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In the small town on Elvin Grove, on the outskirts of Ravenloft, a story began to unfold. But the story doesn't have an ending, only more and more beginnings. While this story started several decades ago, it finds yet another beginning in the arms of a bartender, who is deciding whether she is blessed or cursed. After a very brief romance with a man she knows only as "Rancor," she found herself raising a son on her meager income.
"Well, look at little Gerard." Phoebe smiled as she planned her next shot with full concentration. "He's so handsome and charasmatic, and I hear he's striving to be the next Mozart with those songs he's writing."
"More like the next Freddy Mercury." Katelyn snickered. "He's got all the makings of a punk rocker, God forbid..." "Well, he must get it from his father." Upon hearing that, Katelyn fought the urge to spit on Phoebe's floor. Instead, she made a sour face until Phoebe asked: "I'm sorry... it's just, I never hear anything about your fiancee, so I don't..."
"Adam isn't Gerard's father." Katelyn moaned. "I know who is: this wild punk with spiky brown hair who'd woo-hoo anything that breathes. I'm just sorry I was his first victom."
"Wait..." Phoebe paused her friend's story. "Spiky brown hair... that sounds familiar. Did he have this mark on his left cheek, like a scar?" "OH MY GOD!" Katelyn screamed after a loud gasp.
"OH MY GOD?" Phoebe screamed back in surprise.
"THE SAME GUY FATHERED OUR CHILDREN?!"
"OUR CHILDREN ARE SIBLINGS?!"
"Wait, does this mean we're related?"
"I don't think so... Oh my goodness, what do we do?" "Well, I'm gonna whoop you in this game." Katelyn proposed, lining up a shot of her own. "And this is kinda sad. He disapeared off the face of the earth after I called his house and demanded to be a father to his son."
"Now that I think about it," the other mother mused as she sharpened her que, "I haven't seen him in town after I got pregnant, and I haven't heard a word about him. Rancor, wasn't it? He's become something of a local legend at the nightclubs."
"And the bars."
"But... well, now that I think about it, I'm not sure he's Story's father..." "What makes you say that, hon?" Katelyn asked in sympathy.
"I can faintly remember waking up that night after we dated, and instead of spiky brown hair was this long, blond hair. I think it was an entirely different man, but I'm not sure. It was a long night, and we were both pretty drunk."
"Well if he went with you all night as a brunette and woke up a blond... I dunno what to tell you, maybe you were dreaming? Look at your daughter's eyes, she has his exact eyes."
"I suppose that's true, but who was that in my bed that night?"
"Like I said, Phoebe, it was probably a dream. Rancor has spiky, brown hair... unless it was a wig the whole time." "Well... what do we do? I've never told Story about her father..."
"Since that moron is out of my hair, I just haven't bothered." Katelyn frowned. "I don't need child support, Alan is incredibly loaded. And I told Gerard to think of Alan as his father, and that's what he's been doing. The two of them get along great. Maybe you should meet a guy you like and get Story a father figure."
"Funny, you should mention." Phoebe slumped like a wilting flower. "I just can't find it in me to date anyone, esspecially now that I'm so busy with work and school and my daughter. It will just never happen. And sometimes, I can't help but think of that blond haired man... something about him just seemed so wild."
"Wild as a wolf." Katelyn chuckled, knocking the last ball she needed into a corner cubby hole. "Well, he's out of my life and yours, what can we do? Just move on, and things will work out." But Phoebe felt nothing would work out now that she knew the truth, or at least part of it. How could she tell Story that she had a brother? And who would be the father figure in her life? Story was going to ask questions sooner or later, and that was a day that Phoebe feared greatly. How could she tell her daughter that her father was an irresponcible party animal who turned tail and ran after hearing he was a father? However, the dreaded day seemed to be coming faster than she thought. One Friday night, Phoebe came across the finished image of a man she faintly remembered from her "dream." And there was something familiar about him, something that seemed comforting and right. Who painted the picture was no mystery, at least.
"Story, honey, who's this in your painting?"
