As we branched off to our distinct first periods, I headed to the blue hallway. In the blue hallway, there were classes like water-bending, flying, weather and time. As I headed to the flying classroom, I ran into Norcal, the weather instructor.

    “Thea, it’s nice to see you,” she said, smiling.

    “It’s nice to see you too,” I answered, walking into the flying and was immediately surprised at how they renovated it. The ceiling wasn’t even there. Above where the ceiling used to be, there were hoops and you had to fly through them without crashing.

    “Ok class, settle down,” Mrs. Wallace said, flying up to meet us, “today you will be trying to control your flying in a race.”

    We all flew up to the start of the race and soon heard a horn that signaled the start of the race. I shot off and, surprisingly, I was in first. Somehow, I controlled my flying and soon, I finished the race before anyone else.

    “Good job, Thea,” Mrs. Wallace said, “you finished before everyone else. I bet Thunder Strike taught you a few tricks.”

    “Yep,” I replied. Soon, everyone finished and the bell rang for second period.


. . . . . . . .


I cheated in the game of hide and seek, I opened a portal away and hid beneath the half bridge.

My eyes glazed over as my mind wandered. I remembered the time I went to the half bridge with Thea. I remember when I first met Marilyn… I remember when I absorbed the souls of the innocent.

I gulped and forced back tears. I remembered the look on their faces. I forced the thought of what they looked like out of my head. I didn't need their souls resting on my conscience.

I looked straight ahead of me and the ruins of the bridge. I did not dare to look down at my fingers, for I had blood, innocent blood, on my hands.


. . . . . . . .


For my second period, I headed to the combat wing of the school and saw April walking out looking around, confused at something.

“What’s wrong?” I asked her.


. . . . . . . .



“Umbra’s gone missing!” I said frantically as worry clenched its iron hands on my heart. “She had told me of a secret plan and left, I looked where she told me she would go, but she was never there.”


. . . . . . .



    “I’ll look for her, if you want,” I answered, thinking of the knife my father gave me. I wanted a better look at it. I thought about showing it to Umbra, but that thought quickly diminished. My dad said not to show it to anyone.


. . . . . . . . . .



As I stepped across the narrow brook in Tulgi Forest, my form twisted into a thin deer.

I found an opening beneath the trees, scampered in and layed down beneath the thick shrubbery.


. . . . . . . . .


I wandered through the forest, looking for Umbra. I glanced at the shrubbery and saw a bluish-black deer quivering under the bushes.

“Umbra!” I shouted excitedly, running to the bush. “Where have you been?”


. . . . . . . .



I looked up and sprung to my feet. I sprinted away into the dark of the night.


. . . . . . . .


“Umbra! April's worried about you!” I shouted.

. . . . . . . . . .


April … worried about .. me?! I stopped in my tracks. No. I was leaving, forever.

. . . . . . . . .


“Yes she’s worried about you. She's your friend. Do you wanna see something cool?” I asked.


. . . . . . . . . .


I morphed into something like a wolf. I kept my deer antlers but was still wolfish. I nodded and sat.

. . . . . . . . . . .


“You can't tell anyone about this. Ok,” I said, “you are the only one besides my dad that knows about this.”

I pulled out my bone knife and she instantly jumped up.


. . . . . . . . . .



I growled and lunged at her hand, forcing her to drop the knife. Red blood burbled down her wrist. She stared at me with wide, horrified eyes. I hunched my shoulders and slowly stepped backwards. My ears were plastered to the sides of my head. I released a bone-chilling howl and disappeared into the night.



. . . . . . . .


I stared in horror at my wrist, at where she had bitten it. I couldn't believe that she had bitten me. No. I wouldn't believe it. I wouldn't believe that she had ran into the woods. I wouldn't believe that she had bitten my wrist. I wouldn't believe that I might not have a friend the next day. I imagined how furious mom and dad would be if they found out that I became friends with Umbra, the daughter of their worst enemies.

“I just won't tell them,” I said to myself.


. . . . . . . . .


“Won't tell who?” I asked behind Thea, almost giving her a heart attack.


. . . . . . . . .


“April! You scared me half to death!” I exclaimed, “what are you doing here?”

I hid my wrist behind my back, hoping she wouldn't ask about it.


. . . . . . . . .


“What happened to your wrist?” I asked, glancing behind her back.


. . . . . . . .


“Oh, nothing,” I said trying to sound casual.


. . . . . . . .


“Don't look like nothing. Looks like you got bitten,” I replied, a knowing look on my face. “Looks like Umbra doesn't like this bone knife.”


. . . . . . . .


She picked up the knife. As soon as she picked it up, it glowed red and she dropped it with a scream. When it fell, it stopped glowing.


. . . . . . . . .


“That was hot,” I said, blowing on my hand.



. . . . . . .


