"You whom the kings saluted; who refused not
The one great pleasure of ignoble days,
Fame without name and glory without gossip,
Whom no biographer befouls with praise."
To The Unknown Warrior - Poem by Gilbert Keith Chesterton
4
*Arma Ritus…
Or handing the warrior his weapons of choice rituals, as Calum had explained before in one of their lessons. The celebration every warrior dreams about. Only worthy warriors get to have that honor and receive their real weapons when they come of age and turn fifteen. And from then on, the warrior can participate in every battle or war, to keep order and defend the safety of his people.
Alston chose the bow and arrows. For the last ten years, he had been trying to prove himself worthy of a real weapon.
Alavara looked glorious that night. Everything and everyone was glimmering in the moonlight. Everyone was in white. The women were in white satin dresses and their sleek hair was decorated with jasmines filling the air with that sweet smell. The men were in white robes and silver leaves in their hair. They were marching toward the clearing in the north. It was a wide field with no trees or houses, only brown grass and old chopped-down tree trunks. The field was surrounded by oak and sycamore trees. On every tree hung one light stone. An elfish stone that casts light just like the witch stone. Xana remembered what Alston said about that place. "The great war field". Thousands of years ago. The demons tried to take over the elves' land. They broke the elves' magic and crossed the borders. Some say they had help from a higher demon and he was the one who broke the elves' protecting spells. The elves didn't stand by. They fought with all their might. Even the common elves, not just the knights, came to this battlefield to defend their lands and their families. The battle went on for days, but the elves were so determined. They lost so many, but still fought with honor until they were able to defeat their enemies and send them back to their realm. Since that day the weapons celebration ritual was performed on that battlefield to make them remember their victory and to honor those who lost their lives defending their lands.
Xana and Michael stood among the elves, waiting for the rituals to start. They were the only ones not wearing white, which made them stand out among the audience, not to mention they were the only non-elves attending. "I feel stupid." Michael whispered into Xana's ear. He glanced around and clearly wasn't comfortable. He was wearing jeans and a black T-shirt. He felt all eyes on him, and the looks on the elves' faces weren't very friendly. "If you are stupid, then I am, too." And she waved her hand, indicating her outfit, which was the same as Michael's: jeans and a black T-shirt and combat boots. She always liked human clothes. "Do you think they're gonna be long?" He whispered again, but before she could answer, a row of knights emerged from the far end of the field. Xana tiptoed to get a better view. "Want me to carry you?" Michael asked her with a smirk. "Shut up, Oakstaff." And she elbowed him.
The knights were marching to form two lines facing each other on either side of the field. They were wearing silver armors and their hair tied behind their backs. They stood straight and expressionless. One knight had a shofar stood in between the two lines of the knights and plowed it. It made a very loud, deep sound. Everyone went quiet. King Elion and Queen Mariona appeared from behind the knight.
King Elion was in the same armor as the knights, only he wore a silver crown with two swords crossing on the top of it. His dark green eyes were cold and emotionless. His silver hair was the same color as Alston's, sleek behind his back. Beside him, the queen was looking stunning. Wearing a silver satin gown decorated with small blue stars on the tail. Her hazel eyes searched the crowd until they finally rested on Xana. Her blond hair was decorated with jasmines and a crystal tiara on her head, which was shaped like entwined tree twigs that hugged the queen's pretty head. The queen looked away when Alston appeared. He came from the right side behind the row of knights, wearing silver armor and a kilt made out of leather strips underneath it, and silver sandals, which made Xana smile. She remembered Uriel's sandals. He walked gracefully toward his parents. Xana noticed something different about him. His hair.
"His hair is different." She whispered to Michael, who let out a low whistle. Alston's hair was still short, but it was puffy. Not as sleek as he always kept it before. "More rebellious declarations." Michael said with a smirk. "I think so. He told his parents." Xana said. "How can you tell?" Michael wondered.
"The way the queen was looking at me. I felt like she was trying to poke holes in my skin." "Isn't she always?" Michael teased her. She laughed softly and concentrated her gaze on Alston. Michael leaned down and whispered, "What's with the skirt?" Xana tried to muffle a laugh and failed. Two elves beside them looked at them with annoyed expressions. Xana looked back at them with defiance and they looked away. "It's not a skirt, it's a kilt. It's a war outfit." She explained to Michael. "War or not, it's still a skirt. If I ever wear a skirt, please shoot me." She shook her head and smirked. "Be quiet now. They're about to begin."
