I am moving and continuing my Wyrd Girls story from What Happened In Your Game Today? over here to Creative Corner. I plan to repost and possibly expand the existing story here and, of course, continue it. - L
The Wyrd Girls
Gwen https://i.imgur.com/XavjqDx.png Gwenivar Silveroak-Goth Age: Young Adult (Immortal) Traits: Childish, Erratic, Loves Outdoors Parents: Arianrhod Silveroak (mother, deceased), Doug Brown (adopted father), Lillian Brown (adopted mother) Romances: Cassanrda Goth (wife) Children: Miranda Goth
Cassie https://i.imgur.com/oEskWEz.png Cassandra Goth Age: Young Adult (Immortal) Traits: Creative, Gloomy, Music Lover Parents: Mortimer Goth (father), Victoria Goth (mother, deceased), Bella Goth (stepmother) Siblings: Alexander "Xander" Goth (brother) Romances: Gwen Silveroak (wife), Don Lothario (complicated) Children: Miranda Silveroak-Goth (daughter)
Miranda https://i.imgur.com/xffY1N4.png Miranda Silveroak-Goth Age: Teen Traits: Creative, Good Parents: Cassandra Goth (mother), Gwen Silveroak-Goth (mother), Don Lothario (father)
It had been an eventful day, Miranda thought. Despite her initial worries, this seemed to be nice, quiet place where she could rest for a while. She headed for her new room, looking forward to a good nights sleep in a real bed. https://i.imgur.com/sCRJhQ6.png
The Volkov's seemed like decent people. Maybe a bit "aging hippy" but that was OK...
...nothing to worry about. https://i.imgur.com/nMcGz1U.png
The Moonwood Collective gathered once again... https://i.imgur.com/7NJoFYC.png
...and howled together at the bright, full moon. https://i.imgur.com/m0NBBF0.png
Miranda woke, startled by the noise. She didn't remember the Volkovs having dogs. More curious than anything, she stuck her head out to see what was going on.
Maybe it was her scent... so strange and intoxicating, like nothing he'd ever known before... or maybe it was just that she was in her underwear but suddenly Jake couldn't seem to remember how sentences worked. https://i.imgur.com/3GaKgSC.png
Whatever the reason, his first serious attempt at werewolf diplomacy was a complete failure.
"Werewolves!" Miranda said. "I finally find 'where I need to be' and you're a bunch of werewolves! Like I don't have enough to deal with in my life!" https://i.imgur.com/X1l0RM0.png
Later, and a bit calmer, Miranda sat down with Kristopher.
"I'm sorry we didn't give you more of a warning," he said. "We didn't want to overwhelm you... and I admit, in hindsight, that was a mistake." https://i.imgur.com/3unUZc4.png
"Everything we told you is true... the Moonwood Collective is dedicated to self-sufficiency and peace. We offer a place to those who are lost and displaced, like you. We also happen to be werewolves." https://i.imgur.com/sRBecPH.png
"OK... I'm sorry I freaked out," Miranda said to Jake later. "Werewolves... well, I guess that makes a kind of sense. Maybe this is really is where I need to be right now." https://i.imgur.com/jOZMGiO.png
Miranda soon discovered that life among werewolves was surprisingly normal, once you overlooked the scratched up furniture (and walls). https://i.imgur.com/jr2X4JR.png
Jake, she learned, played guitar. The first time Miranda found him trying to pluck his way through a Cassie Goth tune, she couldn't help be smile.
"You like Cassie's music?" he asked.
"Ummm... it's OK," Miranda tried for nonchalant. She hadn't mentioned her last name, and no one had pressed on the point. https://i.imgur.com/QhIj3tl.png
"Do you play?" Jake asked.
"Not guitar, but I was studying violin," she admitted.
The next day, Jake presented her with an old violin for her to practice on. He said he'd gotten from another member of the Collective. https://i.imgur.com/2WFDyYE.png
Summer was here, so school wasn't a problem. Still spending time with Wolfgang, the town librarian, was educational (whether she wanted it to be or not). Miranda learned a bit about the history of Moonwood Mill and the werewolf community. https://i.imgur.com/RbVn0I3.png
Better yet, Jake introduced her to his friends. It was great to spend time with people her own age again. https://i.imgur.com/Al7CpCb.png
Nick was Jake's closest friend... https://i.imgur.com/HsUGfhF.png
... and Miranda found that he was as funny and charming now as he had been the first day they met in the library. https://i.imgur.com/51D9jxL.png
Beth, Nick's twin sister, was almost as close to him as Nick. They were always horsing around... https://i.imgur.com/jKTBZ6O.png
...Miranda was just happy to have another girl to talk to. https://i.imgur.com/kmj7BID.png
Spending time with Jake, Nick and Beth was fun. Miranda was happy to just hang out, enjoy herself and not worry about monsters for a little while. https://i.imgur.com/Ipd2CfU.png
A quick dip with everyone in the lake was a great way to spend the day. https://i.imgur.com/WwRiHbU.png
Looking back, Miranda was pretty sure everything started to get really complicated a few days after the full moon. (Though, really, when your life involves hiding out with a pack of werewolves, in an effort to escape from the vampires who attacked your family of witches, "really complicated" is a matter of perspective. - L)
Despite Miranda's insistence that Kristopher had explained everything and Jake shouldn't worry about what happened on the night of the full moon, he was still acting really sulky about frightening her.
