Part 2
Thursday, Spring
The Full Moon was fast approaching, and Ophelia could feel its spirit in her muscles. She felt stronger than normal and broke multiple appliances, including the cooker when she was making breakfast. Ophelia had to settle for a fruit salad, instead.
After breakfast, Ophelia broke out the Word Processor she was given as part of her promotion. She could finally work on her Writing from home. Unfortunately, Paolo felt the need to stand in the study, singing his heart out...terribly. Nevertheless, Ophelia managed to reach level 2 in Writing.
Around lunchtime, Kristopher knocked on the door and Ophelia invited him in. She sought some advice about how to prepare for the coming Full Moon.
Kristopher: Hey, just came to check up on how you're doing. You must be quite nervous for the inevitable transformation tonight.
Ophelia: Yes, I am. I don't want to hurt people by accident.
Kristopher: The first transformation is always rough, but it's a good way to learn about the beast. You might not remember what happened, though.
Ophelia: Oh, that sounds awful...
Kristopher: The best thing you can do is relax for today. Try not to stress too much.
Ophelia: Good thing I have the day off, I suppose.
Kristopher: That's good. Have you got any plans?
Ophelia: I might do some volunteering, help those in need.
Kristopher: Wonderful!
After Kristopher left, Ophelia followed up on her word and volunteered at a soup kitchen. The happiness of the people she helped distracted her from the looming fear of the Full Moon.
Ophelia spent the rest of the afternoon reading a book she was mailed by the Collective. It was an interesting read, with some helpful insights on lycanthropy.
But alas, the Full Moon arrived and Ophelia's beast came out in full force.
She spent the night smashing furniture, scavenging through the landscape, and doing zoomies around the neighbourhood. These shenanigans helped her level up to Runt.
Friday, Spring (Egg Day)
At the crack of dawn, Ophelia returned to her normal self, not quite sure where she was or how she got there.
Her body ached greatly, and she soon grew worrisome.
Whatever she did, Ophelia received a notice from the Collective about being undiplomatic. Did she hurt someone? She went home to hide under the covers, afraid to show her face to the world.
After a while, Ophelia emerged from her bed. She knew she couldn't hide forever, and it would be in her best interest to see the damage she might have caused. She headed to her safe space - the Collective's tree.
Ophelia: Did...did I do something wrong? I got a notice from you.
Kristopher: We received reports of you running around the neighbourhood last night, causing a stir. It's nothing personal, but we need to maintain a good image.
Ophelia: But I had no control. I can't even remember what happened.
Kristopher: Look, it was just a warning. You just need put in some effort fostering good relationships in the community, to undo the damage.
With that, Kristopher exited the conversation. Ophelia didn't know how to feel. Wolfgang saw her looking glum and decided to cheer her up a little.
Wolfgang: Hey, you look like you could do with some wolf snacks. It's not much but it might help you to not bite people.
Ophelia: Thank you...
Jacob: Don't let what my dad said get to you. He's just looking out for the Collective.
Ophelia decided she needed some fresh air, away from the Collective. She went for a leisurely stroll and intercepted the Flower Bunny. They were just the comfort Ophelia needed.
Ophelia: Oh my, this is amazing! Thank you for the flowers!
Flower Bunny jumps up and down, gleefully.
Ophelia: Can you not speak?
Flower Bunny shakes their head.
Ophelia: Would you be willing to listen to me rant? Sorry if this is random...
Flower Bunny nods their head.
Ophelia: Okay, thank you. I just need to get some things off my chest. Don't be alarmed, but I am a Werewolf, and last night was my first Full Moon. I can't remember any of it, but I think I might have done something bad.
Flower Bunny looks confused.
Ophelia: I'm confused, too. I don't know if I can do this Werewolf thing...
Flower Bunny puts their arms out, offering a hug.
Ophelia: Oh...sure, I could do with a hug.
After airing her grievances, Ophelia continued her walk, passing by the Wildfangs' hangout. Lou noticed her.