An old elf in gray robes came from behind the king holding a bow and a quiver filled with arrows. Xana's eyes went wide and she tiptoed again grabbing Michael's arm for support. The bow wasn't metal or wooden like any other bow.
"Adamas." She said in astonishment and admiration. Michael caught her gaze and saw that she was staring at the bow. "What is it?" He asked. "The bow is made from Adamas. Adamant, Michael. Remember, Calum told us about that element. It's not from this world and it's very rare. Angels' armors, Satan's chains, and the gates of hell are all made of it. It's even what they used to bind Prometheus." Xana explained to him. "Prometheus is bound to the rocks in adamantine bonds infrangible. Yeah, I remember now." He said while scratching his head. "Exactly, it's a huge honor for one to have a weapon made out of adamant, or adamas as Calum calls it." She said without taking her eyes off the bow and arrows. The old elf stood before Alston, who kneeled on the ground. King Elion spoke in elfin and Xana interpreted to Michael. "Alston Mavrick Malereiel, the first. Do you accept the honor of holding your weapons and swear loyalty to your people?" Xana waited for Alston's reply. He said, "I accept and swear with my life." Then he stood up and the old elf handed him the bow and the quiver. Alston hung the quiver on his back, took one arrow, and placed it on the bow. He turned around and aimed at the most faraway tree in the field. It had marks on it, Xana realized just now. He swiftly let the arrow fly and it hit the mark right in the middle. All the elves cheered and spread their wings, fluttering them gently, making a sound like soft music. Thousands of silver leaves suddenly filled the air, dancing above everyone, like confetti thrown into the wind. Some got stuck in Xana's flowing hair. Alston cast a quick look at Xana and Michael and smiled before looking back at his parents. His mother took a step forward and pinned something on his armor. He bowed to his parents, then to the old elf, and hurried toward Xana and Michael. "What do you think?" Alston asked both of them, his green eyes glowing with happiness and smiling broadly. Michael whistled and Xana said, "Astonishing, and that weapon is remarkable." She stretched her hand, and Alston handed her the bow. She examined it with delight. Something struck in the quiver, and they saw one more arrow appear among the rest of the arrows. Xana looked at the marked tree and realized it was the same arrow Alston had launched before. "Of course, the arrows are charmed. They won't waste the Adamas like that," she said and handed Alston his bow. She reached into her pocket and took out a silver ring. "I have something for you." Xana said and handed the ring to Alston, who took it and examined it. It was a plain silver ring with the letter 'A' carved in it. "I did not expect a gift." He said and placed it on his right ring finger. "It's not just any regular ring. Twist it until the letter disappears," she said and winked at him. He obeyed and to his surprise when he did his wings disappeared. He looked over his shoulder and reached out to touch where they were. "Relax. They just got invisible. Courtesy from Calum." Xana said. "I – umm." Alston tried to find something to say. "You're welcome." Xana said and patted his arm, Alston didn't pull away from her touch. "Now we won't have to tie your wings with my belt every time we cross to the human land," Michael said to Alston, who twisted the ring back and his wings reappeared. "I'm glad those leaves aren't real silver though." Michael added, tossing a leaf that was stuck on his hair. Xana pointed at Alston's armor. "It's the same silver leaf as those." And she pulled one of the leaves stuck in her hair. "Yes, they are the symbol of elves," Alston told her, "Every warrior gets his leaf pinned on his armor when he receives his weapons, we never take it off until we die. Then the warrior's family places it on his grave." "Then that one will stay where it is for a very long time." She said to Alston with a smile. Then she looked around watching the elves around her. "It's such a beautiful ceremony. I'm so proud of you," Xana told Alston, who smiled at her. "I like the hair too by the way," Xana said and reached to touch his hair. He bowed his head and let her. "You shouldn't sleek it anymore, it looks much better that way. Not to mention your parents hate it." She said and jerked her chin towards his parents who were surrounded by many elves now congratulating them. He laughed and ran a hand through his hair. "They are taking it well." "I'm glad you told them what you really want. Anyway, we better go now. I think they are waiting for you to start the feast." "You will not be at the feast?" Alston said with disappointment. "No. I must head home and get ready for Michael's celebration tomorrow. Plus, you know I'm not a fan of elfin food," Xana said in an apologetic tone, "I will meet you at the portal and Sam will drive us from the sanctuary." She added and Alston nodded. "Don't wear that skirt to my party." Michael said in a teasing way that made Xana laugh. Alston shook his head and smiled. He was in a good mood tonight. He didn't bother finding a smug reply to Michael's comment. Xana and Michael turned around and walked in the portal's direction. Alston watched them until they were out of sight, then he turned and went to stand with his parents.
