Kayden remained within the living room, hands trembling by his sides after hearing his uncle's door slam shut.
This is too much… He muttered, eyes watering. I can imagine how much pain he's in. He sniffled. Stacy was right here. We talked. We laughed… His jaws tightened. But then… those useless criminals took her away! In that moment, something strange began to happen.
What's this?! Kayden asked himself. Whyam I transforming now?! I didn't will this transformation to happen! Ashen fur sprouted from his arms. His fingers stretched, forming sharp talons capable of ripping through flesh with ease. I'm stressed right now. That must be the reason. A sigh escaped his lips. I need to calm down. I can't let uncle see me like this. His shoulders lowered. Feel the energy within your cells… Redirect them back to your core… He repeated mentally, channeling his focus within.
Seconds passed. Gradually, the change began to reverse. The fur receded, and the claws returned back to normal. That was a close one… Kayden whispered, turning his sights to the kitchen. Now that that's over… He walked into it, eying the cupboards and gas. …Lemme make dinner tonight.
________
Several minutes later…
Kayden and John ate their dinner in silence.
Once they were done, Kayden offered to take the plates to the kitchen and get them washed.
John didn't say anything to stop him. He didn't even offer a thank you for the food.
Standing up from his chair, he turned towards his bedroom, and left.
Kayden watched John from behind as he retired to his room, eyes narrowed as he picked up the plates. Don't worry, uncle. Tonight, things will start to change. He took the plates to the kitchen, and got them cleaned, just like he said.
After that, he went back to his bedroom, and waited for midnight to arrive.
How long is this gonna take?! He thought, clenching his teeth as he checked the time once again. This feels like it's taking forever. Come on! Strike midnight already! He thrashed on the bed, grumbling as he bit his lips.
It's only 8:50 PM… Kayden jumped and landed on his feet as he paced within the room. There's still over three hours left till then. In the midst of his tormoil, he walked towards a mirror, then stared at his reflection. Short black hair. Brown eyes. Chiselled jawline.
Everything looked normal.
However, something began to happen the longer he stared.
From the corner of his eyes, streaks of yellow began to appear.
It's happening again… Kayden refocused, breathing deeply to bury the power within. Whatever happens… I can't afford to loose control. He turned. That placeisn't safe. What they're running there…it's illegal. Then stopped. Still, when have I ever cared about that? This isn't about justice. It's about Stacy.
Gradually, time began to wind down.
Kayden couldn't bring himself to fall asleep. He kept at the cycle. Walking. Overanalyzing.
Until eventually, the time displayed 12:00 AM.
Finally… his eyes locked on window. Now'smy chance.
He moved towards it, then grabbed hold of the handle before swinging it open.
After stepping out, he pushed the window closed, then turned his sights on the dim streets of Brinestone.
Hooting sounds flooded his ears, then a screech
Kayden looked up, eyes catching silhouettes bolting through the sky.
It's just owls. He mumbled. Nothing to worry about.
He could still see a few vehicles scurrying across town. Others were parked at corners, some with passengers occupied with their own affairs.
Couldn't they do it inside? His eyes twitched as he passed them by.
A few businesses were still active. Bars. Brothels.
Kayden's eyes trailed through the window. Bunch of sluts… he sucked his teeth, then moved on.
As much as I would've like to run…I can't afford to draw that kind of attention to myself. Not by this time… Kayden told himself as he took another turn.
After several minutes of walking, he finally arrived at his destination.
Reiner Warehouse. He walked towards the main entrance.
Two men stood as guards, shoulders broad, muscles bulging.
Both wore dark shades, despite it being past midnight.
Must be a statement. Kayden commented.
"Hey, kid. Beat it!" One barked, back arched. "Don't make me say that again."
Kayden's body screamed at him to stop.
Why am I feeling this way?
He forced himself to calm down. He knew what happened whenever he lost control. He couldn't let that happen. Not now.
