Moonlight: Descendants of the Curse

It was raining heavily that night. Thunder had crashed in the sky and lightning flashed bright. Ryker had finished a day of training and was returning home when he smelled the blood. His first thought was that he was still bleeding from the cut he’d gotten during his fight, but that would have healed by now. That and the smell was overwhelming. Thunder crashed again when the realisation struck home. Ryker ran as hard as his legs could carry him. When he arrived there were several people already there. “You don’t want..” Ryker ignored the man pushing past him into the house. He was right. Blood stained the walls and carpet a dark red. Furniture had been crushed or smashed. There was broken glass scattered around. But none of that mattered. There, slumped against the wall, body mutilated near beyond recognition lay his mother.

“Some more coffee sir?” a woman asked snapping him back to reality. “Please” Ryker replied pushing his cup towards her. “Anything else I can get for you?” He shook his head and she began walking away. “Actually” Ryker began. “Yes?” The woman asked turning around. “The Cruz family, what happened to them?” The woman seemed perplexed and disappointed by his question but Ryker was unaware. “Animal attack” She said as a matter of fact. Ryker was silent expecting her to carry on her story, but she simply turned away. “Know any details?” he asked. “Are you some sort of cop or something?” Ryker finished off his refilled coffee “Or something”. Standing up he put on his long trench coat and buttoned it up. He threw a bill onto the table and made for the door. “Lousy tip” He heard the girl say under her breath. “Poor service” He replied loud enough for her to hear. He didn’t wait for a response as he opened the door and stepped out into the cool windy day. Reaching into his breast pocket he took out his pack of cigarettes and put one in his mouth. Replacing the box he reached into his trouser pocket taking out a lighter. He wasn’t a fan of smoking, but it was the only thing that dulled his sense of smell enough to make towns and cities bearable.

_-_-_

Ryker stood looking at the houses along the street. His own childhood house looked run down, weather beaten, derelict. An eyesore when compared to its neighbour. The Cruz house almost looked as immaculate in comparison. It had also been abandoned for quite some time. The door had been replaced and police tape still guarded the entrance. Ryker looked up and down the area. It was a quite neighbourhood located on the edge of town. Woods backed the houses along his street and Ryker smiled at old memories of him and Reigna sneaking to the edge of the woods to play, delighted that the two of them had never been caught. Thinking back Ryker realised that his mother would have known. She would have kept a careful watch, but she never said anything. Ryker went through the gate into the back yard. The back door was boarded up and after a quick inspection he realised he couldn’t get in through any of the windows without breaking them. Taking a chance Ryker walked so he was standing under the balcony. At the height it was, it was impossible to reach without a ladder. For a human at least; taking off his coat Ryker crouched low and with a grunt he jumped. Catching the railing Ryker pulled himself up and straightened his shirt. Testing the door he was pleased that his suspicion had been correct. The door opened and Ryker was greeted with a familiar scene, it had been years since he had been in this room and it brought back familiar sense of security. Taking a moment to look around Reigna's childhood room Ryker noticed a picture of the two of them on her desk. Picking it up he wiped the dust from the glass cover and smiled at the image. Reigna had asked him to paint with her and things had gotten out of hand. The two of them were a complete mess by the end of it all. Replacing the picture he made his way down stairs. The house, for the most part was how he remembered it. When he turned into the hall he saw the first of the after math of the supposed animal attack. Someone had dragged themselves or been dragged into the hall. The wood flooring was discoloured, even after the cleaning. Looking around Ryker couldn’t find enough to get an idea of what happened. He tried to catch a scent of something but the ammonia used to clean the place was the only prominent smell. Frustrated Ryker went through to the family room and sat on the couch. It had been a few days since he last slept and the coffee had worn off. Looking around the room absently Ryker noticed some pictures he’d never seen on the mantle above the fireplace. Looking at them he saw Reigna in her graduation gown with her proud parents standing beside her. The next picture was of Reigna herself with what Ryker assumed was an acceptance letter. The Stanford jumper she was wearing let him know where she’d been accepted to. ‘Must have been disappointed that she didn’t get Yale’ he thought to himself. That had been where her parents had studied. ‘If I’m lucky she’ll still be there’.

