Chapter 10 – The Second Moon
It was ten o'clock at night. Midnight knew she had to go but she was suddenly so nervous! She only had two hours left, and she couldn't leave it like that with Bolt. She looked across at him. He was sleeping, snoring softly next to her. Well, in a different bed, thankfully. She had met up with Elvina, Bolt following her. It was all so complicated and rushed.
The night when they had fought, Midnight had strongly refused to speak to him but told him she would be gone by the next full moon. Bolt hadn't realised it yet, but the moon was at Midnight's command. Her judgement was final. She would die tonight, along with the Silver Wolf.
Any person that she walked past must have thought she was mad. A barefoot girl with no water-proof clothing was walking down the paths. The rain didn't help as it clung to her dress. By her side, she carried a small, silver dagger covered in ruins. She gripped it firmly in her pale, elegant hand. Some of the black nail polish was fading, a sign that she had forgotten to redo them. Her jet black hair stuck to her forehead, the rest hanging against her dress.
The wet cobbles made no noise as she stepped across them. If she listened she could hear the clip-clop of other shoes against them, but her mind had lost all focus. She was only concentrating on the task. She was to summon the Silver Wolf, then stab herself in the chest. Her mind burned as she thought of humans. The Silver Wolf had made her a threat to them; humans all tried to kill her. She would of tried to kill herself and the Silver Wolf sooner alas she fell in love with one.
She felt a pang of guilt towards Bolt, why did it have to end this way? She wanted to apologize, ask if he could forgive her, but it was too late. Now was the time to do this, now was perfect.
Finally she had arrived at the circle. She had help from Elvina and another witch called Scarlett. White pastel had drawn a large oval-shaped ring. Magical enchantments were placed around them in what looked like little boxes made of more pastel. One drop of blood. She took a deep breath and used the dagger to slit a small part of her finger. The silver blood fell to the ground, expanding then suddenly, what looked like a giant forcefield, surrounded the circle.
"Casa Man Vola," Midnight muttered. Her skin began to glow, waiting intently for the command. "Sheeva Du Dula." Small black marks began to glow on her obvious skin, and silver covered her body that was hidden. (Silver marks had appeared on her dress and black appeared on her skin.) "True La Monta Ku." The silver and black blobs began to expand and form into markings. "Kus Kus Kus, Era Du La Cass." The shapes begin to grow brighter. Midnight bit her lip as she touched the marking on her skin with the dagger, slowly tracing them. Blood swelled up, then surrounded the lining.
She was marked; her true powers were active. Her hair begin to move by the non-existing wind. Then she put a finger on the ground, drawing an invisible marking. She stood up and stepped back. The lining began to glow and she watched as the shape began to form. It changed to a square then seemed to float up, becoming a box. The lines twisted and moved and now there was a cage.
She closed her eyes, focusing on nothing but her breathing. She kept the mystic words in her head, ready to speak them. "Argint Lup," She said softly. "Plateado
Lobo. Silberner Wolf. Zilveren Wolf. Lupo D'Argento. Srebro Wolf." She was getting tired, thinking of all the phrases. "Lobo De Plata. Sølvulv. Silver Wolf." The cage begin to glow, silver light entwining the bars. A blinding light blasted inside and she heard a man groan. She had summoned him. The spell worked! She looked inside to see a man with pearly skin, long black hair and eyes that were completely an inky, ebony colour with no pupil but a small silver slit.
It was him. She felt as if someone had punched her in the stomach. The man stood up, revealing he was tall. He turned around to face her completely and glared. "You summon me," his dark shadowy voice growled.
"I summon you," she replied strongly. He smirked.
"Ahh.. My blood sister," he looked at her closely, the black eyes observing every piece of her. Midnight grew uncomfortable.
"I'm not your blood sister," she seethed.
"We share the same blood," he grinned. He was twisting her insides, the mischievous smile was weakening her.
"That might be true," she lifted the dagger. His eyes widened as he saw it, "however I no longer wish to share my blood with anyone."
"You foolish girl!" he yelled, "You will kill yourself to kill me!"
"Obviously," she lowered it and put a hand on her hip. He stood there, fear in his endless eyes. He wasn't known for fear but in the face of death, he was a coward.
