Given the late hour, practically already the next day, the group believed it was the perfect time to test Xin'sLuna capabilities, as well as what Gary could truly do. However, after witnessing Lupus's immense power firsthand, they had collectively decided there was no safe location within Slough itself. No matter where they considered—the large parks, an open field behind a school—all seemed too small for the level of power and destruction that would inevitably accompany their test. The idea came to Kai, remembering his brutal brawl with Lupus on a mountainside: the best place would be the closest mountain. The group was currently waiting inside the Wolf's Pool Club, and it had been agreed that everyone still there would be coming, making for quite a large gathering. "Hey, we're going to be okay, right?" Vere asked, a nervous tremor in his voice. "Didn't Gary say that this form made him a bit unstable? I don't think he'll go after you guys, but he might go after us that aren't like you guys." "It will be fine," Xin answered confidently. "Remember, they said that I should be able to control him. So if he comes after you, I'll take the hit." "That's also the reason why we're all going," Kai added, his expression serious. "Innu, Blake, all of us, in case there are any issues. I think it will need all of us to stop Gary from going on a rampage." Judging by Kai's comment, they weren't sure whether he was joking or not; he had spoken so straight-faced. Eventually, the doors opened, and Park entered, a wide grin on his face. "Alright, our ride is here, so everyone aboard!" As the group stepped outside, they stared in awe at the vehicle before them. It was a fairly large minibus, looking relatively new and sporting a two-tone color scheme. The bottom half shimmered in a shining golden hue, while the top was colored in sleek black, including the hood, perfectly matching the Howlers' colors. "Well, you know, after that supercar got taken out and all, we had to re-shift some of the budget," Park explained, a hint of pride in his voice. "And since this group just keeps getting bigger and bigger, I had to get something more practical. I just hope this doesn't get ruined." The group walked past as the automatic doors slid open, and they could immediately feel how premium it was inside. The seats were extremely comfy, and everyone had their own individual TV screen. The cupholders were filled with bottles of water, and there were even beef jerky snacks conveniently placed in the pouches in front of them. "I thought about our difficulties," Park said with a smile, clearly pleased with his purchase. As everyone boarded, Kai was the last person to enter. "You know if you break this car, you have to pay everything back, right?" Kai quipped, causing Park to gulp nervously. The seats were arranged two per person, and sitting side by side were Xin and Gary. "If you keep staring out of the window like that, I'm worried that you might decide to jump out of it," Xin said gently, nudging Gary. "What's on your mind? Is it Lupus, the fact that he's your uncle and everything?" "That's part of it," Gary admitted, his gaze still fixed on the passing scenery. "I'm also nervous about this new Alpha form. To activate it, the two of us have to be close to each other, but if we separate, then I will be a monster filled with rage. Not just that, but I know Kai means well when he says we have to prepare for the worst, but preparing for me... it feels like it means someday, I'll have to use it as well." Xin understood perfectly and reached out to gently take Gary's hand. She could feel his slight tremor. "You're not alone in this, Gary. We're all here to help, we're all here to protect Slough. Look at everyone that's here right now on the bus, right? We're here because we want to be, and we have a place to protect as well. I'm happy I can help you out more... I'm just a bit sad that my brother isn't here with us, by our side, but it's a reminder of why we do the things we are doing." Gary nodded, a silent agreement passing between them. If Lupus wouldn't agree to peace, he had to be ready to protect his family and the rest of Slough. "I was meaning to ask, you still haven't used that hammer yet either, right? The one that's on your earring?" Xin asked, changing the subject slightly. "Yeah, I haven't," Gary answered. "I'm still trying to get used to it in my spare time. If I can't use the weapon, I'm much better with my hands and claws, but I'm getting pretty good at it." Thinking about the weapon and earring made him think about another item he had hidden under his shirt: the medallion. 'For the first time, it had somewhat activated when I met Lupus, but even when we were fighting, nothing happened. But why was it activating then, and why has it been so different since we met? I wonder what it is that Tom gave me...' Gary pondered. Just then, at the foot of a mountain about an hour away from Slough, the minibus pulled up. "Alright, we travel on foot from here! Let's have a night hike up the mountain!" Park declared with infectious joy. Everyone got off, and as they did, they all felt a little nervous. It was reminding them of the past werewolf situations they had dealt with, often involving dangerous encounters. ***** At the same time, a particular man stood in front of the Wolf's Pool Club back in Slough. The doors had just been closed, as Miss Degrace had locked up for the day. When she turned around, she was surprised to see the man standing there. "Wait, aren't you..." she began, her voice trailing off as a flicker of recognition crossed her face. "You have a good memory to remember me," the man said, a slight, knowing smile on his lips. "Can you tell me where Gary is?" *** **** For updates for MWS and future works, please follow me on my social media below. Instagram: Jksmanga P.a.t.r.e.o.n: jksmanga When news of MVS, MWS or any other series comes out, you will be able to see it there first, and you can reach out to me. If I'm not too busy, I tend to reply.