***
Sam, Michael's older brother, picked up Xana and Alston from the sanctuary and drove them to his parents' house in his truck. Sam was the nicest person you could meet, always cheerful like Michael. He had black hair and black eyes, tall and muscular with a wolf tattoo on his right upper arm and the same friendly smile. Xana always liked him a lot. She always considered the Oakstaffs her family. Michael brought her to the sanctuary and his house a million times. She was so used to being in the human world. He taught her everything. She loved the food and the music. She would spend hours with Michael, listening to music and watching TV. She even felt more comfortable in human clothes. Her ability to hide her wings enabled her to go anywhere with Michael. He was her ticket to the human world, a handsome pass to the mundanes' habits and daily life. Today was the first time Alston felt comfortable here as well. No leather belt to keep his wings folded tightly on his back, no large shirts to hide the shape of his wings, either. Only a twist of his new ring, and he was free to walk around undetected. Both Xana and Alston were in jeans and cotton T-shirts and combat boots.
Sam was telling Xana how much he liked her idea of forming the team. "A very smart way to keep your friends by your side. I'm impressed." Sam said, and gave Xana a wink.
"I had to think of something. These two can't go a day without me watching over them." She said and indicated Alston, who was busy watching the view out his window. Sam laughed at what she said and nodded. "Yeah, I have to admit you helped Michael a lot." She only smiled. Sam parked the truck in front of the house. It wasn't so big, but to Xana, it was perfect. A beach house right on the sand, no houses in the distance. She always thought Fenris must have intended it that way. Having a bunch of werewolves running around wasn't what you wanted your neighbors to see. She got out of the truck and took a deep breath of that salty breeze she adored, all the happy memories of this place rushing back to her. She and Michael racing on the beach, laying down enjoying the sun and listening to music and all the delicious food Accalia had cooked for her, looking for sea glass and taking a quick refreshing dive at dawn. Michael's messy room and the million times she found his smelly socks under the bed. Almost every childhood memory she had involved Michael.
Fenris and Accalia came to meet them. She ran and gave them both hugs, like she always did. Fenris in his regular jeans and a cotton shirt, Accalia looked beautiful in a white dress, her black eyes full of love, and her black hair like a waterfall on her shoulders. There were many cars and trucks parked there today. They went to the back garden; the view was beautiful; the ocean stretching ahead, and the sun was about to go down. It was crowded. Xana recognized some of them from Fenris's pack. She knew all of them were werewolves because of the silver circle around their irises. Everyone gave her smiles and greetings. The smell of grilling filled the air. Mark and Simon, the twins, were handling the grill. They were identical, but Xana always knew how to distinguish them. They had black hair and brown eyes, and were the troublemakers in the family, although they were three years older than Michael.
Billy was talking to a group of men. He looked just like Fenris with the same brown hair and bright brown eyes, only he kept his hair long to his shoulders. He was two years older than the twins. And Charlie was handing plates around. He had brown eyes and brown hair; he was only one year older than Michael. Xana looked around for Michael and saw him standing with Calum. "I didn't know Calum would be here." She said to Alston and headed towards them. Alston followed her with his usual bored expression and superior looks. When Michael saw them, he grinned, and his eyes glimmered. "My dear one, we were just talking about you." Calum told Xana with his usual cheerful tone. His white hair looked dark under the crimson sky. "I hope it's good." Xana said, and Calum laughed.
"We were waiting for you to start." Michael said to Xana and Alston. Before any of them got to say anything, Fenris was standing on the porch clapping his hands to get everyone's attention.
"Thank you all for coming tonight for my son's celebration. Michael, as of today, has the right to carry a weapon and be a member of the pack. He will participate in every mission the pack will have from this day on. Michael." and he looked at his son and nodded. Everyone looked at Michael and clapped and cheered. Michael flushed. Xana patted his arm and whispered, "I'm proud of you."
