What Comes After With lauronica_mars

[countess_karnstein]

The campus felt like an entirely different place. Students were buzzing with gossip and rumours surrounding both the Dean and Lara. Some of the favourites Ella had heard were along the lines that she was brain washing students and hypnotised Lara. The rumours of her being an evil witch always made her laugh. Some believed that Lara was the evil one, bribing Ella somehow to get good grades. No one was really one hundred percent sure, except for the students that crossed the Supernatural world and knew what happened that night.

It was both a blessing and a curse that both Lara and Ella had stepped into the light and revelled their relationship. Rumour after rumour piled up but Lara’s blog had become an overnight blast of fame. Ella watched through the security cameras as her girlfriend couldn’t go anywhere without crowds of people staring or asking her questions.

The students that had revealed themselves as wolves were now following her like lost puppies, protective of the witch that liberated them. The witches both light and dark divided into the jealous and admiring of Lara’s abilities. She had never been so popular.

LaF and Perry as best friends of Lara and also present the night everything happened, had also gained the fame and flock of questions that came with that. In the end they had to take their lunch to the far side of the tables in the hall and sat away from the groups and whispers.

“Have you messaged her? You did message her didn’t you?”, Perry stopped stabbing her mash potato with her fork and looked across the table at LaF who was barely eating.

“Back of the hall.” LaF nodded. “I messaged Danny but I haven’t seen her since the night, you know.”

Perry looked up and noticed all the students whispering and talking. “Maybe we should have picked a quieter spot to interrogate her?”

Comments

[lauronica_mars]

Lara had been learning to move from watching Ella; always tiny she was now almost soundless by human standards until she did something clumsy (which wasn't that infrequent), and she'd been able to walk up behind her friends. "Interrogate me?" She smiled. "Why do you need to interrogate me? And couldn't you have picked where we have our coven? Not that I have that much to hide now. And not that I've actually lied about anything."

[countess_karnstein]

The two of them jumped a little when Lara’s voice came seemingly out of thin ear. Perry jumped. “You’re getting too good at that.” She smiled. The who of them were happy to see Lara out and about after her kidnapping.

LaF started stopped idly playing with their food and scooted over for Lara to get closer. “We felt that an open spot might have been an easier place. Besides, you’re the talk of the school so why hide away.”

It only took a few seconds for LaF to point around the room and see the groups of tables in the lunch hall, whispering and staring at them.

It was Perry who then broke the silence. “How are you feeling Lara?”

[lauronica_mars]

Lara sat down between her friends with a smile. "Better than I'd expect given everything that happened!" Which was, of course, a lot. "A little rattled by all the attention." Which was again understandable. "Otherwise good. And as if I know a whole lot more than I used to. And a little sore after all the manhandling." Not all of it by werewolves. "And I've made a few new friends of course." Meaning her friendly werewolves. "Generally good!"

[countess_karnstein]

“And how are things with you and…the Dean? So glad she isn’t a witch, I mean that explains why she never casted magic in classes. Can she only control fire?” Perry started rambling. “And she transforms into a panther? I want to say panther. For that matter are you two back togeth…” There was a quite obvious kick from LaF under the table. Perry reached out scowl.

“I think it’s safe to say Lara is and the dean together. Which, yeah there’s something I should tell you.” LaF looked a little sheepish as they turned to Lara and Perry. “I had a cheque through the mail covering the costs of my robot. I haven’t cashed it. It’s so of sat on the side of my desk.”

Perry’s mouth was wide open in shock. Part of it because LaF should have told her but the other half that the dean would even do that. “Why would she do that?” Out of the two of Perry was least fond of Ella. Both couldn’t call her by her name but instead referred to her as the dean, something LaF wondered if Lara would pick up on. Of course they were protective of their best friend.

“She did venture into a cave which was a trap and nearly died to get Lara back. She might be a vampire but Lara is alive. I’m just saying.” LaF held up their hands in a surrender motion to tell Perry to back off. “But if she breaks your heart and you start moping around again I will go all Buffy on her ass.”

At that moment a young freshman walked into the lunch hall. Like a lost little brother, he caught sight of Lara and a huge grin spread across his face. “Lara!” The second he said her name some of the attention of the hall went straight to him. He was obvious to it and walked over, taking a seat next to Perry and LaF who looked confused on who he was. “I was wondering when I’d see you again. I’m Leo.” Starting with his pudding first he started to rip open the lid. “You probably don’t recognise me but I was one of the wolves.” For a split second his expression dropped. “The smallest. I’ve got a white patch of fur on my back left leg?” Leo was talking as if trying to get a rock star to remember one of their biggest fans. “I got slammed hard into the wall but it was worth it. We all owe you for freeing us. We don’t even have to hide on campus anymore. Can you come visit us?

