The Handicapped Luna

Chapter 9 Fighter

Today is Arianas birthday party. I figured I could get ready later. So, I wanted to meet Samantha first. We decided we would sleep in and go for a run instead. I got on my workout clothes and went downstairs to the front porch.

"Hey, let's stretch." She had two yoga mats. But she put a stool on mine. She performed a series of stretches so that I could see how they were done. Then she helped me while showing me how to adjust.

"In just a few days, you really have improved so much. Your body is loosening up."

"Thanks. But I have a question. Does anyone here have any experience with a blade?"

"What do you mean? Like a sword?"

"Probably more like a large knife."

"Jalen's father did. But I'm not sure he'd be much help. He's kind of lost it since his eldest son disappeared. Okay, let's run. You need to train with your prosthetic"

We ran as we talked. I did okay, and I only stumbled a few times. "What exactly is Jalen's father doing to have lost it?"

"He started to ignore certain Alpha duties. Jalen started to take over more and more. He talks about his eldest, like he's just on vacation. And he's become a recluse. He'll be switching rooms with you and Jalen today, by the way. Locklan and them are moving things around now. You'll basically have your own house within the pack house now. You have a family area. Two bedrooms. A kitchenette and a HUGE bathroom."

"So why couldn't he train me despite that?"

"Maybe he could, I don't know. But, talk to Jalen first."

We ran a little further before turning around. She said we ran about 3 miles. "Give or take a half mile." We did some cool down workouts then grabbed a snack from the remainder of breakfast. After we drank down water, we separated, and I went upstairs. When I opened my door, I was shocked to see Jalens father sitting on my bed.

"Oh my Goddess, I'm sorry." Then I remembered what Samantha said about the rooms.

He smiled. "It's okay, child. But this is my room now. You're the Luna Queen now. Jalen"s in the master now. Why don't you go and meet him there now?"

"Yes, sir."

I shut the door and went to the master. Locklan was moving furniture around. Jalen was helping an Omega clean around and under the furniture. He saw me and smiled. Locklan smiled and waved.

I sat down on a sofa. But feeling inadequate, I got up and asked what I could do. Then another Omega came out from the kitchenette. She stood like she was the one in charge of all Omegas. And talked like it too. "You can help me by telling me how you want this master decorated, my queen."

Whoa, the queen thing stunned me. "I like blacks and light grey with some white. And I love GREEN, especially green from plants. Real plants, please."

"Alright, that's good. How about we keep all the tables and chairs. It's just a nice dark wood. We will change the sofas to black. Paint the walls grey. Put down green rugs. I can buy a green and black bed spread. And I'll put plants here and there. I'll even put them on your balcony."

"That sounds lovely."

Jalen walked up beside me, "That's sounds awesome." He put his arm around me and kissed my mark.

I stood and enjoyed it for a few seconds. But, then let go, "Oh, I have to go meet the teacher!"

I took off out of the room. Ran down the stairs as fast as I could on my prosthetic. Bolted into the conference room. My teacher smirked.

"Hello, Luna. I have good news. You passed the test yesterday."

"Yes!"

"So, for now. You're all set. All you have to do is wait for your diploma. It will be mailed to you around graduation time."

"Thank you, ma'am."

We said our goodbyes, and I walked back upstairs. Finally I could get ready for the party. I showered and found the blue dress Ariana gave me. And went back downstairs where people were decorating. Ariana was in the corner in front of a mirror. She looked nervous.

"Ariana, what's wrong?"

"Um, I didn't really have much time to get to know Preston when he was here yesterday. So, today I hope to. And, since I'll be eighteen around 7 tonight, I'll actually sense him, too."

'Well, calm down for now. Let's go get a small lunch. Maybe we can go eat it outside and relax a little."

"Oh, OK. Sounds nice."

We both requested a simple salad with strawberries. And we ate outside under the tree. The pack has calmed down now that all the repairs were made. There's still children missing. So, it's not the best feeling. But, everyone seems to be pushing through.

We were laughing when I noticed Preston and Maxwell pulling up. They had another person that I knew was another, sort of, beta. Behind them was a moving van. My jaw dropped.

Ariana and I looked at each other and took off toward Preston. I held back so that Preston and Ariana could have a moment. Then I hugged him and spoke, "Dude, what is this?"

Maxwell started first. "It was my idea. Preston's a great friend. But, with you being here and now his mate... Well, I told him I needed him to go. It's not safe for Ariana to be with us. And I have a second beta anyway."

Ariana and I squealed, and we all took off back into the packhouse for the party. People slowly showed up around the time the music started. And around 5, Ariana started to feel dizzy, and cramps started to hit as well. Preston stayed with Ariana. And, I smiled at the thought of them two. I went and danced with my mate. Occasionally, I'd stop to eat some of the smorgasbord of food and get a drink.

