Chapter 48

Xu·Wulfu·Da, the Wolf Grongi, prowled through New York City's bustling streets. His human disguise — a black leather jacket and ripped jeans — concealed his true nature. A wolf tattoo crawled along the side of his neck, a subtle hint of the predator beneath.

The city's cacophony assaulted his heightened senses. Pollution. Artificial perfumes. Unwashed human bodies. Disgusting.

"Filthy Linto," he muttered. Eyes narrowing, scanning the crowd. "Their artificial scents... their endless chatter. Unbearable."

Fingers drummed an impatient rhythm against his thigh. The Gegel's anticipation burned within him — a primal, hungry excitement barely contained.

"When will Balva choose me?" A low, menacing growl. "This waiting... it tests my patience. The hunt should have begun already."

His gaze settled on a cluster of unsuspecting pedestrians. A predatory gleam flickered in his eyes. Muscles tensed. Restraint wavered.

"The sooner I hunt," he whispered, fingers flexing, "the better."

Xu·Wulfu·Da's eyes narrowed as he bumped into a scrawny man, jostling his coffee. The man turned, face twisted in irritation.

"Hey, watch where you're going!" the man snapped. "You should apologize!"

Wulfu's lip curled in a sneer. "Apologize?" he growled, low and menacing. "To you?"

Before the man could react, Wulfu's clawed hand shot out, gripping the man's throat. With a savage snarl, he hoisted the man off the ground, effortlessly lifting him by the neck.

The man's eyes widened in terror, hands clawing at Wulfu's iron grip. "P-please, I didn't mean—"

Wulfu's lips peeled back in a vicious grin, revealing sharp, animalistic teeth. With a sudden, violent motion, he hurled the man across the street. The man crashed through the window of a nearby restaurant, shattering glass and sending plates and silverware flying.

Patrons screamed in panic as the man lay amidst the debris, groaning in pain. Wulfu watched, a twisted satisfaction in his expression. He turned and melted back into the crowd, disappearing from sight.

Wulfu passed a corner where Ladya, the Ladybug Grongi, leaned against a wall, her floor-length gown of deep red silk or velvet accentuating her refined appearance. The fitted bodice and flowing skirt were accented with black lace and ladybug-inspired polka dots, while a black velvet bolero with red lining added sophistication. Ladya's accessories, including gloves, a choker, earrings, and a clutch, completed her elegant ensemble.

Wulfu's eyes narrowed as he approached Ladya, his wolf-like nature clashing with her poised demeanor. "Ladya," he growled, "what are you doing here?"

Ladya regarded him coolly, her red lips parting in a subtle smile. "Wulfu, as rough as always," she remarked, her voice smooth and measured. "I'm simply enjoying the city, taking in the sights. You, on the other hand, seem to be causing quite a commotion."

Ladya regarded Wulfu coolly, her red lips parting in a subtle smile. "Wulfu, as rough as always," she remarked, her voice smooth and measured. "I'm simply enjoying the city, taking in the sights. You, on the other hand, seem to be causing quite a commotion."

Wulfu's eyes narrowed, his wolf-like nature clashing with Ladya's poised demeanor. "Ladya," he growled, "what are you doing here?"

"Ah, Wulfu," Ladya said, her tone laced with mock sympathy. "Haven't you heard? There will be another gathering soon." She paused, watching the eager anticipation flare in his eyes. "This is your chance, isn't it? To be chosen by Balva to start the next Gegel."

Wulfu's lips curled into a savage grin. "Finally," he rumbled, his fingers flexing with barely contained excitement. "I will prove my worth and rise above the others."

Ladya's expression darkened with amusement. "Oh, Wulfu, even if you are chosen, you won't get far." She leaned in slightly, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "After all, Kuuga will be there to defeat you."

Wulfu's eyes narrowed to slits, a deep, guttural growl rumbling in his chest. "You dare mock me, Ladya?" he snarled, his clawed hand lashing out towards her.

But Ladya was faster, effortlessly evading his attack with a graceful sidestep. "Tsk, tsk, Wulfu," she chided, her tone dripping with condescension. "Your temper always gets the better of you. Such a hot-headed creature."

Wulfu's eyes narrowed dangerously as he glared at Ladya. "You looking for a fight!" he growled, his claws flexing with barely contained aggression.

Ladya regarded him with a cool, dismissive expression. "Fight you? Heavens no, Wulfu. That would be far beneath me." She turned, the silk of her gown swishing softly. "We should be on our way. The gathering will be starting soon, and you wouldn't want to be late, would you?"

Wulfu's lips curled into a snarl, but he held his ground, his body tense with restrained fury. "Don't you dare order me around, Ladya," he rumbled, his voice low and menacing.

Ladya glanced back at him, her lips curling into a dismissive scoff. Like a petulant puppy throwing a tantrum.

Wulfu released a low, frustrated growl. Reluctantly, he followed after her, heavy footsteps echoing his simmering anger.

Two police officers, Officer Davis and Officer Williams, watched the exchange between the elegantly dressed woman and the rugged-looking man from a distance. They spoke in hushed tones, their eyes narrowed with suspicion.

"Did you see the way they were acting?" Officer Davis said, his hand resting on the holster of his gun. "It's almost like they're not even human."

Officer Williams nodded, his brow furrowed. "I don't know, but we better call this in. If they are Grongi, we're gonna need backup."

He reached for the radio on his shoulder, pressing the button. "Dispatch, this is Officer Williams. We may have located two Grongi suspects on the corner of 5th and Main. Requesting immediate backup, over."

The radio crackled to life, a voice responding, "Copy that, Officer Williams. Backup units are en route, ETA two minutes. Proceed with caution, over."

Officer Davis gripped his weapon tighter, his eyes trained on the pair as they moved down the street. "Let's keep an eye on them, but stay back. We don't want to spook them."

The two officers fell silent, their focus unwavering as they followed the elegantly dressed woman and the rugged-looking man, waiting for the arrival of their backup.

Officer Davis and Officer Williams followed Ladya and Wulfu as they made their way down the dimly lit street. The two Grongi entered an old, dilapidated theater, the peeling paint and boarded-up windows giving it an ominous air.

"Dispatch, this is Officer Williams," the officer spoke into his radio. "The suspects have entered an old theater on the corner of 5th and Main. Requesting further instructions, over."

The radio crackled to life, a voice responding, "Copy that, Officer Williams. Do not engage the suspects. Maintain visual on the location and report any suspicious activity. Backup units are en route, over."

The two officers took up position across the street, their gazes never leaving the theater's doors. They waited, their senses heightened, ready to call in any developments as the backup units raced to their location.

***

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