[lauronica_mars]

"Why wouldn't she do that?" Lara shrugged. "She pays what she sees as her debts. And she was trying to be nice, which isn't always something she's good at or has much experience with." She then flushed as the one place Ella was excessively nice to the point of making her pass out sprang to mind.

"If she breaks my heart again, I think all you'll need to do is hand her the stake." Lara still wasn't happy with Ella - but it was clear that Ella had hurt herself quite a lot over things.

She then turned to the wolf who turned up. "The tiny lion. Of course I remember you. And you're bigger than I am, and for that matter the Dean. And I thought you were bigger than Fliss?" She smiled. "I was planning to come and visit this afternoon anyway. I certainly haven't forgotten you and wouldn't."

[countess_karnstein]

“I am not watching you locked up in your dorm again. Who would have thought it was possible for you to eat that much ice cream?” LaF shuddered. “What is happening to take out Tuesdays? Do I need to order in a carton of blood for when we watch a movie?” If they weren’t so scared of her there were plenty of questions LaF wanted to ask the dean.

Perry interrupted, throwing her fork on her tray as if she had had enough of eating. “Ever since that night I’ve carried a stake with me. I’m not afraid to use it.”

Leo’s face lit up his smile when Lara remembered him. At the mention of Fliss he became nervous, rubbing the back of his neck. “I thought I was but some of the others say I’m smaller. I’m not sure if they are saying that to tease me though. I’m the youngest and that’s what older siblings to. Are you going to eat that?” Leo waited for Perry to say yes or no and when she shrugged he stole her pudding. “I can’t wait to tell the others! We’ve been keeping low, healing and rebuilding. We don’t feel like we have to hide at Silas anymore. The vampire isn’t looking to kill us now she knows who we are.”

“You realise that months ago you didn’t know how to cast a simple spell and now you’re liberating wolves and showing up the teacher in magic classes?” Perry was talking to Lara but couldn’t take her eyes off how easily the lid came off the pudding when Leo used his teeth.

“Teacher?” He raised his eyebrow. “Do you mean Miss Belmonde? Didn’t you hear? She’s gone. I didn’t catch why, I can’t cast magic since being a wolf and all so I wasn’t paying attention. “I did hear her shouting in the dean’s office though. Leo looked up at Lara. “You should teach the classes.”

[lauronica_mars]

"It might be nice." Lara smiled, referring to the carton of blood before her eyes widened. "And Mattie's gone? Really?"

She frowned. "Has anyone been in contact with you guys over the werewolf seat on the board? Because one of you should be at the board meetings. And should therefore know what's going on. And if not I'm not sure what it says to the legitimacy of anything the board does."

And she frowned. "I don't show Mattie up much. I just use light magic when she uses pure dark magic, meaning that there is a lot she can do I can't - and there are a few things I can do she can't. But Perry's the second strongest in light magic in the class, and dark magic makes you worse at light. I'd have to teach an entirely different class to get anywhere, and then I've only had a few weeks."

She pulled out her phone while she was talking and texted "I just heard? What happened to Mattie?"

[countess_karnstein]

Ella was in her office when she got the message from Lara. The phone buzzed at the end of her desk and she cancelled her video call with her science techs. “Mattie has been summoned by the board. I always stay one step ahead of them but why they have asked for her I don’t know.” After sending the text she frowned as if someone had moved a chess piece in a completely different direction.

Leo looked a bit sheepish when Lara mentioned about the board. “We haven’t nominated anyone. We’re working a lot better without an alpha. Some have said having an alpha who isn’t a dick would be a good option so long as we still value all opinions of the pack.”

LaF who was sitting next to Lara, opposite Perry and Leo, interjected. “If you’re going to visit the wolves later can I come with? I’m human, not exactly a threat? Besides they can help me with research.”

[lauronica_mars]

"No alpha is a good thing. Especially if you all learn to draw that energy when you need to, which should be possible." Lara smiled. "But you should work out how to handle emissaries even if it's by keeping everyone off balance by sending a different person each time. And another reason not to have one is because the best fighter isn't necessarily the best emissary. So sharing the power around is good."

"And that's up to the wolves. LaF here was the one running the robot you probably saw, and could probably be useful."

