Homoween 2019: Hollywood Coven

Day 11: It Came From Beneath the Sea

"Heelie! Oh hah ha! Heelie! Oh hah ha!"

Derek enjoyed people chanting his name. It was nice to be recognized for his talent and skill. Especially on ropes. Ropes were his specialty. There was a reason that when the Werewolves of La Brea (tm) wanted a good cover for their activities and a way to make money that he campaigned hard for a rock wall gym over a laser tag arena. And he'd always had a good nose for instincts.

For a few moments, it looked like he was in trouble. Part of his initiation (besides the pirate themed group sex, mind you- which no, Luke did not need to hear about- horny ass blood brother) was a muscle strength challenge. There was a small underground course in the bowels of the pirate ship. This final part of the course was the worst of it all because it was a sustained hold- essentially a perpetual up in a pull up scenario. And though his arms were shaking, Derek was not the kind of wolf that could just let go. 

"He's going to break the record!"

"Not the way his arms are shaking like that."

"Heelie! Heelie! Heelie!"

"I can go longer than I did, mate! I'll come up there and prove it if you beat my time!"

Okay, well the crowd really seemed to be of two minds about the whole thing. But at least they were all there and they were all united to one purpose. And sure, werewolves were stronger and more supple than mortals (as long as they stayed hydrated), but this was actively starting to hurt his shoulders more than a little. And you also couldn't go into challenges like this without an exit plan. Unlike American Ninja Warrior, they didn't have water you could fall into. They had one of those inflatable stunt mattresses but if you landed wrong- thwack, right off to the vet with you. 

Derek had always hated visiting the vet. They never had warm examination beds.

"Aroooooo-" he heard himself cry and then his body essentially said nope fuck it and dropped him like a hot sack of potatoes. He was up one minute and then enveloped by inflating mattress in the other. He stayed like that for a long moment, blinking. Reassessing all the choices he'd made since he'd gotten to Vegas. 

And then he saw it. On the ankle of one of the pirates coming to help him up. That symbol again. So the fuckers did know something. What would Luke do? How would he get the information from them but sneak it out?

"Good Job Brother!"

"The pirates welcome you!"

Paws went all over his sweaty body, barely modest in a set of pirate tights that would show any quiver of his nether regions without regard for basic decency, and Derek felt the hands of his new beloved brothers massaging away his aches and pains. Both decently and indecently.

In any case, eventually they were off of the mattress as a group and Roger was practically beaming.

"Brother Heelie, welcome to water wolf family! Three cheers for Heelie!"

The aroooos went up and echoed through the top of the soundproof ship until they were the sound of a million wolves, seemingly going back through history. Not just of this stunt ship in Vegas but a million water dogs before.

Derek became choked up. He tried to aroo with them but instead he blushed and teared up a little.

"Arrrgh. Our new brother is bashful! And adorable!" Roger said, slapping the side of Derek's bicep hard. "Ooh. Sorry. Not always known for my wisdom, brother wolf!" Roger yipped. "But, now that ye are initiated- we'll show you our world under the world. Tis a dark and mysterious place and many secrets will your heart keep as your heart keeps with us here underneath our private desert sea. Be ye ready?"

"Arrrgh!" Derek said, both being in character and grateful for a moment to fit in. Before the charade probably got blown.

Derek followed Roger and the wolfs followed behind them both in order of seniority. He could feel their eyes on him, their devotion to him hopefully less of a sham. It wouldn't be easier, surprisingly, if it was so. He wanted to believe affection to be a real thing. But it was hard- knowing there was a world beneath the world. The secret to the jewelry as it were.

Passing through wood and then mechanical rooms, the light dimmed and dimmed until they needed lanterns. And still they moved, not even the sound of the Strip above them and the cars rustling heard. There was a reverence that was only broke by occasional panting.

"How-"

Roger stopped and then Derek stopped. There was a large round door, like something out of Lord of the Rings or maybe even Fallout. It seemed odd there, cold. Too big. What was it?

Roger turned and looked at Derek.

"Lad, there is so much in the world to share with each other. Whatever happens, we love you."

"What do you-"

Derek was shoved unceremoniously into the door. Which turned out to be an illusion. Darkness. 

The wolves didn't follow and Derek found himself alone. He couldn't see his hands. Beneath his feet were- cobblestones? No, not cobblestones. Fake cobblestones but pretty close. The darkness even seemed to suffocate his steps.

"Hello Derek-" the voice called out. 

Derek searched for a lighter in his pockets and then remembered that he didn't have any.