To be fair, she couldn't honestly bring herself to say that she hadn't been freaked out... https://i.imgur.com/5OuJE2o.png
She was still a little freaked out about the whole werewolf thing but, really, she was dealing with it. He didn't need to feel guilty about being who he was.
"I just don't want you to think we're monsters," Jake said sadly. "I don't want you to be afraid of us... of me."
"Really," Miranda smiled. "It's OK. I like you, Jake." https://i.imgur.com/wXEcvHr.png
Woah, Miranda thought. That was unexpected! https://i.imgur.com/BttVlL5.png
After that, things were a little awkward... https://i.imgur.com/M1vXpOG.png
He really liked Miranda. She was beautiful and funny and there was something intoxicating about her scent that made it hard to think around her... https://i.imgur.com/5OYuCZQ.png
... but what about Beth. She was one of his best friends but lately he'd felt strangely drawn to her... almost pulled, like the pull of the moon. https://i.imgur.com/eUrNHkN.png
But she was Beth! She was Nick's sister... and he and Nick were buds! Maybe he should talk to Nick... but he couldn't talk to him about Beth! And he couldn't talk about Miranda because he was afraid if he did, he'd end up talking about Beth too. No, better not to say anything. https://i.imgur.com/S61gdem.png
Nick wasn't confused at all. He very clear on the fact that Miranda was hot and he wanted to get to know her better. https://i.imgur.com/XrvjYPm.png
Miranda though Nick was funny and charming. When he suggested going down to the lake for a swim, she thought it would be fun. https://i.imgur.com/DLGnPF3.png
... and it was. Laughing and splashing in the water. https://i.imgur.com/6Yci7A7.png
Woah! Kissing! ... and Hands! Hands! That's my butt! Maybe I need to find a swimsuit my size, the tiny rational part of Miranda's mind suggested, and stop swimming in my underwear. https://i.imgur.com/ecaKfT1.png
"Oh Lily, what am I going to do?" Miranda sobbed. "I mean... Jake is a friend and he's nice... and I think he's cute, but we should just be friends... and then he's kissing me! And Nick is like, his best friend, and Beth's brother... but he's all funny and charming. We should all be friends... and then he's kissing me! ... and what is it about grabbing my butt? ... I don't want to lead them on... but I really like them both... and their werewolves! Let's not forget that! Oh, what am I going to do?" https://i.imgur.com/nMp0LQT.png
Lily's response wasn't exactly what Miranda was expecting. https://i.imgur.com/RLufbcj.png
"Oh, deary, I do like you," Lily laughed. "but I'm afraid you kids are going to have to work this one out on your own... but think about this (if you can) - what's really important?"
Beth was tense. The full moon was rising tonight, and she was worried. Nick had had first change on the last moon but, unlike her twin, Beth hadn't. She knew her father loved her, but she worried about disappointing him by not carrying the legacy of the wolf. Her skin felt too tight.
It was Nick's idea to call Jake and Miranda over and head down to the lake. To distract her, he said. Right Nick. No other motives at all. https://i.imgur.com/2ku5Z5e.png
A new scent caught her attention. "Miranda?" Beth turned. "What are you doing here?" https://i.imgur.com/N7dwkGU.png
"I wanted to see if you were OK," Miranda said. "Nick said you were going up here last night and I thought you might come back when... when you were done. How... I mean... what is it like."
"It's terrifying... and thrilling," Beth said. "Wonderful and horrible and just amazing. I feel... like myself. Really myself, for the first time." https://i.imgur.com/lU1QabF.png
"Thank you," Beth added. "For coming up to check on me."
"Hey, what are friends for?" Miranda smiled. https://i.imgur.com/IRruANR.png
He hadn't known then why she insisted on inviting Don. After all, the creep had left his sister at the alter, pregnant! Still, Cassandra had said she was OK with him being there. It had been years go and Don was a part of Miranda's life. https://i.imgur.com/ddgggjt.png
But why invite him at all? They were just co-workers, after all. Elsa barely knew him. https://i.imgur.com/5srRZGt.png
After the wedding, things seemed OK. https://i.imgur.com/Gm22IIf.png
It was late, but the sounds of life still thrummed in the surrounding apartments. It didn't matter to him. No one would interrupt... and the locked door was no barrier at all. https://i.imgur.com/PGyR0D9.png
"Vladislaus, my old friend," Jacques smiled. "Join me... not that I expect you want a hot dog." https://i.imgur.com/xXBSwd2.png
"Should you really be eating those... things, my lad" Vlad asked.