 

Ryker had been travelling a long while he’d been fortunate that he found a truck driver willing to give him a lift. His name was Gus. He’d been very happy for the company on the long drive. The drawback was the man smelled awful. Ryker could tell he hadn’t washed in at least four days. Fortunately he allowed him to smoke at the cost of sharing a cigarette every once in awhile which helped dull his senses. Ryker also used it as an excuse to lower the window allowing some fresh air into the cab. They had pulled up at filling station so that Gus could restock with what Ryker assumed was his only source of food other than the many drive-thru the man obviously frequented. He had returned from his little excursion and climbed into the cab with some effort. “That should hold us for awhile” the man smiled at Ryker as he put down two bags worth of junk food and drink. “Help yourself”. “Thanks” Ryker replied looking through the bag closest to him. It was as he suspected, nothing sustaining to eat. He picked up a bag of jerky and began slowly eating it. That was another complaint Ryker had. The man ate so loudly. Even without his enhanced hearing Ryker assumed that the man would be considered loud. “About an hour out now” Gus said. A slight nod was his only response. “You don’t say much do ya?” Ryker was going to leave it as a rhetorical question when the man added “You running away or something” “No” was his response after the question hung in the air a little too long to be considered comfortable. “You in trouble with the police?” “No” “So, you ain’t running away, you ain’t in trouble with the police, you looking for someone?” “Yeah, you could say that” “Aha!” The man shouted with enthusiasm, “I knew I’d get it!” “A girlfriend?” the man asked after awhile his curiosity clearly getting the better of him. “An old friend” Ryker replied. “Is this friend a girl?” “Yes”. “Woo!” The man shouted all too eagerly. “Who says romance is dead!” he said slapping Ryker on the arm.

* * *

It had been a long hour. The man had decided that he had to bring Ryker to the college in the name of young love. Ryker had tried to talk him out of it but he was having none of it. They pulled up outside and the man seemingly without shame sat on his horn for too long. “That should get her attention!” He said to Ryker who was none to impressed. “Thanks”. Gus smiled at him with a big dopey grin. “For your trouble” Ryker said handing him a few notes. Gus’s smile grew bigger and Ryker jumped out of the cab before he could do or say anything more. He had walked a good distance when he heard the cab door open and Gus bumble his way down. “Hey! Hey kid” he shouted. Ryker feigned ignorance and kept walking. “Kid!” he heard Gus yell again and he could hear that he was jogging to catch up to him. Relenting Ryker turned around and waited for the man to catch up. “Yes?” He said once Gus had reached him. “What’s this?” Gus breathed out of breath from his physical exertion. “It’s not enough?” Ryker asked. “Its two hundred bucks kid, you could have flown here for that price!” “I don’t like planes” Ryker said dryly. “You sure you can afford this?” Gus asked. “Yeah” “Damn, kid. Well thanks.” Gus smiled his big dopey smile again. Ryker turned to walk away, “Hey kid” Ryker sighed and turned around. “Your good in my book, you ever stuck or need something feel free to give me a call” He said handing him a worn down business card. Ryker took the card and put it in his pocket and reluctantly shook Gus’s extended hand. “Thanks” He said. “No kid, thank you, now go find your lady love!” Gus walked away whistling a tuneless tune.

Ryker thought about looking for Reigna, but after a moment’s thought decided he’d better clean up first.

 

Ryker had gone to a small shop and bought himself a fresh set of clothes. He had gone to a local gym where he used the showers and had gotten himself changed. It had been awhile since he’d had an opportunity to wash and after the journey it had been such a relief to finally feel clean. His soiled clothes were in the shopping bag and he threw them in the bin keeping only his jacket as he began walking back to the university.

The sun had set by time he arrived. He found himself wondering if what he was doing was the right choice. He had thought of reuniting with Reigna a thousand times. There were times that she recognised him immediately and she was nothing but happy to see him. They would talk for hours, other times she was hurt that he had never made contact before but after some explaining she would forgive him and life would continue as normal. Then there were the few that she was angry with him and wanted nothing more to do with him as she had moved on with her life. That was his least favourite scenario. He had had these different thoughts so many times but it always lead to the same reality. She wouldn’t know who he was, it had been eight long years since they had seen each other, and Ryker had changed, a lot.

Ryker had been so lost in thought that he wasn’t aware of anything. That is until a strange howling noise snapped him back to reality. He stopped where he stood waiting to see if the sound came again. A breath later it came happened, closer this time and moving towards him. Ryker ran determined to find the source of the howling before it found him. It came again this time from right around the corner. Ryker skidded to a halt rounding the corner only to be met by three guys.

“Shit man” One of the guys said noticeably jumping, “Scared the crap out of us” Two of the guys were holding the third between them carrying him, he was blissfully unaware of Ryker’s presence. The guy in the middle let out another howl followed by a fit of laughter. “Sorry mate” the third guy said, “Drunken asshole is taking howl party a little too literally” he said patting the middle man with his free hand.