Lou: I saw you out and about last night. It was really cute seeing you doing the zoomies.
Ophelia: What?
Lou: The zoomies, like what pets do.
Ophelia: Werewolves do that?
Lou: Yep! It's a good workout, too. Not that you need it, of course.
Ophelia: Thanks? Anyway, how are you able to do that? Be in your Werewolf form like it's nothing?
Lou: It's something you have to master, but even I lose control sometimes.
Ophelia: Does it not stop you from making friends?
Lou: I don't really care about that. You're either cool with me both ways, or not at all.
Suddenly, Ophelia felt a warm, fuzzy feeling inside her. The aches of last night's transformation faded away instantly, and it was as if her body was being pulled in by Lou with an invisible lasso, like they were bound together. Were they Fated Mates?
(Basically, Lou autonomously flirted with Ophelia, so this happened)
Lou: You feel that too, right?
Ophelia: How can this be...
Lou: I think...we're meant to be together.
This twist of fate reminded Ophelia of Romeo & Juliet. How can her one true love be a Wildfang, of all Werewolves? She barely knew Lou, and didn't even know what he looked like outside of his beast form.
Ophelia: How do you know?
Lou: It's like a spark I have never felt before, and I have had a fair few girlfriends.
Overhearing the conversation, Rory approached the two with a sly grin on her face.
Rory: You can't make this shit up. The new, shining beacon of the Collective is the Fated Mate of Lou? Ha!
Ophelia had never seen Rory in her human form before.
Lou: Hey, this isn't a joke, Rory. This is some serious stuff.
Rory: It's bullshit is what it is. Who's to decide who you're supposed to love?
Ophelia: The moon decides, according to legend.
Rory: Is that so? Guess I learn new things every day.
Ophelia: Well, I have to go...
Maybe Rory was right about Fated Mates being more of a myth than a truth. Ophelia didn't know where else to go for support, so she headed back to the Collective in search for Lily's wisdom. At least Ophelia had forgotten all about the notice she had received earlier that morning.
Ophelia: Is Lily around? I need to speak to her.
Wolfgang: No, she just left. Why, what's wrong?
Ophelia: I...how do you know when someone is your Fated Mate? Is that actually a real thing?
Wolfgang: Of course it is real. You can't anticipate it, you just feel that connection with a fellow Werewolf. It's quite common to find your Fated Mate after your first Full Moon experience.
Ophelia: What if I don't want to be with my Fated Mate?
Wolfgang: You can try to fight it, but destiny finds a way.
Ophelia: Ugh! I don't know if I want to be a Werewolf anymore...
Wolfgang: Hey, take some deep breaths, okay? It's normal to feel this way.
After some breathing exercises with Wolfgang, Ophelia went home to relax a little. Eventually, Lily came knocking, presumably due to Wolfgang telling her about Ophelia's frustration.
Ophelia: I don't know who else I can talk to about this, so that's why I wanted to see you.
Lily: What's bothering you, dear?
Ophelia: I think I found out who my Fated Mate is.
Lily: Congratulations, how exciting!
Ophelia: I don't know if it is exciting...
Lily: How come?
Ophelia: He seems like a nice guy, but...we are very different to each other.
Lily: You probably have more in common than you think.
Ophelia: He's a Wildfang, though.
Lily: There's nothing wrong with having different ideals.
Ophelia: Yes but...I don't think Kristopher will be happy.
Lily: He will understand. You can't ignore fate. Perhaps you will be the reason the two packs set aside their differences?
Ophelia: That seems like a lot of pressure I can't handle right now...
Lily: Oh honey, we've all been there. Being a young Werewolf is tough, but you will get through it.
Many conflicting thoughts were racing through Ophelia's mind. Should she accept fate, or try to fight it? Ophelia clung to the idea that it was all a bunch of malarkey, anyway.
To distract herself, Ophelia visited the Grimtooth Bar. Maybe a couple of drinks would ease her up a bit.
Celene: Tough day?
Ophelia: Yes...
