Chapter 7: Let's hunt the hunters
Kurt and Aria stared at their phones, not understanding this message. They have understood very well that it is a call for help, but they do not know the person who sends it. They have never known Scott McCall and even less heard of an army of werewolf hunters led by a certain Gerard Argent.
It's clear that these people must be up against a whole army of werewolf hunters, given the content of the message, but what Kurt and Aria don't understand is how they got their phone numbers. Unless you know them personally, it is impossible to get it. Kurt frowned, seeing Aria do the same. She opened her computer, internally thanking Ezra for putting it in her bag, and looked up the names of the message. She found information about a town in California, Beacon Hills and that this Scott is the Alpha of the town. She continued her research, browsing from article to article.
Aria showed Kurt her findings and he too frowned at this discovery. He has never heard of the town of Beacon Hills, nor of the person who is the Alpha. Besides, he seems to be a lunar werewolf, that is, a werewolf who is sensitive to the full moon. They are rather rare, contrary to what we are led to believe. This belief comes from the fact that the first werewolves to be observed were sensitive to the full moon and caused a lot of damage because of it. But now we know that they represent a minority in the large species that is the werewolf. And yes, scientists have done research and realized that the representative majority of the species of werewolves are not sensitive to the full moon, thus mitigating the legends that have been created.
The majority of so-called lunar werewolves live rather in wilder lands, not liking being in big cities. They prefer the countryside, which is more convenient for hiding, and the Alphas lead rather small packs. The so-called non-lunar werewolves live in less wild lands, loving big cities. Alphas generally don't care about pack size. As long as they have control and everyone's respect, that's fine with them.
Limb naming is different among moon werewolves. Indeed, the Beta is not the Alpha's companion at home. He is the basic member of the pack, the first stage a human goes through when bitten. He can become Alpha by killing another Alpha, thus recovering his powers. The Omegas, on the other hand, are the lone werewolves, those who don't have a pack, whether by choice or because they've been cast out. They are considered to be weaker, as they have no pack to protect them. Also, lunar werewolves are less likely to include humans in their packs.
Among non-lunar werewolves, the composition of a pack is different. Beta is Alpha's companion, often referred to as imprinting. Besides, there is no impregnation in lunar werewolves. Omegas are not loners, they are the basic members of the pack and the stage that a bitten human will be, unless he is the future Beta of Alpha. There is no possibility of taking the powers of an Alpha, as well as its status, by killing it. He can get them back, but it's considered a very serious crime. The werewolf who does this will be kicked out of the pack, or even killed, with the rest of the pack wanting to bring revenge for their Alpha. And, even if he managed to escape, he will not be a pure Alpha. His eyes will not be bright red, but dull red, showing that he is corrupted and that he gained his status by killing an Alpha. Also, when he wants to found his pack, the bitten people will not be affiliated with his pack, but with the one from which he comes. He will not be able to found a pack.
Kurt looked even more intently at the items Aria found, wondering why this guy is contacting them. His situation seems serious and he must be desperate to come to ask complete strangers for help.
"I don't know this guy, and I don't think you know him. I don't think anyone here knows him. I don't know how he got our numbers, but I don't think that's what's important. I read, he's a lunar werewolf. They're more primitive, they're not the kind to ask for help. But, it must be serious for it to come to this. Do we answer him? And if so, what do we tell him?"
"I don't know, but you're right. It's not really the kind of a lunar werewolf to come and ask for help. But, these are only received ideas that we have about them. This Nice-looking guy, and he needs help. I'm suggesting we get back to him and ask him for more details on what's going on."
Kurt nodded, agreeing with what Aria had just said. He watched her reply to this Scott and the reply was quite quick, considering the length of the message he sent. He gives full details of his situation, adding that he has heard of them through their reputation and that they are welcome to lend a hand.
A certain Gerard Argent has raised an entire army to drive the werewolves out of town. He hates them for no particular reason, he just wants to eradicate their species. To do this, he began to spread propaganda by instilling fear in every household in the city. As a result, most of the inhabitants joined his cause and he began to distribute weapons in all directions. It's easy to understand that a small pack like Scott's can't overcome so many people, especially since they don't have such a good healing capacity. They have to wait a bit for their wounds to heal, sometimes even several hours. Kurt, Aria and their whole pack don't have that problem. They heal instantly, which greatly limits the risk of fatal injury. In fact, there is not even that risk. They are resistant to all existing poisons used to kill werewolves, as well as all types of existing weapons. It's just impossible to kill them.
