As the days passed, Adam relentlessly pursued any trace of the Grey Bulls, scouring the streets of L.A. with determination. Despite his persistent efforts, however, a week had gone by without any success. The elusive gang seemed to elude his grasp, leaving Adam frustrated and increasingly impatient.
In the midst of his hunt for the Grey Bulls, Adam encountered smaller spells scattered throughout the city, each one serving to summon the dead and spread chaos in its wake. Adam took it upon himself to dismantle them, one by one, these weren't as potent as the one in the cemetery so he was able to easily destroy them physically.
As the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, signaling the arrival of another day, Adam stirred from his sleep. He rose from his bed, in the corner of his room, his baggy clothes lay neatly folded, waiting to be donned for the day ahead.
Adam dressed himself in his usual attire. As he fastened his belt, he concealed beneath his clothing a tactical tomahawk and several throwing knives. He then wore a sunglasses and started to leave his room.
As Adam made his way out of his room, fully prepared for the day ahead, he was intercepted by Faith, who stood in the hallway with a knowing smile. There was a subtle gleam in her eyes that hinted at her awareness of his hidden arsenal.
"Going somewhere, Adam?" Faith's voice was laced with gentle amusement.
Adam blinked in mild surprise, momentarily caught off guard by his mother's keen perception. "Uh, just... heading to school," he replied, attempting to mask his surprise with casual nonchalance.
Faith arched an eyebrow, her expression betraying her amusement. "And with all these weapons hidden under your clothes?" she asked.
Adam sighed inwardly, realizing that there was no point in trying to hide anything from Faith. "I... I might need them for protection." he admitted reluctantly, his shoulders sagging under the weight of her knowing gaze.
Faith chuckled softly. "Oh, my dear boy," she said, her voice tinged with affection. "You know I can't let you go to school armed to the teeth. Besides, you're a werewolf, remember? You have claws and teeth for a reason."
Adam's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, realizing the futility of his attempts to deceive Faith. "I just don't want my clothes to get ruined." he muttered sheepishly.
"I know, sweetheart." Faith said, her tone gentle and reassuring. "But trust me, your clothes will survive just fine without a few extra accessories."
Reluctantly, Adam surrendered his weapons. As he watched her stow them away in a secure location, he couldn't help but feel lighter than usual.
Meanwhile, Jessy bounced into the hallway, his enthusiasm infectious as ever. "Come on, bro!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Let's catch the bus together!"
"You know, Jessy." Adam remarked. "Some of us actually enjoy the fresh air and exercise. Besides the school isn't that far, we can get there around fifteen minutes."
"Yeah, well, some of us also have better things to do than trudge to school like a pack mule." Jessy rolled his eyes.
As Adam and Jessy said their goodbyes, Jessy hopped towards the bus stop, while Adam chose to walk to school. The travel was fast and serene without anything disturbing him.
Approaching the building, Adam saw a big, busy school with lots of people moving around. There were kids chatting, playing and hanging out in groups. Some were throwing balls around, others had their noses buried in books.
Using his Garou gift, blur of the milky eye Adam made himself less noticeable as he walked among the crowds. He focused on blending in, moving slowly. Despite the bustling scene, he managed to slip through the crowd without drawing any unwanted attention.
As Adam made his way toward the main building, a voice called out to him, breaking the quiet rhythm of his steps.
"Hey, wait." the voice called.
For a moment, Adam was taken aback by the sight of the girl. She stood at a medium height, her wavy brown hair framing her face and her warm brown eyes holding a spark of recognition. Around Adam's age, she possessed a beautiful face that had a bright and warm smile.
"Hey, you white-haired guy." the girl called again, her voice carrying across the space between them.
Adam turned, surprised to find a familiar face in the crowd. It was one of the psychics he had saved, the girl who had been targeted by the black spiral dancer he had fought.
"Hi." she continued, stepping closer to Adam with a friendly smile. "I'm Samantha, but you can call me Sam."
"I'm Adam." he said, extending his hand for a handshake.
"I know I met your brother." Sam said.
As they exchanged greetings, Adam couldn't help but notice another girl approaching them from the side. She was taller than Sam, possessing an athletic build. Her long flowing black hair contrasted sharply with her white skin, and streaks of blond highlights added a touch of flair to her ebony locks. Maya's piercing blue eyes sparkled with warmth, and her classic features radiated a beauty that drew the eye.
"Hey Sam, who's your friend?" the girl inquired, her gaze lingering on Adam with suspicion.
"Hey Maya, this is Adam, you know Jessy's brother." Sam said.
