Nightblade (Darkest night)

Morgan could now see Scott's movements, but he was still too slow.

" I need to get faster. I can see his body move, but I'm too slow to react. If this keeps up, he'll still win without going all out.

Morgan strained his body to its limits; his attacks became sharper, and he made fewer unnecessary movements.

Scott's expression became grim.

" This guy, in the short time we've been apart, how has he improved so much? How is this even possible?"

Morgan was countering Scott's punches and attacks. He quickly side-stepped to avoid a punch.

Scott spun through with the motion, leaping to deliver a devastating kick, but Morgan was waiting for that.

" You're mine, now."

He had previously used a similar move on Frederick before, and Frederick had countered flawlessly.

Lucas' eyes widened when Morgan moved into Scott's striking range instead of leaping back.

" What is he thinking?"

His eyes narrowed in realization, and his lips curled up in a faint smile.

In a split second, Morgan closed the distance between him and Scott and ducked under the spinning kick, leaning back, then pushing on Scott's leg to add to his momentum.

Scott's eyes narrowed as Morgan lunged for his unprotected torso.

"I think it's time to end this," he thought.

Scott impossibly spun around in the air, landing a devastating kick at the last second.

Morgan's eyes widened in shock at the impact. The blow was so powerful that it sent Morgan skidding across the platform.

He glanced down at his trembling arms in disbelief.

Scott pierced him with a calm gaze and began to nonchalantly bounce on the balls of his feet.

" Hope you can keep up, cousin."

In the next moment, a strange aura emanated from Scott.

His movements became more unpredictable, his tempo changed erratically, wildly increasing in intensity.

Lucas wanted to intervene then, but he stayed still, choosing to remain a passive observer.

"Just how much more can they improve. They're both becoming more adept on the go."

The more the fight progressed, the more shocked he became.

" Which family produced these two monsters? How do I not know about them?"

He briefly glanced at Scott.

"This young man is certainly special as well, without a doubt. To think he's able to manipulate his umbralis without a master."

Lucas clenched his fists, memories of the exhilaration of battle flooding his mind.

" I must be growing soft, to be young and on the battlefield again."

Morgan was now barely holding on; the golden light in his eyes was becoming more and more pronounced.

His body begged for rest, his lungs ached, and his bones trembled as he forced himself to push past his limits to keep up with Scott.

Their two figures danced across the platform at a frenetic speed.

Morgan's mouth fell open in surprise as his foot abruptly slipped.

A moment later, Scott was upon him. He fluidly ducked behind him, sweeping the remaining foot out from under him.

Morgan landed with a thud. The curious feeling he'd been feeling gradually died down.

He slammed his fist on the ground.

" Damn it,"

Scott offered him his hand, pulling him back to his feet.

" You did good, you've really improved so much and in such a short time."

Morgan smiled wryly.

" Sure thing, after handing my ass to me, you say I've improved, well played."

Scott laughed good-naturedly.

" You really didn't think you were actually going to win against me."

Lucas grinned, then quietly left without being discovered.

" The kids of this generation sure are impressive."

"Come on, we should go back so you can bid Rebecca farewell."

Morgan winced, rubbing his stomach.

" I'm sure this is going to bruise and hurt like hell,"

Scott quietly donned his shirt, shoes then casually picked up his blazer.

He paused, staring off into space thoughtfully.

" Hey, Morgan, you better not lose to anyone before fighting me again, man, you got that?"

Morgan stared at him in surprise.

" Sure thing, I guess."

They slowly made their way back to the reception hall. They found Rebecca waiting for them in the waiting area.

" So how did it go? she asked.

Her eyes swept over Morgan, observing the slight rigidity in his movements.

" Did you get into a fight? On your first day? This isn't even your first day!"

"Relax," Scott drawled.

" We just had a short spar so he could show me how much improvement he has made. It's no big deal."

Rebecca scoffed derisively.

" You say that, but look at the sorry state he is in."

Scott rolled his eyes, " Gosh, I'd forgotten you nag so much."

Scott playfully jabbed Morgan in the ribs." You're alright, cuz, right?"

Morgan winced slightly, shooting him a murderous glare.

Rebecca's eyes softened a bit as she looked at them.

"You two should take care of each other, it's what family does," she whispered softly.

"Morgan, you'll soon undergo the test to become an initiate. Make friends you can trust to have your back."

Scott sighed.

" What's next? Are you going to hug us? Don't make this any more awkward than it has to be."

Rebecca glanced at him in amusement, then curtly nodded at them.

Luke stepped out of the car and walked up to Morgan.

"Not you too, man." Scott shook his head in disbelief.

Luke took off his glasses, his red irises reflecting the sun.

