The Grand Final

Chapter 50: School Tales

"We finally made it!" stated Jack as he and Marcus walked to the school, ready for the first day. They had at last reached the age where all part Cerinians went to a special school to start learning on how to control their powers even further. It had been four years since that day of helping Luna McCoy in the park and the two vulpines and other kids had grown even more since then. Of course now that these two would be heading here, that meant they wouldn't see some of the other young ones as much. But that didn't mean they still couldn't be friends.

Now Jack and Marcus's parents had begun to teach and train them. So they already knew how to defend their minds. And knew a little about combat. But what they went through at this school was more advance. Especially when it came to weapon practicing. This was because one year from now the 12 year old part Cerinians would be given their own Cerinian weapon as was stated in the laws and rules of Eladard. Marcus showed that out of all of them swords were more his thing. For Jack it was axes. Still the two vulpines liked the challenges that school offered and strove hard. To make it more fun the foxes decided to have a friendly competition to see who could be the better one. And it turns out they were right about doing this. It made the process less painful and somewhat more of a good time.

However that wasn't to say that this was harder. At points Marcus and Jack ended up getting injured. Not that they were the only ones. It was just something to be noted. However both part Cerinians were tough like their parents and managed to recover. And throughout the year they showed they had talent. Of course considering how Nicholas and Fara were parents of one and Krystal and Fox were the others, this came as no surprise. But even so Marcus and Jack were humble. They didn't brag about the reason. In the end it came down to them as individuals.

The year went be smoothly enough. And then before anyone knew it Jack and Marcus were 13 and in their second year at the special school. Eventually they would get to the one that could be considered high school. But for now, this was more like middle school. But this would be the start of something for the two vulpines. It all started when they were sitting in the history class where all the students of every year came to learn. As it had been stated before, all the part Cerinians had this together because it taught them the race and history of their people. The wars against Shade were now a part of it due to the fact that Nicholas was now the high king. Jack would have never guessed the real reason why his parents held the position they did due to this evil being. As both vulpines entered they got a lot of looks from the girls about their age.

This action wasn't a surprise since the females thought Marcus and Jack were very cute. After all they had good looking parents. Nobody would be surprised when the day would come and they would be quite handsome. For now the vulpines just smiled back at the females who looked at them causing them to blush and let out nervous giggles. Both males then took a seat next to each other. Suddenly a noise of two others entering made them look up. Marcus's eyebrows went up as he saw none other than his sister and Luna McCoy standing in the door way. He'd forgotten that they were both 12, and attending school as well. His sister was wearing green. But the other vixen was wearing pink that day. The rest of the guys thought that these two new vixens were really cute. But Marcus just looked at Luna. Suddenly he felt something inside of him that he had never felt before. His heart beat suddenly began to beat a little too fast and his face warmed up. "Since when did Luna become cute?" the vulpine wondered.

The said vixen looked around the class room and saw Marcus looking at her. Realizing this, the two looked away, blushing. Ever since he had helped her, she couldn't stop thinking about him. The same thing happened for Jack and Jayne. But then the teacher called everyone's attention which meant the two females had to find seats. They chose ones not too far from Marcus and Jack. Although they kept their attention on the teacher, the four couldn't help but steal glances at the other one. Somehow this was making new, and confused feelings pop up inside of them. What did it all mean? Eventually class was let out and Marcus somehow caught up with Luna. He certainly hadn't planned it and yet it had happened.

"Uh hey Luna," the vulpine stated, somehow nervous. She turned to meet him and blushed a bit but also smiled.

"Hey there," the vixen replied. "I figured you would be here."

"You did?"

"Marcus, my brother goes here. He's stated that you've shown up at this school. Also it wouldn't make sense for my parents to send me elsewhere." The vulpine just blushed and looked away with shyness for a bit.

"Well… you like it so far?" he asked.

"It's different than what I'm used to," Luna answered. "But I think I'm going to like it. Especially since I have Jayne with me." Suddenly a bell rang out.

"Oh, that's the lunch bell. Er… would you like to have lunch with me?"

"Sure," she responded and Marcus led her to the cafeteria. As they did so the two couldn't help but notice the jealous looks they got from the males and females. Both foxes ignored these and found a spot.

