My Warrior Luna

Chapter 7 ( Old Times )

The door behind me opened with a loud bang, my gaze left the person in front. Sawyer and Ava stepped through the blue door. My eyes then went back to the people in front, or rather to each of the students most likely to represent their race. Of course, this will only happen if the magic glass ball selects them and more than one of their race doesn't throw their name inside.

My gaze first went to Eliana, next to whom stood a little orange haired woman with long hair. The girl's jaw was prominent and her small nose was adorned with small studs. Her smouldering violet eyes looked straight at me and a small smile played across her lips.

Standing between Leah and Blake stood a rather mature-looking guy. His long pitch-black hair was tied back in a ponytail. His face was adorned with a fine beard hair and his dark eyes looked at Issac. A stumpy nose gave him a distinctive look, and a black earring shone on his ears.

Next to Madeline stood another candidate who caught my attention. He was tall, but with a slight build. His long white hair was unkempt below his shoulders. The delicate soft features of his face might have fooled me into thinking he was a girl, but the smoldering grey eyes and bushy eyebrows gave him away as a man.

Next two dark red eyes caught my eye, or rather the girl standing next to Jasper. Her dark black hair with grey strands barely rippled as it reached her chest. Pale lips and a slightly flushed face - an odd look for a vampire. Eyebrows as black as night and a brown mole above her lip, these small details that make it hard to keep my eyes off her.

"Sawyer, get the students out." Issac's gaze drifted to her brother.

"Buddy." Blake held out his arms toward Issac.

The two of them hugged like two big bears, slapping each other hard on the shoulders.

"Come on students, follow me. Don't worry you'll be back here a little later." Sawyer nodded and then waved his hand towards the door.

Everyone obeyed Sawyer without saying a word. Every one of them had good manners or at least respected his authority. After a few steps, I wrapped my arms tightly around Eliana, a woman I haven't seen in what seems like forever.

"How are you sweetheart? I heard you got engaged?" Eliana's violet eyes sparkled as she stared at me.

"Yes, the wedding is in November." I held up my hand to show the engagement ring, and the corner of my lips turned up.

"Sawyer, why are all these students here. I thought I made it clear that the tournament starts tomorrow?" Issac's gaze flicked to his brother.

"I guess we can start today? Since we're all here." I looked at all my friends standing in front of me.

" I think the hybrid is speaking some good sense. Let's do a vote like old times?" Jasper's red-yellow eyes turned to me.

"You haven't changed a bit." Issac stared seriously at Jasper.

"Jasper, why are your eyes two different colours?" An unexpected question escaped my lips addressed to Jasper.

"It's the blood I’ve been drinking. Since the putrid source of blood from the blood bank isn't fresh, a vampire's eyes are can change slowly from red mixed together with a golden color. It's not the best feeling, but it is what it is." Jasper rolled his eyes smiling slightly showing his two pointed fangs.

In all the time I have known Jasper, I have never seen him with a smile on his face. Probably all these changes are for the better. The vampire is probably right we need to vote to decide whether to move the Crown of Light Tournament to tonight or to tomorrow. However, we need to find a more suitable venue than this ballroom. I am convinced that we will spend a lot of time in here over the next coming days.

"What kind of ball is this?" Eliana's focus changed and a couple slow steps led her towards the magical ball at the end of the hall.

"I am proud to present my most powerful piece of magic, the sphere crystal. Issac personally asked me to create this. This sphere will be responsible for the selection of the competing participants. Each potential participant who wishes to take part in the tournament will put his or her name inside, then on my signal, I will open five slips of paper with the chosen names of those who have been selected." Very thoroughly explained by Madeline.

"What would happen if I was to put my name in there?" Blake crossed his arms over his chest, eyeing the glass globe suspiciously.

"Try and find out, please." Madeline smiled broadly, nodding her head in encouragement towards the sphere.

"I'll go first." Sawyer pulled a pen and notebook from his jeans pocket.