"Hey, nice to meet you." Adam greeted Maya politely, but inwardly, he began to process the fact that Adam didn't see Maya among the psychic people he saved.
"Yeah, he talked about you." Maya said with a hint of disdain.
"Well, that is alarming." Adam replied. "Now if you wouldn't mind, I have to go and find my classes."
"No, bye Adam." Sam bid him farewell with a pretty smile.
"Yeah, bye." Maya echoed, though her expression lacked the warmth of Sam's smile.
Adam distanced himself from the girls, feeling relieved but still on edge from the encounter. After a little bit of walking suddenly, a hand landed on his shoulder, causing him to jump back in surprise. He turned to find his brother Jessy standing there, amusement evident in his expression.
"Oh, it's you." Adam said, exhaling in relief.
"Good to see you too, Adam." Jessy responded with a laugh as they began to walk together. "Why are you so jumpy? Aren't you supposed to be a strong badass?"
"I don't feel like a badass here." Adam admitted with a sigh. "You should also be careful with doing stuff like that. I almost punched your head off."
"You can punch people's heads off?" Jessy asked, his eyes widening with curiosity.
"If I fuel my strength with rage and punch the right place, then yes." Adam replied matter-of-factly.
Adam and Jessy walking together sparked a bit of chatter among the students, who found the contrast between the albino and goth newcomer intriguing. However, the gossip soon fizzled out as everyone returned to their own concerns.
As they navigated through the crowd, a guy deliberately bumped into Adam, sneering insults at both him and Jessy. Adam, however, remained unfazed. Despite the force of the collision, he stood his ground. In contrast, the aggressor stumbled back, visibly shaken by the encounter. Adam's body was strong thanks to his Garou nature even in his Homid form, he was also stronger than a lot of Garou thanks to years of training his body.
"What the hell was that?" Adam called out to the retreating figure.
"You fucking freak!" the guy spat out before hurrying away.
Adam glanced back at Jessy, puzzled by the encounter. "Do you know what his problem was?"
"How can you be so clueless about the real world?" Jessy responded incredulously. "You've lived among normal people, gone to school like everyone else. How do you not get it?"
"I usually stay out of sight using a Garou gift." Adam admitted in a hushed tone.
"People don't like what they don't understand," Jessy explained. "Some folks are just jerks. They live on hating others, especially those who are different."
"Do you want me to make him disappear?" Adam whispered, his voice barely audible.
"What? No." Jessy quickly replied. "I just don't like guys like him. I don't wish harm on them. Please, no violence."
"Okay." Adam agreed with a nonchalant shrug.
Adam and Jessy parted ways as they headed to their respective classes. Taking his place in a quiet corner of the room, Adam's agitation grew as his newfound visibility among the students unsettled him. This unease only served to amplify his Garou aura, casting an unintentional air of menace around him.
Aware that his heightened aura could draw further attention, Adam sought to redirect his focus. Turning to the Visions of Duat, a gift granted to him by Anubis, he delved into the mystical realm. As he gazed into the unseen world, he was startled to perceive wraiths lurking within the confines of the classroom.
Two spectral figures hovered near a punk-looking guy, their ethereal forms swirling with an otherworldly energy. The punk-looking guy exuded an aura of defiance that seemed to permeate the very air around him. His spiky black hair, reminiscent of a raven's feathers, stood in stark contrast to the shaved sides of his head, giving him a distinct and edgy appearance. His piercing black eyes held a glint of rebellion, mirroring the defiance that seemed to define his character.
As the classroom door creaked open, the students turned their attention towards the entrance, eager to greet their new teacher. Stepping into the room with a warm smile, a man that exuded an aura of approachability and enthusiasm that immediately put his students at ease.
Dressed in a crisp, button-up shirt adorned with a subtle geometric pattern, the man's attire perfectly complemented his laid-back yet professional demeanor. Paired with a pair of khaki pants and comfortable loafers, his outfit focused more on practicality and focus on comfort over style. His wire-rimmed glasses perched on his nose added a touch of scholarly charm to his appearance, while his neatly trimmed salt-and-pepper beard hinted at his years of experience in the field of education.
"Good morning, everyone," The man greeted, his voice carrying a gentle warmth that filled the room. "I'm Mr. Thompson, and I'll be your math teacher for the year."
"I'm excited to embark on this journey of learning with…" The man went on a speech that Adam was not interested so he dosed off.
As the morning sunlight streamed through the classroom windows, the day unfolded in a whirlwind of lessons and activities. Mr. Thompson's math class proved to be interested but a little dry, he was an educated man with a lot of knowledge but he was not that good at teaching. His passion for mathematics was visible and it did help with the teaching a little.
