maybe by one of the trees. Adaine grabbed her arcane wand out of the pocket of her jacket while the small flame started at the wooden tip. 

She listened more closely and heard the crying suddenly stop. Walking closer to the tree Adaine could see some light behind the tree. Before she could move closer a head poked out from behind the tree. Most importantly a certain drow elf with a red streak of hair juxtaposing the black color. 

They both jumped at the sight of each other while Adaine was more than surprised. Zayn’s eyes widened and suddenly without a second thought he disappeared. Adaine looked around and first thought about invisibility. But Zayn was covered in a blue light and the high elf swore she could see through him.

“Zayn?” Adaine called out to seemingly no one. Zayn didn’t know her then, she was sure he didn’t know her now.

Adaine tried hearing from him again but with no success, “Zayn? I kind of knew you. You worked with Daybreak-or more like he forced you to,”

She heard the sound of something behind her again and turned to face the noise. It was Zayn once more back in his hiding place, even in this ghostly form tears stained his face while he poked out from behind the tree. 

Adaine didn’t know what to say, the best she could come up with was that it seemed they both had had terrible days so far. She placed her wand back into her jacket’s pocket and let the spell die out. The boy seemed more relaxed at the sight of Adaine letting down her arcane focus and moving out from behind the tree.

“H-Hello?”

“Hi,”

“Who are you?” Zayn questioned. Adaine could see he tried to reach for what seemed like a spellbook at his side but his hand went through nothing. Frustrated, he let his hand down from trying to grab it. He was floating a few inches off the ground while it was more obvious, Zayn was dead but now a ghost.

“Adaine Abernant,”

“I would tell you my name but seems like you know it already,”

“Right,”

Zayn still looked standoffish but Adaine couldn’t blame him. She took a deep breath in and spoke up, “If you don’t mind me asking…what happened? One moment I’m or more like my friends…well um kind of friends saw you at the Black Pit then…”

Zayn deflated and went back behind the tree but did not disappear again. Adaine walked over and sat down beside him on the ground. He brought his knees up to his chest and once more tried to reach for his spellbook but with no success. Zayn wiped the tears off of his face and looked down.

“Coach Daybreak dragged me into this,” he brought his knees closer to his chest while tears welled in his eyes.

“We found out about the whole, emancipation thing against the foster care system,”

Zayn didn’t meet her gaze and mumbled under his breath, “Stupid…elven parents,”

Adaine just mumbled softly, “I think just about every elven parent sucks,”

Zayn smiled just a bit while they stayed in a small silence. Adaine had gotten used to hearing people, their breathing, sometimes hearts if she was close enough, and even their footsteps but now no sound came from Zayn. It was almost nice as making the constant effort to block out sounds due to her sensitive hearing was becoming tiring. Now she didn’t need to be around the ghost.

“I’m sorry,”

“About what?”

“If we had found you earlier or maybe if we were faster we could’ve maybe saved you from Daybreak killing you,” Adaine mumbled. Zayn was innocent in a way, manipulated by Coach Daybreak since-

“Coach Daybreak wasn’t the one who killed me,”

Adaine turned her head in surprise. They were more than sure that it was Daybreak to kill Zayn, “What? Was it another one of the Harvestmen then?

Zayn shook his head, “It was Dayne on the owlbear team,” he sighed, “I recognized his voice even with the scarecrow mask he was talking when I tried to let Edgar out of his cage,”

Adaine sat in shock and was sure her mouth was gaped open. If it was Dayne who killed Zayn who says there aren't more students working on whatever plan was going on?

Zayn turned his head to Adaine while she stared in shock. He squinted at her like he was looking for something then a look of almost recognition crossed his face. Before Adaine could question it he spoke up again, “You said Abernant yes?

Adaine nodded, “Don’t by chance have an older sister or something…right?”

She froze and looked at Zayn while he looked hesitant and almost…scared. Adaine and Zayn stayed in a tense silence before Adaine spoke up once more, “Y-Yes? I do. Wait, what do you know about her? Why do you know about Aelwyn?”

Zayn tensed up and backed a few inches away before responding, “Well…I don’t think I can even say much but-”

“Tell me!”

“Okay! Okay!” 

“Sorry…” Adaine mumbled and backed away. The most information or contact from Aelwyn was this information shared by Zayn. Aelwyn never bothered with her messages and Adaine gave up days ago so it was in her eyes reasonable that any information about her older sister was precious.

Zayn didn’t respond but instead looked slightly scared still but sighed, “I don’t know much about…Aelwyn? That’s her name?”

“Yes, that’s her name but how did you know her?” Adaine questioned. 

“I didn’t know her that well. All I ever saw of her was when we needed to work on whatever they gave us…I think one of them was called Spy’s Tongue Curse. Plus I didn’t even get included on most of the plan. I was just…a scapegoat for them so…” Zayn mumbled, bringing his knees closer to his chest.

While Adaine did feel sympathy for Zayn her mind was racing both with joy and nervousness. Her theory of Aelwyn playing a bigger part in something was right but also nervous for Aelwyn. What if she was in Zayn’s same situation and was coerced or forced into the plan?

“Spies as plural or does it belong to the spy ?” Adaine asked, “Also did you know why Aelwyn or what Aelwyn was working for? A-And who asked for the spy’s thing?”

“Spy’s as if it belonged to the spy. What they asked for was the curse made essentially that the person could never…say a name I think? Also, the Harvestmen just gave me the work they never said who requested it,”

“The whole thing with Aelwyn was more complicated. The only thing I knew was that Johnny was working on getting the girls in the palimpsests with some other people and I worked with Aelwyn occasionally on things the Harvestmen ordered me to work on. There were more parts to whatever I was working on but I never got the chance to ever learn more about who was in on the plan on a larger scale,"

Adaine took in the information while completely forgetting the entire day, “Why would they need a curse like that?” She slightly regretted asking for space from her friends as she knew this was precious information to everyone.

Zayn shrugged, “It beats me they just needed it. When we finished it Aelwyn looked…off? I don’t think that is the right term but still, she looked almost nervous. Whenever we worked together she was either acting like a bitch or kept on looking everywhere,”

“Sounds like her,” Adaine mumbled. With the Harvestmen they still weren’t done with what was going on. The missing girls in the palimpsest, now with were more people in this strange conspiracy. With Aelwyn in the middle of it all Adaine betted. 

“Thank you Zayn really,” Adaine said. Turning her head and smiling for once while she stored all the information in her head, “I promise that these people won’t get away for what they did to you and the missing girls,”

And for what they possibly did to Aelwyn.

“I would hug you if I could but I would go right through you,”

Aelwyn’s eyes burned while she stared into her spellbook. Staying up late at night even when you only trance wasn’t a good idea from the beginning. It was the full moon last night and she was more than on edge. Adaine’s lycan form back in the bedroom kept on running in her mind during school, lunch, and dinner. 

She was essentially waiting for Adaine to make her move and viciously attack her for the mistreatment she gave her all these years. For Adaine to finally take her twisted revenge Aelwyn waited. Waiting for sharp claws and possibly even sharper canine teeth to dig into her flesh. Yet the most eventful thing was Angywn saying ‘drat’ and ‘awful’ during breakfast while reading his paper.

Also, Penelope told her it was her job to kidnap the final two missing maidens for Kalvaxus. That as well.

They had already planned out the second to last maiden for Aelwyn. Ostentatia Wallace from Augefort, a cleric of some dwarven god, Aelwyn wasn’t paying attention to the specific parts of the girl. She knew her birthday was next year soon after winter was finished.

The plan was, to cast Detect Maiden on Ostentatia at some point to make sure she was invited to her birthday party all while trying to make it not so obvious. Conjure her famous elemental cheerleaders for the students and maybe have Ostentatia invite some Hudol students so Aelwyn could maybe make a quick buck from those virgin students. 

Then grab the girl into a private room and get her into the palimpsest. Get out of there before anyone would notice with only one maiden left.

Until then it was more work Kalvaxus conspiracy and getting high and or drunk off her mind whenever Penelope invited her to a party or when she was at one of the Hudol parties she was paid to be at. The best next thing besides spending another moment with Angwyn and Arianwen or thinking about Adaine. 

She still kept the ship replica of the Harpy in her closet buried deep underneath clothes and an assortment of other things. Aelwyn couldn't bring herself to throw it away afraid of any chance of someone finding it.

It was around midday already while she was still holed up in her room. Rereading the same divination book Adaine had lying around which had a few notes that she copied. As much as Adaine was lacking in her wizardry she couldn’t underestimate her exemplary note-taking when she still lived here. That and her being the Elven Oracle as well.

She worked more on the Detect Maiden spell, making sure there was no room for failure in it. Her eyes darted across the same paragraph of Adaine’s notes trying to take in the words again and again. However, with the lack of sleep or trancing in her situation, Aelwyn could barely take in the information. Divination was never her spectacular work. It was Abjuration, more of defending (though she couldn’t defend Adaine from their parents) or muffling the effects of spells. 

The spell could be worked on later anyway as Aelwyn closed the book.

Chapter Text

Adaine leaned back against the tree, Zayn floating off the ground an inch or so as he sat down next to her. The clouds blocking the sun with a cold chill of wind rushing through the graveyard she forgot about her troubles just for a moment with the ghost more than happy to keep the silence. The scars littered on her body were forgotten, her friends' behavior for her lycanthropy pushed aside, and finally some news on Aelwyn.

“Did you guys ever find Edgar?” Zayn mumbled. He looked solemnly out into the distance while looking at his shoulder. Where a brown rat with a white underbelly coat should’ve been.

“Yes, and he’s alive, Zayn. Riz had him last time I checked, I can try to bring him here so you can meet again,” Adaine said. Zayn gave a small smile before returning back into the silence. 

Nothing good lasts forever though, Adaine knew that like the back of her hand. Zayn was silently looking around the graveyard when the familiar engine revved through. Breaking the silence Adaine felt on edge immediately, she easily recognized the engine being the Hangman. With no doubt bringing the others with him. Zayn on the other hand only looked confused and worried at her reaction. 

Adaine shot up from her spot on the ground and looked out to the graveyard. It was coming from the front gates which meant she could either hide somewhere in the cemetery albeit there were no spaces in doors. The other option is to somehow run away from them again, maybe outmaneuvering them by jumping the metal gates?

Zayn quickly followed her and again tried to reach for his spectral spellbook however this time he succeeded. The leather book in his right hand opened while a dark green arcane energy started in his other hand, the smell of rot reached Adaine’s nose. Some necromantic spell no doubt. 

She reached for her crystal and started to power it up again. Panic raced through her once more as Zayn floated beside her, ready for the offensive side of the situation. Maybe she could lead them into the wrong direction, text them that she was somewhere else. She didn’t want to see her friends, not after what she did to them and what they did to her. 

Nor did she want to hurt them anymore (more on the physical side since she was sure their dried blood was still underneath her nails) then she had already done. 

“Adaine?! Are you here?!” Fig’s voice rang out through the empty area, voice dripping with concern and slight fear.

“Come on! We can talk!” Riz’s own voice soon followed after the other girls.

Adaine knew Fabian was here, nearly no one rode the Hangman besides him and the Hangman barely followed anyone else’s orders. She hid back behind the tree while Zayn looked both confused and worried in his own way. He dropped his spell and floated back besides Adaine who felt her heart rush with not only panic but a nagging feeling of…Resentment almost?

No, she didn’t hate them. So why was she feeling like she did? The feeling felt like it was coming out of nowhere as if something or maybe someone else. Adaine thought about the werewolf, the thing that started this all. It felt like it was stemming from it.

She looked down to her crystal and saw her lockscreen. The countless notifications from her friends started to go off rapidly. Her crystal ringing while Adaine fumbled with the device to try to shut it off once more, Zayn gave her a look before once more disappearing. Her best guess was him going into the ethereal plane or teleporting if he was that good of a wizard. 

Adaine turned off the notifications while she still heard her friends' voices. She peaked out from behind the tree and could see Fabian and Gorgug nearby, maybe a good thirty to forty feet away from her. In the distance even with her now bad eyesight she could see Fig and Riz with Kristen off on her own in another part of the graveyard. Cursing to herself she opened her phone to the group chat which was filled with messages.

No one is changing the group chat name without consulting the part-R.G

Fig:

Checked apartments nowhere

Even checked around Gorgug’s place and neighborhood nowhere

Riz:

I asked my mom to keep an eye out just in case

She’s on patrol but she said she would

Gorgug:

Me and Kristen checked out around city center stores and all

Even Clearbrook the neighborhood nothing

Kristen doesn’t have any locate spells 

I can ask my parents if they know any Arcano-tech to locate Adaine’s crystal

Kristen:

I mean she would’ve shut off her phone at least wouldn’t that make it harder?

Fabian:

We can check around the gas station and the dinner

See if she’s hanging out around there as well

The graveyard is there to 

Fuck

At this point they nearly knocked out everywhere in Elmville. How long did she exactly walk and how much time spent in the graveyard with Zayn? Adaine gripped her crystal tightly, she wanted to keep on running away from them but she knew she couldn’t anymore. There was valuable information she just received from Zayn and it was more than important then just to keep it to herself. The missing girls not being fully a part of the Harvestmen’s plan, Aelwyn in the mix somehow and this Spy’s Tongue Curse. With someone even higher up in the chain of mystery ordering it from Aelwyn and Zayn. 

There were more holes in the matter and more people they still didn’t know about including Dayne Blade. It was more information they had and now Zayn could fill in the missing information of the cold case. At least to some degree, the missing girls were still a problem. She could solve her own problems later, or at least until the next full moon. Aelwyn, the kidnapped girls like Sam and maybe even more people are still in danger.

Before Adaine could make the next move a scream broke her train of thought. Not even knowing where it came from she recognized it as Kristen’s scream. Remembering Zayn had left mere moments ago Adaine knew it had to be him. Hearing the others run with her enhanced hearing she made a run for them, knowing Zayn would be taken as a threat.

It was at the back of the graveyard, Kristen scrambling on her knees trying to reach for her staff. All while Zayn in his spectral form loomed over her with another necrotic spell in his hands. Riz already had his gun aimed for Zayn while Gorgug rushed for Kristen axe in hand. She was behind Fabian with Fig besides Riz, no one but Zayn knew she was right behind them.

A loud bang shot through the air piercing through Zayn’s spectral body. It would have amounted to a high damage but being a ghost he only took some of the pain. Hissing, Zayn once more disappeared into the ethereal plane and appeared right in front of Adaine. 

“Adaine?! Watch out!” Kristen yelled, finally reaching her staff while a harshly bright golden light appeared in her hands.

The others turned to them both, Fig looking both confused and a bit angry with Fabain already drawing his rapier pointing it to Zayn. Gorgug helped Kristen off the ground swinging his axe onto his back as Riz was the only one to see Adaine’s worried gaze not for herself but for Zayn. 

“Adaine, get away from him!” Fig demand while a hauntingly familiar thunder spell started. Adaine swore she felt her sides throb from pain again while she felt the same spike of resentment start in her again.

“Guys! Wait! He’s not bad, he was just trying to help! In a way I think?!” Adaine shouted. Moving in front of Zayn she grabbed her arcane wand out of her jacket. She didn’t want to fight but just as a precaution. 

“Then why did he try to kill Kristen?!” Fig remarked. She gripped her bass while Zayn only raised his necrotic spell to a higher level of damage.

“I just appeared in front of her I didn't even say anything just so you know,” Zayn whispered to Adaine.

“Sorry for shooting you?!” 

“You jumpscared me!” 

“I didn’t even threaten you or anything!” 

“Okay! Okay yes you did scare Kristen but can you please explain why you did! And after that can we talk civilly?!” Fabian asked. 

A small tense silence passed, Zayn was the first to move as he dropped the necrotic spell in his hand and closed his spellbook. Fabian and Riz soon put away their weapons with Kristen also dropping her spell. It was Fig who didn’t make a move until Adaine did. She put her arcane wand back into her jacket with Fig hesitantly swinging her bass over her back right after.

“Okay, before you guys say anything else-”

“Where did you go? And why were you with him? You’re supposed to be dead by the way,” Fig remarked cutting of Adaine, giving Zayn a glare.

“I got better or something, not like my life was really completed when I died because of Dayne killing me before I could even graduate,” Zayn gave Fig the same glare back while tensions already started rising again. 

“What? I thought it was Coach Daybreak who killed you?” Kristen asked.

"Dayne? Ragh's old crush or something?" Fabian remarked.

“Coach Daybreak sent Dayne to kill me and he was the one who dragged me into all of this in the first place,” Zayn still looked angry but a somber expression started on his face.

“The missing girls were never a part of the Harvestmen’s plans or not fully. Johnny was working with someone else and I think it was Aelwyn or at least she played some bigger part in the plan,” Adaine interrupted before anyone could make another remark. 

“Dayne and Aelwyn are in on this, there’s more people working on whatever plan the Harvestmen were working on and the group was only a part of whatever scheme is happening,” Zayn added, “Plus, someone was making me and Aelwyn make curses, ever heard of Spy’s Tongue Curse?”

“What do you mean someone?” Gorgug asked.

“That’s the thing, I never got to know who was asking for the curses. The only thing I knew is that they wanted a curse that is like a handshake. Two people make a deal that they can’t say each other’s name, they can’t be mind controlled into the deal or anything. And we made it so it’s quite literally impossible to say the person’s name,”

“So…Dayne and Aelwyn are in on this as well?” Riz asked. He looked hesitant between Adaine and Zayn before they both nodded. 

“I need to talk to Aelwyn again,” Adaine announced, not taking no for an answer as she already grabbed her wand again for a few Dimension Doors to make the walk shorter, “If I can get anything out of her it’ll be better than nothing,”

Zayn looked at her somberly while everyone else looked both worried and confused. 

“Isn’t she the one who tried to attack you back then?” 

“Shouldn’t we think this through at least?”

“Maybe not that?” 

Riz remained silent before he spoke up, “If we do want to get anything out of Aelwyn we have to be careful. Whole diplomatic immunity and everything. Even if she does confess to everything she’s protected because of your parents,”

Adaine groaned while Riz gave a small glance to the others. Zayn grabbed his spellbook before he showed a specific page to Adaine, “Sending, I can talk to you guys whenever you need anything or if anything happens around here. Twenty five word limit but it’s better since I left my crystal at my old apartment,”

Adaine made a mental note to learn the spell while she put her wand away again, frustration rising again. Aelwyn was probably in her room, doing god who knows what. Within Adaine’s grasp, she could easily try to at least ask anything of her older sister. Whether it be information or anything of the area. Adaine deep down was desperate just for a moment with her older sister on good terms or bad terms it didn’t matter.

“Then it’s Dayne, he doesn’t have anything like immunity, he's just a normal student at Augefort. And with Zayn we could have something against him if he tried to deny anything?” Gorgug spoke up.

“We should at least plan this. He knows something and an easier target than Aelwyn could be with her immunity plus we know where he is or should be,” Fabian said. He looked at Adaine with slight guilt but Adaine ignored him and only looked at Zayn again.

“I’ll try to keep in contact, if we find out anything else I’ll try to tell you to see if anything matches with what you know,” Adaine tried to put a hand on his shoulder but she easily went through the ghost. 

“It’s the weekend, Saturday more importantly we’re gonna have to wait until monday to talk to Dayne,” Fig said.

“Then we plan until then,” Adaine replied, “Find Dayne or corner him somewhere then we interrogate him until we get the information,” 

“What information are we even looking for? What if Dayne was just another Harvestmen?” Kristen asked. 

“No, my mom double checked the list of Harvestmen that Coach Daybreak had in his house and no students from Augefort were in on the plan. So Dayne has to know more than what we already have,” Riz added.

There was a small moment of silence, Adaine’s mind was racing from the day and having this info dump on them from finding Zayn. All while the nagging feeling of hate for her friends was still there, with a small urge to bite and claw her way through them. With two new suspects the teens could maybe make one final breakthrough in the cold case. 

“How about we go back to our places for the day? Then we can start planning for whatever it is we’re going to do with Dayne and Aelwyn,” Fabian proposed, his tone filled with worry. 

Everyone nodded but Adaine. She barely got away from them maybe an hour or so ago and now had to go back. Now without the discussion of the mystery she knew the topic of the day would turn back to her curse. However outnumbered five to one she knew that she would have to follow them in turn. 

Everyone already started walking out of the graveyard while Zayn, discreetly pointed at her. 

‘I’ll Sending you later in the day if you want. Don’t have my crystal but I’ll try to keep in contact’ Zayn’s voice rang in her head from the Message cantrip. Adaine sighed softly while she merely nodded softly back at Zayn. The ghost soon once more disappeared into the ethereal plane again while Adaine quickly turned on her heel. 

“Adaine, wait up,” Gorgug’s voice came from behind her. Adaine tried to pretend not to hear him and just quickened her pace out of the cemetery. However Gorgug easily closed the distance between them and walked beside her.

“Can we talk?” Gorgug asked, the others still a bit far away from them. 

“I’m tired and I just wanna lie down,” Adaine lied through her teeth, she felt anger rise and not just from the wolf. Aelwyn knew something and now she couldn’t even talk to her because her friends were breathing down her neck. Staying at the apartments with Fig, Kristen, and Riz was nice but now it just meant more eyes on her. 

Gorgug however managed to see through her perfectly. He looked even more worried and even sensed her rising anger, “I know it’s only like, one pm or something but…Do you wanna have a sleepover? Or hang out around my house?” 

Adaine nearly stopped in her tracks, “What?”

“I know that everyone’s staying at the apartments now and I thought that you might want some time alone from everyone?” His voice was sympathetic and he whispered, “Also, my parents have some extra metal scraps that need some breaking down and I usually do it but I wanted to know if you wanted to join me?”

Adaine slowed down and not even needing to look back she knew everyone was trying to listen in on Gorgug and her conversation. Time spent away from half the party while not having to be around Riz’s constant questionable gaze with Fig and Kristen’s worrying. It sounded like a good deal for her a bit.

“We’re having spaghetti today if you want dinner, plus they have made some lemonade,” 

It beats Gilear’s old yogurts and some eggs anyday. Plus she knew the others would try to press her about her emotions or die down the details of last night’s events. Gorgug would be straight with her at least.

“Whatcha guys talking about?” Fig sounded out of breath while she ran up to them both. Gorgug looked at Adaine for a response, not wanting to do anything without her thought on it. 

“I’m staying over at Gorgug’s place for a bit, maybe for the night,” Adaine said. She knew Fig only wanted to help but Adaine just wanted to breathe away from her worrying gaze. Maybe she was scared of the girl, or maybe it was just the wolf’s own feelings replacing her own again. 

“What,” 

“Sleepover?” Kristen asked, the Hangman’s engine roaring as they walked past the entrance gates of the cemetery. Adaine noticed the difference in his red paint around his engine. It looked lighter and out of place like it was a new coat, and noticed it took the form in a claw mark almost.

She only felt her chest tighten while the Hangman’s fire flared when she got closer with the others. Adaine just knew it was her who caused the damage. Almost remembering the feeling of her claws against the metal. She shoved her hands into her jacket pockets ignoring how she still saw the dried blood underneath her nails (she really needed to cut them, they’ve gotten longer).

Fabian ordered two cars, one for Kristen and another for Gorgug and Adaine. While Fig seemed reluctant to let Adaine out of her sight, she didn’t comment on it however. Fabian, Fig and Riz on her back climbed onto the Hangman. While she and Gorgug climbed into the car her crystal already lit up with another message.

Riz:

I can ask my mom about if there’s anyway to break through diplomatic immunity 

For Aelwyn

Btw

Your parents never fully disowned you or anything?

While Gorgug fastened his seatbelt she quickly typed back.

Adaine:

Last time I checked they just never bothered even checking in on me

So they haven’t, they probably hate paperwork or something

Not wanting to go through the hassle and it would’ve definitely raised some attention to them

And thank you

Riz:

Good to know

Fig is worried for you

But I’ll try to keep her calm

We’ll steal some snacks from the vending machine in your honor

Adaine:

I’m just happy to eat a full meal that doesn’t have some expired ingredient from Gilear’s fridge

And without Fig worrying

Don’t get me wrong I’m happy she’s worried for me but I just

Need some air without half of you guys around me at all times

Adaine turned off her crystal, her backpack in her lap with Gorgug’s axe on the floor of the car so as not to take up space in the seats. Then she painfully remembered Boggy’s absence. 

“Actually, before we go to your house, can we like. Stop at the sidewalk I can resummon Boggy with a ritual and some chalk,”

True to his word, Gorgug let Adaine stop at the sidewalk a few blocks away from the Thistlespring Tree. Gorgug was holding Adaine’s backpack and his own axe, sitting on the curb while he had his headphones on. Adaine could hear the metal music muffled from her spot on the sidewalk. She was on her knees drawing the familiar circles and runes in the white chalk she had in her backpack, Adaine already could hear the familiar ribbits from her frog.

By the time she was done the mist started. Gathering into water, forming into a distinct shape of an animal before it started turning into a round shape. Gorgug closely watched the spell as well while Adaine held her anticipation for her friend coming back. A few bubbles while the white mist starts turning into different shades of green and the jingle of a collar. 

The mist takes a final shape while a small, perfectly circular, and adorable frog plops onto the ground. The chalk runes disappear and two perfectly circular eyes look up at Adaine and Gorgug. Boggy looked even cuter than she remembered and looked at Adaine with his usual ‘happy-to-be-here’ look. 

Adaine held in a squeal and scooped up Boggy into her arms. Squeezing the frog while he expanded like a water balloon in her arms. She stood up from the concrete ground and Adaine looked at Gorgug who started leading the way to the Thistlespring Tree. Adaine felt the calmest she had been in the entire day, the panic and even the small growing hate smoothly dispersed. 

They stayed in a comfortable silence with the comforting ribbits from Boggy. He tried to hug Adaine with his webbed hands but her tight grip merely made him just croak while being essentially strangled by Adaine. Gorgug still carried her bag until they appeared in the front of the large tree.

They were met with some machine instead of the normal front lawn. From her arcane sense it had some arcane power source inside while there were countless wires and cables popping out of the sides. It looked boxy but it had a control panel built in it. 

Mrs. Thistlespring, Wilma was the first to notice them arriving. She was covered in dust and some metal scratches on her thick gloves with goggles. Adaine waved with a sheepish smile and Gorgug waves with a large smile.

“Ah kiddo you’re back! And you brought a friend!” Wilma said while Gorgug kneeled down to his parents' level. Digby was working on the machine and rushed over while Wilma was gushing over Gorgug. He walked up to Adaine with a large smile so bright Adaine thought she’d be blinded more. 

Reaching out his hand to Adaine, she shifted Boggy in her hands and shaked Digby’s hand. He clasped both of his small hands around Adaine’s, “You must be Adaine! How’s the wand we gave you? Sorry we couldn’t fix your old orb kiddo but we wanted to help you somehow,”

Adaine smiled softly, “The wand is great, and thank you for trying to fix the orb at least,”

“Ah how about you kids have some lemonade? Me and Digby are still working on the machine but you two should eat something,” Wilma spoke up. Already making her way into the house taking off her apron and leather gloves.

Gorgug and Adaine followed in suit while Diby continued working on the project outside. Adaine had to bend her head and crouch down a bit while Gorgug had to curl himself up more than a bit to fit inside. Wilma served the two lemonade while they sat at the small dining table. Adaine stared at Boggy in her lap, while she noticed a small light in her pocket which she recognized as it being her crystal pinging.

While Gorgug and Wilma chatted about the machine outside Aadine opened her crystal

Fig:

Just want to make sure

You’re staying at Gorgug’s place tonight right?

Double checking

If you want i can grab your clothes and drop by

Kristen and Riz can come

Maybe Fabian 

Adaine sighed softly, she knew Fig meant no harm by her concerns. Fig was a kind and caring person, Adaine knew at least that would stay constant in her out of control life.

Adaine:

I’m fine Fig really

Plus I can grab clothes out of my jacket

There’s no need but thank you

Fig:

You sure?

I can always drop by if you want

Adaine:

Fig i’m sure

I’m not some porcelain doll

I don’t break at the smallest problems

Fig:

Just checking

Also

Adaine:

Fig

Fig:

Okay okay

Just keep in touch plz

Or call me if anything happens we’re right next door

Kind of like five minutes away or something

Adaine:

I will

Adaine turned off her crystal while Boggy gave her a small reassuring ribbit. Wilma placed a cup in front of her as the scent of sweet lemonade reached her nose, “Well I need to go back and help Digby but you kids help yourselves,” 

“Sorry about them,” Gorgug mumbled, drinking his own cup.

“It’s fine really, your parents are so nice,” Adaine said, “And, you said something about some metal scraps?”

It was already maybe around three pm when they made it to the backyard of the Thistlespring Tree. There were pieces of metal like cogs, pipes, metal sheets bent in places, and more things that seemed flawed. Broken in a way or welded together wrongly. Boggy sat on Adaine’s shoulder, arcane wand in hand as a fire spell started while Gorgug gripped his axe tightly. 

“So..you just break them?” Adaine questioned. She was no stranger to violence or destruction but this seemed out of order for even her.

“Pretty much, break them down or just destroy them enough to be thrown away instead of clogging up space,” Gorgug answered. Swinging his axe in hand while Boggy gave Adaine a reassuring ribbit, “I thought you might want to try it out? It always helps me,” 

Adaine reached for her arcane wand, already lighting a fire spell at the wooden tip. Gorgug readied his axe, walked up to the metal scraps. Swinging the axe back and with one fell swoop the axe dug into the metal with a loud screech. Adaine launched the fire at the highest spell she had, with a roar similar to the Hangman’s fire it hit a metal sheet. Cutting the metal clean through as a hole with melting metal around it showed. 

Adaine took in a deep breath, Gorgug winded up his axe once more while she exhaled. This time the fire roiled into a point at the wand. While he let out a short yell slamming the axe with another screech of metal. A hot and piercing ray of fire launched while she kept a steady grip on the handle, the fire pouring out hitting different spots of the metal scraps. As Gorgug swings his axe over and over again, spell after spell was thrown by Adaine.

She kept a tight grip on her hand as a familiar sensation of hate filled her. Her own fire spells reminded her of the burn scar she had on the sides of her ribs, how they brutally attacked her last night. She still remembers the scars littered on her body, not to mention the permanent damage in her right eye which is still a bit blurry. Adaine couldn’t even blame them, she knew she was out of control last night.

She notices how the back of Gorgug’s hoodie seemed stitched back up, in an all too familiar claw mark shape. Or how she noticed Fig’s leather jacket had a familiar stitching on her side with the Hangman being afraid or trying to intimidate Adiane. It was her, all her fault. 

Adaine didn’t notice how her nails were growing or how blonde fur grew on the back of her hand or Boggy trying to give a comforting ribbit. A shiver sent down her spine that she ignored while she sent another fire spell, burning through a pipe. Adaine, even with her new impeccable hearing, didn't hear the small cracks of wood in her wand as she gripped it so tightly.

Another fiery spell shot through the air as Gorgug slammed his axe so hard into the metal he broke into the grass below. Boggy tried to give another reassuring ribbit but Adaine wasn’t listening to anything. She felt her breathing get heavier and her heart race but it wasn’t the panic filling her. 

“Adaine?” 

She breathed out a shaky and heavy sigh. Looking down at her right hand which had her wand, or, what was the handle part of the wand. It had been snapped in half because of her and the rest was lying on the grass floor. She also finally noticed the blonde fur that grew on the back of her hand reaching her finger tips that went further down her arm past the cuff of her jacket. Her nails had grown into claws as her palm still felt like skin but rougher. 

Adaine dropped what was left of her wand as Boggy gave another ribbit only calming her down a bit. Looking at her left hand it was the same situation, she felt panic only rising even higher inside. Gorgug in the meantime dropped his axe and rushed over to Adaine.

“Adaine what happened?” Gorgug asked, his hand reaching out and grabbing Adaine’s right shoulder. 

However, Adaine felt a flare of anger and almost loathing as she jerked back from Gorgug, “Don’t touch me!” her voice almost sounded like a snarl rather than proper words.

Gorgug immediately backed away hands in the air while Boggy looked worried and tried to give Adaine a small nuzzle on the cheek but to no avail. She barely caught the way the fur grew and the claws even more so at her lashing out at Gorgug. Adaine promptly felt guilt fill her as she realized her outburst at Gorgug, who was just trying to help. 

“Gorgug, I-I’m so sorry I just,” Adaine breathed out, she felt her voice start shaking while she gripped her wrist. She didn’t even know where the anger came from but she shortly dwelling it over she was sure it could’ve only come from one place. Her body in the meantime, managed to stop changing but remained in an almost half state between her humanoid and her lycan self. 

“Adaine, it’s alright I shouldn’t have-”

“No, it’s not alright,” Adaine felt her vision become blurry and only felt shame from the tears, “Gorgug, all I’ve done with this stupid curse is hurt people! Hurting you guys! Don’t try to deny it or anything I know that I attacked you guys last night, and I know that you guys retaliated and I can’t even blame you for doing so,”

Adaine felt the hot tears spill onto her cheeks while Boggy ribbits softly, nuzzling her cheek trying to calm her down. Gorgug dropped his hands from the air and stared at her. She felt her heart heavy in her chest, keeping the crying to a minimum like she had always done with her old family. 

“You haven’t always hurt us Adaine,” Gorgug mumbled softly but she could easily pick it up, “The fight with Coach Daybreak, Ragh and those skeletons? You fought to protect us, it hadn’t even been a few days after you got bit and yet you still shifted to help us Adaine,” 

He hesitantly walked closer and softly placed his hand on Adaine’s shoulder. She twitched and felt the same flare of emotions from moments before but she knew he meant no harm, “I tried to kill you guys,” Boggy jumped into Adaine’s arms while she squeezed her companion tightly to her chest. Her still clawed hands digging into the soft flesh of her frog.

“And we don’t hold anything against you for it. We acted a bit like assholes to you even when you were trying your best,” Gorgug placed his other hand on her other shoulder, “It’s like…raging I think,”

“What?

“Think of it like this, whenever I used rage it was because I was scared or panicked. But now I do it for you guys, to protect and help everyone else. You did that Adaine, you shifted to help everyone else. Taking down the skeletons and the owlbear, getting that hit on Daybreak,” Adaine only felt more tears spill while her pointed ears drooped down on the sides of her head.

“You never meant to hurt us Adaine I know you that well, and it’s not your fault,” 

Gorgug gently pulled her into a hug while Adaine let out soft broken sobs as Boggy croaked in her arms. Now, the flaring of anger and resentment dispersed while it was replaced with a small feeling of hope and of happiness. Whether it was the wolf’s emotions replaced by her own or that the wolf was letting go of its anger, she would dwell on that later. 

"Also, we can get my parents to fix your wand or make it so it isn't so breakable next time,"

A half sob half chuckle left Adaine, "I would like that, thank you Gorgug,"

Chapter Text

Adaine and Gorgug walked back into the Thistlespring Tree after, maybe a good five minutes of hugging later. She looked down at her hands, still having the blonde fur on the back of them with her nails still extended into claws. Boggy crawled back onto her shoulder and nuzzled her cheek still tear-stained, Gorgug grabbed the snapped arcane wand from the ground as they walked back inside, he having to bend awkwardly, limbs barely fitting while she hunched over with her hands in her pockets to hide the obvious lycanthropy. 

Digby and Wilma were already nearby when Wilma was the first to notice the broken wand. Adaine already felt the guilt and embarrassment rise to her face, burning a bright red staining the pale skin. She had already broken her old orb and now her new wand, for any wizard breaking their arcane focus once is already alarming but twice?

Adaine set herself a new record.

“Ah, kiddos what happened?” Wilma asked, Gorgug handing the broken wand to Digby as he inspected the damage. Other than being snapped in half and splintered, the wand had no other significant damage. 

Gorgug gave her a worried glance, stammering out a few words, “Well, uh when we were trying to break down the scraps outside…uh Adaine, we kinda-”

“I broke it, I wasn’t focusing and didn’t realize it was breaking until it already snapped in my hand,” Adaine mumbled, she felt her ears droop on the sides of her head. Boggy gave a reassuring croak that somehow translated to ‘everything-is-going-to-be-alright’ or something along the lines, “I’m sorry I know it was a gift from Gorgug and you both, and I already broke it-”

“Kiddo it’s no problem!” Wilma cut her off as Digby nodded along, “I mean if we had problems about things breaking we would’ve never become tinkerers! Or have our little guy right here!” she stood up on her toes and Gorgug leaned down. Ruffling his hair while he mumbled something under his breath.

“He always breaks his bed and ends up knocking things over especially when he was younger, limbs flailing and everything,” Digby smiled while Gorgug broke away from his mom’s grasp. 

“We’ll have this thing fixed in no time! And, we’ll even make it with some stronger wood so next time you don’t have to be worried about it breaking on you anytime soon,” Wilma grabbed the wand from Digby as they both smiled widely at her. Adaine nodded weakly while fighting back a relieved sigh and maybe a tear or two. 