Fenris handed Michael two knives with wooden hilts, a wolf carved in each of them. And that was pretty much the whole celebration. After that, everyone got busy eating and chatting. Xana thought it was perfect. Just simple and everyone was at ease, the way she liked it. She felt comfortable and happy. She was proud of her best friend. Finally, after she was able to grab a plate of grilled hot dogs from the twins, she went and sat with Michael, Alston, and Calum. "I knew you weren't going to accept what Uriel decided. I knew you would make a change." Calum told Xana with excitement. "Really, why?" She asked while eating her hot dogs. "Because it's part of your legend, my dear." The three of them looked at Calum, puzzled. "The legend didn't say anything about a change." Alston said. "That's because you didn't read the original one," Calum said. The three of them looked at each other. Then Calum added, "The thing is, the fairies' books are not the original source for legends. There's another version in the warlocks' books and the angelic books as well. I happened to read those two versions, and they mentioned something about a lawbreaker princess who is meant to make a great change in the rules. The team, I might say, was the first change you made." And he winked at Xana. "So that's why Cassiel agreed? Because it was meant to be?" Xana wondered. "And because you didn't give them any other choice," it was Fenris, he was standing near them and heard what they said. He came and sat down beside Michael then added, "And because it was a good idea, such a team has never existed before and from what we saw during your training we ought to let you try," he smiled and patted his son's back. Then they heard a bang and a scream, all of them looked in the direction of the noise to find that the twins had dropped the grill on the grass and were fighting over the remainder of the food, Fenris stood up and said, "I'd better stop these two from killing each other." And he hurried toward them. Xana was laughing, then she remembered something, "Michael, I almost forgot, here." She reached for something in her pocket and took out a bracelet made out of leather that had a blue star in the middle of it, she handed it to Michael and added, "Just a little something for you, it's not magical though but I made it myself." He put it on right away. "Thanks, Star." He said, and gave Xana a grin. Alston asked Michael, "Why do you need weapons? I thought you had enough weapons already in your claws and fangs." "In case I have to fight in my human form and besides, every warrior should have many different weapons." Michael said, and stood up. "I can't wait until I get my own weapons." Xana said and Michael affectionately ruffled her hair. "I'd better go and get my tattoo now." Michael said and headed towards the house. All the Oakstaff brothers liked to get tattoos when they received their weapons. Xana, Alston, and Calum sat together chatting and eating for the rest of the night.
***
For one year, the boys went out on missions with their own people. Michael always came back bragging about his skills and his new scars. Alston, on the other hand, considered the scars something to be ashamed of.
"Winning a battle means coming out of it unharmed, Michael." Alston told Michael many times, but he told him that was crazy. "It's no fun staying away from all the action and just shooting arrows and shaking the ground under the bad guys." Michael said, and took another sip from his Wolfsbane tea. "With or without scars, I just can't wait for the time I get to go out on missions," Xana said, and waved to Misty. The fairy moved between the crowded tables, clicking on the oak floors with her high heels. "What can I get you?" Misty asked and winked at Alston, who looked to the other side, clearly annoyed. Michael laughed and shook his head. "I want coffee and get everything on the meat menu for Michael and just water for Alston," Xana said and waited for Misty to write everything down and leave, then she said to Alston, "you could at least be nice to her." "I do not wish to give her false hope." He said without looking at Xana. "Whatever. It's just one more week for me and I'll be a warrior with real weapons." She said and leaned back in her chair. "What do you think your Arma Ritus will be like?" Michael asked. "No idea. I'm the first fairy to receive a weapon, remember? Maybe Uriel will just hand me my swords in the tower and that's it." She threw her hands in the air and looked around the Green Fairy. It was crowded, as usual. After all, it was the only place in Myron where you could get all the enchanted creatures' food and even human food too. Misty came back with their orders, and Michael started eating right away. Alston looked at him with annoyance and rolled his eyes. "Wolves, get really hungry after every phasing." Xana explained to Alston after seeing the look on his face.
"Come on, you should be used to it by now." Michael teased him and Xana laughed softly. She sat back drinking her coffee, something she loved from the human world, and watched her two best friends. Thinking about their future together, all the battles they would share and fight side by side, she knew she could count on them and they would always be there for her, she knew she loved them both more than anything else and that made her happy. The corner of her mouth shaped into a half-smile. Michael looked at her and smiled. He knew that half-smile of hers. She only smiled like that when she was happy, or about to do something totally crazy.
***
Michael and Alston stood beside each other, both in leather black gear and each had his weapons with him. They stood straight and proud. Pairo and Lilly stood behind them along with Aldora. Both Lilly and Aldora were wearing silver satin gowns, Pairo in a silver silk suit, Uriel in his golden armor and his golden hair shining under the moonlight, he was holding two sheathed swords. Fenris, standing beside him in a black suit. Opposite from Fenris stood King Randall in a silver suit and beside him was Lionar in silver armors.
