The Redcaniz: Chronicles of Magic and Omega

“Big wolf!

Big wolf!

Hide! Hide!

Find us! Find us!

Before Grandma Moon arrives!

She’s coming! She’s coming!

Run! Run! Jump!”

Six girls formed a small circle. They happily spun around while singing a line of the song repeatedly until the wolf appeared. A boy with curly hair jumped over the bushes, pretending to be the wolf. He dug his fingernails into the ground and crawled rapidly across the wet surface. However, he was soon apprehended by a hunchbacked woman. The young girls became rowdy and stopped reciting the poetry. They were caught up in the exciting atmosphere.

“Let’s go!”

“Let’s go!”

“Vano, hurry!”

“Be careful!”

“Come inside immediately!”

Devano was almost there, but then the circle broke apart. The high-pitched screams of girls echoed through the air. A genuine brownish-red wolf let out a roar. When the animal raised its two legs, the orange necklace dropped directly before Devano. The chain had the name ‘The Delta’ Laveena engraved on it. Devano stood rigid and still as if he had been hit by lightning, reading the inscription on the necklace. He was too scared to move or even glance up. He knew the eerie monster was directly above him. Devano wept silently.

“Devano, wake up quickly! Stand up!” The woman, who had been kneeling, now grabbed both of Vano’s armpits. Then, lifted the child forcefully.

“Vano! We need to get into the orphanage the right way!” she said firmly. Even though Vano was trying, his legs felt too heavy to move. He was frozen with fear. His wide eyes remained fixed on the three wolves that had arrived. Playgrounds for kids, including swings and slides, are often constructed with metal materials.

“Miss, can she snap my neck?” inquired Vano, momentarily restraining himself.

“Let’s go! Your head might vanish! Come on!” Naura pulled Vano with all her strength.

There were only five steps left before reaching the door of Arunika orphanage. Just a bit more. They took the last few steps, and Naura urged Vano to go in first. However, Vano screamed. The window shattered as a larger wolf broke in. The wolves had varying shades of red fur. The big wolf’s pointed ears grazed the ceiling. Naura trembled. The wolf emerged, holding the head of Mrs. Rose, the orphanage caretaker.

It was a vivid nightmare. Naura fainted upon reaching the second step, while Devano knelt and cried uncontrollably. The wolf in front shook its head, making a red necklace with the Alpha’s name, Marco Angelo, jingle. Vano hugged his knees, burying his face as if it were the only hiding place. He squeezed his arms as he heard Mrs. Rose’s head roll down the stairs. Vano could still picture the blood stains on each step. Soon, the red-collared wolf’s howl was joined by others. Devano had to cover his ears as he couldn’t hug his knees. He needed to drown out the roar emanating from the wolves.

***

“Are you guys out of your minds?” Carl Justin grumbled, causing tiny birds to scatter from the tree branch above. “Why are they allowing kids in this place? What can I do to fix it?” he asked.

Raindrops splashed onto the wooden table where Letta and Arkan, the Gamma, arranged stones. As Letta bent down, her blue necklace scraped against the dirty rocks below.

Meanwhile, Ravin Michael, the Beta with the green collar, appeared to be enjoying his break by examining a map of the city of Paramour.

“What difficulties are you facing, Justin?” Letta asked. It was Letta’s turn to place stones at a challenging level.

He sighed, “What will I do with those children?” he muttered.

The response came from Letta, “Just confine them to their rooms. The authorities are on their way,” she said as Letta successfully placed her piece.

“Yep. All you gotta do is clean upon the lady’s body and blood,” Arkan said. “Don’t make things harder than they are.” He said this as he held his breath, putting away the stone that eventually scattered.

“I won,” said Letta, feeling satisfied as Arkan grinned. “Bring me five rabbits tonight,” she added.

“You’re so greedy,” Arkan replied. “Isn’t it enough that I already brought you three deer this morning, two raccoons this afternoon, and three nutria for dinner?” Arkan complained.

“It’s not sufficient! I have a tiny stomach, but I require additional energy! Why? Is there a problem?” Letta looked towards Justin, who was lost in thought. “You too! Why are you lost in thought here? The police will arrive shortly,” she demanded.

“I’ve completed my survey,” Justin said.

“And?” Letta inquired.

“You all don’t get it,” said Ravin as he puts away the map. He finished studying the area and is now more interested in the topic Ravin brought up, grabbing the attention of three friends.

“The children seem to be very shocked. Some of them also got hurt from falling,” Ravin added.

Justin’s wrinkled forehead smoothed out as he finally understood.

“Wait a minute,” Letta said, folding her arms across her chest with intimidating and slanted eyes. “When did we become responsible?”

“That’s right,” Arkan confirmed. “We hunt animals, little brother.”

Ravin nodded. “I get it. We’re not responsible for anyone’s morality,” he said.

“I understand, but they’re just kids,” Justin commented, scratching his head even though it wasn’t itchy.

“It’s our first mission involving children,” Arkan noted.

“Your humane side must have come out, even if you didn’t participate in the chaos on the field earlier,” Justin said, clearing his throat. “I’m seldom asked to join the field.”

A stone hit Justin’s chest, thrown accidentally by Letta. There was no sign of humor on her face. Instead, Letta gave Justin a brief look and made them quiet. The mood became tense, and Justin felt trapped.

“If Marco hears your complaints again, I’m sure he’ll replace you with a new cleaner,” Letta warned. “Your complaints burden REDCA.”

“Cleaner—” Justin briefly chuckled at the annoying nickname before his face went blank. It was as if the incident had crushed his conscience.