"I'm an old man now, Vlad. One more hot dog isn't going to kill me," Jacques shrugged. https://i.imgur.com/AisoIMU.png
"You know you only ever had to ask, my lad," Vlad said quietly.
"Immortality... fah," Jacques smiled. https://i.imgur.com/31ZqcIX.png
"What do I want with immortality?" he continued. "I've lived, Vlad. Oh, let's not call it a good life... we can be honest tonight, you and I... I am a liar, a thief and a murderer. Still, the police can't touch me. The Families respect me. I have all the money I might want. I have a family... two sons to carry my name and a daughter who has surpassed them both! I have a grandchild. That... that is my immortality!" https://i.imgur.com/6mKaJQM.png
"By the way, I know you've taken my young Max under your wing," Jacques added. "I would ask you to leave him alone, but I'm sure you've seen a use for him. So, I know you'd just lie and take him anyway."
"My dear lad..." Vlad started.
"Be honest, old man," Jacques laughed. "Just for tonight, be honest with me." https://i.imgur.com/AisoIMU.png
"Now, I know you've started to move," Jacques said. "Max is rising in the Organization... under your guidance. Once I'm gone, only the Landgraabs will stand between you and control over the Families. I'm sure you have a plan for them already. You've killed Cassandra Goth and the Silveroak girl... best not let Mortimer learn about that."
"Mortimer doesn't worry me," Vlad said.
"Your people have even gotten rid of that meddlesome reporter, Kim-Lewis," Jacques nodded knowingly. https://i.imgur.com/asQk49I.png
"You're almost ready... but remember, old man, people aren't just pieces on the chess board even for you. Something out there may surprise you yet" https://i.imgur.com/1euxCRv.png
"Probably something you least expect." https://i.imgur.com/7NJoFYC.png
"Good night, old man," Jacques said. "Maybe we'll talk again before it's over." https://i.imgur.com/KzD4KpL.png
"Then you'll transfer the funds from the corporate account to the ones I had you set up for me," Max said confidently. "Simple." https://i.imgur.com/jRN54iF.png
Every year, after the first full moon of summer, Jake, Nick and Beth would go and camp out on Prowler's Patch. When they were kids, Kristopher or Daniel, Nick and Beth's father, had gone with them but as they got older, they had gone on their own. Whatever else might be happening in the world, after the full moon, they headed out to Prowler's Patch. There was no question that Miranda was invited too. Beth was happy to not be out numbered by the boys at last. https://i.imgur.com/BuYsJmO.png
Miranda was surprised how easily they all settled into camping out. It wasn't something she'd even done with mom and Gwen, and a week on the run, sleeping where ever she could had been a very different experience. The days were pleasant...
Even in the few weeks she'd lived in Moonwood Mill, Beth had become her best friend... https://i.imgur.com/Eyt7rrv.png
...and it was obvious Beth had feelings for Jake. https://i.imgur.com/przv7pE.png
Miranda's out feelings were just confusing. She really liked Jake but she was also attracted to Nick, when he wasn't trying too hard... and she really enjoyed kissing either of them. It wasn't fair! https://i.imgur.com/jwFQi8y.png
What had Lily said... think about what's really important. What could be more important than friends? https://i.imgur.com/zsU5vju.png
... not everyone was thrilled, however. https://i.imgur.com/UcPAJ04.png
"Dude!" Nick shouted. "What are you doing!?! That's my sister!"
"Right," Beth shook her head. "I'm outta here. You boys do your boy thing." https://i.imgur.com/JvUTquX.png
As Nick ranted at him, Jake could smell a shift in the air. This wasn't just a fright between friends... this was a challenge between wolves. He could feel the fury rising in them both. The Wolf was calling him to change, to rip into his rival and force him to submit. Jake was leader of this pack!
His father had taught him what a leader should do.