"You deaf?! He said beat it!" The other guard chimed in, then cracked his knockles.
Crap. I need to say something…
His lips parted, but nothing came out.
His body froze, as though his limbs became foreign.
That hesitation became the trigger.
Sensing that fear, the first guard lunged, fist coiled back, ready to pound Kayden to the dirt.
However, it was then that he heard a voice, cold and authoritative.
Don't lay a finger on that boy. He's a new participant.
The guard stopped.
His fist was just a few inches from Kayden's face.
His scowl deepened, brows knitted together as he let out a low grunt.
But the next moment, he pulled his fist back, and gave the boy some space.
Then, he turned to his partner.
"Let 'em in," he said. "He's a new participant."
The other guard's expression changed after hearing those words.
The next moment, he pushed the doors of the building open, and stepped aside.
Kayden's heart thundered in his ears as he witnessed everything play out.
He couldn't even register the noise coming from the guards the next moment.
"Hey, kid!" The first guard yelled, snapping his fingers. "Get in!"
Finally, Kayden snapped back to reality, eyes shifting between the guards and the opened door.
Just…like that? He thought, but quickly willed himself to move. Though his legs wobbled with each step. I thought that guy was gonna beat me up. What changed? He walked past the first guard, the strong scent of alcohol wafting into his nostrils as he winced. Maybe he suddenly got orders from their boss that I'm meant to be here. Still, how's that possible? His eyes glanced at the second guard. How could that guy know I was already here? This doesn't make any sense.
"What're ya looking at, punk?!" The guard hissed.
"N—Nothing!" Kayden replied instantly.
"Then stop glaring!" The man raised his hand, and Kayden ran inside.
He didn't turn back.
Laughter echoed behind him. Deep. Gritty.
Ahead of him, what remained of ReinerWarehouse laid sprawled across the algae-infested interior. Old fish crates. Decaying bait.
The stench hit Kayden like a truck.
He snapped his teeth, tears dripping down his cheeks as his werewolf senses absorbed the odour.
Curses. His legs gave way, back striking the floor as he groaned in pain.
"You must be the new participant," the words dripped with disdain. "Get up. You're embarrassing yourself."
Kayden searched frantically. Where's that voice coming from?!
Suddenly, from a corner of the room, a man with long black hair seemingly appeared out of nowhere.
He stood over six feet tall, with deep brown eyes and a black suit that complemented his physique.
The next moment, he walked towards Kayden, the very action sending alarms ringing in his head.
What's he going to do? Kayden panicked, pushing himself back to create distance. Images of what the guards tried to do flashed in his mind.
"Relax," the man stated. "Pull yourself together. I don't want to do this as much as you do."
What does he mean by that?
However, hearing the man's words, he decided to let his nerves settle.
"Alright. Now, follow me," the man said before turning around. "And don't ask questions."
Kayden gulped, but did as told.
Getting up from the ground, he winced as he forced his nostrils to adjust to the smell. I'm still struggling to walk… Man, I'll have to get used to this.
Following the strange man, they arrived at a separate corner of the room, where a hidden door could be seen.
With one fluid motion, he grabbed hold of the handle, and pulled it open.
A series of stair came into view from underneath.
Without saying a word, the man began the descent, Kayden following a few steps behind.
The journey seemed endless. But worse, the silence was even more oppressive.
I'm doing this for Stacy, He thought. None of these guys have harmed me so far, so I don't have anything to worry about. Yet.
Soon enough, the stairs came to an end.
But with it came something else.
Cheers.
Loud, demented cheers.
What're they cheering about? Kayden felt his stomach twist. I can smell blood… These guys are maniacs.
"This is the Underbelly," the man explained. "This is where you will fight."
He lead Kayden through the underground space.
Kayden took in everything around him. The stadium. The fighting cage. And the screeching crowd.
This… is really something else… He thought, beads of sweat dripping down his face. Tonight, I'll be the one in that cage.