Losing The Light Of The Moon

A Combination of Powers

Chapter Nine: A Combination of Powers

TATIANA

As my sisters and I stood with Raven and Loa on a vast field deep in Crescent Moon territory, I couldn’t help but think about Sarika, Raven’s mother, and how much I wished she too was here as we trained her beautiful daughter. 

Incredibly driven with powers that even surpassed those of her mother, I found myself immersed in showing her several new ways to utilize her magic. Raven was methodical in her understanding of each new trick, taking the spells and deciphering it down to the most minute detail. Truth be told, she reminded me of myself—a self-taught witch who had been on her own learning her craft, but once the opportunity to learn from fellow sorceress’, soaked in everything she could to be able to use the fullest extent of her powers. There was one particular facet of my magic, however, that Raven was incredibly interested in…

As we were winding down our first lesson, Raven delicately asked, “Auntie, how did you to learn how to combine your powers with Auntie P and Auntie Ro?”

“That particular talent took several years to perfect, Raven” I warmly returned, “It takes true understanding of the sorcery held inside oneself and as I discovered, a strong familial bond.”

Reina proudly stated, “It also takes a witch who has the ability to harness such power. It is not an easy feat to accomplish, my dear Raven. There are few who could ever make that happen. Your Auntie P and I are fortunate that Tati enables us to be a part of something so rare.”

“Yes, your auntie is being a bit modest,” Persephone lovingly stated, “Though, she is correct—the strong connection is essential.”

As I looked between Loa and Raven, I contemplated out loud, “I do feel as we progress, however, Raven’s vast powers may enable her fulfill a wish held dear by Sarika back in the day.”

Loa stared at me dumbfounded for a moment before hesitatingly replying, “Sarika wanted to combine powers...with me?”

“She did,” I kindly returned, “and with continued training, if you both wish, you and Raven could do just that.”

Wrapping her arm around Loa, Raven affectionately inquired, “I would love that Aunt Loa. What do you think?”

With tears brimming the corners of her eyes, Loa beamed back at her, “After everything I’ve done in my lifetime, Raven, I think I am more fortunate than I deserve.”

“Take it from experience, Loa,” Persephone sincerely stated, “Once you embrace the goodness, goodness will set you free, my dear.”

“It would appear that Tati is not the only one who can be philosophical,” Mahan’s voice rang out, diverting our attention, “I do hope Loa takes heed of your wise words.”

Loa walked towards Mahan, her expression full of adoration, “You’re biased, Mahan. You love me.”

“I do, indeed,” Mahan grinned, leaning down to kiss her gently, “More than you will ever know, my love.”

My heart swelled with joy for my old friend as I saw his happiness with Loa. Running his fingers through the white streak held within her black tresses, his smile reflected such deep admiration and love for her. Loa returned his loving gaze, her smile genuinely gleeful and appreciative of the gift of Mahan’s heart. 

Looking past them, I saw our large group of friends and loved ones making their way towards us as well and judging by the excited looks on their faces, I had a feeling there was a request about to be made...

“I believe there is a specific reason for this little visit,” I laughed out softly, “What do you think, Sisters?”

Folding her arms in front of her, Persephone shot Reina a victorious smirk, “I think Reina has a few words to say right now!”

Reina rolled her eyes, exasperating out, “As usual, Persephone is right.” Looking over at me, she added, “And as usual, the only way to hear those words is if I lose a bet to her!”

Releasing his hold on Constance’s hand to walk over and kiss an elated Persephone and Reina on the cheek, Jace cheerfully greeted, “Ladies! How was training?”

As he hugged Raven tenderly, Persephone gushed, “She is just as amazing as we envisioned, Jace, my dear! And we are very proud that you are her Delta! Your heritage makes you the perfect fit! There has never been a hybrid in that role before!”

I was met with humored, dancing eyes and ear to ear smile as he replied, “Thank you, Auntie P. I’m very proud and thankful to have the role.”

Wrapping his arms tight around me, Jace leaned down to kiss my cheek before lovingly greeting, “I’m thankful for many things right now, in fact!”

As Jace released me from his hold, Madeline walked over to hug Raven before turning towards us, affectionately inquiring with a wide smile, “I’m assuming you three already know why we have infiltrated upon you.”