Gorgug and Adaine had more than enough time left in the day, most of it was filled with Gorgug leading her around parts of the tree, showcasing some of his parents' projects or machinery. When it came for bed Gorgug had an extra toothbrush he could lend to her and she pulled a pair of pajama pants out of her Jacket of Useful Things for the night. Gorgug’s room is a little larger than the rest of the house with a bed in the corner. Wilma brought out a sleeping bag for Adaine while she stayed beside Gorgug’s bed, Boggy in the bag with her as her jacket, backpack, and boots lay at her feet. 

Adaine wished Gorgug goodnight and him the same to Adaine.

Her usual sleep instead of trance was not filled with nightmares or dreams. Waking up early to the bright sun poking out of Gorgug’s window, Adaine pushed herself off the ground. While looking down her hands, reverted to the skin and normal nails overnight. She breathed a sigh of relief, still ignoring the sensation of hate that nagged her now and then.

True to their word the Thistlesprings fixed her wand. Adaine woke up after changing and brushing her teeth and walked to the living room to Digby tinkering on a small artificer item that she didn’t recognize. Before even having the chance to open her mouth to say anything, Digby beat her to it.

“Kiddo! Don’t worry, your wand is already fixed up and ready for you! We first kind of took it apart, keeping the handle intact but we found parts of another broken wand we had lying around,” Digby placed the tinkering tool on a nearby coffee table before reaching into the pocket of his work apron.

“We didn’t know if it was just an arcane focus wand or if it had some abilities but we did find out after putting it all together it’s not only a focus but! We think it has some charges to do a spell, now we don’t know which kind of spell but how about to test it out in the front?” Digby smiled brightly before finally grabbing the item in his apron pocket.

The old original handle was still here, the dark blue painted handle hand carved. However, instead of the old birch wood for the rest it was replaced with a dark oak version. Even surrounding the oak was a strip of gold coiling itself around the wood reaching to about the middle of the wand. Adaine already knew she would have to study about it later, attunement even. 

Digby held the wand out to Adaine, grabbing it she already felt a sense of almost electric arcane power. Holding it (this time not so tightly) in her hand, a crackle of lightning started at the tip. Boggy gave a reassuring ribbit while Adaine focused on the arcane wand. With another short second of silence this time, the wand wasn’t a simple crackle but a full Lightening Bolt that launched off upwards.

Digby and Adaine both ducked with the bolt pinged off of multiple surfaces, she yelped as the bolt pinged off the floor right beside her. Digby barely managed to move in time for the bolt to narrowly miss his head. Luckily the bolt died down after it hit the wall of the room, leaving multiple scorch marks in its wake with the smell of sulfur and almost a hint of chlorine.   

It was a few tense moments of silence that Digby and Adaine had while the final bits of lightning fizzled away on the wall. Adaine gripped the wand tightly in her hand, at least, now she knew what type of spell the wand had its charges for…

After eating a few eggs and some pancakes, apologized over and over again to the Thistlesprings for the mess. Gorgug was still asleep the last time she checked so Adaine occupied herself by trying to understand the new wand more.

Sitting outside on the ground of the backyard, Adaine held the new arcane focus/magical wand in her hand. Meditating turns out not to be as easy as people make it to be. Boggy, understanding what she was trying to do, stayed silent with her, while Adaine fought some restlessness and silenced her crystal.

Maybe she could cast Identify and learn more about it and how many charges it has since she’s expended one so far. Or the range, or anything else she could find out about the new wand. It had been around maybe forty. Fifty minutes or more when Adaine perked up at the sound of footsteps coming towards her.

“Adaine?”

Turning around she saw Gorgug, he had his axe already with his crystal opened to something. Boggy woke up from his nap and hopped up onto Adaine’s shoulder, “Morning Gorgug,”

“I know it’s still kind of early but everyone wants to meet back at the apartments. Riz’s apartment to be more specific,” Gorgug mumbled. Holding up his crystal to the group chat with everyone.

Adaine stood up from the grass, dusting off her jeans to make them look cleaner, “Then we’ll walk? It’s not that far from here right?” 

“No, I already said bye to my parents so we’ll probably make it there in like five? Ten minutes,”

Adaine nodded before Gorgug already started making his way to the apartments. Putting her arcane wand into the pocket of her jacket Boggy croaked while she sped up to meet with Gorgug’s pace. 

“How’s the new wand?” Gorgug asked, pocketing his crystal.

“It should be good now, I think I already finished my attunement with it,”

“Attunement?”

“Essentially a bond with the wand, it would’ve been no problem if it were just an arcane focus but since it has charges for Lightning Bolt in it I needed to do it. Otherwise, it would’ve either not worked or go crazy whenever it did,”

“Does that explain the scorch marks on the floor and walls I saw with the smell of something burning?”

“...”

“...”

“Yes,”

“It’s fine, my parents did worse whenever they messed up something. One time they almost burned down the kitchen,”

“That does kind of make me feel better,”

Adaine smiled while Boggy filled in the silence with his sounds. She still ignored the nagging feelings and the fact her right eye vision was still blurrier than her left eye. She probably would need some contacts or glasses to fix the vision in her eye in the future.

Adaine led the way up the emergency stairs since the elevator wasn’t working again. She felt her chest tighten and her heart almost racing but Boggy with his classic ‘happy-to-be-here-’ face and his wet kisses on her cheek, she calmed down. The only proper conversation she had about the full moon with anyone was with Gorgug. The best outcome for her is that they all together ignore what happened and focus on their plan. 

Though she knew at least one of them would come up to her and try to talk about it. Her conversation with Gorgug was one heart to heart and she was already content with that. As much as she liked her friends their worries were becoming tiring, she needed someone to be just a little rude, like Aelwyn would be.

They passed Gilear’s apartment with Skolnda’s only a few doors down. Adaine grabbed Boggy, holding the frog close to her chest for comfort while Gorgug knocked on the door. She could already hear voices inside that went quiet with footsteps coming closer. The doorknob shook for a few seconds with a small click as the lock was undone with the door swinging open. 

Sklonda looked up while they both looked down, Adaine sheepishly smiled with Gorgug waving a bit. 

“Hi Ms. Gukgak,”

“Hi, Riz’s mom,”

Sklonda smiled at them before moving out of the way to let them both in. Adaine trailed after Gorgug and already saw everyone here. Riz had taken down his clue board and placed it down on the coffee table, Fabian and Fig sitting on the couch with Kristen and Riz organizing the board. 

Riz immediately shot up with a look of determination on his face, “We found a way around Aelwyn’s diplomatic immunity,”

“More like your mom found out,” Kristen mumbled, stringing a piece of red thread between two papers.

“Riz is right kiddo,” Sklonda looked at Adaine, “If a person in the family says they feel unsafe around a certain family member it can go past the immunity and they can be deemed viable for arrest,”

“And, since you said that your parents never officially disowned you or called you in as missing you can say that you feel unsafe around Aelwyn and we can arrest her,” Riz was essentially vibrating where he stood. Speaking quickly he held up the clueboard, red strings connected across with photos.

There was a photo of Zayn possibly from a yearbook with Dayne, and one with Aelwyn. She was much younger, around her early teen years possibly from a yearbook as well. There were threads between Zayn, Aelwyn, and Dayne with drawn question marks.

“DAYNE KILLED ZAYN? HE IS NOT ON THE HARVESTMEN LIST SO PROBABLY KNOWS MORE”

“AELWYN AND ZAYN WORKED TOGETHER ON CURSES, AELWYN FARTHER UP ON THE CHAIN OF AUTHORITIES WORKING ON MYSTERY OR KNEW MORE PEOPLE WORKING ON IT”

“SPY’S TONGUE-CURSE WORKED ON BY AELWYN AND ZAYN, SUPPOSED TO MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SAY SOMEONE’S NAME???-WHO WOULD WANT THIS”

“STILL NOTHING ABOUT THE MISSING GIRLS-SAM’S PALIMPSEST STILL NOWHERE TO BE FOUND”

Adaine stared at Aelwyn’s photo just for a moment longer before quickly reading off the notes made on the board. It was supposed to calm down after they found everything in Daybreak’s home after they killed him but now? It was more of a mess than they ever faced, too many questions, limited knowledge, and too many holes in their information like with Aelwyn and Dayne or what is still going on with the missing girls.

Sighing softly, Adaine tuned in to the conversation again.

“So, we know that Aelwyn and Dayne know more and we know how to get past Aelwyn’s whole immunity thingy, but how do we get to Dayne? We don’t know where he lives, where he is after school besides Bloodrush, and is most definitely surrounded by people at school,” Fabian asked, pointing to Dayne’s photo on the board.

“We could trick him?” Fig proposed, she grabbed her guitar and motioned towards it, “Disguise Self or cast Friends? We could trick him into I dunno, following us? Like I could disguise myself as his girlfriend uh…”

“Penelope,” Riz said.

“Then what about Aelwyn? How are we gonna talk to her?” Kristen asked, 

“I don’t think we should go right to talking with Aelwyn,” Adaine spoke up, “She’s a wizard and probably knows things like Modify Memory so she won’t be able to tell the full truth to us or some spell to do so,” 

“Then do we go to your house and snoop around her room?” Kristen asked. 

“Her spellbook probably is our best bet, if what Zayn said is correct they were working on curses then she would have them in her book,” Adaine said, “That or checking her room like you said,”

“Wouldn’t she keep that on her at all times? Arcane focus or something?” Fabian questioned.

“What I’m worried about is the whole Spy’s Tongue thing, if Zayn is correct and when you take it you can’t say anyone's name. What if someone like Aelwyn took it? Then it’s probably useless when it comes to interrogating her,” Fig pointed to the Spy’s Tongue Curse written on the board.

“Or anyone for that matter,” Riz mumbled, putting the board down and writing a summary of Fig’s words.

“How does the spell even work? Like you can’t say both names or is it only for one person?” Gorgug asked.

“Can we ask Zayn again?” Fabian sighed.

“SPY’S TONGUE CURSE WILL RUIN INTERROGATIONS! WHO TOOK IT? HOW DOES IT FULLY WORK???-ASK ZAYN AGAIN AT GRAVEYARD” 

“So far the plan is, to find Dayne and trick him by Fig being Peneolpe to lead him somewhere and then interrogate him. Then we go to Aelwyn’s room and sneak around or are we going for her spellbook?” Gorgug questioned.

“Sneak around, like Fabian said she’ll have her spellbook at all times and the best bet to snoop in her room is when she’s at school so we don’t have to deal with her or my mom since she’s a professor at Hudol,” Adaine proposed, “I don’t know what my dad’s schedule is but our best bet is probably sometime during the weekdays maybe around early afternoon,”

“I need to disguise myself as Penelope and Adaine, are you going to Aelwyn’s room?” Fig asked, raising an eyebrow but Adaine could see the look of worry in her. She just nodded along.

“If we do find anything in her room it will most definitely have some arcana or some wizardry in it so I can figure that out,”

“I can go with Fig to catch Dayne,” Fabian offered, “If he fights back, Fig you’ll need backup,”

“I can go with two as well,” Gorgug said, “But, where are we going to lead Dayne?” 

“Our best chance without causing a disturbance or making a scene will be somewhere by the Far Haven Woods. Knock him out or tie him up,” Fabian replied.

“Then it’s me and Kristen with Adaine at her old house,” Riz finished. Placing the clue board back on the coffee table.

“Your guy’s best chance to catch them is probably tomorrow then,” Sklonda said out of nowhere, almost spooking the six teens, “If something happens, like Dayne is attacked it’ll spook the other people on this plan including Aelwyn. She’ll try to hide evidence or hide in general but if you have both plans hatch at the same time tomorrow, neither get the chance to prepare for anything,”

“Then Monday slash tomorrow it is!” Riz exclaimed. 

“Until then, you kids need proper rest. We still have some leftovers from last night if anyone’s hungry but you all need to get ready for tomorrow,” Sklonda added. Riz nodded swiftly as everyone else hummed in agreement.

Riz grabbed the clue board from the table and rushed off to presumably hang it in his room or somewhere else in the apartment. Adaine felt a small sense of relief as no one had bothered about the whole full moon incident, though she knew it was inevitable she relished in the quietness. 

(Even with the restlessness stirring inside her while she felt her hands flexing almost trying to grow out their claws whenever she even looked at her friends, Gorgug less so. Either a defensive mechanism or the wolf wanted a second chance to tear at them from whatever grudge it was holding on them.) 

Adaine happily ate lunch at Sklonda’s apartment with the others, Boggy in her lap or on her shoulder most of the time. It was already around one or two pm when everyone (Fabian and Gorgug) left for their homes. Adaine, Kristen, and Fig merely had to walk down the hall to their left to get back to Gilear’s apartment. 

Adaine remained mostly silent but could see Fig’s gaze more than occasionally land on her. Kristen was chatting on and on about Tracker. Adaine hadn’t had a clue who she was but let Kristen chat about the girl while they walked to the apartment. Adaine placed her backpack by the main couch while Kristen walked off to the kitchen not far from them, it was Fig who caught her attention. 

Boggy hopped off her shoulder and made his way to the tiefling. Fig was leaning on the couch with her guitar messing with the strings when Boggy jumped onto the couch armrest she was by. Fig raised an eyebrow at the frog when he started his reassuring ribbits at her, Adaine only recognized them as he did those whenever she was stressed, panicking or just overall having a bad moment.

“Are you alright Fig?” Adaine smiled softly at her, she tried to keep her voice down away from Kristen.

Fig let her guitar lean on the couch while she walked to sit down, Boggy leaping into her lap. She petted the frog while he nuzzled into her, however, she didn’t fully meet Adaine’s gaze, “Nothing really, just…everything’s moving quickly I guess. The whole fight with Daybreak and finding everything in his apartment I thought that would be the end of it,”

Adaine leaned back into the couch while Kristen rummaged through the fridge, anything edible or not expired in Gilear’s fridge was a miracle. Fig just looked down at Boggy who gave her his classic ‘happy-to-be-here’ look.

“I know, and now everything with Zayn, Dayne, and…Aelwyn. I thought maybe it would be later in the year or maybe not a few days right after we fought Daybreak, when we start fighting and solving crime again” Adaine sheepishly smiled at Fig, however, the girl still didn’t look up.

“Adaine,”

“Mhm?”

“About the full mo-”

“I found fruit! Not expired!” Kristen exclaimed, holding up a box of strawberries with a triumphant smile on her face.

Adaine found it as a way out of Fig’s incoming question, she shot straight up from her spot on the couch. A wave of relief came over her while she stammered, “W-Well that’s great! How about I help you wash them or maybe we can find more,” 

Adaine quickly rushed over to Kristen who had no clue about the other girl's conversation. If she had turned around she would’ve seen Fig’s face, filled with both sorrow and almost disappointment.

Adaine ignored all attempts at any questions about her lycanthropy, making excuses she needed to use the restroom, trying to change the topic, or ignoring the question at all. Though most attempts were made by Fig, Kristen gave up on the third time knowing it was going nowhere with Adaine.

By the time it was around nine pm, Kristen was already fast asleep on her spot on the floor. Adaine changed into her sleepwear (another shirt borrowed from Fig, though Kristen also stole Fig’s clothing even though the musician was the shortest of all three) and was brushing her teeth with Boggy messing around in the sink. The running faucet acts as a waterfall for the frog when she hears a knock on the door.

“Coming!” Adaine tried to yell but was muffled due to the toothpaste.

Finishing the scrubbing she spat out the toothpaste while Boggy crawled out of the sink. Drying himself on the nearby hand towel, Adaine quickly wiped her mouth and turned off the faucet. Another knock, this time a bit harder.

“I said I’m going!” Adaine groaned while Boggy gave a reassuring look. She grabbed the frog underneath her arm before opening the door. 

Fig already had her fist raised to knock again and Adaine noticed the look of worry again but with a hint of slight almost irritation. Adaine raised an eyebrow before speaking up again, “Yes?” 

“Can we talk? I talked to Gorgug and he already told me about what you guys talked about at his place and what happened,” Fig asked, but her tone was more demanding than asking.

“Snitch,” Adaine mumbled under her breath. 

“I know that you don’t want to talk to any of us right now especially with the whole thing with your sister now. But I just kinda, wanted to talk to you about it, but whenever I do you either ignore me or just avoid talking about it at all,” 

“I talked about it. I talked to Gorgug and Jawbone, a bit,”

“I mean me, talk to me I’ve been trying to help since day one of you being…you know,” Fig mumbled her last words.

“Cursed?” Adaine said flatly. 

“I still don’t think you should call it that,” Fig sighed, “But…Gorgug is right. You shouldn’t think of yourself as a bad person Adaine cause you never were and never will be. You’ve done more good for us than harm, the fight with Daybreak when you shifted for us and fought off the owlbear single-handedly, ”

Adaine remained silent but didn’t meet Fig’s gaze. She stared off past the tiefling or looked anywhere else, she felt her throat tighten while her words were stuck.

“The full moon Adaine…”

“We don’t have to talk about that,”

“We do,”

“We don’t,”

Fig deadpanned, “Adaine,”

“I know that I went full crazy or wild, I saw what I did to you guys like Gorgug’s back, the Hangman’s engine, and even you! I can see your jacket was fixed back up on the whole side from what I know a claw mark and that was me Fig!” she pointed at Fig. There was a wave of anger that filled Adaine without her realizing it, “There’s probably more but guess what I don’t even remember anything. And what I said to Gorgug is right, I can’t blame you guys for just trying to,”

Adaine breathed out but didn’t see Fig trying to argue but saw a look of almost fear on her face looking down. Boggy gave a strained croak in her grasp and that's when Adaine looked down again. Her hands, covered on the back by blonde fur and nails, turned into sharp claws, her hands almost shaking even.

Adaine immediately let her hand down and without the sleeve of her jacket like last time she could see the fur reaching past her elbow while keeping the inner of her forearm still skin. The fur almost acted like a cover for her, she breathed shakily, the chance of her snapping at others was almost zero besides Aelwyn. Now it is almost becoming frequent for her.

“Adaine-” Fig tried reaching out for her.

“Don’t…touch me,” Adaine pushed past Fig with Boggy giving her ‘I-dunno-about-this’ look instead of his usual one. Her hands wanted to reach out for Fig they almost were, but not for any comfort. She knew whatever petty grudge for feelings her wolf had against the others it was adamant on getting its revenge back.

Adaine sighed but Fig wasn’t done, “Come on Adaine! I know you’re stubborn and you want to do everything on your own but people still need help sometimes. Let me-us, help you Adaine please,”

“How about this?” Adaine stopped in her tracks turning to Fig, “Whenever I have a problem or anything like that I promise I’ll go to you or anyone but! I want you to just stop worrying, I can do things on my own I always have been and this curse won’t stop me now,” her words were almost snarled just like her small outburst with Gorgug.

Fig hesitated, Adaine didn’t dare to meet her gaze, “I can’t promise not to worry about you but what I can promise is that I won’t nag you about it as much,”

“Thank you Fig,” Adaine turned on her heel and walked back to the living room. Boggy still gave her his unsure face but she ignored it while ignoring how the fur grew further up her arm and her claws sharpened. With the uncomfortable sensation of her canine teeth moving, more like growing sharper as well.

Thankfully Kristen didn’t wake up from their small screaming match and Adaine lay down in her usual spot. Pulling the blankets up to her, Boggy gave Adaine the same unsure look.

“If you keep on giving me that look you’re sleeping with Kristen or Fig,” Adaine whispered. 

“Ribbit,” Boggy still gave his disapproving stare.

“Don’t get sassy with me,” Adaine turned Boggy around so he was facing away from her. She buried her face into the top of Boggy’s perfectly circular body.

Her ears perked up at the sound of footsteps coming nearby and easily confirmed them as Figs. Adaine listened closely, Fig suddenly stopped when she was near the small sleeping pile the girls made before walking over again. Lying down between Kristen and Adaine, Fig slipped into the blankets.

“Goodnight Adaine,” Fig mumbled.

Adaine didn’t respond and just buried her head into Boggy more.

Fig woke up to the usual pile of limbs on their spot on the floor. Kristen was a terrible sleeper and often moved all over at night. Splayed like a starfish with her arm over Fig’'s stomach. Adaine was a stiff sleeper kind of. Didn’t move, and stayed in one spot all the time, still facing away from Fig.

Fig had one arm reaching out for Adaine draped over her side, her tail reaching out for Adaine’s wrist again with her other arm touching Kristen’s arm, the one over her stomach. The other two girls weren’t going to school today since they needed to break into the Abernant mansion midday but Fig did need to go, to catch Dayne…

She easily escaped Kristen’s grasp and got up to get ready for school with the sound of Gilear in the bathroom nearby getting ready for his lunch lad job. By the time she was ready, jacket, boots and all, Gilear was already by the front door to leave, Adaine and Kristen were still fast asleep. She mentally wished them a good morning and goodbye, maybe feeling the same small twinge of fear when she saw Adaine from the events of the full moon.

(And for some strange reason her heart pacing faster but she chalked it up to the fear again)

Fig reached for her crystal and opened to new messages, already walking out the door with Gilear.

CATCHING THAT SON OF A BITCH DAYNE

Fabes started the group chat ‘CATCHING THAT SON OF A BITCH DAYNE’

Fabes added Fig

Fabes added Gorgug/band mate/bestfriend

Fabes:

Guys meet up at the front of the school at the table we’re always at

I already hatched a plan

It’s genius 

Gorgug/band mate/bestfriend:

I’m waiting for my parents to finish breakfast then they’ll drop me off.

Fig:

I’m going with Gilear right now

Adaine and Kristen are still sleeping right now but I think they’ll leave for Aelwyn’s place with Riz in a bit.

Gorgug/band mate/bestfriend:

Alright 

Fabes:

This might just be

My best work ever

Fig:

Don’t get cocky

“Bye Gilear!” Fig waved off the man while he gave her a small smile before almost tripping flat on his face like always whenever he tried getting out of his car. She rushed off towards the normal table outside in the quad where she already saw Gorgug and Fabian. Already sliding right next to Gorgug on the bench Fabian had the same look of determination as the one Riz had yesterday, “So? What’s the plan?”

Fabian cleared his throat, “So Dayne’s girlfriend Penelope aka who you’re gonna disguise as, now what if? Now hear me out here, she’s also in on whatever’s going on?” 

“What?” Fig asked.

“How would that work?” Gorgug mumbled. 

“When you disguise yourself as Peneople kind of like, circle the topic of what's going on, the missing girls, Zayn’s death, the Harvestmen, the whole thing. If Dayne and Penelope are working together then Dayne won’t try to deny anything that’s happened. He’ll be open about it with Penelope and that’s one more person we can catch,” Fabian breathed out.

“And what if she’s not?” Gorgug questioned, getting on with the plan but still worried.

“Then Dayne won’t open about any of it to Penelope aka me because she wouldn’t know anything that’s going on and Dayne wouldn’t want anyone knowing. Fabian you fucking genius,” Fig smiled widely.

“I know, I know I kind of took after The Ball but it’s still my work,” Fabian confidently said.

The three waited until lunch to act, until then they kept a close eye on Dayne whenever they could see him lurking in the hallways with some of his friends, Ragh was no longer there with him since they helped him after the fight with Daybreak. It was around the beginning of lunch when everything started to fall into place.

Fig, Gorgug, and Fabian were sitting at their usual table when they saw Dayne walk away from his friends. Penelope is nowhere in sight so far and luckily won’t be here anytime soon. Fabian gave Fig a knowing look as she already stood up from the table. They set a meeting point in the Far Haven Woods right behind the school but far enough that no one would catch them easily.

Gorgug and Fabian threw away their lunches and walked in the opposite direction of Fig while she chased after Dayne. Already grabbing her guitar ready to cast Disguise Self she felt her crystal ping in her skirt pocket. She is still trailing Dayne through the halls, getting less and less crowded as they walk more. Pulling it out to read the messages quickly.

Bad Kidzz (last name change guys-K.A)                                                                            11:57

The Ball/Riz:

All three of us are already a few blocks away from the Abernant house

We can see the house and there are no cars in sight

I called my mom and she said that she’d be nearby or in the neighborhood

In case anything starts going sideways

Applebees 𖠑 (not related to the restaurant):

How’s things with Dayne

Fabes:

We have the plan in motion and he’s possibly alone right now

Figs chasing after him right now 

She’ll change into Penelope soon and we made a meeting spot in the woods

The Ball/Riz:

Got it

Be safe you three

Text us if anything goes wrong or if you need any help.

Gorgug/band mate/bestfriend:

You guys as well

Fig’s crystal pinged with another private message.

Adaine the best Abernant:

I’m sorry about yesterday Fig.

I shouldn't have snapped at you or gotten mad at you for just worrying.

I was supposed to tell you when I woke up but I slept in with Kristen.

Like I promised, I'll talk to you if anything happens and I need help

Good luck Fig

Fig nearly stopped in her tracks and almost bumped into someone at Adaine’s message. She looked up and saw Dayne getting farther and farther away from her. Her heart panged when she had to close her crystal and grabbed her guitar from her back, starting the simple spell with only a few notes played.

“Dayne!” Fig heard her voice become no longer her own. The boy quickly turned around with a smile creeping onto his face that made Fig grimace.

“Babe,” Dayne said, turning around and walking towards her. By the time he reached Fig/Penelope, he tried grabbing her by the shoulders but Fig quickly backed away. 

“Something’s wrong. We need to talk right now,” Fig lowered Penelope’s voice to sound serious and almost intimidating to him, “Meet me in the woods behind the school, find me there in five minutes,” 

“What? What’s going on” 

“Just listen to me, we need to talk to find me, please” Fig prayed her impression of Penelope's voice sounded good. She couldn’t mess this up here and now.

“...Alright,” Dayne mumbled. 

Fig already turned on her heel and started walking away. She heard Dayne stammer something else but she already turned the corner. Quickly dropping the spell Fig ran to hide down the other hall while pulling out her crystal.

CATCHING THAT SON OF A BITCH DAYNE

Fig: 

Got him

He’s heading towards the woods right now or should be

I’m gonna dimension door to get ahead of him

Disguise self lasts an hour there should be more than enough time 

Fabes:

Reminder

We’re only having you as Penelope to rule out if she’s a suspect as well

If Dayne opens up about anything to Penelope it might mean she knows stuff as well

Another suspect we can target

Gorgug/bandmate/bestfriend:

We’re already here

We’ll be waiting

Fig sighed out of relief, she put away her crystal and Dimension Doored two times before fully booking it towards the forest. There was no one behind the school when Fig again cast Disguise Self on herself once again as Penelope. She ran as quickly as she could to the designated spot for the other boys.

She was already out of breath when she arrived, maybe two and a half minutes after her conversation with Dayne. Fig could see with her dark vision further in the forest, in the deeper and darker parts two figures. One held an axe and the other held a rapier.

Fig never felt safer, she stood up straighter. Breathing in deeply, and out slowly. Reaching up to her hair she tried to fix her appearance the best she could to seem more like Penelope. Time almost moved slower when she was waiting with Gorgug and Fabian waiting in the shadows as her backup and ready to take down Dayne at a moment’s notice. She threw her guitar far in the direction of Gorgug so Dayne wouldn’t notice it on her person.

“Penelope?!” Dayne’s voice rang out somewhere in the woods.

“Over here, Dayne!” Fig impersonated Penelope’s tone and voice perfectly.

She heard footsteps come closer and closer until she saw Dayne and he noticed her. He ran up with a confused look and worried expression, “Babe, what happened?” 

Fig wanted to gag at 'babe'  but she stuck to the original plan, “It’s the missing girls, Sam, Penny all of them, something’s wrong,”

Dayne’s expression hardened, “What about them? We already got Sam’s palimpsest back or I thought so. What about the last two? We only have five out of the seven, is that it? I thought you passed that job off to who? Aelwyn was her name or something?”

Fig froze.

Aelwyn?! Aelwyn Abernant was working with Dayne and now apparently Penelope?! Aelwyn, the girl Adaine was so hesitant about not hurting nor confronting was helping kidnap the missing girls and god knows what else? Five out of seven? What did Dayne mean by that and they had Sam’s palimpsest back!

Fig tried to play it off cool while her thoughts raced and everything was screaming at her to run and tell the others but she needed more, “Y-Yes, we have a problem about it just now Aelwyn is facing some problems as well about it,” 

Dayne sighed, “Well you know he’s going to be mad but prom isn’t any time soon so we still have time. With Coach being taken out by those stupid kids the Harvestmen are broken apart but we can come back in time again for his reign,” 

“Y-Yeah,” Fig stammered out, she looked at Dayne who was now giving her a strange look. This amount of information she’d otherwise never known was almost overwhelming now, his reign? Who’s reign? With the Harvestmen coming back together again? Prom?

“You alright Penelope?” Dayne asked.

“...” Fig remained silent.

“Babe?”

“Now!” Fig screamed, before Dayne could even react besides his surprise there was a loud ping as an arrow shot, piercing the air as it landed straight into Dayne’s ribs.

Chapter Text

Fabian aimed perfectly to Dayne’s side, and the moment Fig yelled his finger was already pulling on the trigger of his hand crossbow. A loud ping in the dead silence after her yelling, an arrow landed into Dayne’s side.

He screamed in pain first while Fabian recognized Gorgug’s scream of rage rushing towards Dayne. He attempted to reach for his double scimitars on his back but Gorgug cleaved his axe onto his other side. Ribs cracking underneath the sheer force of the blade with metal slicing through fabric and skin. The sickening crunch and squelch of Dayne’s body being cut and crushed by him sounded out.

Gorgug didn’t hesitate and dug his axe out of Dayne’s side. He swung back this time landing into his shoulder crushing the bones in the shoulder, slicing through muscle and flesh like his axe was a hot knife against butter.

Fabian let his hand crossbow fall as he rushed forward to Dayne, unsheathing his rapier in one cut slice he tore through Dayne’s sleeve of his letterman jacket into his arm. With another swift slice Fabian aimed for his legs, he cut clean through his calf, deep enough it caused the boy to fall to his knees.  Red blood spewed and seeped into fabric while spilling onto the forest floor.

Dayne tried to stand but inevitably forgot about the other person.

Fig was back into her regular self, red guitar in hand she swung it straight into Dayne’s face. A bone cracked as his nose was painfully broken by the instrument and he fell onto his back.

“F-Fuck, what the f-fuck?” Dayne coughed out blood, his voice cracking and strained while he tried to get back up. However all three teens surrounded him, standing above while he was throbbing in pain.

“Sorry not sorry, but you're coming with us” Gorgug mumbled. Raising his axe he turned it onto the flat slide and with a swift swing he smashed it into Dayne’s head. 

Dayne’s body fell limp but he was barely breathing. His chest heaved as his unconscious breaths were heavy and ragged.  

“God,” Fig sighed, she felt her heart pounding in her chest.

“Penelope? The five out of seven, his reign what the fuck is going on? And Aelwyn’s in on this? Adaine’s fucking sister?” Fabian remarked, he was out of breath from the shock and the fighting.

“They texted us that no one was home when they went to Adaine’s house, so they should be safe,” Gorgug mumbled, heaving his axe over his shoulder.

“So, do we like? Bring him with us?” Fabian asked.

“I kind of panicked and didn’t get much but yeah, we’ll bring him with us,” Fig said. Swinging her guitar over her shoulder as well while Fabian sheathed his rapier. She kneeled down to Dayne and started patting his pockets.

“What are you doing?” Gorgug said.

“He’s a senior right? He has to have a car or something,” Fig mumbled, her left hand on his left pocket felt something. Her hand reached into the pocket and grabbed a set of car keys with a few chains and a key itself. In his other pocket she felt a familiar item, a crystal.

“Yes!” Fig exclaimed, holding both items to her friends, “Car keys and his own crystal!”

“Great, now are we supposed to-” Fabian was interrupted by the rapid pinging of his crystal. However the pinging wasn’t just from his it was coming from all of their crystals. Fabian felt tense and grabbed it out of his pocket, opening the notifications.

Bad Kidzz (last name change guys-K.A)                                                                      12:07pm

Kristen:

Guys get here

Adaine  

Wolf

Riz’s mom is so cool

Tell us you got Dayne

Also almost everything went wrong

“What the fuck,” Fig mumbled, shock and worry filled her tone as Fabian didn’t hesitate.

‘Hangman! To the back of the school now, pick me up and then we’re going back to the Abernant house immediately!’ He yelled at the Hangman through their mental communication. 

“Fabian, wait!” Fig shouted from behind but he made no attempt to turn around.

“Steal Dayne’s car or something!” Fabian shouted, he ran in a dead sprint across the forest. What really filled him with fear was the texts Kristen sent that said ‘Adaine’ with ‘Wolf’ right after.

He painfully remembered Adaine on the full moon. How he cut her right eye cleanly with his rapier, how she clawed his sides and nearly destroyed the Hangman within a single strike. Fabian deep down hoped that the situation wasn’t as bad as he was imagining it to be.

Adaine’s back was pressed against the outer walls of the Abernant mansion; she knew better that her parents would have some form of arcane security or arcane wards that protected the house during the day whenever everyone was out. However Adaine knew they didn’t bother with the second floor.

Sklonda had dropped them off a block or two away from the Abernant home. As much as she was willing to let them off on their own she said quote on quote said ‘You kids are obviously very good at this type of stuff but sometimes you need an adult's help, especially when you are technically breaking the law’ with the said woman who was parked in her police cruiser a block away.

Riz already had his thieves tool kit out with the lockpick set. Kristen was keeping an eye out for anyone passing by just in case it turned out to be any of the Abernant family coming home early. Everything was falling into place, the others back at school were on Dayne’s heels and no one was home today. Plus, she managed to somewhat apologize to Fig about her outburst (though she immediately silenced her crystal and activated AirPlane mode the moment she hit send)

They walked further around the house until Adaine recognized her window, she grabbed her wand and with a small chant under her breath and a wave, the Fly spell was cast by her and extended to Riz first.

Eventually after picklocking the window lock and climbing through, Adaine dropped the spell on Riz and cast Fly once more on Kristen. With only a bit of effort like last time Adaine scaled the walls into her window meeting the other two. A waste of her limited third level spells but they needed to get in quick and without a sound.

“Okay, now what?” Kristen whispered. 

Adaine glanced around her old room, everything was left as it was. Open drawers, her closet door never shut, her bed ruined never made like she used to do. An ache started in her chest, she would be lying if she said she didn’t miss the order and control she once had in her life. It wasn’t healthy, the limited control and the 'perfect’ order her parents had set her up for, but it was her life, the same one she knew her entire fourteen years of living. 

Boggy sitting on her shoulder gave her a small ribbit sensing her troubles. She felt the ache go away, she had a much better life with her friends now. No need to miss her shity parents or Aelwyn (deep down Adaine missed some bit of Aelwyn, even if it was small).

“I know where Aelwyn’s room is, not far and we search it until we find anything,” Adaine strides forward to the door and out the hallway. Riz and Kristen follow her close behind.

There were no cars in the driveway, Aelwyn was at school with their mother since she was a professor and her father was out as well. Adaine knew technically there was no chance they should come back in time to catch them but still. Adaine gripped her new wand as lightning softly crackled at the wooden tip ready for anything. 

She slowed down until she was met with Aelwyn’s bedroom door. Slowly grabbing the doorknob, twisting it until it creaked open then she pushed it open. 

Adaine rarely saw Aelwyn’s room, not like she was ever welcomed in the first place but it was exactly as she imagined. Her bed was perfectly done, the hard wooden floor swept and cleaned, her desk off to the side was to perfection as well. She sighed softly before rushing inside with Riz. 

“I’ll keep a lookout,” Kristen whispered.

“You don’t need to whisper we’re alone Kristen,” Riz whispered back.

Adaine’s keen sense of smell picked up on something almost…foul yet sweet? One sniff and it led down to underneath her bed, she didn’t know what to expect but she went on her knees and reached down. Tapping onto the wood first she felt something hard and metallic, grabbing it Adaine held it in her hand while she lifted it up to her face.

A gun.

“What the fuck?!” Adaine yelped, dropping the heavy metal onto the ground with a loud thump.

“Oh god,” Riz mumbled. He didn’t hesitate to jump into detective mode and kneeled down to the floor. He managed to grab something plastic and soft with his hand, he pulled it out and a baggie of the same foul yet sweet smell came from it. It looked like dust? Powder or?...

“Is that Dragon Spice?” Kristen looked from her spot in the doorway.

“You recognize this?” Adaine questioned, more confused than worried for whatever this was doing in Aelwyn’s room.

“The same drugs Fabian’s dad gave us?” Riz almost looked horrified. 

“God,” Adaine mumbled, she reached down again and could feel more of those baggies underneath. Again with the same scent she almost gagged before abruptly standing up away from the smell. 

Riz got onto his stomach on the hardwood floor and gasped, “Dude, like a bunch of drugs I don’t think it’s just Dragon Spice and-are those handcuffs?! There fuzzy handcuffs t-” 

“Nope, no we’re just here to investigate her, not peer into her personal life. God Aelwyn does drugs?” Adaine mumbled interrupting Riz. Kicking the gun back under the bed.

Kristen excused herself to wander in the halls of the Abernant house.

She walked towards Aelwyn’s closet, opening it swiftly and she at first saw nothing but clothes. Her nice blouses in different colors, pink, white and a light blue. An extra pair of the Hudol uniform blazer with the tie hanging around the neck of the collar. Nothing.