Calum appeared after a little while, wearing a velvet black suit and a huge smile. "She is ready." He told all of them, and his eyes rested on Aldora for a moment. She noticed and looked at the ground. They were standing in the forest behind the tower under the moonlight, the soft breeze made the trees sway gently above them, the stars twinkling in the sky around the full moon, the grass beneath them thick and wild, the many creatures of the enchanted forest hiding between the trees, getting glimpses of the scene in front of them. Xana came after Calum in black leather gear, the same as Michael's and Alston's. She walked straight and confident, her black hair like a curtain flowing around her, her emerald eyes full of excitement despite the black circles under them. She wasn't able to sleep the night before. She was escorted by Cassiel, who looked huge beside her, his golden armor and golden hair glowing, his blue eyes calm. She quickly looked at everyone attending, and was surprised to see King Randall there. He was not one of her mentors and not family either, but she didn't bother to think about it for long. She was overwhelmed when she saw her parents' proud expressions, Aldora's loving smile, Fenris's encouraging nod, and Uriel's half-smile, which meant he was really proud. She totally ignored the empty looks from Lionar and King Randall. She looked at her two best friends and nodded, and then she took a deep breath and stood in front of Uriel and Cassiel, who were standing beside Uriel now. This is it, the moment she was waiting for. It did not matter that the celebration was not grand like Alston's or that only a few people were attending, but they were her people, the ones she cared for the most, that celebration was enough for her and she couldn't have wished for more.
Uriel spoke in his musical voice. His golden eyes were dark in the moonlight. "Xana Star, Princess of the Light. Do you swear on fulfilling your duty, proudly carrying your weapons, and obeying the law? Protect the weak and the ones in need and keep the order in the Downworld?"
Xana looked straight into his eyes. "I swear with my life," she said, and bowed to Uriel and Cassiel. He unsheathed the swords. And Xana's eyes went wide, and her mouth was slightly open. He handed her the swords, hilts first. She took them in her hands and examined them for several minutes before she was able to find her voice. "Adamant! Those are Adamant swords." Her voice was low. Uriel nodded and smiled. His smile was blindingly bright, like the sunlight on a midsummer day.
"The best weapons for the best warrior. They can absorb your light and be equally fatal as long as you are holding them." He told her and as soon as he finished, she was hugging him tightly, her swords still in her hands. He was much taller than she was, her head barely reaching his chest. He was surprised and tensed like he didn't know what he should do when being hugged. Xana noticed and released him. She was blushing. She thought, 'note to self: hugging an angel might not be the best idea.'
"Thank you. This is such an honor." She said with gratitude. He pulled his armor down as to straighten it, but angels' armors never got wrinkled. Xana was surprised to see Uriel nervous like this. He only nodded. She gave Cassiel a nod only. If Uriel was that nervous, probably Cassiel would freak out if she hugged him. She turned around and faced everyone. They all looked proud. Her parents came to her and both hugged her tightly and told her how much they loved her and how proud they were. Aldora hugged her for a few minutes before finally releasing her. Xana noticed tears in her eyes, but Aldora quickly wiped them away and smiled at her. Calum spread his arms wide, and she ran into them. He patted her hair softly, then released her. "Hugging an angel. What are we going to do with you?" He said in an amused tone. "Don't they ever hug anyone?" Xana asked, clearly surprised.
"That, my dear, was Uriel's first hug and probably the last." Calum said, and laughed. She felt sorry for Uriel, but before she could think of anything else, Fenris was by her side. She hugged him and he winked at her and ruffled her hair. "And she is finally a warrior," it was Michael's voice. She turned around and hugged her friend, "No more whining about 'when will I get to carry a deadly weapon and slice demons for fun?'" He mimicked her voice in a teasing way and she laughed. She turned to face Alston, who was hesitating. "Come here, you." She spread her arms, her swords still in her hands. Alston walked slowly toward her, hugged her for only a moment before he stepped back and smiled at her. She shook her head and lifted her swords to show everyone. She noticed the hilts were a bit heavy with a silvery glow. "That's not silver. It's white gold. Michael can hold them safely." Calum explained when he noticed Michael's hesitation at touching them. Xana gave one of the swords to Michael, who looked at it with awe. She examined the one in her hand and noticed four stars carved on the Adamant blade. Her sign. She was so preoccupied she didn't notice King Randall was beside her until he cleared his throat aloud.
