When Dusk Falls
Chapter 2: The Dangers of the Night
Night slowly faded out, and the Sunday dawn was starting to come in. Chloe was sitting under Max's window, covered in blood, both hers and not, her breathing remained relaxed.
She saw the sky get a little lighter; then closed her eyes, standing up.
She lit up a cigarette, and held the white stick in her mouth, pocketing her hands tiredly. She walked away toward the parking lot, stepping around the small pools of blood caking the grass.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
Once dawn had fully captured the sky. Max awoke abruptly to the loud obnoxious creaking of the shutters lifting, even over her music. She bolted up with a yelp; her heart racing, she was panting with terror.
She gathered her bearings and soon calmed down, taking out her music and turning it off.
She got out of bed groggily and made her way over to the window; she looked out and saw nothing unusual with a quick scan.
"Did I imagine it all ? Or maybe I dreamed it ? Wouldn't be a shocker, I was exhausted and all those talks about danger may have gone to my head. I mean, things sounded unnatural, inhuman. Am I supposed to believe there's monsters or something on the loose and the town still welcomes visitors and isn't totally deserted"? Max wondered.
She shook her head dismissively.
"Bullshit. Must've been a wild animal, like a bear...a big bear... or something. Course it'd be nice if I could get an actual fucking answer from somebody", she sighed.
Outside her window...
The walls beside it and under it; held many deep jagged claw marks and blood spatter. The grass far below the window, covered in dried blood...
The day carried on relatively normally. She met a few new people in her dorm and around the campus.
Kate a sweet religious girl. Dana a friendly cheerleader. Victoria...A bitch...Taylor , one of Victoria's groupies along with Courtney. A school reporter named Juliet, and a geeky boy named Warren.
Max was quick to learn who she could and could not interact with. The bitch posse made her a bit uneasy and weren't exactly welcoming...
Max acquainted herself with Kate, Dana and Juliet mostly; and since it wasn't a school day and was still the weekend ; she mostly just explored campus taking pictures.
Kate, Dana and Juliet weren't keen on giving her any answers either, and were rather jumpy and evasive about the topic.
As the day got later, Max still hadn't heard from Chloe and was starting to wonder if she could ever patch things up with her...
It was noon when Max took one last picture of the Tobanga native american totem in Blackwell's courtyard. Her camera made a humming noise as she took the last picture from the camera slot; waving the image to dry it.
Sighing she put them away into her camera bag. She looked back at the bench where Kate sat, holding her bunny Alice in her lap and gently petting it; the cage rested beside her.
"Hey Kate, do you know if Retro Lens, the old film and camera shop is still standing"? Max asked curiously.
Kate looked up at her.
"I haven't heard otherwise. Isn't it on the outskirts of town though ? Its...getting late Max...", replied Kate, uneasiness on the corner of her tone.
"Its barely noon Kate", Max replied with a bit of humor.
"Around here, that is late Max", replied Kate worriedly.
Max smiled at her.
"Don't worry, I'm sure I'll be back long before curfew and I need film", she smiled. Max hoisted her bag over her shoulder. Kate still looked unsure, and even stood up to face her.
"I promise, I'll be fine. I'll take the bus", replied Max gently. She waved to her and started walking away. Kate watched her go, still a little unsure.
When Max had left, Kate still watched her path before looking to her bunny.
"Who is she trying to kid"? Asked Kate. Her bunny looked at her and twitched it's ears.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
"...Right...No bus pass or change for bus fare... And if I'm going to get film, I can't grab a taxi... If they're even around...Looks like I'm walking...Yay, cardio...", she sighed. She adjusted the strap of her bag and walked on down the sidewalk.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
Later on, 4:41pm...
Max stopped at the entrance of the shop a bit tiredly, and checked her watch, verifying the time, and gazed back at the distant town behind her. The buildings nearly looked the size of ants. She was sandwiched by forest .
