Chapter Text
Luzombra an expansion territory is protected by an invisible magnetic field that surrounds the place, preventing any intruder from being entrometer, it was the place of advanced technology in it inhabited the most hated and fierce supernatural beings of the legends and myths. We all know supernatural beings, but among these are the ones who stand out the most because of their ability to shake anyone with just hearing the word "vampires" as well as you have heard this story will try the most fierce creatures of the supernatural world what few humansThey know
In this kingdom two types of vampires already reside. We find the "Daywalkers" the vampires that thanks to a type of birth DNA can walk under sunlight without arteries, control the fire and light thanks to the "sun" stone a golden rock that is hidden inside the castle or main building of Luzombra. You ask the transformation into vampires you have to know that these are that birth, apart from controlling the light they have a great supernatural force and a resistance to a temperature over 35 degrees what is the temperature surrounding the environment of the kingdom during the day to day when the sunIt is present. About their food you have to know that Daywalkers feed on artificial blood created with the most advanced technology and can live with a single weekly dose. If we talk about style, Daywalkers acquire just carrying white clothes and and eye with golden accessories bracelets, earrings or rings.
In the background we find the vampires at night, those who are only allowed to leave during the night time of the day, due to their condition they cannot see the sunlight and not be low from it, because they would begin to feel insufferable heat and acquiring fever that gradually theIt would lead to an end. They have wind and shadow control thanks to the "dark stone" that resides next to the "Sun stone" safely. Thanks to the control over the wind they have the ability to use their favor and be able to fly in the night sky. Their origin is unlike a story that nobody knows but thanks to their birth they were forbidden at night and were cursed for the only reason and they have to feed on human blood.
But at this time, night vampires only feed on blood processed with wild animals that usually around light, still are seen as a threat to Daywalkers and an enmity has been created for more than 100 years. Day walkers are the worst nightmare for night vampires
Technology could have advanced but society does not
You will wonder, what do Daywalkers and the vampires of the night? Our day walkers have been trained to be in surveillance receiving personal defense classes in case an enemy wants to attack and about technology to be able to handle the electromagnetic field that covers the entire area. While vampires at night do the same task and take care of monitoring their home in case of a surprise attack. Interestingly, these people are a group of adolescents between 15 and 18 years, perhaps it is something unfair but the light leaders conclude that it is better since a person or in this case a vampire after the age of 20 is not physically trained for this. When someone turns 19 immediately leaves the group and is led to contributing to a greater work, so the vampires have delivered since childhood and when they are 15 years old.
With this we can say that neither of the two groups has seen the face, only the Daywalkers and the vampires of nights are once a year and it is to talk about the resources of the place and their survival. These meetings are normally held in the Auditorium of the Mayor's Office where the Supreme Daywalkers and the Vampires at night is the one who directs the meeting with the help of their directors. The attention is palpable when the sides were found in the same place and locked
They have not had any confrontation between the sides because no one is convenient but there are always small quarrels and disagreements for adolescents who are in their stage of rebellion and are more problematic than the inconveniences of survival. Of course, for the good of the city, the line has been maintained, anyway of Daywalker is absolutely forbidden to approach a vampire of the night
But we all know that things can change or not?