"So…" stated Luna. "Maybe you can tell me what I can expect here."

"It depends on what you mean," said Marcus. "What part exactly?"

"I'd say the gym part." The vulpine went on to explain how more challenging it was than a regular one. But at least it wasn't as boring.

"But remember, no matter how tough it is, you'll survive." The talk then went on to what other classes they had. All too soon the time came for them to head to the next one. But as they were leaving, Marcus and Luna couldn't help but glance one more time at the other. This action caused them to blush but smile. Things were only going to get more interesting.

X

As it turned out Jack and Jayne had interacted in a similar manner as Marcus and Luna had. But this was nothing compared to what happened the next day. All of the 13 year olds were to be presented with their Cerinian weapon. The two vulpines were excited, but couldn't help but feel a little nervous. After all this was a big moment for them. Both foxes found themselves next to each other in the gymnasium of the school. In addition the parents and siblings were here as well to watch them. Which meant that Luna and Jayne were somewhere in the audience.

One by one the young part Cerinians were called up. They ended up choosing weapons from swords to pole arms. And then at last it came. "Marcus McCloud."

The young vulpine slowly approached the area where all the weapons were displayed out. He instantly went to where the swords were. After all, they were the weapon the male was most good at. Marcus had been told by his mother that it was best to trust his instinct. That was usually how a part Cerinian chose the weapon meant for them. His eyes glanced at each sword; there were so many of them. How to choose which one though? It seemed hard. The vulpine then deiced to focus on one section at a time. After all the swords were divided up into short, medium, long, and two handed lengths. The male immediately knew that the first and last categories weren't for him. He was use to medium and long length swords. It helped a bit at least.

He decided to look closer at the remaining two groups of weapons. Marcus knew that scimitars weren't for him. Which left the regular swords and sabers. The vulpine looked quickly at each one. But none seemed to call to him. Just as he was about to state this, one caught his eye. One that he hadn't noticed before. The Cerinian weapon had a golden colored guard that came out making two 90 degree angles. The handle was black in color and the bottom part was round with a ruby on either side of it and colored gold. The blade itself gleamed with a sliver colored light. Marcus felt his right paw being drawn toward it. The second he wrapped it around the handle, the same thing that had happened for Fara long ago occurred.

Marcus raised the sword high as those watching applauded. "It seems that sword favors you. Will you give it a nickname?" asked the voice who had called him forward.

"Yes," answered the vulpine. "You need one. I shall call you Excalibur." This caused some murmuring to happen. That name was the one that had belonged to the first ever part Cerinian High King. It carried great power. But the decision had been made. Marcus closed his eyes and the weapon went into its sealed formed. It appeared as a ring that could fit on the male's finger. Looking up he could see his family along with Nicholas, Fara, and their kids who weren't getting their weapon yet. Luna's eyes were on him and she had a look of glowing pride. Blushing, the vulpine sat down so Jack could get his weapon. He needed up choosing an ax that only had a single blade on it.

Time continued to pass and Marcus plus the other vulpine got stronger and stronger with their weapons. Eventually they would begin to work on their own special Energy Beam techniques. Then the next year came and Luna plus Jayne got their own Cerinian weapon. The vixens would also grow as well. But it was during this that Marcus realized the things he had felt before whenever Luna spoke up, smiled, or looked at him were making those feelings from before come up. And the vulpine realized what they were. They were romantic ones for her. He was beginning to fall in love with Luna. It was the same for Jack when it came to Jayne.

Eventually these four would make it to the special school that was like high school. Also by this point Grace and Zac had married and had two kits of their own. Nicholas, Fara, Fox, and Krystal had taken their kids to see the wedding and when the little ones had been born. After all some of them were cousins now. Marcus could remember these moments well with Luna standing next to him. How happy Fara's sister had been to be marrying Zac. To the joy the two had as she held their first born. Looking back on that the vulpine couldn't help but wonder if maybe someday that could be him and Luna. By this point he was in love with her but hadn't said anything yet.

"So what are your plans for the weekend, Luna?" asked the vulpine as the two walked to the next class which they had together.