I sprinted into the woods as fast as I could. Stopping only to eat and lap up water with my purple tongue.

After what seemed like many days I stopped to rest.

Hidden away in a thorny nest of bramble I slept. I was soon awoken by the noise of ruffling branches. I quickly got up, trying to make as little sound possible, and poked my head out of the sharp bush.

I was met with the brush of another muzzle. I yelped in surprise and jumped back. The wolf seemed to laugh.

A warm midnight-blue eyed wolf with silky white fur stepped in the nest. He approached with caution and tentatively sniffed me. As he got closer, I saw his eyes more clearly. They seemed to be twinkling with the light of 1000 stars

“Hello,” the wolf said. His voice flowed smoother than silk “My name is Eron. What is yours?”

I looked at the wolf with wide eyes, “U-umbra…”

The wolf smiled at me. “That is a beautiful name.”

It felt like I was melting and growing hard at the same time.

“Why are you here?” He gave me a confused look that set my heart ablaze.

“I … had to get away,” I held back tears. I had no idea why I was telling Eron this.

He twisted his head to the side, confused. “From where?”

“F-from …” and then the tears came. They felt hot and sticky like warm syrup. I started telling the wolf I had known for only five minutes my story. My words came fast and thick with sobs.

Eron forward and crossed his neck over mine, like a wolf hug. He licked the fur on my neck, calming me down. “You should get home.”

I nodded and walked out of the den, Eron close behind. I felt embarrassed at my outburst and kept my head down and ears on the side of my head.

Eron gave me a reassuring lick on the forehead and said in a soft voice “Will you meet me here tomorrow?”

I nodded and ran in the direction of home.


. . . . . . . . .


“Come on, April,” I said, on the verge of tears, “we have to find her.”

“I know what you’re going to say next. That I’m the one who lost her. Well guess what, it’s YOUR bone knife. It’s your fault for spooking her!” she shouted back at me, sounding irritated.

“Did I know she would act the way she did!” I shouted, sounding just as irritated as her. It had been a month since she ran, and I was worried about her. “Come on. We should go back home. It’s no use.”

I was defeated. I didn’t know what to do.


. . . . . .


As soon as I got away from the gorgeous wolf, Eron, I opened a portal to my room and flopped down on my bed, instantly falling asleep.



. . . . . . .


As soon as I got home, I fell onto my bed and let the tears come. I had cried myself to sleep for the past month worrying about her. I did the same now. My dreams were full of her smile and her laugh, and I cried again. I had lost her like I had lost Marilyn. When I woke up, I saw a portal in the corner of the room.

“Umbra!” I shouted excitedly as she sat on my beanbag. I ran over and gave her a huge bear hug.


. . . . . . . . . . .



I waited patiently for her to let go and hugged her back. I felt embarrassed so I still kept quiet.


. . . . . . . . .


“Where the HECK were you!” I shouted so loud it woke my parents.

“Darling. What’s wrong?” my dad asked coming into my room. He suddenly froze.

“Nothing, dad. Go back to sleep,” I said, hoping he didn’t notice Umbra.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH BLACK SHADOW’S SPAWN!” he shouted so loud it woke the whole neighborhood.

“Dad, I’m sorry. Please don’t hurt her,” I begged, on the verge of tears.

“SORRY DOESN’T CUT IT!” he yelled, pushing me out of the way in his anger. “I should punish you. Push you out the window. It’s what you deserve.”

“Dad. She's not her parents,” I said a strange sense of calm washing over me. “She is responsible for what she does.”

“Why didn't you tell us about her? How is she so nice to you when her father and I are enemies? Why don’t I understand your friendship?” He asked softly his anger forgotten.

“I didn't tell you because I knew you would react this way. She is my friend and I don't need your approval,” I answered calmly, “anyways, it’s time for school. Come on, Umbra.”

We headed out of the door and portaled to school.


. . . . . . . .


I couldn’t get the sight of the young she-wolf out of my head. Nobody ever trusted me and yet this young wolf immediately lended her trust. It was quite stupid actually, she shouldn’t go around telling people her life story.

Oh yeah, if your wondering why people never trust me, its because I’m the son of a villain named “Lord Necros of the Shadow Realm!!!” I know, dramatic.

The she-wolf told me to meet her at noon beneath the bramble bush we met at yesterday. I immediately agreed, of course. And that was when I realized I didn't even know her name. I tried chasing after her but she seemed to disappear. I wonder if she went back to her pack.

Actually I wondered about a lot of things, for example. Was the she-wolf a hero or an actual wolf, could she tell that I was a hero and not an actual wolf, wasn’t there someone from her home with a shoulder for her to cry on, why did she have antlers?!

I know its a lot. Of course, I can handle a lot. I was waiting for her under the brambles when suddenly I saw a girl with black and blue hair and large round glasses that sat upon a pointed nose. I hid deeper in the brambles when I heard her call my name. I sheepishly stepped out when suddenly the she-wolf replaced her.