"Who was I trying to kid...", she mumbled tiredly. She sighed and entered the shop; once more, she was greeted by suspicious staring from the shop keeper.
Max looked away from the burly man and approached the shelf she needed with a roll of her eyes.
"Why does everyone look at me like I'm about to rob them ? Do I seriously scream, klepto alert ? This shit is getting old...", she thought in annoyance. She looked over the boxed film rolls for the brand she needed.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
Chloe laid back against the trunk of a tree on a high branch; watching the sky through the leaves above her. One knee bent with her arm slung over it, she was quiet with thought for a long time.
She wore un-bloodied clothes. A white muscle shirt with a skull, her usual black leather jacket and frayed jeans with black boots, and a dark beanie. She looked stoic.
She closed her eyes, feeling the light wind waft through the forest. She sighed, re-opening her eyes and took out her phone, watching the dark screen indecisively for some time. Then she clicked it on and it read 4:59 pm.
She went to messages and began typing...
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
Max paid for her film, the shop keep bagged it and handed it to her. "Hurry up and leave, I'm closing up", he stated sharply.
Max took it from him. "Don't worry, I'm leaving...", replied Max a little annoyed.
She walked out of the store letting the door shut behind her. "Asshole...", muttered Max.
She heard creaking behind her and jolted slightly, looking back at the windows and doors getting covered by shiny metal sheets.
She rolled her eyes and walked on as she saw the sun slowly begin it's descent. Her phone dinged and she paused taking it out and checking it.
"Its from Chloe...Max we need to talk, I'm going to swing by your dorm and explain the shit thats going on. I'll be there in ten", Max read aloud in a mumble.
Max pulled her shopping bag over her shoulder and started texting.
The shop keeper drove passed her fast.
Once she finished replying she put her phone away and continued walking.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
Chloe jumped out of the tree and walked with her hands in her pockets as she made her way toward the school. Her phone vibrated and she took it out as she walked through the grass.
"Going to be late, no where near Blackwell. Just leaving Retro lens, shop keeper is an asshole... Retro lens !? You've gotta be fucking kidding me"! She stated angrily. She stopped walking and text back.
Soon a reply came in, Chloe read it. "Walking ?! She's fucking walking ?! Son of a- I will kill her myself", Chloe growled. She clicked off her phone pocketing it and looked back at the forest behind herself and sighed with frustration.
She rolled her neck and shoulders a bit, loosening up and took off running into the forest, to cut across town.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
Max looked at her phone for new replies; finding none, she shrugged and clicked it off, continuing to walk on the side of the road.
The sky got darker and darker, the light fading out...
Max started feeling very unsettled, like the hairs on the back of her neck standing up. The wind was picking up. The trees slowly shadowing over and swaying subtly in the breeze.
Max felt every one of her senses go on high alert and started hugging herself and lightly rubbing her arms; glancing over her shoulder, feeling like she was being followed or watched.
She scanned over the surrounding forest. Her heartbeat, slowly increasing with unease.
She was hyper aware of her surroundings, nervousy pitted her stomach as fear started to overtake her. She sped up her walking a bit.
Max had not even begun to exit the forest sandwich she was in; the town still looked far off, now feeling farther than ever... 5:45pm rolls around...
Max was feeling very vulnerable as she checks her watch. "Shit", she muttered.
She heard the bushes rustle and she froze in alarm.
She jolted at a sudden tight pressure on her shoulder and was spun around.
Her panic subsided as she saw a very pissed off Chloe, now standing in front of her. Max felt relieved.
"Chloe, thank dog, I thought it was-", tried Max. "Something dangerous maybe ? You know, the shit I told you about yesterday"? Asked Chloe angrily. She grabbed Max's shirt collar and pulled Max in close, holding her shirt tightly.
"You haven't told me anything Chloe ! Thats why you sent me a text saying you'd explain things tonight. Back off", replied Max defensively.