As the bell rang, signaling the end of the math class, Adam gathered his belongings and made his way to his next lesson, biology. The topic of cellular biology proved to be both fascinating and challenging, but Adam approached it with more enthusiasm and determination that he applied to his mathematical studies. His keen intellect and natural curiosity served him well and he found himself eagerly absorbing the knowledge, many of which he already knew.
After biology came P.E., a class that Adam particularly enjoyed. His athleticism and prowess on the field were undeniable. Whether it was running laps around the track or participating in a friendly game of basketball, Adam might not have played and practiced basketball much in his life but his supernatural physique helped a lot. He felt like he was cheating since he was a Garou but that filled him with more joy.
Finally, as the lunch break arrived, Adam took a moment to catch his breath and reflect on the events of the morning. With a sense of satisfaction and anticipation, he prepared to recharge and refuel for the afternoon sessions, knowing that he was ready to face whatever challenges came his way.
As Adam settled onto the bench, unpacking his lunch with a sense of familiarity tinged with anticipation, he couldn't help but feel a surge of nerves flutter in his stomach. Food was one the things he loved more than magic.
Just as he was about to take the first bite of his sandwich, a familiar figure approached the table with a playful grin. It was Jessy, his younger brother, clad in his gothic attire and sporting a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
"Mind if I join you, bro?" Jessy asked, already sliding onto the bench opposite Adam without waiting for a response.
"Can I say no?" Adam asked with a smile.
"Nope." Jessy answered with a grin of his own, his tone playful.
"So, how was school?" Adam inquired, leaning back against the bench with a casual air.
"You suck at this." Jessy teased, shaking his head in mock disapproval.
"Suck at what?" Adam asked, arching an eyebrow in curiosity.
"Talking." Jessy replied matter-of-factly. "People our age don't ask how was school, that's what old people do. Now stop acting like an old guy and tell me what you've been doing in the supernatural world."
Before Adam could respond, Maya and Sam approached their table, their presence created a bright smile on Jessy's face.
"Hey Sam, hey Maya, come have a seat." Jessy greeted warmly, gesturing for them to join the brothers.
"Hey Jessy." Sam said with her usual smile, settling onto the in front of Adam.
"Hey Jessy." Maya echoed, taking a seat opposite Jessy.
Adam couldn't help but feel a twinge of suspicion at the girls' seemingly intimate knowledge of his life. "Why do I have the feeling you guys know too much about me?" he asked, eyeing them curiously.
"Because they do." Jessy interjected. "You helped Sam and others, so of course they know about you. Sam's a psychic, and Maya... well, I'll let her tell you."
"I'm a psychic too." Maya confessed quietly, her gaze meeting Adam's.
"Okay." Adam replied, unfazed by the revelation.
"Is that it? Is that your reaction?" Maya said, her tone tinged with annoyance.
"If you know these two, then they probably told you what I am, so yes, that's my reaction." Adam explained calmly.
"That's fair." Maya conceded. "Truth be told, I have a lot of questions, but I don't want to ask them in public. There are too many people who can overhear us, and then we'd be hunted or seen as crazy assholes."
"I can fix that, Jessy cover me." Adam offered, a determined glint in his eyes.
Biting his thumb with enough force to draw a little blood, Adam began to inscribe a rune on the table's surface. Jessy utilized his psychic abilities make people ignore what Adam was doing.
Adam had to bite his finger three more times to complete the rune. As Adam completed the rune and fueled it with his will, a shockwave emanated from the area, invisible to all but the four of them. Maya and Sam watched in astonishment as Adam's hand healed multiple times during the process.
"What the hell was that?" Maya exclaimed, her eyes widening in astonishment.
"It was a spell." Adam explained calmly. "As long as we stay here, people will ignore us. We can now talk about whatever we want."
"That's so fucking cool! You should teach me that later." Jessy exclaimed.
"Sure." Adam agreed readily.
"Wait, do all werewolves heal like you?" Sam asked, her curiosity piqued.
"No, I'm a Metis, so I heal fast in all of my forms. Others have weaker forms that doesn't heals as fast." Adam clarified.
"What's a Metis?" Maya inquired, her interest piqued by the unfamiliar term.
"It's a long story." Adam replied with a rueful smile, knowing that explaining his unique heritage would take time.
"By the way, Adam, thanks again." Sam said gratefully. "Jessy told us about you burning a factory and starting a war to help us. That's really nice of you to do."