Celene: I noticed you in your other form last night. Was it your first Full Moon?
Ophelia: I don't really want to talk about it.
Celene: No problem, but if you ever want a cure, hit me up.
Ophelia: Thanks.
Being surrounded by Werewolves in their beast form, and hearing Celene talk about the Full Moon, made Ophelia queasy. She gulped down her drink and headed to the bunker, where she found that grumpy man she met the other day.
Chase: Can't I just be alone down here?
Ophelia: Well, I want to be alone, too...
Chase: I thought you were the social type? You pestered me the other day.
Ophelia: Yes, well, I haven't had a good day.
Chase: Join the fucking club. Do you know how much furniture I ruined last night? Now I have to waste money I don't have on new things.
Ophelia: Same here. All my plumbing is broken.
Chase: There should be a grant or something for us. We can't help it.
Ophelia: That would be nice...
Chase: You'd think those Collective guys would help, but nope. They don't care about us new guys, they just want us to not break things or scare people.
Ophelia: You make some good points, uh...what is your name?
Chase: Chase.
Ophelia: Well, you make good points, Chase. Perhaps I could bring it up to the Collective...when they like me a bit more.
Chase: You're a member of them?
Ophelia: Yes, only barely. Last night caused a bit of friction...
Chase: Pricks.
Ophelia: Oh...are you a Wildfang?
Chase: No, I don't care about being part of a stupid pack. I do my own thing, fuck rules.
Ophelia: So you're like a lone wolf?
Chase: You got it.
Perhaps Chase was the man for Ophelia, or so her tipsy thoughts told her.
Ophelia: You seem like a decent guy, Chase. Minus the cursing...
Chase: I say what I want, if you don't like it then you can fuck off.
Ophelia: Oh, no, I can suck it up.
Ophelia: Well, I am Ophelia, it's nice to meet you.
Chase: Whatever.
Ophelia: So, um...tell me a bit about yourself.
Chase: Huh?
Ophelia: You know, like what do you like to do?
Chase: I like to listen to music.
Ophelia: Yes, er, so do I. Do you work?
Chase: I am self-employed.
Ophelia: Cool. Doing what?
Chase: Painting and crafting.
Ophelia: Oh, that's awesome! I love creative people. I am a writer myself.
Chase: Maybe you can help me with some songs.
Ophelia: Sure, I would love to. Does that mean you play an instrument, or something?
Chase: I play guitar. But I am bad with lyrics. I just pick up the guitar and pluck out my feelings.
Ophelia: I'd love to hear you play sometime.
Chase: Right.
Chase was not used to socialising this much, and so he quickly grew exhausted from it. He decided to go home and then Ophelia headed back upstairs for another drink. At the bar, she could sense a Vampire in the vicinity. Due to the alcohol in her system, she didn't feel scared.
Ophelia: Say, Mr Vampire, what are you doing here?
Caleb: Well, there isn't really a bar for Vampires...
Ophelia: That sucks, but is not scary to be around a bunch of Werewolves?
Caleb: I wouldn't say scary. Some of you Werewolf folks aren't bad, you know.
Ophelia got up to talk to the Vampire more.
Ophelia: That's strange, because I am quite scared of you guys, not going to lie.
Caleb: That's understandable. But we aren't all like Vlad.
Ophelia: Vlad? Who's that?
Caleb: Oh, you haven't heard about him? He's a Grand Master Vampire.
Ophelia: Oh, now that is terrifying.
Caleb: Yeah, even I feel uneasy around him.
Caleb: But I don't want to be like Vlad. I want to be a good Vampire.
Ophelia: And I want to be a good Werewolf.
Caleb: Oh, so we're quite similar, then.
Ophelia felt a weird sense of attraction to the Vampire, but it was probably the drink talking.
Ophelia: Maybe we should hang out some time...I could do with some non-Werewolf buddies.
Caleb: Sure, I'd be up for that.
The two exchanged numbers, and then Ophelia decided to call it a night. She had a lot of fun at the bar, getting to know new people.