Just then, Tink came up, hugging me tightly, “Please say yes, Auntie!” Beast came up behind her, chuckling out, “She’s impatient.”

Looking down at Tink’s child-like grin, I giggled out, “Oh, all right!   But only if you and Beast will take me to see the garden after!”

“Got yourself a deal, Auntie!” Tink instantly replied, jumping up and down and rubbing her hands together in anticipation, “It’s bang-bang time, baby!”

I let out a roll of laughter as I amusingly looked over at Reina and Persephone, “You heard our Tink, Sisters! It’s bang-bang time!”

“Oh, I do love the sound of that! Bang! Bang!” Reina enthusiastically cooed out.

“All right, everyone back up please!” Persephone chortled as she, Reina, and I looked out at all their animated faces. It was then I noticed Horacio and Umar standing far off to the side, their arms crossed in front of them as they looked at me with knowing grins.

“What do you say, Lorenzo, Soren, and Mahan?” Reina playfully inquired, “Want to have some fun?”

“I thought you would never ask!” Soren chuckled, his eyes moving between Lorenzo and Mahan who stood on either side, “Shall we, gentlemen?”

“I’ve never turned down a chance to flex a little muscle with the Power of Three!” Mahan smiled brightly, looking over at Loa and winking, “I’ll be back shortly, love.”

“Have fun, Mahan,” Loa giggled, blowing him a kiss.

“Yes, let’s show the young how it’s really done,” Lorenzo sighed out, “And knowing those three, feel a bit young ourselves for a bit. Hopefully they haven’t lost their touch.”

“Lost our touch, indeed!” Reina sarcastically scoffed, “Just go shift, old man! We’ll make sure you don’t break anything!” Laughter filled the air after her bantering reply.

“Any of our other old friends want to play?” I asked, looking over towards Zixin, Ronan, Artem, and Faizon.

“Not this time, Tati,” Sarene politely stated, “I think Zahlia and I would both end up fainting from worry.”

“Yes, we would,” Zahlia sighed out in relief that Sarene spoke up first, eyeing her appreciatively before looking at Zixin consoling him, “Perhaps next time.”

“What about you, Horacio and Umar?” I grinned, “Think you can remember how this works?”

“Hell, yeah! We were hoping you would invite us to the party!” Umar eagerly replied, nudging Horacio who laughed then followed Umar into the tree line to shift as he deadpanned, “I particularly like the platforms, if you are taking requests.”

As everyone else formed a half circle around us, my sisters and I came to stand beside one another with me in the center. Extending my arms out from my side, our hands clasped around one another as we closed our eyes and our green, blush, and silver lights emanated from our palms. Taking in a deep breath, I started the process of pulling our powers together as one.

A bright glow shone from our irises as our eyes fluttered open again with bright streams of color gleaming in the sunlight as I directed them towards our feet. Fully intertwined, I harnessed our combined powers inside, sending the swirling light spinning rapidly all around us as it slowly flowed upward, gusts of wind blowing our hair out to the sides as our powers slowly extended up to our waists.

Flicking my wrist, I strategically placed cloth dummies across the field ahead of us just as Lorenzo, Soren, Mahan, Umar, and Horacio exited the forest. My mouth expanding into a fun-loving excited grin, I prepared to begin our little bang-bang show of power...

**********

JACE

As we all stood anticipating the demonstration my mother and aunts were about to put on, I couldn’t help but admire the beauty of my mother that emulated throughout her entire being as she wielded her magic. Standing in the center of my aunts in her black long-sleeved shirt with thumbholes in the end to allow the sleeves to cover her hands, keeping them warm, and her black leggings, you could see just as much immense joy in her expression as you could power in her magic.   

My aunts looked quite gleeful themselves as they stood on either side of her in long loose black cotton dresses. I had to laugh, however, at their matching accessory hanging down around each of their necks—even for a workout, they were never ones to be without color as they wore matching bright multi-colored scarves with strands of shimmering silver woven within them.

