With this ability… I should be able to do something. Anything to make the money I need to pay off those kidnappers. Kayden thought, clenching his fists. Energy coursed through his veins, hardening his grip.
Now, let me find out what power I got from that crystal.
Slowly, he began to circulate the energy throughout his body. Within moments, it felt as though the cells within his body became more alive. He trembled, arteries bulging with power. His eyes turned frantic. And sweat pooled down his face like raindrops.
Yes. I can feel something happening…! Moments later, more changes began to occur. Snapping sounds followed as his bones began to restructure. Fur burst forth from his skin like a rabid infection. Drooling canines elongated from his jaws. Even his eyes slendered as the transformation progressed.
More features began to appear. A long nose. Sharp claws. Dog-like ears.
Once the change was over, what stood in the alley was no longer a scared youngster.
Standing on two hind legs, with a gaze capable of inspiring terror, was a creature borne from man's greatest nightmares.
Kayden Williams had changed. From petrified high schooler, to a monster of the moon. A werewolf.
So this is the power of that crystal? Kayden's eyes swept across his form. Impressive. I never thought I'd find a Mystery Class Crystal out here of all places.
Still, all of this feels too bizarre. He raised his right hand into the air, and in one swift motion, he swung it down with all his strength. A sharp whistling sound was made with the movement, and Kayden's eyes narrowed. This must be a dream, right? I mean, Stacy just got abducted, and now, I obtain one of the rarest powers in the world? He forced his muscles, feeling thick layers of hardened flesh flex through thick fur. Is this really luck? Or is there something more sinister at play? Even then, that wouldn't make sense.
It's not like I'm some important person in the world. I'm just some random kid living with his extended family. I don't have some hidden family lineage or affiliation to any of the world leaders. I'm just me. Kayden Williams. He pondered, shaking his head. I don't want to get targeted by whoever left this crystal here if they ever found out that I took it. My life is already messed up as it is, I can't afford to drag Uncle John or Stacy into it.
He channeled his energy within, targeting the focal points in his body that the energy flowed through. I need to turn back. Now that I know what power I have, I should focus on how I can put it to good use. Whatever consequences might come with me taking this power, I'll just have to deal with it when the time comes. If the time ever comes, according to my luck. He thought, and seconds later, his body began to revert back to normal. The ashen fur receded, revealing human skin beneath. His long claws retracted back to normal. His eyes regained their normal form. And all other alterations were removed.
Kayden was back to his normal self.
But his clothes weren't.
Damn it!
He stood there in the alley, his torn uniform dripping from his body as though he was just assaulted by a wild animal. Am I really gonna go back like this? People are gonna laugh… his face reddened, but then he shook his head. Whatever. They can laugh if they want, but it won't help with what I have to do. I'll just have to bear with it and make sure something like this never happens again. He told himself, rushing back home to tell his uncle what happened.
Brinestone wasn't a big town to begin with. With few schools, a local church, and a couple business centers spread across, it didn't take Kayden much time to arrive at their neighborhood, especially thanks to the recent improvements to his overall speed and stamina.
Kayden didn't just walk back home. He ran. Faster than he'd ever run in his life. His athletic figure blurred through the sidewalks and locals as he made his way back home. The wind hissed with his movements, picking up laidout newspapers and light waste from the ground.
Heads turned to see what was causing the disturbance, but all they could see was a brief image of a black-haired boy running away.
At least with this speed, no one'll know that I'm practically half-naked. Kayden let out a faint smile, one that quickly disappeared as the reality of his situation dawned upon him once again.
Eventually, he made it to the familiar neighborhood where he had spent his childhood. The rundown sign at the sharp turn greeted him first, followed by the rows of obscure buildings that resided within that part of Brinestone.
John's house was just a short distance away. That same distance was covered in seconds as Kayden now stood at the entrance of their abode.
Uncle John isn't around at this time of day. Kayden muttered, fishing a key from his pocket and inserting it into the lock. Once he gets back… I'll have to break the bad news to him.
Time seemed to crawl as Kayden waited patiently for John to return from work. During this time, he paced back and forth in his room, replaying the events that took place in his mind like a broken record. I could've done something if I'd gotten this ability sooner. He hissed. I bet none of those guys even have an ability. If they did, they won't be wasting their time as low-rate kidnappers. I could've easily beaten them with my new werewolf form.
Kayden's gaze roamed to the window, and his steps followed right after. I can't even track their scent in this small town. So I don't even know where they're hiding. His fingers caressed the window's edge, his scowl deepening.
My only option is to stick to what they initially proposed. I'll have to somehow make that money within two weeks time, and bring it to them. Though I could just lie and say I have the full amount to get the chance to meet them, they might have eyes and ears everywhere. I can't risk them realizing my lie and doing something bad to Stacy, so I'll just have to go about doing this the honest way.
Several hours passed, and the sun dipped below the horizon. The noise of smoke-producing vehicles and the loud clamor of citizens carried beyond the intense rays reaching Brinestone. Life here was fast, crude, and laced with a dark underbelly that those unfortunate had to suffer.
Kayden was one of such unfortunate souls. Or more accurately, his cousin… Stacy.
Footsteps moved towards the low-qualuty building, frigid glasses reflecting the harsh lights of passing cars. His short black hair was a mixed haze of black and white, a result of years of intense labor and stress. Dark bags clung to his eyes like tenacious ailments. And his eyes possessed a level of dullness that was easy to spot.
John Williams had just returned home from a long day of work.
And nothing could prepare him for the news he was about to hear.
He placed a hand on the door knob, realizing it wasn't locked. His gaze didn't register a hint of surprise as he twisted the handle and pushed the door open.
Tired eyes scanned his abode. A humble living space with everything at its place. Though they weren't well off, John still made sure to instill the habit of cleanliness within both Kayden and Stacy. They were his responsibilities, after all.
"Kayden! Stacy! I'm home!" He yelled, tossing his briefcase across the centre couch in the living room before collapsing onto it. "Is dinner ready? I'm famished!" Seconds passed, no response. "Hello?"
Those kids and their damned devices. John thought, shaking his head They can't even remember to lock the front door when they're inside! Thank God nothing bad happened while I was gone. He sighed, then stood up from the couch to meet them.
It was then that he heard someone coming from their bedrooms. The passage lights were off, so John couldn't tell who it was till the person stepped into the light of the living room.
"Oh, Kayden, it's you. How many times have I told you to always locked the door behind you? This town isn't safe so we need to be careful!" John said. "Go and call Stacy. She needs to hear this, as well." he added.
Hearing Stacy's name being mentioned, everything Kayden had done to mentally prepare himself for this particular moment vanished from his mind.
Still, he knew telling his uncle was the right thing to do, whether he was mentally prepared or not.
"Uncle John…" he started off, his voice cracking. "I can't call her…" his eyes welled with tears.
"Huh? Why's that?" John asked, noticing the strangeness of Kayden's reaction.
"Because… she's no longer here," Kayden replied.
John raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by 'she's no longer here?'"
"I mean… she's gone. She's been kidnapped…"