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Chapter 5 - A close friend indeed

Now, with the realization of things finally sinking in. Talias parents looked at her and back at each other as they nod in unison.

"Talia, I think it's best we head home for now." Her father said.

"We have a lot to discuss, as well as your future in all of these." Her mother continues

As the Rodriguez family was on their way out, Deaton's voice is heard from the back. "You wouldn't happen to know where Chris Argent is by any chance, would you?

Eddie turned to face him as he answered. "No, but he's a key role in why we moved here. Every hunter knows about the McCall pack and it's weird members. A pack led by a True alpha, and his followers are wolves, a Cayote, kitsune, hunters, a hell hound, a banshe, a Emissary like yourself, Deaton and even a normal humans like Scott McCalls mother, Sherif Stilinski and his son Stiles."

Malia frowned as she listens to them continue.

"Due to the actions of your pack, hunters were forced to pick sides. The side of those who hate the supernatural and want to kill all and any supernatural being regardless if they are innocent or not."

Suzan continued. "And the side that believes in the good deeds of the McCall pack and follow their code of protecting the weak, regardless if their human or supernatural. "

"And what side do you fall under?" Malia asked as he slowly let out her claws.

"Well, you would've been dead right now if we were on the first side of things." Suzan said

"So this mean you're on our side?" Eli asked with a hint of curiosity

Eddie answered in a cold meaner. "No. Not yet. We're neither friend or foe to you. In truth, we came here to see Scott McCall in person and judge from there onwards. But, he hasn't been around so we can't say."

"Well, that's reassuring." Malia spoke in sarcasm.

Deadon taking over the conversation looked at the Rodriguez. "Well, on behalf of the McCall pack. Thank you for sharing what you know about the Guardian Wolf. But, what I can say is Scott and most of the pack are rather busy in Europe. So they might take some time before returning to Beacon Hills."

Talia looked at Progress and Eli as she said bye to her friend. "See you guys on Monday." Her voice hinted a bit of sadness.

Malia broke the awakened silence as Talia and her family left. "Well, looks like I'm staying in Beacon Hills for a while. Since I can't trust Eli here to be your teacher."

Eli responded annoyed instantly. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

Malia let's out a sigh as she talks. "You literally awakend your powers a year ago. So, I don't necessarily think you're the best choice fir this."

Eli frowned as Malia continued. "Besides, I learned from Scott and the other longer. I know I got my anger issues, but take that away you can clearly see that I'm more experienced in this than you." Her eyes turn to Progress. "You. Go eat and take a bath. Meet me in thr backyard in a hour."

A hour later.

Malia was wearing her signature short jeans with a white vest. Eli was Wearing a white t-shirt and a black and red cheque shirt. Deaton was watching from afar as the training begins.

"So, our first order of business is for you to understand what word you just stepped in. You're now a werewolf. This means you have superhuman strength, hearing and other abilities. There's a lot of superhuman beings with similar attributes to that of a werewolf, similar to this is me and my mother who are werecoyotes. We also have werejaguars, hell hounds and Löwenmensch."

Progress responded with a hint of curiosity"Löwenmensch? As in a were-lion?"

Deaton responded. "It's a creature made when a Alpha werewolf manages to scratch someone deep enough. The toxins in its claws aren't as strong as that in its fangs so instead of gaining the powers of a werewolf you gain that of a sub-type animal."

Progress responded again with curiosity. "Wait....a wolf is a type of a dog. So how on earth do you get were-lions and Jaguars?"

Deaton responded with a mix amusement and curiosity. "There's a reason why it's called 'supernatural' , Progress. It doesn't make sense. Even us who lived in it our whole lives don't understand it all. But there's a theory that when Zues placed the curse on Lycaon and his sons the reason they turned into wolves was because they saw themselves as such. So, depending on how ones souls reflects they turn into that being."

Progress quickly responded. "Like the Beast of Gévaudan and the Guardian wolves?

Deaton smiles a bit as he answers. "Yeah, but it's all still just speculatio-" just as he was about to finish his sentence, Malia who grew tired of the long conversations threw a punch out if nowhere and sent Progress down.

"Really, Malia?" Deaton asked

"What? You guys were talking nonestop, it was getting boring just hearing you guys talk."

Progress slowly got to his feet, rubbing his jaw. "You got a mean right hook, Malia."

Malia smirked. "Hey, someone's got to keep you on your toes."

Deaton chuckled. "Alright, alright. Let's get started with training. We've got a lot to cover."

The group nodded, falling into formation as Deaton began to instruct them. "Today, we're going to focus on combat techniques. Progress, you're still getting used to your new abilities, so we'll start with some basics."

Progress nodded, his eyes fixed intently on Deaton. "I'm ready."

Deaton smiled. "Good. Let's begin with some drills. Malia."

Malia shrugged, cracking her knuckles. "Fine. Heads up, this is gonna heart."

The training session began, with Malia and Progress facing off in the center of the clearing. Deaton called out instructions, guiding them through a series of movements designed to test their agility, strength, and reflexes.