More messages are exchanged as Kurt updates the pack. He's worried, because they've never fought or dealt with werewolf hunters. Of course, some were wandering around Lima, but they were lonely and had no idea what they were doing. It was quite easy to beat them or scare them away. There, they are at least two experienced hunters leading an army of inexperienced hunters driven by fear and hatred.
Once Aria had all the details they needed, the whole pack set off for Beacon Hills, California. It's far enough, too far to make the trip in their wolf form, some not yet mastering it perfectly. It is true that it is quite hard for a human being to be on all fours and to move like that.
Kurt had already booked plane tickets, so they all headed to the nearest airport, Philadelphia. As they already had suitcases ready for the weekend, all they had to do was go through security, which was done fairly quickly. They found their boarding gate and entered the plane, each finding their seat. During all this hour when they went through security and all the formalities of an airport, Aria continued to exchange with Scott, telling him in particular that they have just boarded the plane and that it will soon take off. She also gave him the flight time, then settled down for a nap. They must all rest, to be ready for the coming events.
After about 5 hours of flight, the plane landed at Beacon Hills airport. It's a small town, but it's bigger than Lima or Rosewood. That's probably why it has an airport. As they exited the plane, Kurt and Aria began sniffing the surrounding air, picking up various smells that they didn't like at all. The only smell they can accurately detect is the smell of fear. That's the only thing and it disturbs them. Few werewolves like the smell of fear, contrary to popular belief. It is a very disturbing smell for them, because it disturbs their other senses and prevents them from thinking properly.
Kurt turned around and saw that the rest of the pack had also smelled that scent. They didn't seem to like it, as he suspected. Some even groaned in disgust, which alerted the security personnal. They came directly to encircle them, all weapons drawn. All looked lost, wondering why armed men came towards them being extremely aggressive.
Aria looked at Kurt, not knowing what to do. It would be useless to be aggressive, it would only reinforce their fear. Kurt stepped forward, deciding that talking to them might, perhaps, fix the situation. As he moved forward, he put his hands on display, wanting to show that his claws hadn't come out and that he meant them no harm.
"Hi guys, my name is Kurt. I don't know what's got into you, but we're just tourists, nothing more. You can lower your weapons, there's no danger".
"Oh yeah? You're a fucking werewolf, it shows. You've got sharp teeth and the taste of blood! If you could, you'd flay us alive. I don't know what's stopping me from kicking you a bullet between the eyes!".
"Wow, calm down. I didn't do anything, you don't need to shoot me. Then, yeah, I'm a werewolf, but I don't see why that matters. I don't I wouldn't skin anyone, because I'm not a killer, like no other people here. Finally, I don't see what my diet has to do with this conversation."
"You're a smart one, but a werewolf is still a werewolf. You're a bloodthirsty wild beast! You play nice, but I know what you want to do, you and your whole pack. You don't belong here. You take one more step and you're all dead!".
"I won't back down and I want to point out that your bullets are useless against us. You can't kill us and especially not with this. Listen, we just came to solve a problem of crazy people who walk around with weapons and who want eradicate werewolves. I don't know what you've been told, but we're not mean. It's just a story of learning to live together. We learn your rules and you learn ours. It's as simple as that".
"Simple?! It's not simple! We can't live with werewolves. What if one of them decides to attack our children, or eat our dog or our cat? Because that, you hunt. You are predators at the very top of the food chain."
"Ok, I just understood. The lower human complex. Or rather, the lower man. You feel hurt in your manhood, right? We can live together very well, it has never been a problem. And then, yes, we hunt, sometimes, but we will never go after a child or a pet. It's just insane, what you just said."
The armed men lowered their weapons ever so slightly, still remaining on their guard. It is very clear that they have been given false ideas, that they don't know the truth and that they don't seem to want to know it. After a few moments, an elderly man entered, accompanied by a young woman with a scary look. Aria motioned for the pack to back away slightly and show no signs of aggression. The situation is already complicated enough, there is no need to aggravate it more than that.