Starting with the side of darkness was a perfect and starry sky with a radiant full moon on the dark sky, the most impressive place in the city of Luzombra was the only beach that is before reaching the city. If something is in common the Daywalkers and the Vampires at night is the charm they share for you Pacific Place. "Eclipse" was the name that had been given for this place the only thing in common that both sides have
The group of young people was as usual near the beach in a small cave with a bonfire over low heat, they were oblivious to the cold because he did not feel it and were accustomed. The flames were only a support for darkness were vampires but they didn't see at night. Do not wonder what a normal young man does at his age, talking, joking among them, playing nonsense were still children and the stage they are going through is very complicated. There was a group outside throwing stones at sea a competition of who did it further
— Of course you were going to be you —
A girl will see that she becomes invincible and is not afraid of anything but the first to run, she had a great arrogance to not know how to do anything. He steals his communal eyes and smiles as he turns to his friend
—The key is not the force but the impulse you give to the arm —
Vargas a Moreno Crespo boy, the opposite of his friend Vera
— But we all know that nobody surpasses Victor
The aforementioned was the only one of the three who gave me any type of arrogance unlike the other Vampires at night Victor always proved to be a noble and kind person, something very peculiar among the vampires. Victor is the leader of the night surveillance gang that maintains the order between his companions and the strongest of all, he has great control over his wind and shadow powers unlike his friends who still have the total control of their powers
— Enough, they are doing it wrong —
Vargas rebukes while some boys under about 15 years old tried to reach a maximum distance to throw the stones. As a good arrogant was and taught them the right way to do it
Victor moved away from the group and began to walk on the seashore, was so close to being reached by those who crashed into the tide but never happened he did not have the right distance so that his shoes did not get wet. He was always a very careful person despite his appearance is never considered an aggressive person. After the death of his parents he dedicated himself to training with his teacher day and night to protect his territory. Recently, he began to question certain decrees
From an early age he wondered why he could only see the moon in the sky, when he was 10 yearspossibility of going out during the day. It was at the moment that her teacher asked her about this confronted her but she refused to give her the answer I simply tell her the same as always "it is a risk" knew that the oldest was lying but her opinions were kept and decided to live with that. Until a few months ago he began to think about the possibility that perhaps the two sides could join and thus be stronger together in the face of the threats that surround him, after all Daywalkers were also vampires
The night passed in a normal way for them awake throughout the night being backed by the company among them the moonlight and the soft fresh breeze along with the waves of the sea and its beautiful sound playing against the tide. The devoured for his intrusive thoughts with the mind and uncertainty while his friends had fun as normal teenage vampires
— Where is Victor? —
Vera steals her eyes without disturbing without the annoyance the displeasure they felt of the girl's presence. Viviana a 15 -year -old vampire who had been newly integrated into the group a few weeks ago and since she arrived has shown an overwhelming addiction to Victor. Vera could not blame the best friend was practically the most attractive boy of all young vampires, he had many vampires behind him drooling and with the illusion that Victor's standards could meet. But none of them approached the least, Vera had no idea what kind of a girl Victor like
— I lived, it is our leader but Victor likes to be alone during his surveillance round and you know it —
Vargas tried to be as patient as possible and delicate with the child
— And with all due respect I think you should be more prudent with the presence of our leader
— What does that mean? —
Viviana crossed her arms and gave her head watching him uncertainty
— What he is trying to say is that Victor would never look at a little girl like you and even if you do not demonstrate your approaches, they put it uncomfortable — Vera could feel the fulminating look of the Moreno for what he calls rudeness, to be clear and transparent. She was not a hypocritical like him and drawn a smile some person who clearly didn't like
— So go do your job with your group and don't waste time looking for something you are never going to have
The girl frowned lips with force and her face flushed with rage but still said nothing, she knew she shouldn't do it because with Vera nobody has won a fight. So it only was outraged and left them. A smile of satisfaction with Vera's lips proud to have put it in its place while Vargas is angry and relieved
— You didn't see being so direct —
He said disapproving in his gaze. Vera's happiness went and subtracted importance from the boy's opinion to return with his group
— We have an hour we should go looking for Victor before it is lost again —
One of the disadvantages of leaving Victor alone is that sometimes the beloved leader is lost in the night landscape and therefore of the view of his companions
Victor was always different from others and not because he was distant but for his transparent personality and not unlikely unlike most vampires at night. That is why Vargas and Vera were always very friendly with him and always loyal to his friend, but he also had the idea that the boy had a fantasy in his head, it was with the constant existence that there is the possibility that Daywalker and Vampires at night can be friends. For both it is the most absurd idea that can occur to it but Victor sees it in another way and they will never understand their reason, they did not want to do the idea of a guy not between the two species would be something new and they were already used to their life in the dark
—The great leader playing with the sand, what would the teacher say? —
The perfect red hair boy looked at them with a smile as he washed his hands in the sea water removing the remains of his fingers — do we finish? —
— Not yet but we have minutes and you were out again — Said Vera
Victor smiled sideways and shook his head — just looked at the stars
—That always happens, you miss in the same of fantasy —Vargas mocked giving a playful elbow who laughed along with him
—I'm just somewhat nervous for the first time we attend a meeting and there will be Daywalkers —
— What has such a nervous friend? — Vargas questioned concern to see that Victor rubbed his hands to relieve anxiety
— It is the first one that we will be present, it is obvious that she is afraid of some kind of confrontations with the others — The familiar gesture must vera when she rolls her eyes was no longer a surprise for either of the two boys, she had always shown her hatred without reason towards the Daywalkers. A hatred for no reason that Victor used to question and persuade until he had a discussion with her preferred to leave it still side
— I do not think there is any kind of confrontation, if you do not cause one of course — Vargas mentioned smiling falsely towards Vera. That I was a warning and she knew, the few clashes they have had with Daywalkers were thanks to Vera and their imprudence
— Don't be distressed — Vera replied in the same way
— That doesn't reassure me —
Seeing that the only confrontation that was coming to go to his two friends Víctor decided to intercede
— Enough, it is a very important meeting and it is our first meeting and to ensure that there is no confrontation between the sides we have to demonstrate that there is no discord among us
Vargas and Vera looked at each other and his eyes that became bright red returned to their dark normal
— What you say, champion —
Vargas nodded. The night just begins for them
Chapter Text
The sun is the central star of our solar system and the main source of light and energy for the earth. It is a giant hot gas ball, mainly hydrogen and helium, which remains linked by its own severity.