[countess_karnstein]

As soon as Lara mentioned the robot Leo’s eyes lit up with excitement. “That robot was so cool! I want to build one of those! I’m sure you coming will be fine. Our general rule is if they are a friend of Lara’s then they are allowed.” He turned his smile to Lara. “And no harm is to come to your friends or your girlfriend unless they attack us.” Leo didn’t say it out loud but the whole pack was excited that vampires won’t be actively looking for them to kill on campus. There was something about not needing to hide that almost felt like freedom.

“After class, come to the caves but this time come to the main entrance. Just expect a lot of attention when you do.”

LaF looked excited at the thought of meeting the wolves directly. “Well I’m up for this. There’s a lot I need to research and between the last past month finding out about wolves and vampires, I am way behind where I want to be.”

Perry was awkward. She kept quiet playing with her food and trying to take in everything that was going on around her. When she finally spoke it was quiet and directly purely at Lara. “Do you love her Lara? The Dean?”

[lauronica_mars]

Lara smiled. "I'm looking forward to it. And there are far worse things than a lot of attention from friendly people."

Her reply to Perry was soft and thoughtful. "I've never been in love before, but I think this is what it feels like?"

[countess_karnstein]

Perry was sceptical on Lara’s response but she accepted it. “I just..I mean we have a chance here to not get involved with any of this. We could just go back to Lara not even knowing about the magic classes and you and I not having to walk through the campus knowing vampires, werewolves and god knows what is out there. Don’t you miss the times where strange things happened and there was mystery? I’m just saying ignorance can be bliss.”

LaF’s stopped smiling and her expression went serious. “Perry. If Lara hadn’t have met The Dean…Ella.” It was still weird to use her name. “Then Lara might have not taken magic classes, or even if she did the wolves might have taken her anyway and she never would have liberated them or worse, been saved?” They pushed their tray away. “Everything happens for a reason and we’ve got to stick together. If Lara’s going to visit the wolves tonight, then we go too.”

When Perry listened to LaF she relaxed. LaF could tell a lot of what she was saying was coming from a place where she was protective of her two best friends and Perry didn’t want to see Lara heartbroken again.

“I’m sorry Lara. You know I will help you any way I can.” She quickly corrected herself with a little smile to LaF. “We can.”

While this talk was happening Leo had tucked in to the rest of the leftover food. Usually when someone made a comment about how much he ate but stayed skinny he would explain he had a fast metabolism. At least with these three he could explain it was partly because of his wolf gene. “You know…” He pulled LaF’s try over and started to chow down on some left over chips. “When our leader wanted to find out more about the board he would sneak into this school’s library. They have a book about the board. What’s weird is it kinda…magically gets updated. I swear that library is possessed. If you wanted to know more about current or past members it might help. Maybe you can see why we have trouble electing someone.”

[lauronica_mars]

"Are you going to give up magic, Perry? Because that's the only way to not be involved. And did you think that when you took up magic it wouldn't get you involved in things?" Lara's tone was soft.

"And I know. It's scary for me too, but I wouldn't have it any other way." Lara smiled.

And then she beamed at Leo, guessing why he needed so much food. "That sounds like an excellent idea. And it getting magically updated doesn't surprise me. Do you know what it's called or how to get it? Because we don't have to sneak in to the library, and I think it likes me."

[countess_karnstein]

Perry gave a look which was a cross between embarrassed and letting Lara know she was right. Perry wouldn’t give up magic. All of what she was thinking was based around her being protective of her best friends and didn’t feel she needed to say that out loud as Lara and LaF knew what she was like.

“Then I guess I should give you this.” Perry opened her bag and handed Lara a wooden stake. “As soon as I learnt she was a vampire and not a witch I was worried she was going to hurt you again..I..I never meant to use it, I had my dark magic for that. But..I’ll give her a chance. One more”

Once Perry stopped looking so red in the face Leo cut LaF off before they could talk. He ran his fingers through his short messy brown hair and started to laugh. “No way! That library is possessed. It doesn’t like anyone! Christopher used to tell us horror stories about a man who died down there because the library wouldn’t let him leave. Getting that book might be hard but we can try right?

What are you guys doing now?”

LaF’s was frowning at the stake, wondering how Perry managed to keep that a secret.

[lauronica_mars]

Lara blinked at the stake. "Thank you." Although her tone was a little uncertain as she took it and put it in her bag. "And I'd really advise not trying dark magic on her. She's protections against that."