"Nightwing...Cyborg... Someone answer me!" Bolt yelled into the communicator.
"Cyborg here," the half-robot, half-human appeared after some strange static.
"Cyborg, thank god," Bolt sighed with relief.
"What's up?" he looked at him curiously.
"Midnight's gone, full moon... Silver Wolf!" he said it all in a rushed voice that Cyborg blinked several times before speaking.
"Bolt, relax, tell me what's going on," Cyborg said gently.
Bolt took a deep breath, "On a full moon, Midnight can release her inner power by the use of a ruin-covered dagger. Tonight, she is summoning the Silver Wolf."
"Woah...Woah...Woah...Woah," Cyborg quickly remarked. "As in, impossible to find? Immortal? Dangerous?"
"Yes," Bolt nodded slowly. "Midnight's... 800 years old." Cyborg raised an eyebrow. "Yeah.. When she was a normal girl, she was bitten by the Silver Wolf. Her family was killed, and ever since Midnight has been the way she is. Tonight she has had enough, she is sacrificing herself. It will kill the Silver Wolf also."
"How could it be able to kill him?"
"They share the same blood," Bolt said.
"Ahh... and what, is she going to do it tonight?"
"She disappeared. I must have fallen asleep and I need to find her, but I, myself, can't get her to snap out of it! She's going to do it! I can't lose her..."
"I can track you right now," Cyborg nodded, "I'll get the team to come."
"Thanks Cyborg," Bolt smiled then sighed with relief. He closed his communicator and rubbed his temples. "Please be alright, Lilith."
"Right team," Cyborg had called the whole crew together. Nightwing was still in Gotham, Amberlee was still away, as well as Ray, Akila, Alexis and Starfire had returned. She looked casually at him.
"What is it?" Raven folded her arms. They were all in uniform as it had been a very busy day with crime.
"Bolt has asked for our assistance," Cyborg replied.
"About what?" Libitina asked curiously. Amira had the knowing look in her eye, she knew what would happen, justice would be served. She also knew about Starfire and glanced at her. Starfire noticed her look and tried to ignore her.
"He thinks that Midnight," he watched as people showed interest, "has summoned the Silver Wolf."
"But that's impossible," Raven muttered. A stern look from Amira told her it was true.
"Why?" Boom Baby asked.
"To kill him," Cyborg looked seriously at them all.
His words ripped holes in her. She gulped, how could he do this. How could he win? She held the dagger; with one strike they would both be dead. She raised it to her chest again.
"I will not let you win," she said angrily. The black haired monster grinned.
"You don't want to know what happened to your dear sister?" he cooed. Her grip loosened on the dagger. It fell to the ground, making a clashing sound. Her mouth stayed opened and her stare was unknown as she was silent.
"Maya?" she whispered.
"Yes," he purred, "Dear Maya, such a sweetheart. Looked exactly like you. Well she does now." Midnight turned to him, fire burning in her eyes.
"What did you do to her!" she yelled, her voice high and dramatic.
He simply smirked, "She's my servant."
"Servant!" Midnight screeched.
"Yes, but kill me, you kill her."
Bolt was still running. He knew where to go. Elvina had showed him the way, and he was following her directions. It was 11:50. Nearly midnight. He only had 10 minutes. It was his limit. He turned the corner and there he saw Midnight, a circle, a cage and a man.
"Lilith?" he called to her. She turned her and gasped.
"No, no, no!" she yelled. "You can't- What?" she looked confused.
"Lilith, please, don't do this!" he came closer to her. She didn't seem to have any focus as she kept looking all over the place and looked scared out of her wits.
"That's right, your sister's alive," purred the Silver Wolf. Bolt heard and now he understood.
"Lilith ignore him!" he yelled, Midnight turned to him, confused. "He's lying!"
"Ignore the boy," the man said slowly, his words could hypnotise anyone. Midnight turned to him again. She felt the urge to trust him then stopped. What was she doing? She frowned then gave him a glare, so frightening that he started to cower. She grabbed her dagger, taking it from the ground. "You don't want to meet your little sister, Lilith Moon?" She kept the grip on the dagger, forcing herself to hold it. She kept her face emotionless and listened to the protests of Bolt.