The sun is essential for life on Earth, since it provides the necessary energy for plants to perform photosynthesis, which in turn supports the food chain. In addition, the light and heat of the sun regulate the weather and the weather patterns of our planet.
In Luzombra the sun is the source of life and more when the vampires at night at night prefer to keep in their homes due to their weakness. But for Daywalkers the sun is absolutely everything, food, energy, light but above all power without the sun the stone of the Daywalkers could not be recharged and lost their magical manipulation over the fire. Something fundamental in them
If the vampires fear something to Daywalkers is their manipulation with fire and day walkers no matter how much they deny that satisfaction, their domain lightly playing with fire just for fun helps us to carry a good fame. Anyway, only something is clear and is that the worst fear of vampires are Daywalkers
Addison and Zed are not aware of that, a newcomer couple by accident in the city of Luzombra. With an idealism very against the rules of the city. From Nova's perspective the leader of the Daywalkers the influence of the zombie and the alien did not sound so far -fetched but did not convince her
Nova since childhood received a very strict education for her commander and due to the absence of this became what it is now. A girl who for her young age is reckless, firm and without any commitment that is not to protect her city and her people. He became a leader when he turned 14 and received his training diploma, became
Now with 16 years recently he had begun to feel a sense of disagreement with his people and the meaningless rivalry. But for now she was more baffled by the guest she had received; A zombie, she had never seen one but had heard stories and the boy she met did not look at the terrible monsters that told her since childhood. The so -called Zed looked like a helpless flake, with horrible hair, pale skin skin and worn clothes. He also distrusted a little because no one had crossed the field of protection and the history of the zombie did not agree, a car hit and her friends and her girlfriend lost? It was consistent but also difficult to believe. Trust was not his forte
"So are vampires but walk by day or under the sun?"
Nova frowned her lips and snorted
"This is but more than vampires we are walkers, protectors of the city and the strongest "Nova mentioned with pride
- And the most great - Ray added, his best friend from childhood a boy with an egocentric personality
- And hate?
Nova sigh heavily as she entered, it was the first time I saw the night moon was normally at home before sunset or in the middle of this, the first time it was delayed. I would have to give a good explanation
- There has always been, we can't question it -
- If I have lived that story -
Nova stopped dry and looked confused about to ask her was interrupted
- It's late for you! They should not be outside the night is ours -
Nova did not recognize her but judging by her red and dark clothes she knew she was a vampire of the night, she was a brunette girl who had her red eyes. I was going to attack
And then Nova acted
- That will not be necessary, blonde - he was a dark complexion boy and fallen curlers who had a fake smile, that boy took his friend by the shoulders and drags her away from there. The group or the virus that moved away with their eyes does not follow, he calls it in his hand and the tremor in his body was appeased
- I don't know how things are in your home but here you are different there are no alternatives there are simply two sides - Zed looked at the child who spoke to him in a way that surprised him but also worried, in his eyes there was fear but in his voice it was firm - and at some point one will kill theanother ...- he managed to listen to the mutter under the blonde who moved away
At that time he realized what had entered into unknown land, he looked around and realized that he was completely different from his home, there were more buildings and definitely larger. It was something new and ...
Then he recalled that he had lost his course, his heart began to beat, dry drink and look at his surroundings turning on his axis. There was no bright dark blue costumes that will stand out in both white and red, nor an alpha wolf and a zombie of green curls, her friends, her girlfriend. He began his journey through the city without knowing where he was asking whoever he was for the girls with specific description of each one, nobody knew anything. It didn't matter, he kept looking for a madman and ...