The man circled around them, seemingly without empathy. He turned his gaze to the rest of the pack, who stood in the background. He saw the mark of the pack in the neckline Alison had decided to wear today. A triskele surmounted by wolf fingers. This mark has always been the symbol of the most powerful pack that has ever existed and it has always been placed on the heart of the werewolf, symbolizing his attachment and love for his pack. The man instantly recognized the mark and mumbled something. He seemed frustrated, even annoyed. He stepped forward, deciding to speak. Aria stepped forward too, ready to counter his every argument.
"I am Gerard Argent, a hunter feared by all werewolves. But obviously not by you. I know who you are and why you are here. Your role as pack savior ends there. I'm sorry, But you can't stop me. I'm determined to eradicate all the werewolves that exist and starting with a reputedly incredibly powerful pack will be the best of my career. When I'm remembered, that's why. After all, it's happened once, so why not twice?".
"You say you're going to be remembered, so you know you're going to die one day. I don't mean to be mean, but I don't think you have time left. When I saw you coming, I wondered where your cane had gone. Frankly, with your work, how do you manage to stand still? Look at the size of his weapons, they are big and they seem heavy. If you take one, I think it will crush, but I'm not sure. Do you want to try? Let me see if my theory is correct".
"You are very arrogant, young lady. You are facing a skilled hunter and you allow yourself to insult him. You are not afraid of anything".
"Oh, excuse me. I thought I was dealing with a senile old man who may have pushed the bottle a bit. But hey, if you say you're a skilled hunter, I want to believe you».
Everyone burst out laughing, including the armed men. Only Gerard and his sidekick weren't laughing. It's very clear that they don't appreciate werewolves and even less their humor. Most of those present were surprised that Aria openly attacked him, not being afraid of him. Gerard spoke again, wanting to reaffirm his dominant posture in this situation.
"You keep insulting me, it's very dangerous, I think you know that. Well, let's get down to business. Obviously we're not going to shoot you here. It's way too messy. No, you are going to be taken to a secret place. This is where you will all be executed, one after the other".
"Execute us? You take your dreams for realities, I believe. You know just as well as I that it's impossible to kill us. And, even if it were possible, we won't let it happen. We are 23 werewolves, and the pack is still growing. There are plenty of people who want to join our pack. For you, they may be fools, but for us, they are loyal friends who just want to understand us, understand our way of life. Besides, we are not so different from humans. We are just more civilized, because we do not try to kill ourselves. We are also governed by laws ".
Kurt stepped forward, wanting to argue as well. He felt that the hunters were starting to lose patience and that things were in danger of degenerating. He saw that the pack was on their toes, ready to defend their Alphas if necessary. The hunters must have noticed it too, and they didn't like it.
"Okay, I think we should calm down. Sir, you know everything you're doing is useless. You're just making a fool of yourself in front of thousands of people. Frankly, is starting a war between humans and werewolves really necessary? If it continues, this is likely to happen, but there is still a chance to stop. Put away your weapons and your hatred and everything will be fine. As I have explained, cohabitation is possible, if you take the time to get to know us, as well as our rules. We will do the same on our side. Finally, they will do the same. We are not from here. We we just intervened to prevent it from degenerating".
"Cohabitation is possible, you say? And how is it possible with bloodthirsty beasts that are ready to kill?".
"The only bloodthirsty beast ready to kill I see here is you. It's you who keep talking about killing werewolves, to take back your city from their clutches. Damn, you're even sporting a necklace made out of werewolf claws. Please know that I'm keeping my cool about this, but it breaks my heart to see this. Now think for a second. I know this is very complicated for you, in view of your failing intellectual capacities, but I know that you will make an effort. Is everything you do really necessary?
"Yet another werewolf who takes it upon himself to insult me. Your invulnerability makes you really arrogant. You laugh at death, obviously, but I don't think the rest of the pack agrees. They stand in the back, completely scared. And, yes, I want to take the city back from your filthy clutches. You're not meant to live with humans. In fact, the best way for a werewolf to live is to be dead".
The whole pack began to growl in unison, wanting to show Gerard that they are not afraid and that they only do what their Alphas ask them to do. They are very well able to defend themselves without any problems. But, attempting a fight or a simple gesture considered aggressive would trigger an unnecessary firefight. Aria stepped forward again, wanting to pick up the thread of that deaf dialogue.