She smiled at Leo. "It's a bit like Ella. She first noticed I wasn't scared of her." She shrugged. "But if I were to go round being scared of every aggressive person who could bench press me I'd be scared of half the zetas on campus and all the wolves. She's still a porcupine though." Her smile widened. "And the library's a bit the same except more a prankster than threatening."

And suddenly there was a gasp an instant before a blue grape slushie exploded all over the back of Lara's head.

[countess_karnstein]

Nobody saw the slushie coming. One second Leo had frowned in trying to undetstand what Lara meant by a vampire being a porcupine, his expression probably giving that thought away. And in the next the blue grape exploding from the back of Lara’s head. Perry and Leo didn’t get much of the splash but LaF got caught in the side spray and spun around to face whomever had thrown it.

“WHAT THE…” LaF grabbed their half-eaten pudding in retaliation but no one was to be seen. Instead the lunch hall erupted with laughter and a few nervous glances on who dared throw something at Lara because inevitability, the news will head back to the Dean. “The next person who does that…”

“LaF!” Perry cut in. “Don’t react to them, just grab your things and let’s leave. Right Lara?”

Leo’s senses were going crazy as the scent of the blue grape was so strong. He shook it off and ignored Perry and LaF, focusing more on his white witch friend that him and the pack felt they owe a life debt to. “Did you want to come back to the caves and come see us after you’ve showered or did you want to shower and head to the library? Your choice!” Either answer Leo was beaming with excitement.

[lauronica_mars]

"What the?" Lara's voice was shrill before she took a deep breath, calming herself as she scanned the room for threats both with her eyes and with her senses.

"And I'll leave lunch in my own time." She shrugged. "I'm not going to let that drive me out of the room. But I think the caves first." She smiled at Leo.

Grape slushie dripping out of her hair she took another bite of her desert, lowering her voice. "Something weird's going on? Normally with a prank like that someone would feel triumphant? And no one does? No I can't tell what any one person is feeling, but the mood of a group is easy to read."

[countess_karnstein]

“It was strange. I mean everyone saw but the person that through it vanished so fast. If I was going to throw something at someone I’d want them to know it was me. Well…unless I’m breaking into somewhere or doing something I shouldn’t like stealing lab equipment.” LaF’s went quiet as Perry and Leo exchanged the glances of not being able to tell if that was a joke or not.

Excited at her answer Leo asked the three of them to meet him at the main entrance in the evening just before it was getting dark. While he paced up and down the entrance, honoured to be escorting Laura and her friends. Fliss was opposite him rolling her eyes at Leo’s over excited nature.

“So far I’m liking this way better than the tunnel.” LaF looked around expecting to see Laura here any minute. Perry on the other hand, was so nervous she was clutching her elbows and looking nervous.

Leo smiled. “You’re welcome here. It’s okay.”

[lauronica_mars]

"I'm still surprised you went in through the tunnel rather than the front door." Lara smiled. "Fewer traps and they'd have let you in; they thought they were invincible. And Fliss! Good to see you again!"

Lara had of course been compared to a puppy more than once and with reason, but she had nothing on the younger and more enthusiastic members of the pack, and was practically tackled by Fliss's hug. Calm compared to Leo was not calm. "Glad to have you back, Lara!" She stepped away. "And you're the roboticist and the witch? Any friends of Lara's, especially ones that came to the rescue are friends of ours. Although we'd prefer a bit of warning if it's The Dean."

"Noted." Lara smiled. "And this place is looking brighter already!" She glanced round, noting that the whole place was a bit of a mess, but that they had taken out some of the favourite decorations of the old alpha. "So how does it feel to be the big pack on campus?"

Fliss blinked; she hadn't thought of it that way yet.

[countess_karnstein]

Fliss walked proud as she took them further into the cave. It had a long way to go before it was impressive for visitors but for now it was a home where the pack could grow and be safe without the constricting power of an alpha.

“I never really thought of it like that. I guess we are one of the biggest packs.” Fliss looked up at the balcony where Lara once stood and helped to free them. She couldn’t stop smiling. “We’ve become one big family thanks to you. Even the youngest pups of the pack look at you like a hero.” Fliss then turned to LaF and Perry. “Feel free to make yourselves at home. Once you accept the fact you are in a cave you will see the further in you go the more beautiful it gets.”

Walking away from the balcony and to the side of the stairs a man glided silently down the stair case. His hair tied back in a ponytail and adorned in a long black fitted jacket that upon getting closer, revealed to have gold threaded patterns stitched throughout. He looked no older than thirty at most and held himself well but LaF was aware of learning vampires don’t age that there was a good chance the wolves would be the same way.