Chloe pushed her back, releasing her shirt. "You'd think telling you it was dangerous would be enough ! Not to mention the sounds you heard last night, remember that ? You called me and were freaking out"!? Snapped Chloe.
Max took a half step back. "Shit, that, - that was real ? It was just a bear, wasn't it"? Asked Max uneasily.
"Not even close. They're stronger, faster and have an even shorter temper than a fucking bear. You shouldn't be out here Max", stated Chloe.
"What are ? Chloe can you please just give me a straight fucking answer here ?! Between you and everyone else I've talked to since yesterday; I'am seriously sick of all the cryptic- evasive bullshit ! Tell me whats going on ! You said you would- For that matter, mind explaining how the hell you got here" ?! Asked Max.
She glanced back down the road to the town and gestured to it, before setting her fiery blue eyes on the punk once more.
"This road is the only route to the shop, but you showed up behind me, without your motorcycle. Weren't you across town ? And if you were nearby , how the hell could you have gotten to Blackwell; which, is, across town, within ten minutes, since you clearly don't have your bike"? Ranted Max.
"I was near Blackwell at the time", Chloe partially answered. "Wha- then how- That just raises further questions"! Max stated in confusion.
"Look I'll explain later, just like I said I would, but we need to move, now. Its not safe here, especially three fucking feet from the forest. Come on", stated Chloe firmly.
She grabbed Max's arm and started to roughly pull her along. Max stumbled along behind Chloe.
"Walk faster Max, in fact sprint. Its not safe for you to be out here right now"! stated Chloe sharply.
"Gah, Chloe if its so dangerous isn't it unsafe for you too? Why do you keep saying it like I'm the only one in danger here"? Asked Max. "Because you are"! Replied Chloe firmly.
Dusk, set in like spilled ink...The moon veiled by the clouds...
A sense of foreboding sunk into the two girls...
"Chloe-", Max tried nervously.
A gust of wind swept up, carrying leaves briskly passed the two girls , rippling through their clothes and hair. The trees creaking as they began to sway.
Chloe clasped her hand over Max's mouth, silencing her and looked off into the dark forest.
All they could hear was silence beyond the wind, twisting around them. A flock of crows took flight cawing in distress, jolting the duo to watch the birds vacate the forest.
Max felt her heart hammering in her rib cage, as she looked around in paranoia. She was frozen.
Chloe narrowed her eyes on the dark woods beside them. "Its too late... They know you're here...", Chloe growled.
All at once the sounds of bushes and twigs being violently ripped through from nearly all angles, filled the quiet of the area.
Shadowed figures launched forth from the trees, landing hard, surrounding them from the side, backing them toward the trees. Chloe yanked Max to her side, eyeing each figure threateningly.
Max was terrified as the creatures rose up from all fours at six feet tall, to nearly twelve on their hind legs.
They hear vicious snarls and see frothing drool leak from animalistic mouths.
Chloe's hold on Max tightens, but not by fear... by pure, rage. Max presses closer to Chloe as the creatures advance. Chloe's expression darkens as she feels Max's fearful trembling.
"Max, stay behind me", she ordered calmly. Then she shoved Max backward against the thick trunk of a large tree, getting directly in front of Max. As the four creatures, take a step closer to them.
Chloe took off her leather jacket and tossed it back at Max. Max caught it.
"Chloe ! Are you insane ? You can't fight them ! Not only do they out number you , they're-"! Called Max, but she cut herself off, her eyes widen.
She watches Chloe change herself into one of their wolf like assailants, taking their tallest form.
Brownish blonde fur covering her body, a wolf like face with a long wolf's snout and a long bushy tail. She still wore her three bullet necklace. The fur bangs on her forehead had blue and magenta colouring on the tips of the strands of fur. Her blue eyes sharp.
She sported claws and fangs and perked wolf ears on top of her head. She had a two and a half feet height advantage on the enemies. She stood at fourteen and a half feet.
Max jerked back against the tree . "Holy shit" ! She called nervously and alert.
