It was nothing out of the ordinary.
An aged wooden house surrounded by short barricade of bricked wall, the entrance to the house being a wooden gate.
It was barely visible to the ears but with the natural superhuman senses, one would hear the low creak of the door. Its purpose seeming to alert the house as the light from the windows dimmed, gradually being dark.
The moon, brighter than ever, reflecting on the windows surface.
Bang!
The sound was clearly from the house, the exact location remains unknown.
The howling wind did no justice to the chills and goose bumps gotten from the house.
Right on top of the roof laid a globe. Its mechanism for its stability was questionable noting it stood right at the pointed tip of the roof.
The globe rotated slowly, with respect to the wind, along its axis.
It wasn't a big deal. A Level 5 Pack Hangout, isolated with its aged look and from the general public, unique to them only.
What's the worst that could happen?
* 3 Days Earlier*
"You've got to be kidding me"
Ruby Beta. A natural talented werewolf working as an assistant to one of the best ranked werewolves, Kief N5-Alpha, at Wocade
With bright hard-to-miss auburn hair styled half-up half-down, hazel eyes with green flecks. The multiple wrist accessories doing little to cover the brown birthmark, contrasting with her skin tone, indicating fur colour as a wolf.
Strapped round her and supported by her back is a vessel enclosing water, its large size and weight seeming insignificant.
"I'm so going to die at this rate and surprisingly not from studying."
Ephraim Beta. A pale looking multipotentialite werewolf also working as an assistant to Kief N5-Alpha, at Wocade, as a means of advancing in his personal research.
His lush red brown hair tied in a top bun held by a wooden hairpin, with contrast to his glowing amber eyes. His red birthmark, on his collarbone, partly visible under the three-quarter buttoned up shirt.
Resting on his shoulders was an empty looking backpack while in his hands rested a thick file.
"There nothing you can do about it" Kief N5-Aplha stated, as he turned to look at his assistants. His smooth black hair was slick back highlighting his gold rimmed glasses.
"It is the YueShen Order." Kief N5-Alpha finished
His words causing the two to groan, knowing they cannot avoid the occasion.
The YueShen Order, termed as YS Words at the Wocade, is absolute. No one can or should defy it, considering it is from the Moon Goddess Overseer, with exception of werewolves who are eager for instant death.
"You haven't formed a pack yet. Help yourselves and no one else. You are not obliged to save anyone" His expression turned serious as he warned them.
"Of course, helping fellow werewolves is the best act of kindness" Kief N5-Alpha continued, his expression back to being laid-back, face beaming with a smile.
Although dreading, Ruby Beta and Ephraim Beta walked towards the crowd.
"Come back safely you two. It'll be hard to find assistants like you otherwise." Kief N5-Alpha's voice rang behind them.
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All sort of scents mixed in the air, breathing being uncomfortable for all werewolves present. They couldn't back out though. It wasn't an option for the occasion.
"Thank you all for participating in this occasion. I would like to formally welcome you all to The Brawl" A recorded voice echoed in the room.
Every year, 26 werewolves studying exclusively at Wocade would be chosen, for ranks, out of the multitude. It was a sign to leave Wocade and gain some bearing and position in the Moon Goddess and Werewolf Culture. Being ranked also meant being assigned to a Moon Goddess as required by the culture.
With the multitude of students at Wocade, 'Occasions' take place to eliminate werewolves, both new and old, as a method of controlling the total werewolf count.
Occasions results to the death of werewolves or to the two main controlled-by-the-Moon-Goddess places where werewolves gather, the Wocade and The Abandoning.
The Wocade being the place where werewolves study and The Abandoning being the place where werewolves are transferred to, never to be seen again.
Unfortunately, this year Occasion would either lead to the death of werewolves or transferring to The Abandoning.
"This year Occasion will last for two days. The rules for The Brawl are simple. Survive or die. Forfeiting leads to The Abandoning."
Growls could be heard at the words from the speaker.
"Follow the Black Arrows on the wall on arrival to the gate."
All mumblings, growls and noise came to an abrupt stop.
"My dear werewolves, you have 10 minutes to prepare."
The Moon Goddess Overseer, position unknown, voiced out. That explained the absolute silence, knowing the Overseer disdained noise. Particularly from werewolves and wolves.
Every being disperse, hurrying to get to the gate before 10 minute was over.
Ruby mainly dropped her water vessel safely, switching it with the bag Ephraim passed.
"We should go in together"
"Sure"
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The large brown gate closed slowly behind them, shutting the werewolves from the outside world.
