Chapter 72: Replacement

Eton High had clubs just like every other school. There were a couple of students who had entered the Rugby club and had changed everything in the school. Although it was Sunday, they had a ‘special training’ to get ready for tomorrow’s match against Westbridge.

Out on the field there were two boys who stood in front of everyone rather than a teacher. They were tall, and had a small frame with both hands in their pockets. One had long red hair that was tied up in a ponytail and by his side was another teenager who looked almost identical to him. The only difference was that this one had short hair.

The long haired one gave his team instructions like a coach would until some students came running to the field. It was obvious that none of them were part of the Rugby club.

“Sren, Leng we dealt with those guys just as you asked, only Group 4 and 7 had problems.” One of the students reported.

“That’s good enough.” Sren, the short-haired brother replied with a yawn. “Since the rest of the groups completed this task it will be an easy win for us. Tomorrow’s going to be a cake walk, as usual.”

——

Waking up the next day, Gary had read the dreaded message, the one that he had been putting off for the longest time.

[The full moon is nearly upon you. Every fiber of your being is waiting in anticipation!]

[Current bonus: All Stats +3]

[Your bloodlust grows even further]

[1 day until the next full moon]

‘Damn it, I was hoping I actually wouldn’t get stronger. The more power I borrow from the moon the quicker my Energy goes down.’

Gary’s expulsion was finally over and he had prepared the apology letter for Steven and his family. Coincidentally, it was also the day of their big match. This was the reason why he had woken up extra early.

Gary started to feel the effect of his bloodlust, but fortunately catching a few rats was enough to satisfy his urge and hunger for the next few hours. He estimated that it should be enough to get him by until lunch, though he would most likely go out again instead of eating in.

In school, Gary and Tom were among the first ones who had arrived and Tom couldn’t help but be worried about his friend.

“I know I can’t stop you from playing, but I at least want you to promise to meet up with me afterwards, ok? We need to sort out your personal problem. If we can’t stop you from turning, at least we should try and hold you somewhere where you won’t be able to hurt anybody.” Tom shared his plan. “I’ve done a lot of research and there are quite a few people that you might end up going for.”

“The most likely candidates are me as your best friend, your family members as well as just the first person you might see, so we need to try and stop all of that.”

Gary was pretty sure that there was a good chance that he would go for someone else entirely. Since he hadn’t bothered to try and get rid of the Mark from Gil, he was the only hunting target left. Ever since he had seen what he had done to the old man the other day, Gary was coming more and more around to the idea that if anyone was to die, he wouldn’t feel too horrible if it was scum like him.

In a way, he wouldn’t be doing it himself either. It was his Werewolf self, so he wouldn’t even feel like he was the one that killed him.

“Last chance to change your mind. Are you sure you should be playing today, especially with the full moon around the corner?” Tom asked, not hoping for much.

“I keep telling you, I’m fine, man. Have you seen me attack anyone?”

“You haven’t exactly been to school, so who knows what you’ve been up to.” Tom argued. “There are plenty of annoying people in school that you might attack and it might be worse when you’re out there on the rugby field. Fine… I’ll stop nagging.” Tom could see the look on Gary’s face, he wasn’t going to give up.

At lunch, the Rugby team was given permission to skip the whole afternoon lessons to go through some plans for this evening’s match. The whole school was also invited to watch, mostly due to Mr Root promising Headmistress Young results.

When the Rugby club went out on the field there was something quite noticeable straight away. Gary could smell it as soon as he arrived.

‘I’ve smelt this before…’

It was only when he saw the conditions of the others that he realised that everyone was injured in some way.

Mr Root was pacing backwards and forwards biting his fingernails.

“How could this happen? You’re telling me that they’ve actually gone so far as to attack all of you?!”

Some students had gotten lucky, running away and making a break for it while their friends had taken a beating, others seemed to have been let off easily. They had still been injured but not to the point that they required medical attention. Still, it would take them a week or so to heal naturally.

“Hey, do you think what happened to us, happened to all of them as well?” Innu asked.

Mr Root, then let out a big sigh shaking his head.

“Goddamnit, letting you out on the field will do nothing but add insult to injury. There’s just one choice left. Benchwarmers, I’ll need you all to fill in the positions of the regulars! Get ready everyone because we will be playing tonight!”

Tom was pointing at himself, because it took him a moment to process what this meant.

“I’m going to get killed.” Tom gulped.

“Don’t worry.” Gary placed his hand on his shoulder. “I’ll protect you.”

Although they were meant to be words of comfort, it just made Tom worry even more.

——

This evening, everyone had gotten into their uniform. It would be an interesting match to say the least. However, one student in particular felt a growing migraine come up.

[9 hours left until the next full moon]