Adaine sighed and started rummaging through the closet. First with the hangers, then moving down deeper into her closest. She tried sensing anything mostly in the arcane sense. Adaine’s eye caught something, a book or more importantly multiple of them. Kneeling lower and reaching over she recognized one of the books immediately.

“Spellbook!” Adaine smiled triumphantly, opening the book. Opening to the first pages it was filled with the basic spells but what truly caught her eye was Modify Memory. She barely knew the spell but its effects were in the name, another thing was that it was an obviously powerful spell.  

Adaine flipped through another page and saw Conjure Elemental and then a few blank pages before she stumbled across another spell. This time it had notes written all over its margins.

Detect Maiden (In Progress)   

Adaine instinctively gagged a bit at the title of the spell. First off, maidens in itself were nothing too bad but trying to detect them was another thing in itself. The notes on the margins were about divination, as any detection spell was in the divine range of magic. 

Adaine unfortunately heard the snap of a photo with Riz hovering above her shoulder.

“What? Evidence,” Riz mumbled. Adaine sighed and placed the spellbook off to the side. She rummaged further into the closet for anything else when the tips of her fingers brushed against something buried underneath something. 

Adaine managed to get a firm grip onto the item and pulled a small ship model. Around the size of a small packaging box but what really made Adaine worry was the runes surrounding it. Powerful storm evocation magic, with a mix of illusion magic in it as well echoed off of the runes around it. However the model itself didn’t look like an outstanding ship nor had any identifying markers to what it could be.

“Your sister is a ship person?” Riz mumbled, taking another photo of the model with close ups of the runes.

“No, but I can cast Identify. Just give me a minute,” Adaine placed the ship onto the floor. Wand in hand she chanted under her breath while Riz rummaged around the closet more.

Only a few seconds passed when Kristen’s rapid footsteps came rushing down the hall with the sound of Riz’s crystal ringing. Riz reached for his crystal and Adaine could see his mother’s contact on the crystal calling him.

Riz answered the call, pressing the speaker button, “Mom? What happened?” 

“Kiddo! Two people are home and one of them just ran inside I think it was Adaine’s sister but I couldn’t see the other person-”

Kristen out of breath came through the doorway, “Guys! Someone’s home and they're running upstairs, we’ve got to go or hide or something!” 

“What?! Why would they be-ugh!” Adaine groaned. She stopped the spell clutching the model ship to her chest while Riz grabbed Aelwyn’s other spellbook. 

“Sorry mom! We’ll call you later just, wait for us in the car and get ready to leave!” Riz swiftly said before hanging up.

Adaine picked up on the rapid footsteps of someone coming. 

“Shit,” Adaine mumbled, “Okay, just hide?” 

“That’s it?” Kristen asked worriedly.

“Do you have a better id-”

“Okay under the bed now!” Riz whispered at the two before running to slide underneath Aelwyn’s bed. Kristen threw her staff under with Riz pocketing his gun with Adaine shoving the ship model underneath. Thankfully the bed was big enough to fit the three of them albeit Riz was small so it helped their situation. All of the items underneath were squished underneath them uncomfortably. 

Adaine was the last to squeeze underneath with the others, pocketing her arcane wand with Boggy being squished underneath her. When someone barged into the room. 

She could only see the figure up to their hips from her angle and the way they were positioned in the doorway. However, the familiar Hudol skirt and uniformed shoes with the high socks already gave Aelwyn away.

She heard the thump of Aelwyn’s backpack hitting the ground as she rushed off to the closet. Everyone hidden underneath the bed kept quiet as the doors flew open, Aelwyn essentially ripping everything in her closet out. Books went flying with loud thumps with some articles of clothing as well. 

“No, no, no goddammit!” Aelwyn screamed. She went down onto her knees and tried looking deeper into the closet. 

Adaine moved her hand slowly underneath the bed, pointing at Riz and cast Message. 

‘She’s probably looking for the book, and the ship model’

‘It’s not going to be soon until she starts looking everywhere’

‘How did she even know we’re here or that someone was in her room?’

“Fuck!” Aelwyn shouted. Throwing a divination book to the side, sliding all the way across the floor almost underneath the bed.

Adaine shifted underneath the bed, pointing at both Kristen and Riz sending a message ‘We have to get out of here’ 

‘How? She’s going to hear us and no one has anything to get us out of here without her noticing’ 

‘Can Riz call his mom? Can she cause a distraction?’

Her heart was pounding out of her chest, she felt panic painstakingly rise again. Adaine knew whatever they did next was risky but all they needed was to grab the evidence and make it out alive to Sklonda’s car. She reached into her pocket, Boggy tried to give her a reassuring ribbit but nothing could calm the overwhelming anxiety.  

“Adaine?” Riz whispered. 

She grabbed her crystal out of her pocket and silenced it, turning the volume all the way down.

“Please, the moment she’s distracted enough we’ll make it a run for it. It doesn’t matter if she sees us, we just need to make it out to your mom’s car.” Adaine whispered back. Opening the lock screen and dialing a number she hasn’t looked at in what seems forever.

Now calling Aelwyn

Adaine’s crystal only buzzed softly while Aelwyn’s crystal in her pocket ringed loudly in the pocket of her skirt. The screen lit up as Aelwyn suddenly froze in her spot. 

“Get ready,” Adaine mumbled. Riz tensed up, his gun in hand while his eyes trained on the doorway. Kristen grabbed her staff, readying a dim spell in her palm. 

Aelwyn didn’t move for the first and second ring. However on the third she reached into her pocket and possibly saw the call from Adaine. From their view they couldn’t see Aelwyn’s face since they were both under the bed and she was facing the closet. But they did all hear the shaky sigh from her even in their spot. 

Aelwyn didn’t move, and Adaine’s phone was still calling her but for now she was distracted even if it was for a bit. That was all they needed to make a run for it.

Adaine grabbed the ship model and slowly, quietly moved out from the bed. Kristen and Riz made no sound as Aelwyn stayed frozen in her spot. Boggy climbed onto Adaine’s shoulder keeping quiet as well, she kept her crystal clutched in her hand. They all moved without a sound, Aelwyn was stuck in her own world. They didn’t turned their backs to run just yet but kept silent until they could get out Aelwyn’s reach. 

Adaine reached the doorway of Aelwyn’s bedroom just as the call ended. She slowly turned to make a final sprint when someone blocked the doorway. 

Sklonda’s words ringed in her ears much too late.

‘Two people are home and one of them just ran inside’

They were so focused on Aelwyn who ran into her room in such a rush they forgot about the second person.

Arianwen, her gaze downcast onto Adaine and the others. A glare behind her glasses with a look of anger but at the sight of her younger daughter, turned into a burning fury. She didn’t hesitate to act first, surprising everyone and not letting anyone react in time to get away.

A hauntingly familiar spell started in her hands but Adaine couldn’t react in time. The red mixed with purple hue of arcana magic in her mothers palm shot forward, gripping Adaine’s shoulder. She tried to fight and move once more but to her fear, Adaine was locked in place. Hold person was cast by her own mother.

“I truly don’t appreciate it when you’re barging into your sister’s room, Adaine. Especially when you are bringing unwanted guests to our home,” Arianwen said, eerily calm, “And stealing, truly what has become of you? Where did we go wrong?” looking down at the ship model in her hands and the book in Riz’s.

Riz acted swiftly, training his gun onto Arianwen with a loud bang that snapped Aelwyn out of her state. With a swift wave of her hand a light blue shield surrounded Arianwen deflecting the bullet which bounced across Aelwyn’s room.

Her mother just raised another hand letting the shield cover her, at the tips of her fingers frost began to form. She pointed straight at Kristen, a ray of the ice hit the redhead in the chest. Kristen yelped, one hand reaching over her chest in pain.

Aelwyn shot up from her spot on the floor grabbing her spellbook from her backpack while the other two scrambled to act. Adaine couldn’t move but could hear the crackle of lightning behind her. She directly aimed at Riz first, the smell of ozone reached everyone first before the energy. He ducked in just the right second the arcane energy just narrowly scraping his hat.

Adaine tried to move, she couldn’t let this happen. Not when they’re this far already, when they just found so much just by Aelwyn’s room. Adaine pushed forward her frozen limbs trying to break the spell. Arianwen merely sighed at the sight of Adaine.

Kristen backed away a few feet before a Guiding Bolt started in one hand. Throwing it and in a flash of light, shot to Arianwen. The blue shield tried to protect her once more but it easily burned through the shield. Hitting Arianwen in the chest she yelped as the bolt burned into her. 

Riz trained his gun back onto Arianwen with the light on her from Kristen, acting like a guide to him. Another loud bang this time the shield did nothing again with the bullet shooting straight into Arianwen’s shoulder. Shericking she raised another hand in the air backing away.

But with the damage done to her she couldn’t focus on the spell remaining on Adaine. She tried to back away but with her hand outstretched nails growing into claws with fur replacing skin, Adaine clawed into the side of Arianwen’s neck. 

“You! Insolent wretch! You monster!” Arianwen screeched. One hand flew up in an attempt to stop the bleeding. She threw a fire bolt at Adaine but she narrowly dodged, pushing herself against the doorframe while it hit the wood floors of Aelwyn’s room.

“Fuck you!” Adaine screamed back. Feeling the blood starting to drip from her hands, “You didn’t even bother trying to find me!” she felt her blood boil with the fur on her hands stretching up her arms. 

“Give that back!” 

“No way!” 

Adaine turned to see Riz fighting a mage hand grabbing the spellbook in his hands, he grunted while Aelwyn only had to pull a little bit. The book flew back into her hands.

Adaine grabbed her wand from her jacket pocket, the lightning crackling. She trained her aim at Arianwen, the woman raised her hand in the air, shooting out a crackle of energy as the Lightning Bolt shot forward to her. Arianwen’s spell, which Adaine’s best guess was Counterspell, was unable to burn through her Lightning Bolt which hit Arianwen straight in the chest just like Kristen’s spell.

“Now! Just run, we've got everything for now!” Adaine yelled at the others. Clutching the ship model to her chest and easily ran past Arianwen, who was struggling to even react, down the hallway.

Kristen followed quickly behind and grabbed her crystal. With her staff, she crossed it over her chest and a golden light healed the injury from the ice Arianwen shot at her. Riz didn’t hesitate and quickly ran after the other two and even dashing ahead of Adaine. 

Arianwen was feeling the aftershocks of the bolt but still managed to compose herself. Her hand aimed towards them, a loud chanting could be heard just for a few seconds before a loud screech echoed.

Only ten feet in front of the running teens, a swirling almost tornado of fire appeared in front of them. Quickly taking form it was an elemental it raised its fists of fire and rushed forward. It slammed into the ground, directly hitting Adaine right on the head. She stumbled forwards, thankfully not being able to catch on fire but she could feel the bludgeoning cause a little bleeding from her head. 

Aelwyn rushed out of her room. Her spellbook and the one Riz stole in her hands when she launched a spell, it flew down the hallway hitting Riz in the back. To the girl's horror, Riz froze in place, panic stuck on his face as he was outlined in arcane magic with the glowing rune of Hold Person right underneath him. 

“Fuck!” Kristen yelled, Adaine was being tackled by both Arianwen and the new elemental with Riz struck by Aelwyn’s spell.

Adaine stumbled, not taken prone from the hit but with the raging fire elemental and her own mother attacking her things weren’t looking amazing. She heard Boggy ribbit in support, she gripped her arcane wand. Her hand was still dripping with blood that stained her blonde fur. Looking down at the growing fur an idea popped into her head. She was sure going to regret this later but her friends were in danger. 

(She was painfully aware that Gorgug was right in their earlier conversation) 

Adaine pocketed her wand and tore off her jacket. The other articles of clothing could be repaired or replaced, “Kristen, please pick up my stuff and take care of Boggy!” 

“What? Adaine?!” Kristen looked even more confused and a bit scared from the two offending wizards right behind them. 

Adaine already felt her hands turn into somewhat paws earlier. But this time she felt the canine teeth in her mouth extend, her bones snapping and cracking out of place but unlike the full moon it didn’t hurt anymore. Fabric tearing and stretching out enough to snap she was on all fours before she knew it. At first, she felt deep down the urge to lunge for Kristen or Riz but Adaine aimed her fury at someone else. She turned and ran forward for Arianwen, the fire elemental missed badly with Kristen rushing off to Riz and Adaine’s stuff. 

Kristen reached down for Adaine’s jacket and the ship model they found. Boggy already jumping onto her shoulder with haste, Kristen pointed her staff at Riz. Within a second a wave of magic shot to Riz dispelling Aelwyn’s affect on him. He almost fell to the ground with the sudden motion but caught himself enough and looked behind him to see the three family members. 

“Adaine! Come on, we have to go! I promise you can get your fill later?!” Riz sounded unsure himself, aiming his gun to the fire elemental and shooting. Even being made of fire didn’t stop it from shrieking in pain.

Arianwen looked horrified and disgusted. She disengaged from Adaine narrowly avoiding the werewolf right in front of and her claws trying to tear into flesh. The fire elemental on the other hand didn’t give up on the chase, it dashed across the hallways barely reaching Adaine. 

“Damn you,” Aelwyn mumbled. She let her palm open with lightning crackling between her fingertips, “I told you, to stay away and you couldn’t even listen to that!” Aelwyn shouted. A bolt of lightning shot into the side of Adaine’s head. Adaine snarled, the words stuck in her head unable to speak with no vocal cords in this form. 

Closing the distance between Arianwen and her was easy, the attack after was much easier than that. On her hind legs with one single swipe claws ripped through Arianwen’s meticulously planned clothes. The bite wasn’t so lucky as her mother moved her head to the side in time for it not to be bit clean off. 

Kristen rushed forward, this time her staff aimed at Aelwyn, “Have a taste of your own medicine asshole!” 

Aelwyn blocked the spell with a high leveled Counterspell burning through Kristen’s Hold Person with a wave of her hand, “Are you truly this pathetic?! Couldn’t even finish a stupid comeback!”

Riz aimed a bullet at Aelwyn, another loud bang pinged off of a glowing blue shield that Aelwyn threw up hastily. He groaned, reloading as she smiled wickedly. 

“Enough!” Arianwen screamed, her throat clogging with blood spilling out of her mouth a bit. The fire in her voice contrasted the sudden temperature drop in the hallway. Aelwyn was covered by a shield already with the fire elemental, her hands thrown in front of her. 

A powerful blast of cold in a cone iced all three of them. Adaine took it easily, moving away in time not to be fully hurt but the same couldn’t be said for Riz and Kristen. Ice stuck to their skin like frostbite with ice shards cutting and slicing them. Blood mixed with the icy white frost. Her elemental closed the distance attacking multiple times, Adaine’s fur caught on fire with a loud yelp. 

Aelwyn with a new profound confidence and a grin rushed forward to Kristen. A hand outreached grabbed her shoulder. With a ripple of arcane magic it started at Kristen’s feet. Stoneskin started with the redhead’s skin turning into an awful grey combined with the sound of cracking.

Adaine growled, out of control at this point as she bit and swung wildly without control. Her mother threw a hand up and again the glimmering blue shield covered her for the claw and bite attacks.

Kristen fought against the Stoneskin as much as one could. Unable to move a Guiding Bolt burned in the palm of her hand.

Due to the fight they couldn’t hear the rush of many people up the stairs.

“Police! Hands where I can see them!” Sklonda’s voice silences the entire fight. Along with the dozen or so officers behind her, Kristen froze with the Guiding Bolt in her hand, Arianwen and Aelwyn freezing with Riz smiling at his mother. Adaine had some sense even in this form and stayed still. 

“Hey mom!” Riz smiled proudly.

“God- Okay! Arianwen and Aelwyn Abernant you are both under police custody,” Sklonda pointed to both of them with two officers running towards them.

Arianwen stood up proudly (as much as one could with bleeding from their neck and being hit in the chest multiple times) and cleared her throat, “There’s been a mistake, me and my family have diplomatic immunity as of my husba-”

“Diplomatic immunity can be passed through if one of the members from the family claims they feel unsafe,” Sklonda interrupted her, “As I’ve spoke with your younger daughter before, as a matter of a fact she does feel unsafe,”

Arianwen froze, a glare of fury behind her glasses, “Then on what charges? These people intruded into my home it was merely self defense,"

“Aggravated assault against multiple minors, technically child abandonment since the last time I checked you didn’t even bother looking for your younger daughter. There's much more that I could charge with my son and his friends being prime witnesses,”  Sklonda said flatly, though her tone was filled with a burning hate that she pushed down in the name of professionalism. 

Arianwen looked defeated with Aelwyn still frozen in place. 

Fabian tore through the streets, the Hangman burning fire as the house of the Abernants came into view. He made no effort to be quiet but came to a skidding halt in the middle of the street in front of the house. Police cars were surrounding the house, it was midday so no neighbors were spying but he was sure the news of a diplomatic family being arrested would burn faster than a wildfire.

He hopped off the Hangman to see two unfamiliar figures being dragged in handcuffs and put into police cars. An older woman with glasses was covered in blood, her own he hoped. The younger one guessed by the uniform that looked similar to Adaine’s old one looked unscathed but a bit shaken.

Pushing through the caution tape with a few people yelling at him Fabian was only really worried about three people. Maybe four if you count Boggy as a person. 

He first saw the large blonde werewolf with blood sticking to her paws, burn marks scorched the fur and frost sticking as well. Kristen and Riz looked worse for wear with both of them having blankets on them, like they just went in a freezer with the way they were both shivering. All three of them were sitting on the stairs leading up to the front doors which were tapped off with caution tape as well.

“Guys!” Fabian shouted. Running forward to them he forgot the blood stained on his rapier. 

“Fabian,” Riz mumbled softly, his teeth chattering a bit.

“What the hell happened?” Fabian questioned, looking back at the police cruiser with the two figures sitting in the backseat.

“Aelwyn and Arianwen,” Kristen answered, her hands glowing a gold touching Riz on the arm. A wave of healing cured the cold as well as he sighed softly, “Adaine’s sister and mom came when we were snooping around,”

“How the hell did they know you guys were there?” 

“Beats us but they’re being taken into custody right now, we’ll get Adaine back to the apartments to change and,”

“-Where's Fig and Gorgug?” Kristen was cut off by Riz, looking around. Adaine, even in her wolf form, looked curious and a bit confused looking around as well. Fabian could see the slight burn mark on the side of her head with the scent of ozone.

“We got Dayne and we were searching his body to see if he had anything when you guys texted. He had car keys so I just hopped onto the Hangman and rushed over here as fast as I could,” Fabian sighed.

“What did you find?” Riz asked, a look of curiosity and hope in his eyes.

“So much, but we planned on questioning Dayne more cause we kind of…beat his ass and knocked him unconscious,”

Riz sighed with Kristen leaning on her staff a bit out of tiredness, “Never mess with wizards, they can turn you into stone or try to,” she mumbled.

“What? What the hell did they do?” Fabian looked even more worried.

Chapter Text

Gorgug raced down the streets, hands tightly gripping the wheel with Fig practically shaking in the passenger sea with a look of worry all over her face. Dayne, passed out and bleeding out was sprawled out in the back seat of his own truck, it was old with a rusted red paint coat, more than a few scratches and dents but still good enough to race down the streets to the others.

“Come on, come on,” Fig mumbled under her breath, trying to get a better look ahead to see any signs of the others. Gorgug himself didn’t get the chance to look at Kristen’s messages but knew whatever happened was dire enough for Fabian to run without them.

Gorgug sighed, “I’m sure they’re fine. Whatever happened they’ll be okay I pro-” 

The blaring police lights and an ambulance siren surrounding the Abernant house said some other things.  

Fig immediately sat up straighter and gripped onto the neck of her guitar, ready for another fight. Gorgug slammed on the accelerator before coming to a harsh stop with the sound of Dayne's unconscious body falling and thudding onto the car's floor. Fig rushed out of the car not even bothering to close the door with Gorgug close behind, locking the doors and double checking on Dayne who luckily (somehow as well) was still knocked out. 

Gorgug raced after Fig, she was already running up the pathway to the front doors to see a familiar blonde werewolf covered in blood and injuries, Kristen and Riz sitting at the steps with blankets almost like they were freezing and Fabian standing over them. 

“Guys!” Fig shouted, slinging her guitar over her shoulder and running up to everyone. 

“What happened?” Gorgug breathed out, finally catching up to the tiefling. 

“Adaine’s family, Aelwyn and Arianwen I think. They came when we were searching and there was a whole fight,” Kristen replied. In her arms carrying Adaine’s jacket, Boggy on her shoulder and some ship model? “We barely got out of there! Aelwyn’s sister tried to turn me into stone I think?”

“Diplomatic immunity won’t help them now, they were both arrested only a few minutes ago but I won’t be surprised if the news gets out pretty soon about them,” Riz explained, pointing at a police cruiser.

Gorgug could see two figures in the backseat, more importantly one seemed to be yelling while the other kept their head down. 

“What about Dayne? Did you guys bring him?” Fabian asked, looking at the car they came in.

“He’s still passed out in the backseat. We just, kinda, shoved him in there,” Fig said. 

“I don’t think what anything we did today was legal but we can figure out a way around it,” Riz groaned, putting his head into his hands, “We found this book Aelwyn had, this ship model that had all these runes but before we could figure out what they were Aelwyn and Arianwen showed up,”

“They’re going to be searching the entire house for anything else as well,” Kristen pointed behind her, the front door was open slightly but they could see the dozen or so police officers in the house searching already.

“So, what do we do with Dayne?” Fig asked, “I mean we got a lot out of him but we could use him some more?” 

“Not here? Maybe we can bring him somewhere secluded or somewhere private?” Gorgug asked. 

“Do you think Aelwyn can receive visitors?” Fig had that look of mischief in her eyes again, “I think I have a plan to get more info out of her,”  

“If we can do that it should be soon. I wouldn’t be surprised if they lawyer up pretty soon and would refuse to-” Riz was cut off by the sudden sound of, growling?

Adaine, her fur covered scorch marks, frostbite almost, and blood covering her claws kept her eyes on a car hastily pulling up in the driveway. Her teeth were showing accompanied by a low jarring growl from the back of her throat, she moved past the other three and kept her gaze locked onto the car. Her pupils even constricted into slits. 

“Um, guys?” Gorgug mumbled, everyone turned their heads to the car. The engine stopped with the car door flying open. Gorgug had never seen one of Adaine’s family members before but the resemblance was almost uncanny. (not that he would ever say that in front of Adaine)

A blonde elf, hair slicked back with the sides turning a darker blonde, wearing a black suit with a deep blue colored tie. With the way his face was red he was either extremely angry or embarrassed. Gorgug’s best guess was that the man was Adaine’s father and was soon confirmed by the man’s yelling.

“Where are they?! My wife and daughter?!” the elf yelled. Multiple police officers tried to come up to him but he ignored everyone and pushed through the authorities, “Where’s the captain of this force?” 

Sklonda raced to the man, she already looked exhausted from this entire scene but she calmed herself. Gorgug couldn’t hear the two interactions but the look of disdain and hate in the man's eyes compared to Sklonda trying to compose herself as they spoke said it all.  

Gorgug heard the low guttural growling become louder, Adaine almost stepped past Fig and him if it weren’t for Fabian. He raced to put himself in front of Adaine with his arms out acting like a block between her and her father. 

“Hey, how about we go to the apartments? Get you cleaned up you know?” Fabian moved side to side trying to block Adaine’s view of her father, “The apartments are like what? Twenty? Thirty minutes or something like that, away from here?”

“We can take Dayne’s car again, just move him to the back truck or something,” Gorgug grabbed the car keys and pointed to the truck. 

“I’ll go to the police station and deal with Aelwyn, I’ll be right back after,” Fig dug into her jacket’s pocket for a set of keys and threw them to Gorgug.

“I’ll go with Fig,” Riz said. 

“I can go to the apartments, I can heal Adaine,” Kristen already started trying to lead Adaine to the car. 

“Who did this?!” the elven man screamed at Sklonda, “I demand to know who attacked my family! And where is she?! Adaine that-” he stopped himself short before composing just a bit. 

“We should definitely go now!” Kristen tried pushing Adaine but she refused to move, her gaze almost hungry while it fixated onto the man. 

“Yep!” Fabian joined in pushing Adaine in the direction of the stolen car with some success as she stumbled to the side a bit. 

“I’ll ask my mom to drop us off at the police station,” Riz ran off to his mom’s side with Fig close behind, “We’ll regroup at Gilear’s apartment after and share everything we found!”

“And interrogate Dayne!” Fabian shouted, “We’ll keep him tied up or something!”

Getting Dayne into the trunk of his stolen car was easy and maybe after much shoving Adaine into the backseat blocking her view of her father so she wouldn’t snap. The three teens managed to arrive at the apartments with no trouble, Kristen in the meantime poured her healing onto Adaine’s and herself healing the frostbite and the scorch marks. Their wounds were closed and healed thankfully with no scarring.

Weakly climbing up the stairs (the elevator never worked) and Gorgug carrying the still bleeding Dayne over his shoulders, they all took note of Adaine who was struggling to keep her eyes open. They barely made it into the apartment when Adaine collapsed onto the floor with a huff. 

“Christ,” Fabian mumbled, grabbing a nearby blanket on the couch, covering Adaine’s sleeping body. 

“I’ll get her clothes for when she wakes up,” Kristen ran off to somewhere else in the small apartment. Placing Adaine’s jacket and the new ship model onto the coffee table.

Gorgug shuffled Dayne on his shoulder, “Uh, where do I put him? Or do we just?...”

Kristen came back with a purple t-shirt and jeans folded neatly, placing them by Adaine’s sleeping body. She grabbed the denim jacket with the clothes as Boggy hopped onto the floor joining the werewolf. Kristen reached into the jacket pulling out some rope.

“I know how to actually tie a really good knot, summer camps and everything,” Kristen beamed with a bright smile, “Let’s just tie him…to the coffee table I guess or one of the legs,” 

Gorgug softly placed Dayne down onto the floor and true to her words Kristen wrapped the rope around the table leg and Dayne. Tying the rope tightly around his body with a few tugs to confirm the rope's strength. 

“So, what's up with the whole ship thing? And what did you guys find while we were busy with Dayne,” Fabian asked, sitting down on the couch while pointing to the ship model with the runes surrounding it. 

Kristen grabbed it off the table, sitting down next to Fabian on his left with Gorgug sitting down on his right, “I was keeping watch and I don’t think Riz or Adaine found out either, we were in the middle of snooping around when her sister and mom barged in,”

“How did they know you guys were there in the first place?” Gorgug questioned, “It was in the middle of the day and, wasn’t Aelwyn supposed to be at school and with their mom cause she’s a professor?”

“Aren’t they all wizards?” Fabian remarked, “Maybe one of them had some runes set up around the place that you guys triggered,” 

Kristen sighed, looking down at the runes which had no energy left in them,” Maybe? Adaine said her parents set some up but we were sure that we avoided all of them,” setting down the ship model next to her on the couch.

“...”

“...”

“...”

“Do we…just wait for Dayne to wake up or something?” Gorgug mumbled, Dayne was still heavily bleeding but nothing that was going to kill him in his sleep.

Fabian shot up from his seat, “Nope, we’re getting our answers whether he wants to or not,” he strided across the small room to Dayne. Kristen rushed forward with Gorgug stammering for a response. 

“Okay, okay hold up!” Kristen ran in front of Fabian, before kneeling down to Dayne and putting a hand on his shoulder. A small barely visible golden light in her palm healed his wounds just barely, “Okay, now, I just didn’t want him dying on us,” Kristen backed away with Gorgug coming up to them.

Fabian swung his foot back in a wind up before kicking Dayne straight between his legs. A heaving gasp for air woke Dayne up, he coughed up a few blood droplets while he gasped for air. Groaning in pain he kneeled over, blearily looking up at Fabian towering over him. 

“You are going to tell us everything,” Fabian commanded, he grabbed the handle of his rapier tightening his hand around the metal but not yet sheathing it, “What did you mean by ‘five out of seven’ and how does Penelope have a play in this? Whose reign are you trying to bring?”

Dayne coughed more blood onto the carpet, he laughed. It was barely audible with it sounding more of a huff of air. A wicked smile came to his face that sent a shiver down their spines, “Fuck you man. You and your stupid friends don’t know what you’ve gotten yourselves into,”

“Yet we beat your ass and tricked you into believing ‘Penelope’ back in the forest,” Gorgug mumbled under his breath. 

“So tell us and we’ll have some sympathy for you, some,” Fabian demanded. 

“No, because even if you get anything else out of me, in the end you can do nothing about it,” Dayne mocked, even with the deep cuts into his flesh, the heavy amount of bleeding, he kept his ego high.

Fabian didn’t hesitate before kicking Dayne in the nuts again, Dayne gasped for air groaning in pain, “You really don’t want to tell us?”

“Fuck you,” Dayne said raspily.

“Maybe Penelope will?” Fabian mocked.

“You leave her out of this!” Dayne yelled, blood slowly dripping out of the corner of his lips.

“You both got yourselves into this, you can still get each other out of it if you just tell us what did you do?” Gorgug stepped forward, grabbing the handle of his axe.

“Fuck you! Fuck your stupid-” 

The cracking of bones shut up Dayne with the top of Kristen’s staff slamming him on the cheek and silenced him, “Tell us what you did to those girls! Where are they! And the palimpsests they’re in!” Kristen yelled with Dayne’s left cheek bleeding.

Dayne stayed silent, his gaze fixated on something else behind the others. They all took note and turned around and could finally hear that same low guttural growling. Adaine was still in her werewolf form as from the fight, that same hungry almost starving look in her eyes that trained on Dayne.

Fabian took this moment to push it even further, “You see her? What she’ll do to you is going to be ten times worse then what we’ll do to you. Take your chances Dayne,”

Dayne looked between all of their faces, for the first time fear ran through his emotions and turmoil. He shakily gasped for more air before speaking up once more, “I don’t know, anything about the girls or why we needed them,”

“Liar,” Fabian muttered, “We’re giving you one more chance,”

“I swear-”

“Tell us what you did to them! We know you did something to them! For what?! Why?!” Gorgug yelled, he looked a bit shocked out of his own rage.

“The fuck do I know?!” Dayne screamed back, “I wasn’t in charge of kidnapping them okay! I was with the Harvestmen!”

“Why did you kill Zayn?!” Dayne looked surprised at the mention of the now ghost by Kristen.

“How did you-”

“Why seven?! What does that even mean?” Fabian yelled.

“Why are there only five right now?!” Gorgug questioned. 

“Will you just shut up!” Dayne screamed over the chorus of voices overlapping on another. The loud growl almost screeching that made everyone snap shut, if it weren’t for the blur of blonde rushing towards them. Fabian tried to move in front of Dayne covering him but Adaine moved swiftly.

A claw ran and cut deep into Dayne’s stomach, Gorgug tackled Adaine by the muzzle with Kristen already rushing to the injured and dying Dayne. He was soon stabilized but that still left Adaine.

Gorgug wrestled her by her mouth, Adaine tried to shake him off but Gorgug kept his grip, “Adaine?!”

Fabian groaned, “Come on we were just getting somewhere with him!” He grappled Adaine by her side.

Kristen healed Dayne’s wounds even more to try to keep him stable. Yet it backfired, with a profound wave of healing Dayne pushed against the rope around him with the table leg snapping behind him. He broke through the rope pushing Kristen out of the way as Gorgug and Fabian focused on Adaine. 

The two boys realized much too late as Dayne sprinted for the doorway. Adaine on the other hand, wasn’t so lenient on letting Dayne run. She broke through Gorgug and Fabian’s grasp with no struggle as the boys followed her closely. 

Dayne rushed to the front door and opened it with a swing, not bothering to close it behind him in exchange for running as fast as he could. Adaine crashed into the doorway as Dayne narrowly missed a claw to the back of his head sprinting into the hallway. 

“Mother fucker come back you little!” Fabian shouted, unsheathing his rapier from his hip. Fabian ran out the doorway with Gorgug behind him.

Adaine let out a scream almost a long howl high pitched. With thundering paws she raced after Dayne already halfway down the hallway. She snarled and managed to barely catch up with him. Kristen tried to catch up with everyone else and Gorgug grabbed his handaxe. 

Gorgug stopped dead in the hallway launching the handaxe to Dayne, but with Adaine in the way his throw was off making the axe cut into the floor of the hall. Cursing under his breath he ran after everyone. Dayne made a dead sprint with Adaine managing to claw his lower back deeply, however with his previous wounds healed, he still managed to stay up.

Stumbling his way, Dayne found the door to the stairwell as Adaine raced behind him. Weakly opening the door he slammed it closed behind him where Adaine crashed into. A loud yelp turned into snarling as she tried clawing the door.

“Out of the way!” Fabian yelled, pulling the door open. He rushed to the stairs and leaned over the edge of the railing. All he heard was the racing footsteps getting quieter and quieter, “Fuck,”

Gorgug and Kristen rushed in behind him with Adaine squeezing in behind the other two.

“We need more answers! We can’t let him go that easily!,” Fabian sighed, holding his rapier tightly before racing down the stairs.

“Where are you going?” Kristen yelled from behind him. 

“To catch him or try to?!” Fabian screamed back. Rushing down the stairwell trying not to panic with Gorgug and Kristen right behind him. Adaine rushed forward, her previous exhaustion replaced with a flare of fury as she ran past Fabian down the stairs.

The sound of a door opening and closing shut said all they needed. Dayne was already out into the lobby and they were all falling behind. All four ran as fast as they could until they reached the door of the lobby rushing out to the front of the apartment building not worrying about any looks they were getting from passersby. 

They were met with no one, the front parking lot was empty besides Dayne’s old truck and the Hangman, Fabian breathed out trying to catch his breath, “Hangman,”

“Sire!” he exclaimed, fire roaring from his engine. 

“Did you see anyone? Dayne got away, did you see him coming out from those doors?” Gorgug pointed to the front doors of the building.

“No Master! I kept an eye out for any intruders but alas, no one left the building,” Hangman sounded disappointed as well.

“Damn it, he’s gonna tell someone about what we did,” Kristen heaved, gasping for breath after running down the multiple flight of stairs, “We’re fucked,”

Fabian groaned, “He had to go somewhere!” 

“Are we sure he even left the building? Or maybe he used another door?” Gorgug questioned.

“Either way he’s probably long gone by now,” Fabian sighed, sheathing his rapier back.

“Can we go back now?” Gorgug mumbled, the other two hummed in agreement. Adaine merely huffed before running back inside.

Kristen laid down on the couch, Adaine was in her usual spot on the floor (though still werewolf) with Gorgug lying down next to her listening to his music. Fabian was in the bathroom leaving her the only awake one in the living room. Adaine soon gave up on her outburst on Dayne and immediately passed out, probably from exhaustion. Holding up her werewolf form whenever it was willingly always tired her out especially after fights by Kristen’s account from Fig.

Kristen flipped through her pages on the new religions book she received. The mood had been down from the obvious escape that Dayne made and with no zero success they had in ever finding him again. 

It had been maybe around thirty minutes from when everyone split up when she heard the knocking of the front door. She stood up from the couch and rushed to answer it, Fabian just coming back when the door was opened.

Riz, Sklonda, and Fig all stood expectantly, Fig already raising her hand to knock again.

“You won’t believe what we found out!” Riz said excitedly, that look of determination in his eyes once more. 

Kristen smiled sheepishly, at least something went right, “That’s great…um, bad news?”

“What happened?”

“Where’s Dayne?” 

“We kind of, not really willingly…let Dayne escape? 

All three fell silent while Kristen awkwardly shuffled on her feet, “Um, we tried to catch him but he outran us…”

“Fuck,” Fig mumbled while Riz looked horrified. 

Sklonda sighed, pinching her nose, “Okay, we’ll figure out what to do with him but right now let’s all just regroup,” 

On cue, Fabian and Gorgug showed up behind Kristen, “The only information was the stuff what we already figured out with Fig disguising as Penelope back in the forest,”

“Speaking of disguises, I again, disguised as Penelople with Aelwyn and got some more information about whoever is behind all of this,” Fig spoke up, “Apparently, Penelope was kind of dragging her into this. She said that the only way to communicate with ‘him’ was by Penelope and that she had a palimpsest on her,”

“Fig told me some of what you guys found out with Dayne and Aelwyn being a part of this is confirmed even more. In the fight she cast some spell to keep Kristen still,” Riz looked a bit worried.

“We think during the fight she was trying to make Kristen go into the palimpsest just like the other missing girls,” Sklonda finished for Riz. 

“Wait what? Me?” Kristen questioned.

Fig brushed past the others with Riz and Sklonda in tow. The tiefling stopped when she saw the sleeping werewolf on the living room floor, “What happened?”

“Well, Adaine almost immediately passed out when we got into the apartments and when we were interrogating Dayne-”

“More like trying,” Gorgug cut off Fabian.

“Like I was saying when we were interrogating him, Adaine woke up. I guess she didn’t take much of a liking to him cause she lunged at him and tried to claw into Dayne,” Fabian sighed.

“We pulled her off but then Dayne ran away and we all tried to chase him. Then when he got away she kind of passed out when we made it back to the apartment,” Gorgug said.