"See ? They're not scared. They just don't want to start a shootout by stepping forward too much for your liking. Besides, this conversation isn't going anywhere. It's just what we call a deaf dialogue. You are incapable of being reasonable, you and your ideas are too fixed. So, I propose a little duel. A little fight, just the two of us. Are you in? Unless your old bones allow it. It's true that at this age, it breaks quickly. You may even have a hip prosthesis. It's common at your age. »
Again, everyone laughed, some even starting to appreciate Aria's humor. She's always had a thing for ridiculing people who are, especially hunters who think they're stronger than everyone else. So, seeing this old man, she was not going to deprive herself. This is an opportunity not to be missed. Even Kurt got into it, even though he is more reserved on this kind of subject, preferring to avoid insults. He prefers a calm and argued dialogue to find a solution to a problem. Only, there is no solution to solve this problem. Even dialogue is impossible. So, he followed Aria, deciding to insult and ridicule him, hoping to change everyone's mind.
Turning his head slightly, Kurt saw someone hiding in the bushes lining the airstrip. It must have been that famous Scott. He was recording their interaction, and he was probably broadcasting it live. All the people who had affiliated themselves with this so-called emeritus hunter were busy seeing how ridiculous he was and was talking nonsense. Kurt heard Aria continue to string him together with various jokes that made everyone laugh.
"Excuse me, are you sure you've got all your mind? Because everything you're saying doesn't make sense. You keep saying that we eat people, we sow chaos and discord. So, I think, if we were cannibals, we knew it. Then the only things we sow are seeds. And yes, there are werewolves farmers, ranchers and even vegetarians. You see, what you're saying doesn't make sense."
"Young lady, you don't know what you're talking about. You're a werewolf, it's normal that you plead for their cause. But, you won't change my mind."
"I don't know anything about it? But, you just said it yourself. I'm a werewolf, so I know what I'm talking about anyway. Besides, I don't want to change your mind. To be honest, I don't give a fuck about your opinion. All I want to do is make your armed friends realize that you're ridiculous and should be locked up in a nursing home. In fact, I think the psychiatric hospital would be more suitable for you. I know one very well, if you want. Well, on the other hand, it will be necessary to accept that there is a crazy, blonde, who sends messages to people, and she signs these messages -A. And, sometimes, she runs into them with a car".
The last joke did not miss its effect. Everyone was busy laughing without being able to stop, even Gérard's sidekick was laughing. Everyone seems to have realized how this man doesn't know what he's saying and that he probably invented this whole war to satisfy his own ideals. The gunmen had long since lowered their weapons, most having even endured them. The climate seems to have become friendlier, more conducive to laughter.
The pack had dispersed slightly, sympathizing with the guys who had their guns pointed at them not even ten minutes ago. These guys aren't mean, they just lived in a climate of perpetual fear created by this Gérard Argent. Besides, he watched the scene, terrified. He didn't believe what he saw. He didn't know how the guys he trained could sympathize with werewolves. He started yelling at them, telling them to take their weapons and shoot them. Kurt and Aria watched him scream in amusement. This is exactly what they are planning. Ridicule him and make him lose patience.
Kurt walked over to Gerard and placed his hands on his shoulders, seeking calm. He didn't move when Gerard tried to free him. An old human is no stronger than a werewolf, and he never will be.
"Look, you lost. You see the guy hiding in the bushes? Well, he recorded everything and he also broadcast everything live. Your whole little army now knows how ridiculous you are. Besides, know that killing werewolves is illegal, and it's considered premeditated murder.
Murder, basically. Especially if you have proof. Either way, we'll turn you over to the care of the police, who will decide your fate. One word of advice, plead insanity. Maybe you'll have a chance to get away with it by going to a psychiatric hospital. Otherwise, know that you risk life in prison for what you did and tried to do. Maybe even the death penalty, if we look at your record of werewolf slayings."
"I wouldn't end up in jail or in a psychiatric hospital. It's what you say that's insane. Even though Scott filmed and broadcast everything, I'm at the head of a tight-knit community. They won't give up their Chief, just like your pack won't give up on you. You're the one who lost."
"I didn't lose anything and, considering all the people busy laughing, I'd say things are going well between our pack and the part of your army that was defending the airport. It was you who lost and you don't look for other excuses, it's useless. Look, we can already see the lights of the police cars. They are for you, even if I know that you have infiltrated the police. I think everything is back in order in this little town, right?
