Terror Forty-Seven - Luna

Terror Forty-Seven - Luna

Terror Forty-Seven - Luna

Luna? I repeat.

I shouldnt be focusing on the name. This girl just blew my cover; I should be more worried about her running back and telling the others at the academy that were here. But theres something about the name...

The girl is striking. I didnt get to see her all that well earlier. Shes taller than I am by half a head, with pretty but sharp features and hair thats cropped short. Not boyishly so, but still not very long. Shes also a lot more developed than I or any of my friends are.

What did you say? I ask.

She glares. I asked you why you have Lunas face, monster.

That name again. Its strangely familiar. Not in the sense that its a name for the moon. I know that. I dont know how to explain it. Its not like hearing an unfamiliar word and recalling its meaning, its something else.

Valeria? Felix whispers.

Right, I cant afford to get distracted. My friends arent fighters. Esme can zap someone good, and Felix has her wind magic, but neither have any training and I dont think theyd be able to last long in a fight. Which means that if it comes to that, its up to me and my little friends. Felix, Esme, start packing things up.

Theres a cart over there, Esme says with a nod to the lower part of the room. There is, in fact, a cart, unhitched and sitting there. It doesnt look too big.

Fill it up, and cover it with a tarp, I say. There are some of those lying around. Tie it up good. We dont want books flying off.

Hey! the girl shouts.

I step towards her. I dont know who Luna is, I say as I tug my hood back on. My names Valeria.

Theyre naming monsters now? she asks.

Some of them, yeah, I say.

She takes a couple of steps into the room, then shifts one foot forward, the other bending at the knee. She loosens her shoulders with a bounce and brings her arms up in a boxers stance.

Uh, I say. This is all a misunderstanding?

Youre a monster here to steal from the academy, she says. Got anything to un-misunderstand that?

Uh.

In that case, its my duty to take you out and protect the school. Count yourself lucky I dont have my sword.

I huff. Some people just dont want to listen. Look, whoever you are, were just taking back what this place stole from us, thats all.

Yeah, sure, she says. Pull the other one.

I roll my eyes. Who is this sassy child? I dont want to hurt you.

Why, because Im a girl? she asks, a sarcastic lilt to her voice.

Huh? Im a girl too, idiot.

Dont call me an idiot, moron, she snaps back.

I glare.

Dark magic, Lily growls.

And you have terrible anger issues, I spit back. Keep throwing stones, Miss Glasshouse.

Lily growls and swings for my face.

I hold up the book before me.

The thump of her fist smacking into the front cover is just as satisfying as her hiss of pain.

You jerk! she screams.

Serves you right, I say. Its my turn to move in. I lower the book, then stab forwards with it, spine held like the hilt of a knife.

Lily shoves my arm aside, walks into my guard, and hooks a foot behind mine. Before I can react she shoves me, both burning hands ramming into my chest.

I try to pull back, but my foot is caught in hers and all I do is land on my bum with a crash.

Hey! I shout.

Lily grins and lands on my chest, legs on either side of me. Stupid monster, she growls. Her hand comes back, fist burning even brighter now.

I swing for her head with my book-armed hand, but she catches me with her upper arm, then grabs the flat of the book and twists. I cant keep hold of it.

I stare as my one weapon is tossed aside.

Rude, I swear.

Ill show you rude, she says.

Her fist swings down.

I ram my head forwards to meet it, forehead first.

Theres a sharp crack of pain and I wince as the back of my head bangs against the wooden floor. But the hiss from Lily makes it totally worth it.

Shes cradling her hand, which I dont think is broken, but its certainly bruised. Which means shes not paying attention...

I wrap her by the waist and roll myself over. She crashes to the side and were soon halfway under a desk. See how you like it! I say as I prepare to punch her.

Lily raises a hand before my face and I recoil as a gout of flames bursts out of her palm. My move backwards isnt smart, not when theres a heavy desk above me.

Ow! I scream as my head smacks the desk. It doesnt actually hurt much, but still, its the thought that counts.

Lily uses the opportunity to bring her legs up and she shoves me in the chest, though the momentum mostly just sends her sliding back out the other side of the desk.

We both scramble to our feet, then glare at each other across the desk. Alright, Lily says. Time for the big guns.

How does she even know what guns are?!

I dont have time to ask, as Lily bursts into flames and I have bigger things to worry about.

***