CHAPTER 7:KENTUCKY LAKE COMPETITIONS

It is the breaking of the dawn where the atmosphere is still very cool and the heat from the sun is mild upon everything it touches. Reelora and Gangola at the core which is covered by a translucent spelled dome that protects it from outside harm. As Gangola pours little amounts of a blue potion into the openings of the powersuckers, he chants some spells which makes the power easily accessible from the outside. Reelora draws the trapped power out of this cube by moving her arms in a gentle and slow motion towards the core. The core absorbs the power, which is like a colourless mist, once it gets near enough. Gangola finally breaks the silence "It's too bad we had to lose so many gifted." Reelora expression changes to a depressing one, "Yeah, it's so sad. We should do a memorial for them, maybe next week."

"That would be good, it would help them to be remembered",  Gangola agrees with her. Cerberus, Theux and Reebabo approach Reelora and Gangola. "Guys we need to go for the Kentucky lake competitions, looks like you are busy", Cerberus speaks loudly with some excitement on his faces. Reelora says this is going to take some time. Hopefully if we finish early enough, we can join you guys."  Cerberus and the others all nod in agreement. As they turn towards the way they came from Reelora says, "Oh, I almost forgot. I was thinking of a memorial for these gifted that we lost to the attack." They all turn back and Cerberus speaks. "That's awesome! It would help their spirits to rest in peace, because some of these spirits are constantly disturbing from the other side.

The rest give looks of shock and Theux speaks, "Wow, I never knew. We could schedule the memorial next week."

Reelora agrees saying "That's what I said too." Reebabo finally speaks, "Alright, let's leave before we get late. They all take their exits. Reelora and Gangola go on releasing the powers.

IN THE MIDST OF THE COMPETITIONS:

Theux,Cerberus and Reebabo are seated on three of the five floral designed seats reserved for the five immortals. Most gifted beings surrounding the Kentucky lake giving cheers for the current section of the competition. There's a light atmosphere with a lot of excitement. Some mermen play make music using shells hitting on rocks beside the lake and whistling of different tunes.

Right in the middle of the competition is an in-between display of skilled mermaids and mermen bending water to form figures. Archimedian approaches Theux, "Sir, some dragons and trolls have something to show you." Theux gives the expression that he is in the middle of something but the dragon says "It's important." Theux tells Reebabo and Cerberus that he would be back. The dragon unfolds his wings and begins to fly directing Theux who is now flying with his fiery wings spread out magnificently. Soon, they both land at the entrance of the mammoth caves where three trolls and two dragons where making what resembled an armour. Theux looks around and notices two armours that are red and hot from constant flames.

"George (the leader of trolls) told me of a plan that some of the trolls came up with, after hearing the incident of a gunshot on one of the dragon spies. They suggested making armour for the spies they may need it. It's made up of the clay soil and graphene that was found deep in the caves. With a good amount of fire, the armours will be made strong enough to repel any bullet from Felix's sniper. Theux observed how the trolls form the armour from the clay soil and the graphene, using their hands to bend the mixture into shape. Two dragons exert so much flames into the amount hat wa sjust moulded in order to make the particles stronger and more compact. "This is a very good idea, well done guys. I have a question, how many  of these can be made?" George who is one of the trolls present there, speaks "The graphenes are rare, so we can't predict where or when we will find more. With the ones we found, we can make 5."

"We can manage that. Theux says with slow nods.

Archimedian and Theux both walk to a secluded place, about 25 steps towards the back of the cave. Theux speaks, "Your dragon spy is already better, I think Gangola would allow him to resume his operations today." Archimedian replies, "I'm so happy about that. His parents were worried but I already took care of that."

"I need to get back to the competitions, it's probably almost over." Theux tells Archimedian with his hand on his scaly shoulder. "Ok sir I'll arrange for these to get to Avalon, the spies who need it, can make use of it there." Theux approves of it, spreads his fiery wings and takes off.

When he got back to the competition, he met the others including Reelora and Gangola. He told them about the recent news and they were really happy and excited. At the end of the event, Theux gives the winner of the Kentucky lake competitions a medal that is made up of a carefully, carved, circular-shaped rock, painted bright gold with a vine rope attachment. It was made by some old mermaids.

MEANWHILE IN THE HUMAN REALM

Lucy's point of view.

It's already dark. I sneak in through the wooden door to get inside the house so I don't wake Karen up. When I successfully close the door quietly, I switch on the light and. . . "Whoa!" my heart beats faster than ever. "Surprised? Yeah I thought so. Today, you will explain to me where you keep going every evening, that you sneak into our house so late." My best friend Karen, who I have known my whole life since my parents died, was sitting on a chair in the small living room with a furious look. I can't escape this today; I may have to risk telling her. "Ok Karen, I will tell you but promise not to tell anyone. It is not just my risk but his", I say quietly while taking a seat in front of her.

She's so confused and a bit scared thlat she asks, "who?"

I began to explain "Well you know some time ago, there used to be these beings with different powers and abilities. And somehow they all just disappeared. One of them was my close friend before they all left. You know how I've been trying to find their hiding place and all to no avail. I was in the woods on a patrol that I was assigned to by my superior, when I saw Koven come out of nowhere. It looked like a portal but I couldn't actually see it. Koven is the close friend I have been dying to see again. He is a werewolf and we love each other. We got to talk, but he told me that the two of us can't be seen together. I wondered why and I asked, he told me that it was against the laws of his land. He also told me that they hide in a different realm from ours and he came out to carry out an assignment by the realm leader. We both came to the conclusion that we would see secretly like 4 times a week, after we saw that we couldn't stay away away from each other." After I finished talking, she looked immensely taken aback. "Lucy, this is intense. If it is against their law, you have to stay away. I don't want you getting hurt, you are

all I have. Well, apart from my father and brother in Danville. Still, you should be careful." She takes a long breath after saying these words non-stop without breathing.

I get she's worried but I really like him or do I love him? Whatever it is, that's the reason I can't stay without seeing him. After 2 months? No way.

I finally speak, "I know you worried about me; trust that I can take care of myself. This is Louisville, everyone minds their own business, but doesn't mean I won't be cautious. I just need you to support me." She still looks worried but says, "ok dear I will try not to be worried, but why didn't you tell me since? Just imagine something were to happen to you." I smile moving forward to hold her hands. "This is why, you worry about me a lot and I don't want you to get old quickly. Nothing will happen, I promise." She finally smiles and speaks, "well I was beginning to think my police best friend has started robbing banks. Thank goodness it's not that!" We both laugh after her ridiculous statement. She finally stands to get to her bed, "I have some noodles in the fridge, microwave and eat. Now, I can go to bed with my heart in the middle of my chest and not in my mouth this time." Karen, Karen always so dramatic. I laugh before telling her good night