"I dunno." Story shrugged. "I see him in my dreams. He's so nice, but he's always so sad. I thought a picture would cheer him up." As though it was nothing at all, Story went back into her room to play. Phoebe couldn't help but feel a chill. What was happening? Who was this man, and what was his connection to Rancor? And what was she to do? Just after the prime time cartoons, Phoebe snuggled up with her daughter. "Honey, I just want you to know, if you have any questions about anything, please don't be afraid to ask me."
"Okay, mama." came the quiet reply, but no questions followed. Seeing as her little one was very sleepy, Phoebe just carried her to her room and tucked her into bed. She decided she will tell her daughter everything, and all that was needed was just that one question. For Gerard, the questions were many. Katelyn gave him the straight answers, and he simply accepted them. Adam was his new father, the only father he ever knew, and what a loving father he was. Seeing the boy's enthusiasm for music and song, he bought an empty lot and turned it into a private studio for the boy and the whole family. Gerard did sing the most passionatly, and wrote songs about everyday life and how wonderful it was to be alive. Years went by for both children. Eventually, brother and sister came to meet. It was a bit of a shock to Story that she had a "long lost brother," and it was a bigger shock to hear who her father was: the legendary cassanova, Rancor. The two became close, and even the best of friends. With no tention at all, both families merged into a happy tribe of carefree city follk. The fondness for the arts was in everyone, and they eventually got together a couple nights a week to hang out and celebrate their union. It was as though the happy days would last forever. Gerard grew into a handsome teenager who had girls falling over themselves to get to him. Meanwhile, he flung himself into guitar playing and was looking foreword to college. Everything seemed to be perfect, with the exception of the tiny scratch-looking birthmark on his left cheek that seemed more and more noticeable as he grew. Story was also moving foreword in life. She started dating a nice fellow in her college prep class, and the two became very close. He would constantly whisper in her ear how beautiful she was, and even the scratch on her cheek didn't make a dent. When she told him it was a birthmark, he laughed and commented on how much more beautiful it made her. He was so sweet and charming, she hoped they could go to college together. Before any of them knew it, high school was over and they were enrolled into college. It was time to leave home on the journey to a higher education. Phoebe held her daughter tight for a moment, then watched her climb into Gerard's car for the long trip to Ravenloft University. She was so happy to see her daughter achieving her dreams, and hoped that she would be careful. Gerard had made arrangements with some high school friends to live with them and pay rent, and Story used her academic connections with professors to give them a giant villa to live in for the next few years. They all took on part-time or odd jobs around RavenU to pay the rent, and already started up their band: House of Wolves. It was agreed that Gerard take on the role of band leader and lead singer, and the House of Wolves became increasingly popular on campus. A fan base was started on the week of their first gig, and their villa mailbox was continuously stuffed with fanmail. Gerard and his friends couldn't be happier. Story lived with them as something of a live-in fangirl. She couldn't sing, and she played the piano which wasn't an instrument in the band so far. It suited her fine that she wasn't part of the boy's new hobby... She was very content with studying, and her physics major made sure she did plenty of that. The thought of being a career student, to just learn new things everyday and listen to fascinating lectures, thrilled her more than playing a guitar in front of fans ever could. She didn't mind going out and partying with Gerard and his friends, but the quiet of their den was much more preferable. Within the year, House of Wolves took ownership of their own club and got to work writing and playing new songs. Story took charge in hiring a bouncer and managing ticket sales, as well as making and planning decorations. They had great faith that the club, Den of Wolves, would be the hit of campus. Opening night, Gerard and the others put on the performance of their lives! The crowd went wild, girls tossed random articals of clothing on the stage, and Gerard's energy couldn't be contained. Dreams of being mega-stars seemed even that much closer, and the boys put their soul into the songs! They all felt invincible! After three encores, the five college boys stood up to take their bows. Gerard was grinning ear to ear, what a successful night. He couldn't wait to start again next concert... He shouted out a loud "THANK YOU, RAVEN U! GOOD NI---", and the last thing he could remember was a bright light, a loud and defening howl, and then... ...he woke up, and his body was sore all over. What happened? Did he faint from the excitement? He groaned as he slowly lifted himself from the bed, then he heard someone say: "Gerard, are you alright?" "Story? What happened? I must have blacked out..."