Everyone present nodded. Gerard continued to watch the scene, even more frightened than before. His plan failed, when he was off to such a good start. Everyone he managed to enlist lost faith in him and his cause. He no longer has any credit. The war he so wanted to justify will not take place. All he has to do is pack up the guns before the police come down on him. He must hurry, because she is about to arrive. He begins to hear their siren and the lights of their flashing lights are already visible.
Kurt and Aria understood what Gerard wanted to do. He wanted to flee, still convinced that his cause was noble and that he was acting for the good of the city. It is obvious that he will start again, and surely in another city. Neither Kurt nor Aria wants to chase after this guy to stop him from declaring war on the werewolves. All they want is for the police to corner him and put her behind bars. They want it out of harm's way for as long as possible.
Aria stepped forward and stood in front of Gerard, effectively blocking him. He raised his fist, ready to strike, but quickly changed his mind. He had seen the whole pack behind her, ready to defend her. Although they have recently learned to fight, they are not afraid to engage in combat. In fact, they are even ready to kill, if necessary. Aria spoke up, having noticed what he saw.
"You see, we're a much more tight-knit community than your little army. If you joined a tight-knit community, as you said so well, they would have come to defend you. And, personally, I didn't see anything. As soon as they realized how ridiculous and crazy you are, they let you go. And that doesn't happen with us. You know why? Because we trust each other, we never doubt ourselves, and most importantly, we're doing what's right. We're not fighting for imaginary causes, straight out of the mind of an old fool like you. You better go to the police or risk consequences worse than prison".
"You call yourself pacifists, but you will not hesitate to kill me if you feel like it. You are wild creatures who do not deserve to live. If I end up in prison, so be it. I will accept my fate, but as soon as I get out, I will hunt you down and kill you all, one after the other".
"I never said we were going to kill you, or did I say we were pacifists. Of course we are, because we want coexistence with humans, not war. If you want to hunt us down when you get out of prison, do yourself a favor, but I doubt you'll be able to find us, for two reasons. The first one is that you will never get out of prison. I told you, with all your records, life is what awaits you, even the death penalty, but I believe that it is no longer possible application in California. Either way, you're not going to find us anytime soon."
The police arrived right at the end of Aria's sentence. The agents took no time and arrested Gerard immediately. The sheriff, Noah Stilinski, came to meet them, thanking them for having arrested Gérard Argent, and above all, for having prevented him from starting this war which seemed so close to them. Scott came out of the bushes, informing them that he had broadcast everything live, as Aria knew. He wasn't very discreet and it's the best thing to do to make him lose all the influence he had managed to have.
In the end, there were no fights, no injuries, apart from those who had been injured before their arrival. The men who were protecting the airport also surrendered, having confessed to all their crimes. They also indicated the various hideouts they used to store their weapons and possible prisoners. A police team was immediately dispatched to the first address, because that is where they executed, mostly, the werewolves. It is therefore not surprising to hear that the agents on the spot discovered traces of blood and other things in a sorry state. They had also found numerous vials containing what appears to be poison.
Once the whole area was cleared, the police left. Scott came to thank Kurt, Aria and the whole pack for their intervention. They were their last chance. Without them, everything would have turned into a nightmare. This Gerard only wanted war and he would have ended up getting it if no one who knew how to stand up to him would have intervened. He had a huge influence on the inhabitants of the city, because he created a climate of permanent fear. He was a kind of dictator who wanted power and used force to get it.
Once all the thanks were exchanged, the pack got back on the plane. Although their time in Beacon Hills did not last long compared to what they expected, they are still tired. They all deserve to rest, each deciding to go home. This problem is behind them now, they can enjoy their free time for all important projects. In particular the search for their final territory.
Kurt and Aria still kept Scott's phone number, while giving their own. The town he lives in seems special, and there seem to be many problems there. He might need them again, so he needs to be able to contact them quickly, so they can intervene quickly.
In any case, one thing is certain, they are likely to return to Beacon Hills, either to help Scott or to have a good time. After all, it is a beautiful city and without this climate of fear, it is good to live there. A perfect place for vacation. California's climate is perfect for resting, so they will happily return there.