“Howl party?” Ryker asked of none of them in particular. “Yeah man, a little down that way, follow the noise, you can’t miss it” One of them said smiling at him. “Good drinks going, oh and the babes. Enough to get you really howling eh Jake?” The middle man let out another howl and the three laughed. “You should go man you look like you could use some fun. We’re going to drop this guy home and head back out. It’s only getting started, but someone doesn’t know his limit” Jake let out another little howl and the three of them began making their way home pleased with how the night was going. Now that he was paying attention Ryker couldn’t believe he hadn’t noticed it before. The party was loud and could be heard even without heightened hearing. Ryker pulled out his cigarettes and lit one. Nothing smelled worse than a bunch of drunken sweaty people in one area.

He didn’t know if he’d find Reigna there. But it was worth looking into. “Who knows, it might be fun” He thought to himself.

 

Ryker had been at the party for a little while now. People had ignored him for the most part as he wandered around the house. That was until he was challenged to a game of beer pong. He had politely declined the offer but the persistence of those around him saw him conceding and he took his position at the end of the table. Letting the other guy go first he watched as the ball landed in the cup. Those around the table laughed with and joked at the guy who missed. Then all eyes were on him. “You’re up guy” his opponent said smiling. Ryker suspected him to be quite drunk already by the way he talked. “What are the rules?” He asked. There were a few sniggers from people around him. “Ignore them handsome, the rules are simple” a blonde woman was saying to him. She gave him a quick rundown of the game bringing herself quite close to him. “So, I need to drink because he got it in the cup?” “Yep” “And then I throw the ball in the cup he has to drink?” “Yep” “I bounce the ball off the table and he has to drink two?” “You got it again” She said smiling at him. “And if all his cups are gone I win?” “You are good!” She laughed. “It can be tricky, watch I’ll show you how”. She took the ball from him and stepped up to the table. Throwing it in a nice clean arc it landed in a cup. “Woo!” She celebrated turning around to face him. “You want to give it a go?” “Sure” Ryker threw the ball; it bounced once off of the table and landed cleanly into a cup. There was a moments silence and then the girl cheered beside him and hugged him around the neck. “Impressive” the guy said taking two cups and setting to drinking them. He took a few minutes and meanwhile the girl was still hanging off Ryker. “My names Elise, What’s yours?” She asked. “Ryker” “Oh, nice. Are you an exchange student?” “No” Ryker replied smiling. “It’s his shot now right?” “Yep, you get to defend.” “Defend?” “If a shot is bounced or hits a cup you can try and stop it from going in” “Only once it’s bounced or hit a cup. I can’t catch it in the air?” “Nope” She said again smiling. Ryker noticed how pretty her face was and caught himself staring. Elise didn’t seem to mind as she looked back at him. Ryker suddenly felt himself turning red and tugged at the collar of his shirt. Clearing his throat he turned his attention back to the table but could still feel her eyes on him. The man not wanting to be outdone bounced the ball off the table, Ryker caught it smoothly before it went into a cup. “Nicely done!” Elise said putting her hand on his shoulder. Ryker tried another bounce shot but a wild swing knocked the ball away. “You could always try a trick shot” “Trick shot?” “Yeah, so if you try bouncing it off the wall into a cup it’s known as a trick shot. They can be really hard though” Ryker heard a slosh as the ball landed in one of his cups. A small group let out a cheer while some others let out a small booing. Taking the cup Ryker drank. The stuff smelled awful and tasted worse, but he had to admit he was enjoying himself. He took the ball and lined up his shot. The guy getting ready to block, Ryker feigned a forward throw but at the last moment threw the ball to his right letting it bounce of the wall and into a cup. A loud cheer went up and Elise again hugged him around the neck. “I think you were lying” She laughed. Ryker looked at her confused. “You’ve defiantly played before” They smiled at each other.