"Well..." Story hesitated as she closed her school book. "You did. But before that..." "I... I don't really remember. Did something happen at the concert, Story?"
"Yeah..." She sounded so sad as she put the book away. "First, you gave out this howl... I don't remember you guys doing that during rehersals..."
"We don't... and I didn't..." "You did." Story insisted. "Your eyes glazed over and you growled deep. Suddenly, you leapt into the audience and attacked some guys. Joel and the others grabbed you to make you stop, and you tried to bite them! You started yelling at them in some language I've never heard before and Joel beaned you right on the head."
"The bouncer?" Gerard asked, trying to remember. "But, I don't remember any of that..."
"Well, I saw it. So did the band, and the people in the audience. Gerard, school security is looking into this, so are the police. What happened?"
"I told you, I don't know. And I'd never do anything like that." "And you know what the scary part is?" Story started to raise her voice in concern. "You know that birthmark on your face? It was really pronounced, cause your hair just slicked back. And in those moments, you looked a lot like..." "...like him?" Gerard snarled.
"Yeah, Rancor. He didn't do anything dangerous or hurt anybody, but everyone in town describes him as an 'animal.' Who knows, maybe he did attack someone and we never knew about it..."
"I really don't see what this has to do with me, Story." Gerard shook his head. "I'd never hurt anyone, and I only speak English. And the mark on my face and yours is a coincidence."
"Well, it's just too much of a coincidence to me." the girl admitted. "What if it happens again? Gerard, you could get expelled, or thrown in jail! What will the band do? What will I do?" "Hey, relax." Gerard insisted, giving his sister a tight hug. "If I go to jail, my band will just get more popular. And you have Jerome, he'll take care of you. Everything's going to be alright."
"Oh, I hope so." Story sniffed. She was rather scared, because something seemed to be wrong suddenly. "Well, as band manager, I say we not perform for a while until we make sure you don't go crazy on the fans again."
"What?! How are we supposed to make cash if we can't perform?"
"We can go back to odd jobs, and I've thought about waiting tables at the Londoste back home. Mom'll get me the job no problem. Meanwhile, you've got a lot of studying to do. Finals are in four days."
"I know, I know..." Years went by without another incident. The band became popular and made plans to release their first album. And under Story's strict supervision, everyone in the House of Wolves household recieved top grades and even Gerard made it to the Dean's List. On the night of graduation, there was a massive party at band headquarters. It was then Jerome proposed to Story. Estatic, she said yes. "There are going to be rules, of course." Story said in a half-kidding voice. "No premature honeymoon, and no cheating."
"Of course, of course." Jerome agreed. "Whatever you want is fine by me." They stayed with each other the whole party until it was time for bed. But something happened just as Story was getting ready... And before she knew it, she woke up from what seemed to be a nightmare. Just as she got up, she noticed someone was in bed with her.
"JEROME!" she yelped, seeing as both of them were in their underwear. "What happened?! I said no premature honeymoon!"
"Well, you didn't exactly give me the chance to object, hon." He admitted with a worried face. "You just turned into this animal and jumped me as I got into bed. I just gave in. So, what did happen?" Story couldn't contain her shock. Was he lying or did something get into her? How could this have happened?! She growled at him, deep in her throat and started yelling about going back on his promise. He backed away, frightened and stuttering his pleas. As soon as everything was out of her system, she hung her head and dropped her shoulders in shame. "Jerome, I..... I just don't know what to say, I have no idea what happened either. L... let's just go back to bed.... and sleep." She found it hard to sleep, and woke the next morning with very little energy. She simply got dressed and tenderly touched the mark on her face. There had to be some form of connection to events, there just had to be... somewhere... Somewhere there was an explanation as to what was happening to herself and her brother. Jerome and Story returned to her mother's house after graduating. She wasn't home yet, so the love birds got cozy on the balcony and talked wedding plans. What happened on graduation night was put behind them as something that never happened. Story did her best to be happy for herself and her fiancee. She waited outside for her mom to come back from work, and watched with excitement as the carpool van pulled up. But outside stepped a woman in such exotic clothes, Story made a gruesome face. But gawking continued when the woman waved and chirped: "Hi, Story! Welcome home, sweety!" "Mom!" Story cried, rushing to her mother and giving her a huge hug. "Oh, mom, I missed you so much. College was crazy, let me tell you all about it!" "...but first, what in the world are you wearing?" "Well, honey," Phoebe began, "I've been taking classes in the occult, and I thought I'd take a field trip last weekend to meet professional exorcists. It was very fascinating. I'm wearing some of their casual clothes, oh they were so strange. You have to look into this as well, you'll have a blast studying them." "Well, investigate this!" Story started. "Both Gerard and I suddenly went crazy a couple times at night. There was howling, and bright lights, and violence, and..."