After a few hasty moments, Sawyer folded the page and took a firm step toward the glass ball. He held his hand out in front of him, hesitated for a moment, as if afraid of something. A few lines creased his forehead, indicating some doubt, but soon his hand moved forward. This glass ball had no cavity through which even a crumb could be thrown. I still do not understand how it works. The next second Sawyer's fingers touched an invisible glass looking barrier. His fingers inside seemed brighter, as if they were glowing with little demons - it's amazing magic. Sawyer let go of the leaflet and then abruptly pulled his hand out of the sphere.

"This isn't glass?" My confused gaze shifted to Madeline.

"No. Amazing, isn't it?" Madeline's face beamed with pride.

"What next?" Leah's inquisitive voice filled the air.

"Look." Madeline pointed her finger at the mystical ball.

The paper Sawyer had thrown in began to spin in a circle, next second it bursted into flames. It burned into a light blue dust that just disappeared before my eyes with a beautiful glow.

"This ball is enchanted to accept only exactly three participants from each race. It is not open to persons over the age of twenty-one; the magic immediately destroys the name of the participant. In addition, this sphere is enchanted to accept only specific names, which is why I know all the names of the three participants from each race. No outsider will be able to participate in this tournament. That's what we're trying to achieve with equality, right?" Madeline ran a hand through her golden hair.

"This is wonderful. You are incomparable Madeline." Sawyer smiled broadly as he looked into the witch's grey eyes.

"Let's not get off the subject. I think it's time to vote and decide if we'll announce the start of the festivities today." Issac's calm voice drifted around the hall, distracting everyone.

"All in favour of the Crown of Light Tournament taking place today, raise your hands?" Leah's soft voice spread around.

Everyone's hands went up except Blake and Issac. I understand Issac's reason for being so damn nervous. The tournament will be held at this college and beyond. It is a hell of a responsibility and I have experience. However, even I am voting in favour, there is nothing to lose. The sooner we get started, the sooner it will be over. This is an another amazing adventure that awaits us.

"Great, then it's all decided. Sawyer, inform the students that tonight at six o'clock the opening and assembly will commence in this room. I think it's time for everyone to go to breakfast, make up for lost time?" Issac's lips quirked up at the sight of everyone standing nearby.

"Got blood?" Jasper's retort left his lips.

"Of course, I always carry a bag in my pocket." Issac rolled his eyes and took my hand.

"Don't starve, we'll figure something out. Let's go to the café, it's been far too long." Eliana clapped her hands and smiled broadly.

We all walked towards the exit and the smile never left my face. It is still hard to believe in my heart that we are here again as one big family. Although a little excitement is stirring in my chest from the desire to start the tournament as soon as possible, I'm more eager to sit down at the same table with all these people. The stairs led to the first floor, and my thoughts returned to the mark on my collarbone. I must find a moment to talk one to one with Madeline.

"Where's your scepter?" An unexpected question left Leah's lips.

"It has been lying around unused for a long time. When peace came to earth, I no longer needed the power it allows me to channel. Besides, I have improved my technique without it." I winked at Leah as I turned over my shoulder in her direction.

A few minutes later, a refreshing breeze flooded my face as the college doors opened. We all walked towards the parking lot towards our vehicles. I stopped at Issac's car, but I took a step back. This might be the only chance I get to talk alone with Madeline before tonight.

"Madeline, do you mind if I go with you?" My gaze darted towards the blonde witch and her silver car.

"Amelia?" Issac's embarrassed voice caught my attention.

I turned to Issac directing my serious gaze at him. I'm glad I don't need words for him to understand me. He nodded, then winked a temporary goodbye.

"Of course, there will always be room for you." Madeline smiled as she opened her car door.

Everyone made their way to their car seats and I opened Madeline's car door and made myself comfortable in the bright interior. One by one the cars drove out of the car park, with Issac leading the way with everyone else following behind. Madeline's car was the last to move, slowly making its way to the back of the queue. I could feel the witch's grey eyes darting towards me from time to time. My silence didn't confuse her, she knew why I was here, or at least she knew that I wouldn't have left Issac alone for no reason.