The game continued in this fashion for awhile. Ryker would block a shot and then counter with a trick shot of some sort, revelling the cheers and shouts of support that went out for him. Soon the man was out of cups and Ryker had won. “Alright, alright” the guy said slurring his words quite a bit. “Rebuttals time”. “He gets to throw the ball and try get them into your cups without you defending. He can do it as many times up until he misses a shot” Elise told Ryker. “Go for it” Ryker said smiling having too much fun to worry about the finer details of what was going on. They watched as the man lined up his shot. Closing one eye and leaning unsteadily over the table. Just as it seemed he was about to throw he lost his balance and fell. A loud cheer went up and Ryker raised his hands in victory. He picked up a drink and downed it which resulted in more cheering. Finishing he threw the cup in the air and let out a small howl. Those around him joined in, Elise howling in answer and laughing with him. “We should dance”. She brought him into the middle of the living room which had been cleared of most of its furniture leaving room for dancing. Elise began moving to the music almost hypnotically so. When she realised Ryker wasn’t moving she took his hands in hers and started moving his arms with hers. “Move your feet!” She shouted laughingly over the music. Ryker watched those around him, moving this way and that. He started slowly at first and when no laughed he picked up the pace. The two danced for a few songs when Elise came close to him again. She brought her lips up to his ear. “I need a drink” She said taking his hand and walking him to a table. She poured a blue drink into two glasses and handed him one. She drank hers quickly smacking her lips as she finished. He followed suit and his face scrunched up. It was sickly sweet and he had to stop himself from retching. He heard Elise’s laugher and found himself smiling. “Hey, you want to get out of here?” It took him a minute to realise what she was suggesting and he nodded dumbly at her. She took his hand again and they were on their way.

They were standing outside her dorm damp from the rain. It had been a dark evening and the rain had started shortly after they left the party. Opening the door Elise invited him inside. “Make yourself comfortable for a minute; I’m going to freshen up” “You have anything to drink?” Ryker called to her as she made her way to her room. “Check the refrigerator”. Ryker opened the fridge and saw a few bottles of water in the door. Taking one out he closed it and saw it was covered with magnets, some holding up notes or takeaway menus. Then a picture caught his eye. He took it from the fridge and looked at it. Two girls stood next to each other big smiles on their faces. He turned it over and saw a small note on the back. “Elise and Reigna’s new dorm room!” it read. His breath caught in his throat as the realisation washed over him. Putting the picture and water on the counter he headed for the door. “I have to go!” he called to Elise. “What?” she replied not sure what she head. Ryker ignored the question and opened the door. Stepping out he nearly collided with someone. “Sorry” he said stepping back into the room. He swallowed hard. Reigna stood in front of him.

 

Ryker’s eyes looked from Reigna to the man she was with. “Nothing to apol…” “Reigna” Elise said walking beside Ryker. She sounded a little upset at the interruption until she saw the guy standing beside her. Her face lit up with a smile “Reigna” She said more playfully. “Stop” Reigna said stepping past Ryker into the dorm. “Jacob was walking me home” “I’m sure” Elise said putting an arm around Reigna’s shoulders and giving her a playful hug. She smiled at Jacob and he gave a small smile back. “Well, I think we should all meet up tomorrow!” Elise said enthusiastically. “I’m sure the guys have something better to do than meet up with us” Reigna said shaking Elise’s arm off am moving to refrigerator. “We could meet up for coffee?” Jacob suggested. “Yes!” Elise said moving beside Ryker and putting her arm around him. “Coffee sounds good right?” Ryker stood for a moment then realised that she was asking him. “Yeah, coffee sounds good” “Excellent!” Elise smiled. “Jacob and Reigna, myself and…” “Ulric” Ryker interrupted. Elise looked slightly confused for a moment before regaining herself. “Right. Jacob and Reigna, and myself and Ulric. Will we say tomorrow afternoon the little place just off campus?” “Sounds good” Jacob smiled. “Yeah. Sounds good” Ryker repeated. “It’s a date!” Elise said giving Ryker a peck on the cheek. With that she more or less pushed him out the door. “We will see you boys tomorrow” She smiled at both. With that she closed the door and turned to face Reigna. “Tell me everything!”

*

Ryker and Jacob stood in the hall of the dorm room and a silence hung in the air. “Jacob right?” Ryker said after a little while. “Yeah, Ulric was it?” he responded extending a hand. Ryker took the hand and shook and the two started walking towards the exit. “That means ruler of the wolf right?” Jacob asked as they were walking. “Yeah, wolf ruler” Ryker said slightly surprised. Not many people would know that. “It’s a good name” “Thanks”. The two stepped outside. It was still raining quite heavily and both men realised they were short on their jackets. “This is what being a gentleman gets you huh?” Jacob joked. “Yeah” Ryker said with a smile. “Guess I’ll see you tomorrow then” Ryker said after a little while. “Yeah, see you then” with that Jacob took off in the direction of his own dorm. Ryker stood for awhile considering his options. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his cigarettes. After lighting one he stepped out into the rain and made his way back to the frat house the party was being held. It had died down, and a lot of people had either gone home or passed out. Ryker went upstairs and found what seemed to be a small reading room. It had a few used cups and ashtrays about but otherwise was empty. Ryker pulled a few cushions off the couch and put them on the floor. Laying down he mulled over the past few days. He had managed to track down Reigna. Nearly hooked up with her best friend in her dorm, and then lied about who he was. He put his hand on his face rubbing his eyes and finally running his hand through his hair and letting rest behind his head. “What a mess” he thought to himself as he finally closed his eyes to fall asleep.