"Don't thank me, I enjoy burning Wyrm things." Adam quipped with a smirk.
"Speaking of burning, have you been doing anything lately?" Jessy asked, his curiosity piqued.
"I can see wraiths now." Adam revealed.
"Wraiths? You mean you can see ghosts now?" Sam inquired, her interest piqued by Adam's revelation.
"Yes, if I focus. The gift is the Vision of Duat," Adam explained.
"That sounds like the ancient Egyptian land of the dead, right?" Sam observed.
"It is." Adam confirmed. "My wolf forms always had an Egyptian Jackal look to them. It turns out I am from the blood of the Silent Striders. Silent Striders are originally from Egypt, but in ancient times, they were cursed and can never go there. Silent Striders are nomads, so it's possible for them to leave children behind. Being away from Egypt for hundreds of years had changed their culture a lot."
"Jessy said you're all adopted. I'm sorry you never met your real family," Sam expressed.
"It's fine. I prefer this family." Adam reassured.
"Are there any ghosts around here?" Maya interjected.
"Wait, I need a moment to focus." Adam requested, his attention turning inward as he prepared to activate his gift.
As Adam focused, the world around him shifted, revealing the ethereal presence of lost wraiths lingering nearby. Among them, he spotted the two wraiths he had seen earlier with the guy from his class. The hooded figure seemed to be engaged in hushed conversation with the spectral entities.
"That guy over there, I think he can see wraiths." Adam remarked, his gaze fixed on the hooded figure.
"Why, are there ghosts around him?" Sam inquired.
"Yeah, and he seems to be talking to them." Adam confirmed.
"I know that guy, not by name, but I've seen him around." Sam shared. "I tried to read his mind, but he's one of the only people with mental defenses."
"Wait, you just read people's minds, just like that?" Maya questioned.
"Yeah, well, not everyone, but I like reading people's minds." Sam admitted, her tone casual.
"That's messed up. You can't just go around reading people's minds, that's wrong. What if someone does that to you? How would you feel?" Maya protested.
"I would hate it. But I am not in their place, and I know if the people I read had the same power, they would have done the same." Sam reasoned.
"How would you know that?" Maya pressed, a hint of anger coloring her words.
"I read their minds, duh." Sam answered.
"Well… okay that's fair." Maya said with a shrug.
"Wait, you tried to read my mind too?" Adam interjected.
"I did, but your mental defense was too strong. I actually tried to read your mind this morning when we met." Sam confessed.
"I actually didn't feel anything." Adam admitted, now intrigued. "What was it like when trying to read someone's mind and being stopped? Did it hurt?"
"It felt like opening a door and seeing a wall." Sam described.
"Who is stronger between our family?" Jessy questioned.
"That would be your mom. After that, it's Adam, then Lucy, then you." Sam replied confidently.
"Obviously, Mom is stronger." Adam agreed with a nod.
"Mama's boy." Jessy sneered, his tone laced with playful mockery.
Adam furrowed his brow, genuinely perplexed. "Was that supposed to be an insult?" he asked, his confusion evident.
"Yes, it was." Jessy shot back, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You tell her everything, she knows all your secrets and you even work for her. So yes, you are a mama's boy, and not in a good way."
"She gives me magical items, keeps my secrets, and pays well." Adam retorted. "Hell, I even told her about the Silent Strider thing and now she's searching for spells and powers I can learn."
"I would be worse than Adam if I had a mom like that." Maya chimed in.
"We should make a social club." Sam suddenly interjected.
"What?" Jessy asked, surprised by the suggestion.
"A supernatural club." Sam clarified. "There are a lot of us with powers but no clue what they can do or how to handle them. We can find kids like us and help them."
"That sounds like a cool idea." Jessy admitted.
"I like it." Maya added, nodding in agreement.
"You can do it, but I don't think I can join." Adam confessed.
"Why not?" Sam asked.
"I have a lot of problems." Adam explained. "I'm fighting the Wyrm, trying to find a werewolf that's messing with the dead, dealing with these guys called the Grey Bulls, having vampire problems, and I need to hide from every werewolf tribe. Joining a club would just be too much."
"That's okay, you don't have to do much." Sam reassured him. "Just point us in the right directions, and we'll take care of the rest. Have our backs a little, and we'll have yours."
"And we need protection, that one is obvious." Jessy added.
"Sure, I guess." Adam relented.
As the four finished their lunch, the cafeteria buzzed with the sound of chatter and laughter around them. Adam glanced at his watch, realizing he had to hurry to his next class.
