Chapter Four: Revelations (Part Two)

A/N: Everything that happens with the Hastlevania flashback is basically Aaron telling the story.

"Glad to see that you finally came around. Although I think it's better if we discuss this in person," Aaron said on the other line. "Are you available to meet me in the junkyard in fifteen minutes?"

"Uh, yeah," Veronica said confused, but going along with his plan anyway.

"Great. I'll see you then," Aaron said before hanging up.

Several thoughts went through Veronica's head as she walked to the junkyard. Who is this guy? Is he really my uncle? How did he know about my ado-.

Veronica grimaced. She didn't like using that word, just like her parents.

If she could even call them that.

But that only led Veronica to bigger questions.

Who are my biological parents? Do I look like my mom? Is my dad smart like me? Do I have any s-

Just, who am I?

She then arrived at the junkyard and saw Aaron, his back turned towards her.

"I knew it wouldn't be too long before you called."

"I knew it wouldn't be too long before you gave me answers."

Aaron chuckled. "So much for pleasantries, huh?"

Veronica stayed silent as Aaron turned around.

"Well, it's probably best if I showed you first."

Showed her what?

Then, Aaron did something truly unexpected.

He just…suddenly morphed into a wolf in front of her.

Veronica fell down and stumbled backwards, terrified. There was no way that this was real, right? This has to be a dream, right? There's no way that Aaron just transformed in front of her.

"No, this is all real," Aaron said, as if he sensed her thoughts, except…

His mouth didn't move.

And it felt like his voice was coming from inside her head.

"No, you're not hallucinating," Aaron said, his voice still in Veronica's head.

Sensing her troubling thoughts, Aaron sighed and morphed back into his human form.

"I figured you wouldn't believe me if you didn't see it yourself," he said, offering his hand to Veronica to help her up. She hesitated, before taking it.

Aaron walked a few steps before, with his back turned towards Veronica. "Perhaps I should start from the beginning."

Many centuries ago, the world had a different view of magic. It was rare, yes, just like it is today. However, it wasn't hidden, nor was it a myth. No, it was celebrated.

However, magic users still needed a safe way to harness their abilities.

You see, there was a kingdom called Hastlevania. They once had a ruler named King Henrik, who was the first sorcerer to ascend to the throne. His most notable achievement was building a school for those who were "gifted" like him.

And the people came. The magic became better than ever. Hastlevania became the #1 place for sorcerers, or magic users, as some preferred. At that point in time, magic was rarely used for evil. But that would all change many years later.

Princess Isabella and Prince James, descendants of Henrik, were some of the most powerful sorcerers ever. However, Isabella, being the eldest, always received more attention than her brother. Over time, James grew jealous and started to use his magic for evil just so people would notice him. At first, it was just petty crimes, like throwing bottles into the ocean, but with each failed attempt, he only went bigger and bigger. Murder, explosions, you name it.

Until he made the most powerful being ever.

James was so consumed with hatred and jealousy that he made a creature to kill his sister and all of Hastlevania.

A creature so powerful that James died in the process.

"The Beast," as we like to call it, was so powerful that he was able to make his own minions. Princess Isabella created the Steelclaw Shadows, our pack,-

"Wait, hold up. Our pack?" Veronica asked.

Aaron let out a heavy sigh. "Yes, and you will know more about them if you let me continue."

Veronica went silent after that.

Anyway, every member of the pack inherits some sort of magical ability beyond shapeshifting. Isabella gave us all that ability to disguise ourselves, if necessary. Not only that, but she gave each of us our own unique ability.

Aaron smirked at that last part, before he created a little flame in his left hand.

Veronica was shocked, but not as much as earlier. Aaron dissolved the flame before continuing.

However, that ended up killing her too. Aaron sighed. She gave her life for us. Our pack fought a deadly war with the Beast for decades. As time went on, people started to revolt against magic. Magic users were tortured, deported, you name it. After many years, the Beast was defeated enough to go into hiding. The people, however, were not so accepting of magic.

As time went on, less and less magical people came into the world. Even those with magic didn't produce magical children, because their abilities were suppressed to the point of not having those dominant genes in their offspring.

Aaron sighed again. The people wanted to forget, so they pretended like magic didn't exist. Hence, the 'myth' that it is today.

Veronica stayed silent for several moments as she processed this information. "Thanks for the history lesson, but what does this have to do with me?"

Aaron turned around, looking at her with dead seriousness in his eyes.

"Only everything."

A/N: And that's the end of Part Two. However, I decided to split this chapter up, so there will be a Part Three…

Theories? Thoughts? Any constructive criticism is welcome!

And thanks to inkyfrosting3217 for beta reading as always!