- Zed! - The zombie felt his soul returned to his body. He turned ready with a smile of satisfaction that I did not get to see that his girlfriend was accompanied by an unknown boy. He frowned while he approaches, the stage of jealousy had passed it but curiosity was not looking for you, look at Victor a ...
- Vampire -
Full Zed looking at the younger boy with caution, as I had described Nova, red hair and dark clothes
Addison looked at him with a smile - yes, exact
- They are dangerous - he released without thinking by remembering Nova's words. Addison I look at him with ... disappointment? I didn't say it with that intention - I'm sorry I met ...
- Daywalkers - he said nodding with what could be said and a smile that was barely noticed - you will meet the Daywalkers
- So is - I confirm with a head settlement and did that regret in your voice? - And you found vampires
- Exactly, how chance, right? -
What if it was a coincidence they went on vacation and ended up crashed, lost and aimlessly in the midst of what seemed to get a territorial war. Was it very much to ask for a normal vacation? The last years have been difficult from looking for a magical stone to the aliens invading Seabrooke looking for a desire that ends up being his girlfriend. Zed had worked in recent years, you had just started at the university and already tired but he never stopped. They deserved holidays after all, he and her friends
A moment of tranquility together what we need, a last moment because from next year everything would be different
- We need to look for our friends - Zed mentions seriously remembering that Willa and Eliza still were missing -
Addison intervened with a tranquilizing smile - that is not necessary, I already found them
Zed made a "good at least" gesture - then tomorrow morning we'll leave, a pleasure to meet you friend
Addison Paspadeo disbelievers for hurry - What? As soon? But if we have just arrived at this place it is very interesting - Zed did not know how to decipher his eyes in Addison's eyes, something brought his girlfriend under his sleeve - do you think there is any problem if we get left here for a few days? - The alien looked at the vampire who seemed to doubt it. The zombie does not give him the opportunity to answer, he apologized and took his wrist girlfriend away from there
- We are in a dangerous territory, a war between vampires, do you really think it's good to go to stay here? This is not an Addison tourist site - he warned trying to get into reason
- Zed ...
- No, Addison is a very bad idea we come on vacation, it is not our territory we should not intervene
This time it was disappointment what he saw in his gaze - Zed, listen to me will only be a few days. I know you also want to know this place
The natural green hair boy looks around and then his girlfriend, in his blue eyes there was a brightness of supplica - okay three days at least and if it does not work we leave here I have a bad feeling
- There are two -
That was Willa was somewhat angry but it was known to make his way of showing that he was worried about them. I notice the relief smile that was drawn on Addison's face and the heaviness that vanished in Eliza, best friend seemed tired
- I can't believe it .... vampires -
- Are you surprised? We have already seen wolves, Aliens What else do you need? -
Willa seemed silly what Eliza said, they had already gone through a lot and they were allowed to believe in all kinds of things - vampires are not trustworthy
- You think so but I think we should know them ...- I speak Addison
Willa looked at Zed and Eliza. The three knew what Addison wanted to do and that there was not a single thing in the world that made him change his mind
- Do you think we must intervene in your problems? - Eliza was direct and looked at Addison as if he had told him something unreal - I don't think so ... I have a bad feeling
- I think that - Zed was openly agreed with her friend - And you?