She looked over Chloe's nearly masculinely defined new muscle mass, including a six pack and toned biceps, hidden beneath almost silky textured fur.
"You are fucking ripped ! I-I mean... Holy shit"! Max stated correcting herself awkwardly.
Chloe's change brings her foes pause and a brief step back. Then they launch into attack mode and Chloe meets their challenge head on, tensing her claws.
Chloe takes the upper hand despite the odds and keeps it, but was no stranger to a lucky shot. The moon revealing itself once more to cast light on the battle below.
Max watched the fight violently carry on, with all five participants using both forms, tall for strength and an all fours, large, full wolf, form, for speed and agility.
Fangs, claws, and blood flash in the moonlight; accompanied by pained yowls and aggressive snarling.
Max was rooted in place.
Nervously Max watches the bloody fight rage on, fear for Chloe and herself swelling inside of her.
One of the monsters broke away from the brawl and rushed at Max. Max fearfully turned and grabbed a branch on the tree behind her and broke it off, twisting herself and swinging, hitting the creature as hard as she could in the face, it yelped and staggered back from her.
It growled, not appreciating the headache and whip of leaves in it's eye. Then launched forth, ripping the make-shift weapon from Max's hands; before bearing down on her with it's fangs.
Max was cornered and attempted to make a break away, but the creature grabbed her and threw her back up against the tree to finish it's attack.
She braced herself, closing her eyes tightly.
She heard a roar of pain and what sounded like a mild splash and felt something wet hit her cheek.
Slowly, curiously, she gingerly brushed her fingertips over the wet spot on her cheek, and opened her eyes to look at the liquid residue on her fingers.
Her eyes grew alert as she gazed at the sticky crimson substance of blood.
She quickly looked up and saw Chloe's tall form in front of her; Max clasped her hands over her mouth to muffle a fearful gasp.
The opponent's fangs were sunk into Chloe's right shoulder; blood seeped out under their toothy pressure.
Chloe was holding the werewolf back, with a slight pain induced shudder, one foot stepping back briefly. Then stepped forward strongly.
Her left clawed hand grabbing the muzzle of the other werewolf, slowly prying it's jaws up from the wound.
Her right damaged arm lifted and curved fast, lashing out, catching the creature in a swift and brutal cross cut with her claws, slicing it's opposite side with vicious velocity; forcing it to fully tear out it's fangs from her shoulder, and sending it flying to the side and into it's weakened and barely stable, kneeling allies; bowling them over painfully.
Chloe staggered back a few steps, blood ran down her right arm in streams and from other wounded parts of her body. She gripped her shoulder, cringing lightly; then slowly stepped in front of Max once more, and staring down the four winded adversaries.
The creatures weakly stood up, covered in blood and stared back.
Chloe's eyes sharpened more. She released her shoulder, tensing her claws, standing up to her full height; looking down at them, daring them to keep trying.
Slowly, their tails shifted between their legs and they ran off, launching into their all fours wolf form and disappearing into the woods once more.
Silence embraced them again, the wind gentle as it brushed over them.
Max was speechless as she looked at Chloe, covered in wounds both mild and less so; or simply coated in places with blood spray. Max swallowed uneasily.
"...Ch-Chloe..."? She called nervously. Chloe's pointed wolf ears flicked in response. She slowly half turned, to look back at the photographer. Eyes still sharp and angry.
Then she fully turned and approached the shorter girl slowly. Max backed herself to the tree again, unsure what mindset Chloe had in this moment.
A cold shiver of fear, snaked it's way up Max's spine.
"Ch-Chloe, w-wait ! Pl-please, don't-", she tried fearfully.
Chloe didn't stop her advance. Max's eyes widened, she braced herself, holding Chloe's jacket tightly in her arms; terror starting to swallow her bit by bit.
Then Chloe reverted back to her human form, and staggered the last couple steps in front of Max; her left bloodied hand smacked to the rough bark on Max's tree, above her head and aside, as a brace.