As we all looked on, the three Council members went first, charging towards their respective targets as the Power of Three each sent a tri-colored beam of light out towards them. Mahan was the first to leap towards his target in the center as Mother brought her hand up, balancing him on the beam before launching him higher in the air. In the same instant, she sent a burst of power forward causing his right paw to powerfully glow as he descended upon stuffed wolf below. 

Vigorously thrusting him forward with the slightest push from her hand, Mahan’s mighty dark grey wolf pulled its paw straight back then energetically swung forward, landing a blow so massive to his targeted wolf that its head violently shot forward until it landed at Carson’s feet as tufts of cotton erupted forcefully from what was left of the stuffed body. 

Aunt Reina was in charge of Soren, as she encircled her powers around the back end of his massive dark auburn wolf, twirling her fingers around to cause the light to form a small whipping tornado that she used to forcibly propel him forward before she sent the swirling wind up, causing him to flip as his hind feet connected so hard with his target that it came apart from the seams instantly as Soren’s muzzle expanded into an ear to ear grin.

Lorenzo looked to be having just as much fun as Aunt Persephone swiftly wielded her beam of light to shoot him straight up into the air. He ended up so high above us that the building velocity of his descent, combined with his magically empowered front paws, instantly ripped his target completely in half upon impact, one half of which landed at Alastor’s feet and the other at Nicholas’, who was several yards from him.

Looking down with stunned wide eyes, Carson breathed out in awe, “WHOA! WICKED!”  Looking over at Nicholas, who, along with Madeline, was staring down in disbelief at what was left of the stuffed wolf at his feet, he pleaded, “They’re integrating with us, right? Please, PLEASE tell me we get to do that!”

“I don’t know about you, my Alpha, but I vote yes!” Madeline exclaimed, locking her hopeful eyes with Nicholas before sweetly grinning at him, leading him to shake his head and laugh softly at her as he lovingly wrapped his arm around her waist.

“I’ve never seen my father attack so ferociously!” Luminara exclaimed in startled amazement, looking between Badru and Loa, “Have either of you?”

“No, but I'm rather enjoying seeing that side of him,” Loa amorously stated.

“Never,” Badru chuckled out under his breath, “Though I dare say, I would take advantage of that kind of opportunity myself, if given the chance!”

“Agreed, Badru,” Alastor unevenly breathed out, “I don’t say this very often, but I think I’m a little jealous of the old man currently.”  

Looking back out at Lorenzo, he humorously cheered at him, “Nicely done, Father! But don’t get any ideas, you’re still retiring!” Vivian forcefully bumped him with her hip, shooting him a warning look with narrowed eyes as Alastor chuckled out, “But you will still be able to join in battle when you choose, of course, especially when our Aunties come out to play!”

My jaw remained dropped, exhaling out in hastened breath, “With Horacio and Umar up next, maybe it would be wise for us to move back a little further.”

Mother giggled, her emerald green eyes flashing brighter from the action, just as she brought forth a glittering shield of green, silver, and blushed pink all around us. 

“Nope, Auntie’s got it!” Tink blissfully exclaimed, “They are BADASS! Between Raven, Loa, and the Power of Three, there are so many maneuvers in battle at our disposal!”  

“Definitely,” Beast lowly murmured through his astonished grin, “I’m IN!”

Her arm snaking around my waist, Goddess stated in awe, “All three of them are so incredible, Jace. Your mother is so elegant, though. Every move she makes...she’s so confident and at ease.”

Before I could answer, our attention was drawn back to the field, silencing us again as Aunt Reina and Aunt Persephone sent eight small round platforms climbing into the air, aligning them on the sides as Mother readied herself in the center while Horacio and Umar positioned themselves on either side of the Power of Three, crouching and pulling all their weight back onto their hind legs. 

Completely in sync, the two Betas fiercely lunged forward, the speed and force of their charge rapidly increasing with each impactful leap up the flickering magical stones. As they ascended, Mother enveloped them in tricolored auras, her right hand guiding it all around Horacio while her left did the same with Umar, until they both had the hue radiating around their wolves completely. 

As they reached the top, Mother again ever so slightly thrust her hands forward, yet her power mightily combining with their already deadly force, sending them down with so much potency that the instant they hit the stuffed wolves, it completely obliterated them into a mass of cotton that exploded viciously into the sky. The blows were so strong that as we all looked up, balls of cotton were raining down like snow, sticking to the branches of trees that stood along the side of us while rolling down the sides of our shield.