“She was probably tired, she was being attacked by her mom and this fire thing back at the house too!” Kristen exclaimed, gaining more than a few worried looks.

“Fire elemental, plus, we already went through the book we found in Aelwyn’s room. Had a spell called ‘Detect Maiden’ and ‘Modify Memory’ and a few more. We couldn’t find out what the runes fully meant on the ship model cause before Adaine could cast Identify her family rushed in,” Riz finished.

Sklonda put a hand on his shoulder, “Come on, I can try to make something for you kids and then we can get to talking about everything,” Sklonda pulled out her crystal.   -

The pounding headache never helped her, nor did the leftover feeling of coldness yet at the same time burning flame from her mother’s spells. The hardwood floor beneath her served as a friendly reminder that she was at the apartments with the others. Or, if they were still here Adaine thought. God who knows how long she was sleeping nowadays. 

The memory of, well everything after she shifted even willingly is a blur. Her mother and Aelwyn surrendering to the police, her father pulling up, making it back to the apartments then…it was almost unrecognizable the memory of attacking Dayne. An out of body experience she could call it.   

The most uncomfortable thing was her hands, they felt dry and something flaky stuck to them. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Groaning softly, she wrestled the blanket until she tore it off only to be met with the blinding lights of the ceiling. Flinching away, Adaine pulled the blanket back up, the feeling of frost and heat from her mother’s spell slowly fading away with the migraine.

Boggy knocked her out of her thoughts, the comforting green frog somehow underneath the blanket with her. He walked over to Adaine’s face before softly nuzzling her, a small wet kiss as well accompanied his familiar ribbit. A weak smile came to Adaine’s face before she tried to search for any clothing nearby. 

Her jacket luckily undamaged and a pile of neatly folded clothes next to her. Forgoing the jacket for now Adaine swiftly changed underneath the blanket, almost becoming a routine now. 

It wasn’t until now she realized what the flaky texture on her hands was. It was a dark red paper film almost scattered and cracked on the tips of her fingers. Underneath her nails and stuck to her skin like scabs. 

Dried blood. From clawing her own mother back at her old home. Adaine felt like puking, her mother deserved it all in her opinion but she couldn’t shake the feeling of disgust from herself. 

Steady hands turned trembling trying to pick away the rough yet slightly, disgustingly sticky flakes. Boggy tried to relax her, a soft croak grounded her just a bit for her to remember prestidigitation. With a shaky wave of her hand the flakes of red dispersed from her hands. Breathing short, Adaine finished changing.

Pulling off the blanket fully clothed with Boggy clambering onto her shoulder the blinding ceiling lights were bearable. Blinking away the last grogginess in her eyes she came to the realization of well, no one. The leg of the coffee table had blood that she could smell, rusting iron almost and the signs of a struggle. The table leg looked cracked, the leftover smell of multiple people though she couldn’t pinpoint who exactly and a few blankets askew on the couch. 

Boggy croaked on her shoulder when she reached into her jacket pulling out her newly gifted wand and crystal. The notifications were filled with messages earlier in the day and checking the time it was, two pm…

Goddammit, first off it never dawned on her until now how much she was sleeping rather than her trancing. Second thing was that none of the messages were new, the most recent was an hour ago. Adaine groaned before the scent of blood from the carpet became too unbearable for her. Another wave of her hand with prestidigitation the blood easily cleaned itself off of the floor. 

She needed to find the others to occupy herself from the fresh memory of the fight. Anything they connected, or anything they just found out with their intel shared together. 

Not long after she picked up on the sound of footsteps near the front door. Adaine rushed back to the living room when the door opened to Gilear. He was holding two grocery bags that were holding on for dear life and soaking wet with the smell of earth. 

“Um, hello Mister Faeth? Are you?...” Adaine’s voice was raspy but she still sounded both concerned and curious. 

“Hello, Miss Abernant,” Gilear mumbled, walking into the apartment and to the kitchen, “I was trying to get the groceries back when a fire hydrant exploded, I lost one of the bags but other then that-”

“Are you okay?” Adaine helped Gilear with bags, placing them onto the counter, “Also, where is everyone?” 

Gilear grabbed a hand rag in an attempt to dry himself, “I came back to all of your friends and my daughter Fig and Sklonda still here, you were still sleeping in your lycanthropy form. They said they’d leave you alone for your rest and went Sklonda’s apartment,” 

“And Dayne?”

"Unfortunately, my daughter didn't fully explain the situation so I'm unsure of who you're talking about,” Gilear finished drying his hair. 

Adaine felt a bit defeated by Gilear’s words but recovered herself, “Thank you Gilear, and thank you for letting me stay here,” Adaine mumbled. 

“Any friend of Fig is more than welcome to stay here,” Gilear tiredly smiled, “I’ll try to cook something for you, Fig and Kristen,” 

“Don’t burn yourself again!” Adaine rushed off to the front door where she kept another pair of boots that Fabian bought for her. A Mage Hand was cast to grab her jacket into her hand, rushing to get ready. If Gilear was right she could still talk to the others about everything they found, Aelwyn’s room, whatever the others found out about Dayne wherever he is now. 

She slipped on her boots, grabbing the extra key to the apartment before finally rushing out the door. Pocketing her crystal, the walk was short to Sklonda’s apartment and she could already hear the muffled voices behind the door when she came up to it. Raising a hand she knocked swiftly leaving the people inside to fall silent.

Things were shuffling around before someone finally walked up to the front door. Opening the door slowly was Kristen. The redhead immediately smiled brightly at the sight of Adaine in the doorway before swinging the door all the way, “Adaine! You're awake!”

Something hit the ground with a loud thud, Fig jumped off the ground dusting herself as she probably fell from the couch, “Adaine?” she whipped her head around to the two girls in the doorway.

“Hello, I woke up just a few minutes ago. Gilear told me where to find you guys when he came back,” Adaine smiled weakly waving with Boggy giving a welcoming croak.

“Kid?” Sklonda’s voice interrupted the other’s. She appeared from the kitchen with Riz in tow. 

“Hi Ms. Gukga-Ah!” Adaine yelped at being dragged by the wrist by Kristen inside the apartment. Adaine was let go by Kristen who rushed to close the door behind them. She grabbed Boggy off her shoulder to hold him close, “Where’s everyone else?” 

“To their own places, but first,” Sklonda spoke up, “We need to talk about your parents and sister,” Adaine felt her heart drop to her stomach. 

“Dude, your mom is the fucking worse,” Fig remarked, “I mean like, when I was breaking into the police station disguised as Penelope I could hear her yelling all like ‘I’m a Fallinel citizen!’ or something like, not to mention your dad,” 

Adaine winced at the description of her parents, “That’s them,”

“We have some time to figure things out but still, once the news-If it hasn’t already, reaches that your mother and sister have been arrested I’m pretty sure Fallinel is going to be gunning for them to be released,” Sklonda said.

“We need solid, undeniable evidence. Things like a confession but so far they’ve both been silent. Arianwen we can charge for aggravated assault with Aelwyn but in terms if your sister is in on the kidnapping of the girls? We only have the palimpsest as evidence and her spellbook,” 

“It’ll be hard to charge Aelwyn for kidnapping the girls since we only had the palimpsest but the attempt she made on Kristen could be enough to make a stronger case,” Riz proposed.  

“What about Dayne?” Adaine questioned, her memory was a blur. The best she could recall was the others interrogating Dayne when she-quote when a bit wild and attacked him. However after that exhaustion took its toll as she couldn’t remember, “Can’t he be a suspect as well?”

Kristen looked confused with Riz as the other two looked more worried, “He ran away? You don’t remember?”

“No? How did he run away?” 

“Well…You kind of-and I don’t mean for this to be in anyway offensive to you-” 

“Kristen,”

“You kind of, went really into this frenzy and tried attacking Dayne. Then he took it as a chance to escape while we were distracted,” Kristen said, “You really don’t remember?”

“Yes Kristen, I remember attacking him when Fabian, Gorgug and you were interrogating him but then it’s just a blur,”

“Okay, okay we’ll figure out what exactly you remember later but-”

“The ship-model-thingy! You have Identify right?” Riz cut off Sklonda before rushing off somewhere else.

“You still have it?” Adaine clutched her wand; she hadn’t been able to cast it earlier since they were found by Aelwyn and Ariawnen.

“We took it with us and tried to figure it out. The runes and what they stood for but we aren’t wizards so…” Fig mumbled. 

Adaine walked to the living room while Kristen went over to Riz’s direction to help. Sklonda started making a few phone calls as she sat on the couch with Fig.

“You sure you’re alright?” Fig turned her head to Adaine, whispering so they didn’t interfere with Sklonda’s call.

“Yes, or, I should be now,” Adaine whispered back.

Fig didn’t look at all convinced, “Adaine,”

“I remember what I promised last night but really Fig I feel fine,”

“Your own sister and mom attacked you, I feel like that should do something to someone,”

Boggy ribbited almost in agreement with Fig. Adaine mumbled under her breath, “Traitor,” she sighed before continuing, “Remember our promise?”

Fig nodded her head, “You said you would come to be if you had a problem,”

“And,” Adaine pointed to Fig, “You wouldn’t nag me about them,”

Fig stayed silent before turning away with a huff. Adaine reached out a hand to Fig’s shoulder, “But, thank you Fig…for worrying about me,” she smiled softly. If she had looked just a little bit more closely, Adaine would’ve noticed Fig’s skin turning an even brighter pink or her eyes widening just a bit.

Chapter Text

Riz and Kristen came rushing with the ship model in his hands, Adaine didn't hesitate to grab her arcane wand, pulling away from Fig. He panted from the sprinting before jumping onto the couch right between the two girls, Kristen sat on the arm of the sofa right besides Adaine.

“We couldn’t find out what these runes did or if they were still working, and I searched the internet, I couldn’t find any ship like this,” Riz breathed out.

“Either really old or something secret but either or is something we can look into,” Kristen added.

Adaine nodded her head, lifting her wand, and the same chanting started under her breath while Riz waited with his breathing. Identify only took a minute to be cast, but that minute built the tension in the air already.

‘Ah yes!’

Adaine sighed and mentally prepared herself. 

‘A sculpture used in the casting of long-range evocation spells. This storm summoning sigil uses a carving of the object meant to be ensorcelled. That has been made to look as though it is the larger object. The wood used in this rendering of the Harpy was taken from the actual Harpy itself. Making the spell near impossible to avoid. The runes around the outside of the Evocation spell, also include elements of Illusion Magic to hide the spell from powerful diviners such as prophets and Oracles.’

“Oracles?” Adaine hadn’t thought about the previous Oracle since her death, and the nightmare slash visions she had about the full moon, “When is the spell going to hit the Harpy?”

‘It appears, it already has. The date in question, September first of last year. This has been another use of the Identify spell,’

“What happened on September first?” Riz beat her to the question. Kristen was already pulling out her crystal and quickly typing something. 

“I-I don’t know,” Adaine stammered out, she scrambled through her memory for anything.

Kristen shoved her crystal in front of the two teens, the screen showed an article. 

ELVEN ORACLE, EMEMINTHINDRIEL, PASSED AWAY IN A STORM SINKING HER SHIP, THE CERULEAN 

September 1st, 5:57 AM                                                                                    Bastion City Times

The Elven Oracle, Ememinthindriel, on route to Bastion City onboard The Cerulean for reasons still classified to the public, has reportedly passed away due to the sinking of the ship. Full confirmation of her death is still pending but otherwise the nation of Fallinel is in… (click here to read more)

Oh, fucking hell.

“Did Aelwyn kill the Oracle?” Fig’s word snapped Adaine out of her turmoil.  

“But the ship that went down was The Cerulean, not the Harpy,” Adaine mumbled, “Unless it’s a coincidence that it happened on the same day or some trickery involved but-” 

“We can ask Fabian if he knows anything about the Harpy, or his dad as well,” Riz’s words brought her some comfort. Adaine steadied her shaking breathing. 

“I’ll call him right now,” Fig stood up from the couch pulling her crystal out. 

“I’ll tell the others about everything we found, see if we can come up with anything else,” Kristen started typing on her crystal.

Riz looked at the other two, something clicked in his mind before he leaned to Adaine, “You said something about seeing the future or what was going to happen on the full moon, yes?”

Adaine felt her stomach churn at the thought of that night. Even without the memory of the event happening, she still felt the feeling of blood staining her hands, “Yes?”

“Isn’t that what The Oracle does? See the future I mean,”

“It’s not, I mean I don’t think The Elven Oracle would be me. It’s supposed to go to powerful diviners, not a teenager in high school,” Adaine whispered back. 

“So how is it passed down? Is it a test or…?” 

“I…don’t know? I mean it isn’t every day that The Oracle dies and the title is passed down right after. I don’t even think they found a new one,”

“So, could you fit to be The Oracle?”

“...”

“I mean you already experienced a vision or I think it was?”

“It was some nightmare, even if it was a vision, wouldn't I know if I turned out to be The Oracle?”

“Maybe some Santa Claus situation overnight?”

“You think I got Santa Claused into being The Elven Oracle? It’s not even December or even November yet?!”

“Adaine I don’t know?!”

“Well I don’t know either, okay Riz?!” Adaine whispered, frustration building, but Boggy snuggled her lap brought some peace. 

“Fabian said he’ll ask his dad but he’s talking to some banker right now so it’ll be a bit before he gets us an answer,” Fig interrupted them, pocketing her crystal just as Kristen turned hers off. Fig looked at them curiously and confused, “Something happened?”

“Just thinking about the Oracle,”

“Oracle stuff,”

“And I just texted everything we found out about the ship into the group chat for Gorgug and Fabian,” Kristen finished cutting the conversation the other three were just having.

She sank into the couch, feeling tired even though her previous nap was mere minutes ago, “Do you know what's going to happen to Aelwyn and my mom?” she asked Riz.

“I think they'll definitely lawyer up or get something to help them out of jail,” he replied. 

“How about? We think this through later? I was thinking of a plan with Penelope but we should definitely get some rest before we make our next move…” Fig proposed. 

“Penelope?” 

“Right, you were asleep, when I was disguised as her for Dayne, he told her that like they were in this together or that's how I read it at least. And I did the same thing with Aelwyn and she said that Penelope or I got her into this,”

“We also found a palimpsest on her person, Adaine,” Riz said, “During the fight, she cast this stone spell on Kristen, and we think that she would’ve tried to put her into the palimpsest if my mom and the police didn’t show up,”

Adaine felt puzzled and angry, Aelwyn was a case (she was sounding like Riz) she couldn’t solve. 

At first she thought her older sister was being coerced into this scheme. The confirmation that Penelope brought her into this. Plus, the fact that Zayn said she was always on edge whenever they were making the Spy’s Tongue Curse, like she was being watched or something along those lines. 

But with the realization of Aelwyn attempting to make Kristen one of the kidnapped girls, Adaine felt an almost overwhelming anger.

However, the tiefling was right, while she may have taken a short rest, Adaine still felt drained of her energy with missing spells and her healed wounds still sore. Everybody needs rest today after their set up plans.

“Fig’s right,” Adaine sighed, “We should all get some rest before we start planning for the next steps,” 

“By the way, we still have school tomorrow…Today’s still Monday,” Kristen whispered. The other three groaned in protest.

Adaine stared at the ceiling with her darkvision, the living room lights were turned off, but with the special vision nothing was truly pitch black like it should’ve been. 

Dinner was served and eaten, she finished any homework she had, the small conversation she had with Fig calmed the tiefling down not to nag her. Fabian was unable to talk to his father before he went to bed due to the banker taking up most of the day.

Even with the exhaustion filling her bones, restlessness filled her mind and thoughts. 

Boggy stayed awake with her, not yielding to let Adaine be herself at night. Fig was curled into her side with her tail wrapped around Kristen’s arm, which was draped over her. The soft snores, Boggy’s occasional croak or ribbit and steady breathing were the only thing in the dead of night. 

Sighing softly, she grabbed Boggy close to her chest and slowly removed herself from the sleep pile. The hardwood floor was cold against her feet, as she walked to the couch. Adaine grabbed her school backpack, if anything, the silence was a rare occasion nowadays, she should take advantage of it before everything started going wrong again.

Sitting down on the couch, she placed Boggy right beside her, zipping open her backpack. The small pile of books was mostly about her wizardry, runes and sigils (convenient due to their recent findings), and more like her library books…

The library books from the start of the year that she never read. The ones she managed to grab from her old room right before she left for good. 

Ah, well. She had more than enough time to spare. Adaine grabbed the first one, cracking it open, The Aeons of Solace . 

It was common knowledge that Solace was a human monarchy before it opened itself to others, the original royal family was connected through blood and marriage to the families in Highcourt. However, what came as a surprise was the conquering of Solace some centuries ago by Kalvaxus, Emperor of the Red Waste. Laying waste to Solace.

However, Alexandria the 12th, Queen of Solace and sole surviving member of her royal family and her strongest allies defeated Kalvaxus in combat. Therefore, liberating Solace, disbanding the original monarchy with the formation of the first Council of Chosen. The Elven Oracle, Eleminthindriel spoke to Alexandria, swearing to return if there was ever to be trouble…

…

“Why did Eleminthrindriel board that ship in the first place?” Adaine spoke out. Shushing herself when Kristen stirred, but fell back asleep just as quickly. Boggy gave her a reassuring croak like it was an answer to her question.

Adaine silently grabbed her crystal, opening the search engine and quickly typing. The article title of the one Kristen showed her in the first place was the first one to load. Bastion City Times opened quickly to the full article, however, scrolling through the page. Nothing came up on Eleminthrindriel’s reason for traveling to Bastion City. 

Searching again in the engine did nothing as well. Trying ‘Why was Eleminthrindriel on The Cerulean’ or ‘Why was The Elven Oracle traveling to Bastion City’ or anything in the genre, gave her no results. 

Sighing, Adaine placed the first book aside and grabbed Arthur Augefort’s biography next. Pushing the question for later, Abracadabra, Look at Me Now: My Life in Magic. She already knew this was going to be more draining.  

First off, the reason it was in the restricted section for it being spicy, was by no means an understatement. Having to put the book down multiple times made it hard to get through, and honestly, not very helpful in the historical path she was looking for. 

No dates, only first names, the book was more of a memoir. Weird jokes scattered throughout, but he did a good interpretation of magic. Reaching to the divination section of his book, one of the lines was, “The strongest of all divination, of course, is the art of prophecy. You know what I have to say about prophecy? Chuck them in a bin, ha ha, ha,”

“(This is not a joke. You should chuck prophecies in the bin)”

Adaine raised an eyebrow, the comment in parentheses seemed out of place. Should they’ve checked the bin of Arthur’s office? It’s been months since his death so theoretically someone should’ve taken out the trash already.

Closing the book, stuffing both of them in her backpack to return tomorrow, Adaine checked her crystal. 1:37 AM . 

She’ll talk to the others about her findings when everyone meets up about the whole Penelope situation. Zipping her backpack shut, Boggy climbed back onto her shoulder while she walked back to the makeshift bed on the floor. Fig was on her stomach with Kristen sprawled out like some starfish.

Quietly and slowly lying back down in the original spot. Pulling the blanket that Kristen was hogging, the exhaustion from earlier was finally coming back to bite her. Boggy moved to nuzzle into her, eyes drooping as Adaine let the sleep come over her.

Kalvaxus, The Cerulean slash Harpy? The missing girls, The KVX bank, Harvestmen and their goals for trying to bring an apocalypse, Dayne, Penelope, Aelwyn…All of it could be over soon, Adaine just had to hold out for a little while longer. Then whatever's going to happen with her mother and Aelwyn will happen, she doesn’t mind the apartments anymore. 

What was the saying? Home is where the heart is or something. Her heart sure isn’t with those people. Maybe it’s with her friends and strangely in the small apartment with her makeshift bed on the floor. 

Adaine closed her eyes, twisting to lie on her side with Boggy close to her chest. The final bits of her train of thought came to a stop with her exhaustion taking over. Sleep was almost at her reach when her thoughts came to a point of realization just as her body fell limp. 

…

The KVX bank.

Kalvaxus.

KVX.

The K in Kalvaxus, then the V in it and then the X. 

Eye snapping open, she sat up from the bed, wide awake compared to mere moments ago. Oh motherfucker, the KVX bank is Kalvaxus’s bank.

“What? Adaine?” Fig grumbled, lifting her head from the pillow still having her eyes closed, “Something going?...”

“Whass happening?” Kristen slurred, twisting in the bed to face the elf, “What’s going on?” 

Adaine shut her mouth. In her small (not really) realization she spoke aloud to wake the others. 

“Nothing, nothing, go back to sleep both of you,” Adaine whispered, one hand patting Fig’s shoulder, the other pushing her head back into the pillow.  

Chapter Text

“When did she go to sleep last night?”

“Adaine. Come on girl, wake up, we're gonna be late.” 

“I dunno, I remember she woke us up at some point at like midnight or something. But I fell right back asleep after that.”

“I think Adaine just pushed me back to sleep. Also, stop stealing the blanket I was freezing last night.”

“You burn like an oven in your sleep. Fig, don’t complain about freezing.”

Hearing her friend's small banter was all Adiane needed to wake up. She lifted herself into a sitting position, Boggy croaking awake alongside her. Kristen was still in her sleepwear, shorts, and another camp shirt while Fig was just missing her usual leather jacket. Both girls were standing above her. 

“Morning!” Kristen smiled, reaching down to pet Boggy who happily accepted.

“Good morning, yeah, but is everything alright? You woke us up at like, midnight or sometime around that.”

Adaine groaned, her eyes still drooping from exhaustion from the lack of sleep, “I was reading last night and I found some stuff out…Can I at least get ready first?” Her voice is raspy and her words are slower. She cursed how they had to wake up early since Gilear had to work. 

God, she missed trancing instead of sleeping. 

“So, Oracle died in The Cerulean, September 1st.”

“Yes.”

“But the Identify spell said that ship model was The Harpy? But both crashed, oh, well sank on the same day.”

“The runes and the magic placed on it made it so the illusions were powerful enough to disguise itself from powerful diviners, Oracles included,” zipping her backpack closed Adaine strode to the front door, “She wouldn’t have been able to see it coming, or it would’ve been almost impossible to see.”

“Why was she heading to Bastion City anyway? Like I would get it if it was for politics, I think, but why would they say nothing about her trip?” Kristen was close behind her. Staff and book in hand, Fig was doing her final makeup in the bathroom while Gilear was still getting ready.

“I searched everywhere but all of it was ‘classified’ and unopened to the public.”

“Huh, but even if it was political wouldn’t they just have said–”

“Guys!” Riz’s voice made both of them jump. Kristen nearly fell backward while Adaine almost instinctively let her hand grow the now familiar fur and claws in preparation for an attack. But both eased at the sight of Riz.

“Riz! I was reading the library books I checked out on the first day of school, and I found some stuff,” Adaine didn’t hesitate to explain all of her findings. By the time she finished her rambling Gilear and Fig stepped out finally ready. 

-

Adaine scanned the quad for the brunette sorcerer, school was still bustling in the early morning. The crowds made it even harder to search for Penelope even with the other five looking at her. Dayne as well wasn’t seen and his stolen car was still in the parking lot of the apartments when they left. 

Neither suspects were found anywhere. Sighing she sat back down at the table with everyone regrouping. 

“Dayne would’ve gone to Penelope or someone in on the plan and told them about us and what we did,” Riz looked paranoid, keeping his voice low.

“If he did, Aelwyn in jail already sent the message we’re on their trail,” Fabian remarked. Patting Riz on the back trying to comfort him.

“Five out of seven,” Riz grabbed his suitcase, “There’s five missing girls. Aelwyn and Johnny, and now Penelope, we think, is kidnapping them. Aelwyn has this spell called Detect Maiden in her book.”

The entire party cringed at the spell, “Ew,” Adaine mumbled under her breath. 

“Either way, not that being a virgin is bad-”

“Right…”

“Totally!”

“No one who is detecting maidens is a maiden-”

“So they need two more maidens to finish whatever they want,” Adaine cut off Fig. 

“Right, Dayne commented ‘his reign’ meaning. They’re trying to bring something back?” Riz pulled out a caseboard similar to the one he had in the apartments. 

‘KVK BANK = KALVAXUS’S BANK?’

‘KALVAXUS IS THE OLD EMPEROR OF RED WASTE AND WAS DEFEATED BY OLD SOLACE QUEEN ALEXANDRIA AND HER TEAM WHICH LIBERATED SOLACE’ 

‘PREVIOUS ORACLE KILLED SEPTEMBER 1ST BY AELWYN?! BY SIGILS AND RUNES ON MINI SHIP. REASON FOR TRIP IS UNKNOWN’

‘THE CERULEAN SHIP (SANK WITH THE ORACLE) = THE HARPY?’

‘KIDNAPPING GIRLS (SAM, KATJA, PENNY, DANIELLE, ANTIOPE) IS AELWYN ABERNANT (ARRESTED) JOHNNY SPELLS (DEAD) AND PENELOPE EVERPETAL??’

‘ARTHUR SAID ‘CHUCK PROPHECIES INTO THE BIN’ MAYBE CHECK HIS TRASH CAN?’

“When did you get the time for this? I told you right before we left for school.”

“I did it in the car when no one was looking.”

“The Harpy was a part of Kalvaxus’s navy fleet when he was in reign. A flagship more importantly. It could go invisible, disguised as another ship. Major illusion magic,” Fabian pointed to the notes of The Cerulean and The Harpy. 

“So, The Cerulean and The Harpy are the same,” Riz groaned. 

“Why did Aelwyn kill…um?” Gorgug mumbled.

“Eleminthindriel, and honestly? I don’t know. And it wasn’t just Eleminthindriel, it was dozens of people, crew members and all,” Adaine answered. 

“Does it even connect to the missing girls? I mean, none of them were divination wizards or had anything on them about divination,” Riz rummaged through files in his suitcase. 

“So…who’s The Oracle now?” Fabian asked. 

Adaine froze and Riz looked a bit taken back. She knew her visions about the full moon weren’t normal for the average divination wizard, but how could she? A recently lycanthropy-cursed elf riddled with anxiety has become one of the most powerful and utmost respected titles in all of Fallinel culture. At fourteen. 

“No one I think,” Adaine spoke up before she realized the lie slipping into her words. She barely caught the small glance from Riz.

“How about we search for Penelope throughout the day?” Kristen proposed, “We’ve seen her through the halls before, we’ll probably catch her then.”

“Then what? Hey, we beat up your boyfriend and know you’re kidnapping girls-”

“Maybe not that?” Fabian cut off Fig.

“We shouldn’t talk to Penelope for now, she’s a sorceress and a senior. And if she’s capable of kidnapping all those girls then she’d be more than able to beat us if she had the upper hand.” Adaine cut in. 

Before anyone could cut in for more of the conversation the bell rang throughout the school. Riz scrambled to pack up the files and new clueboard.

“We’ll continue at lunch and see if anybody sees Penelope then,” Adaine said.

“How about Ragh? He still technically owes us for revivifying him,” Gorgug asked.

“I don’t think I’ve seen him?” Fig looked around for the other half-orc. 

Being dropped off to her wizardry class by Fig, Adaine barely noticed Jawbone in the halls. Something deep down wanted her to go talk to the counselor, maybe about the struggle on the full moon mere days ago. Or how her sister and own mother tried to kidnap one of her best friends and tried to kill her as well. Called a monster and an assortment of other things. 

Later, Adaine thought. Maybe when things finally calm down with whatever’s been going on she’ll talk to him. Right now she has an office to break into. 

The Ball (Riz)

12:37 pm 

Adaine:

Do you wanna break into Augeforts office and check his trash?

The Ball (Riz):

Absolutely yes

Do you wanna bring the others?

Also, I can go right now I do nothing in rogue 

Adaine:

Wait what?

The Ball (Riz):

The entire course is trying to find the rouge teacher

I don’t even have a last name or a first to go off on

Mostly just calling cards the teacher leaves

Adaine:

Huh

All I do is read and practice with materials 

Also

The fewer people the less noise and the chance of being caught

But we’ll tell them

The Ball (Riz):

We’ll do it right after our lunch starts

Most teachers will either have lunch, be teaching, or watch everyone in the cafeteria or outside in the quad.

Bad Kidzz (LAST TIME I SWEAR TO GOD-Fig)

12:41 PM

Adaine: 

Riz and I are going to break into the Augeforts office

After our lunch gets out so in five or six minutes

Fabian:

What

I thought that was sort of a thing we’d put to the side.

The Ball (Riz):

We have to check out everything

No stone is left unturned

Gorgug:

Then we’ll look for Penelope during lunch still

Kristen:

Has anybody heard from Biz?

Adaine:

Ew

Fig:

Okay hold up Adaine don’t hate yet

I mean deserved but it still

Kristen:

I mean I know we don’t have any palimpsests for him to do his job but still.

The Ball (Riz):

Still hospitalized I think

Until we get our hands on another one of the girl’s palimpsests for him he’s just.

Off to the side for now

Adaine:

Thank god

Stalking through the halls was much easier than expected. While Greater Invisibility only lasted a minute the crystal cameras didn’t pick up audio very well. Running through the empty halls was easy, passing through the front office was the trickier part. 

Goldenhoard was talking to some other faculty, Riz led the way to the Augeforts office while Adaine concentrated on the invisibility spell. Reaching the front door of the still deceased principal’s office, Riz pulled a thieves' tool kit out of his briefcase as Adaine kept watch. Heightened hearing picked up on footsteps even, alerting her if anybody came too close for comfort. 

There were a few jiggles of the lock before a little voice that both teens barely picked up on spoke out, “Fiddly Dee, a little thief attempting to break into the vault of Arthur Augefort. This enchanted door shall find-”

Footsteps, only a hall or two away. 

“Riz hurry up!” Adaine whispered, grabbing the arcane wand with a minor Lightning Bolt charged.

“Hold up!” Riz grumbled. 

The footsteps were just around the corner. They couldn’t take their chances of getting caught or fighting one of the teachers. 

Adaine pocketed her wand into her jacket, grabbing Riz’s briefcase with one hand as the other easily scooped him up. He hissed out of protest before someone rounded the corner of the hallway. Invisibility still up Adaine didn’t hesitate before turning on her heel and running the opposite way.  

Just as she turned the corner the last few seconds of the spell wore off. As it did a voice rang out beside Arthur’s message from the enchanted door, “Hello? Who’s there?” Goldenhoard’s tone sounded pissed off and almost dripping with something worse.

“Damn it!” Adaine burned through another spell casting Greater Invisibility again. Riz was covered by the spell as well since she was carrying him. Running through confused faculty members who heard footsteps but didn’t see anybody. Until they reached a hallway Adaine dropped the concentration with Riz plopping onto the floor. 

“I thought it would be easier, not with the door enchanted at least,” Riz sighed. Grabbing his briefcase from Adaine. 

“There were too many people around and Arthur’s stupid message warned people around us,” Adaine groaned, even if there was something in his office their chance was ruined by the door. 

“Maybe after school or some other time,” Riz tried patting her shoulder on his tippy toes. 

Adaine felt her crustal vibrate in her jacket’s breast pocket and Riz’s crystal lit up in his front pocket. 

Bad Kidzz (LAST TIME CHANGING IT I SWEAR TO GOD-Fig)

12:55 pm

Fig:

We can’t find Penelope anywhere she might’ve ditched school

Or Ragh but Gorgug thought he saw him walking to Jawbone’s office

Fabian:

How did the breaking and entering attempt work

Adaine:

No luck

Kristen:

Really?

The Ball (Riz):

I tried locking the door and some automated message started playing it warned people in the area we were trying to break into his office

Adaine’s crystal pinged from a number that rarely texted her. Hells, she doesn’t know why she even bothered having her father’s humber since he rarely contacted her. Except, for now, that is.

Father

12:56 pm

Father:

Adaine.

This is all you and your hooligan friends’ fault.

https://www.Bastion-City-Times.com

What the fuck?

“What?” Riz’s voice reminded her of his presence.

“Nothing, my dad just sent me an article and told me to get home at once. Or I’m ‘banished’ from the family, ” Adaine said, hesitating before clicking the link. Tilting her screen to show Riz as well.

WAR DECLARED ON FALLINEL BY SOLACE

Today, 12:56 pm                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bastion City Times

News of a Fallinel diplomate's family members being arrested spread quickly yesterday. Arianwen and Aelwyn Abernant, mother and eldest daughter in the family of four, were placed in Elmville custody. Only to be broken out by an elven strike team, an act of war on Solisian soil…( click here to see more )

“What the actual-”

“Did we start a war?”

The entire week was, unusually, calm.

Penelope and Dayne went off the grid but with war declared it wasn’t a main topic. There was an official restriction on leaving the borders of Solace due to some policy. The main reason for the war dropped to the public as well, Arianwen and Aelwyn Abernant being taken by an Elven strike team. 

News of her family spread just as fast as the news of war. Soon enough, the public started digging into her family history. When and why they moved to Solace, Arianwen, and Angwyn’s history, Aelwyn at Hudol, and Adaine at Augefort. All of it dropped to the public, which also meant the school. 

It was only Thursday and walking down the halls people were already giving her strange stares. Since the news of her family is the main reason for the war, people don’t hesitate to judge her as well. 

While nobody said anything straight to her face. With heightened hearing, she could easily pick up on their low whispers behind her back. Not taking her chances with Angwyn’s offer. Adaine still stayed at the apartments, more like her permanent home for now.

After school let out everybody planned to meet on the bleachers, with Boggy croaking on her shoulder Adaine rushed to the Bloodrush field only to be met with everybody else but Kristen. Hiding beside the bleachers, poking their heads out to see Kristen sitting and talking to someone. Specifically a girl, half shaved hair with familiar sharp canine teeth when she spoke with long claws fingernails.

“What are you all-”

“Shh!” Fig pressed a finger to her lips.

“Adaine not now!” Fabian whispered.

Adaine quickly shut up, joining the others in eavesdropping. Kristen looked nervous and the girl, Tracker as Adaine remembered, was talking smoothly with her friend. The new person looked around high school age, maybe a sophomore or so. 

“She’s your age! Kristen, you’re all good!” Riz shouted, Kristen snapped out of her daydream and waved at them.

She barely noticed Jawbone walking up, from the school with Ragh leaving, “Tracker! Kiddo!” He swooped her in a tight hug. Everybody else walked up as if they just arrived even with their cover blown mere minutes ago. Jawbone smiled at them all waving and almost looked, glad that Adaine was with them.

“Hey, kids! How’s everybody doing?” Jawbone said. Letting Tracker go and patting her shoulder. 

Before anyone could comment or start up another conversation Fabian punched Gorgug in the back of the head. 

“Ah! Ow!”

“Gorgug!”

“Fabian what the fuck?!”

“Look-He was going to say-”

“Fabian!”

“What the heck man?!”

“I didn’t mean for it to be that hard!”

“Hey, hey, hey!” Jawbone stepped between Gorgug, who was still rubbing his head, and Fabian, “What the hell’s going on here!”

“Look, he was thinking that you’re his dad-”

“No!” Gorgug pointed to Jawbone, “You’re her dad!” moving to point to Tracker. All of the party minus Gorgug broke into laughter, “Don’t you see?”

“Gorgug…” Adaine patted him on the back.

“Look, there are ways to solve problems without violence. And honestly, violence usually comes from a place of fear. And, I noticed you kids haven’t stopped by my office anytime soon,” Adaine tensed up just a bit before Boggy croaked on her shoulder. 

“Well, you did bite one of my friends so-”

“I’m sorry I bit Adaine, yes, but at least I don’t bite myself. And that’s what some kids do emotionally every day and I see that in you Fabian.”

“I think I’m bruised…”

Adaine silently pulled an ice pack out of her jacket, handing it over to Gorgug.

“Well kids, I do have to go but like I said, you’re more than welcome to come by. And that extends to any of you kids,” Jawbone not so subtly aimed at Adaine. Tracker grabbed her bike walking away with Jawbone before looking back. Waving back to Kristen.

“Good luck!” Kristen yelled.

“With what?”

“Hmh?” Kristen’s voice raises an octave high and only responds when Fig elbows her in the ribs, “Maybe I’ll see you around?”

“Just get her number so we can go,” Fabian mumbles, elbowed by Adaine this time.

“Tracker asked about you.”

“Excuse me?” Adaine looked up from her book. It was late night Friday, and Kristen just arrived from visiting Tracker and Jawbone for the first time. Fig was already passed out on the couch right beside Adaine, curled into a ball with a blanket draped over her. With Riz working late on the clue board again at his place. 

Kristen plopped down on her other side, “I talked about you being a werewolf, not too many details though,” 

“Oh.”

“I didn’t mention the full moon.”

“...Thank you. I think.”

“She said if you wanted, you could drop by on the full moons,” Kristen sounded sympathetic. Neither spoke for a few seconds before the cleric spoke again, “Maybe if you wanted. It's better than Fabian’s dad’s plan though.”

“Maybe.”

“Adaine?”

“Yes, Kristen?”

“I know, from Fig-”

“Who did she tell?”

“Um…everybody?” Kristen almost winced as Adaine sighed. 

“Damn it…”

“Well, Fig talked about your guy's small promise.”

“Great.”

“We’re worried.”

