Story 6 – Alliances

This story is set 1 year after Random’s accident. Jo has just become the head of the Lightning Knights and Zoar approaches him with friendship in mind.

“Success,” beamed Zoar removing his safety glasses. Ivor appeared from under one of Zoar’s three workbenches and carefully surveyed his surroundings. “Are you sure nothing else is going to explode Zoar?” he asked dryly.

“Oh relax Ivor,” scoffed Zoar rolling his eyes, “We are immortal after all.”

“With your inventions my friend,” groaned Ivor, “The immortality of the vampires is debatable.”

“Well I needed something to occupy myself,” Zoar defended himself, “For all eternity is an awfully long time. Indigo chose incessant nagging to amuse herself, Zoara chose art, Ranen chose scheming, plotting and planning, Geln chose wood work, Skyla chose sewing and I…”

“Chose inventing things that have the propensity to blow up,” finished Ivor.

“Exactly and with these contact lenses, vampires all over Balen will be able to go out during daylight hours again!”

“Amazing,” said Ivor with a sigh, “But I still don’t understand how these…things will protect us vampires from the sun.”

“I told you,” said Zoar, “They form a protective layer over a vampire’s eye and enable us to see daylight as we would night. We may be unable to see the sun but at least we’ll be able to feel it.”

“That’s all well and good Zoar but we don’t even known if these lenses of yours will work.”

“Oh ye of little faith. Besides that pendant that Rowan and I made for Zoara that enabled her to shoot fireballs from her hands worked out very well didn’t it?”

“That wizard is almost as insane as you are Zoar and yes that pendant worked out very well…if you consider the thing setting fire to your lab three times an achievement.”

“Okay so it took us a couple of tries to adjust the settings to a safe level, big deal. No one was hurt.”

“Except when Indigo threw a temper tantrum when she learnt that the pendant was for Zoara and not Ranen.”

“Ranen may be my eldest son but Zoara is my eldest child, which is why she got the Pendant of Crez.”

“No offence Zoar but what did you see in Indigo?”

“I didn’t see anything Ivor, our marriage was an arranged one.”

There was silence following Zoar’s revelation. “I’m sorry my friend, that was insensitive,” murmured Ivor. “It’s no big deal, Indigo and I haven’t been close for a long time,” said Zoar shrugging, “But I got four wonderful children out the deal, so I don’t regret anything.”

“You do realise,” commented Ivor, “That no vampire in their right mind is going to test out these contact lenses. No one is interested in getting fried.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence Ivor, and for your information all good inventors test their own creations and I’m great.”

“So you’re going to do it yourself?”

“Yes and anyway if the lenses don’t work, it’s not like I’m going to stay in the sun, with my arms spread, screaming, ‘come and take me’. I’ll come straight back inside. It takes more than a few seconds of exposure to the sun to disintegrate our eyes Ivor.”

“Well that’s comforting.”

“And with my best friend being the head healer of the vampires, who could go wrong? Now to the doors.” Zoar marched off with an exasperated Ivor following.

“Zoar I command you stop this nonsense,” snapped Indigo, “Those things will never work.”

“Gee, my best friend and my wife have no faith in me,” said Zoar sarcastically, “Really makes a guy feel special.”

“I have faith in you Father,” said Zoara softly.

“Thanks sweetheart,” grinned Zoar, “Now the lenses are in and out I go.” The vampire slid out through the doors and the large crowd that had gathered waited with baited breath.

Zoar re-entered the hall about 30 seconds later with a look of bliss on his face. “It worked didn’t it Father?” cried Skyla.

“Indeed it did my daughter, the sun…it was so warm. Something I haven’t felt in 195 years.”

“Congratulations Father,” beamed Ranen.

“Well,” said Ivor with a laugh, “I’ve certainly been proven wrong. Who wants some of these lenses?” Every single vampire shot their hands up, joy evident on their faces.

“Well Zoar, it looks like you’ve got a big order to fill when you get back,” chuckled Ivor.

“Back?” asked Indigo, “From where?”

“The Thunder Tower love.”

“That’s the Lightning Knight Headquarters, what could you possibly want there?”

“One of the main reasons I invented these lenses was so that I could travel there and make piece with the rest of 6th Dimension.”

“Don’t be an idiot,” sneered Indigo, “You can’t go there.” Many of the other vampires agreed and someone called out, “We owe them nothing, they have scorned the magic folk for all eternity.”

“That’s why someone needs to make a move,” called Zoar, “I’ve sent a messenger bird and if Jo, the new head of Lightning Knights agrees, Ivor, Zoara and myself are going to go over there and we will do our best achieve peace.”