. . . . . . . . .



I watched Eron step out of the bramble and changed my shape. He stepped forward and almost seemed confused then shot me a dashing smile. I stopped in my tracks and stared at him with a dumb expression. He laughed and I quickly snapped out of it.

“Come on, follow me” he said and I followed him.


. . . . . . .


    At lunch, I looked for Umbra but I couldn’t find her. I thought she might have wanted her alone time after this morning. Well, now I know how he would truly react. I thought about the way I had been completely calm while he yelled at me. I glanced across the lunchroom and saw Chris. I blushed while I walked over there.

    “Hey Chris,” I said, hoping he didn’t see me blushing. “How was first period?”

    “It was fun. We did speed and I was in first because it was a race and apparently I’m the fastest,” he said. “How was your first period.”

    “It was awesome. We did another race because well it’s a monthly assessment. I got in first,” I said trying to stop blushing. It was really hard because, well, he’s my crush.


. . . . . . . . . . . .



    I ran alongside Eron, my pelt rippling in the wind. I felt so free. Like I could run forever. Adrenaline was pumping through my veins when Eron suddenly stopped.

    I tumbled head over paws and landed on my face.

    “Hey!! Are you ok?!” He grabbed the scruff of my neck and helped pull me up.

    “Yeah.” I said, unable to hide a grimace of pain. I tried to stand up and my leg buckled beneath me. It gave way quickly and I landed on my paw which was now twisted at an awkward angle.

    Bone peeked at me from beneath a thin layer of skin. I looked at Eron in shock. My eyes glazed over and I lost all consciousness.


. . . . . . .


After school, I decided to go and find Umbra. As soon as I got into the woods that are by the half bridge, I saw Umbra, in wolf form with antlers, and a wolf standing above her. When the wolf saw me he bared his teeth and growled as if protecting Umbra from a serious threat.

Suddenly, Umbra groaned and tried to get up. The wolf standing above her kept her from getting up. He whispered something and Umbra quickly gave up her futile attempts to stand.

She morphed back into her human form and looked like she was going to barf and/or pass out she told the now very surprised wolf I was her friend and I calmed down. She looked dazed and grabbed onto the wolfs fur. The wolf somehow draped her over his back and walked forward, bringing me to him. We talked while Umbra was recovering. Soon, we were, well I wouldn't say friends more like we were acquaintances. I didn't tell him everything, just the important things. Like the ‘my parents are Thunder Strike and The Tempest.’ For some reason though, I didn't trust him. He kinda looked familiar.


. . . . . . . . . .



I woke up with a start, cool sweat drenching my back. As soon as I sat up I instantly regretted it. White hot sparks splayed across my vision as the sharp pain of a migraine invaded my thoughts.

It was then when I started to better feel the pain in my hand and foot. I let out a yelp and felt the furry pillow my hands had been grasped to move. I gasped in shock and pain when I realize it was Eron.

“Shhh” he said as if he could read my thoughts “don’t talk it'll only make your headache worse.”

I watched as he got up from his spot and walked up to my foot. He gently licked it. A cooling sensation spread through my foot as I felt the injuries melt away. I released a sigh and sat back.

“Thank you,” I said as I layed back. Suddenly, I remembered that Thea had been next to me when I had passed out again.

“Where’s Thea?” I asked.

“She's outside of this den,” he replied gesturing to the space we were in, “she's been pretty worried about you.”

“Can you call her in?” I asked. He howled and Thea came running in.


. . . . . . .


    I heard Eron howl and immediately panicked. Was Umbra ok?! What did he do to her? If he hurt her so help me- I ran into the area Eron and Umbra were in.

    I let out a sigh when I saw Umbra sitting up. I walked up to her and smiled.

    “You ok?” I said. She nodded and tried to flex her newly healed hand.

She let out a yelp of pain and looked down at it once again. Eron looked at her with sad eyes.

    “You can’t move it yet,” he said.


. . . . . . . . . . .




It felt like my hand was on fire. I looked at Eron and pet his fur with my good hand. Eron smiled and started laughing.

“What's so funny?” I asked him

He sat up and suddenly a bright glow surrounded him. He smiled and the glow around him grew brighter.

I pressed myself against the corner of the cave we were in, wondering what was happening. The light dissipated and what was left behind was a youngish looking boy with dark skin, curly hair and vibrant blue eyes.

I felt like I was going to explode. I opened a portal and left immediately, there was no way I was staying.

I jumped into my room and hid beneath the covers of my bed. Welp, I’m a coward.

. . . . . . .


I stared at the boy bewilderedly. I now knew why I hadn’t trusted him. His father was “Lord Necros of the Shadow Realm”. It’s a bit much, but I guess that’s the way it goes for SOME villains. I decided that leaving was my best option.