“...”

“And we still care, you know that? Right? It’s important that you know that. Even with this whole war going on and your parents and stupid sister.”

“I know.”

“And we should have each other's back, you guys had mine with Coach Daybreak.”

“Where is this leading to?”

“I’m saying, no matter what happens we’re always friends.”

“...”

“Adaine?”

“Thank you, Kristen.”

“No problem girl.”

“...I think I’m the Oracle.”

“The dead lady?”

“Kristen.”

“Sorry…”

Adaine sighs softly, and Boggy climbs into her lap. A sign of support in this moment of vulnerability that she ever so hates, “The nightmares I had on the full moon or about it?”

“Those were?”

“Visions. That only the Oracle can have. I talked about it with Riz before and he came to the same conclusion.”

“Is that good or bad for you?”

“Bad, at least I think it is,” Adaine pets Boggy, the squishiness of the frog oddly comforting her, “Fallinel’s desperate, especially with the war going on they’ll want the Oracle back. Which means, I'll probably be dragged back home, with my dad.”

“Oh…well, like I said Adaine. We have each other's back, we’re not gonna let some people who only care for a title drag our favorite wizard and wolf away.” 

For once, Adaine doesn’t mind being called a wolf. Maybe she’s slowly leaning into it, maybe she’s just tolerating it for now, “Thank you.”

“...”

“...”

“Can I tell you something in return?”

“Sure.”

“You can’t tell anyone.”

“Okay?”

“I think I’m gay,” Kristen whispers like it's a sin to speak.

“Cool.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I think you’re still cool Kristen,” Adaine hands Boggy to her. The frog immediately works on the redhead as she smiles brightly. 

“You think I’m cool?”

“Don’t, nope you’ve ruined the moment-”

Chapter Text

The cold fall days blended into a week, which merged into multiple weeks. Penelope rarely showed up to school and almost always avoided Adaine and the others like the plague. Dayne was still missing from the entire equation since he had run away with the war still raging. 

Well, not in the fighting aspect, that is. Most of all, it’s been a figuratively screaming match between the nations of Solace and Fallinel. With the rise of war, problems from ages ago came like a phoenix rising from its ashes. Debate after debate, nothing was soon to be fixed. 

Adaine was just glad that even with her Fallinel birth citizenship, no one bothered her in the legal aspect. Though with no peace treaty or anything of the sort, she wouldn’t be surprised if some type of authorities came knocking on her door one day. 

Plus, she was loving the freedom she finally had over her life again. School was surprisingly easier, people respected them because of their “cool kid” status. Adaine finally caught up in wizardry without having to solve a mystery every other day.

Even hanging out with Zayn in the graveyard every now and then when she had downtime to herself. Even in death, he was an excellent friend. She even brought Edgar, his rat, for the two to reunite again. 

Even with the looming threat of war, her friends plus a new one. It wasn't the most key thing in mind for the wizard. 

It had been over twenty-four days since the last full moon. Adaine only had five and a half more days until that nightmare of an event started again.

That same unruly feeling of something underneath her skin was back, with the day coming closer. The memory of being stuck in the lower deck came crashing back, the moonlight shining through a small window with the burning, throbbing pain all over her body happening within seconds. Not even mentioning what she didn’t remember. 

Even though nobody brought it up to her anymore, Adaine knew it was clear as day what she did to them. By no means does she want to hurt anybody again. 

She didn’t trust herself to go back to the lower deck of the Hangman; wandering around Elmville during the full moon wasn’t an option from the start. 

Desperate times call for desperate measures.  

In the almost month of silence, Tracker had gotten closer to Kristen. Which also meant finding out she and Jawbone lived in Strongtower Luxury Apartments as well. Jawbone welcomed Kristen with open arms whenever she visited them and also extended the invitation to all the other five teens. 

So, on a Monday night, when Kristen was leaving to visit Jawbone and Tracker. Adaine painfully tagged along. Fig questioned her move since they normally spent time watching movies or hanging out with Riz while Kristen left but eventually let Adaine go, still confused about her decision. 

Though thinking about it, Adaine was also questioning her choice.

Boggy’s croaking barely reassured her about the decision to come. Not while she still felt the same inexplicable shift within her bones, something begging to come back out. Ignoring it, Adaine turned the corner with Kristen down a hallway on the second floor. The cleric was talking about something. Adaine tried paying attention, but the feeling of dread was almost overwhelmingly filling her mind. 

She barely registered Kristen coming to a stop at a door. What would she even say to Jawbone? Trembling hands started at her sides while Kristen knocked. Boggy nuzzled her cheek. Sitting on her shoulder, the frog grounded her just enough to calm down. 

The door swung open to Tracker. She looked surprised with widened eyes at Adaine but still flashed a smile to both of them. “Come in,” moving out of the doorway for them. The smell of food, more importantly meat combined with some vegetables, reached Adaine’s senses first.

“H-Hey!” Kristen stammered out. Almost tripping on her own two feet getting inside as Adaine followed close. 

God, she forgot how awkward Kristen could be. “Hi, my name’s Adaine, and sorry if I’m intruding just that,” Adaine sucked in a small breath. In truth, she didn’t even tell Kristen why she was coming. 

How could she trust Tracker, someone she’d barely met? “Fig was busy, and I didn’t want to be left alone in the apartment, so I tagged along.” The lie came faster than she could register saying it.

“Fig’s no-”

Adaine quickly elbowed Kristen in the ribs before she could finish saying anything. She seemed to get the memo and just smiled sheepishly at Tracker. The werewolf gave them a confused look, but another voice interrupted the conversation. 

Jawbone was wearing his normal graphic band shirt with another cardigan but a pair of old gym shorts instead of denim ones.  Holding a plate piled with a variety of vegetables and steak. His eyes widened at the sight of Adaine before he smiled widely.

“Hey, kiddos! And Adaine, nice of you to join us tonight! Dinner’s almost ready if you kids want to eat, steak and some vegetables,” Jawbone exclaimed. 

He paused, sniffing the air before rushing off to the kitchen. Adaine detected the smell of smoke with a hint of sulfur to realize his hurry, something was burning in the kitchen.

Tracker closed the door behind them before rushing off into the apartment, Kristen close behind her. Adaine hesitated before Boggy reassured her with another ribbit and nuzzle to go on. With a small, shaky breath, she followed the other two. 

True to his word, Jawbone in the kitchen had about six or seven steaks, with cut-up vegetables like carrots and some bell peppers. “Everybody wants to eat? There’s more than enough for everybody, just making sure!”

“Yes, Jawbone.”

“Thank you, Jawbone!”

“Thank you…”

She sat beside Kristen at the small dining table; Tracker across Kristen with Jawbone sitting at the head was her best guess. Boggy hopped onto her lap and let Adaine pet him to comfort herself while waiting. The other two girls easily fell into a conversation. She tried to keep up but was lost in small observations around the small apartment. 

There were more than a few claw marks similar to the ones Adaine had seen before across the concrete walls, couches, and even the table. 

Another thing was the smell of earth mixed with the woody, fresh aroma that was similar to pine coming from, ah well, everywhere in the apartment. The last observation the elf could make at the moment was the scent of…silver.

Before Adaine could register the fact, Jawbone walked up to the table, balancing three plates in hand. 

Tracker and Kristen still kept their conversation while Adaine dived in. Finally, something proper than school breakfast and lunch with Gilear’s mess of a dinner. The man tried hard, but with his horrible luck, something always went wrong during the process. 

Jawbone sat down at the head of the small table. For most of the dinner, the discussion was carried on by Kristen and Tracker, with the occasional comments by the older werewolf. 

Adaine stayed silent, not finding a place for her to comment on the already tight-knit relationship between the other three. A little reminder back to her own old family, but she knocked the idea out of her thoughts. 

By the time dinner was finished, Adaine still hadn’t spoken. Tracker and Kristen placed their plates in the sink before walking off to the kitchen when Adaine had finished hers. Boggy hopped onto her shoulder when she headed towards the sink. She already had the water running when a hand was placed on her shoulder. 

Slightly tensing, she turned around to see Jawbone. Adaine slightly panicked even though the entire reason she was there was to talk to the werewolf. 

“Hey, kiddo, ya’know, you don’t have to wash the dishes. I can handle it. How about you hang out with Tracker and Kristen?” Jawbone flashed another fanged smile, patting Adaine on the shoulder. 

Adaine hesitated, “Actually, I came here to talk to you. About the full moon coming,” Boggy croaked in reassurance and support for the elf. 

Jawbone didn’t speak for a few seconds, only making Adaine regret her decision to come even more. “How about we sit down at the table for this?” 

Nodding, Adaine turned off the water before following Jawbone to the dining table. The living room TV thankfully would block out their conversation with the other two girls. The least she needed was Kristen, who is easily persuaded to talk, and Tracker again, somebody she barely knows to hear. Adaine, sitting down across from Jawbone, finally took the initiative. 

“During the last full moon,” Adaine felt her pointed ears droop just slightly, “I attacked my friends, and some of them and me, barely, made it out alive.” Lowering her head, she didn't dare meet Jawbone’s gaze. 

“Kiddo-”

“I just want to do something so I won’t hurt anybody else. That’s all, comfortable or not. I just need somebody to tell me what to do so I won’t go wild again on my friends,” Adaine sounded desperate. Maybe she was, not that she’d ever admit it to somebody.

Jawbone stayed silent, and Adaine felt the need to run again. She shouldn’t have come here. Barely knowing Jawbone, and yet she was making demands like this to him felt shameful. 

“Adaine, the full moon, especially for young and first-timer werewolves, is always hard.” His gruff voice snapped her out of her turmoil. “It’s always bad, I remember when I turned on the full moon for the first time, I went running around buck wild and out of control. Kiddo, it was never your fault for what you did or what happened.”

“Like one time in the Red Waste, I was in an orgy-”

“What?”

“I’m getting there. I was in an orgy and there was this dragonborn man, his first time doing one and he was freaking out plus he was doing some snuff and dragon spice so it just added fuel to the fire. Now, he freaked out when someone tried to grab him, and I ended up getting punched in the face. It wasn’t his fault; it was new and confusing and even hurting a bit.”

“What I’m saying, kiddo, is that whenever something new comes along. It’s more than alright not knowing what to do or being confused. Do you get me?”

“Kind of?” Boggy croaked on her shoulder in support. Adaine, even with the confusing speech, for once felt the smallest bit of hope for her situation and reassurance not from the frog for once. 

Looking up from the wooden table, Jawbone had a look of understanding and determination. 

“I won’t push for all the details on what happened if you’re not comfortable. But like I've done with Tracker before, I’m more than willing to help you through this, kiddo.”

Holding back a smile of relief, Adaine smiled, “Thank you, Jawbone.”

“Kiddo, this is what I signed up for and what I’m good at. Helping kids.” Jawbone replied. “There are a few things that we do before every full moon, at least. We are going to have to chain you up, kid.” 

Jawbone deflated a bit at his own request. He didn’t seem keen on chaining Adaine. Adaine herself felt her heart drop just a bit, but the memory of what happened last time she didn’t fully disagree just yet. 

“We can do silver or just normal metal. For silver, we’ll put some cloth around your arm so you don’t get burned immediately, just a precaution. Tracker uses them all the time, but if you’re like me,” motioning to himself. 

“In a half-state like me, I don’t use the chains very often since I’m kind of always a wolf. It helps with the full moon, but we can talk about that later.”

“I’d…prefer if we’d use the metal first?” Adaine asked. Boggy soothed her with a nuzzle on her cheek and a croak. “The chains is still a yes.”

“Then it’s settled on that. Tracker’s spot is in her room, so I can lend you another room in the apartment for you to stay in.”

“Will the chains be attached to the walls?”

“The floors. Then, when the full moon does come, eat. And I mean it, Adaine; when eating can help kiddo, less irritable and helps…”

“Not wanting to eat others?”

“We can talk about that part later.”

“Is Tracker okay with my staying over?” Adaine wondered. Glancing over to the living room where the other two were. Kristen and Tracker were still talking with each other while the TV was essentially background noise for them.

“I’m sure my niece will be more than willing. She’s a good enough egg.” Jawbone pondered for a few seconds before mustering a reply. “Other than that, kiddo? Just try to be easy on yourself again. And are your parents okay with you staying over?”

Adaine felt her entire body freeze. She clenched her jaw, steeling herself before answering, “Um…yeah.” The lie passed her lips before she thought of the consequences. In truth, she trusted Jawbone, but she had enough problems on her plate to deal with. Her family situation could be dealt with later on. 

Jawbone stared at her, the feeling of guilt hanging heavy on her consciousness and heart. She stayed frozen until a relieved smile came onto his face.

“Alright, kiddo, don’t worry.”

“Again, Jawbone, thank you.”

The next morning, Adanie tapped her foot against the tiled floor, waiting. Fabian and Kristen were already sitting down at the cafeteria table, but she wanted to tell her plans with everybody present. 

At first, she was hesitant to tell anybody about the plan for the full moon, but either way, the event would come up one way or another. With Boggy’s squishiness, she hugged him to her chest like a stress ball.  

Fig and Riz were walking to the table with Gorgug talking to Zelda, the satyr girl who Gorgug was maybe dating. The two had a confusing relationship, and their conversations were mostly filled with ‘ums’ and long pauses. They separated before the other half of the party sat down at their designated spots. 

Right before the conversation could flow again. Adaine spoke up with the support of Boggy in her arms, “I wanted to talk about something.” She felt her face burn slightly when everybody turned to her. Clearing her throat, Adaine finally came forward, “ I talked to Jawbone, werewolf guidance counselor-”

“Man who took Gilear’s spot?” Fabian remarked.

“Hey, Gilear is doing perfect as the Lunch Lad.” Fig pointed to the man in question, still serving lunch. He had his normal stained clothes and a bandaid over the right eye with a slight frown on his face. 

“What the fuck happened to him?”

“I think he burned his eye with yogurt?”

“How does he burn his eye with yogurt?” Gorgug asked.

“I think he was trying to put it in the microwave to heat it, and surprisingly, it worked. Then when he tried to eat it, he accidentally flicked it into his eye.”

“Like I said,” Adaine retorted. “Jawbone and I talked when I visited with Kristen yesterday, and it was about the full moon on Saturday night. And he offered for me to stay over for the night where he and Tracker could help me.”

There was a small bit of silence before someone voiced out, “You sure?” Fig questioned.

“Yes, I am. I just wanted to tell everybody so that there would be no problems with figuring out what to do on the full moon. Plus, Jawbone helped Tracker with her lycanthropy and still does so it makes sense for him to help.”

“I think it’s a good idea,” Riz nodded. “Plus, they’ll have a better understanding than any one of us could have when it comes to helping.”

The five days away from the full moon turned into four, then into three, and by the time it was Saturday, Adaine was restless and agitated more than ever. 

Once more, everything felt like it was overloaded. Her heightened senses were even worse, the loudness was even more profuse than before. Barely focusing on anything and on multiple occasions, Boggy ended up having to ground Adaine with his reassurance and comfort. 

School ended at three thirty pm. The sun was set to fall around six pm with the rise of the full moon as well. Adaine still had time left with the others before she set out to leave for Jawbone’s apartment, so, burning time in Gilear’s apartment it was. 

Kristen was rambling on about something again, Tracker, or maybe just about her day. Sitting down on the other end of the couch opposite Adaine while Fig sat between the two. The teifling in the middle was mindlessly messing with the strings of her bass guitar while following the conversation. 

Adaine was truly not even trying to hide her dissociation from the other two. She was clutching Boggy close to her chest, her crystal beside her on the couch armrest to show the time. 

Five seventeen pm, Jawbone told her to arrive at least thirty minutes before six pm came along. Another mindless turmoil ran through her head, countless possibilities of things going wrong, right, or anything that could happen.

Within the past weeks, not a single nightmare or vision had arrived to her in her slumber. Was it a good sign? Gods, how would she know? Adaine was fourteen and knew nothing about being the Oracle. If she was right about being chosen and recently abandoned? 

Her father’s whereabouts were unknown, and Aelwyn and Arianwen were still in Fallinel custody, so technically, she was alone, legally at least. 

The wizard would never admit it; she isn’t at that trust point, but she does count her close friends as some type of found family. Her thoughts are pushed aside when another glance at her crystal shows it’s five twenty-four pm. Standing up, Boggy climbs upon her shoulder with another comforting ribbit. 

“I can walk with you,” Fig stands up without a second thought. 

“I’m fine, Fig.”

“Still, I’ll just be walking with you for safety.”

“I can take care of Boggy again if you’d like,” Kristen interrupts. 

Adaine doesn’t argue and ends up walking over to the apartment, Fig and Kristen in tow.  

Her backpack was filled with some essentials: a toothbrush with toothpaste, an extra pair of clothes, and her crystal charger. Boggy is trying to do his best to comfort Adaine before the two are separated again while Kristen rambles off. 

It was Fig who was staying silent, the same look of worry aimed at the elf beside her. Throwing glances almost every other second her but the moment Adaine looked at her, she would immediately look away. Fig seemed to try to hide her concern, but Adaine could easily see through her friend.

Before she could cast a Message to ask about her behavior. The tiefling beat her to it. “Adaine, you sure you’re comfortable staying over at Jawbone’s and Tracker’s?”

“Yes, Fig, I’m more than sure. I don’t want what happened last time to happen to you guys or anybody else again.”

“Just making sure, girl.”

“I told you to stop worrying.”

“Just curious, not worried.”

“Sure.”

Stopping right in front of the door, she grabbed Boggy off of her shoulder. The frog looked up at her with those big, perfectly circular eyes filled with concern, a bit of sadness as well from being separated. Adaine gave him a small kiss on his forehead, and the familiar gave her a wet kiss on her cheek. Hesitating for a second, Adaine passes the frog over to Kristen.

“He doesn’t need to eat, but if you do feed him, I have some frog pellets in my school backpack for him. Or just let him eat some of the stray crickets or bugs,” Adaine said. 

“Boggy’s in great hands,” Kristen promised. She hugged Boggy close to her, who expanded like a water balloon.  

“Just so you know, Adaine. You got this; I know you do,” Fig added. Pointing at Adaine with a wink and flashing a smile. Giving the elf a Bardic Inspiration for the day. 

Saying their goodnights for the night, Adaine waited until they turned the corner into another hallway before knocking. She only had to wait for a few seconds, maybe half a minute or so before the door was answered. Jawbone still wore his same cardigan but another band graphic t-shirt. 

“Hey, kiddo! Come on in, we’re just finishing the final preparations for the night!” Jawbone exclaimed. Walking in, she could already see the two’s cautious preparations. 

The front door has a multitude of locks, chain locks, a latch and key with a normal door knob and a few more. Multiple loose objects like picture frames, a few decorations similar to small plants, couch pillows, or anything heavy or tied down were put away somewhere unknown to Adaine. The shelves had a few extra screws keeping them against the wall, even some of the dining table legs were tied down. With the mixed scent of herbs?

“I made some tea, specifically chamomile tea. It ends up calming me and Tracker down for any restlessness or extra energy. It’s still hot if you’d like some.”

“I’d like that, please.”

Jawbone didn’t hesitate to grab Adaine a mug from one of the cabinets (tied by a hair tie, the best guess was to prevent anything from falling out) and start serving the herbal tea. Adaine barely noticed the other teenagers' steps before she spoke up to Adaine. 

“Adaine?”

Only jumping slightly, she turned around to Tracker right behind her. “Yes?”

“The bathrooms open if you’d like to change into anything more comfortable. More specifically, something you’ll tear through during the shift,” she offered. Pointing to a hallway, “Left door.”

Changing into her spare clothes, putting essentially everything else away, replaced with an extra band shirt, Fig lended her plus old sleep shorts that Kristen also let her borrow. While finishing up, Adaine only needed to glance at her crystal once to see the small barrage of text message notifications. 

The Ball (Riz) 

Goodnight Adaine also I wanted to ask…

Will look into it tonight, however.

Gorgug

wanted to say good luck 2night

And remember our conversation about…

Kristen 

said it already, but goodnight and…

Image sent.jpg

Boggy is worried, but he’s…

Fabian

Good luck Adaine

Also goodnight

Fig

Goodnight and good luck, girl. I…

Also, Boggy’s fine, plus hes…

She couldn’t hold back the smile that grew. Holding the crystal in her hands, a small wave of happiness in the direness of the situation came over her. A knock at the door interrupted her small moment of peace. Quickly shutting off her crystal and shoving the rest of her clothes into the pack, Adiane quickly exited. 

Tracker already had her hand raised for another knock. Relaxing, she gave Adaine a small reassuring smile. “Tea’s ready; also, we have around twenty minutes until the moon rises, and Jawbone wants to talk to you.”

“Thank you,” Adaine says. Before fully leaving and leaving Tracker again, she turns on her heel to face the other teen, “And again, thank you. Both Jawbone and you for letting me stay here.”

“It was originally Jawbone’s idea. And I had no problem letting you come over for help,” Tracker replies. She stares at Adaine for a few seconds, almost pondering on what to say, “I know what it’s like, Adaine. For all of…this to happen. It’s hard, yes. But..”

Adaine waits for her response. 

“It’s better that we do it with others. Jawbone helped me when I got bit and my full moons and still do sometimes. I’d be more surprised if he didn’t offer to help. Plus, we’re essentially a super small pack now. Normally, we’d help each other.”

“What?”

“What? Did I say something?”

“…Nothing,” Adaine mumbles. A super small pack? Before she could dwell on the idea of now being in essentially a small werewolf family, Jawbone calls her over. Tracker merely shrugged as Adaine rushed off.

“Here ya go,” Jawbone says, passing the teacup over the counter to Adaine.  

With a quick sniff, Adaine could already smell the hints of the chamomile flowers mixed with other minor herbs. Still steaming, a small sip proves its taste. Honey, almost tasting other fruits like apples with a light floral touch. Her racing heart from the day calms down just a bit. 

“Thank you, Jawbone,” Adaine said. Sipping the tea a few more times before placing it down again. 

“No problem, kiddo,” Jawbone smiled. He grabbed his crystal, the screen lighting up for a few seconds before he turned it off again. Looking up to Adaine, “We still have about twenty minutes before the full moon rises. Do you want us to start preparing?”

“What time do you guys usually start?”

“Around fifteen minutes, but I want to know what you want, kid,” Jawbone reiterated. 

Adaine pondered just for a few seconds, “Maybe, right now? I just want to get this over with. The last time wasn’t…the best.”

Jawbone already wrapped the loose cloth around her arms and ankles. Even though the chains were not silver, it was for her comfort with the metal rubbing against skin and fur the entire night. The chains themselves were much bigger and didn’t fit her humanoid body, rather, when she would shift, they would fit her other body’s limbs. 

There was an old guest room that they never used, well, until today. Her backpack was placed in the corner of the room with her crystal charging. The one window was locked and barred, with the door locked as well. Like said earlier, the chains were screwed into the hardwood floors of the room. With a few large blankets underneath her as a cushion for her later in the night.

For now, Adaine lies down on the floor. Too big chains with loose cloth around her wrists and ankles. Borrowed clothes from her friends and lived in a not completely stranger’s home. Would she have ever expected this? Her family is gone, new friends that give her a sense of freedom that she’s never felt before and accepting this curse slowly. 

Not once in a million years, that's for sure. 

The shift in her bones and flesh is worse. Her heartbeat was racing like a rabbit running from a predator, with the slow building tension in her joints as they ready to fracture and snap out of place again. 

Adaine takes in a shaky breath, she tries to calm down her racing thoughts. The horrible feeling of her body deforming and distorting out of place while she screamed and cried out in pain. 

As time passes by, it could’ve been seconds, minutes, not an hour, not possible. She couldn’t tell the time in this position; the muscles in her body tightened with emotions running high with more time going by.  

The first sign of the impending doom is the howl, or multiple sounding out. The sound even hurts her sensitive ears. The other thing is the painfully same feeling, the same crack in her shoulders. 

Loud, almost screaming howls. Ringing in her ears with the joints of her body popping out of place, Adaine grits her teeth, trying to muffle the sounds of pain.

Her hands stretch into paws with the tearing sound of clothing. The corners of her vision start to blacken, limbs begin to shake out of control, and tears begin to stream down her skin that has turned into fur. 

Adaine for once prays, not for such a terrible ending like last time. 

Jawbone roams down the small apartment, the loud screeching and howling echoing through the small rooms. Rattling chains of silver and metal. His claws scratched against hardwood floors while he moved through the halls. Moving his head up, he sniffs. 

The familiar scent of his niece, Tracker, the same scent of and wolf he’s gotten used to over the years of full moons. With a not-so-familiar one reaching his snout. A new part of the small pack, a third person. He listens more closely. The chains attached to the floor are strained and tugged on by the new wolf. 

There’s an unruly sound of snarling and barking coming from the room. Adaine fights against it all; the incessant screams combined with the sounds of struggle show more than enough. Tracker still thought not often fights against her chains, she’s grown to the routine unlike Adaine.

He only hopes that the new pup will learn how to be more comfortable. Maybe grow trust in herself and the other two wolves who once shared the same struggle.

Walking closer to the door, the young one is insistent on getting out. She struggles against the chains, howling, which sounds angrier than anything else. 

Jawbone doesn’t hesitate before howling, he doesn’t know if she even understands what he tries to communicate. A deep feeling of understanding, the howling by Tracker only joins him mere moments later. By the time they finish the fight against chains and confinement between Adaine and it cools down.

He still hears the snarling, but it’s quieter. It’s a small step, but it’s still something for him. 

Until then, the older werewolf stalked the apartment with the howls of the younger two echoing in the small rooms. It’s not until they both tire themselves out that he retreats to his bedroom for the night.

Adaine is groggy, her eyes blearily open to the dark bedroom. The metal chains were no longer on her wrists or ankles, they must have slid off when she shifted back into her humanoid form. The blankets underneath her provided a decent enough sleep, so no soreness from the floor besides her wrists and ankles. Possibly from fighting against the chains.

However, for once, Adaine doesn’t feel tired. Guilt and shame like the last full moon, the guilt of attacking her friends and the shame of not being able to control herself. Does she feel understood? Or maybe it’s her counterpart that feels it, there’s something that she doesn’t remember. A connection that was made during the night. 

Either way, slowly, she stands up. Fumbling around in the dark, she grabs her backpack and changes back into her clothing. The denim jacket that she so loves (thank you mysterious person who gave her the gift card) easily slips on like the rest of her clothes. Her crystal, again, is filled with text messages. 

Bad Kidzz 

7:21 am

Fabian: Who wants to have breakfast at my place

Gorgug: Are you just lonely 

Fabian: NO

I have nothing to do; that's all

Fig: Riz plus Kristen and I are dropping off at Jawbone’s to pick up Adaine

Or just check on her if she’s still sleeping

If she says yes, then we’ll come by

Kristen: What do you guys have :D

Fabian: Cathilda made pancakes and french toast

Plus many fruits and kippers 

Gorgug: You’re the only one who likes the kippers, Fabian

The Ball (Riz): Why are you all up

Fabian, you’re never awake before eight

Fabian: Everyone’s up, minus Adaine

Fig: Let the girl sleep for once 

Fabian: Just text me when you guys come to a decision, please

Gorgug: I wanna come

Fabian: Alright, Gorgug plus who

Kristen: I’ll come!

The Ball (Riz): I’ll go. Just let us check on Adaine first

We’re a few floors away

Fig: I’ll go if Adaine is going

Adaine: I’ll go

Also, did anybody figure out who gave us our gifts

I just remembered when I put on my jacket

Fig: I just thought my dad bc of the pick

The Ball (Riz): Which dad 

Fabian: Guys

I have something to admit now: I wanted to do this in person but

I was the one who gave you all the gifts

Gorgug: What?

The Ball (Riz): Fabian?!

Fig: Huh?

Fabian: I thought

The thing about being wealthy is that most people surround you just for that reason.

And you guys didn’t

Adaine: Your wealth is the exact opposite reason we like you

But thank you, Fabian

Fabian: Thank you?

Fig: Fabian opened the gates, so let me say

I know I can be a hard person to read

Gorgug: Not really

Fig: A tough cookie to crack

Adaine: Pretty transparent Fig

Fabian: Not at all 

Fig: A stale cracker to eat turkey off of 

Fabian: What

Adaine: Excuse me

The Ball (Riz): She’s been hanging out around Gilear too much

And eating dinner around him

Kristen: It’s just a Fig thing. I think we’re fine, Adaine.

Adaine walks out of the guest bedroom, backpack slung over her shoulder while she heads to the living room. Her enhanced senses pick up on the smell of food and footsteps, two pairs of footsteps that is. Walking into the kitchen, Jawbone is cooking something in a pan with Tracker sitting on the couch, mug in hand, steam emitting from the liquid. 

Jawbone’s ear twitches before she announces herself to either werewolves. He turns his head in her direction. With another smile on his face, he turns off the stove before speaking. “Kiddo! Morning, I’ve already made breakfast and some coffee, but we also have tea.” 

“Green tea,” Tracker says. “And good morning, Adaine.”

“Good morning and thank you, Jawbone, but Fabian and everyone else is going to head to Secaster for breakfast,” Adaine declined.  

“You sure, kiddo?”

“He makes a mean but slightly burnt bacon breakfast sandwich.”

“Yes, and thank you for the offer,” Adaine smiles. Before she could open her mouth to say anything else, thanking them for the stay, how for once she felt fully comfortable in her other form. A multitude of knocks at the front door.

Tracker stands up, hurrying up from the couch to the door. Adaine already knows the person or people behind the door, but she can only stand in place. The door swinging open, Fig, Riz, and Kristen stand there. Kristen already has a wide smile at the sight of Tracker while Fig looks into the apartment. 

With a familiar perfectly circular frog sitting on her shoulder. Boggy visibly brightens at Adaine, hopping his way off of Fig’s shoulder, jumping on Tracker, then off of her before to the floor. The small journey before Adaine leans down to grab him. Boggy croaks happily at Adaine while she hugs him tightly to her chest. 

“Oh, I missed you, Boggy! You adorable frog.” 

“He missed you last night!” Kristen exclaims. 

“Mostly just croacking and ribbiting, but he was a little sad,” Fig adds.

“Kiddos! Hey, the whole gang- well, minus the other two boys- are here!” Jawbone exclaims. 

Fig brightens at the sight of Adaine with a wide smile already on her face. They all step inside, everyone shares greetings while Adaine hears a voice in her head. “Are you alright? And morning.” Fig’s voice echoes in her mind. Adaine looks at the tiefling to see a finger discreetly pointing at her. Message was cast on her.

“Morning, Fig, and yes, I’m fine.”

“Our promise. Remember?"

“I know. Nothing bad happened, and I feel fine. Fig please.”

“Everything alright?” Jawbone’s voice interrupts their silent conversation. Adaine merely smiles. 

“Yes, but we do have to go. And thank you, Jawbone, and you too, Tracker,” Adaine says. 

Fig grabs her by the wrist, and just as quickly as they arrive, they leave. Shouts of goodbyes as they rush out to their other friends already waiting for them. 

Days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months as time passes by. The late fall turns into winter months and then into the next year. In the months, more than a while, she stays at Jawbone’s for full moons, visits during dinners with Kristen while Fig and Riz visit with them sometimes. The case runs cold, and it’s February when something finally interesting happens.

“We got invited to a party!” Fabian exclaimed before Adaine had the chance to take in that he had arrived at the lunch table. 

Early February was already a turmoil of things, with no new leads on Dayne, and her family still under arrest in Fallinel, the case ran cold. Now, a party that all six of the freshmen were invited to, by someone.

“Who’s?” Riz immediately asks. 

“Can me and Gorgug play live?” Fig remarks.

“I’m still practicing on my drums, so I might not be that good,” Gorgug mumbles. 

“When?” Kristen says.

“We? Got invited?” Adaine questions.

“Ostentatia Wallace, and a shit ton of everybody else from school!” Fabian slid into the seat next to Gorgug. A broad smile on his face, “This Friday!” 

“Why us?” Adaine still asks. She’d much rather painfully and embarrassingly stay home at the apartments, Jawbone or Gilear’s apartments. 

“Why not us, Adaine! We’re cool kids now!” Fabian shouts. 

“Because we’re freshmen?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“I think it does.”

“Mhm, no.”

“Mhm, yes.”

“I think it’s a good idea.” Fig remarks. “We deserve this!” 

Adaine doesn’t think it’s a good idea.

Adaine still doesn’t think it’s a good idea when she arrives at the already lively party. 

Chapter Text

Fig had thoroughly convinced her to come, and after all her dear friend had done for her. Adaine couldn’t refuse the tiefling.

Adaine still wore her usual clothing, minus the eyeliner and lipgloss Fig applied; otherwise, there was little to no difference in her appearance when they arrived. Boggy croaked in reassurance on her shoulder while she fought the urge to grab her arcane wand and expend a few spells to Dimension Door away back to the apartments.

Fabian and Gorgug were already waiting outside on the front porch for them. Adaine followed close behind Fig and Kristen, sulking with Riz at her side.

“Hey, guys!” Fig exclaimed.

“Oh, hell yes! Okay, listen, Ostentatia, the birthday girl, supplied alcohol tonight!” Fabian said, matching Fig’s loudness.

“Alcohol?” Adaine questioned, already more weary of the party.

“I asked her, and she said we’re on live in about ten minutes, Fig,” Gorgug remarked. Holding a pair of drumsticks in his hands. So that was what he was spending all this time whenever he visited Fig while Adaine and Kristen were at Jawbone and Tracker’s place.

“Right! We have to get ready first, but let’s just enjoy ourselves! We deserve this after all we did this year!” Fig shouted. Grabbing Adaine and Kristen in closer. Dragging them all in the door that bursts open.

It was rowdy, loud, almost vibrating music from the inside and back of the house. Mostly Augefort students but Adaine caught the attention of a few Hudol lingering around as well. Her high sense of smell picked up on not only alcohol but some types of substance, some she recognized from Aelwyn’s room when they had previously gone snooping. Dragon spice, snuff, and others Adaine didn’t recognize.

Overwhelming noises, unfamiliar burning smells, the home packed with people like sardines in a can, Adaine only hated it more.

Fig wasn’t done dragging them however, all five of them were swept into the backyard. Less packed with a band set up in the corner of the area, a pool with a few students inside, and even ping-pong tables around. Adaine felt Boggy nuzzle her cheek in comfort. Jawbone said something about being more open, maybe she could take this as an opportunity.

“Me and Gorgug need to set up but you guys have fun!” Fig cheered. Fabian without a second thought was already striding his way to a group of girls with Kristen in tow.

“Uh, how about I help you guys? Just for now?” Adaine asked.

Fig smiled brightly. “Yeah!” She grabbed Adaine by the wrist again, dragging the elf to the band setup.

It was simple: connect a few chords to the inside of the house for power, adjust the amp with Fig’s instructions, and fix the lights. Adaine could do that (not that she was stalling on having to party). She led the power cord extension to the house; people were seemingly adding in numbers by the second while the backyard started to crowd a bit. Pushing through to the kitchen, Adaine connected to a nearby outlet.

In the corner of her eye, she noticed Kristen flirting. With another girl, huh? Good for her, Adaine merely shrugged before heading off to Fig and Gorgug. Gorgug was adjusting the drums to his liking while Fig was still doing the final touches.

“I connected to the power,” Adaine said. Fig looked up from her bass guitar with another smile.

“Thanks, girl! Just need the amps and lighting, and you’re free to go,” Fig explained. “Also, um, Riz kind of asked me earlier about this.”

“About what?”

“If you wanted to come. Meaning, like I dragged you here.”

“Oh.”

“I didn’t mean to drag you here if you didn’t want to come here in the first place,” Fig looked down to the ground. Fiddling with the guitar strings, “Just thought that everyone deserves a break after all we went through. And that goes for you too, Adaine. With your family, with your…”

“I’m fine, Fig, and you didn’t drag me here-”

“You were sulking right before we went inside the house.”

Adaine sucked in a breath, Fig wasn’t dumb and she wasn’t the best at lying. “I…maybe, didn’t want to come.”

Fig deflated a bit.

“N-Not that I hate you for dragging me here! I’m just not used to these types of spaces, and…you know, I’m not the best with new people?”

“You could’ve told me, I-we would’ve been fine if you didn’t want to come,” Fig argued.

Adaine sighed, “It’s not that just-” She couldn’t find the words. God, she was perfectly fine when it came to arguments, but with her friends? Adaine would only feel guilt and shame rather than her usual fire and anger in disagreements.

There was a small yet heavy silence, Boggy croaked in support for both of them.

“We play in five minutes,” Gorgug mumbled. Startling both girls Fig groaned while Adaine merely looked away from both of her friends.

“If I can get this to work…” Fig mumbled under her breath. Kneeling next to a nearby amp. “God, I should’ve checked this stuff before we dragged it out here.”

Adaine kneeled right next to her, shoulders pressed against each other. Fig stammered in her motions before continuing. “Want me to check if the power connected to it is working?”

“Yeah, that’d be great,” Fig murmured. Adaine felt her ears droop and stood up, but before she could turn, the tiefling stammered out, “Any song recommendations? I-I mean I’m asking everyone, but just wanted to hear from you too.” Adaine could hear the small plea in her tone. A small attempt to make some things right.