- I have never trusting in vampires they taught me not to do it, I had never seen one but my mother always told me to be careful - Willa had no hesitation or there was no opportunity to persuasion in it but you knew that I would not do anything impulsive, it was a realleader and had matured
- Daywalkers are vampires that can walk under the sun already know how they say no ... apparently it is possible and also carry a type of jewel that gives them to manipulate the fire, thanks to a rock or something like that
- And the vampires are the ones that come out at night and they can also handle the wind with a dark rock
- Well that's worse than they told me ...- Willa said after listening to Zed's experience and Addison - makes them more dangerous
- According to vampires Daywalkers are more dangerous - said Addison
- It is not the other way around, the vampires are ...- The zombie began contradicting his girlfriend
- I think that both are dangerous and maybe that is why the rivalry - Eliza meant
- But because everyone lives in the same place? If they get along so badly, the faces should be seen - Zed questioned
- They don't find themselves because you live average and others just come out at night, smart boy - Willa rolled her eyes
- That is not true they are at least once a year and luck for us will be tomorrow - said Addison
The Wolf Woman and the two zombies look at you with what the alien could be
- It's a bad idea - Willa repeats looking at the fire of the fire carefully. Next to her was the animating girl who two years ago despised - are you sure? For us it worked but this is already a new place
- Camos Chico Thinking We were on vacation, we collided - the remaining three made a grimace remembering the blow it had due to that crash - And by chance of life we are here? By coincidence I met the vampires and be with the Daywalkers? There must be some reason I feel that we must make an effort to help them
- If you want help - I speak Zed
- An effort is everything I ask - insisted the girl with pleasure and despair that only her friends understand - we will be discreet -
Zed sigh deeply - Okay -
I knew he was going to regret
The day arrived and the traces of the night were already small spots all over the field. The wonderful field that was, two sectors of cabins, turns out that part of the annual meeting had a joint training between vampires and Daywalkers, why? To evaluate them, their commanders were not oblivious to the clashes that had among the young supernatural. And that's why they punished them with having to do an annual collaboration in personal defense and melee training training. Taking advantage of the Boards of the Council
This was the first training for Nova and she was not prepared, they taught her all her life to see the vampires as enemies, how could one and more face train with them? Her commander had not prepared her for that and she took it as a challenge. A test that was not sure to pass was what I felt? It shouldn't be so when Daywalkers were always more powerful. Maybe I was nervous because I didn't know what could happen
Throughout the day he was in his commander's office receiving instructions, because as a leader he had to keep his team at the line. Commander Bed was always a very strict man but at the same time comprehensive and patient with her, Nova never thought about the possibility of disappointing and the single caused a very annoying scramble in his stomach. The only objective he asked today was to feel proud and not allow any incident to ruin the meeting
It was the radiant sun the first thing he saw when he left the building and while he went down the elevator he watched the lights of the city of her home, she still did not understand the feeling she felt when she looked at Luzombra, it was not happiness, it was not joy and no satisfaction. It was like an discomfort, as if something was wrong, as if something was missing and home. With a heavy sigh he went to the field
The atmosphere was not heavy but the tension was noticeable. Very clear was the division between darkness and light when they reached the point where they crossed both she did not hesitate to go to the light
- Very heavy? -
- You have no idea - he commented with a smile towards his best friend
- He told me he doesn't want discord for now, so you know ...
- Do not hesitate to me - Ray said but the truth was that Nova did doubt him, he could not lie to herself but he did. So he only told him a soft smile
- I'm not ready, I have never seen them in person and ...-
- Hey calm, I promise you that nothing will happen just a common but a little more interesting training - Ray was a very good friend, loyal and always firm I had something special and that's why I had always trusted him unlike my other colleagues
- Remember, Nova are our leader I know who you are really but sometimes show our true being, you are not suited you are a very good person. They don't deserve that - Ray's gaze hardens towards vampires - so you know
Nova nodded what he meant I had to start building the ice barrier or at least strengthening, it had to be hard, strong, firm now more than ever. He had to become the character that his commander had created, what they had molded, in what they had forged since he was a child
Chapter 3: Capitulo 2
Chapter Text
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“Camp? I didn’t know anything about a camp. It was supposed to be just for one day. What happened?”
Throughout the day, she had received a letter from her commander’s assistant announcing that the training would turn into a camp for Vampires and Daywalkers. She was completely bewildered. What could have happened for them to send both groups far away from the city? It made no sense, and she couldn’t find any answers because all they sent her was that letter.
From the rumors she’d heard, the vampires had also received the announcement and they weren’t happy either. In Nova’s opinion, it was a disgusting, reckless, and risky idea. Was there any chance of surviving cohabitation with vampires? She doubted it. She crumpled the paper and tossed it into the trash bin.
“I didn’t know either, Ray. Something must be going on because if not, they would've told me…”
“It’s impossible to survive that.”
Nova didn’t feel surprised to see the worried look on her friend’s face— not because of fear, but because of the consequences. So many things could happen, so many people could get hurt.
“Who’s going to run it?”
That was an important question—Nova needed to know that at least they had chosen someone with the experience to handle both species.
For the rest of the day, she had no further inconveniences—only the voices in her head and the overthinking tormenting her. She barely completed part of her training; she knew it was irresponsible of her as a leader and a bad example. But she needed to think of strategies to avoid chaos in that ridiculous camp. Why did this have to happen? Why her?
Maybe the planets had aligned against her. It was too much responsibility. Keeping her team in line for a day? Of course she could do that—she was the best at it, even better than her commander, and despite being the youngest, she had proven she was the most mature for the role.