"Bolt, is that her?" Cyborg came up beside him. Bolt nodded slowly. Raven, Changeling, Terra, Starfire, Amira, Boom Baby and Libitina all stood around him, watching the trembling enchantress.
"You are strong, Lilith," Amira moved forward. Everyone watched her curiously as she stepped into the forcefield. Midnight's eyebrows shot straight up. No one was supposed to be able to get past that. "Ignore his protests, he is weak."
"Maya," Midnight said uncertain. Amira raised her hand.
"Even if she was alive, would she be the same as you remember?"
Midnight thought this through, it made sense, "Is she alive?" she asked the psychic. Amira nodded very slowly, that no one else could see.
"But under the spell of the Silver Wolf," she replied. Confused, Midnight fell to her knees. What was supposed to happen?
"You kill yourself, you kill me and Maya," the Silver Wolf grinned wickedly. Midnight looked at the dagger, this plan... It was all crumbling in front of her. Her sister. Maya. Alive?
"Lilith, Maya is dead. To you," Amira's voice echoed through Midnight's mind.
"Maya," Midnight repeated, her voice was like a drained whisper. She couldn't help herself, she felt awful and was torn between the decision. She then woke up from the daze and snapped her head towards the Silver Wolf. "I won't believe you until she is here."
"Very well," the Silver Wolf nodded mischievously. He grasped his hands together and muttered something. Amira and Midnight looked at him curiously. Was he strong enough to perform magic in that cage? Apparently so.
A silver and black light stretched out from the ground, turning in a clock-wise direction. It continued like this until a figure appeared inside and the light fell back to the ground. Midnight looked at the person. Could it really be Maya?
The girl she saw before her had pale skin. Not as pale as Midnight's but not an average colour. Her hair was short, it barely reached her shoulders. It was pure black, with a blue streak through it. When she opened her eyes, Midnight could see that they were a very dark blue, almost black. She was confused, blood-sharers always looked the same, mostly. The girl turned around, puzzled.
"Where am I?" she asked. Her voice sounded similar to Midnight's.
"Maya?" Midnight whispered. The girl stepped forward, looking at Midnight.
"Wait... I know you," she said. Her eyes then widened. "Lilith?"
"Maya?" Midnight repeated.
"What's going on?" Maya looked severely confused and her voice was about to break with emotions.
"Maya, be a dear and let me out," the Silver Wolf said seductively.
"Huh?" Maya looked around, "Seriously, what's going on?"
"Don't let him out," Amira warned.
"Wait.. Why?" Maya was completely confused.
"The Silver Wolf is evil, Maya," Amira replied, "You let him out, and the world will continue to suffer under his command." The Silver Wolf looked rather pleased with himself.
"But, Silver Wolf? The Blue Wolf is my master," Maya blinked. Midnight's eyes widened. Of course, that explained her colours.
"Which means Lilith, your plan can still continue," Amira turned to her.
"No!" Bolt banged on the forcefield but a strange force threw him away. He landed on the ground, rolling for a few seconds then looked up from where he was lying.
"What plan?" Maya asked concerned.
"The plan to destroy the Silver Wolf, once and for all," Midnight looked at her long-lost sister seriously.
"No!" Maya shook her head, "That's crazy!"
"True, but the Silver Wolf did kill your family, Maya," Amira said gently. Maya glared at the wolf.
"So that's why," she shook her head again, "I was saved by the Blue Wolf, after your entrance to our family killed us all."
"I do what I do," the Silver Wolf shrugged.
"You're horrible," Maya gritted her teeth.
"Yeah, so?"
"Man, you're frustrating!" Maya looked as if she wanted to slap the pale man. He grinned cheekily at her. A vein was very noticeable in Maya's forehead.
"Uhh.. Relax?" Amira raised an eyebrow.
"But you!" Maya pointed to Midnight. "You're not telling me that you are willing to kill yourself to kill of this lousy excuse for a wolf?"
"Pretty much, yeah," Midnight nodded.
"Why?" Maya waved her hands around, like a mad-man...Woman. "He's frustrating, arrogant, annoying and I've only just met him!"
"Ouch," the Silver Wolf said sarcastically.