“Something nice?” Adaine sheepishly added. “I don’t have the best music taste.”

Fig gave her a thumbs up, her pink skin almost too pink, with her tail slightly swishing behind her. “Promise I’ll try my best.”

Even with their previous tension, Fig’s vibrant smile was infectious as Adaine couldn’t help but smile back. Walking back she followed the power cord connecting to the amp Fig was working on back inside the house. Checking in on it, the outlet seemed to work fine and the cable itself had no damage. Must’ve been an equipment issue.

Fabian was still talking to some other people while Riz…

Where was Riz?

Adaine stopped dead in her tracks. Panic spiked while she frantically looked around the backyard. She didn’t recall him following them outside to split up.

The sight of her rogue friend nowhere only worsened her panic. Looking back her eyes landed near the stairs leading up, Riz was crouching near the bottom hiding away from everyone else’s view. With someone going up. She didn’t need divination to help figure out who it was, she knew what Penelope looked like.

Wearing a stupid pink dress, all dolled up like she wasn’t in charge of kidnapping girls.

Adaine looked back, Fig and Gorgug readying for the music. Sighing, she only hesitated for a small moment before rushing off to her friend. Boggy croaked in confusion while she stubbornly pushed through the many students. Some tried grabbing her, maybe in an attempt at a conversation. She only shoved them off before finally reaching the staircase and rushing up.

Riz and Penelope were already gone, Adaine with the help of Boggy caught the sight of Riz’s tail around the corner. This time, crouching and pressing against the wall, Adaine silently followed.

Her heightened hearing could play no part in the loudness coming from everywhere else in the house. Pressed against the wall, Adaine could barely pick up the sight of a door closing.

Dashing forward, she kneeled by the door. Leaning against it, she tried listening into whatever was conspiring inside.

Muffled voices, two? One is feminine, and the other is masculine. Adaine’s hand already grabbed the doorknob but didn’t twist it just yet.

The barrier between the room and the hall combined with the other noises prevented Adaine from comprehending the words being spoken. She pressed against the door more, focusing on the masculine voice on the other side and straining her ears.

Riz. She knew that, and she would bet everything the other girl was Penelope.

Adaine slowly twisted the handle, pushing the door that made no sound. Adjusting herself to peer through the small crack she made, it was a bedroom. Riz had his hand hovering above his gun, hand twitching, almost needy to grab the weapon. Penelope had one hand grabbing the hair of Ostentatia Wallace, keeping her unconscious body aloft. Her other hand is busy with a crystal palimpsest.

Adaine immediately wanted to pounce. Penelope’s back was facing her with Riz’s body facing towards the bedroom door. She had every right to do so as well, the bitch kidnapped five-soon to be six girls if they do not stop her, and dragged Aelwyn into this (Adaine ignores and buries any sympathy for Aelwyn, she tries to at least).

“-fucked up,” Penelope ranted. “I did everything right, hell, I sacrificed my own fucking best friend.”

Was she really that desperate?

“Penelope, just let her go. We can…figure something out.” Riz pleaded. Penelope sighed, looking away. Riz caught Adaine’s eye and gave her a knowing nod. Adaine nodded back and opened the door further. Slowly standing up from her crouching position, she readied.

“Come on!” Penelope screamed. “I am not letting you and your fucking friends ruin this for me! I’m not even supposed to be doing this! That bitch’s older sister is supposed to do this for me! But than you fucking arrested her!”

“Penelope, why are you doing this?” Riz pushed further. “Why kidnap these innocent people? Not any one of them did anything to deserve being trapped in a crystal ball. Hell, Sam was your best friend, was she not?”

“Sam…was a sacrifice that needed to be made.”

“Sam did nothing to you.”

“You don’t even know the girl!” Penelope screamed, “You don’t know anything, and maybe just maybe if you keep your nose out of trouble with your little friends I’ll consider having some mercy.”

“No.”

“No?”

“Not as long as you keep those girls captured wherever they are,” Riz scowled, grabbing the handle of his gun.

Penelope didn’t respond, and Adaine almost took it as an opportunity to pounce. Interrupted by laughing, “Oh my god, I know you.”

“What?” Riz looked confused.

“Penny Luckstone, you’re the kid she was babysitting at the time. That’s why you’re doing this, aren’t you? To get her back?” Penelope’s voice filled with venom and tease. Riz tensed up, his eyes widening with surprise before he composed himself.

“Yes, but-”

“You’re so desperate to get her back you’ll endanger your own life? How pathetic.”

Adaine drew the line at Penelope mocking Riz. “Fuck you!” She didn’t even wait for the sorcerer to react before rushing towards her. Clawed hands grew as she pulled out her arcane wand, with Riz pulling out his gun and taking aim.

“Where’s Adaine?” Fig asked. Her eyes looked across the already crowded backyard. “She should’ve been back by now. Doesn’t take that long to check a cord.” Fig sounded sad. Had Adaine ditched her? She didn’t mean to make the elf uncomfortable by bringing her here…

Gorgug shrugged. Joining Fig in looking around the area for their wizard. “Maybe she had to go…to the bathroom? Or maybe she’s doing something else?”

“No…she wouldn’t do that without any warning,” Fig mumbled.

“Maybe she's just having fun,” Gorgug mumbled, seemingly distracted.

“What's up with you?”

“Huh?”

Fig looked in the direction where Gorgug’s gaze landed. Zelda, she was looking back at Gorgug but when she saw Fig quickly looked away and turned on her heel leaving quickly. Fig felt a grin come onto her face and didn’t wait, “Ooo, new girl?”

“No…we’ve only been talking a bit.”

“Not even a date?”

“No…”

“Come on, Gorgug! You can do better than that!”

“Fig please, let us just play.”

“Come on, ask her out today!”

“No.”

“You saw the way she was looking at you? There’s something there.”

Gorgug mumbled something under his breath before turning back to his drums.

“What was that?”

“Nothing.”

“What’d you say, Gorgug? Come on, tell me.”

“I said I see the way you-” He mumbled the last words too quietly for Fig to hear over the loud chatter of people and the music playing.

“Mhm?”

“The way you looked at Adaine! I don’t see how she hasn’t noticed already, given that she's normally super smart!” Gorgug said it quickly and loudly for Fig but accidentally let his tone be so loud a few people gave them glances. He quickly clamped a hand over his mouth.

Fig felt her face burn. “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I-I didn’t say anything. Forget I said anything.”

“No, you didn’t. Let’s…just play, alright?” Fig’s voice cracked. No, she didn't like Adaine like that. Yes, she likes Adaine. She's very nice but not in such a way that makes Fig…

Oh.

Oh, god, no. 

No, no, no she doesn't like Adaine that way. No they're friends, just good nice friends thats all.

Her face burns red, even with her resistance to fire.

“Let’s play,” Gorgug mumbles under his breath. Neither says anything while they finish the final preparations.

Adaine's body slammed against Penelope. The human easily fell to the ground but kept her tight grip on the crystal ball in hand. Ostentatia collapsed to the floor, with Riz making a quick change of plans, instead going around the two girls and rushing over to the unconscious one.

Penelope was weak; Adaine wasn’t anymore. After rolling around the ground a few times, the wizard easily pinned Penelope down to the floor with a loud thud, pressing her head down while the rest of her body writhed underneath her grasp. One hand remained on her head as the other charged a powerful Lightning Bolt with the arcane wand.

“Maybe, try not kidnapping girls for your cause!” Adaine screamed, an unfamiliar sense of anger filling her as the powerful energy from the wand caused the lights to flicker. Hells, she saw in the corner of her eyes the lights outside through the window flicker.

“Fuck you! You stupid dumb wolf!”

“Fuck you cunt! You couldn’t help yourself and try to kidnap another innocent person!”

“Oh, they’re innocent for sure. Otherwise, I wouldn’t need them like that, I need them pure!”

“The fuck’s that supposed to mean you creep?!”

“Come on, are you that stupid?! I know what you found in your stupid sister's room. My spell was never finished because of you stupid kids!”

Detect Maiden. That’s why Aelwyn was trying to make that disgusting spell. They need them pure. And they already have five out of seven. Oh, god. They need seven maidens for this disgusting plan.

“She isn’t getting up!” Riz shouted. Adaine looked back to see Ostentatia’s limp body being dragged across the floor by Riz trying to get the girl to safety. Dragging her away from Penelope and Adaine, he ended up near the bed.

“Hold on!” Adaine shouted back. She thrust the wand into Penelope’s face, the lightning charged to its maximum capacity. Whatever the Thistlesprings did to the wand, she was grateful, the spell more powerful than she had on hand with Penelope even looking scared.

Penelope scowled, her hands free as one grabbed Adaine by the throat and pulled her closer. “I don’t need her specifically, and I’m sure you’re the perfect fit as well.” Penelope, holding the crystal palimpsest with her free hand, shoved it into Adaine’s chest with a bright, brilliant blue light.

“We go on in like one minute by the way. Isn’t Ostentatia supposed to be here?”

“For what?”

“Thought she was making some type of birthday speech?”

“Gorgug, let’s just get ready, please.” Fig sighed. Waking up to the small makeshift stage, she scans the backyard once more. She catches the eye of Fabian, who's flirting with some girls.

Kristen is, possibly, inside still with Adaine again, nowhere in sight. Riz…where did Riz go?

“Hey, Gorgug?” Fig whispers away from the microphone.

“Yeah?” Gorgug replies.

“Where did Riz go as well?”

“Um,” Gorgug mumbled. Taking another scan with Fig around the backyard, “I dunno, maybe he’s hiding? He’s been kind of standoffish lately. Maybe just, party jitters?”

“Mhm, maybe.”

“Listen,” Fig turns her head to Gorgug with a tilt. “I-I didn’t mean to shout out that you liked…”

“It’s fine, Gorgug.”

Adaine felt her body being sucked into the palimpsest.

Or the beginnings of her body being trapped, she had barely comprehend the fact that Penelope was trying to trap her before she was body slammed by her side by Riz. Using all his small amount of weight and force, he pushed Adaine and himself maybe ten feet away from Penelope, both crashing into the wall with a loud thud.

Groaning, neither realized Penelope scrambling back up to Ostentatia until they noticed the body lying on the floor disappearing into the crystal ball with a bright blue light.

Riz clambered back off of Adaine onto his feet. This time, taking perfect aim on Penelope, Adaine was sure their cover was blown with a loud bang that caused a ringing in Adaine’s sensitive hearing. She could pick up with the ringing in her ears, loud gasps, and frozen conversations from downstairs. Either way, it could’ve alerted one of her friends.

In its wake, the bullet punched through flesh and maybe even bone, as a gaping wound in Penelope’s right shoulder that quickly gushed blood, staining her clothes. She screeched in pain, stumbling onto a nearby nightstand by a bed, gripping the wood for dear life.

Adaine pocketed her wand, Penelope was a high powered sorcerer and she knew Penelope knew Counterspell while she didn’t. Brute force it was then.

Penelope leaned away from the nightstand, the moonlight flashing through a window behind her lit Adaine’s way. She didn’t even bother with the rushing footsteps in their direction before tackling Penelope with a jumping start. Nor did she care about how much force she truly used.

Until they were both crashing out through the window from the second floor. Penelope took the force of the broken window, with glass shards cutting and slashing her back with a few stray ones ripping through Adaine’s denim jacket. By some miracle, their fall wasn’t completely onto the ground.

Ruining a ping-pong game, they both crashed onto the plastic table. Red solo cups filled with alcohol spilled onto them, with multiple gasps and yelps from the surrounding players. Penelope Misty Stepped away from Adaine, using the max distance to get away, thirty feet. A few people tried to help Adaine up, some scrawny blue dragon born and an elven ranger, another person more specifically a frost genasi, cleric as well from the healing spell that washed over.

Adaine yelled a thanks over her shoulder before she stood up quickly off the table and ran in Penelope’s direction. The girl immediately ran, pushing her way through countless confused and concerned people. Adaine took chase as they both raced through the backyard. She thought about her friends; where were they? Shouldn’t they have heard the gunshots? Or at least the crashing of a window and a broken table.

And the form of her answer was another gunshot ringing through the air, leaving a gaping wound in Penelope’s lower back. She stumbled, crashing into a few students before, with shaking legs, ran again. Adaine glanced back to see Riz popping out through the window with a smoking gun.

Adaine grabbed her wand. Aiming was harder since it was in the middle of a chase, but still. She predicted her movements, the stumbling and the harsh turns they were making. Maybe, with a little help from the fates themselves, she launched a powerful Lightning Bolt burning through two charges. It lit up the dimmed backyard before striking Penelope right between her shoulder blades.

Screaming, she looked badly hurt, two gunshots in vital areas and an even more powerful spell launched into her back. Her steps faltered by the time she reached the back doors of the house. Adaine couldn’t lose her now. With the overwhelming scents of not only students but alcohol, drugs, and the loud crowd with music, her trying to find Penelope would be much harder. Let alone chase with the amount of people in the way.

Penelope swung the glass sliding doors open, pushing through more people. Adaine tried to make her way past, but people were more preoccupied with just watching rather than moving.

“Adaine!” Fig’s voice knocked her out of the turmoil. “What’s going on?!”

“Was that Penelope?!” Gorgug asked, right behind Fig, who appeared behind Adaine. “Why are you covered in alcohol, and why do you have glass on you?!”

“I’m here!” Fabian, out of breath, ran up to the three. “The fucks going on I heard a crash then bullets and some lightning–the fuck happened to you Adaine?!”

“Penelope! She has Ostentatia!” Adaine yelled back. “In a palimpsest–get out of the way!”

“There’s another way! Side entrance of the house and the doors open!” Gorgug said before running in a direction. The other three were in close pursuit.

The side gate was wide open and used as another entrance exit for their case now. Another shot rang out, silencing the four. Adaine rushed past the other three to see a crowd of people surrounding the front porch. She readied her arcane wand with another Lightning Bolt charge when they arrived at what the crowd was witnessing.

Penelope was being pinned down by both Kristen and Riz.

Kristen, taking a page out of Gorgug’s book, has her staff against Penelope’s neck from behind while they both lie on the concrete floor. Riz is frantically patting down Penelope with a frenzied and confused look in his eyes, he’s mumbling something when all seven notice each other.

“I-I can’t find it. I can’t find Ostentatia’s palimpsest,” Riz stammered out. A look of guilt in his eyes.

“What did you do with her?” Kristen asked, letting her tight grip on the staff lighten to let Penelope speak.

“Fuck you, fuck you and your little mutt and goblin friends!” Penelope screamed. No one took the comment lightly, with Fig not hesitating to slam her guitar straight onto the side of Penelope’s head with Kristen choking her out by pressing her staff against her throat.

“Where is she? What did you do?” Riz questioned, this time taking his gun and pointing straight at Penelope’s head.

Adaine grabbed her wand. The Lightning Bolt was already charged and aimed straight for her heart. There was a small silence, but nobody could get a word in, not with the blaring sounds of sirens interrupting the entire party.

Students scrambled to get away, and the party of six with Penelope barely managed to not be swept away by the wave of teens trying to run away. By the time the crowd died down, the police arrived, around maybe five cop cars showing up with a familiar goblin police officer stepping out.

“Hey, mom!” Riz waved.

“Hi, Miss Gukgak!” Adaine shouted.

“Hi, Riz’s mom!” Fig waved her arms in the air as if they weren’t the center of attention with Penelope being pinned down. Sklonda already looked exhausted before rushing up to the seven with two other police officers in tow. The others scattered around the neighborhood and into the house for the rest of the children that ran or were still running.

“God–what happened now?” Sklonda sighed. She took a sniff of the air before glancing between Adaine and Penelope, “I’ll question why you and her smell like you bathed in alcohol and are covered in glass shards–”

“I didn’t realize how much force I was using until we were already crashing out the window from the second floor. Then we crashed onto a ping-pong table game and the cups splashed on us.”

“Okay, the fact that you crashed out a second-story window aside-”

“Out of the second story?” Fabian asked.

“Are you okay?” Gorgug worriedly questioned. “You still have some.” He pointed to the glass shards sticking out of Adaine’s jacket.

“Mhm? Oh, later. After this, Adaine mumbled.

“Girl, you’re that strong? Man, good for you,” Fig congratulated Adaine, patting her on the back before wiping away the alcohol and loose glass shards on her skirt from the denim jacket.

“I’ll heal you after this!” Kristen shouted, still trying to restrain Penelope.

“Okay!” Sklonda shouted over the conversation, silencing the teens. “What exactly happened? All I see are Adaine and this girl you have pinned down covered in glass and alcohol, which you kids should not be having.”

There was a small moment of silence before any of the kids spoke up to Sklonda. “I was inside the house when I saw Penelope talking to Ostentatia, I followed them upstairs and went inside the bedroom they were in when they were busy talking. Then Penelope hit Ostentatia with a Sleep spell I think at least, grabbing a crystal palimpsest,” Riz spoke.

Adaine cut in, “I saw Riz going up the stairs, and that's when I followed. I snuck up on Penelope when she and Riz were talking–”

“I was stalling, trying to get anything out of Penelope–”

“I popped out through the door and tackled Penelope. Riz tried to wake up Ostentatia, but while I was on the ground with Penelope, she…tried to trap me in the palimpsest instead,” Adaine says. There was a small, awkward silence with the information that Adaine was almost taken instead, and she could hear Kristen press her staff against Penelope’s throat just a little harder.

“But! Then I tackled Adaine out of the way, and that's when she stood up and charged at Penelope.”

“That’s how we ended up crashing out the window.”

“Onto the ping-pong table,” Sklonda deadpans.

“Yes, ma’am…onto the table,” Adaine mumbles. “I chased her through the backyard, and Riz shot her through the window again, and I hit her with a Lightning Bolt.”

“I ran downstairs and found Kristen while Penelope was running through the house. I went for her legs while Kristen hit her over the head with her staff. Then we ended up on the front porch during the scuffle when they showed up,” pointing to the four that arrived right before the police. “And then you guys showed up. But I can’t find Ostentatia’s palimpsest,” Riz admitted.

Sklonda took a deep breath. “Okay, you kids. And when I say that, I mean all of you kids need to go home. We will bring Penelope to the police station for questioning and see if we can find out what she did to the palimpsest.”

There was obvious disappointment in the children’s eyes, but none wanted to go against Sklonda’s words and command, so a few agreemental words were spoken under mumbled breaths.

When the police finally drag a fighting and screaming Penelope into the back of a police cruiser, Adaine turns to the rest of the party. “Seven maidens, that’s what they need. The Detect Maiden spell my sister had was for Penelope. I found out while Penelope and I were fighting on the ground.”

Riz mumbled under his breath, counting something on his fingers. “And they already have six. Ostentatia, Sam, Penny, Antiope, Daniella, and Katja.”

“We’re still missing something. Why would they need seven maidens to start?” Fig remarks.

“And who took Ostentatia’s palimpsest while we were chasing her?” Riz adds. “I think it might’ve been Dayne.”

“He hasn’t been seen in months, The Ball,” Fabian argues. “If he did show up, some people would’ve talked about it.”

“Do we interrogate the people from the people from the party?” Gorgug asks.

“I don’t think they’ll be much of a help, most people were already high or drunk when the fight started. Plus, that’s dozens of people to talk to,” Kristen says.

Exhausted from the chase with Penelope, Adaine collapsed onto the couch of Gilear’s apartment. Kristen sat next to her, and Adaine took it as an opportunity to lean her head on Kristen.

“Dude, Prestidigitation yourself or something? You’re still covered in glass and alcohol.”

“Shh, Kristen. You’re not the one who crashed out from the second-story building. Let me rest.”

“Someone recorded that, by the way.”

“Wait, really?”

“Yes, on Fantasy Instagram. The party went wrong or something when someone was trying to record the ping-pong game when you and Penelope crashed onto the table.”

“That's a problem for me in the morning. Right now, Penelope is in custody, Aelwyn somewhere else, and Johnny's dead. There’s no one left to kidnap the girls that we know of.”

“Kristen’s right,” Fig interrupts. “Go shower. I’ll go put your jacket and everything else in the washer. Saturday is tomorrow, so clothes day.”

Adaine groans softly before standing from the couch and walking her way to the bathroom. Boggy gives her a comforting ribbit while she Mage Hands her non-school backpack. She really needs a better storage for her clothes.

Chapter Text

Ring! Ring! Ring!

“Somone, answer their fucking crystal,” Fig mumbled into the pillow.

Kristen shuffled in the blankets, “How do you know it’s not yours?” The ringing echoed throughout the otherwise silent apartment.

“I think it's mine,” Adaine murmured. Groaning, she lifted herself up into a sitting position as Boggy clinged onto the side of her cheek while she patted underneath her pillow for her crystal. Just as she grabbed it the ringing stopped with the flash of multiple notifications from the shared group chat.

The said person calling was Riz, two missed calls with a span of text messages to Adaine from him as well. Even the shared group chat between the six of them was flashing with notification after notification.

“It’s the boys.”

“Tell them to go back to fucking sleep it’s so early.”

“Fig.”

“What?”

“It’s eleven am.”

“It’s Saturday guys please go back to sleep,” Kristen curled further into herself, tugging the blanket to the point Adaine had none.

“I’m answering them-”

“Tell them to fuck off.”

“Tell them-”

The rapid knocking at the front door interrupted the conversation. Adaine groaned and just plopped back down onto the makeshift bed, Kristen again sleeping. Fig stood up no longer bothering with Adaine’s crystal as she stormed to the door, the knocking still persistent until she swung the door open.

“What?” Fig said, having to look down only to be met with Riz.

That same frantic look in his eyes once more, his normal pristine clothes looked as if it had been hurriedly put on in a frenzy. Not to mention the deep eye bags underneath his eyes and- was that a new gun at his side? Fig couldn’t get a word in before he interrupted her forming sentence, “It’s Zelda, Gorgug’s kind of not girlfriend.”

“Excuse me?” Adaine remarked, standing up from the floor with Boggy on her shoulder. Nudging Kristen with her foot who merely shifted to her other side away from Adaine.

“Zelda Donovan, my mom went out for her shift and she called me talking about how they had a call at her house. Her family, satyrs fought off Harvestmen when they took her. Not in a palimpsest, just took her like an actual kidnapping some Harvestmen took off in a car.”

“Okay, okay when was this Riz?” Adaine questioned. Fig didn’t wait any longer before running back into the apartment rushing off presumably to change. Kristen finally woke up with a groggy expression starting to take in the situation.

“Like five? Six minutes ago when I hung up I immediately got ready and started texting you guys I even called you. Did you get my calls?” Riz pulled out his crystal.

“The whole reason we woke up was from your calls by the way!” Fig shouted from some part of the apartment.

“Ignore her but yes I did get them. Do you know where she lives?”

“In the Tillering neighborhood, I texted Gorgug and Fabian in the group chat already but they’re probably still asleep from the party last night,” Riz answered.

“Maybe we can investigate anything else that happened in the area, see if we can find anything leading to the Harvestmen or anybody else that played a part in this,” Adaine said. “Text Fabian and Gorgug to meet us there.”

“I also found some other stuff,” Riz mumbled, this time his voice was softer and almost weak. Adaine turned to him with a curious gaze, “I found my mom’s case file on, well, everything. Apparently Bill Seacaster was making deals for the KVX bank for something. And I found my dad’s stuff.”

“Your dad?”

“He was this secret agent for Solace and he was searching into the Harpy and came to the same conclusion we came to. That it’s the same ship as the Cerulean using illusion magic,” Riz added. He perked up before grabbing his new gun, “And, he had this new-well new to me, gun as well. Magic bullets and everything.”

“Wait, who's taking us?” Kristen interrupted.

“We can just steal Gilear’s car again!” Fig exclaimed, coming from the bathroom already dressed.

Adaine had nothing. Even with Detect Magic on followed by Kristen’s Detect Evil and Good nothing besides the usual magic artifact or a religious totem peaked from the detectors. Their conversation shared between Zelda’s family had revealed a few more things.

It was around seven am, early in the morning when their family would’ve been otherwise asleep. The Harvestmen didn’t try to attack the family at first before they tried kidnapping Zelda, and no one had seen anybody with a crystal palimpsest. Either they were running out of them, or they couldn’t trap her in the moment.

Regrouping at the sidewalk in front of the house nobody had found anything.

“It doesn’t make sense,” Riz groaned. “Why wouldn’t they have brought a palimpsest to kidnap Zelda?”

“Maybe it’s a spell?” Kristen asked.

“What?” Adaine said.

“Maybe to trap someone in the crystal you need a spell to do it? And the Harvestmen are normally paladins or just fighters not wizards or spellcasters that could do that,” Kristen added.

“Maybe, but they’ve run out of spellcasters. Penelope’s in prison, Aelwyn’s in fucking Fallinel or something, Zayn’s dead and a ghost so who else?” Adaine groaned.

“They’re bringing her somewhere. So maybe somewhere remote?” Riz questioned.

“What are they even doing with the girls?” Fig sighed. “We know that they need seven maidens and now they have seven of them so what’s the next step for them?”

“That’s…” Riz looked stumped. “We don’t know anything else. We’re lost, everything we had for a lead was with Penelope, Dayne, or Aelwyn and both of them we can’t talk to.”

Adaine looked around with tired eyes with Boggy’s. Nothing, they had nothing that could lead them to whoever took Zelda besides the fact they were Harvestmen.

“Did the police do any questioning on Penelope yet?” Adaine asked Riz.

He tiredly shook his head no. “She kept on saying something about her lawyer? I dunno, my mom and a few other cops tried to get anything out of her and nothing. Plus she didn’t have anything on her but a makeup bag and her crystal which we can’t go through without a warrant.”

“Fucking laws,” Fig grumbled.

Two crystals ringing stopped their conversation. Light flashed from Gorgug and Riz’s pockets, both giving apologetic glances before picking it up.

Dayne was still on the loose, Adaine finally gave that boy a thought. After his long disappearance she hadn’t bothered to think about him, maybe they could track him down and-

“It’s Biz,” Riz answered first.

“Ew,” Adaine mumbled. “Isn’t he supposed to be hospitalized?”

“It’s been months since the attack. And he’s asking for us at the arcade, about the palimpsests,” Riz said.

“The arcade?” Fabian asked.

“I don’t know, he just said to meet him there.”

“It’s better than standing around here twiddling our thumbs trying to come up with something,” Fabian sighed, the Hangman already coming up to his side.

“It was my parents, the energy source that they were building was for the arcade,” Gorgug finished. Confused glances were shared amongst the six.

“That can’t be a coincidence right?” Fig asked.

“Let’s find out?” Riz sighed.

“It still doesn’t make sense, Riz,” Adaine whispered, Boggy sitting on her shoulder almost leaning on Riz’s head from how she had to lean down.

“We have nothing Adaine. Like, literally nothing that connects to anything else. The apocalypse was the Harvestmen and something with religion, Bill is supplying something to KVK which we know stands for Kalxavus the Red Waste Emperor which is also Harvestmen-”

“But why the missing girls? Specifically seven maidens, why drag Aelwyn to kill the Elven Oracle-”

“Which is you by the way.”

“We don’t have full confirmation on that Riz,” Adaine interrupted. “Why drag Aelwyn to kill the Oracle in the first place? What did Eleminthindriel have in this?”

“We still don’t know what the Spies Tongue Curse is for,” Riz remarked.

“Don’t get me started.”

“We’re still missing something,” Riz ran his hands through his hair in frustration.

Adaine’s heightened hearing picked up on the sound of machinery in the arcade. Riz and Adaine stayed in the back while they were talking,

“Why build an arcade in the middle of a war?” Adaine added. Looking through the prizes hiding behind the glass display as they walked past. A sleek black sword, some sneakers, a teddy bear, skateboard, headphones, and a snap bracelet.

“I honestly don’t know Adaine.”

“Do you think these things actually do anything?” Adaine pointed to the prizes.

“Maybe, cast Identify if you feel like it.”

Adaine murmurs a small okay before wandering deeper into the arcade with everyone. Having nothing better to do her mind wandered aimlessly. Everyone they knew was out of the picture already, Aelwyn, Penelope, Zayn, Johnny, the Harvestmen but now they were supposedly back again. Whoever was kidnapping the girls, they had no lead to follow.

“Biz?!” Riz shouted for the pixie. “Where are you?!”

The only response was silence.

Everyone looked back at Riz with a confused look. He merely sighed before walking further into the arcade. Adaine stayed back, as much as she was involved in the mystery she’d rather not face Biz again. Her hands trailing the countless games lined together. Adaine had presumed they’d just leave if there was no sign of Biz but a worried and confused look on Kristen’s face when she came up to her said otherwise.

Adaine raised an eyebrow. “Everything alright?”

Kristen shook her head. “I did a small Detect Good and Evil y'know just in case? And there’s something in these games.”

“What?” Adaine asks.

“L-Let me show you,” Kristen mumbled. She walked only a few feet before arriving at a powered off game. Simple presses of a few buttons turned it back on, pixelated background of a fighting ring. A fake audience in the far back with a girl in the ring. Orc or half orc, the pixels made it harder to presume, braided hair, pink shirt and tan colored pants with boots.

Being much closer to the game, Adaine could sense a powerful amount of conjuration. Before she could tell Kristen the sound came on.

“Hi, I’m Katja, I’m here to chop! Hwah!” Katja’s voice rang out.

Adaine had never once heard her real voice in real time. Yet the sound of it sent chills down her spine and a sense of familiarity. Katja, Katja Cleaver, one of the missing girls. Described in the missing girls article as a half orc girl who had dozens of horses back at Skullcleaver Manor her father was a famous adventurer.

Adaine sent a horrified look to Kristen who returned the sentiment. “Um, that shouldn't be a coincidence right?” Kristen whispered.

“No, not at all,” Adaine mumbled. Her hand reached into her jacket already pulling out her arcane wand.

“Uh, guys! Come here please?!” Riz shouted out from deeper into the arcade.

Adaine and Kristen arrived just as Gorgug, Fabian, and Fig did. Three pillars, radiating with arcane energy with the one in the middle having a computer attached and at the very top, holding a now empty palimpsest. Riz was the only one in the arcade with Biz still nowhere in sight.

It was the other two pillars that were the problem. Holding seven palimpsests glowing a brillant blue light. They could all see the faces reflecting off of the crystal material. The only four Adaine could discern was Zelda, Ostentatia, Sam, and Katja. Even in their crystal trap, the seven could see them, desperation, hope and an assortment of different emotions ran through their faces.

“My fucking god,” Fabian mumbled.

“Why would Biz lead us here?” Fig had an accusatory tone in her voice. Already on her tiptoes trying to reach the empty palimpsest.

“I think he might be bad,” Riz sighed.

“I hate him even more then,” Adaine walked over to the pillar on the left. A high leveled spell was at work here, she could barely recognize it, Imprisonment. Something was keeping the spell going and if she had to guess it would’ve been the pillars at work.

“I think we should take them with us,” Gorgug already was trying to figure a way to grab them out of the pillar slots.

Riz’s clawed hands provided a bit of leverage in getting one of the palimpsests out. A halfling girl, brunette hair tied into a long braid with a flower in her hair. Penny was one of if not Riz’s entire reason for starting this adventure, no one protested him trying to grab her palimpsest.

Adaine’s hand outstretched into sharp claws, blonde fur starting to grow on the back of her hand. Reaching out to the one in the middle of the left pillar. Sam had a frightened look at first but eased, sharp nails grabbed at the smooth surface of the crystal ball. Tugging didn’t work at first so she tried to shift the ball. Riz used both of his hands trying to get Penny.

“Are we sure this is safe? Like we won’t damage them at-”

Fabian was interrupted by the sudden electric shock that sent Adaine and Riz flying backwards.

Adaine yelped in pain as Riz squirmed around on the ground. Fig and Gorgug rushed to Adaine trying to lift her off the ground, with Kristen at Riz's side. A small wave of healing brushed to the two healing the small burn marks on their palms.

“Getting them out is out of the question, maybe if we win the games then can we-”

“Come on! I just wanted to play!” Biz’s voice rang out through the arcade.

“And I want to stop being interrupted!” Fabian screamed out, rapier unsheathed.

Adaine changed the Detect Magic spell to a charged Lightning Bolt from the arcane wand. She wanted to search for Biz, if it weren’t for the sudden change in, well, everything.

Glancing around and the walls are…moving? Swirling colors all around her, a phantasmagoria of rainbow and splashes of other colors all around the six. Everything was almost wobbling around them, the roof, walls, the floor. Adaine had a hard time discerning what was right and left or even up and down.

Eyes frantically tried to land on anything solid, she could maybe rely on her smell but even that was getting confused.

The once spacious arcade was now narrow. Whatever spell was happening distorted her vision making the pathways tight. Not only was this spell incredibly confusing but now it limited their space. Adaine can only come to the conclusion of the arcade now transforming into a chaotic “wonderland”.

The arcade games suddenly glowed. Black screens flashed a bright blue while something popped out of them. Dripping in electroplasma, glasses that cover their dead gaze, pencils in their chest pockets and calculators. Graphic t-shirts or buttoned up dress shirts with dress pants. Adaine could barely make them out as ghosts from the swirling colors around her.

An exact amount was ten of them with sinister grins with braces, hands almost clawed.

It was at a standstill.

Screeches interrupted the moment of tense silence. These two ghostly teen boys launched themselves at Riz and Kristen. Screeches that hurt Adaine’s sensitive ears. One barely missed Kristen but the other managed to shred Riz’s chest, blood staining ghostly hands and the cloth of Riz’s suit vest.

A ghost clung onto him, whispering something that Adaine couldn’ quite make out. Whatever it was, Riz didn’t hesitate to move. Not back to the group of five, but away. He mindlessly pushed through the ghosts, another three tried to attack him as he passed. Riz nimbly disengaged from the fight but dashed out through the narrow passageway of the cramped arcade.

“What is The Ball doing?!” Fabian screamed.

“It’s the ghosts, not him!” Fig yelled back.

Fabian huffed, rapier already drawn and he ran forward. While his swings had no magic in them it still did damage to the ghosts. Holes and slashes appeared in one of the ghosts, a teen girl with a headband with some movie reference t-shirt Adaine couldn’t make out.

Two more ghosts, two kids dressed in formal wear like a Hudol uniform lunged for Fig. One of them lifted in the air and tried to dive for Fig but she easily swatted him out of the way.

“Oh! Lemme try!” The ghostly girl screamed out. Jumping into Fig’s mouth. Fig stumbled like a drunken man crashing into one of the arcade games, her body trembled and shook before falling limp leaning on the game for support.

“Gorgug! Call your parents or something, they installed the power right?” Adaine questioned. “Maybe they know how to shut this thing off or some way to get the girls out?”

Another ghost tries to launch for Kristen but narrowly misses.

“Y-Yes?!” Gorgug scrambled for his crystal while Kristen stepped forward, her book on world religions flies open. A gleaming golden light surrounds her in a circular pattern that isn’t normal. Figures start to take shape, not corn or Helioic along the lines. Adaine is slightly blinded from the light and just as her vision clears the figure takes full shape.

A human man monk, a dragonborn philosopher with a large totem in hand, a beautiful fashionable elven woman that by the journal and pencil in hand must’ve been an author. All three outlined in gold and a spectral form like ghosts but instead of blue a beautiful yellow.

The Spirit Guardians already take action. The monk punches one of the ghosts straight in the chest, the philosopher smacks the same on the top of the head with his book. The elven woman hits another one across the face with her journal. Two ghosts shredded by the Guardians' attacks.

Fig finally moves, her eyes empty, voiding all of her previous fire. She grabs her bass guitar, with a smile that isn’t hers, showing all of her teeth that sends a shiver down Adaine’s spine. “Come on! We’re just playing a game? Right Adaine?!” Fig screams at Adaine.

A shrieking sound comes from the strings. The sound is numbing even before the spell finishes, painfully intense. A thunderous force shatters everything around Adaine which includes Gorgug. His crystal shattering just as his parents answer the call. Adaine’s eardrums burst from the sound, the ringing is nonstop now in her sensitive ears.

Adaine can’t hear anything but the muffled voices of ghosts, her friends screaming, and the sinister laugh from Fig. Boggy is barely holding on by a thread, his croaks can’t provide any comfort for Adaine as she can not hear him anymore.

Three more ghosts launch themselves at Adaine, Gorgug and Kristen. The Spirit Guardians make it hard to hit the cleric, Gorgug expertly dodges the ghost by kneeling down. Adaine isn’t so fortunate, the ghost’s hands shoot straight through her chest. Grabbing her heart, manually squeezing it, thumbs pressing against the tender flesh of her pounding heart.

She can feel her body suffer, her heart strain in pain like a muscle having a cramp. Dead eyes bore into her frightened one, she feels her body almost age from the pumping of her heart.

A sinister grin comes to its face, ectoplasm dripping from its body the ghost leans in closer. Screaming past the ringing in her ears. “You aren’t good enough for this game dude! How about you just leave? Or die?!” It screams with a smile that sends shivers down her spine.

Fear fills her, more than her panic attacks could ever.