Meanwhile in the Thunder Tower

“Incoming!” yelped Flame throwing herself on the ground. Ace launched himself into the air and Bolt hurriedly dived behind one of the training apparatuses, a lightning bolt missing her by inches. The overcharged missile slammed into the balancing beam; blowing the piece of equipment to smithereens. The gymnasium was filled with smoke and debris and Sparx, with her hands over mouth managed to say softly, “Oops.” Bolt could only make a noise crossed between a whimper and a choke. Flame surveyed the damage, “Jo’s going to kill us.” Ace finally landed and cleared his throat to gain everyone’s attention, “Maybe we should try a different approach.”

Ever since Random’s accident things in the Thunder had changed dramatically. All of the Lightning Knights were rather sombre and had grown a lot less cocky. Random however was no longer the person that everyone remembered him to be. Instead of legs, he had wheels and one of his arms was now a giant claw. His mind though, had suffered the worse; it was split into two completely different personalities. Random alternated from thinking and acting good, to thinking and acting evil. As a result he had vacated Thunder Tower and barely ever returned there. No one knew where he went or what his new life was like. Random had ensured that he was completely isolated from society, so that he couldn’t hurt anyone when he turned evil.

As a result, he could no longer help Sparx train. Despite her three years as a Lightning Knight trainee, Sparx still could not aim very well, nor could she control the powerful lightning bolts that came shooting out of her wrists. No matter what though, Ace was devoted to turning Sparx into a grade A Lightning Knight…easier said then done. He had enlisted the help of Bolt and Flame to help Sparx control her powers and not be destruction on legs.

“What happened in here?” came Jo’s surprised and horrified voice.

“Sparx,” said Ace, Bolt and Flame at the same time.

“It’s not like I intended to blow up the balancing beam,” said Sparx in an annoyed voice, “I just don’t understand why it’s so hard to learn how to shoot and fly, I excel at martial arts and gymnastics…”

“Sparx, you have to remember that most trainees come to the Academy at 8, you were 11. You were bound to have some trouble,” soothed Jo.

“I’ve had an idea for that,” interrupted Ace, “What if Sparx tried out the Sword of Jacob?” Jo raised his eyebrows, “Bit advanced for a 14-year-old don’t you think Ace?”

“In normal circumstances yes, but if Sparx could have something to channel her power through, maybe she’d find her powers easier to cope with.” Jo considered this for a minute and then looked over the damage again. “I’ll tell you what Ace, you and Bolt can hold a trial run with Sparx, using the Sword of Jacob. If it works, Sparx can use the sword as her primary weapon, if not…well…we’ll discuss that later.”

“What’s that you got their Jo?” asked Bolt changing the subject as she had been eyeing the letter clutched in the older man’s hand since he’d come in. “It’s a message,” said Jo evasively.

“Yes we can see that,” said Ace slowly, “Who’s it from?”

Jo hesitated for a moment, “It’s from Zoar Crez.”

“Isn’t he a neutral vampire,” said Bolt sharply, “What does he want?”

“Friendship,” said Jo simply, “I’ve already sent a reply. Expect to meet three vampires in the next few days.” Jo turned and exited the gymnasium swiftly. Ace, Bolt, Sparx and Flame all exchanged stunned looks before rushing out after him.

Two days later

“Is that meant to be a welcoming committee,” snorted Ivor as he, Zoar and Zoara landed in front of the Thunder Tower, about 15 feet away from the medium-sized group of Lightning Knights and 6th Dimension officials. “Well this is a serious issue,” declared Zoar.

“They’re staring at us.”

“We have fangs.”

“Can we please hurry up,” begged Zoara, “Their eyes are making me feel uncomfortable.”

“Look at it this way Zoara,” said Zoar brightly, “They’re probably more scared of you then you are of them.”

“I’m not an animal.”

“Zoar, stop smiling,” ordered Ivor, “Otherwise you’ll make them even more paranoid then they already are. Let’s just make peace with them so we can get home in time to feed.” The three vampires strode forward, to meet the humanoids head on.

“Greetings vampires,” said Jo formally, making sure to bow low. Ivor smirked at Zoar in amusement, “They think that we’re going to eat them if they don’t impress us my friend.”

The Lightning Knights shifted slightly whereas the officials paled. “Oh breathe already,” scoffed Ivor, “We’re neutral vampires, we don’t feed on humanoids. The dark vampires take care of that for of us.”

“You’re not helping things Ivor,” hissed Zoar.

“No they’re not helping things Zoar,” snapped Ivor, “You approach them in the hopes of becoming friends and they’re still scared of our kind. Heck, they’re even scared of Zoara. It’s not fair on our fellow vampires or the other good magical folk. If all they’re going to do is cower at our feet, then we’re obviously wasting our time.”

