Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Writing Challenge - The Blood Moon


 

Luna actually forgot all about the Blood Moon rising. School started, and other things were on her mind. Like chemistry and thinking about the paper she needed to write in History. She was at the library a lot, in fact. Also, the days were getting shorter, which had not crossed her mind, either. After all, it wasn't that long ago when she left the library at eight, it was daylight. But it wasn't on the night of the Blood Moon.

Suddenly, an awakening shook her. She was alone with her heavy backpack. It felt as if something heaved inside her. A change, perhaps. Only she wasn't sure. After all, she was plain, mousey Luna, whom no one really noticed. She somehow got lost in the pack in the hallways at school. No one had ever called her out for anything. 

At the moment, it felt impossible to breathe. Luna felt drawn to the park on the way home. Still, it was getting late, and supper was growing cold on the table. After all, her mother always said she was up to no good and never put her dinner away. 

She nursed her bottom lip, wishing she hadn't made her mother so mad. It was as if her mother could see into the future, realizing perhaps that she was a bad seed after all. Luna pushed her long bangs back that kept falling into her eyes as she stared up at the red moon. 

At the moment, she wasn't hungry for spaghetti and meatballs. No, the hunger inside wanted something else. Although a tremor of worry prevailed. Her breath felt shallow as if she knew the transformation was coming.

Then suddenly beams of light appeared. Luna felt she needed to keep moving, but she was brave as she waited to see the others. It was mesmerizing or perhaps she was in shock. Who were they in the shadows of the light?

Words: 463

"You're one of us," she thought she heard one of them say. Luna squinted hard. It couldn't be. It was the star high school quarterback. Luna filled with laughter.

"What's going on?" She winced, trying to figure out if she was in the shadow of the light. "Is this a covenant that wasn't aware of?" 

The others laughed softly. "You are one of us. But we don't like others to know." Cedric told her it was a secret. "I don't mean to ignore you. It's just..we learn from nature. We could be witches and warlocks."

Luna didn't know what that could mean. 

"We are watchers. We know where evil lies. But tonight is ours." At that point, he rose above the ground and took her hand. Luna hovered over the ground with ease. It was time for her to learn to fly. 

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

OC RP - Dakota



 "When will Fiona wake up and realize her Harry Styles wannabe is rogue?" Dakota made a face of disgust as she hugged herself harder.

Of course, Ezra brought her a late lunch. He was here to check on the library room at the assisted living facility, or so he said. But she thought it was just to see her. From the look in his eyes, she knew she should shut up about Fiona.

"Well, it's best to let it go, you know."

He opened the container, which held the salad of arugula, spinach dotted with blueberries, and chunks of cucumber. There was even chopped chicken breast along with a homemade ranch dressing.

"Yes, I suppose." Dakota frowned as she studied the salad. Finally, she said that he shouldn't have gone to such great lengths for such a lunch, but then thanked him.

"Don't let her fool you, she always bounces back. You can't tell her anything. She has to figure it out on her own. You said so yourself." He smirked as he took a seat across from her.

"There is that other thing," Dakota said as she stabbed a blueberry with the metal fork.

"What thing?" Ezra's smile was open.

"Us, of course."

Dakota looked at him directly as if she could not eat this masterpiece of his. She imagined he'd shopped for a special container for the salad. She knew he was too good for her, but it was a slow-burning friendship without the romantasy. She didn't think. Even if they had kissed. She pressed her lips tight, hoping it didn't reveal what was actually on her mind.

"What would she notice?" He held in a laugh. But Dakota remained even-lipped, thinking he couldn't really be over Fiona. Not a chance. Yet, like the weather, they'd gotten used to the rush of autumn temperatures in their coziness of each other.

Dakota raked her fingers through her blonde tresses, then pressed a lock behind her ear and went back to the salad.

"Oh, the tea, I almost forgot about the tea." 

Ezra reached for the thermos in his backpack. It was chilled. The oolong tea was flavorful. Dakota couldn't help but smile. He had remembered. Actually, the brew was much better than her own.

"Would you feel better if the four of us got together for maybe a trip to the boardwalk?"

These days, Ocean City was quite an autumn carnival with its fall-like days.

Dakota thought they should leave Fiona and Matty alone. Still, Ezra hadn't officially met Fiona's new beau.

"I guess we could." She cleared her throat. After all, she wanted to enjoy this salad. Dakota had her doubts Fiona could ever appreciate Ezra's efforts.