Under 10 minutes, many werewolves were able to pass the gates, all turning to watch the gate shut close, a flash of despair on those left behind.
The gates shut with a loud bang.
Not long after, screams were heard. It was piercing to the ears, a short reminder to the werewolves that their life was completely controlled.
The brown gates seemed to stare ironically back at them, completely contradicting its significant meaning of safety. They weren't safe, that much they knew.
With one last look towards the brown shut gates, each werewolves focused on their task, ignoring the screams behind them.
It'll all stop in thirty seconds, they consoled.
"Let's go. Lest we all die as well."
"Yeah! No hard feeling to anyone but we all need to survive regardless."
"Forget whoever you knew out there"
"I can do it."
"Hurry up. We've got only two days!"
"We should all be prepared."
It was unknown who spoke first, but more werewolves regained their vitality.
They felt it was great to not have a pack yet, else they'll have to an extra burden in their current misery. While friends are great, it's every werewolf for themselves till they form a pack.
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Black arrows were drawn on the conclusively brown and grey walls. Its age showing through the cracks, leaves and mould on the walls.
Beyond the path was endless darkness. What might be hidden unknown.
Ruby pulls on Ephraim's clothes, gaining a quick glance from him, seeking comfort in the fact that she was not alone.
The duo followed the crowd, ensuring no black arrows were missed.
As they walked further, lights turned up reacting to their presence as the ones before turn off.
Hence, looking back was nothing but endless darkness. This was essentially their fate if they were to back out.
They had been walking for hours, following the black arrows, but nothing out of the ordinary seemed to happen. It was almost too good to be true.
Well, they spoke too soon.
The black arrows split up, each going in different directions. Choices had to be made. Which to follow, who to follow.
It was thrilling, foreign and chilling.
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"The moon goddesses want us dead! They want us dead"
Another werewolf fell to the ground as someone randomly shouted.
There was barely any light in the room, their supernatural sight being useless owing to the fact that the room was painted black.
Whoever planned this room, expected them to find the black arrows in the black room and follow it.
They weren't dead, at least no werewolf ended up screaming. This only meant that they would be sent to The Abandoning.
Ruby and Ephraim watched it all unfold. Some werewolves opted not to move in order to plan after observing.
The duo made it to the end of the room. This only being possible with other werewolves as sacrifice to the cruel system.
"Ruby. Ruby! Breath 1...2...3 Deep breaths"
Ephraim pulled Ruby to look at him. Hazel meets Amber
"It's either them or us. Kief said to help ourselves. If they are lucky, they'll get out as well. Come on Ruby, we need your smarts if we're going to keep moving."
"Will-Will you do the same to me? That's what the moon goddess want, isn't it? Make us ignore fellow werewolves, discouraging us from forming packs. Are we going to fall into all this?"
Ruby gives him no chance to answer.
"Don't answer now."
"Come on then. We need to finish this together" Ephraim gently pushed her forward, flashing a smile at her.
"Yeah. Together…"
"I really wish I had my phone now. Kief would really love to see your…face"
Ruby voiced a note of confusion as she brought her hand to her face. Gasping in surprise, she hurriedly said
"I really didn't want to cry. Forget that. And no mentioning of it!"
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"...Alpha alpha alpha. Kief N5-Alpha."
The speaker tsk-ed as they spoke.
"Yes Miss"
It was an odd sight, though it was considered normal. Kief N5-Alpha had his knees on the ground, in his hands was a bowlful of peaches.
His timid and quick-to-please temperament was a whole new change compared to his interaction with fellow werewolves.
"Get...lost"
"Yes Miss"
Kief N5-Alpha responded to the slow voice of the moon goddess, his current owner.
Closing the door behind him, he stayed behind the door for a few seconds, a fierce glint flashing through his eyes.
If not for the moon goddess sending him out, Kief just might have had a glimpse at the Moon Goddess Overseer.
With a sigh, he adjusted his expression and left.
*Back in the room
"We formally greet thee. Oh, Moon Goddess Overseer"
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"We formally greet thee. Oh, Moon Goddess Overseer"
"Rise"
At her words, four moon goddess stood up straight as they watch their Overseer sit at the highchair. One of the moon goddesses was quick to serve peaches to the Overseer.
Pinwa M-G, the moon goddess whom Kief was serving, frowned at the fawning action displayed by her fellow moon goddess.
It was a set rule that the Moon Goddess Overseer would not take anything that has previously been touched by a werewolf.