" Farewell, for now, Morgan. Next time we meet, you'll be an initiate."

He walked back, circling the car to the driver's door. He paused momentarily and glanced up, staring at something in the distance.

A predatory grin slowly spread across his face.

" I see you."

In Gregory's office, Lucas' eyes widened, then he grinned. He stood observing the two youths from earlier.

He was slightly surprised when the supposed driver turned and looked directly at him, smiling at him.

"No wonder they're that good, they've been brought up by a monster."

Luke Sanguine was known as one of the oldest assassins alive. He was a maestro, a living legend who had lived for centuries faithfully serving the Thane family, for generation after generation.

" It's all slowly starting to make sense."

Gregory cast a furtive glance at his unannounced guest.

" Lucas Ash, to what do I owe the honour of a visit from one of the few Maestros in existence?"

Lucas turned around and walked to Gregory's desk.

He plopped down on a couch reserved for guests that the headmaster was entertaining.

He smiled at Gregory's questioning stare.

" I was simply here to take a stroll down memory lane. See how the academy is doing in recent years, in person."

He leaned forward and broke into a grin.

His brown eyes gleamed in delight, the reflection of the flames in the fireplace dancing in his eyes.

" I believe it was worth it. I stumbled upon something quite unexpected, you see. " He said quietly.

Gregory fought the urge to roll his eyes and spoke seriously.

" And what would that be?"

Lucas' eyes twinkled with mischief.

" Monsters, Darkblade, I found monsters."

Gregory was seriously starting to doubt the sanity of the man before him.

" Monsters? From Tenebris?"

Lucas solemnly shook his head.

" You misunderstand me, Darkblade. They're actually monsters in human skin. Allow me to stay for a bit on campus, I believe there's much I can still learn from this place."

Lucas grinned silently.

" I believe my days of boredom may soon be over."

Morgan slowly hauled himself back to the dorms. His belongings had already been moved to Lucian's room during the course of the day.

His entire body ached.

He winced in pain, lightly rubbing his side.

"Scott truly packs one hell of a punch."

Scott had told him to go on ahead of him, telling him he'd catch up after dealing with some important student council matters.

He was about to open the door when he noticed it was already slightly ajar. He could faintly hear the sound of muffled sobbing coming from within.

Morgan opened the door and quietly stepped into the room.

Lucian had made an effort to clean up the room after Scott and Morgan had left.

"This place feels a bit presentable now, at least."

It was evening when Lucian decided to get out to grab a bite. He bumped into someone on his way out.

" Watch where you're going," He snapped.

Adjusting his glasses, he looked up to see Draco's smiling face.

"I dare you to repeat that, wimp."

Draco broke into a grin, seeing the fear creeping into Lucian's eyes.

" I'm sorry, I ..."

Draco roughly shoved Lucian back into his room, stepping in with three other boys.

One of them whistled loudly.

" Man, this place is a mess."

Draco's grin grew wider.

" You thought you could hide in here forever, huh?"

He slapped Lucian across the face, the sound echoing through the room.

" But I guess it makes sense, trash like you belongs alone."

He kicked him in the side, knocking the wind out of him. Lucian weakly rolled on the ground, clutching his stomach.

" Why are you doing this? Why do you keep picking on me?"

" It's simple, seeing that hopeful look in your eyes, thinking that someone will come to save you, it's quite exhilarating.

A cruel smile formed on Draco's face.

"Don't you know, it's the hope that kills."

Draco placed his foot on his head, rubbing his foot on it.

" I know trash when I see it, and this is where trash belongs, at my feet."

A tall, dark-haired youth quietly stepped into the room. He crept up behind the two boys. He emotionlessly glanced at them, then cracked their skulls together. The two went down heavily, groaning on the ground.

Draco glanced up at the newcomer with a serious expression.

" Who are you? And what do you think you're doing?"

Morgan expressionlessly stared at him.

" You'll find out soon enough. But I wonder, are you man enough to fight your own battles when you're alone?"

Morgan stepped forward, staring at Draco with a dangerous gleam in his eyes. "Take your foot off his head."

Draco grinned," Or what?"

Draco raised his foot to stomp down on Lucian's head.

Morgan darted forward, lunging at Draco's foot.

Draco smiled, launching a kick at Morgan's face.

"I've got you now. "

Morgan turned his face at the last moment, narrowly avoiding the blow and deftly grabbing Draco's foot.

He rose, throwing him off balance, sending him tumbling to the ground. Draco snarled and leapt up, charging at Morgan.

A blurred figure flashed past Morgan, barring Draco's path. Scott stood holding Draco's fist in one hand.

Draco's eyes widened slightly in surprise. He hadn't even seen the person move.

" What's going on here?"