The Altered Fighting Academy was a place where the most talented Altered trained in order to join the AFC, the Altered Fighting Championship. The first thing that came to mind when he saw that card was Xin’s image. That school was the reason why she had left Westbridge. Shaking his head, though, he had to deal with the matter at hand.
“What do you mean? You want me to quit the gang and join the AFA instead?” Gary asked.
“That pretty much sums it up.” Austin nodded.
“We all talked about this, and you’ve already done so much for the gang. Without you, we wouldn’t have made it this far, but we should be fine for now. All of us want you to be happy and do your own thing.” Marie added, though Gary sensed a hint of sadness when she said it.
“So we thought of a way you could enjoy your life, while also still helping out the Howlers. Tom told me all about how the two of you have been obsessed with the AFC since you were little. Joining it should be a dream come true for you, right? And it’s not like you don’t have the ‘skills’.” Innu gave him a wink and a thumbs up.
“Think about it, once you become a star in the AFC, you’ll have a believable story to tell your family how you earn all your money without dragging them into any kind of gang business. There is also a lot of information that you can find out that might help the Howlers continue to grow, like most of your peers will probably be secretly related to the gangs from the other towns and cities.
“And now that we’re the local powerhouse, the Howlers can even act as your sponsors and support you. That way, all of us will benefit. Becoming a successful Altered fighter is the perfect way for you to solve your personal problems while helping the gang.” Kai explained.
Gary fell silent as he considered the option his friends presented him with. He had already composed himself to leave Westbridge, and attending the AFA wasn’t a bad thing, especially since there was one person he was dying to see. He would just have to inform Tom about it, yet he had a feeling his best friend would most likely also support the idea.
Still, there were a few problems, and Gary clenched his fists as he considered.
“You know Kai, I'm not exactly a… you know, how can I join the AFA?” Gary asked. He remembered when the White Rose had called him out to test his blood, confirming he wasn't an Altered, at least in the common sense.
Kai smiled. “You’re worrying about the wrong things. Most Altered your age can't even control their transformations until they get properly trained. Those are the ones who need to get their blood tested to prove their Altered status. You, on the other hand, can just transform. Do you seriously think anybody will bother with any other test once they see it?”
Now, Gary was picturing himself. Since he knew that he was actually a Werewolf, he had only briefly thought about becoming an Altered fighter. Not that he had much of a chance to entertain that idea, until recently he had other problems in his life, yet the most problematic ones had already been taken care of.
“Wait, there are still other things. What are you gonna do about those other small-time gangs, Slough’s mayor, my sister, and don’t forget that there’s that thing I need you and Olivia’s help with in a few days.” Gary argued, looking towards the Beta Werewolves because it was nearly time for the full mooon.
“You should let us worry about those things.” Innu claimed. “We aren't completely useless without you, Gary. We can handle ourselves. In fact, Olivia brought over some Anti-Altered weapons, and Kai also stated he had something to show us.
“The mayor will be no problem, and honestly I want to say something. You will and always will be the leader of the Howlers in my eyes. Nothing will change that, and if we really need your help, it's not like we can't send someone over to come pick you up.”
“Innu’s correct.” Austin added. “We just want you to enjoy your life. Unlike us, you weren't involved in this gang business before. We were already planning to live this type of life, but the same isn't true for you. However, you’re the Howlers’ leader, if you need help and were to call on us, no matter how big or small we have gotten, you can be sure that we’ll come over to help you.”
The atmosphere seemed to be the same around the room, even for Marie who had been close to Kai. Gary had saved her when she had been kidnapped, though he had in fact ended up saving all their lives after the twins had transformed into those abominations.
“We will look after your sister. We did a good job so far, and I'm sure she will understand as well. We can get her a new place, and have her under watch.” Kai revealed. “I have a plan what to do with her so she won’t snoop around on her own, and as for the other stuff, it’s not like you’ll be gone tomorrow. We still have some time for you to show us the ways before you go off.”
Gary could tell how much thought they had put into this decision, and he could feel his eyes tearing up. The people in front of him were some of the most selfless people he had ever met. The teenager was aware that they must have all known his secret by now, at least they thought they knew everything and yet none of them was asking him questions about it, not even about his past with the Underdogs… or how he had become what he was.
No, they were all just planning to move forward, and all of them wanted him to do it in a way that would make him happy first, and put the gang second.
“Thank you everyone, if everyone really thinks this way, then how could I say no? I'll make sure to join the AFA and become a champion of the AFC in record time!” Gary claimed to be pumping his fist. “If you guys don't mind, I’d like to talk with Kai and Olivia about ‘that thing’. We’ll join you guys for a couple of pool games in a bit.”
The others didn't ask any questions and simply left the room, leaving the three Werewolves to themselves.
“While I'm away, I guess it will be your job to look after them.” Gary stated as he approached Kai. “I would hate for something to happen to any of you, when I’m gone, so I should do everything in my power to at least give you the strength to help them. Head’s up, according to Olivia, this might hurt like hell.”
Opening the system, Gary selected the Beta Werewolf and assigned him the Pawn Points he needed to advance.
[Congratulations, one of your Beta Werewolves (Kyle Hamper) has been upgraded to Knight Grade]
[You may now select his class]
[Hidden conditions have been fulfilled, Special Class available]
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