"Oh, give me a break," Maya sighed irritated.
"But, Maya, I've been planning this for ages, I need to kill him, I need my revenge," Midnight cried.
"Where does revenge get you?" Maya crossed her arms.
"Very good point," Amira glanced at Midnight. "It gets you no where."
"You're the psychic, tell me what happens next," the Silver Wolf looked at Amira.
"Why? There's no happy ending."
"But I'm curious," he grinned.
"Curiosity killed the cat," Maya pointed out, "Uhh... Wolf."
"But where's the fun in not knowing?" the Silver Wolf tilted his head.
"Don't you like surprises?" Midnight asked.
He shrugged, "Occasionally, but I do want to know if I die or not."
Of course, the other Titans were outside the forcefield and were very confused. What on earth was happening in there?
"Are those people arguing in there?" Starfire asked.
"I think so," Raven blinked.
"Man, what's taking so long?" Cyborg wailed, "Is Midnight gonna die or not?"
"That's nice of you," Boom Baby remarked.
Cyborg shrugged, "Yeah, but poor Bolt is anxious." Boom Baby looked over at Bolt. He was sitting on the ground, looking at the full moon. How long did he have left before Midnight died?
"What time is it?" he asked suddenly.
"Hmm?" Cyborg looked at him then at his arm, "A minute to midnight," he replied.
Bolt's eyes dulled. A minute... Only a minute.
"Look, is this conversation going anywhere?" Midnight barked, "Now, if you will excuse me, someone bring me some paper towels so I can bleed in piece."
"What?" Maya looked at her, "Surely you're not going to kill yourself right now?"
"Well, I have no choice now," Midnight shrugged. "The moon is chaotic, and it has a thing for making me do stuff without me actually doing it."
"Huh?" the others looked at her confused.
"I mean, that when it reaches midnight, my body will shut down, without my doing, then the moon will make me stab myself."
"You have a bad relationship with the moon," the Silver Wolf blinked.
"Nah, I asked it to," Midnight shrugged.
"Then you're insane," he shook his head.
"Yeah, now close your eyes, wolfie, cause you're dying as well."
"Aww crap," he felt the strain in his muscles.
"No, Lilith!" Maya cried, "I just found you!" Midnight stumbled back, the moon's magic was working. The forcefield fell, and Bolt raced in. He tried to take her dagger.
"Lilith, please, listen to me, you're the mistress of the moon, you control it, it doesn't control you," he whispered frantically.
"Bolt, it's too late," she whispered softly. Maya was about to throw herself at Lilith when Amira stopped her.
"What are you doing?" she demanded.
"My visions will not be tampered with," she replied darkly.
"Please," Bolt began to cry. He wrapped his arms around Midnight, holding her close, while crying into her shoulder, "Don't leave me."
"I must," Midnight's voice broke. She put one of her hands on his face, and leaned in. He leaned in also and their lips broke the gap. The sparks immediately blasted from them, and all they could hear was each other's heartbeats and the rain. The others watched intently as they saw the most perfect couple shared their first kiss. The kiss lasted at least a minute. Bolt felt the girl stiffen and opened his eyes. Midnight leaned on him and then with the most dread he had ever felt he looked at her chest. The silver dagger was wedged in, and silver blood was spreading on her dress.
"No," he whispered, more tears running down his cheek. He stepped back and held her. He fell to his knees, her head on his lap. She was still alive, but was dying in his arms.
Starfire burst out into tears, and held onto Raven, who was holding her tears back. Boom Baby was hugging Cyborg, her head on his shoulder, not wanting to see the couple. Changeling was standing near Raven, comforting her also, when Terra wrapped her arms around him. Raven gave her boyfriend a warning glare, but he protested and replied that everyone was uncomfortable.
Midnight's eyes closed, and her breathing slowed. Bolt gulped, the tears continuing to flow.
Amira held Starfire's shoulder and whispered in her ear. Starfire's eyes widened and she let go of Raven, touching her stomach gently. She nodded and Amira smiled.
She had said, "With one loss, comes a gain."
A small, but very noticeable tear fell from Midnight's eye. The first tear in 800 years. She then whispered to words to Bolt.
"Forgive me."
End of Part One