"What’s the matter?" A question left Madeline's lips.

I felt a little uncomfortable. I hope Madeline doesn't think I only enjoy her company when I need something. I tugged at the collar of my blue sweater with my hands, exposing my collarbone, on which the birthmark glowed faintly. Madeline's gaze drifted to the spot, then back to the knee in front of me.

"That's your birthmark, right?" A few lines etched themselves into Madeline's forehead, and her calm voice drifted around the car.

"Yes. The reason I showed it to you is that it got bigger. I think that's unusual, even in a world like ours." I sighed, hiding my mark under my sweater.

"Getting bigger? As usual, the moon has eight positions, although only three are known among humans. What did your mark look like before it got bigger?" Madeline slowly turned the wheel to the left.

"Not as full as it is now, a little more nude." I looked at Madeline, trying to make my words clearer.

" I think the moon shape before that was Waxing Crescent now it has reached First Quarter. My gut tells me that it will continue to increase. After what event did this happen? Anything specific or unusual?" Madeline's face became serious.

"Nothing out of the ordinary, it was just an average day. The mark altered after training session and a night's asleep. In the middle of the night I woke up from a nightmare, and when I went to get a drink of water, the mark got bigger.”

Memories of last night flashed through my mind. Could this be the reason why my birthmark has increased. What is happening to me? I had hoped that with Lorenzo gone for a little longer and there would be peace in my life, but I knew I was wrong. It seems this strangeness would be a catalyst for what's to come.

"Nightmare.” I said suddenly out loud. “I had a nightmare. I dreamt of two strange people standing next to me. One of them had dark red eyes like Lorenzo and the other had light eyes like me or my mother. That is all I remember. I woke up when the dark one put his hand on my shoulder and said…Time." I looked at Madeline's face, recounting the nightmare that visited me last night.

"Goddess? Are you sure it's just a dream? Have you ever seen them before?" Madeline's grey gaze lingered on my face for a moment.

"No. It all seemed very strange. I couldn't see their faces, but I didn't need to. They were betrayed by their eyes, but what that means I have no idea." My gaze drifted towards the café, the sign was getting closer and closer.

"I'll try to find something in books or old legends about creatures with eyes like that. One thing is for sure, it's God and Demon, but I can't explain why this is happening to you or what it means. I'm sorry I can't be of any help right now, but I will try." Madeline sighed as she parked her car on the curb.

"At least we know a few clues to get us started. Now we figure out what it all means , what will happen when the mark becomes a full moon." I winked at Madeline, trying to sound lynx-like.

"I'll try to find out more information by tonight. After dinner I'll head straight to the college library. There’s got to be an old legend or whatever got give us a hint in there. For now, let’s put on a smile and stop worrying about the things you can't change." The corner of Madeline's lips turned up and she opened the car door with her other hand.

I followed her example and got out of the car without hesitation. Even though only one thing was on my mind - the full moon. What will actually happen when my birthmark reaches the full moon? How will these two strange beings relate to me? Why am I dreaming about them and what the hell does it mean? I shook my head, trying to dispel my panicked thoughts.

Retrieving my gaze, I met Issac's blue eyes which were shining with anxiety. I mouthed the words 'it's okay', not wanting to panic him. There is already a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. Nothing else will happen to me before i wake up tonight without knowing the details I know. Other friends were already standing next to Issac, waiting patiently. It seemed were holding everyone up, we were late.

I put my hand in Issac's and we all headed towards the café. When the doors opened wide, we were greeted by a cosy atmosphere and quiet background music. We made our way to the nearest table to a cruiser which had an insufficient number of chairs. However, Jasper and Blake soon helped themselves by taking a few chairs from the nearest empty table. We all sat down in a circle and the waitress soon joined us. I would say a bit too quickly as none of us even managed to say a word.

"Perhaps would like something to eat? Have you already decided or do you need more time?" The waitress's gaze shifted to Blake.