“I think you’ve made your point,” said Jo thoughtfully, “And you’re right. How can we ever become allies if we’re scared of magic and you can’t trust us?”

“It’s not right Jo,” stuttered Carn, the leader of the 6th Dimension.

“Because of superstition,” laughed Jo, “Master Owen…”

“Ivor,” corrected the healer.

“Ivor is right. It is time that everyone forgets the past and looks to the future. Balen may stay out of our way if we refuse to ally ourselves with them but Beron sure won’t. Remember the attack on Thunder Tower last year? An undead skeleton led it. Master Crez…”

“Call me Zoar,” grinned the inventor.

“Zoar has made the first move, it’s up to us to make the second.”

There was silence following Jo’s speech. “I suppose we’d better move to the meeting room to further discuss this matter,” sighed Carn.

Jo turned to Zoara, “If you follow this path you’ll come to the gardens. The Lightning Trainees will be there on their lunch break. I’m sure a few of them will show you around the Academy.”

“Show me around…”

“Have fun Zoara,” said Zoar winking at his daughter. The adults turned to head inside but Zoara gripped her father’s arm. “Father, I’m a vampire. I can’t just wonder around freely…”

“Nonsense,” reassured Jo, “They knew that you three were coming. I addressed them all last night. I’m sure that they’re all very curious about your kind.” Zoara could only gap as the group entered Thunder Tower, leaving her standing outside on the pathway. She scowled and folded her arms, “Typical, I’m older then all of them and I’m still treated like a child.”

Zoara stared at the large group of children and teenagers playing and talking in the gardens. “This is so depressing,” she mumbled dejectedly, thinking back to the time, so long ago, when she was a child and played just as happily. To say nothing of the fact that the trainees were dressed in blue pants, white shirts and boots, even the girls, who also had their hair tied out of their faces. Zoara however wore an old-fashioned, full-length dark green dress and her blonde hair spilled down to her mid-back. She represented a different time period, one she wasn’t sure that they would understand.

“MONSTER!” cried a young boy, leaping from a tree and knocking Zoara to the ground. She hissed defensively, showing off her sharp fangs. The trainee wielded a long stick and cried out, “I will defeat the creature! For I am Ace Lightning.” Zoara lunged at him and tried to wrestle the stick out of his hands. “HEY!” came an annoyed yell, “What do you think you’re doing?” Sparx rushed over to the conflict, closely followed by Flame.

“Defeating the monster,” sulked the child.

“Defending myself,” snapped Zoara.

“I didn’t mean…” started Sparx.

“Jo told us all that we were to be respectful towards the vampires,” scolded Flame, frowning at the younger boy, “Not freak them out through our antics. Now apologise.”

“You’re not a teacher,” whined the trainee, “You can’t tell me what to do.” With that the boy abandoned the stick, jumped to his feet and scampered off.

“Sorry about that,” said Sparx offering her hand out to Zoara, “The younger ones can be a bit out of control sometimes.” Zoara hesitated before accepting Sparx’s offer to help her to her feet. “It’s okay. I’ve been a vampire for a long time. I’m used to people panicking at the sight of me.” Sparx and Flame exchanged uncomfortable looks before they turned back to Zoara.

“I take it that the meeting’s started?” asked Flame.

“Indeed it has. Hopefully some good will come out of this and our different groups will be allies. Then maybe magical awareness will be increased and non-magic folk won’t be so prejudiced to those who reside in Balen.”

“Yeah well I think it’s pretty cool to be meeting a vampire,” grinned Sparx. Zoara’s pasty cheeks turned pink but she looked pleased.

“I’m Zoara but I guess you guys already knew that.”

“The name’s Sparx.”

Zoara stared at the red head oddly, “Your parents named you Sparx?”

“Of course not,” laughed Sparx, “My real name’s actually Vera but no one calls me that except my older brother Mercyn.”

“I’m Flame but my real name’s Sola.”

“So are nicknames common among Lightning Knights.”

“Really common,” agreed Flame, “About half of the Academy has them.”

“Hey girls.” A boy who looked to be the same age as Sparx and Flame sauntered over.

“Oh no,” hissed Flame in displeasure, Sparx clenched her fists and Zoara looked at both of them curiously. “I see you’ve made friends with the vampire.”

“Brilliant observation Ryan,” sneered Sparx.

“The vampire’s name is Zoara,” snapped Flame.

“So sorry.” Ryan smirked at Sparx and circled her, “Have I told you that you look stunning today Vera.”

“I look the same as I do every day and its Sparx you moron.”

“Touché,” crooned Ryan running his hand down her back.

