Lycanthropy and Me: The First Semester(mlm)

Day 70. Friday, Waning Crescent

Day 70. Friday, Waning Crescent

Hunter woke up at the crack of dawn. Most of the campus was still asleep, with office hours and classes still hours away. He checked the time and dragged himself out of bed. Marconi's residents had yet to rise for the day, so he crept quietly to the bathroom. Seeing his reflection in the medicine cabinet's mirror, he pointed at his sleep-deprived form.

"The day has finally come, Reeds." He paused. "You're going to go on this camping trip, and no matter what happens, you're gonna act like you're having a good time. And then in two days, you can go back to your room, lock yourself in and cry like a normal adult!"

With that Hunter went down to the kitchen. He retrieved several foil-packed meals and a case of bottled water from the refrigerator before returning back upstairs.

Grayson was now awake and rubbing his face. He blinked at Hunter. "Time to go?"

"Almost." Hunter stuffed the foil packets and bottles into his backpack.

"Okay." Grayson's voice was muffled as he held his face in his hands. As the days shortened and the temperature dropped, he was finding it harder to get out of bed. Still, the excitement of the trip had made it hard to sleep. "One more shower before we go to the woods."

When they stepped out of the Marconi moments later, they found the sky overcast and the campus damp from the rain.

"Are you sure you can carry your bag?" Grayson asked.

Hunter gave him an amused look as he shoved the backpack into the cart. "You know I'm stronger than you, right?"

Grayson slid into the passenger seat of the cart. "You also have back problems. I'm allowed to worry, you know."

"Yeah." Hunter turned the key, bringing the cart to life. "I know." He had given Grayson plenty of reasons to worry already.

Grayson grimaced. "Especially when you wear hats like that."

"You're just jealous." Hunter rolled his eyes and adjusted the monstrosity that sat on his head.

"Let's get to the hellpit."

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"Salutations, fellow adventurers!" Notes and Ashley were already packing their things into the back of their ride. Professor Newt's car was a wood-paneled station wagon, the type of things families rode in old movies or retro advertisements. Notes stepped around from the back, allowing them to get a full view of their outfit--hiking boots, long socks that disappeared under dark brown overalls covered in pockets, a dark green corduroy jacket, from which a large canteen was attached, and a wool campaign hat. Notes waved a long wooden walking stick at them. "Ready for our expedition?"

Suddenly feeling underdressed, Hunter nodded.

Grayson approached the front of the car and bent forward to get a good look at their driver. "Mr. Newt?" He asked, extending his hand.

A man with a long beard and a wide waxed mustache leaned over and gave Grayson's hand a firm shake. "Just Newt, my boy. Is this everyone?"

Hunter gave the man a nod and a wave before moving to put their things away.

"Yes. Thank you for giving us a ride." Grayson replied.

"It's no trouble at all!" The man stroked his mustache. "Now we must get going. The Loons await!"

Now behind the car, Hunter found Ashley shoving an abundance of items onto the rear-facing seat. "Whoa, what's all this?"

"Camping stuff from Big Daddy." She gave him an exasperated look. "This is only half of it. I tried tellin' him we don't need this much but he insisted on it."