* * *

It was a bright sunny day as Ryker sat in the chair sipping on a cup of coffee and having a cigarette. He had slept through the night undisturbed and had even managed to grab a shower, ‘borrow’ some fresh clothes and eat some breakfast without anyone giving him a second look. It was only when Ryker left the frat house to make his way to the café that he realised he didn’t actually know where he was going. He thought of just going back to the girl’s apartment and walking with them but thought better of it. He had wandered around for awhile before he asked a group if they could direct him to the little place just of campus. They were happy to help and following their directions he found a little place. He wasn’t sure it was the right one but it was as good a place as any so he sat waiting for the others. Checking his watch he saw it was ten to twelve and figured he’s soon be relieved to find he was in the right place, or realise he was embarrassingly wrong. “Hey man” Ryker looked up to see Jacob standing there. He was glad to find he was in the right place. “Hey” Ryker said standing up and shaking his hand. “Good an early huh?” “Yeah, don’t like to keep people waiting” Ryker smiled. “No, especially two pretty women” They smiled at each other and sat opposite each other. A young woman came over and asked Jacob his order, then turned to Ryker and asked if he would like anything else. After she had gone the two guys sat in silence for a little while. “So, where you from?” Jacob asked. “Oh, Small town called Wolfden” Ryker answered. “You know it?” “Couple of hours away right?” “Yeah”. Silence. “Been here long?” Jacob asked making another attempt. “Not really” Ryker replied. “Got here the other day” “Oh?” “Yeah, decided to check out the campus to see if it was worth going to” He lied. “It’s a good place” Jacob offered. “Professors are good, people are nice” Ryker simply nodded.

Ryker breathed a sigh of relief. “Girls are coming” He said to Jacobs’s surprise. A few seconds later Elise’s voice could be heard laughing at something or another and then the two came into view. When they saw Ryker and Jacob Elise waved and shouted a hello. The two guys waved back and when the girls got closer they stood up to say hello.

 

(OOC: Not sure if this is how you would portray your characters. If you want to change anything go for it.)

“Had a good night thanks” Ryker said returning Elise’s hug. They were all seated when Reigna spoke. “Not at all” Jacob said putting an arm around Reigna. A waitress came over and took their order. The four of them sat and talked as the hours whiled away. The girls, mostly Elise filled Ryker in on all the gossip around the college. Late into the afternoon they decided they needed to have something to eat. Ryker and Jacob offered to take the girls out but they decided they would prefer to go back to their apartment and cook something.

“Give me a minute” Ryker said patting down his pockets looking for his cigarettes. “Must have left them back at the café” he stated mildly annoyed with himself.

“Here, have one of mine” Jacob offered opening up a metal container. He held his lighter in the other hand letting Ryker light it. Taking a pull Ryker inhaled it and immediately burst into a coughing fit. Lifting the rolled cigarette to his nose he sniffed it and turned his nose up at it. “Not sure what that is, but it’s not for me” he said handing the lit cigarette back to Jacob.

Jacob took it from him and was silent for a moment looking from the cigarette to Ryker. “No, it’s not for everyone” he said somewhat dryly.

Elise giggled at Ryker’s coughing fit and playfully slapped his arm. “Maybe it’s a sign you should quit” she said teasingly.

“Maybe” Ryker smiled to her. “I’ll be back in a second, just going to collect mine” he said turning around and heading back to the café.

“You probably shouldn’t be smoking that either” Reigna said to Jacob who seemed to have zoned out a little.

“Hmm.. What’s that?” he asked.

“You probably shouldn’t be smoking that stuff, especially with cops around” Reigna repeated pointing out a squad car that was park outside one of the apartment buildings.

Jacob grinned and let out a small laugh. “This isn’t weed”

Reigna looked slightly puzzled.

“It’s wolfs bane” Jacob said with a straight face.

The three stood there for a brief moment in silence when Jacob started laughing, Reigna joined in and started laughing harder when she saw the puzzled look on Elise’s face.

“What did I miss?” Ryker said rejoining the group.

“No idea” Elise said as both Jacob and Reigna collected themselves. “Come on” Elise said taking Ryker’s arm. “I’m hungry”.