“Jo’s already given you a warning Ryan,” snarled Flame, “Now get out of our faces.”

“Don’t worry Sola,” he chuckled, “I think you’re a real beauty as well.” With that he turned and swaggered off, leaving Sparx and Flame fuming.

“Who was that?” frowned Zoara staring after him, “Do males not show respect to females anymore?”

“Most do,” sighed Flame.

“He however…” growled Sparx, “Ryan Nomar, he’s a right jerk and goes out of his way to make every girl uncomfortable.”

“He’s taken a liking to us,” added Flame, “Sparx most of all. He gets off on touching her hair and back.”

“And Jo?”

“Has warned him…countless times in fact. All of us girls and most of the guys look forward to the day when Jo finally gets sick of the complaints and kicks him out of the Academy.”

“If we’re allies when that day comes, you’ll have to inform me,” suggested Zoara, “I’ve only just met him and I don’t ever want to see him again.”

“Will do,” agreed Flame.

“So,” said Sparx a smile reappearing on her face, “how about a tour?”

“This is the gymnasium,” explained Sparx, “We do PE here and practice shooting, low level flying, gymnastics and martial arts.”

“Why are there scorch marks everywhere?”

“That,” giggled Flame, “was Sparx.”

“I became a Lightning Trainee 3 years later then normal,” Sparx explained upon seeing Zoara’s questioning gaze, “I was a street orphan you see, in the village of Laurel. I had these weird outbursts of lightning at the oddest times and my brother forbade me to leave our shelter. One day I disobeyed and fried half the street. Ace and Random, that’s Ace Lightning and Random Virus were there and caught up with me. They told me that I had the powers of a Lightning Knight, so they organised for Mercyn, my pet dog and I to be brought here for my training.”

“It’s been 3 years and Sparx cannot control her bursts properly nor can she fly any higher then a few feet,” grinned Flame.

“Yes well when I try out the Sword of Jacob, hopefully that will change.”

“Yeah and you’ll probably have to use the Lightning Flash…that’s a hover craft…to fly.”

“Can you do a triple back flip?”

“Well no…”

“They’re you are,” exclaimed Zoar as he; Ivor, and Jo appeared around the corner.

“Father,” yelped Zoara clutching her heart, “You scared the living daylights out of me.”

“My apologies,” beamed Zoar with a bounce in his step.

“I take it by your gait and tone that you succeeded in your plan,” said Zoara wryly.

“Say hello to our allies Zoara. I see that you’re already making friends, a good start.”

“We’ve been invited to stay for the rest of the week,” said Ivor who liked rather pleased with himself, “Jo wants us here when he and Carn make the announcements to the rest of the 6th Dimension. We’ve already sent a messenger bird back home. Lora and Rowan will be coming, as will Berde and Ren.”

“Who are they?” asked Flame.

“Lora and Rowan are a light witch and wizard, Berde is the master of the light elves and Ren is the God of the 6th Dimension,” explained Zoara.

“I’m sure that if we all work together,” smiled Jo laying a hand on Zoar’s shoulder, “We’ll understand each other a lot better.”

“We also plan to take a more active stand towards evil,” added Zoar.

“Father, I’m thrilled that we’re allied with the rest of the 6th Dimension but how can we remain neutral now that we are?”

“Well we can’t,” confirmed Zoar, “So we’ll be changing our name from Neutral Vampires to Light Vampires.”

“And we’ll be naming Zoar Lord of the Light Vampires,” snickered Ivor.

Zoar shifted slightly, “That’s your idea Ivor. The other vampires have to agree as well.”

“Zoar you are one of the few vampires I know who didn’t give into despair upon their turning. You worked hard to improve our quality of life. Heck you’ve enabled us to walk in the sun again and you sent a letter to Jo requesting friendship. You have good ideas, modern ones. You are the most appropriate leader for our kind.”

“He’s right Father,” complimented Zoara, “Besides, think how pleased Mother will be.”

“I suppose you’re right. Maybe now I can experiment with dimensional travelling.”

“Oh no,” groaned Ivor, “More explosions.”

“Am I missing something?” asked Jo confusedly.

“I’ll explain later,” sighed Ivor.

“Well now that, that’s settled,” said Sparx brightly, “Can Flame and I go and introduce Zoara to Ace and Bolt.”

“Why don’t we all go,” suggested Jo, “I’m sure Ace and Bolt would like to meet Zoar and Ivor as well.”

“All right,” beamed Sparx, “They’re probably in the rec room…hey Zoara, ever played Racing Knights?”

“What?”

“We’ll show you,” grinned Flame as she and Sparx dragged Zoara off. Jo rolled his eyes and went after them, closely followed by a bemused Zoar and Ivor.