"Congratulations. I hope you will make your kingdom proud of your actions." He said and gave Xana a small nod. Before she could say anything, he turned around and walked away. She watched him go, wondering what she ever did to him to make him hate her.
Lionar placed his hand on her shoulder, and she turned and looked at him. He wasn't exactly smiling, but he looked proud. "I'm sure you will remember your training and all the knowledge I gave you." He said and lowered his hand.
"Thank you, Lionar. You helped me a lot and I will always appreciate that." Xana said and gave him a small smile, then turned to her friends again, still thinking, Lionar was proud of her! The cold elf knight never cared or showed any emotion for anything. She was amazed, overwhelmed, and sparkling like the stars above. Uriel told Xana, Michael, and Alston to stand beside each other. Xana stood between the two boys. Uriel spoke again, "Michael, Alston, do you swear to always stand by Xana's side? Protect and guide her and escort her on all of her missions?" Both Michael and Alston said, "I swear on my life and my honor." Xana looked up at her friends and smiled. She was overwhelmed by everything that happened that night, all that she wanted coming true. She received her weapons, Adamas weapons. She was going out on missions to keep the order of the Downworld, and she was going to be with her two best friends. She had never felt happier and proud. Uriel and Cassiel left after telling Xana to expect a summons at any time, and the three of them should always be ready with their new gear and weapons. "I have something for you," both Michael and Alston said at the same time, and everyone laughed at them. "You go first." Michael told Alston, who immediately handed Xana a velvet dark purple box. Xana looked at the box for a moment before she reached and took it, she opened it and found a pendant shaped like two wings that looked exactly like her wings, and between the wings was an emerald green gem, the exact color of her eyes. The pendant hung down on a silver chain. She looked at Alston and then back at the box. She wasn't expecting jewelry presents. "It's also white gold." Alston told her when he noticed the worried look on Michael's face. "Alston, that's… I mean wow. It's beautiful." "Put it on, please." He said, and she obeyed. Her mom came behind her to lock the chain. Xana put her hand on the pendant and smiled at Alston, who looked happy, his green eyes shining with joy. He ran a hand nervously through his hair. "Well, that's kinda won over my gift." Michael said, and his face slightly fell. "I'll love your gift exactly the same, Mikey," Xana assured him. He handed her a cell phone with a shy smile. "Hey, I always wanted one of those. Thanks, Oakstaff." She said and took the phone in her hand, turned it over, and examined it carefully. Michael's face lit up again. "That way, I can reach you all the time. Since I can't send any magical message," he said with a sigh, Xana ran her hand across the screen and the phone came to life. Michael knew she could operate it without electricity since there was no electricity in Myron, the same way Misty could operate her coffee and ice cream machines at the Green Fairy. "I already installed on it the games you like on my phone and added all our numbers." Michael said and she nodded and put the phone in one of her many pockets.
"Alston, you need one, too." Xana told him while admiring her swords.
"I will not carry such a thing." He said in his usual superior tone, and both Xana and Michael rolled their eyes. "Fine, I can reach you without it anyway," Xana said, and started examining her leather gear. It was black and tight, soft, with many pockets to carry different weapons. Uriel had given Michael and Alston their gear after they arrived at the tower and told them to change into them and to always wear them during the missions. Calum gave Xana her gear, and she put it on inside Aldora's room in the tower. She liked how the gear felt, how easy it was to move in them. "I'll show you a trick now," everyone looked at her. "I have been training, and I wanted to surprise you." She added and jerked her chin toward Michael and Alston, who looked puzzled. She grabbed the whole mass of her hair, placed it all in front of her right shoulder, and made sure it was away from her back, she made her wings appear, she had angel wings, soft like silk and glowed like a full moon, she grabbed a sword in each hand, reached back and placed the swords between her wings. She let go of the swords and they remained between her wings, inside a halo of her light. She made her wings disappear and when they did, the two swords disappeared along with them. Michael gasped and Alston smiled while everyone else was astonished. "Can you feel them?" Michael asked. "No. And not the weight of my wings, either. It's like they are there, but not really there. But when I need them, I can simply reach back and grab them." Xana explained. "Well, that's impressive." Michael pointed out, and she laughed. Everyone left, and the three of them headed to the Green Fairy to celebrate.