Sure enough, the Overseer looked at the peaches in disdain, her hands quick to push the bowl to the ground.
This process revealed a glimpse of her hands beneath the cloak and protective clothes she wore. The back of the Overseer's hands was glimpsed by Pinwa M-G, the back of her hands revealing to be white and wrinkly, who quickly adverted her eyes to prevent being chastised.
The Moon Goddess Overseer had always dressed in overalls and clothes that cover every inch of her body, her eyes were barely visible when hidden by the hood.
Being curious on that she looks like was a forbidden object among moon goddesses. That alone could result in severe punishment.
"How many of them is confirmed for The Abandoning?"
"67 werewolves Overseer."
"I was expecting more."
"Should we directly evict them?"
"If I may add, they've only just started. The number will increase in two days' time." Pinwa M-G added, earning a scowl from the fawning moon goddess.
The Moon Goddess Overseer glanced at them, ignoring the little actions.
"Contact the sisters at The Abandoning. Let them get ready for a new set."
"Yes Overseer."
The Overseer left the room. The other three moon goddesses following afterwards few minutes later.
"I don't see why we can't just evict them."
"Pinwa is always spoiling our plans."
"Now we have to wait two more days" one of the moon goddesses groaned.
Pinwa M-G ignored their voices as the door closed shut. She walked towards the peaches on the ground, picking each one up.
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Green.
That was all any normal person would see.
Trees, leaves, exotic and strange plants, the building scent of nature in a densely packed forest. Branches hiding already set traps built specifically for werewolves.
Two unlucky werewolves just happened to be victim to these traps. Luckily, it was the least dangerous trap. At least they won't be listed for The Abandoning.
Within the premises of these werewolves was Ruby, Ephraim, and another acquaintance.
"I'm helping"
Rali Beta, a volunteer sometimes working with Kief, with light ash brown bob-cut hair. Her deep blue eyes and sharp eyebrows, emphasizing the belief of her being a very cold person, in addition to her having few friends. Just by her left ear was a silver coloured birthmark, a stark contrast to her tanned skin.
"We don't need your help."
Tri Beta and Tan Beta, twin werewolves, both with platinum blonde hair and black eyes, and a black birthmark right on their foreheads. They would be barely distinguishable if not for Tri Beta having his hair without bangs while Tan had a side bang.
"Well, I'm not asking for your opinion" Rali said, taking action to release them for the trap.
"Aargh"
The werewolves stuck in the trap groaned, completely dissatisfied with a female helping them. Feeling more ashamed as their two new acclaimed friends watched.
"You know, you should just let her. She's very stubborn." Ruby said hiding her fit of giggles to lessen their embarrassment.
A day, approximately, had passed. Tons of werewolves scattered round the forest.
They all, save for Rali, weren't without scratch marks and injuries, caused by other werewolves and branches.
Unsurprisingly to all, the injuries from the branches healed much slower.
It probably had to do with the Occasion they thought. Or it could just be the branches.
Ruby and Ephraim were helped by Rali while escaping from multitudes of werewolves, ended up bumping into the twin werewolves and here they are.
'Thud'
The twins fell to the ground unprepared.
"Meanie"
The others laughed, Rali showing a small smile.
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"...it really happened. Trust me."
"From records, you started Wocade 3 months ago."
Rali, without care, mercilessly exposed the lies of the Tri.
"Will, it, kill, you, to, not speak?" Tri gritted, directing his dissatisfaction towards Rali
"Okay chill out. You guys have been fighting for so long."
"If you're not tired, I am."
"How nice it'll be if this was easier?" Ephraim sighed
"Yeah! Like turning to wolves. It'll be no problem surviving that way!"
Tan looked at his brother shaking his head.
"You know that's impossible."
"I know...it's not fair though. Not letting us… be us"
Ruby perked up seeing the mood was turning down
"Cheer up guys. Before you know it, we'll be racing down the city as wolves!" Ruby dramatically said, realizing the mood was turning down.
They all smiled, giving their own form of cheers as well.
It wasn't possible though. Everyone knew, but that doesn't stop them from dreaming.
"Say, how were you able to stay so clean Rali?" Ruby smoothly changed the subject.
They were all quite curious as they gathered round Rali invading her space.
"Stay...away!"
Their laughter filled the vicinity.
The wind blew, carrying the metallic scent of blood with it. It wasn't peaceful or like they wished but…
…A little bit of dream, a dash of hope, and a team of friends, time just might slow down and they could pretend to have no worries.