“Well, I’d better go,” I said trying to sound casual. I walked out of the den and shot into the sky, not even crashing once. My landing was still rough but still better than it was before.


. . . . . . . . . . .



“Dang it.” I muttered to myself. I didn't have time to explain myself to Umbra. I re-opened the portal she had escaped through and walked into what looked like her bedroom. It was neat and had black walls. I wondered where I was. I looked at the GPS in my watch. Wait …. This was the castle of Nightshade. Umbra was a villain!!!


. . . . . . . . . . . . . .


I sat in the commons of IA at lunch the next day and sensed that Umbra was tense. She walked up to me. I waved to her and she waved back.

She sat down at my table and played with her food. She looked strangely sad.

“What's wrong?” I asked her. She gave me a blank stare.



. . . . . . . . . . . . .


I followed Umbra to her school. I was determined to show her I wasn't bad! I saw her sitting at a table with a few cheerful looking kids. She looked down at a plate of food, her hair falling like a curtain around her face.

I was nervous about approaching her but stepped forward and sat down at her table. She didn't notice.

One of the kids at the table looked at me with an obnoxious expression.

“Well, hello there,” she said. Ugh … flirting. Her eyes seemed like they could see the parts of me no one else could. I rolled my eyes and drummed my fingers on the table, trying to get Umbra to look up. The annoying girl tried again to get my attention.

“What are you doing here?” she looked at me with wide innocent eyes. I once again looked away and she scoffed.

“Fine then … just ignore me,” she mumbled. She got up from the table and stormed off.

Umbra glanced up and when she noticed me her eyes locked on to mine.

“W-WHA?!?!” she got up from her seat and backed up a bit.

I gave her a smirk.

“What? Did you think you could get away?” I asked

“ … You think this is some joke don’t you,” she said looking at me with an expression I couldn't place. “You think you can just GO UP TO RANDOM PEOPLE AND TRICK THEM!!!” she paused. Most everyone in the cafeteria were looking at us. I noticed tears on the brim of spilling out of her eyes.

“I-I...I thought you were different.” she looked down for what seemed like an eon. Then her eyes glazed over with malice. “BUT YOU.” she pointed at me, her brows furrowed and eyes narrowed into slits, and began to transform. “ARE NO DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHERS!”

She turned into a dragon and breathed a plume of fire at me. Her roar shattered all the windows in the cafeteria and everyone covered their ears in unison. She took off through the roof and flew away.


. . . . . . . . . . . . . .


I was chatting with Thea at the cafeteria. Suddenly, I heard the deafening roar of a dragon.

“What was that!” I yelled over the noise that the cafeteria had burst into.

“That was my friend,” Thea replied, looking anxiously at the ceiling, “I-I’ve got to go.”

“What?” I asked, a little concerned.

“I’ve got to go,” she said more firmly.

“Ok. I could go with you,” I offered.

“No. I’ve got to go alone,” she said, transforming into something huge. “See you later?”

“Ok,” I said when she flew away as a dragon.


. . . . . . . . . . .



I flew and flew and flew and flew. I didn’t stop when angry citizens attacked me with spears. I didn’t stop when my mother tried to take me down. I wouldn't stop for anything.


. . . . . . . . . . .



“Oh no …” I said. I disrespected her boundaries. She would never forgive me. I quickly transformed into a griffin and flew after her. I knew this form would give me speed and agility.

I looked around, but Umbra was nowhere to be seen. I scoured the mountain side the school rested on. I searched for portals opened nearby.

“Aha!” I said aloud. Umbra had opened a portal here not too long ago. I re-opened the portal and flew through.

“Hello?” I said meekly. There was a dragon curled up in the corner of the cave I had teleported to. I flew towards it and landed softly beside its tail. I walked up until I could see her face. I looked at her eyes, her gaze was intense for a moment then she exhaled and turned away.


. . . . . . . . . . .


As I flew to the Cave of Thoughts, I saw two tails hanging out.

Uh oh… I thought. I roared. It seemed to scare Umbra and Eron.

“What are you two doing!” I yelled.

. . . . . . . .


I followed the giant pink dragon to a big cave. There were three huge tails sticking out of it. I turned into a bat and snuck inside without being seen or heard.


. . . . . . .



I fought hard against the prison containing me. I had to escape this prison to seek my revenge.

“Thunder Strike will pay for all that he has done!” I yelled.

I punched at the walls of my red prison until my knuckles bled.

“Saturn, he had to trap me in Saturn,” I sat and gave up my futile attempt at breaking out of my stony prison. “It's no use.”

Suddenly, my prison opened and I was amazed at the beauty of the stars around me.

“No. It's Neptune,” I said, grinning. I opened a portal and saw the bedroom I shared with my wife. Walking through, I noticed that the world had changed drastically.