Her clothes showing once more on her, surprisingly not torn, but blood soon stained them in places.
Blood streamed from each wound, including one on her head, running down across her right eye, dripping off her chin, her shoulder still bleeding; multiple cuts and lacerations scattered on her body.
There wasn't even a foot of space between her and Max. Her head faced down, as she quietly, and slowly panted. Her eyes seemingly shadowed over by her bangs.
Many scars could be seen on her skin of varying sizes and lengths. Her right arm draped down by her side, blood dripping off her finger tips.
Max still watched her warily, but was a bit more relaxed.
"...I told you... Caulfield... There's a reason a curfew was set... Its not safe here anymore...", Chloe started, her tone dark and edged.
Chloe lifted her head to look Max sharply in the eyes, under a fringe of her blue blood dipped hair.
"Especially for a human", she finished darkly in growl. Max was frozen.
Chloe closed her eyes angrily and pushed away from the tree, stepping away from Max, turning her back to her, pocketing her hands.
"Now put on my jacket and stay close. My scent should ward off lesser freaks and some of the tamed ones at least. Whether you're scared shitless of me right now or not Max; fact is, I'm your only means of surviving until daylight. So get over it and be sure to keep up hippie", Chloe stated sharply.
She started walking.
Max quickly took off her bags and pulled on Chloe's leather jacket, zipping it. She re-equipped her bags and raced up to Chloe's side, subconsciously taking hold of Chloe's left arm as she eyed their surroundings warily.
Chloe briefly glanced to the shorter girl, but didn't pull her arm away.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
Soon Max relaxed enough, having processed at least most of everything that has happened and now started eyeing Chloe's wounds worriedly and guiltily.
"A-Are you, okay, Chloe ? These wounds look bad", stated Max worriedly.
"I'm fine. We're getting close to a place we can lay low. You sure as hell won't be getting back into your dorm now with the lock down in effect", stated Chloe calmly.
"But we're no where near your house", replied Max. "We couldn't lay low there if we tried. No, it's an abandoned cabin on my territory", replied Chloe spitefully.
"What do you mean we couldn't- Wait, territory"? Asked Max.
Other wild werewolves were leaping around on trees and lampposts, jumping on to distant houses or fighting with each other, in the areas surrounding the two girls.
A few spared the duo a glance, before leaping off to cause more havoc elsewhere. Others flat out ignored them.
"Yeah, territory, it is what it implies. It's a stretch of land that I've claimed as my own. The wild ones give it a large berth, and even tame ones tend to try and avoid it. The tames usually prefer to stick to their own territory and if they don't, I kill them, unless they've received my say so that they could cross my land", stated Chloe calmly.
She sighed, closing her eyes once more.
"Well thats how it used to be and still is in a way. Except there is a turf war going on between the tames, at least some. Those involved are challenging others for control of their land, or in some cases, control of another Tame's pack. But as I said, they tend to avoid my territory. Even those that have packs, don't try any shit with me. Except one asshole...", stated Chloe at the last part a bitter scowl came to her face.
"Who"? Asked Max curiously. "Can't say, its a rule that tames can't out each other, especially to humans, for obvious reasons. But enough of that. The point is, you'll be safe within the borders of my territory. If only a little", stated Chloe calmly.
"Oh, okay. Fair enough, I guess", replied Max.
A large cabin without shutters down, started coming into view ahead of them.
"Looks like we're here, stay close", stated Chloe calmly.
"Kay...", agreed Max quietly.
~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~ ~oOo~
~A note from Pure Set~
Alright Chapter 2, done~ Hope you enjoyed.
Some questions will be answered in the next chapter.
Chapter 3: Scars
If you like the cover picture for this story, all credit of the wonderful image goes to AthenaAsa on . Please take a look at their art, you won't be disappointed~
Once again, hope you enjoyed. Leave a review if you so desire~
And I'll see you in Chapter 3. Which will be typed as soon as possible.
Thank you for reading~