Adaine’s legs move without a second though. Boggy is desperately trying to grab onto her, trying to reassure her or comfort her yet with the ringing from the thunder of Fig and the ghost. She doesn’t even bother trying to avoid the other nine ghosts in front of her, they claw at her sides. Ripping her jacket to shreds as blood stained her body.

“Katja, downloaded.”

Throat tightens, her breathing is suddenly shallow and fast. The ringing in her ears, the torn flesh on her side and stomach sticks to the denim, her eyes suddenly welling with tears. Adaine can’t help the rising panic attack in her chest. Fig attacked her, she couldn’t get the palimpsest out, she’s mindlessly running around useless to the rest of her friends in fear.

Hells, Adaine considers shifting to her lycan side just for a faster escape. Filled with fear she can’t help but dash away. Swirling colors of illusions and rainbow fill her visions, Riz is nowhere in sight now that she considers it. Adaine dashes again and turns another sharp left when a video game flashes a bright light, the call is irresistible.

“Antiope, downloaded.”

Before Adaine can grab onto anything else, her body turns into something else then flesh and bone when she is suddenly sucked into the game. Boggy is somehow still here with her when she harshly lands on the floor somewhere.

The first thing is her body, pixels that barely make out her form with Boggy animated as a normal frog rather than his spherical appearance.

“Hi! My name’s Sam!”

“Fuck!” Adaine scrambles to get up. Her chest is still pounding and her breathing shallow. It isn’t just the panic attack at play but anger, Biz was at fault for this. The girls trapped in the palimpsests, the ghosts, and now she was trapped in a stupid video game.

“If you can beat me-”

“Shut up, shut up, fuck you!”

“-then you can win and get out of here!”

Electric music begins to play. Adaine stands up, Boggy croaks in confusion but support. Looking at Sam or the video game version of her Adaine can barely make out what type of game it is.

Arrows pointing up, down, right and left placed right in front of her. Coming from above where arrows in almost a rhythmic pattern, Sam’s voice rings out in a tune that Adaine can’t quite make out. The scoreboard is right above Adaine’s head.

Boggy nuzzles Adaine’s cheek and a comforting ribbit.

Arrow on the right glows and Adaine hurriedly steps on it just in time before it goes away. A high note plays that matches Sam’s singing. Left lights up and same steps, hitting the arrows just in time and the higher the comb the higher the points.

Jumping on the arrows is tiring and her legs already burn with exhaustion. The score keeps on rising but her stamina is easily depleting. Adaine can barely keep up, Boggy keeps on pushing her with his croaks in ribbits. Landing on the arrow pointing left, Adaine nearly collapses to the pixelated ground but the music comes to a sudden halt with Sam’s singing.

“Congratulations!”

“What?” Adaine heaves out.

“Good job, and come back!”

Adaine is suddenly pushed backwards and sent flying. Boggy clings onto her as they both land on the hard floor of the arcade. Still surrounded in the swirling colors but out of that god awful video game. Her legs burn with exhaustion but she scrambles to stand back up. Her ears strain for anything and Adaine can make out a new voice with the screams of ghosts and her friends.

“Agh! Why do you have to ruin everything?!” Biz screams with pain.

“Fuck you! Fuck you, fuck you what did you do to her?!” Fig screams. Adaine can pinpoint it coming back from the area with the pillars.

Barely comprehending the voice’s of Fig and Biz, Fabian bestride the Hangman rushes past her. A roar of fire narrowly misses her but Adaine runs after the two, she can’t keep up with a motorcycle but she uses dashes forward.

“Sam, downloaded.”

Screams, spells fired, the lights above her flicker, the fight continues as Adaine dashes forward faster.

“Penny, downloaded.”

Bumping past arcade games and turning a sharp right, a trap attempts to grab her, pixelated versions of herself yet Adaine kneels down, sliding against the rough carpet narrowly avoiding the pixels trying to grab her before rushing back up to stand.

There are fewer ghosts, maybe seven or six left. Spirit Guardians still going strong with Kristen badly injured covered in her own blood and spectral blood. Fig is at a stand off with a burned Biz. Fabian astride the Hangman battling with a ghost, Gorgug behind the pillars with a newly formed shock of white in his hair at the front, electricity popping out of open wires.

Riz, still nowhere in sight. Adaine is answered by the gleaming reflection of him in a palimpsest.

A burning fury that she hasn’t felt in quite a long time flares. Adaine grabs the arcane wand, already clawed hands neary snap the wood again. She uses almost all of the charges and aims straight at Biz, he barely glances at her before a Lightning Bolt is launched straight for him.

It lights the entire room, arcade games flicker with energy and ghosts scramble back away from the line of power. It strikes Biz directly in his chest, singing his clothes and making his hair stand up Fig backs away from the powerful bolt. Looking back at Adaine with a bright smile and a look of hope.

“Ostentatia, downloaded.”

“Fuck you, you stupid asshole!” Adaine screams, her voice more raspy as she feels a slight shift in her body. Canine teeth almost turning into fangs Adaine barely manages to hold her anger in.

“Why m’lady!-”

“Stop calling me that you fuck!”

Biz scowles, his hands raise in the air with a chant that Adaine can’t make out. Three lines of colorful fire launch out to Adaine, Fig, and Kristen. Adaine narrowly ducks, Fig is hit in her shoulder yet sends a Hellish Rebuke at Biz singeing his face. Kristen is hit in the back of the head, she stumbles as the concentration held on the guardians disappear.

Fabian slashes two more ghosts in one fell swoop. They scream in terror and fear as they explode in a splash of ectoplasm. The Hangman shifts, turning into a hellhound? News to Adaine at least since Fabian has a wide smile on his face. Hellhound form, the Hangman spews hot lava onto another one of the ghosts, now barely hanging on by a thread.

The lava covered ghost lunges for Fabian, badly shredding his chest now covered in blood and torn flesh. “How about you leave?! You’re nothing to your-”

“Shut up you stupid ghost!” Fabian screams back, fighting back the fear in his voice.

Gorgug screams, his axe high in the air as he tries to damage more of the wires connected to the pillars. The arcane energy coursing through them flickers but not enough to power it off. All of the palimpsests were already empty, the reflections of the girls gone. Except for Zelda and Riz. Zelda has desperation written all over her face, banging furiously on the glass of the crystal with a glassy look to her eyes.

Riz? His hands were slightly bloody, and he was furiously digging into the palimpsest crystal. Adiane couldn’t quite make it out but he had the same look whenever he found something on his face.

Fig, thankfully the ghost possession in her long gone, casts Thunderwave. Turning back to the remaining ghosts, a high shrieked note played that made the ghosts flinch. A wave of thunder that rocked the building shoots straight to the ghosts. Carefully avoiding Fabian, Kristen and Adaine.

Another one of the ghosts falls and disperse into nothing. A ghost, a teen human boy with a graphic t-shirt and tight jeans launches to Adaine. Another claw of pain straight through her chest trying to grab her heart, the pain is still apparent but Adaine fights the fear away.

“Zelda, downloaded.”

Fuck.

Adaine doesn’t bother with the ghost in front of her. Another Lightning Bolt charge shoots through her arcane wand aiming straight at Biz’s chest again. He tries throwing a spell at Adaine’s bolt, Counterspell yet it’s too weak to bat away the bolt that strikes him in the chest. Sizzling his skin and coursing through his body the electricity.

His wings go stiff, eyes roll to the back of his head, Biz’s body falls limp before he collapses to the ground with a thud.

The ghosts turn sharply to look at the unconscious Biz. With screeches, promises to come back and to haunt them they all retreat to the arcade games. The lights flicker, the swirling phantasmagoria of colors suddenly starts to slow down. Walls turn back to a solid matter and to the original color of just black. The cramped arcade turns back into being spacious.

Fig slings her bass guitar onto her back, her hands already lighting with fire as she strides to Biz’s body.

“Woah! Wait hold up Fig!” Fabian dropped his rapier, almost tackling FIg who immediately started writhing in his grasp.

“Come on! He planned this whole thing and wanted to kidnap Adaine! Lemme!”

“He wanted to what now?” Adaine asks.

“Nothing, later, but first we don’t know how to get The Ball out and he does!”

“Can you revive him Kristen?” Gorgug points to Biz’s still twitching body.

“Really? Do I have to?” Kristen grumbles.

“Hangman, since when could you do that by the way?” Adaine pointed to the hellhound.

“Well he did it on the full moon so he could attack you in your-” Fabian cuts himself off. A small awkward silence before he clears his throat. “Not new but new to you. I’m getting off topic!”

“Woah Adaine your hair! Just like Gorgug’s!” Kristen points at Adaine. At first she’s confused before she grabs a strand of hair in the front. No longer met with her usual blonde but a shock of white color like Gorgug’s hair in the front.

“The ghosts-”

“Squeezed your heart and so you suddenly age?” Gorgug finishes for her. He tugs on the shock of white in front of his hair.

“Maybe we should all dye our hair white in solidarity,” Fig asks. “Also I love it, on both of you guys,” Fig winks at Adaine and she feels a small bit of Fig’s classic bardic inspiration fill her.

“My hair is already white so no,” Fabian mumbles.

“So um, no revivify?” Kristen interrupts.

Adaine sighs, “We do need answers. Let’s just make it quick so we don’t have to talk to him long.”

Kristen sighs before slowly coming up to Biz. A glow of gold on her palm reached out to him. Biz coughs, his throat raspy and hoarse as he blinks away the bleariness in his eyes.

Fig steps forward and immediately steps on Biz’s foot with a crunch from her combat boots. Biz howled in pain when she leaned down to the pixie on the ground. “Tell us how to get Riz out of that palimpsest.”

The Suggestion spell makes Fig’s voice sweet as honey Adaine almost falls for it. Biz scoffs, using his wings to lift off the ground making his way to the computer, Mage Hand grabs Riz’s palimpsest and inserts it to the top of the middle pillar.

“You really think? I’m dumb enough to grab his crystal and type in the commands-”

Riz appeared in the middle of the six injured teens.

“-and let out- No!”

“You’re really fucking dumb,” Adaine mumbles.

Riz has a frenzied look in his eyes, one hand easily grabs Biz’s by his foot and drags him down to the ground. He unholsters his gun with the other while the other hand grabs Biz’s wrist. His tail is upwards and still, eyes dilated like a cat’s and his voice is laced with venom. “You are going to tell me where you sent those girls and I’m going to give you till the count of five to tell me.”

“Or I’m going to blow your fucking fingers off!”

“I-I what?!”

“1!”

“W-Wait!”

“2! 3!”

“S-Stop!”

“4!” Riz doesn’t finish counting but the fire of a gun finishes the count. Blood pours down Biz’s arm as a pointer finger flies off somewhere.

“I’m gonna give you another chance okay?!”

“W-Wait dude we can talk this out right?!”

“1! 2!”

“S-Stop hold on!”

“3! 4!”

“I-I get nervous!”

Another bang echoes through the otherwise silent arcade. Biz screams bloody murder, while Fig steps up. Fire lighting her hands with Kristen besides her.

“I-I get nervous with the counting please!” Biz begs. “This is a crime! A war crime o-or!-”

“It’s already war you fucker!” Fig sneers. A cast of Burning Hands badly scorches Biz’s left side of his face. Now screaming in pain Biz writhes underneath the grasp of Riz and Fig.

“We became bullies real fast,” Fabian mumbles.

“Eh, he deserves it, let's be honest,” Adaine said, Boggy croaking in agreement.

“Okay, we’ll go slower but! I know those girls are heading to the AV room, what happens after that?” Riz grits his teeth, the grip on his gun tightening.

“T-They’re transported back into their bodies, okay? T-That’s all I know.”

Adaine walks a bit further back from the group. A wave of her wand she easily cast Detect Thoughts on Biz. She tries pushing further but she’d need Biz’s full permission or help to search more…

“Biz…”

“Y-Yes m’la-”

Fig, Riz, and Kristen easily slap him across the face before he could even finish his sentence.

“Don’t call me that, and second. I cast Detect Thoughts on you and I need you to let me in so I can find more.”

“Why yes m’la-” Biz freezes at the glares coming from all six. “O-Okay.”

“Don’t think of anything weird.”

Adaine pushes further. Memories of Biz coming up with this “plan” of kidnapping the girls. Feeling bad for himself enough to capture the girls for his own pleasure, Adaine wants to gag but holds back. She nearly leaves his mindscape when she feels it. Aelwyn’s magic is unmistakable after so long, years of having its effects on her from banter turning into mini spell fights and Aelwyn showing off.

Adaine wants to scoff, why wouldn’t it be Aelwyn. And to think she emphasized for the girl once (Adaine ignores the folder with her documents that Aelwyn gave her the day she left the Abernant home. The cursive written on the back always tugs at her heart so she stopped looking at it at some point).

Adaine drops the spell, expectant eyes lock onto hers. Boggy gives her a reassuring croak before she sighs. “It was Aelwyn, again. She put memories into Biz so it’d seem like it was his idea to kidnap the girls. He’s being used as a scapegoat essentially.”

There’s a small tense silence as the six look over to Biz. Riz sheepishly smiles, wandering off to grab the shot off gingers before grabbing Biz’s wrist. “I’m…so…sorry,” Riz’s teeth grit, almost like he’s still unapologetic. Using his medical kit he slowly sews Biz’s fingers back on

“Uh, we’ll call an ambulance for you dude,” Gorgug mumbles.

“We should definitely go, right?” Fig whispers to Adaine.

She wordlessly nods back.

“Don’t worry, someone will be here to get you or something!” Fabian is already walking with the Hangman who’s turned back into his motorcycle form away from Biz. Riz hurriedly and lazily finishes sewing back the fingers before they all rush out of the arcade.

Adaine is too tired and barely argues when Fig and Fabian insist on stopping by the prizes.

Turns out the prizes were good. A teddy bear for Kristen which held double concentration, The Sword of Shadows which allowed a Misty Step once a day, a skateboard for Fig which allowed for faster travel. A snap bracelet for Adaine, headphones for Gorgug and sneakers for Fabian.

The mall is quiet, letting the six finally have some sense of peace when they leave.

The sudden blaring of sirens, lights shining above not from the stars but helicopter lights, and the red points coming from guns pointed at them stopped the six in their tracks.

“By the authority of the Council of Chosen! You six! Are all under arrest for the murder of Johnny Spells, his gang members, four faculty at Augefort, and other charges that will be listed later on once you are all under custody!”

Fuck.

Chapter Text

“I said, stand where you all are! Don’t move and drop the weapons! Hands in the air where we can see them!” The voice yelling into the speakerphone said. The choppers flying above them made it hard to hear but the demands were otherwise clear.

Adaine winced at the overwhelming sounds, heightened hearing always made loud spaces harder. They all almost made a turn back into the mall if it weren’t for the helicopters right above them. Repelling down with ropes, multiple people in full military gear dropped down covering the entrance back into the mall, pointing more guns at them.

“Do we run?” Riz already had a stance, ready to make a break for it.

“I don’t think we can run out of this one or fight,” Adaine said to the others, Boggy croaking in agreement.

“I said!-”

“We're going! And are compliant with your demands!” Fabian yelled back. “Come on, just follow what they’re saying and maybe we can get out of this,” Fabian muttered to the others. Kneeling down with one hand in the air, the other dropping the rapier to the ground.

Adaine pocketed her arcane wand into her jacket while the others dropped their weapons. Boggy gave her a concerned ribbit before someone started walking up to them. An agent by the dark navy suit and badge from her neck.

Half elven woman, her braids tied up into a bun with sunglasses with an arquebus holstered at her side, a clipboard tucked underneath her arm. A heavy sigh escaped her lips while she walked the stairs up to the front of the mall to the six teens and the Hangman. One hand took off the sunglasses as the other rubbed the bridge of her nose before she looked up at them.

“Figueroth Faeth-”

“It’s actually Figueroth Faeth the Unsatiable,” Fig interrupted the woman. Fabian elbowed her in the ribs with a small glare.

She took in a deep breath, muttered something under her breath before continuing. “Figueroth Faeth, Adaine Abernant, Fabian Aramais Seacaster, Gorgug Thistlespring, Riz Gukgak, and Kristen Applebees? You’re all under arrest for the murder of Johnny Spells and other accounts of murder, trespassing, breaking and entering, assault.”

There was a small pause, looks exchanged between all six of the teens with a growing sense of dread. They had been doing this for what? Over six months and now they’re under arrest?

Someone rushed up the stairs to the mall, Sklonda had a worried and exhausted look on her face. She gave a worried look to the teens, mostly Riz but she cleared her throat gaining the agents attention away from them.

“Agent Worrel? I only need a few seconds, see, these kids are from the adventuring academy Augefort and-”

“I don’t know what kind of fucked up town this is to have, kids! Teenage kids that are-how old are you?” Agent Worrel points at Adaine and Gorgug.

“Fourteen,” Adaine said.

“Fifteen,” Gorgug mumbles.

“Fourteen and fifteen year olds going around and killing people in broad daylight! I have a fucking report,” Agent Worrel takes out a clipboard from under her arm. “Johnny’s car was stolen and the gang was murdered on the streets with him being shot in the back of the head with a crossbow!”

Fabian doesn’t bother trying to hide his averted gaze.

“Well-” Sklonda tried to speak up but was interrupted again.

“Not only that! But a fucking out of control werewolf killing an owlbear?! A fucking owlbear and a werewolf fighting in broad daylight at the school’s Bloodrush field! With the coach of said school being murdered as well by the same werewolf and teens!” Agent Worrel is red in the face at this point.

“Hey! She’s not at all fucking out of control so you keep your mouth shut,” Fig argues. Pointing at Agent Worrel with a deadly glare.

“We don’t have the footage but we have the statements of the same fucking werewolf being the diplomatic daughter of Fallinel. The same fucking country we’re currently at war with! Attacking her own family and getting said family under arrest with two other kids in the fight as well!”

Boggy gives the best glare he can to the women as Adaine tries to avoid the agent's own glare directed at her. Croaking and nuzzling Adaine’s cheek with his signature stare of “happy-to-be-here” for Adaine.

Riz steps forward, “First off Johnny was kidnapping girls and-”

“Cuff them!” Agent Worrel cut off Riz. “And I don’t want to hear another word from them until we get them processed!”

Turns out, they weren’t as sneaky as they previously believed in with their investigating.

CCTV footage from the dinner showing the teens robbing Johnny’s car and flinging spells and attacks. The attack on DJ Brains in The Black Pit, breaking into the Durinson Mintheral Factory, the attack on Daybreak with Adaine turning into a lycan.

Not only every fight they fought in the past was recorded by cameras in the area. It showed footage of Adaine as a werewolf running through the streets after Aelwyn found her that night in the Abernant home, Adaine running on the full moon attacking the others and Bill Seacaster.

She felt guilt run through her veins again when she saw the footage of the first full moon. Adaine clearly attacked everyone, with a wild look in her eyes that she couldn’t even recognize herself in.

Boggy gave her a ribbit and she barely held off a panic attack running through her.

Processing them was quick and just a little paperwork, their names, current guardians, known medical history like Adaine’s lycanthropy. Adaine unluckily had to write Angwyn and Arianwen as her guardians since no proper legal work was done to change them. Taking their mugshots, finger prints, weapons and even Adaine’s jacket. Boggy thankfully stayed by her side in the end.

“God, this town in a fucking nightmare to be in,” Angela rubbed her nose, Adaine managed to figure out her actual name by her badge.

The door to the cell closed, all six teens awkwardly stuffed into one cell together. Gorgug, Adaine and Kristen took the small bench while the other three stood around.

“No need to wait nor try to escape any longer,” Fabian said confidently. “My papa’s coming here and he’ll get us out of here!”

“Fabian you're great and all but you’re hogging the crystal,” Adaine complained. Fabian huffed before he held out the crystal to Adaine.

Adaine Mage Hands the crystal to palm. Staring at the screen the first thought was Vice Principal Goldenhoard. She should’ve warned him about their current situation for school purposes and to check for Arthur’s office trash bin from the note in his autobiography Adaine found.

She dialed a different number instead.

“Hello?” a gruff voice answered the call. “Jawbone here uh who’s this?”

“Jawbone? Um, it’s Adaine.”

“Kiddo? Who’s crystal is this, what happened?”

“I got arrested, we all did. By the Council of Chosen and this is the crystal they gave us to make our phone call. Apparently they found out about everything we’ve been doing, the breaking and entering…the murders.”

Adaine heard rustling on the other end, Jawbone said something and she heard Tracker over the crystal. The opening of a door and the jingling of keys. “Jawbone? What are you doing?”

“Heading over there right now, I’m gonna try and get you kids out of there.”

“Really?”

“Yeah kiddo! Ain’t my first time trying to bail someone out too. But that's a long story for later, I was at the Dune Fort and it was during an orgy with-”

“J-Jawbone I can wait for the story,” Adaine stammered.

“Ah don’t worry I’m sure we’ll have another chance to talk, I gotta drive kiddo but I’ll see you soon don’t worry!”

“Thank you Jawbone,” Adaine had a smile on her face that she didn’t bother pushing away.

It was a painfully long wait. Gorgug called his parents who were staying at the apartments with Gilear. Riz called Goldenhoard instead of Adaine with Kristen and Fig not taking calls. Boggy acted as a support for all of the teens, his comforting ribbits leaving everyone calmer and more relaxed than before.

Apparently, by Goldenhoard’s call when Arthur was alive he would have dealt with all of this. The charges, the Council of Chosen getting involved. Now with him dead and the little control the vice principal had in charge (Adaine still doesn’t get why Goldenhoard is so restricted in his duties with the principal gone, isn’t the whole vice principal supposed to take charge after?) there was little to nothing they could do against the charges placed against them.

Riz tried looking for clues, Gorgug tried to brute force his way out. Either way nothing they could do or try made any effort in breaking out.

Adaine was busy counting Boggy’s croaks when her ears twitched. Picking up on the two pairs of footsteps walking down the cell hallways. Jawbone and an elven woman who Adaine didn’t recognize, her brunette hair in a braid with a bow slung across her back. A small book in her hands. She had never seen her personally, only in passing or whenever Fig complained about her.

SandraLynn stood off to the side and refused to meet any of the other kids' gaze but Fig’s. While Fig very bluntly avoided hers.

“Kiddos!” Jawbone exclaimed.

“Jawbone!” Adaine smiled.

“Gosh, you wouldn’t believe how paranoid those agents were, they patted us down like maniacs trying to see if we had brought anything to break you kids out of here,” he smiled

“Um, I’m sorry, who are you?” Fabian bluntly asked, pointing to the woman.

“My name’s SandraLynn, I’m Fig’s mom,” SandraLynn replied. Adaine glanced at Fig who finally looked up. A glare directed at SandraLynn with a growing resentment by each passing second.

There was a small tense silence between all of them, mostly between Fig and her mother that no one wanted to try poking at. Jawbone cleared his throat with a sheepish smile. “Anyways, we talked to Sklonda your mom kiddo,” pointing to Riz. “And we’re trying to get you kids out of here before the charges stick any longer, normally Arthur could’ve done this but…you know what! Let’s just-”

“Where’s Gorthalax?” Fig interrupted, her arms crossed staring daggers at SandraLynn.

She sighed, her grip on the small book tightening. “He couldn’t come and last night we had a talk. Short story is that he got upset and now I can’t contact him so I’m sure he hasn’t gotten the news of your guy's arrest.”

“So you pushed my dad away again-”

“Fig-”

“You scared him away and now I don’t have my dad because of you,” Fig accused.

“Kiddo I’m sorry-”

“Sorry for pushing my dad away?”

“...”

“For the second time?”

SandraLynn rubbed the bridge of her nose with one hand. “I know Gorthalax won’t make it, but I just wanted to give you something.” Fig scoffed, SandraLynn walked up to the cell holding her arm through the bars with the book. Fig didn’t move, she even turned her head away from her mother.

Gorgug slowly grabbed the book from her hands. Walking over to the bench Fig was sitting at and placing it right besides her. Fig was tense before she snatched the book and opened the pages. She had a small surprised look on her face before she pushed it back down.

The small book wasn’t a book at all. It was a photo album, by the similar colored eyes, brunette hair and the piercings shown that she can see are now healed on her, Adaine could tell it was a younger SandraLynn in the photos. A few with Gilear, and even a few with Gorthalax.

Adaine could see the resemblance between the two. Fig did too because the moment the realization dawned on her she hastily closed the book. Refusing to meet SandraLynn’s gaze once more.

Jawbone clapped his hands together, breaking the tense silence that gathered. “We’re doing our best to get you kids out of here I promise, we’ll have you six out of here in no time!”

The encounter with Bill wasn’t…the best. Fabian refused to talk to anyone after Bill and his fight. After a few minutes Adaine thought after they got out maybe then they could properly talk about it.

A few hours in the cell turned into one day.

One day turned into one week, they were separated into their own cells. Fig, Gorgug and Adaine on one side together in that order from left to right. Kristen, Fabian, and Riz on the other side of the cell in that order from left to right as well. Boggy could only provide comfort from Adaine’s cell with his ribbits and croaks from afar.

One week turned into three.

Before their arrest and the entire arcade fight it had been five days after a full moon.

The full moon was tonight and Adaine was spending it in a goddamn cell.

“Hey! Angela or something?! Somebody come here please?!” Fig screamed for the fourth time. As much as Adaine appreciated the concern from her friends, the screaming combined with even more sensitive hearing wasn’t the best.

By the sun still bright in the small window Adaine had maybe a few hours until a full moon.

Adaine could feel the tension in her bones build, readying to snap and crack at the given moment. Her stomach rumbled, nothing made the situation better and the lack of food they were given was another major factor. It had been shitty potatoes and carrots for the past few weeks.

God, she needed to eat or get out and burn energy instead of walking in circles in the cell. Hells, she’ll take anything with protein even if it’s shitty like the potatoes. Boggy gave her a comforting ribbit while she covered her ears as the others screamed.

“Can somebody please come here, it's really urgent!” Riz yelled.

Someone was walking up, straining her ears. There were three people. “What?! What is it again with you kids?” Angela asked, growing frustration in her eyes.

“Hello? Did you not read those fucking forms we filled out or that report you filled or even checked the date?!” Fig screamed. “Full moon and our friend is a werewolf so, if you could maybe do something to help her?”

Angeal sighed, she turned to Adaine’s cell. Said werewolf was curled into the corner, covering her ears with the worlds’ roundest frog sitting right beside her. Adaine would insult her and call her all different names if she had the strength. She raised an eyebrow, Adaine could only give a half hearted glare.

“We’ll relocate her somewhere else, chain her with silver so she doesn’t-”

“What the fuck man?!”

“Oh fuck you!”

“This is discrimination or something!”

“Come on!”

“Oh that’s just amazing-fuck you!”

Angela groaned. “None of you have any say okay?! Just leave it there! We’ll move her in an hour or so-!”

“Fuck you!” Adaine snapped back, another flare of anger. She felt her hands extend into claws and nothing could stop her from lunging to Angela. Expect her steel bars separating them. Adaine crashed into them with a bang, her clawed hand extending to Angela through the bars but could only rip at the fabric of her sleeve.

The two other agents of the council drew their guns pointing straight at Adaine. Angela scoffed, glared daggers at Adaine. She turned on her heel and whispered something into one of the agents ear before all three stormed off. Adaine backed up from the bars, this time swiping at the steel. Yet the best she could do was claw at the material leaving white scratches.

She tired herself out after maybe five minutes.

“Those fuckers deserve to rot,” Riz mumbled.

“Okay, okay once we’re out-”

“Fabian, we've been here for almost a month. I don't think that time is coming any sooner,” Adaine said.

Adaine barely heard the stomping of boots coming down the hall before her cell door was swung open. Multiple people in military gear, again more people from the Council of Chosen. What really sent a shiver down Adaine’s spine were the ones in the middle. Still in tactile gear but holding different items from the guns.

Three of them hold what Adaine thought were sniper guns. But the green color and the dart ammo at the men’s side said other things. Tranquilizer guns.

Fine, if they were playing like this, so was she. Adaine refused to go down without a fight first. Boggy tried to calm her down but she lunged first. A clawed hand outstretched to the one in the middle she dug into his hand going past the leather and fabric of their military gloves.

Her other hand reached for his neck.

Two guns fired, both coming from her sides. A dart plunged into the side of her neck as the other punctured her thigh, Boggy tried to jump onto her for support and comfort but Adaine could see him being manhandled by one of the agents.

Adaine couldn’t stand suddenly, her legs gave out right underneath her. Multiple people were screaming, their voices overlapping one another. She couldn’t make it out who was saying what but she could understand the meaning. Desperation filled their voices after all.

Hands grabbed at her ankles, wrists, and easily lifted her. Body limp she couldn’t give much of a fight anymore, her head dangled while she was carried away. Adaine caught a glimpse of Fabian and Kristen, they were banging on the steel bars, lips open saying something but Adaine gave up on trying to understand their words.

Her eyes were drooping, Boggy wasn’t here, she couldn’t fight at all anymore.

She was unable to hold back from falling asleep.

…

…

Something clicked around her wrist, whatever it was it sizzled her skin it was near fire. Adaine snapped her eyes open, surrounded by three agents all holding the same thing. Silver chains connected to the walls and flooring of the new room. All of the walls were concrete minus the heavily steeled door in front of her.

Angela Worrel stood in front of her, sunglasses down with a look Adaine couldn’t see. Either way, the sizzling turned into burning like she put her hand on top of a fire. Adaine screamed at the top of her lungs. Burns turned into quick blisters which turned her flesh starting to tear and her nerves also beginning to melt away.

“Fuck! Fuck you!” Adaine cried out, tears welled in her eyes as the final clink echoed in her mind. The silver burned through her wrists but due to her boots it didn’t hurt her ankles yet.

“The chains will adjust to your size when you shift and we’ll supply you new clothes when you wake up. Young, juvenile werewolves tend to be more dangerous than the older ones, out of control-”

“Fuck you!” Adaine’s voice was more of a growl now. She tried standing but the chains easily held her back. She collapsed to the ground with a whimper of pain, the burning on her wrists were easily becoming too much to handle.

Why? Why was she being treated like some animal?

Tears welled from pain and fear. Was she really that dangerous? She wasn’t some rabid out of control werewolf. No, no not at all she…she attacked everyone on the first full moon-god maybe they were right. She was a monster that needed to be put into place.

No! Jawbone helped her and-

Jawbone isn’t here anymore, she’s alone, chained, and hungry.

Adaine couldn’t hear the closing of the metal door and suddenly the lack of people in the room. Her chest tightened like the chains wrapped around her, pain reverberated through her. She curled into herself, the shift in her bones worse than ever. It wanted out, it wanted to eat and not just mere meat but it wanted it’s teeth to scrape against bone and-

The tension released, a snap in her back only made her whimper out of pain even more. Tears streamed down her face as her bones snapped out of place, stretching to fit her new flesh that was starting to generate. Fabric tearing easily like paper, just like Angela said, the chains started to stretch and grow to fit her new forming body.

The corner of her vision began to grow blurry and darken.

She was being treated like some monster because in the end she was always one. The full moon attack, the fight during the Abernant Manor, the fight with Couch Daybreak. Adaine took pleasure in hurting those people as much as she hated to admit.

Adaine was just a monster, through and through in the end. Either way she couldn’t dwell on it much more as her eyes shut.

Eyes blearily woke up to the silver no longer burning her wrists and ankles. The chains were disconnected at some point of time while she was out. A new pair of clothes placed by her with a plate of food. Cooked meat, mashed potatoes that were actually cooked correctly and bottled water.

She expected after an hour she would be led back to everyone else. Reunited with Boggy, her friends. Adaine waited for ten minutes, then it was twenty, then another forty.

The realization hurt when it dawned on her. After another grueling four hours in the cell still alone and with the new clothes. The Council of Chosen didn’t plan on letting her out again. Not after her behavior no less, maybe she cried, maybe she screamed and yelled at the top of her lungs. It didn’t make a difference. Adaine even wished for Aelwyn, somebody to interact with her.

The concrete walls with new claw marks covering them mocked her with silence

Chapter Text

Adaine was eventually moved to another cell with semi-better conditions. It holds a sink, a toilet, a weak excuse of a bed with a small mattress and sheets with a thin blanket. The door is keycard access with a small opening to pass on her food. What makes the situation worse is Adaine isn’t allowed another phone call or any access to communication with the others nor is Boggy back.

Every full moon she’s dragged back to that first cell covered in her claw marks. The first time she tried fighting back again, another mistake as tranquilizer darts easily took her down. Silver chains burned and blistered her ankles and wrists as she passed out just as she took the transformation.

Panic attacks also became semi-regular. Without Boggy, her friends, Jawbone or anyone that she had trusted combined with the cruel treatment. Adaine found it hard to find any comfort.

She’s curled into another ball on the bed, she had stopped with the tears after the second month mark. Silence mocks her like an arrogant man. The “dinner” is already cold, a mix of some strange meat with mashed potatoes and another water bottle. It’s cold in the cell, if she can call it a normal cell and not an isolation unit.

Adaine can’t even pull down the sleeves of her new shirt as it’s short sleeved or her new shorts, to cover the burn marks on her wrists and ankles. The silver caused second, maybe third degree burns. They had given her medical treatment for the particularly nasty burns but it would need further medical attention to make sure nothing is permanently damaged.

Though by the numbness in her wrists and the dull ache in her ankles that flare up every now and then. Nerve damage is already taking its effect on her.

Staring at the ceiling became her new hobby. Counting the amount of hours became useless as the amount of times Adaine passed out from crying or the pain after the silver chains made counting the time harder. She wants to scream and cry though she’s already tried. Any passing guard or agent that she can hear through the walls doesn't bother with her pleas or screams of anger.

Maybe they were right, Adaine isn’t sure who but someone was right. She’s a monster, that’s why she’s being treated like one. The scars from silver chains is another disgusting reminder. Jawbone talked about “accepting herself” though Adaine can only hate it and it can only hate her back.

Those flare of angers come back, uncontrollable shifts like her clawed hands or growing sharper canines come back. The self hatred for that other part of her comes back as well, the burning resentment for Jawbone slowly creeps back again. If it hadn’t been for him, she would’ve never been here, never chained, never burned by silver.

Adaine moves away from being curled in a ball and lays flat on her back. The cot creaking underneath her as the gray concrete stares at her back.

…

She wonders what Aelwyn is doing. Probably loving it in Fallinel or something along those lines.

…

Fig is probably yelling at every passing guard.

…

Boggy, if he’s even still with the others, is probably trying to comfort the others or croaking in sadness.

…

Nothing is sharp enough to cause pain or any medication to overdose on or anything to make a death quick. And Adaine doesn’t want to bother with a slow and painful death so she only dwells on the thought of suicide for a bit.

(More like for the past few days, almost a week)

Adaine curls back into herself on her side. The coldness pricks at her skin like needles from a doctor. The thin blanket does nothing to help warm her so she doesn’t bother grabbing it for cover. It should be May or around the time of prom at school if she hasn’t lost count.

Something creaks loudly through the room and it isn’t the bed. The small opening in the door is opened, for once Adaine is curious enough and lifts her head to see a pair of gentle eyes looking at her. Confusion fills her, most of the time the agents wouldn’t look at her let alone have such kindness for her.

“Delivery for Adaine Abernant?”

“Um, yes? That’s me,” Adaine mumbles. She’s sure that her words aren't loud enough for him to hear but he gives an affirmative hum.

“Name’s Tripp kiddo,” Tripp says with a gentle voice, almost like comforting a small child. He backs up from the opening and there’s some rustling behind the door. Adaine in the meantime stands up from the bed slowly creeping to the metal door, the ache in her ankles isn’t enough to completely stop her mobility.

A box almost too big to fit through the small opening it pushed through. Then another one a bit bigger than the previous one. Both clatter to the ground in front of Adaine.

“This little fellow doesn’t mind being squished right?” Boggy croaks in agreement. Adaine is speechless while Boggy is awkwardly squeezed through the small opening and pops out and falls to the ground in front of her.

Boggy looks up at her with his usual “happy-to-be-here” look. Adaine can only let out a broken sob before kneeling down as he jumps into her arms. Burying her face into Boggy’s squishy body he gives her his classic croaks and ribbits that fill Adaine with hope and comfort. Her sobs are muffled but tears slowly stream down her face.

“I-I, um,” Adaine stammers out once she realizes the man is still there.

“Don’t worry about it kiddo, Bud told me a bit about you,” Tripp chuckles.

“Bud? Bud Cubby the mailman?” Adaine asks.

“Yep! I’m a friend of his and he told me to give you your stuff back before we start.”

“Start what?”

“Let’s make some fucking bacon!” Bud’s voice screams out using Thaumaturgy to make his voice almost thunderous. Adaine can’t comprehend the meaning behind the words before gunshots start firing throughout the building.

“I’ll be busy but the opening should be enough for your arm to fit and swipe the card!” Tripp quickly says before sliding a keycard through the opening. It clatters to the ground as gunshots and the smell of fire reaches Adaine.

Tripp is already gone when she reaches for the first box. Cawed hands grow as she tears apart at the cardboard and tape to shreds. Her crystal, denim jacket, her usual shirt, and a pair of her jeans. Adaine reaches for the second one as Boggy pulls out the clothing, again tearing through the material reveals a new pair of boots. The leather is unscathed from dirt and from being worn down unlike her previous ones.