"Howling?" Phoebe wondered. "Like a wolf?"
"Yes... yes, exactly. Mom, why do you ask? Something from your occult classes?"
"Yes, actually." Phoebe drew her daughter close, and whispered just in case Jerome decided to come out. "The people I was with are very knowledgeable in curses, and there is a tale of a curse that may be a connection to your strange behavior. Maybe even your father."
"Rancor?" Story gasped in surprise. "What does he have to do with this?"
"Well, it starts with your grandfather. Actually, why don't we go inside so we can sit down? And there shouldn't need to be a reason to whisper. Call Jerome down so he can listen. I'm going to tell you both an amazing story about your heritage."
END OF CHILDREN OF WOLVES
NEXT: TALES OF THE WOLVES
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25 Comment(s) posted so far
On Feb 11, 2007 spikesgryl wrote:
On Feb 11, 2007 Smallville#1 wrote:
This was awsome
On Feb 11, 2007 Jubilant wrote:
That was pretty interesting, I would read more. I like the mom's occult clothes.
On Feb 12, 2007 wrote:
On Feb 12, 2007 scarlet_white wrote:
I think it is pretty amazing myself, I love the cliffhanger and I hope it turns into a great series
On Feb 12, 2007 Jenna Black wrote:
Very good story. I want to read more.
On Feb 12, 2007 simonita wrote:
pretty thrilling
On Feb 12, 2007 maxi king wrote:
On Feb 12, 2007 zmd439 wrote:
nice story!
On Feb 12, 2007 jayk99 wrote:
On Feb 12, 2007 Gibson Twins wrote:
Wow 5.0 that was a FABULOUS story what a cliffhanger it was AMAZING 5.0
On Feb 12, 2007 15RabbitLane wrote:
why did you stop there??? i was just getting into it... do more extra specially soon!
On Feb 12, 2007 MissJay wrote:
5.0 Very interesting!
On Feb 13, 2007 so what wrote:
almost sounds like a book I read and has inspired me do a writing story.........
On Feb 13, 2007 xtessax34 wrote:
That was Awsome!!Nice Job
On Feb 13, 2007 char5263 wrote:
I got to say that was one of the best stories i have read yet. I cant wait for more
On Feb 13, 2007 maurie wrote:
Really good story. I truly enjoyed it. Thanks!
On Feb 13, 2007 mojosands1 wrote:
5.0!5.0!5.0!
Great job! hope you make the next 1 soon! Are we gunna get back to the part about Gerard?
Mojosands1
On Feb 14, 2007 Marylyn Linney wrote:
Cool...
On Feb 14, 2007 jemjamjar wrote:
Good story, ill be interested in reading more
On Feb 14, 2007 Tylah b wrote:
it was mysterious and very enjoyable
On Feb 15, 2007 drewsoltesz wrote:
Cool, a werewolf tale, very interesting! well done!
On Feb 16, 2007 sweety_nia wrote:
The story was amazing!!! Gosh, and Gerard was soooo cute! =p
On Feb 18, 2007 fabrizioammollo wrote:
Very well made story, it can be imagined how it goes on, but nonetheless I'm looking forward to reading the next part!
On Mar 1, 2007 manuela55 wrote: