Sorry for not updating sooner but I blame Alistair from Dragon Age: Origins. I mean just one comment on 'Swooping' and now I can't stop playing.

To the review of the fallen one, I gotta say that your advice really did help. And the reason for singing in the cafeteria is not for High School Musical, but it does play an important part in Gabi's personality. And I stress that last chapter was just a way for me to get back into the writing feel of this story.

And yes that was Code… referring to the code, the "Spork" part was not a typo it was supposed to say "spork". When I wrote that I did not know the Phonetic Alphabet so I had to make it up…but I know it now.

And I guess it was just my bad that they didn't eat their lunches after paying.

Please read, review and enjoy

Ch. 7 Competition

"So what did you mean when you said that Vampire's and Donor's have a Mutualistic relationship?" Connor asked Gabi. It didn't seem possible to him at all. He had followed the devastation that the Blood Captain had brought to so many towns; it couldn't be possible. They sat in the smithy with Lance each with their arms stretched out in front of them as Mrs. Gale took measurements with a pink zebra striped ribbon and carved their measurements into and apple for each. Gabi looked at Connor with an analytical eye figuring out his thoughts.

"Mom," Gabi asked her mother who hummed to signal she was paying attention. "How old are you?"

"Twenty seven, why?" For a second Mrs. Gale's answer confused Connor until he did the math then it really confused him. If Gabi was fifteen than her mom would have been twelve when she had her…

"Mom, I mean really." Gabi clarified.

"Oh," Mrs. Gale spoke as she carved a number into the red apple that held Connor's measurements. "In that case I am, one thousand six hundred years, three months, two weeks, nineteen hours, and two…three minutes old." Mrs. Gale looked up from the apple and looked at the surprised look on Connor's face. Instantly she understood what her daughter was trying to teach the young dhampir.

"See Connor, when a vampire drinks blood from a human they trade a bit of their immortality for it. It's why in ancient myths that being bitten by a vampire will turn you into one." Connor thought about the Nocturne and how aboard it was the vampirates and their donors.

"Yes, that is exactly why I may look twenty seven and physically I may be but in actuality I am much older." Mrs. Gale smiled.

"Which is also why it is dangerous for a donor to go too long without being fed from." Lance added in. Connor looked at Lace surprised. He knew that Lance knew of the Gale's secret but it still surprised him that he knew so much.

"Anyway Gabi are ready for the sword tournament tomorrow?" Mrs. Gale asked her daughter. Gabi's eyes widened.

"Oops, I forgot." She looked at Connor. "Sorry but it looks like we won't be able to take your training to the next level just yet." Silently Connor basked in relief. But as his mind registered the words 'sword', and 'tournament' his interest sky rocketed.

"So what is the sword tournament?" Connor asked trying to sound nonchalant.

"Well, tomorrow a few schools from the other islands are coming to participate in the annual Starlight tournament." Lance answered. "The Combat club is entering so Gabi as president is participating."

"Wait," Connor paused the conversation. "There's a Combat Club?"

"Yeah," Gabi answered. "Where do you think I am every Monday and Wednesday morning?" Connor drew a blank at the hypothetical question.

"So what do you do in the Combat Club?" Connor tried to nonchalantly ask but failed miserably.

"Well, we fight each other basically." Gabi answered with the air of indifference that Connor had been trying to use. "And before you ask, no I do not use my powers to win I merely use my superior skills."

"I-is it possible that I can join the tournament tomorrow?" Connor asked.

"Of course." Mrs. Gale answered happily. "Anyone is allowed to join under the third guidline in the rule book."

"Really?" Connor questioned a grin forming on his face.

"Really." Mrs. Gale answered with a smirk that could only be described as triumphant.

\/\/\/\/

Connor awoke more excited than he had been in a long time. The Island's docks were crowded with ships as the day of the Starlight Tournament began. Connor looked at the various ships and noticed that they were all from other islands or even the mainland except for one ship that seemed to gather his attention. The ship seemed so familiar to him and that was because it was the ship of Captain Barbarro Wrathe; The Typhon. Seeing the ship had made Connor a bit happy but as the memories of his last mission with the Wrathe captain flooded back he felt himself get sick and the sudden appearance of Moonshine didn't help either. Dressed in his usual black, Moonshine stalked his way over to Connor tempest on the Dock.

"Ugh! I can't believe that you are here." Moonshine expertly summarized up both boys' feeling.

"That is not nice at all Moony." Gabi voice spoke out so suddenly both boys jumped. She looked at both boys her eyes shifting from one to the other. "You two know each other?" She questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"You could say that." Connor spoke.

"Wish I didn't." Moonshine again summed up both boys' feelings.

"So Moony are you going to play in the tournament." For a split second Moonshine Wrathe looked almost friendly. "Of course I need to show these fools how a pirate fights."

"Great! Cause Connor is going to be in the tournament as well." Gabi said trying to fan the flames that she just discovered. "As is Lance but he never takes competitions as seriously as I think he should. So I offered him a kiss if he wins. Should I extend the prize to you as well, Moony?"

"Wait, what?" Connor tore his glare from Moonshine to see Gabi smile mischievously.

"Oh, I didn't mean to leave you out Connor. But if you really want too, sure, I will extend the prize to you as well." Gabi rolled her eyes nonchalantly.

"I don't need such a prize from you." Moonshine spoke in disgust but the red tint to his cheeks told another. Gabi smiled triumphantly.

"Well, it isn't matter of need, Moony, it's a matter of want." Moonshine was about to retaliate when a loud booming voice overshadowed him.

"My boy!" Captain Barbarro Wrathe, stomped across the docks. "We were expecting you at the Smithy ten minutes ago. We do not need-" Captain Barbarro took notice of Connor and smiled in a friendly matter. "Connor Tempest, well it has been a while."

"Yes, Captain Wrathe it has been." Connor greeted the man cordially.

"So I heard my brother let you out of your oath. Never thought that would happen." Moonshine glowered ten times stronger as his father greeted the young pirate. "But now I hear that you are under the command of Cheng Li. Look son I understand that she has done a lot for you but, I believe that you might have needed to think that over a bit more." A loud cough came from Gabi. "Young Gabriella, how have you been?"

"It's just Gabi sir." Gabi spoke politely annoyed like explaining was a task she was all too familiar with. "Is Mrs. Wrathe with my mother in the Smithy?"

"Yes, yes, I just needed to collect Moonshine here." The captain smiled cordially and placed a hand upon his still frowning son's shoulder. "Your mother has agreed to smith a sword for him and your mother needs him now."

"Well this is certainly an occasion. We will not keep you then." With that the captain and his moody progeny walked off to the smithy. Gabi breathed out a relieved sigh.

"You all seemed…friendly." Connor subtly hinted.

"Oh, yeah." Gabi breathed another sigh. "My mom makes the women a golden hand and suddenly we're on their Christmas Card list."

"What?"

"Nevermind." Gabi looked at Connor and decided to take pity on his curious mind. "They come to the island a few times every year, since before I was born. Because Moonshine and I are close in age whenever his parents were docked here we would 'hang out'." Seeing Connor's frown Gabi sighed. "Let me clarify, he would tolerate my presence and I would try to annoy him. Anyway do you have your costume for the tournament?"

"Wait, what?" Now, Connor was thoroughly confused it was as if someone was writing his life and trying to make it into a very bad joke. "I need a costume?"

"Probably should have explained this. All the contestants dress in a costume so the audience and the other contestants down know who you are. I'm not sure how this started but it's tradition now." Gabi looked at Connor and suddenly a wide (evil) grin spread across her face. "I have the perfect costume."

"But won't you know who I am if you see my costume?"

"Good point….too bad I don't care."

/\/\/\

Connor grimaced at his reflection. The hat was huge! And had large feathers! How was he supposed to fight with it on? Despite the large brim hat his costume wasn't bad; the white fencer's shirt he wore underneath a green vest was smooth and soft and the red mask he wore didn't impede his vision at all…but the hat. Connor stood among the other contestants behind the Mayor's Mansion. It was weird for the largest building on the island this was Connor's first time seeing it. It was certainly grand with a large white columns and a large fountain in the in front. The Mayor appeared in front of the costumed adolescents, just his appearance seemed to instill order. He was dressed sharply, despite a frilly shirt that Connor was sure Mrs. Quivers had picked out for him. The man looked nothing like his son he was, tall and lean with dark hair and eyes and a dark beard. He looked at the young contestants and spoke loudly.

"As you know your identities are to remain a secret, upon losing a match you are too reveal your identity. The two contestants to reach the championship will than remove their concealments and then begin the match. Good luck and fight fairly or you will be disqualified. Also please line up in single file and my wife will assign you a number to wear on your back and with that done you will receive a foil for your matches." Under the watchful eye of the mayor and his wife the every competitor was numbered and ready to begin in minutes. So Connor was number twenty out of forty contestants. It seemed strange that there were only forty contestants considering how many boats were docked in the harbor. Forty contestants each dressed in outlandish costumes. Like Connor's most had something about them that was incredibly audacious but despite that one aspect of the costume was functional.

Connor was handed his number; thirteen (A.N. that wasn't ominous at all). "Now" Yelled Mrs. Quivers in a tone of voice that Connor recognized easily. Teacher voice. "A reminder of the rules: if you are struck in the leg you are no longer allowed move the appendage, same with your arms. However a strike to the chest and or abdomen results in a loss of the match and strike to the face are prohibited. A round will consist of two matches, three if a win goes to each contestant. Your opponents will be chosen by random. You may watch the rounds if you wish from the designated area set aside for you. Thank you and remember to fight with decorum." Soft murmurs erupted through the crowd of adolescents Connor caught snippets of a few girls giggling and commenting on his hat causing his cheeks to flush (which was luckily hidden by the mask).

"For the first match we have numbers thirty-six and thirteen!" That was abnormally quick. Connor walked onto a raised platform in the front of the mayor's mansion on either side stood stands that held many people. Unconsciously Connor compared it to the time he fought Jacoby. Connor took his place on the edge of the platform on the other side his opponent stood wearing a black opera cape and an extravagant golden mask shaped like fangs.

The boy was exceptionally tall almost the size of Bart, he smirked and raised his eyebrows in challenge. "Looks like I get to fight a twerp." Instantly Connor was ready to fight. The referee/announcer stood to the side of the platform and looked at both boys. Bow and be ready. Both boys complied. Connor extended his foil, it was generic and not well balanced and the tip was blunt to guard against any wounds. "Begin!" The announcer yelled.

The tall boy was slow. In what was almost no time at all Connor had struck the boy in the chest. "Match to thirteen!" Yelled the announcer. Connor smirked as he witnessed the boy curse under his breath. "Again at the ready." The announcer commanded. Connor looked into the boys eyes and saw pure hatred. "Begin!" The very second that the announcer spoke the taller boy attacked, Connor saw it coming a mile before it happened. Connor parried the blow easily knocking the sword away and counterattacking all in one step. "Round to thirteen!" The tall boy threw his sword on the ground and stomped his foot. "Reveal your identity." The announcer commanded. He ripped off his mask and spoke loudly.

"I am Rendon DelMario of San Jose." He turned quickly and ran to the back of the mansion earning him a more than few chuckles from the audience. With his first round done Connor moved to the "designated area" for him to watch. For the most part it was interesting the style that each person fought with were varied from beginner to some that would give most pirates a run for their doubloons. But four contestants caught his attention; a boy that fought like he was possessed, a boy that ended his fights as quickly as Connor did, and another boy who seemed to have no training at all but won despite the overwhelming odds and a girl that had to be Gabi since she was dressed in her Nightingale outfit, the only difference being a black mask bordered with silver stencils, red feathers that extended on the right top of the mask and four red jewels that dangled over her cheeks and the last on the left being in the shape of a cross. And in true Gabi form she fought toying with her opponents making the fight as interesting as possible. Connor fell into a comfortable reverie, he didn't have to worry about being a dhampir, being a pirate or who his father really was, it was all simple all that mattered was fighting…it was nice.

/\/\/\

"Number six and Number Twenty-seven." Gabi heard her number called and moved to the platform. It was fun and watching Connor fight was an eye opening experience. He was more than just talented he was...Shaking her head Gabi tried to stop that train of thought since she knew where it would inevitably lead. Turing her attention to the platform she watched number six (Lance) and number Twenty-seven a girl who had peaked her interest and not in a good way. The girl wasn't anyone she recognized even in disguise it was obvious (to her) that the girl was new to the island. But the way she fought was like nothing she had ever seen it was more like a puppet being moved by strings. Gabi had shared her observations with Lance and the theory they had prepared was not a good one. When the ships had arrived many of them had to sail in close proximity to Star Fall Island but for Balthazar to be able use his powers so readily during the day was incredibly disheartening. But for now it was up to Lance to find out what he could.

"Begin!" Gabi stood witnessing the fight. Lance was talented and quick, but every one of his attacks never met there mark. As he lunged the girl's back bent moving herself out of range yet her feet remained in the same spot and her arm continued to move to attack. Lance blocked the attack, but the girl twisted around Lance and brought her sword across his back. "Match to twenty-seven!" Gabi looked at the girl; it was as she didn't care at all. The second match was even quicker the girl moved with inhuman speed something that no normal human could hold capable. The announcer almost didn't even realize that the match as over. "Round to twenty-seven!" He yelled turning to Lance he commanded. "Reveal your identity."

"I am Lance Quivers of Starlight Island." He announced a received a few cheers from the home crowd. As he walked off Gabi caught the look in her eye and realized what she had feared. The girls walked stoically back behind the mansion. Gabi followed. The girl walked to the wall of the building and stood against it as still as a statue. Gabi walked up to her.

"That was an interesting fight." There was no reaction. Gabi looked into the glazed eyes. Gabi looked over her shoulder ro make sure they were alone. "Damn, I hate having to do this." Gabi grabbed onto the girls arm and bit it sucking out blood from her wrist. The girl jumped in shock and pain.

"Ow! What are you doing?" The girls yelled. Gabi's eyes flashed red as their eyes met. The girl fell into another trance, but this time one of Gabi's doing. Without breaking eye contact Gabi spit the girl's blood onto the floor and healed the punctures on her wrist. Wiping off her mouth Gabi looked at the girl.

"When they call for number twenty-seven you will forfeit the fight." The girl nodded and Gabi made her way back to the watching area.

/\/\/\

Connor couldn't lie he was disappointed that Lance had lost; it would have been fun to fight him. But his next opponent could definitely be fun. It was number nineteen the boy that fought like he had never held a sword a day in his life. But looking into his eyes now it was obvious why; it was Moonshine Wrathe. "Begin!" The crowd screamed it's encouragements and less than encouraging statements. Looking at the costume for a brief second Connor woundered how he hadn't realized who he was before he was dressed in black leather with silver studs. And despite the mask his acne was still clearly visible. Moonshine held his foil shakely and attacked in a forward arc. Connor parried the blade and struck back only for Moonshine to jump wildly out of the way. He could see the panic in Moonshine's eyes, with a forward step Connor and a quick twist of the wrist Connor struck Moonshine in the stomach.

"Round to thirteen." Connor looked back at Moonshine to see complete and total rage in his eyes. The second the round began Moonshine went on the attack his sword cutting through the air. Connor had to give it to him he was much faster now; Connor dodged the blade and tried to counter only to meet Moonshine's foil. That was surprising. Moonshine looked into Connor's eyes; both deadlocked with their swords clashing. But Connor was the more experienced. With simple twist Moonshine's sword completed its arc into the floor of the platform. Connor stepped back and struck Moonshine in the chest.

"Match to thirteen!" Before the announcer could tell him to Moonshine ripped off his mask and stormed off. Connor couldn't help but smile.

/\/\/\

"This is the championship match!" Yelled the announcer the crowd cheered loudly. "Number thirteen and number thirty-one please come to the platform." Connor and Gabi walked up to the platform and took their places opposite each other. "Reveal your identities." Connor removed his hat and mask.

"I am Connor Tempest of the Tiger Crew." He could hear Bart and Jocaby cheer above the rest of the crowd. Connor could feel pride and happiness swell in his chest. After the cheering died down the crowd's attention turned to Gabi.

"I am Gabi Gale of Starlight Island." She yelled. Receiving a fraction of the applause that Connor received. "This is going to be fun." Gabi smiled at Connor.

"Just so you know I'm going to win." Connor baited the singer.

"Is that so?" Gabi readied her foil. The tip pointed at Connor. Gabi smirked.

"Begin!" Connor stepped forward thrusting his sword. But Gabi twirled around him and brought her sword to catch his side. Instinctively Connor moved his sword and arm to parry, the rest of his body followed fluidly. But before he could expect it Gabi stepped forward with a fast stab to Connor's leg. However, Gabi's victory was short lived as Connor swept his foil and caught her outstretched arm. The look of surprise on Gabi's face was priceless. Tossing the foil into her left hand Gabi shook her head. Connor took a defensive position waiting for Gabi's attack. She lunged forward so Connor moved his sword to block her coming attack only for his foil to meet no resistance. Gabi had faked the attack and with Connor's movement he left himself wide open. With a quick tap Gabi won the match.

"Match to Gabi Gale." Gabi arched an eyebrow.

"Let's hurry this up Connor. I want my prize." For a split second Connor saw red.

"Match two begin!" Gabi lunged forward but Connor in pure Gabi fashion blocked with his sword and span on his the balls of his feet. Connor stood back to back against Gabi. Flipping his sword in his hand Connor struck backwards striking Gabi in the middle of her back.

"What!" She yelled in complete and utter shock. She looked back at Connor who grinned. In a way she was angry but being beat was kind of thrilling. Biting the corner of her bottom lip she narrowed her eyes.

"Match 3, begin." Gabi held out the foil and Connor mirrored her stance. Both studied the other waiting for the other to make the first attack. Even the crowd fell silent waiting for the two to begin. However one person in the crowd grew impatient.

"Hurry up and finish her." Wanda yelled from the stands. Gabi shot her one of the nastiest glares Connor had ever seen. While Gabi was busy glaring Connor stepped forward and stabbed for her stomach. Gabi saw the attack coming and raised her left leg catching the blade on her boot. Gabi poised her foil so the tip aligned with the hollow of Connor's throat. Gabi smirked in victory.

"Gabi's leg has been disabled." The announcer announced.

"What? No!" Gabi turned her attention to the man on the side. Pulling her leg free, she began to yell. "I blocked his sword with my foot how does that count?"

"Well in accordance with the rules…" Connor watched as the two began to argue heatedly but then he realized something. Pointing the foil at Gabi he moved it forward slowly and poked her side. In his mind he jokingly shouted "Kidney Shot". The announcer witnessed this movement and claimed Connor as the winner.

Gabi looked at Connor with anger written all over her face. "Fine, I concede defeat." Rolling her eyes, Gabi remembered her prize to the boys. Silently she walked off so he wouldn't remember. The mayor walked over to the platform and placed his hand on Connor's shoulder.

"I am honored to give Connor the honorary title of Duelist. And the one of the rarest resources that can be mined from Starlight Island the natural counterpart to our famous Sun Stone, Umbra crystal." Mrs. Quivers walked onto the platform and handed Connor a small rectangular stone pendant. As he looked at it the sun didn't seem to shine off of the rock but it seemed to enter it making it blacker and darker than even the night sky. Mr. Quivers bent down and spoke quietly aside to Connor. "I know it may seem girly. But Umbra crystal is incredibly rare and coveted you could probably sell it for at least your weight in gold."

Connor stared at the little piece of stone. "Where did you guys mine this?" He wondered aloud.

"Oh, well…" Mrs. Quivers looked at the small stone and explained. "That is a question best asked to Mr. and Mrs. Gale. But I believe that it was mined near Star Fall Island. Interesting enough, that island was formed millions of years ago by a meteorite crashing into an underwater volcano. Which resulted in a very interesting mutation in the local fauna. Which reminds me, Connor have you not looked out at the water at night."

"No, why?" Mrs. Quivers chuckled.

"I think that is a question best answered if you look outside tonight."

Later: at Sunset (A/N: It is about to get cheesy.)

Connor stood on the deck of the Tiger, he was lucky that he had gotten out of training duty with the rest of the crew because he was beat. Grabbing the Umbra pendant he held it against the sunset and compared its dark color to the vivid colors of the sky. Against the light he could see why the pendant was called Umbra crystal. Inside the stone was an incredibly intricate lattice of crystals.

"You know it will never change its color." In Connor's surprise he nearly dropped the pendant. Turning around he saw Gabi walking toward him in a white dress, thiugh her hair was still in her Nightingale style. "Umbra crystal is almost the exact same thing as Sun Crystal the only difference in their composition being that Sun crystal is pure." Gabi pulled one of her daggers from her hair. As she held it up it began to glow. "Sun crystal is the compacted skeletons of microorganisms. The organisms absorbed sunlight and disperse it. Umbra Crystal is created when the compacting is tampered with vampire blood." Connor looked back at the pendant and it began to scare him that he was holding some vampire's blood in his hand. "The blood that tampered with this one was my dad's."

"That is uh…" Connor tried to look for a word but his mind was too distracted trying to take in the information.

"Weird." Gabi filled the rest in for him. "But Sun Crystal is pretty amazing just look." Gabi nodded toward the sea as the sun set. The water began to glow like star light in the water. Bright and shining in hues of white, blue and green they twinkled like the night sky. "Like I said, pretty amazing." Connor's breath was taken away he turned to see talk to Gabi but his mind froze as she moved in and kissed him. She pulled away from him and looked back to the water. "I owed you." She turned away and head to the end of the ship. "I'll see you tomorrow you and Lance will come with me on my next hunt." And with that she left.

Happy Halloween!