“Maybe I will.” Once Grayson figured out how he was supposed to talk to some star god. Geezus, that sounded dumb even in his head. “Given you are some kind of hotshot warrior, is that why you were at the game? Did you know those monsters were going to attack?”
“No, or I would have been better prepared. You’ve joined us at a most crucial moment, as it appears we’ve been invaded by aliens.”
Grayson wanted to mock, but he couldn’t help remembering those creatures, and the weapon they wielded. “What makes you say aliens? I haven’t heard any reports of hovering spaceships.”
“Remember the asteroid that exploded in space not too long ago?”
“The one that would have cracked our planet like an egg?” While some people went into full-on panic mode, Grayson refused to be distracted from prepping for the playoffs.
“The asteroid was an alien spacecraft, and we thought destroying it eliminated the threat. However, it would seem the fragments that struck earth must have contained some kind of biological matter that resulted in those creatures.”
“And now it’s up to us to kick their asses,” stated a big guy who strode past, his shirtless chest covered in mud, his back covered in a massive tattoo that reminded Grayson of a crab.
“Real lifeSpace Invaders. Can’t wait to awe you all with my high score,” stated a man with almost-feminine features framed by long hair.
“Ha, you wish, Virgo,” scoffed another fellow. “We both know I’m a better shot.”
“This isn’t a competition.” A stern-looking Aries crossed his arms.
“Yeah, it is,” all the guys stated at once before chuckling.
“So I’m supposed to fight these aliens?” Grayson actually wouldn’t mind. For a brief moment on the ice, when he’d been slicing and dicing, he’d felt alive, invigorated. He’d been looking for a job so he didn’t fade into obscure retirement. Why not as a guardian of the planet? Assuming this wasn’t all bullshit and part of an elaborate hoax.
“Sometimes we fight. Sometimes we capture. Mostly we try to ensure humanity is kept safe and, to a certain extent, oblivious to the dark underlayer of our world.”
“Why keep people unaware?”
“Some cannot handle the fact monsters are real. Others? Well, let’s just say the Salem Witch Trials taught us all what happens when fear overrides common sense.”
“When do I start kicking alien ass?”
“Soon. You’ll need some basic training first.”
“I know how to fight.” Grayson’s dry reply.
“With your fists, yes, and you were impressive with those skates, but how are you with a gun or a sword?”
His brows lifted. “A sword?” Okay, the little boy in him might have just done a happy dance.
“Aries!” A petite woman ran into the room. “You have to hurry. You and everyone you can muster.”
“What’s happened?”
“The news out of Toronto isn’t good. Those creatures that emerged in the arena are on a rampage and killing en masse.”
“Oh shit. Brothers?—”
“Yeah. Yeah. No time to shower because it’s monster-killing time. Shall we keep score?” Virgo asked as he sauntered out beside the guy who’d teased him earlier.
“Fuck yeah. What’s the prize?”
“Loser has to wrangle the next Wendigo.”
“Ugh, I hate those slimy bastards.”
“We all do, bro. So deal?”
“Deal.”