"We'll call you once we’ve had a chance to look at the menu." Issac responded with stern seriousness in his eyes.

The waitress turned off on her heels bumping into the next table with a disgruntled look on her face. Jasper barely held back a laugh at the way Issac reacted. Madeline was talking quietly to Eliana and Leah.

"Leah, how's are things in the dragon college? How is Diego?" My gaze drifted to Leah whose gaze soon rested on my face.

"He misses you terribly. Everytime I mention your name I see a warmth burning in his eyes. The freshmen almost burned down the college forest with their stupid pranks. Luckily, Dad regained order by introducing some stricter rules to help me deal with it. Things have been going pretty well ever since. Thank you Madeline for the spell that helped me hide my college from the nasty prying eyes of unwanted people. Without her, I probably wouldn't have been able to accommodate so many friends, old and new, kin-folk on our grounds. Now the days are flying by and I'm getting on very well with everyone. Of course, I have to give a silent thank you to my dad, who still oversees my actions from time to time, sitting in my deputy's chair. I never thought I would be director, but it is not as difficult as it seems. The dragon species is very united and fights for each other, so it's not too absurd for us all to get along. Most of them are hot-tempered, especially the youngest ones, but as Blake would say, I was born to do this." Leah smiled at the pride beaming from her father sitting next to her.

"How was your wedding?" Blake stared at my face.

I choked on my own drool in my throat at the unexpected question. Slowly, my looked towards Blake and met his dark brown eyes. He had a strange smile on his face that made me feel uncomfortable. For some reason, I think Blake is particularly keen to get me together with Issac ahead of time. He still questions if I'm serious about Issac. But after all the time we've spent together facing the darkness and fighting for each other, he shouldn't even have that thought.

"Our wedding is in mid-November. Three months to go, so we're in no hurry. First we want to make sure the Crown of Light Tournament goes smoothly, and then we'll get down to the nitty-gritty of all the wedding planning." The corner of my lips turned up.

"Have you picked out your dress yet?" Eliana's inquisitive gaze bore into my face.

"No... Yes... Maybe." I winked at Eliana.

" Amelia why don't I know anything?" Issac's hand rested on my thigh under the table and then clicked hard making me shift uncomfortably.

"It's bad luck to see the bride in her dress before the wedding. It doesn't matter if it's hours or months away. Don't even think about it Issac." Madeline's grey gaze drifted towards Issac.

Just the thought of being Amelia Luna Black in three months makes my heart beat faster. It's strange to hear Issac in my mind, a name that fits so perfectly with my middle name. Perhaps the first name needs to be abolished as time goes on? It was given to me by my false parents. Then I would only be Amelia Black - who I really am. Well, it's only a matter of time.

" How are you managing your vampire group?" Issac's eyebrow rose at the sight of Jasper.

"I'm doing fine, but a few of the second year students decided to break the school rules. This has resulted in some nasty punishments. A while ago, a few students formed a group to oppose my rules that from now on blood in my college will be drunk from a blood bags. In protest, they killed fifty people from the village in one night. Unfortunately I had to sunburn them a little before they regained their sanity and realised that I was in charge of these walls. Now every thing is under control." Jasper shrugged his shoulders, and the corner of his lips turned up.

"How are you able to be in the sun, how's that working out? Also, since when can vampires not walk in daylight?" My eyebrow rose at the sight of Jasper's reddish-yellow eyes.

"The ring, it protects me. Every vampire has one, I have a witch at my college who is happy to help me enchant rings for new students. Most of the new recruits didn't have one, so they only came to college when the sun went down. Now that’s a thing of the past." Jasper's calm but cold voice drifted through the air.

The conversation continued in full swing about new acquaintances, meetings, rules and adventures. Each of us told each other our weirdest and funniest stories. One minute we were in tears of laughter, the next moment we were all wiping the sadness from our faces, understanding each other.

The sound in my ears faded and my reunion was interrupted by something away from the group. On a small table nearby was a newspaper, the headline of which drew my attention " Two people were found brutally murdered in their home..."