But doing it for an entire week, with their worst enemies sharing their space and forced to coexist? No. She wasn’t ready.
While they settled inside the cabin after arranging their things, her friend told her about the guy he’d run into at the beach. Apparently, he had company—a girlfriend who had met a vampire, plus a werewolf girl and another zombie who were with him. The story about the vacation and the collision turned out to be true. What she didn’t expect was that these same people turned out to be the camp hosts.
Another surprise. She didn’t agree with it, but she also couldn’t oppose it. She allowed herself to feel the doubt, since for now she knew nothing about them besides their different supernatural nature. Nova had never heard about zombies or werewolves before.
When would the surprises stop popping out of nowhere?
Ray also mentioned that the hosts had the crazy idea of making them work together. Work together… in what? She had no idea what people did in camps—according to her, it was just simple coexistence. Did they have tricks up their sleeves? She was dying to know how their commanders had decided it was a good idea to put those kids in charge of two species who hated each other.
“They have this crazy idea that we can all live in harmony in a happy world where there are no conflicts or wars.”
That message from her best friend made something click inside her. Didn’t that sound disgusting?
It should—because it sounded like complete madness. She shouldn’t even be considering the possibility. But why did that idea keep tormenting her as she walked toward the bonfire? Regardless of how not-at-all-wonderful the hosts’ idea was, they were going to introduce themselves.
She had met Zed at the beach, and his personality felt familiar—similar to Ray’s: cheerful, egocentric, but a bit more mature, and of course very polite. With Zed, all her alarms were off. He wasn’t a problem, and apparently neither was his girlfriend. A bit naïve for her age and for being a college student. Addison didn’t seem to have a single drop of malice in her body. An alien? Well, no wonder her appearance and personality seemed odd. She didn’t dislike her, but she wasn’t going to trust her right away—Addison would have to earn it.
On the other hand, the werewolf girl and the remaining zombie hadn’t said a single word. That was suspicious. Someone who didn’t speak and remained in pure silence was suspicious. Nova was used to reading people through their expressions and words, but these two girls didn’t move or say anything. They were simply standing beside Zed and Addison like handmaidens.
She listened to the story of Seabrook, how the human inhabitants of the city had feared zombies for a long time until Addison and Zed met— a union that opened everyone’s eyes. They sparked a revolution for their home, uniting zombies and humans for the good of the city. Then came the mysterious arrival of the wolves in search of their source of life—the Moon Stone. From the way it was described, Nova compared it to the sources of energy the Daywalkers and Vampires had. Apparently, the Moon Stone was Seabrook’s energy source, stolen many years ago by a group of archaeologists. It later became the power source for the city, providing all kinds of energy humans needed to survive.
Then came the story of the aliens, seeking the missing piece to find their path back to their planet, which turned out to be the same one—Addison, being a direct descendant of alien royalty.
A huge story that definitely wouldn’t let her sleep. Too much information, too many doubts in her head.
“Tomorrow’s activity will be done in pairs,” Addison announced, demanding calm silence. “One Daywalker with one Vampire.”
And the boos exploded. Nova didn’t react—she just looked at Addison, who had a smile glued to her face. She saw how the werewolf simply shrugged. Apparently, they expected that reaction, but Addison didn’t care; she continued with her plan.
“I need each of you to write your name on the papers, please.”
Decisive as a natural leader, Addison approached the vampires’ table and placed a box filled with blank slips. She did the same at the Daywalkers’ table.
“You can’t do that. It goes against our rules,” a vampire protested.
“Our camp, our rules. Your commanders authorized us and gave us the task to keep you under control, and we’re going to do that,” Zed said, hands on his hips, winking. Nova raised a brow—exactly the attitude she expected from him.
There were no more protests; everyone obeyed, wrote their names, and deposited the papers in the boxes. Then came the real twist. The blue-clothed alien picked up both boxes and swapped their positions—the red box on the Daywalkers’ table, the white one on the Vampires’ table. Nova understood immediately; she jerked her head back to look at Addison in surprise.
“Each of you will draw a paper, and the name written there will be your partner for tomorrow’s activity. …We’re missing one,” Addison frowned, pointing at the Vampires’ table.
“Victor is with his commander. He’ll arrive tomorrow, but we should add his name to the box,” Zed suggested, writing the vampire’s name—the one Nova knew—and placing it inside the red box. He shook it before setting it back on the table.