"I don't really know," she responded with a smile. She was 15 years old now while he was now 16. And yet nothing had happened yet. Neither one had been able to state how they felt about the other. By this point they knew what was in their hearts. Marcus was in love with Luna. Little did he know that she was in love with him. Of course the vixen had been very fond of the vulpine since they were kits. But this was different. Still even so while the rest of the students thought they were dating both part Cerinians would blush and state they weren't. Jack and Jayne of course would back them up. After all those two were best friends to the other two and knew this to be true.

However it should be noted that Marcus's friend and Luna's also were in love with each other but hadn't done anything yet. Likewise when anyone asked if they were dating the other, their reaction was like their friends. And then Marcus and Luna would have to come to their defense sometime. Still these four ended up hanging out together. Just like back in the old days. But not as much with Dave and Lilly McCoy due to the fact that they were a bit younger and had their own lives. But when it came to the others kids of their parent's friends, they still hung out. And would show how much stronger they were getting. These friends didn't have any feelings for the four part Cerinians as they were dealing with their own towards other non Cerinians at their school.

"Well if you're not busy, you up for movie tonight at my place?" asked Marcus. This was one of the things they ended up doing.

"Sure. Sounds lovely," Luna responded. "What time?" The vulpine told her and she agreed. Of course the rest of the friends were going to show up as well. They all met up and Marcus got the food in the oven to cook. The group then made their way to watch one of the movies. Jayne sat next to Jack while Luna sat next to Marcus. This was normal, but something about tonight made it a bit different. For some reason the four foxes kept brushing against the one next to them. It caused all of them to blush and be nervous. Yet none of them moved from their spots.

Sometime into it a ding went off in the kitchen, letting the teens know the food was ready. They paused it and got what they wanted. The group returned to the movie and ate. After that Anthony put on a horror film since at last they were old enough to start watching them. Luna let out a quiet whimper as he was about to put in the movie in the plasma screen. "What's wrong Luna?" She looked over to him with a sad face.

"I don't really like horror movies." Anthony cracked a wide grin as he entered the movie.

"Well, there's a pillow right there. That or Marcus is right next to you." The sudden remark granted blushing across the two foxes sitting next to one another. The vulpine gave him an annoyed look, as Anthony sent him a wide grin; just as he always did. The vixen did in fact grab the pillow, but also scooted over to Marcus. Now their legs were touching. As the movie progressed a female character found herself in a darkened room. She didn't notice it but the shadows began moving behind her. As she turned around she was struck down and killed, letting out a loud scream as the monsters ugly face appeared on the screen.

Luna quickly ducked the pillow in front of her from the horrid scene, and dug her face into Marcus's shoulder, letting out a quiet whimper of fear. The vixen stayed like that for a while, not wanting to turn back to watch the movie. That is until she realized just where she was. Luna quickly picked herself up and placed herself in her original position, now embarrassed at what she did in front of everybody.

"Oh, sorry Marcus," the vixen let out quietly, blushing hard.

"It's alright, it happens to everybody." She took in his reassuring words. Marcus was blushing as well, but thought everything was alright. The movie then finished, not a moment too soon for Luna; if only it could have come sooner. They finished the night with a little T.V and games.

After a while the parents came to pick up their kids. Except those that could drive like Jack. He and Jayne had interacted similarly as Marcus and Luna had. Jack and Marcus's sister shared a few words first, to give Luna and the guy she had sat next to some time alone. "Listen, I'm really sorry you got scared," he stated to her.

"It's alright," she responded. "Since I had you next to me." Both foxes were blushing again.

"So… I guess I'll see you tomorrow," stated the vulpine.

"Wait a moment." Luna leaned up and kissed Marcus on the cheek. On the same spot when they were younger. The vixen then pulled back to see his stunned look and the redness on his face. "That's for inviting me. Goodnight…"

Luna walked away, happier than she had ever been as she got to Jack's car. But not before looking one last time at the vulpine. Marcus could see just how badly she was blushing as well. But then he went back into the house. As it turned out his sister had also given his best friend a kiss on the cheek. But the vulpine didn't know this yet. Smiling like an idiot, Marcus made it to his room, also happy like Luna. Maybe he had a shot with the vixen after all. Everyone then made it to their bed and were asleep, unaware how interesting things were going to get.

X

Author's notes: And now there are only four more chapters left. I can't believe this is coming to an end.

-Co-lord44