When 6 came, Ariana was on a sofa sweating and in pain. People would come up to her and tell her happy birthday. She would stay strong and smile. But, I could see she was in pain. At 6:30, I heard Ariana claim Preston as mate, officially. Preston took her outside, kissed her, and finally helped her transition. She was a sandy brown wolf with brownish golden eyes. Preston turned into his dark brown wolf. And the rest of us transformed and howled. And, that became my second pack run.

After a little while of running, I decided I wanted to go back to the pachouse. Feeling tired, I went upstairs and got dressed in simple clothes. I went into my kitchen and started boiling water for tea. While it got hot, I leaned down on the island. Partially lost in thought, I reached out and grabbed a knife. I leaned there examining it. I held it curiously, thinking about Selene's Blade. Just as the tea kettle started to whistle, Jalen came in. Seeing me stair at a knife apparently alarmed him.

He ran towards me, "Octavia, what the hell?"

I jumped, "What? I'm just making tea." Then I saw the knife in my hand and realized how it looked.

After making me and Jalen some tea, I sat with him, telling him I wanted to learn to fight. Mainly to fight with knives since it's part of my destiny. So, he just happened to walk in while I was deep in thought.

Jalen smiled. "I can train you."

"Really?"

"I'm not great at it, but I'll teach you what I know. At some point, I'll find someone better for you. You can spend an hour training with Samantha and an hour or so training with me."

I thought that was an awesome idea. Finally, we went to bed. And I passed out.

The next morning, we got up and went to training. Samantha made me do excersizes to learn how to move quicker with my prosthetic leg. When I was done, I went and met Jalen in a special part of the training center. This part had knives and other weapons.

Jalen went over and grabbed two swords. He handed me one. "So, generally, one dagger wouldn't be enough in a fight. At least not with or against most wolf kind. And definitely not with a large number of attackers. I recommend you dual wield. You would use a sword or other weapon with a smaller blade. Whatever your other weapon is, the sword is the most important one. For you, Selene's blade is your secondary weapon. This one is your primary weapon, and it's a one-handed shortsword."

He took the end of his sword and used it to push mine into the air. Quickly, he swung his arm back and slammed it down towards me. In a split second, I felt Xandra push herself to the surface and raise up my sword to block Jalen's move. Jalen was so powerful, though. I barely kept my own sword in my hand.

"Was that you or Xandra?"

"Xandra."

"Okay. But, do you think you could learn from her by letting her take over?"

"I'm not sure. But, maybe? At least by experience."

"Ok," quickly he repeated the move. But, so did I. Jalen's strength still staggered me a little. You're stronger, but you still need more work. Samantha, take note, please."

It was only then that I noticed Samantha by the door observing. She tapped her head to say she had it. The next moment, Jalen quickly kicked my prosthetic from under me. Somehow, despite that, I just barely kept standing.

"Never take your eyes off, your oponent. Now, there are several main stances. Your job is to know which one is needed at any given time. I'll be training you using these stances as well."

We practiced stances for thirty minutes by repetition. Once Jalen felt comfortable calling it a night, we put our swords back. Samantha said she had an idea of some excersizes and activities we could do to assist in my training.

Back at the pack house, we ate breakfast. Then, we went into the office to do some pack work. After a while, I got tired of desk work and started checking out the books on the shelves. One caught my interest, called Blade Tactics.

I sat down and flipped through the pages. I'm not sure how much time passed. But, I was startled when Jalen's father started talking to me. "You're interested in swordsmenship?"

I gasped, "Yes, sir. Jalen is teaching me as of this morning."

He smiled. "When are yall training."

"Around 6 in the morning."

"Wonderful."

Jalen came out of the office. "Hello father, can I help you?"

"No, just checking on the home front. Is there any news about Benjamin yet?"

He looked blankly, "You'd be the first to know."

"Yes," He said slowly and quietly. "Well, I'm going for a walk."

As he left, Jalens office phone rang. I was about to continue reading when he called me into his office. "Yes, here she is."

Confused, I simply said, "Hello."

"Luna Queen, my name is Elder Brock. I'm actually the lead elder. I wanted to talk to you and your husband. It's my understanding that you are supposed to be the carrier of Selenes Blade?"

"Yes, sir."

"Ok, well, as we are dedicated to following the will of the Moon Goddess herself, I have to relinquish the blade into your custody. It's rightfully yours." I was stunned."However, as important as it is, I can't simply send it through the mail. And, forgive us here, but we want to meet you here and see your coat for ourselves. Plus, we need to document it and run the paperwork. Strickly for historical report."

"Ok. So, I'd love to have it. But, when should we meet?"

"How about tomorrow?"