“Well if it isn’t Lara Hollis.” He softly took her hand and bowed to show his respect. “The pleasure is all mine. Would you kindly join me upstairs for a drink? I have some things I would like to discuss with you.”

[lauronica_mars]

"The biggest on campus." Lara shrugged. "Ella normally tries not to allow packs on campus but you're now an exception. Which means you might have to protect your territory from adventurous werewolves. And we still need to sort out how you handle alpha responsibilities."

Lara returned his bow with one of her own. "I'd be delighted." She genuinely liked meeting new people, although her eyes did first flick to one of the werewolves to see whether this was friend or foe.

[countess_karnstein]

“I want to come too!” Fliss beamed. She had already taken to Lara and adopted her as an older sister type figure.

The man nodded. “Of course.” And as he took them up the stairs towards the back from the balcony he pushed back some curtains to reveal comfortable couches lined up in a circle. In the centre was a circular table filled with various fruits and bottled drinks. Fliss instantly jumped over and made herself comfortable. She started to pick at a few grapes and made way for Lara to enter.

“The previous alpha you took down was my brother. I’ve never been so grateful.” He smiled and started pouring them glasses of wine. “We’ve grown in numbers in such a short space of time. Thanks to you we’ve feel safe from the dean on campus. She has kept her word and hasn’t made a move. Even the wolves that attend the school are treated equally. We owe it all to you.”

And then he frowned. “The problem is that the board needs an appointed member to represent us on the board. I don’t know who will be selected for that but the person that corresponds with them will be given certain powers. I’m sure you’re aware that the Dean has executive powers, as she should speak directly to the vampire member of the board.” He sighed. “If powers are given we cannot swap and change someone to represent us and I’m concerned that if allocate someone the rest of the pack might think we are selecting another alpha. We’ve become more of a family and I don’t want that lost.

Do you have any suggestions on who to appoint? Or simply what we could do?”

[lauronica_mars]

Lara blinked, and as she so often did, started to prattle while she was still gathering her thoughts. "I don't yet, but there's something I've wanted to know with how I've set things up. Fliss, you've seen the old alpha claws often enough? Concentrate on your hands and see if you can make them?"

"But that's an alpha ability?" Fliss frowned.

"Not a permanent one. You should all be able to do it and it only I think borrows the power to make the change and to change back? I want to see how it works?"

She smiled, her thoughts having had time to sort her thoughts out. "The board needs someone to represent you on the board. But does that mean they need a board member, or can you send a speaker or proxy and keep the power with the pack?"

She smiled at Fliss who was staring at her hands, realising the success even before Fliss did. "Like that. Fliss can use some of the alpha power from the pack, and so can the rest of the pack. But she's not an alpha and I hope not going to try to become one. And I was right!" Lara smiled. "Unlike the muscles, alpha claws only take power when actually transforming or cutting."

"And you could do that." She smiled at the senior werewolf. "The board position is held by the pack, and the delegate has limited authority and needs to consult with the pack for far reaching changes."

[countess_karnstein]

He watched as Fliss looked fixated at her hands. “Incredible.” And while she was distracted he took the opportunity to introduce himself. “My name is Sylens. I didn’t mean to pull you aside like this. I’m nervous. As my brother was the previous alpha I’ve done everything I can to not be like him. The pack knows this. We all support one another well but the board is a terrifying thing to deal with and as they grant its liaisons with special powers it could offset the good thing we have going. I wanted your advice.”

As they spoke the floors both upper and lower began filled with more werewolves. All students and various staff that had previous hidden now had places to stay and quarters much like the dorms where they can feel safe. Two wolves both in full form were tumbling around play fighting in the background and on the ground floor Perry was playing with four puppies who were nipping at her clothing and trying to steal things out her pockets.

Leo was with LaF, showing them a drone he had been building and testing out the flight controls. It was almost hard to believe this was a place where previous vampires and wolves had fought.

“Does it make you happy?” Fliss beamed. “Knowing this is all because of you? I hope The Dean continued to let us stay here. Our numbers are growing.”

[lauronica_mars]

"Of course the board is terrifying. They try to be." Lara smiled fondly. "If you're trying to do something they don't expect and need to think about, Ella could be your best ally."

She frowned. "Now I think about it she might know some of the answers to how the board positions work if you don't mind me calling her? And she's going to want some more formal arrangement with all of you. She neither controls you nor knows quite where you stand."

And she returned Fliss' smile with one of her own. "And this place is so much better than it was when I was brought here, in all possible ways. It's amazing how much it's changed."