silver matters

As his limited time drew to a close, Ayden sought solace on the pillow, his abilities boundless by his inexperience. The sensations of his familiar world and the voice's guidance intertwined.

Initially, Ayden perceived his existence as intertwined with the spirit realm, imbuing it with life and purpose. However, time's passage revealed a subtle shift in his perception of the spirit sense. Previously, reality felt like a solid vase, filled with the energy of spirits. Now, it appeared as a not-quite-solid, yet immensely dense, entity that maintained the tiniest particles of existence. As if the spirits or an unspecified power he sensed were enabling his reality.

Each passing second elongated into an hour, and each breath became labored. The sensation of being pulled in all directions intensified. His mind felt the fissures in his psyche, just in time to avert succumbing to them. With a focused effort, he drew his attention back to himself.

As he withdrew, a profound sense of something immense, malevolent, uncontrollable, manic, desperate, powerful, and…lonely washed over him. However, he resolutely refused to confront such a being on this day. Consequently, he did not attempt to halt his withdrawal.

'"There exists a being that has created every realm… yet some do not desire others to experience the consequences of their creations. Conversely, others yearn for none to depart. You would do well to remember this, young lycan."'

"How did you discern my thoughts? I did not utter a word nor engage in any action. Are you some form of psychic? Please cease your unsettling behavior!"

'"It appears you lack comprehension of our current state. Despite your denial, we are bound by a contract that grants me access to your thoughts, feelings, and every other aspect of your being.

And yes, I can discern your derogatory remarks, calling me an elderly man. You may find it amusing, but I find you childish!"'

Ayden felt a solid slap across the back of his head, accompanied by a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Initially, he found it peculiar, but after a few moments, he realized that it was only when he concentrated on the link that he truly felt the sensations Koko had described.

When Ayden had enough, he looked at the clock, surprised to see only 30 minutes had passed. Yet, he felt as though he had taken a long, deep sleep and awoke to the rays of a new day. The pain in his body healed, the strange feelings from using his newfound abilities gone, and replaced with what felt like a warm embrace. Only when he remembered where he was did his mood sour once again.

"So, how long does the second stage evolution take?" Ayden, not wanting to waste more time, jumped start to the point.

'"For you who have awakened a discipline, much longer than the time we have. The wolf is back!"'

When Koko finished, the door to the clinic opened, and in walked Tah'ler. Ayden, always having a hard time sensing the dr, wondered how Ko did it. But that could wait for a different day. Right now, the golden eyes of the werewolf had once again locked onto him.

"If you use that ability on me again, Tah'ler, we will have an issue," Ayden's smile turning into a slight snarl, the fangs of a lycan showing his determination to fight should the line be crossed.

"Hahaha, look closer, Ayden. It's not the same, but also, do you think you can stop me? Because I don't know myself after watching your test not 40 mins ago! Quite the uproar, and definitely different than how you normally fight.

The black wind was a surprise. I've heard of something similar in stories when I was a child! But they always made it seem like they came from the sky on a dark night! To see it in real life… unbelievable yet so much more satisfying than you can believe."

Tah'ler talked for 15 minutes about the stories of his childhood, that were told to him by his parents. Each one more exciting than the last. An odd smile of happiness and nostalgia plastered on his face.

'"It's a weird feeling knowing my deeds from when I was alive being told as children's stories. As if the sky itself was fishing out divine justice and retribution for ill acts towards innocent people."'

'That was you!?'

'"Yeah, I figured you would have gotten that immediately. My name is literally night sky! Hahaha"'

Ayden noticed that Koko seemed to be filled with joy. Even with the time they have known each other being so short, Ayden felt a deep connection with him. He couldn't think of how to describe it with words, but it was the same feeling and connection Ayden had had with all the people in his little town. The same look of remembrance etched on Tah'ler's face as well.

Whole the time that it has been since each was near their pack may be different, but the feelings were the same. The people here now each felt the same bond with those close by, even if they could not see them as they were.

As the memories continued… pain permeated the room. As with all the lycan and wolves, soon the people who are loved are taken and they are left alone.

"… my dad would always fall asleep before finishing all the books I wanted him to read to me at night, far too many books: the warrior made of the night sky, the stone princess, the blackwood spear, the gentle leaf, the waters reflection,the sky smoker, and so many more that I can't name them all. At least till,… the silvers" Tah'ler talking finally slowed to a stop as his mind remembered his and Ayden's families' true enemy, the silver clan.

The sight of dozens of people whose skin seemed to reflect the light, but also weakened most of them. Who seemed hell-bent on attacking any wolf they met in passing, that they became covered in blood. They seemed to never tire or grow hungry, only hunted till their victim was dead or themselves lay headless on a bonfire fueled by their blood.

' "The silvers!"' A deep growl emitted from the shell of Koko, who also held rage toward the silver clan.

A once happy atmosphere not tainted with hostility or killing intent, all directed at the silver clan.

*BOOM*

Just as each of their moods began to darken, Gene burst into the room, tablet in hand, looking very serious as he began what he had been waiting for a while to do. Yet Tah'ler also spoke at the same time.

"I think it has something to do with the silver clan," Gene spoke.

"It's the fucking silvers, again, I bet," Tah'ler growled.