Slipping his backpack over his shoulder, Adam rose from his seat and bid his friends farewell with a quick wave. "I'll catch you guys later." he said, surprising himself with the fact that he had friends other than his family or as close to a friend he had ever got.
As he made his way down the bustling hallway, Adam couldn't help but notice Maya making her way to guy in the dark hoodie, their heads bent close together in earnest discussion. That guy is probably a potential recruit for their proposed supernatural club. With a shrug, Adam pushed the thought aside and continued on his way to his next class.
As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, students poured out of classrooms and flooded the hallways with a rush of energy and chatter. Adam gathered his belongings and made his way to his locker, ready to head home and unwind after a long day.
Just as he was about to grab his backpack, Jessy approached him with a determined expression. "Hey, Adam." he said, his voice tinged with excitement. "I'm not coming home with you today."
Adam raised an eyebrow, surprised by Jessy's announcement. "Oh? What's up?" he asked, curious.
"I'm gonna stick around and help out with the club." Jessy replied, nodding towards Maya, Sam, and the guy with the wraith, who were engaged in conversation nearby. "We were just talking about our plans, and I figured I'd lend a hand. By the way that guy with the wraiths is Ben and he can see wraiths."
"That's cool, take care." Adam said.
"I'll fill you in on all the details later, goodbye for now." Jessy said.
Adam put his sunglasses back on and left the school. As Adam stepped out of the school building, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. The chaotic energy of the day began to fade as he made his way through the familiar streets towards home.
With each step, Adam's mind drifted away from the events of the day, focusing instead on the comfort and familiarity of his own home. He passed by familiar landmarks, a neighborhood park, a row of houses and a corner store which he stopped by to get some snacks.
Finally, he reached his front door and let himself inside, greeted by the welcoming warmth of his family's home. As Adam entered his home, the familiar sights and sounds enveloped him. His mother, Faith, was seated in the living room, engrossed in a book. A warm smile lit up her face as she noticed Adam's arrival.
"Hey Adam, how was school?" Faith inquired, her tone filled with genuine interest. However, her expression shifted to one of mild concern when she realized that Adam was alone. "Wait, where is Jessy? Didn't you two come back together?"
"He's joining a club." Adam explained casually. "They're creating a club that collects supernatural kids. They already have four members, including Jessy."
"Ah, that sounds nice." Faith remarked, nodding in understanding. "Listen, I have something for you. When you told me about Silent Striders and Anubis, I pulled some favors and got you some things that might help. It's a couple of books, some bone charms with a spellbook that explains about them, and a small altar. I left them on your desk, you can put them wherever you want."
"Thanks, Mum." Adam replied gratefully, his appreciation evident in his voice.
"By the way, Lucy is at college." Faith added. "If she comes home and I'm not here, tell her I left some books in front of her room."
"I will, Mum." Adam promised.
He removed his sunglasses, no longer needing them indoors, and made his way to his room. Upon entering, he immediately noticed the small altar tucked away in a corner. It was adorned with a statue of Anubis, a bowl, a sandstone, a pouch of herbs and a compass, each item bearing a connection to the Silent Striders. Anubis represented their lineage, the sandstone symbolized Egypt, their ancestral homeland, the herb pouch facilitated travel through other realms and the compass reflected their nomadic nature.
On his desk lay a collection of new books, bone charms carefully arranged atop one of them, along with a smaller notebook, incense, and dried meat. As Adam opened the books, the scent of incense filled the air, creating a serene atmosphere.
One particular book caught his attention, a journal belonging to a deceased Silent Strider. It detailed various offerings made to ancestors for protection, including food, incense, water, feathers and more.
Adam lit the incense before the altar and placed the dried meat in the bowl. Reciting an invocation he had found in the journal, Adam's words resonated with power, summoning forth a brilliant shade of cobalt blue flames. As the flames danced and flickered, a voice echoed in Adam's mind, the voice of Anubis himself.
"You are not formally accepted by the tribe." Anubis's voice spoke. "But that matters very little to me. In my own journey, I was never formally embraced by the Silent Striders, yet in death, I was revered as an ancestor spirit among them. In my eyes, you are a Silent Strider by blood, a lineage that flows through your veins from your father. Many camps and packs may struggle to accept you, but know that I accept your offering and offer you my blessing on your journey of self-discovery."
Feeling invigorated by the offering he made at the altar, Adam delved into his favorite pastime, studying magic. The new books he received were a treasure trove of knowledge about silent strider's use of hedge sorcery and Garou shamanism to craft talismans and anchors for spells. Adam found that their approach closely mirrored his own methods of hedge magic.
With keen interest, Adam delved into the pages, focusing particularly on the anchor side of the spells. It didn't take long for him to uncover spells that had been employed to compel the dead to manifest in the skinlands. Although the spells proved too advanced for him at the moment, Adam absorbed the knowledge of their weaknesses. He understood that physically attacking the spells was a possibility, but he also learned from practice that each spell varied in its resilience, depending on the amounts of Gnosis and will infused into it. For the stronger spells, the most effective method of destruction lay in harnessing the powers of both the shadowland and the skinland. Creatures dwelling solely in the shadowland would struggle to dismantle such spells without a connection to the physical realm.
Adam devoted himself to studying the spells and any training his combat skill within his grasp only leaving once for food and immediately going back to his studies. He immersed himself in his studies until sundown, absorbing as much information as possible. As the last rays of sunlight faded from the sky, he carefully placed his new books in his bookcase.
Dressing for the evening, Adam donned a hoodie over a t-shirt, paired with cargo pants and a wristwatch. Concealed beneath his clothing were his two fang daggers and five throwing daggers, always at the ready. His pendant hung around his neck, a familiar talisman, while his phone, keys, and wallet found their place in his pockets. With everything in order, Adam prepared to venture out into the night.
As Adam prepared to depart from his home, he exchanged farewells with his mother, who was busy arming herself for her night's work. Faith, always the formidable figure, was in her element, handling guns with the ease of someone well-versed in their use. Adam said his goodbye to his mother and set out on his mission.
Having conducted research on the sites of death scattered throughout Los Angeles, Adam had identified several intriguing locations. One such site was the La Brea Tar Pits, a place of both fascination and dread. These tar pits, nestled within Hancock Park, preserving the bones of creatures long past in their viscous embrace. For a necromancer, it was a treasure trove.
Hailing a cab, Adam directed the driver to the park, where he arrived after a brief fifteen-minute journey. Paying the fare, Adam stepped out onto the deserted streets, his senses attuned to the subtle energies surrounding him. Despite the park being closed and fenced off, Adam remained undeterred.
Spotting a secluded corner away from prying eyes, Adam scaled the fence with ease. The air carried the faint scent of death, though not the smell of blood. Proceeding cautiously, Adam paused and concealed himself in a bush upon spotting individuals patrolling the area. Unlike government agents such as Miranda, these were ordinary people armed with ordinary guns.
Adam held his amulet and whispered the invocation words, Adam invoked an illusion, altering his appearance to evade detection. With stealth, he crept forward toward the source of power he had sensed.
Approaching the area where the energy emanated, Adam noted the absence of patrols, a curious anomaly that gave him pause. However, his focus shifted when he discovered hieroglyphics etched upon a stone, marking the locus of the spell.
Touching the stone, Adam felt the familiar hum of magic coursing through it. Although not the weakest spell he had encountered, it paled in comparison to the potent enchantment at the cemetery. Intrigued by its nature, Adam delved deeper, scrutinizing the spell for any deviations from the norm.
As Adam's fingertips made contact with the anchor of the spell, a strange sensation washed over him, as if an unseen force were tugging at his very essence. It was as though his body were being pulled toward the Shadowlands.
Initially resisting the pull, Adam found himself in his place in skinlands. Unlike his usual effortless transition during the waxing crescent moon, this was a deliberate and controlled maneuver. With a firm resolve, he directed his will, using the spell anchor as a conduit to bridge the gap between the Skinlands and the Shadowlands.
As he concentrated, Adam felt the fabric of reality warp around him, bending to his command as he stepped sideways into the murky depths of the Shadowlands. The transition was seamless yet disorienting, the familiar sights and sounds of the physical world replaced by an eerie landscape cloaked in darkness.
Despite the strangeness of his surroundings, Adam remained unafraid, his senses attuned to the subtle energies that pulsed through the Shadowlands. Though he didn't catch sight of Anubis this time, the unmistakable sensation of his presence lingered, a silent guardian watching over him in the ethereal realm.
Adam slowly transformed into his Glabro form, his body swelling in size as his features took on a more primal aspect. His elongated claws glinted in the dim light of the Shadowlands.
Carefully, Adam carved a circle around the spell, imbuing it with his will. With the use of Gnosis, he conjured blue flames in one hand, their flickering light casting eerie shadows across the desolate landscape.
Adam focused his will to infuse the flames with the essence of the Shadowlands. This caused the flames to transform into inky black fire, crackling with an otherworldly intensity. With a focused gaze, Adam directed the flames toward the circle, watching as they fire obeyed his command, devouring the necromantic spell and reducing the stone to molten slag in their wake.
Satisfied with his handiwork, Adam felt the tug of the Skinlands beckoning him back and he allowed himself to be drawn through the veil once more. As he returned to familiar surroundings, his triumphant smile faltered when he noticed the group of onlookers behind him, their expressions a mixture of shock and disbelief.
Among them stood a towering figure in Crinos form, a formidable Garou whose presence commanded respect and awe. With fur the color of rich earth and eyes ablaze with primal fury, he exuded an aura of strength and power that sent a shiver down Adam's spine. Twin horns jutted from the sides of his head like the horns of a charging beast. The crowd surrounding the Garou comprised both humans and wolves. It didn't take long for Adam to realize these were Garou with their kinfolks.
The massive blade wielded by the Garou in Crinos form gleamed in the dim light, its surface etched with intricate carvings that depicted tales of valor and triumph against the forces of the Wyrm. Crafted from pure silvered steel, the weapon radiated an aura of power, its hilt wrapped in supple leather. Adam didn't need to rely on his spirit sense to recognize the klaive for what it was, a formidable weapon fused with a spirit, granting its wielder the ability to wield silver without harm.
"Hold your fang, young one." the Garou spoke in the Lupus tongue, a universal language among their kind, taught to their young to facilitate communication in forms more akin to wolves. Though Adam possessed some knowledge of the language thanks to Faith's teachings, fear constricted his throat, rendering him speechless. His mind raced as he assessed potential escape routes, the looming presence of the Garou and their formidable numbers unsettling him deeply.
For the first time in his life, fear silenced Adam. His mind raced as he scanned for escape routes, daunted by the sight of the Garou and their intimidating numbers. Despite the dread inspired by the klaive and the imposing figure before him, it was the calm voice of the Garou speaking in Crinos form that unsettled him the most.
"I don't think he understands Lupus tongue." remarked a female Garou in her Homid form, her appearance that of a woman in her late twenties. Her neck-length brown hair framed a determined face, while her brown eyes burned with the fire of passion and conviction. Her athletic form was dressed in a leather jacket, a grey sleeveless shirt, jeans, and boots, she exuded an aura of strength and purpose. At her side, she carried a large bow and arrows, both enchanted with spirit magic, as evidenced by their spirit sense.
"Ember, please ask him if he created that spell." the horned Garou requested in Lupus tongue.
"I understand you." Adam finally said.
"So, you do know our tongue." the horned Garou remarked with a hint of amusement.
"I don't think we should trust this guy." Ember interjected. "Even if he destroyed the spell, he still ruined our trap. Now we have to find some other way to hunt down the perpetrator responsible for these disturbances. Hell, he might be working with that guy to keep him out of trouble."
"That's a weird logic you have there, lady." Adam said calmly.
"Why did you destroy the spell?" the horned Garou inquired.
"I have a couple of reasons." Adam explained. "The main one is that I live here and I don't want undead causing problems. I really love magic and want to learn more about what's happening here. Plus, some spirits also told me to do this."
"That is understandable." the horned Garou acknowledged before turning to one of the kinfolks. "Can you bring me a robe or something? I doubt the cause of the problem will visit this place anytime soon."
"What are we going with this guy?" one of the members queried, a young muscular man with a claw mark on his left cheek, short black hair, blue eyes, and sun-kissed skin, dressed in a camo t-shirt, sports shoes, and denim jeans.
"You can always let me go." Adam suggested with a smile.
"I'm sorry, but we can't do that. There are still many questions I have." the horned Garou asserted.
One of the kinfolks fetched a robe for the horned Garou, who then began shifting slowly into his Homid form. In this form, he stood tall and muscular, with broad shoulders and a commanding presence, his black skin marked by battle scars, green eyes, and short black hair. Notably, the horns remained, even in his Homid form.
"You're a Metis!" Adam exclaimed when he saw the horns stayed.
This was the point Adam started to change back to Homid form. He knew that hiding his face was not really going to help as these were Garou and would have his scent.
"I hope that isn't a problem." the man responded with a gentle smile.
"No, I'm a Metis too." Adam declared excitedly. "The only other times I met Metis, they were Spiral Dancers. I was starting to think there was something wrong with us."
"There's nothing wrong with being a Metis." the Garou affirmed. "I am Stonehorn Earthshaker, leader of the Earth's Vengeance Pack of the Children of Gaia tribe. We are one of the protectors of the city."
"I'm Adam." Adam introduced himself.
"Of what tribe?" Stonehorn inquired.
"I really don't know." Adam admitted. "I just know my father was a Silent Strider. I also talk to an ancestor spirit, but that's all I know."
"Oh great, a stray." Ember scoffed, rolling her eyes. "I'm not going to teach this kid anything if you decide to pick this stray up."
"Don't be like that, Ember." the male Garou wearing the camo t-shirt, chimed in. "He's a Metis cub from a Silent Strider. He probably had to live on his own for most of his life. He needs help."
"Jack, buddy, you shouldn't trust people that easily." Ember cautioned.
"Ember's right." Stonehorn agreed. "But if he didn't have any guidance, then he wouldn't know magic, nor would he know Lupus tongue. He probably has a Garou mentor."
"I had someone, but not a Garou." Adam clarified.
"So, hear me out." Ember began. "This guy messed up our trap, as punishment, he has to help us find the guy casting these spells."
"I didn't mess up any trap." Adam countered. "I don't think that guy is going to visit this place. This one is different from the one I saw in Hollywood Forever."
"Can you explain what you mean?" Stonehorn inquired.
"That one chained wraiths to itself." Adam elaborated. "In the cemetery, the chained wraiths would constantly return to corpses and fight, while in here, it's only energy that might move some bones around."
"Okay, but what makes you think the spellcaster wouldn't visit this place and would visit the cemetery?" Ember pressed.
"Because he already visited the cemetery." Adam revealed.
"How would you know that?" a wolf asked in Lupus tongue.
The wolf, a male with a completely brown coat, bore scars on his face, right shoulder, and back leg.
"Because I saw corpses there." Adam explained. "The corpses were from a bunch of agents and some ghouls that kept killing zombies there. They were ripped apart like a Garou had attacked and they showed signs of being eaten. There was one agent that survived and she didn't seem to remember what happened, so I didn't push her. I just wiped some parts of her memories and left."
"You're telling me this might have been the work of a Garou?" Stonehorn's face now bore a hint of concern.
"Yes, I thought you guys knew." Adam responded.
"We had our suspicions, but we didn't want it to be true." Ember admitted.
"Those writings were ancient Egyptian, right?" Jack interjected. "Does that mean the one doing it is a Silent Strider? Didn't a pack of them come into the city like a couple of months ago?"
"Yes, but I don't think it's them." Stonehorn replied. "They are of the seeker camp. They are one of the biggest groups of Silent Striders I have met and they usually are helpful."
"Usually." Ember interjected.
"We can't throw accusations like that about a big camp." Stonehorn cautioned. "If you are right, then they will silence us and if you are wrong, then we have to pay for the insult."
"So, what should we do?" the brown wolf inquired.
"Adam, you said this spell was different. How different was it? I want details." Stonehorn redirected the conversation.
"Well, as I said, the other one chained wraiths to one point." Adam explained. "This amount of being forced to come back and bound to one place might weaken the wraith."
"Would wraiths be used for anything other than summoning undead?" Stonehorn inquired.
"Yes, actually." Adam confirmed. "Wraiths themselves eat each other, which makes them stronger and they gain the other wraith's memories. They can also soulforge, turning a wraith into powerful metals. Necromancers have learned to soulforge wraiths and some even use them as a source of energy."
"So, it is possible this necromancer is trying to harvest wraiths?" Stonehorn speculated.
"It is possible." Adam agreed. "To be fair, this might be a great way to harvest a large amount of wraiths in a short time. Instead of finding a way to bind a wraith, he summons them, people weaken them by fighting them and he harvests."
"If that is true, then he might go back to the cemetery." Jack suggested.
"We can lay a trap there for the fucker there." Ember proposed.
"Gather everyone, we are ready to move out." Stonehorn commanded, gripping his Klaive with both hands. "Adam, I am sorry for leaving you like this. On usual nights, we would have taken you to our caern and given you the chance to join our pack if you wanted. We might be busy for a few nights, but I will send someone to find you. We have your scent, so we know where to find you. Feel free to visit Griffith Park, we have a caern over there, and you are welcome to visit."
"Sure, I will visit." Adam accepted.
Adam understood that Stonehorn's words were double-edged. He both conveyed to Adam that he was welcome if he told the truth and provided a subtle warning of the consequences if he lied, they had his scent.
Soon, the Garou and their kinfolk started to move out. Adam noticed that many of the Garou in Lupus form stayed a little longer, sniffing the air, probably memorizing his scent. Soon, they too departed, leaving Adam alone there.
Seeing no reason to stay, Adam started to walk back home.