As the training session progressed, Progress struggled to keep up with Malia's rapid movements. She darted around him, her fists flying in swift jabs that left him stumbling to defend himself.

"Focus, Progress!" Deaton called out. "Keep your eyes on Malia and anticipate her movements!"

Progress gritted his teeth, determined to improve. He watched Malia's eyes, trying to predict her next move. But she was fast, and he found himself stumbling backward as she landed a series of quick jabs.

Malia grinned, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're not bad, Progress. But you've got a lot to learn."

Deaton intervened, offering words of encouragement and guidance. "Good job, Progress. You're getting the hang of it. Now, let's try something a bit more advanced..."

The training session continued, with Progress struggling to master the complex movements and techniques. But with Malia's help and Deaton's guidance, he began to show signs of improvement, his movements becoming more fluid and confident.

Two hours later

Eli watching along with Deaton couldn't help but comment. "For someone who never threw a punch before, he sure is adapting quickly. "

Deaton couldn't help but acknowledge. "He sure is. If only he was around when Scott and the rest needed back up all those years ago."

Eli couldn't help but raise his eyebrow in curiosity. "You talking about the Hunters vs our pack? I heard my dad mention it one day."

"Yes. I'm referring to that." Deaton answered.

"You know, he never mentioned how you guys survived that one." Eli said.

"That's...something you should ask Scott and Stiles, should you get the chance. They made the ultimate sacrifice.....it's a shame for Allison and Lydia though." Deaton said with a hint of sadness.

Sunday evening.

Progress made it to his room, he had yet to get used to the fact that his eyes now could see clearly without glasses or that his body went through a slight but noticeable change, had it not been for his love for baggy clothing it would've been noticeable on the spot. As he was busy checking himself out, a knock is heard from his window, Talia waves at him as she turns to her direction.

"Are you gonna open the door, or are you gonna stare at yourself?" She asked jokingly with a hint of teasing.

Progress, embarrassed by the whole situation quickly runs to get a Naruto X Luffy hoodie to throw on then opens the window.

Talia, overwhelmed by her emotions hugs him the moment his in arms reach. "Hey, sorry I couldn't check on you on the weekend." She says softly.

Progress, seasing her sadness just hugged her back. "Don't worry. I'm okay." He said with a slight pause before continuing. "How about you. Are you okay?" He said.

"Well, I'm not the one who just became a werewolf 48 hours ago. So, yeah. I'm okay." She said as she slowly pulled away from him breaking their hug.

A weird silence fell upon the two. Talia being the most talkative one decided to break the ice. "I just, wanted to check on you. And just to clear the record, It's not a habit of mine to, you know, jump on their people's roof tops and stuff."

Progress answered back in awkwardness. "I, umm. I would never think that about you. And I appreciate you coming to check on me." A short silence fell before he continued. "So....your parents....are they cool with you being here?"

Talia made an awkward face before answering. "So, about that....I kinda snuck out cause they wouldn't allow me to see you. So, I might get grounded for this."

Progress's eyes widened in surprise. "Whoa, you snuck out? I didn't mean to cause you trouble with your parents."

Talia shrugged, looking sheepish. "It's not your fault. They're just really protective, you know? They don't want me getting involved with...whatever this is." She gestured vaguely towards the supernatural world.

Progress nodded understandingly. "I get it."

Talia smiled, looking relieved. "Yeah, I couldn't just leave you hanging after what happened. Besides, I wanted to see if you were okay."

The two sat in comfortable silence for a moment, before Talia spoke up again. "So, what do you think your parents would say if they knew about...everything that's going on?"

Progress's expression turned serious. "I don't know. I think they'd freak out, to be honest. Im afraid theyll call me a monater and kick me out.."

Talia's expression softened. "I don't think they'd do that, Progress. They're your parents. They love you."

Progress sighed, looking down. "I hope so. But it's hard to know for sure. My mom's always been really conservative, and my dad...he's got a lot of expectations for me. If they found out about my condition..." He trailed off, shaking his head.

Talia nodded understandingly. "I get it. My parents can be pretty strict too. But sometimes, it's better to be honest with them. They might surprise you."

Progress considered this for a moment. "Maybe you're right. I just don't want to lose them. They're all I have left."

Talia reached out, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. "You won't lose us, Progress. We're in this together now."

As Talia's hand touched Progress's arm, the tension between them became palpable. They leaned in closer, their faces inches apart. The moment seemed to freeze in time, anticipation hanging in the air.

Just as their lips were about to touch, a sudden crash echoed through the room. Eli burst through the window, landing awkwardly on the floor.

Talia and Progress sprang apart, their faces flushing with embarrassment. They stared at Eli, who looked equally surprised.

"What...what are you doing here?" Talia stammered, trying to compose herself.

Eli grinned mischievously. "Just dropping by to see what's going on. Didn't mean to interrupt...anything."

Progress cleared his throat, attempting to play it cool. "Just having a conversation, Eli. Nothing more."

Talia nodded vigorously, her eyes darting between Eli and Progress. "Yeah, just talking. Nothing to see here."

Eli raised an eyebrow, his grin growing wider. "Sure, sure."

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