“All right, guys, let’s begin. Take one paper each, and the name you get will be your partner. Then pass it along so your neighbor can meet their partner, too.”
The process went on, and in the end, no one was happy. Who would be? Working with the enemy—whether in recreational activities or anything—was a nightmare for them. There were protests and a couple of arguments, but nothing Addison couldn’t control. Nova was starting to admire her— not even the commanders had that kind of power over them.
“Victor…” Nova murmured, stretching the name on her lips.
“Leader with leader. It’s only fair.”
Addison looked thrilled about the pairing.
“Well, that’s all for today! Have a good night!”
Nova definitely wasn’t going to sleep well that night.
---
Victor couldn’t help but somewhat agree with Addison’s proposal. He did see an opportunity—he was tired of so much rivalry. Five people had arrived in Luzombra seemingly willing to change the course of things. The camp was a good excuse, but he was worried about what the commanders were up to. Both agreeing to this? Something serious had to be happening.
Because of that, he couldn’t focus on any sense of excitement. More than anyone, he hated the bad feelings he was getting—the stuck words in his throat, the churning stomach, the sweaty hands.
A paired competition between Vampires and Daywalkers was on another level. Something risky. Victor didn’t know whether to praise Addison’s idea. According to Vera, the pairs had been chosen at random. His friend got paired with a boy named Ray, and Vargas with a girl named Crystal.
“You’re lucky, man. You got paired with the supreme arrogant one,” Vargas said, placing a hand on Victor’s chest, where a folded paper lay with the name “Nova.” “The leader of the Daywalkers.”
Victor stared at the four letters on the crumpled paper between his fingers. Nova was a peculiar name he had never heard among Daywalkers—how could he, if they’d never seen each other?
Victor liked knowing the meanings of names; he kept a personal dictionary in his room with all names and their meanings. “Nova” refers to the Latin term for “new star,” or “Butterfly Follower” in Hopi. With that, he could start getting an idea of the kind of person he would be dealing with tomorrow.
“Why pairs? If it’s a competition, they could form groups.”
He was confused—a competition is more effective in groups; more heads are better than two.
“Working in pairs is harder than working in groups. Both individuals have to agree, while in a group there’s always one leader who tells the others what to do,” Vargas said, the smartest of the three, though few people knew that side of him.
“They’re making things harder,” Victor concluded. He was starting to understand Addison’s intentions. The cheerleader—or alien—was using the biggest weakness of both enemy groups against them: the thrill of victory. The best part of any confrontation is what fuels it—the desire to win. That’s where the interests of Daywalkers and Vampires clashed. It was impressive how, in such a short time, Addison had found a way to put them on the edge.
“Exactly. And it starts tomorrow. I don’t know about you two, but I want to win this and show that cheerleader that she can’t mess with us,” Vera said arrogantly before leaving for her room.
“Some are really upset about what this Addison wants to do. That idea of uniting us is impossible, brother…” Vargas shook his head.
“Maybe not…”
Vargas blinked several times. “What? You’re not—”
“Don’t you think things would be better if the fights between us… just stopped?”
Vargas pressed his lips together and looked at his friend. He’d always known Victor never felt comfortable with his role as leader or with the world they lived in, but he thought time would change that. He had been so wrong.
“And how would that be? All of us united? Us with them? No matter how pretty it sounds, it’s impossible here. We’ve been like this for centuries. Our parents, our grandparents, our ancestors… It’s a never-ending cycle. Besides, do you think the commanders would agree to an alliance?”
No—they wouldn’t, not even if it was the last way to save them all. Both sides were far too proud. That was their greatest sin, and Victor feared the consequences.
“Hey, what did your commander tell you?” Vargas asked, breaking his thoughts.
“You’ll know tomorrow…”
Vargas immediately understood again that information between a leader and a commander was confidential.
“Vera is way too motivated about this competition. That scares me. You know how much I stand to lose.”
He knew exactly what Victor meant. Vera could get very aggressive in competitive games—losing was never an option for her. If Addison intended to unite them all, this activity might do the opposite. He hoped with all his heart she was underestimating the situation.
“What do you think their leader is like?” Vargas finally voiced the doubt that had been circling in his mind.
“Arrogant, with all the traits that define them.”
Maybe Victor should’ve kept the question to himself; that answer didn’t calm him at all.
He definitely wasn’t going to sleep well either.