When Gary finally stirred awake, everyone's eyes turned toward him. For many of the Altered Hunters who hadn't t him before, seeing him in person was surreal. To them, he was sothing of a legend, a superstar with a reputation that made him both a hero and a high-value target.
Still, the toll of battle was evident. Gary remained drained of energy, and according to his system, he couldn't transform or activate any of his abilities.
"I'm guessing we managed to escape," Gary said groggily, rubbing his eyes. "They're not following us? Where are we headed now?"
"We're going ho," Kai replied with a nod. "You did good, Gary. We delivered the suit to the Altered Hunters. Blake and Innu are safe, and… sohow, we all made it out alive, even after going up against Lupus."
Hearing that, Gary allowed himself a faint smile as he looked around at the group that had been through so much.
"So, how was it?" Austin asked, leaning forward. "How was it going up against Lupus? He ripped my horns out when I faced him. Got a real taste of his strength."
"Yeah… he was strong, alright," Gary answered. "I had to push myself harder than ever. Honestly, I think he's just as strong as Harvor. Back then, I had the White Rose backing up. This ti, I faced him alone. There were definitely so close calls. Luckily, Edvard stepped in when it mattered."
Kai blinked in surprise. After everything that had happened, he hadn't expected Gary to speak so positively about the settlent's people. He had figured they'd walk over Gary's body just to reach Lupus.
"We were fighting side by side," Edvard added calmly. "If I hadn't stepped in, we both might not have made it."
"And how was it… eting your uncle?" Austin asked again, more softly this ti.
"Wait, what?" Joy turned sharply, eyes wide, and she wasn't the only one. The others followed, all turning toward Gary at once.
"UNCLE?!" they all shouted in unison.
Austin scratched the back of his neck, a little embarrassed. He hadn't realized not everyone in the van knew about the connection. He just wanted to talk to Gary and hadn't thought twice about the detail.
"Can you believe it?" Trixie said, stunned. "The leader of the Howlers, Gary Dem, and Lupus from Ruin City. Two of the Kings… and they're family? Then why were they fighting like that?"
They all tried to piece it together, but without context, it was nearly impossible to understand.
"It felt weird, honestly…" Gary said. His voice grew quiet. "I wish I could talk to my dad about it. Maybe I'll have to. Because after everything I've been through… I don't even know if I want to keep fighting Lupus. I'm not sure I want to attack him in Ruin City at all."
The confession shocked everyone into silence. Kai, especially, thought it might've been unwise to say that in front of two vampires, but this was Gary. Honest to the end. He was just being true to himself, like always.
"Gary, I wanted to ask you sothing," Edvard said after a mont. "You've done so much on this mission. I can honestly say you saved my life, too. Would it be alright… if the remaining Altered Hunters ca with you to Slough?
"I think it would do us all so good, to talk, to drink, to reflect. I'd like to hear your thoughts on everything, and in return, I'll tell you more about the settlent. No gas. Just the truth."
"Sure," Gary nodded. "That sounds good."
In truth, fighting alongside Edvard had helped Gary see the man's true character. Edvard had risked his life more than once when he didn't have to. That earned a level of respect few had.
"And I guess… now's as good a ti as any to ask this," Edvard continued, his tone growing more serious. "This might be asking a lot, but I want to speak not just for those of us here, but also those who didn't make it.
"As the forr head of the Altered Hunters, I ask for a great favor, please take them in. Will Slough accept those who have nowhere else to go? The organization is no more, so you don't have to worry about them coming after the Howlers.
"If you agree… I'll support you in whatever way I can."
Gary shifted, trying to sit up straighter, but winced in pain as he moved. Just then, the van ca to a sudden stop, and the driver's voice rang out from the front.
"We're here! Welco to Slough!"
The group stirred, so groaning from stiff limbs. Edvard stepped forward and offered a hand to Gary, helping him up.
"We can talk more over that drink you ntioned," Gary said with a faint grin. "There's a lot we need to figure out, what cos next, what Lupus might do, whether the settlent will make another move. Or maybe… maybe we can work sothing out in the end."
"You're right," Edvard said with a sigh. "There's a lot to talk about."
The back shutter of the van creaked open, letting in the light of morning. One by one, the group jumped down. Around them was a familiar sight, the Slough bus station, just a short walk from the main high street.
As they stepped out and stretched, Kai waved the others down.
"I'll call the rest of the crew to pick us up," he said. "Let's rest up for now. Tonight, we'll et at the Wolf's Pool Club."
The others nodded and slowly wandered off, stretching their sore bodies and soaking in the comfort of being back ho. Kai, anwhile, finished his call, only to turn and find Midwak standing beside him.
"Midwak," Kai said. "Looks like you've got sothing on your mind."
Midwak glanced over his shoulder to make sure no one, especially the vampires, was close enough to overhear. Satisfied, he turned back and spoke quietly.
"If you can… I think you should try to work with the settlent. For the good of the city and our pack."
"Why?" Kai asked, frowning. He hadn't exactly been a fan of the idea.
Midwak hesitated before answering.
"When I was with Ylva and Lupus… the two of them forced sothing out of . Sothing important. They know, Kai. They know what happens to our pack, on the night of the full moon."
Part 1/3 of the MWS Finale Arc
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