He talked Nick down... talked them both down. He explained how he felt about Beth but also how much his friendship with Nick meant to him. He made it perfectly clear, he didn't want to lose either one them... https://i.imgur.com/cR39Dpm.png
...but he couldn't deny his feelings for Beth. He would be good to her. Jake added that Nick would be free to kick his butt if he wasn't. https://i.imgur.com/M2SH6ed.png
"So... I guess it's you and me then," Nick grinned. https://i.imgur.com/vKxc1iR.png
It had been a horrible summer - in which he had lost his marriage, his sister and her family and his best friend Olivia. As friends of the family, his parents had come to Olivia's memorial. Afterward, the conversation had naturally turned to Cassie. The authorities still hadn't found Cassie and Gwen's bodies, but everyone was certain they were gone. https://i.imgur.com/l5LdHZ7.png
Dad said he was still "searching for Cassandra's spirit" but Xander insisted he needed to let it go. He wanted Dad to let of the whole macabre "medium" thing. It made great novels but this was real life, and in real life there were no ghosts, no magic, no dark powers. Dad didn't want to hear it, but somehow it made Xander feel better to have said it. https://i.imgur.com/VhNdjr0.png
Miranda was still missing, which made it harder, but after the service and the fight with his dad Xander felt he had at least some closure. https://i.imgur.com/dzYTbyw.png
He was making a fresh start. He had a new place, new neighbors and the Talos project was going well. https://i.imgur.com/Yi7gfL3.png
The next full moon was approaching, and a quick stop to use the facilities in the library was in order. It puzzled Miranda a bit, that a library would have showers, but she was more than willing to embrace the availability of hot running water without too many questions. https://i.imgur.com/AnVIl3F.png
As everyone took turns in the showers, Miranda embraced another aspect of civilization she missed - the internet. She felt like she'd been cut off from the outside world forever and it was high time she caught up on the latest news and gossip. https://i.imgur.com/GuzUAvw.png
She didn't know why, but her eyes were drawn to the headline about the death of reporter Olivia Kim-Lewis. Miranda had a vague memory of a tall woman with rich brown skin - a friend on Uncle Xander - who she's met years ago at his wedding. More clearly, she remember mom and Gwen occasionally pointing out articles she'd written. It seemed to Miranda that the reporters name ought to be read as Oliva Kim-Lewis-You-Met-Her-At-Uncle-Xander's-Wedding.
Now she was dead? The article didn't say much. She'd been attacked in her apartment. Police were questioning several persons-of-interest. Speculation about her being killed because of a story. Rumors of a mysterious circumstances around cause of death. There was nothing. Nothing that explained the pure certainty that blossomed in Miranda's mind - Olivia Kim-Lewis-You-Met-Her-At-Uncle-Xander's-Wedding had been killed by vampires. https://i.imgur.com/asQk49I.png
With that knowledge came another thought. It was time to stop hiding from everyone.
The Moonwood Collective, Kristopher's pack, was gathering for the full moon. Jake, Nick and Beth were going. Miranda had planned to spend the night safely locked in her room and then join them back at the campsite the next day. Instead, she was walking into a secluded grove soon to full to raging werewolves. https://i.imgur.com/vQRW4ST.png
Worse, she was asking Kristopher for permission to address the pack.
Beth, at least, was being encouraging even though none of her friends had any idea what Miranda wanted to say to everyone. https://i.imgur.com/DjYDLiu.png
Miranda faced the pack... https://i.imgur.com/uuxetM2.png
"Umm... I'm Miranda. I... you've all met me. You welcomed me into your community... Kristopher, into your home... even though you didn't know me. I was just some runaway girl... umm... lost and needing a safe place to sleep. You gave me that and so much more... and... and I'm really grateful! You didn't have to do that... you didn't know me. You don't know me. https://i.imgur.com/YDqhfjy.png
"My name is Miranda Silveroak-Goth. I'm a witch... and I didn't just run away from home. My family... my family was attacked. By vampires! They came to our home. They attacked my moms. I heard them and I knew... I just knew I had to get out. To get away. More than that, I knew I wasn't just running away... I was was running to somewhere. I was running here. https://i.imgur.com/uLOe4nm.png
"I needed to come here... because I need your help. We need your help. Something is happening. The vampires didn't attack us at random. I think... I know they came for my moms that night because they wanted us out of the way... but they failed. I survived.. and I know my moms did too... and we need your help." https://i.imgur.com/j2eMaNI.png
"What help do you want from us?" Kristopher asked. "You should know us well enough to know that the Moonwood Collective are not warriors. We value peace and community."
"No, I know that," Miranda said, "but the Moonwood Collective does provide a safe place. More than that, you're dedicated to a building a community were everyone, mortals, werewolves and witches... and maybe even some vampires too... can be together and understand each other. But these vampires don't value that. They want to tear down what you want to build. Do the things you value - peace and community - really only matter in Moonwood Mill? Or are they worth standing up for?" https://i.imgur.com/MzJYkfA.png
"I'm not asking you to fight," Miranda finished, drained. "I'm asking you to help."
"OK, Miranda Silveroak-Goth," Kristopher extended his hand,"Friend of the Collective. We'll help you." https://i.imgur.com/FPTICnl.png
"Did I do the right thing, Jake?" Miranda asked the next morning. "I meant it... I don't want you to fight but... it could be dangerous." https://i.imgur.com/5yKQ6M3.png