“Holy CRAP!” Zayden choked out as he watched the cotton fall all around us, “I have no other words—seriously, none!”

“I don’t think any of us do, little brother,” Zayn stated in awe, looking up as the cotton continued to fall above us.  Jade nodded as she wrapped her hand around his arm.

“Wow!” Remi exclaimed.

“Right? Can you imagine them in battle?” Charlotte asked, her tone full of admiration.

“Well, I’m looking forward to our future workouts," Loa slowly stated,

“As am I,” Raven delightedly stated, leaning into Talon, “I think you may want to join next time, my love.”

“Absolutely,” Talon chuckled, “I’ll clear my schedule.”

“Yep, other than I’m jealous right now, got nothing!” Tink blurted out, her eyes at the top of the shield as well.

“Impressive doesn’t even begin to cover it,” Gavin thoughtfully said, his arms wrapped around Lorelei’s shoulders pulling her in closer as she breathed out in wonder, “Amazing doesn’t either.”

“The Sassy Sisters have always been a sight to behold,” Sarene dreamily said, smiling brightly.

“Yes, they most certainly have,” Aruna softly agreed.

“I believe we will have to have a talk with the Power of Three about integration,” Nicholas declared, “As soon as possible.”

I stood silently listening to everyone’s praise with an overflowing heart for the Power of Three, watching as Mother reeled her powers back in, removing our shield in the process as the rejuvenated-looking wolves ran back towards the forest to shift back.  

The emerald green glow in her eyes slowly dissipated to reveal her beautiful brown irises flaked with sparkling hazel accents.  Flashing me her stunning bright white smile, Mother lightheartedly winked at me, causing me to softly laugh in return before I winked back at her. 

The Power of Three had without a doubt not lost any of their touch, just as strong, formidable, and talented with their powers as they always have been...and they were incredibly loved by me.

***********

TATIANA

After we completed our demonstration, Jace looked at me with such overwhelming pride and love in his expression—something that in turn, filled me with more happiness in my heart than I ever could have imagined. And I couldn’t deny, it had been some time since my sisters and I have been able to utilize our powers in such a way—and it was an exhilarating feeling!

“Impressive as always, ladies,” Horacio’s voice courteously rang out from behind us, “Thanks for allowing Umar and I to join in on the fun.”

“Of course, my dear!” Persephone gushed, as we all turned to face him, “You two were magnificent, by the way!”

“Yes, the cotton is still flying!” Reina enthusiastically exclaimed, “My favorite moment from our little demonstration!”

“Mine too,” Umar laughed out as he walked up beside Horacio, “Other than the incredible adrenaline I still have. I might be more involved with this integration than I anticipated.”

Horacio gazed down at me, curiously asking, “How heavily are you going to be involved with the integration?”

“It’s not been talked about as of yet,” I kindly answered, “But judging by Nicholas’ reaction, I suspect we will have that discussion soon.”

Just then, Lorenzo, Soren, and Mahan appeared at the edge of the forest walking towards us as well with Soren warmly calling out to us, “Ladies, that was an absolute joy to participate in! I won’t lie, you have given quite a big boost to my ego. Though, hopefully I won’t be paying it later with these old bones of mine!”

“Perhaps you should send my old friend here home with a potion to help, ladies,” Mahan chided, “Though I must agree with Soren, that was quite exhilarating!”

“Exhilarating and satisfying,” Lorenzo smugly grinned, “I had forgotten how much I enjoyed that feeling. And judging by Alastor’s reaction, he is quite anxious to learn how to work with you three.”

As we started forward towards everyone, I felt strong fingers gently wrap around my wrist as Horacio’s deep voice whispered in my ear, “Thanks for including me, Tati. That feeling was better than the early morning party punch.”

Turning to face him, Horacio’s expression was blank, but his eyes emulated his kind sentiment as I softly replied, “You’re welcome, Horacio, and as always, you are quite impressive on the field.”

Nodding silently, Horacio released my wrist as he and Umar remained still in their spot on the grass and I proceeded towards my friends and family with a full and happy heart.