Adaine can feel the light amount of arcane energy from them, the small spell Misty Step is easily recognizable. There is a small card at the bottom of the second box. Written in semi-neat handwriting.

Hangman and Cubby’s told me and SandraLynn about the plan to get you kids out. Wanted to give you a gift for your first jailbreak and that might help you kiddo. Remember my first jailbreak back at the Baronies but that’s a long story and I don't got the paper or time

Jawbone :D

PS. Tracker says hi too hope you have a good jailbreak!!!

Adaine feels her heart tighten and a small smile grow. Her growing resentment once more dies down, not enough to fully go away but enough that Adaine doesn’t grimace the thought of him.

Celebration can wait, the smell of fire and pinging of gunshots against surfaces get louder with each second. Quickly changing back into her regular clothes, Adaine squeezes her arm through the opening earlier. The keycard swipe takes longer than she’d like to find but she does, easily swiping the card through a small buzz reverberates as the metal door clicks.

Easily pushing through gunshots, fire and scatter across the hallway of other cells similar to hers. Adaine slides against the floor, bumps into walls not bothering to slow down. An agent, thankfully not Angela, tries to stop Adaine by reaching for her shoulder. Adaine lets just a bit of her frustrations out on the agent.

Claws dig into the man's arm, ripping at the flesh like paper against a knife. The blood goes underneath her fingernails but Adaine worries about appearance for later. He screams in pain and tries to shoot at her with bullets but none strike her as a simple cast of Misty Step makes her thirty feet away. His bullet was not even grazing her.

Adaine runs past even more agents, people in black ski masks, gunshots that either pierce into flesh or into walls that bounce off. Fire mozotalvs being thrown across hallways and into rooms, the police station quickly lighting on fire. Her lungs were already filling with the smoke created from destruction by the time she rushed out to the front of the station.

She burst through the doors with agents running past her to get inside. Adaine sprinted down the steps and onto the sidewalk to the right. Multiple people screamed, police out of terror, Council of Chosen agents yelling commands and threats to the arsonists and passerbys but Adaine couldn’t discern the exact voices. Her legs burned with exhaustion and the dull ache in her ankles worsened.

Flares of pain in her ankles worsened yet Adaine kept on pushing, Boggy clinging on for dear life on her shoulder.

Police sirens ringed in her ears with cars quickly driving by as she ran. It was only until the gymnasium of Augefort came into view when she finally came to a skidding stop. She leaned onto her knees, gasping for air as she tried to catch her breath.

Boggy gave a supporting croak as she finally stood up after a minute or so. Tearing her gaze from the concrete ground to the sky.

A night painted with stars and clouds above her. Adaine looked at the moon in a waning gibbous like a moth and other nocturnal insects attracted to the streetlamps above her with its rich light.

The full moon was supposed to be another five days away, another day that Adaine would have to face the silver bruning through her skin as she screamed like an innocent prisoner on death row.

Instead, Adaine is breathing the fresh air of Elmville again. The stars that she watched every night through her window whenever she was down back at the Abernant home staring right back at her. With the moon joining in her observation.

Her heart almost tugged at the reunion with the starry night above her. Adaine rummaged through her jacket’s pocket, grabbing her arcane wand as the other grabbed her crystal. Arcane energy flowed through her fingers, a comforting sensation.

Adaine was met with a black screen from her crystal. Great, months of no charge and never being powered off let the battery die. Begrudgingly stuffing the device into her jacket pocket Adaine had no way to reach her friends. Still alone, maybe she could run back or stay here.

Time was running out however and Adaine had no clue what had happened over the last few months. Her chest heaved for one final breath of air before she ran into another sprint. The AV room, Arthur’s trashcan note from his autobiography were the last clues that they had, so back to school it was.

The roads were eerily empty, cars parked on the sides long turned off. Adaine ran straight through the Bloodrush Field still riddled with cracks from the fight with Daybreak. The gym had a banner “A Knight to Remember” above the gym doors but Adaine only ran past it.

To no surprise, the front school doors were locked. Adaine considered breaking the locks with brute force but the astounding amount of wards and runes placed by Arthur and other teachers like Tiberia would go off the moment she broke in.

Well, Adaine does know Jawbone kept his office window open, even after school is closed to let the air in after the scent of tea got too overwhelming for him.

A loud thud made her wince, thankfully the numbness in her wrists made landing on them not as bad. Boggy hopped off of her shoulder while Adaine composed herself and off of the ground. Was it really breaking and entering if Jawbone always said his door was open? Well, he said door and not window so Adaine may be in the wrong but she’ll consider that later.

Jawbone kept an extra key so Adaine easily left the office. A simple wave of her wand Greater Invisibility washed over her. The squeaking of her boots against tiled floors echoed through the empty halls. Her ankles pleaded with her to stop sprinting, flares of throbbing pain reverbated in her feet but Adaine ignored it for now.

Arthur’s office was closer than the AV room. There was fortunately a blindspot right where his office door was so Adaine dropped the Greater Invisibility for now. She had no skills in lockpicking, nor did she have Knock available.

Brute force is becoming the answer for many things nowadays.

Clawed hands easily tore through wood, a few splinters got into her fingers. After a big enough hole was made by her claws she kicked down the rest of the door. Carefully stepping over the wood into Arthur’s office. Boggy croaking in support, sitting on the principal's desk.

Right next to a familiar book, Watches and Wards. Strange, Goldenhoard never put it back. Adaine grabbed the book, putting it under her arm. Another wave of her wand casts Detect Magic. The simple basics of magical artifacts, a totem that almost followed Adaine with its hollow eyes, a strange crown that Adaine felt the infernal and deep arcane energy that reverbated from it.

Adaine strayed from the crown when she started digging through the desks. Nothing of true importance but payroll and federal information papers.

Well, she had the time. Adaine grabbed Watches and Wards from under her arm and cracked open the book.

“You are reading the first few pages of Watches and Wards,” Adaine murmured under her breath. Sitting in Arthur’s chair to rest her throbbing ankles, not like the dead man will mind. “Examining the spell with Detect Magic you can see a powerful abjuration preventing Kalvaxus from ever touching the book or asking someone to remove the book for him. As long as this book is kept in the restricted section of the library-”

“Oh fuck you Aelwyn!” Adaine exclaimed. Aelwyn had a hand in this the entire time, indirectly asking Adaine to remove Watches and Wards by making up the whole Aguefort tradition of stealing a book. Adaine felt her anger flare, her hands turning clawed threatening to tear the book.

Boggy gave a comforting croak, barely preventing Adaine from chucking the book across the room. Adaine closed the book temporarily, breathing exercises. Just like Jawbone taught. Adaine counted the seconds with Boggy crawling onto her lap with a ribbit. Adaine felt the fur and clawed nails turn back into skin and fingernails.

Opening back the book to her original page Adaine started reading again. “No summonings or harmful conjurations can occur on school grounds. Only Arthur Aguefort or The Elven Oracle are physically capable of removing the book from the restricted section of the library…”

Adaine didn’t finish the rest of the page. As much as she hated to admit to it, Riz and her theory were right.

Aelwyn, that sneaky bitch also knew, otherwise she wouldn’t have orchestrated Adaine to grab Watches and Wards in the first place.

She got Santa Claused into being The Elven Oracle. Adaine grabbed the book without any consequences, nothing happened and by no means was she Arthur. Adaine stared up at the ceiling of Arthur’s office with defeat. Elven Oracle be damned she didn’t want this, well, now it explains her visions about the first full moon attacks.

Adaine stayed in silence with Boggy nuzzling into her. At least she could put the book back and in the meantime check the papers she found.

Slowly getting back up from the chair Adaine grabbed the papers and the book. Boggy climbed onto her shoulder, the throbbing pain in her ankles numbing down to a dull ache once more. She really needs to get medically checked out after this, the nerve damage can’t be good for-

Adaine only had one foot out of Arthur’s office when something slammed into her face. A yelp echoed out as she stumbled back onto the countless splinters left by her destruction. Multiple footsteps reached her ears, she must've been distracted in her moment of silence that she didn’t pick up on the people.

Adaine snatched her wand out of her jacket, already aiming a high charged Lightning Bolt towards the attacker without looking. The bolt launched into the air without a second thought for the person yet Adaine heard a familiar scream as her spell never striked anyone.

“Adaine?!” Gorgug screamed, Adaine took a second glance.

Gorgug with his new white streak in his hair matching Adaine’s from the arcade fight stood in the doorway holding his axe. The flat side of the metal axe stained with blood from what Adaine realizes is from her bleeding nose.

“Gorgug?! What the fuck man?!” Adaine screams back, hastily getting back up on her feet. She couldn’t compose herself before she was grabbed into a bone crushing hug off and lifted off the ground a good foot in the air.

Gorgug hugged Adaine tightly and she couldn’t find a reason to be angry at him. A moment with Gorgug, one of her best friends after months of silence and isolation broke her. Adaine wrapped her arms around Gorgug back while burying her head into his shoulder. She pushed back tears right as Gorgug relented and placed Adaine back onto the ground.

Adaine could barely open her mouth before someone else came crashing onto her with another hug. Then another, and then another. With three people piling on top of her, Adaine easily fell back onto the splintered wood, dropping all of her items.

“Ack!” Adaine yelped from the fall, scrambling to be let go.

“Adaine! Oh my god you’re alive!” Kristen’s voice was wobbly and almost cracked.

“I was never dead?! Why would you think that?!”

“Well we thought you were!” Fig remarked, arms wrapped around Adaine’s waist like a lifeline. “You never came back from those fucking agent’s dragging you away! The only reason we thought you would be alive was Boggy and then they took him away from us!”

“Adaine what did you find also it’s amazing you’re alive but Penelope’s out of jail so-”

“She’s what?! How did-”

“-The Ball, can we investigate later? We just got our wizard back!”

“Everyone let go of me!” Adaine exclaimed. Gorgug pried Fig and Kristen off of Adaine by the collar of their shirts like a cat grabbing kittens from the nape of their neck. Riz quickly got off of Adaine, picking up the papers, Watches and Wards, and her arcane wand.

Fig, the moment she was dropped by Gorgug already rushed into another hug. Adaine didn’t mind as long as she wasn’t being pinned down to the ground, hugging Fig back. The single hug from Fig quickly became a group bear hug onto Adaine within seconds from all five people.

Adaine relished in the warmth emanating from Fig. Contrast from the coldness in her isolated cell Adaine hugged the tiefling tighter.

“We really thought you were dead for a good minute,” Kristen mumbled.

“I’m gonna kill Angela or whatever that woman’s name was,” Fig remarked.

“Sorry about hitting you in the face by the way,” Gorgug apologized. “We thought you were Penelope or someone who broke into Arthur’s office.”

“Could’ve just checked who was in the office but you’re okay Gorgug,” Adaine said. “Also, how did Penelope get out?”

“Apparently she’s been out,” Riz interrupted. “Someone got her out, we couldn’t tell if she broke out of jail or if she was bailed out the police officer didn’t say much.”

“Before he passed out because Riz was threatening him with the gun,” Kristen added.

“We tried asking where you were but Bud said someone already broke you out and then we waited but you never showed up Adaine,” Fabian pulled back from the hug pointing at her.

“Well I didn’t want to stay at the on fire police station,” Adaine scoffed. “Also, in other news turns out I’m the Oracle-”

“The dead lady?” Kristen asked.

“No, her title-”

“You stole her title Adaine?” Fabian questioned.

“No! I didn’t even know-well that’s a lie I had my guesses that I was but the book confirmed it just now. I got Santa Claused into being The Elven Oracle.”

“It’s May,” Gorgug mumbled.

“It’s a figure of speech Gorgug.” Adaine pointed to Riz who held up the Watches and Wards book in his hands. “The book was supposed to be in the restricted section of the library but I took it out, anyone who’s not Arthur or the Oracle can’t take the book but I did.”

“So like, are you gonna be different or?” Fabian asked.

Adaine shrugged, “I don’t think so? I mean I think I’ve been the Oracle since the beginning of the school year? I don’t know, okay.”

“Are you alright?” Fig asked. “I feel like we skipped that part.”

Adaine felt the dull ache in her ankles and the numbness in her wrists. She wanted to tell them really, about the silver chains burning through her skin. How she desperately craved for warmth and anyone to be by her side in the cold, isolated cell. The burn scars littered on her wrists and ankles. She only nodded her head in return.

“Yeah, they were assholes but I’m okay,” Adaine lied through her teeth. It wasn’t her best lie but she quickly moved the topic. “We should put the book back so nobody can summon anything.” Adaine grabbed the book from Riz who was already checking through the federal papers she had found earlier.

Adaine gripped the book in her hand as she walked out to the hallways. The dull ache in her ankles threatens to flare up again with the silent walk to the library, avoiding the crystal cameras. Fig casts Darkness, covering the group easily while she walks up to Adaine.

She can feel the tail wrap around her wrist in the darkness. With the new accompanied voice in her head. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Fig’s voice is familiar in her mind with the Message cantrip.

Adaine points back to her, “Yes Fig, and we agreed on you not smothering me with questions.”

“This is different, also, I haven’t seen you in months. No one has.”

“Fig.”

“I can see how you’re slower, and that you wince every now and then. What did they do Adaine?”

“Nothing, the chains were just a bit tighter than expected.”

“Chains? You didn’t mention that?!”

Adaine pulls her hand away from Fig’s tail tightening around her wrist and speeds up, even with the dull ache worsening. Jawbone told her about opening up, doesn’t mean she has to open up to everyone and she doesn’t owe Fig answers right now. Adaine can feel not only Fig’s gaze but everyone else’s eyes boring into the back of her head. She only picks up the pace before they arrive at the library.

Riz is pouring over the papers with keen eyes with Kristen helping him when Adaine crosses the velvet rope to the restricted section. Reaching the small table where the book once was. Adaine placed the book back, already turning on her heel to the rest of the group.

If she could even turn her heel as she floated in the air like the Fly spell was cast on her. Boggy joined Adaine in the air as everyone else just stared in confusion and concern.

“I’m not doing this,” Adaine whispered. Motes of light slowly fabricated out of thin air, swirling around Adaine with hints of light blue.

From the motes of light, swirling blue fabricated something new. A figure that slowly started to take shape in a spectral form similar to Zayn’s. It moved towards Adaine, newly formed hands cupping her face with the person finally taking shape. A spectral elven woman, flowing hair that Adaine could guess once reached past her waist, wearing traditional Fallinel robes.

The woman kissed her forehead, gentle yet cold hands removed from her face and held Adaine’s hands.

“Every Oracle passes on for the next to live and pass on the title,” Eleminthindriel spoke, her voice soft yet loud enough to echo through the library. “I died in a shipwreck, horrifying and brutal.” She shook her head.

“You didn’t see it coming?” Adaine let her words slip out without a second thought. She could feel the small judgmental stares from her friends below even with Boggy croaking.

Eleminthindriel sighed, “Contrary to belief I did see the storm coming, I just thought I had a chance. A hit and a miss, you know?”

“I actually do,” Adaine mumbled.

“Sometimes it doesn’t work out the way you would like.”

“Sometimes it doesn’t work out,” Adaine repeated her words. The memory of the first full moon’s aftermath flooding back to her.

“The future, the prophecy, endless strings of fate that lead into other paths of the future, are in your hands young one,” Eleminthindriel gripped Adaine’s hands tighter. “And I believe they are in good hands.” Adaine gave a small smile. “But really?”

“Hm?”

“Watch for ships because once it sinks you have nowhere to go and shit goes sideways really quickly unless you have Teleport.”

“Like, it’s just an endless sea for miles. I kind of learned Water Breathing because of well you.”

“You know what?” Eleminthindriel groaned. “I had it in my spellbook and just didn’t prepare it that day.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, on a ship, I had it in my spellbook and didn’t prepare it.”

“That…seems kind of stupid-”

“Who are you?” Fabian interrupted.

Eleminthindriel’s eyes glowed with a brilliant blue, her hands releasing Adaine’s raising her arms in the air. “I am The Elven Oracle of the past!”

In motes of light similar to the ones in the beginning Eleminthindriel poofed into nothing. Adaine was slowly let down back to the tiled floor with Boggy splatting onto the ground with a strained croak. Adaine hastily grabbed the frog when Riz cleared his throat.

“There’s no dragonborn on the payroll. Mr. Goldenhoard isn’t being paid,” Riz murmured.

“Is there something wrong with that?” Fabian asked.

“Not getting paid and dealing with teenagers all day?” Fig remarked. “I’d rather die.”

“Someone can double check but he’s not on there,” Riz handed Kristen the payroll while he grabbed the federal paperwork.

Something pricked Adaine in the back of her mind. A small almost insignificant memory that she considered a small detail. Mr. Goldenhoard never grabbed the book from Adaine, instead he asked Kristen to place it in Arthur’s office. Where it’s been sitting for the past, almost ten months.

“Kalvaxus can’t grab Watches and Wards,” Adaine looked alarmed and her tone quickly grew desperate. “Goldenhoard asked you to place the book into Arthur’s office and it’s been sitting there for months, he didn’t move it because he couldn’t move it in the first place.”

There was a small silence of exchanged glances. Before everyone ran into a dead sprint towards Goldenhoards office.

Adaine could pick up Kristen muttering under her breath. A starting cast of Inspiring Speech with Adaine already feeling the golden light slowly swirl around her. Fabian and Gorgug took the lead in front easily, not bothering Riz to finish taking out his thieves' tool kit. Both of the boys smashed into the door, wood splintering into bits just like Adaine’s earlier destruction.

Everyone started scrounging into his drawers, between the books of his bookshelves, even in his pencil cup on the desk. Adaine dumped the trash can by his desk, most of the items were paper but one caught Adaine’s eye; Riz opened a drawer and quickly grabbed a scroll case.

Adaine grabbed the crumpled paper with Riz handing the case. Everyone stopped their search with Kristen still mumbling her speech under her breath. Detect Magic was still ongoing so she could feel the enchantment and divination runes all over the scroll case. Arthur’s magic is still running through the paper even after death.

She cleared her throat, “I invoke the nine winds. I invoke the thirteen sigils. I invoke the 69 glyphs of binding. Kalvaxus, in defeat, your opponents have elected to show you mercy. That you might learn from the error of your ways. To that end, I bind you. You will repay the land you have wronged by serving to restore its future. Thus shall your task be to steward all the generations of Solace's heroes yet to come. I lay this quest upon you. That you will remain by my side as long as I live.”

“You shall relinquish your mighty form, such that you may walk among the two-legged folk, as one of us. You shall be parted from your treasure, never to hold wealth again. And you shall never kill another Solesian as long as this binding stands. Oh, and one more thing, you have to make sure that I always have tea on hand. Mix it up to, I get bored if, Oh mix it up too, I get bored if I always drink the same type of tea, surprise me. I'll drink anything you give me, literally. I am not picky. Karam-Kajam! I bind you.”

“So, Goldenhoard’s definitely Kalvaxus,” Riz sighed. “And we trusted him from the start too! Told him about the trash can in Arthur’s office, about what Doreen said before Adaine killed her-”

“It was a group effort,” Adaine mumbled.

“Adaine you were the only one that day who had blood that wasn’t their own,” Fabian added.

“Okay details later there’s still the other one,” Adaine grumbled. Placing the scroll back into the case she grabbed the crumpled piece of paper and smoothed it out. Another scroll, this time she could tell it was a prophecy, from Eleminthindriel.

“When Kalvaxus once again beholds his glittering treasure and seven maidens once more are chained at the mouth of his lair. When war befalls the realm and a king and queen are crowned anew in Solace. Then will the Emperor of the Red Waste be released from bondage. His destruction will know no bounds. The sun shall fall from the heavens and the world as we know it shall perish forever.”

“The seven missing girls, he has all of them,” Riz said.

“Do we know where the lair could be?” Fabian started looking around for more clues.

“When he talks about a king and queen being crowned it means prom night. They brought back prom king and queen just this year after not having it at all,” Fig added.

“His treasure has to relate to the KVX bank, so we have to find his lair to free the girls or find someway to get rid of the bank before-”

The ringing of the PA echoed through the empty school building besides the six teens. “Hello students, and welcome back, just in time for prom night,” Goldenhoard-or well, Kalvaxus’s voice spoke through the crackling speaker.

“Fuck us,” Riz mumbled under his breath, already unholstering his gun.

“And in time for your final day of school, here at the Aguefort Adventuring Academy.”

Chapter Text

Adaine instinctively reached out for her arcane wand. Burning through two more charges of Lightning Bolt with everyone else already reaching for their weapons, Boggy croaked in a reassurance with Adaine’s heart spiking in fear.

Of course, they couldn’t even get a moment's rest or a chance to process any of the new information. What’s more damning is the fact that they trusted Kalvaxus. Adaine wanted to scream at him, but the dragon’s voice interrupted her first.

His voice crackled over the outdated PA system, ringing in Adaine’s sensitive ears. Almost making her wince from how she had gotten used to the deafening silence back in the cell.

“Adventuring parties are mere illusions,” Kalvaxus said in a mocking tone, and a gruff laugh followed his words shortly after. “Following under the guise that you all have quote on quote “loyalty” to each other, but?”

Crystals lighting and pinging from all of their pockets, minus Adaine’s, who’s long since died. She looks over Fig’s shoulder in response, messages from unknown numbers for all five of them. Different numbers, however.

“How long have you known each other? Months? Not even a full year has you gone through hell and back. Not a full year when you all have killed, murdered, committed crimes, and gone wild. Rampaging through the streets like animals, especially you, Miss Abernant.”

“Fuck you dude!” Fig yelled back even if he couldn’t hear them.

“What was it like? Mhm? Tearing the skin and flesh of your friends, as for the rest of you, how can you even stand next to the same person who ripped through your skin and bone like a wolf to a rabbit, oh, wait, the wolf part is true, so not much of a metaphor.”

Adaine wanted to scoff, but the video that appeared on Fig’s crystal easily silenced her.

“When push comes to shove, will you still stand next to your friends? The same ones who made you fall down this path of blood? Of crime? Of fear? However, I believe you all will make selfish decisions.”

Adaine couldn’t recognize the home personally, but she could tell by the horrified look on Fig’s face that whatever Kalvaxus planned, it was personal.

A home, maybe two stories tall, with a green roof, the walls almost engulfed in fire. Countless people surrounded the house in red gear and armor. Symbols of the Emperor of the Red Waste covering their chest and arms. The Faeth home, no doubt, where Fig resided before she started living with Gilear.

Glancing around at the other crystals, Strongtower Luxury Apartments, Seacaster Manor, the Thistlespring tree, and what Adaine could guess to be the Applebees residence. All of the homes were ablaze like out-of-control wildfires.

Wait, the apartments. Tracker, Jawbone! God, she doesn’t care if Kalvaxus aimed for the Abernant residence; that place with all of its horrible memories can burn in hell.

“Whether you choose to still follow with your plan to stop me, then so be it. Perhaps your families will be happy in death and the afterlife, knowing that this? All of this chaos, crime, and their deaths were by your hands.”

Fabian didn’t say a word before he broke out in a sprint out of the office within seconds. Adaine wanted to say something, anything, yet she couldn’t form the words.

“W-We’ll–uh–we just–fuck!” Fig exclaimed, a frustrated yet fearful look in her eyes. “We’ll meet back up, I swear, I-I have to go!” Fig wasted no time for any response before breaking into a run out the door of the office.

“We have to go to the apartments!” Adaine shot her gaze to Riz with an equally fearful look in his eyes. “We’ll meet up at prom, Jawbone and Tracker, I have to–”

“Prom’s in forty-five minutes–” Riz tried to add.

“Burn down the gym?!” Gorgug tried to help, but his crystal started to ring. He picked it up, but Adaine didn’t need to hear the words on the other line for his horrified expression said everything. Just like the other two, he tore off.

“Uh, do you guys want me to check on the AV club room I-I don’t care about my parents,” Kristen remarked, sheepishly looking away when Adaine and Riz stared at her.

“Yeah! Just keep us updated!” Adaine blurted out.

She didn’t wait for Kristen to give a confirmation before sprinting out through the broken-down office door, Riz’s footsteps following close behind her. The pricking needles in her ankles and flesh burned, like a fire starting in them once more, but Adaine ignored the pricking tears and kept on pushing.

Boggy croaked in reassurance, but she could only feel the rising fear and panic.

It was maybe a few minutes at best, Adaine and Riz booking it down the sidewalk with a pace fueled with panic. When Riz’s crystal started lighting up, Adaine didn’t bother looking, but Riz had the energy to read the texts aloud.

“Kristen,” Riz took another deep breath, quickly running out of air from the sprinting. “AV room–she found videos of the girls–I can’t breathe–fuck!”

“Just give me the crystal!” Adaine shot out a hand beside her. Riz, with a huff of air, passed it to her, almost tripping over his two feet over a crack on the sidewalk.

Bad Kidzz

Kristen: Found videos of the missing girls being moved and in their bodies again
Loaded into an airport shuttle
The cameras were palimpsests they’re trapping the teachers
I’m going to the gym
Nvm I have to go home im so sorry
Its my brothers

“Fuck,” Adaine heaved for air, her ankles screaming from the prickling needles. Even if they were to make it out alive after fighting whatever’s attacking their homes (Adaine never realized she started calling the apartments home). They wouldn’t know what they could face or anticipate in the gym.

Something started to build at the tips of her fingers. Divination, a string of fate, one of her portents? Either way, it led to another, better future than one she could face in this moment and time.

Riz was already ahead of her, so Adaine didn’t need to hide the small glimmer circling her hand. A light, brilliant blue, resembling the motes of light that surrounded Eleminthindriel’s spirit back at the library.

Adaine let the string flow from her fingertips into the nothingness of the air, a small blue trail of light leading in front of her that Riz didn’t notice. Just as quickly as Adaine felt the arcane fate in her hands, it quickly disappeared into the Material Plane’s space.

It had been god who knows how long of running. The desperation and fear built up until Strongtower finally came into view. Just as the video has shown, it was submerged in flames.

“–I need to find Jawbone and–”

“–My mom–”

Adaine and Riz cut each other off by the time they reached the parking lot of the apartments.

“Find Jawbone and Tracker! We’ll meet back up in the parking lot!” Riz shouted. He broke into another sprint towards the burning doors, easily slipping through the blazing fire.

Boggy croaked in reassurance, and Adaine took in a deep breath. The aching pain in her ankles and the numbness in her wrists could be worried about and cried over later. Adaine didn’t hesitate to run into the fire mere seconds after Riz.

The lobby had scorched bodies scattered all along the floor. Adaine grimaced, the smoldered flesh reaching her nose made the need to gag overwhelming. Boggy nuzzled her cheek just as she started to panic. If these people were dead, what was stopping the possibility of Jawbone and Tracker being dead as well?

Adaine ran towards the emergency stairs, the flames of fire burning the denim and scuffing her boots as she ran up the steps. The sizzling pain painfully reminded Adaine of the burns of silver against her skin, yet she pushed her fears down and kept on running.

Jawbone lived on the second floor, so all Adaine needed to do was keep on running and–

As Adaine pushed through the door to the second floor, greeted by not only flames but the piercing of an arrow into her shoulder.

A guttural scream tore through her throat, stumbling back, Adaine reached for her wand in her jacket pocket while she met the newly formed nemesis.

Lizardfolk is the best Adaine could make out of the person underneath the red armor and sashes that seamlessly blended with the blazing fire. Dead center in the chestplate, like a bullseye target, was the emblem of the Emperor of the Red Waste.

Oh, great, they already had costumes planned.

Without hesitation, Adaine aimed for the person’s chest with her arcane wand. The Lightning Bolt crackled with energy, with the smell of ozone reaching her burning nostrils. Sent flying through the space between them, the soldier was sent back flying from the pure force. Lying in the fire, Adaine didn’t need any confirmation that he was dead.

The blood oozing onto her clothes could be dealt with later. Adaine ran down the halls when almost seemingly out of nowhere, more soldiers flew into the hallways.

Approximately three or four, she wanted to be confident in her abilities to fight but when outnumbered like this in such a dangerous landscape? Adaine felt her chest tighten, and the sweat building on her wasn’t just from the fire.

A dragonborn, whose green scales with fine scales that almost shone with fire. Running away from its fiery hiding spot, it thrusted a longsword to Adaine’s face. Who barely reacted in time to dodge the metal by moving to the side. The blade slices through the air.

In turn, it swung its sword again, receding in the air before swinging back for Adaine’s neck. She tried to back away once more, but as the blood spurted from her skin and sliced flesh, she knew that the fight would prove harder than before.

Two of the few charges burned as Adaine shoved the tip of the wand into the chest, hitting the symbol in its chest. Closing her eyes so she wouldn’t be blinded by its light, the charged energy scorched the armor and the hem of her sleeves.

A body thudded against the floor, yet it wasn’t the one staggering from her Lightning Bolt..

“Adaine?!” Tracker’s voice was unmistakable even with the roaring of the fire.

Snapping her head down the hallways as the dragonborn heaved for air in his lungs. Tracker, slightly scorched clothes from the close fires and blood oozing on the side of her ribs, her hand radiating Galicea’s divine gift of spells.

Lying in front of her was the body of another soldier, a single mark on the back of its head from a Guiding Bolt.

“Tracker–” Adaine raised a hand for Shield while an arrow pinged off the blue arcane energy from one of the remaining soldiers.

“What the fuck is happening?!” Tracker yelled back. Another one of the soldiers, an elvish man, sprinted past Tracker, who missed with her clawed hand when he passed by.

“Mr. Goldenhoard is Kalvaxus! A-A really old dragon and he ruled the Red Waste as an emperor–thing is he was the one who kidnapped the girls we found out, and he went after our homes–” Adaine’s words were cut off by the sudden flash of metal in front of her.

Shield provided nothing against the striking blade sliding between her ribs. Puncturing her lung, Adaine’s voice couldn’t even scream out in pain before the blade twisted and pulled out of her body. In its wake left a bloody mess seeping onto her clothes.

Her legs suddenly trembled beneath her, air no longer flowed out through her body naturally. A desperate attempt to get away proved nothing as the dragonborn in front of her brought his blade down once more. Painfully chopping into Adaine’s shoulder.

Stumbling back, the fire grew dangerously close, the burns slowly deteriorated the structure, and the walls began to collapse. Adaine’s stance on the ground began to feel unstable as the floor started to form fissures.

A shaky hand reached out to the dragonborn with the wand; this time, a Ray of Sickness gathered at the wooden point. The green bile liquid that gave off an off-putting scent shot out in a point of force straight into his throat.

Within seconds he was already throwing up, blood seeping out of his ears before collapsing backwards. Into the fire with an agonizing scream.

Another Guiding Bolt emanating from Galicea’s divine radiance shot out towards the final soldier standing. Burning the side of his face badly before he retorted by charging straight at Tracker.

Unsheathing the shortsword at his side, he swung. Tracker narrowly dodged, but the second swing sliced her arm when she tried to block her face.

Adaine stumbled, the blazing fire scorching her, the deep cuts already throbbing with pain, and not to mention the phantom needles of pain pricking into her ankles with each step. A shaky step moved her forward, forcing her to run into a sprint.

Ice Knife launched through the air with a sickening crack. Puncturing into the back of the man’s head with disgusting ease, he stumbled forward, barely catching himself to not fall to the ground.

Tracker wasted no time in reacting to his moment of weakness.

Brown eyes suddenly flashing a bright yellow as she lunged towards the soldier, her hand suddenly growing sharp claws, and the divine energy from her palms twisted into another spell.

The man’s throat was torn to a mauled piece of flesh within seconds. Struggling to breathe, he stumbled back, knees buckling beneath him, and he fell back towards the fire with his scream gurgling from his blood.

“Where’s Jawbone?!” Adaine yelled over the wailing fire. Wincing at the pain spreading through her body, she ran over to Tracker, who met her in the middle of the hallway.

Both of Tracker’s hands placed themselves on her shoulders. Flesh and bone started piecing themselves back together, webs of muscle and regenerating tissue crossing sides of her open wounds before connecting.

Adaine exhaled in relief, while the healing spell was enough to bring her back some energy it wasn’t enough to stop the pulsating pain in her ankles from the burns. Well, she can’t win everything.

“He isn’t here. Jawbone’s supposed to be at the school. He said something about a late meeting that he was called for, why?” Tracker started to look worried and gripped Adaine tighter.

“Fuck,” Adaine mumbled under her breath, her heart picking up an even pace faster then the fight had done. “Kristen said the school cameras were capturing teachers. Well, I say cameras, but they were just crystals in disguise like the palimpsests made to capture people.”

“Then we need to go get him out of the crystal,” Tracker confidently said. Already taking her hands off of Adaine and running down the hallway towards the stair doors.

“What? No, no, you’re getting somewhere safe, not coming with me!” Adaine argued, but her words over the crackling fire made no use in convincing Tracker.

Chasing after Tracker, the building started to collapse beneath their own feet, piece by piece. The roof slowly fell apart in the hallway. Inside, going down the emergency stairs was no better; the fire grew with each passing second, singeing their clothes and burning their skin if they got too close.

Running past and over the burned bodies back in the lobby, Adaine followed Tracker back out into the parking lot. At this point, Adaine sounded similar to choking when coughing from the smoke inhalation.

“Like I said,” Adaine gasped for clean air. “You’re not coming with me–”

“And you’re gonna fight this dragon dude alone?” Tracker remarked. Placing a hand on her back, another wash of healing came over Adaine, her lungs clearing from the pain of smoke just a second later.

“No, I'm meeting everyone else at the gym,” Adaine looked back at the burning building. “Once Riz comes back at least.”

“Then I can be some backup! I can heal and fight,” Tracker’s hand grew into a clawed one just like Adaine had done time and time again. “Two in one–”

“I said no–”

The crashing of a window made both snap their heads in that direction. Adaine involuntarily grabbed her arcane wand while the rush of footsteps came in their direction.

“Adaine! Adaine! We have to go back to the gym!” Riz’s voice screamed over the crumpling apartment complex. Sklonda, with her gun in hand, car keys in the other while she rushed to a nearby police car.

“Yes, I know, but Jawbone was at the school, he might be in one of the crystals that captured the crystal!” Adaine was already running in Riz’s direction, Tracker following.

“Well then–”

“I’ll come and try to find Jawbone, then we can join you. How does that sound?” Tracker remarked.

Riz gave a glance at Adaine before giving a small shrug. Adaine wanted to argue, not fully willing to let Tracker run with them into danger, but if it meant finding Jawbone…

“Riz?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you have the keys to Dayne’s truck that we stole?”

Thankfully, Tracker knew how to drive. Somewhat anyways. Boggy comforted all three with his differentiating ribbits and croaks, as the school grounds grew nearer, Adaine felt a flurry of emotions.

Exhaustion? Fear? Panic? She couldn’t quite tell at the moment.

Tracker tore off from Riz and Adaine once she dropped them off at the Bloodrush Field. Yelling good luck and a quick goodbye before driving off towards the school.

Adaine could see the other four coming closer. Fabian came to a skidding halt while astride the Hangman right in front of them first.

An eyepatch covered his right eye, blood seeping into the fabric with newly formed cuts and scorch marks on his body. In his dominant hand held a new sword, one that Adaine could swear was Bill Seacaster’s sword, not Fabian's normal rapier.

Fabian himself was slightly shaking but kept a determined look on his face, so much so Adaine couldn’t see past the determination to see anything Fabian could be feeling.

Fig was wearing a blazer? Along with a tie over her usual leather jacket, but they were under a time constraint, so Adaine couldn’t find a reason to question. Just like Fabian, she had formed slashes and wounds on her body that were covered by her clothing.

Gorgug’s axe was covered in blood, his sweater slightly burned from fire, and the gray was stained a dark red from possibly hidden cuts.

Kristen looked like hell. Hands stained red, trembling with her staff and book stuffed under her arm, while she ran up to the others with gasping breaths. Nearly tripping over her own two feet while she reached them.

Without a second thought, the moment everyone was regrouped, Riz made another break towards the gym. There were no arguments as everyone followed close behind. Fabian riding the Hangman led in the front, the fiery engine pushing them both forwards.

There was no time to rest, no wave of Kristen’s healing or her normal inspiring speech.

Adaine wanted to beg the question of what happened. If Kristen’s brothers were alright, if SandraLynn was alive, or what in god's name happened to Fabian or Gorgug’s parents were fine. Although her query would have to wait.

Rhythmic music reached her ears before she could even see the band, the motorcycle's screaming engine making her wince slightly. Gorgug’s headphones were over his ears, blasting something that Adaine could hear even from her standpoint.

Fabian roared the engine, fire blazing that threatened to burn their friends nearby. The Hangman screamed some war cry before he burst through the gym doors.

Kalvaxus was already staring at them once Adaine met his gaze. The traitor standing nearby the food area with a smile that sends shivers of fear down her spine. His teeth were on display, almost like a threat.

It was the stage that concerned her the most.

Crowns already behind held above their heads, Dayne with a rushed on suit and a shaking body. Penelope with her hair frizzy and slightly unkempt hair with a pink dress that was out of place, though Adaine was sure that was what Penelope wanted, to stand out.

By the end of the night, someone was going to be dead.

A night to remember.