Moonlight

Her lips kiss his neck as her eyes close.

"I want to, Xan. I do."

"You have already given your heart to another?"

"Yes. If not for that, I would ravage you for eternity."

Xander turns and kisses her on the lips, taking her breath away. Her eyes start to open, but instead, she lets herself enjoy the moment—one that doesn't come but once in millennia. Jewel and Zenzo, mouths wide open, watch as Xander slides his tongue in her mouth. They enjoy their kiss for a moment and separate. Neither opens their eyes, storing this memory in their hearts and souls forever.

"You've never kissed any of your maidens like this before."

"None of them were worthy. This person you've given your heart to. Is he worth passing up an eternity of this moment we shared?"

Her body shudders at the thought.

"Don't ask such questions." She whispers, short of breath.

Xander chuckles, knowing he's gotten his answer.

"Well, it can't be helped. I hope he treats you well." Xander says, finally opening his eyes. "I gave it my best shot and put it all on the line. That alone was worth the trip! The unknown is amazing!"

Xander rises, and his body is forced back into the throne by gravity. Chinami, who hasn't opened her eyes yet, trembles. Xander looks over to her.

"I thought you couldn't do this."

"I can't."

"Then why are you forcing me to sit beside you?"

"I don't know. I feel like whatever decision I make, it will be a mistake."

"Can you not tell your future?"

"I cannot. It only works for others."

"Then, like me, you'll have to take a risk. If the man you pass me up for is worth it. Let him know. I'll be waiting if it doesn't work."

"No-." She exhales. "Okay." Her eyes open. "If the future allows us to meet again, I will give you everything."

Xander kisses her once more with a smile that not even Jesus could remove if he tried. He rises and walks out of the tent before he yells the loudest, most prolonged "YES!" he could muster.

"I don't typically apologize since mortals are rarely alive long enough for it to matter, but I am sorry you had to see that."

Zenzo and Jewel look at each other.

Jewel says, "We're used to it with Xan."

"We just didn't want him to die," Zenzo adds.

"I do have one more question," Jewel declares.

"Is it about your nightmare?" Chinami asks.

"Yes."

"Do you truly want to know?"

"Yes."

"I will say this." She says, sighing. "It is a POSSIBLE future. It's not one that's guaranteed to happen. But it's very possible unless you all find a way to prevent it."

"Okay. Thank you. We'll do our best." Jewel says, bowing again.

"You mortals are some of the best I've seen in a long time. I like you. Xan."

Xander comes back inside the tent at her call.

"Yes, my Queen?"

"I need you to stand by Zenzo and be prepared to incapacitate him."

Xander's eyebrows rise high, like mountain peaks. He shrugs and stands by Zenzo. Jewel and Zenzo look at him like he's crazy.

"Xan?" Jewel asks.

"If she's saying that, it's because Zen is capable of doing something harmful to her. She's immortal, and Zen is realistically the only one who can kill her."

Chinami nods her head in agreement.

"I hate admitting it, but what he says is true. The fortune I have for you will change your life. But under no circumstances, no matter what you hear, are you allowed to use your power inside this tent."

Zenzo pinches himself.

"Why not?" He asks.

Jewel's face lights up when she comes to a realization. The moonlight shines solely upon them as Jewel speaks.

"Zen. What's the opposite of the moon?"

His eyes widen.

"The Sun."

Xander adds, "This is why she has me on standby to knock you out."

Chinami leans forward, her bright red eyes staring into Zenzo's. "Are you ready to know your destiny?"

"No." Zenzo shakes his head. "But I have to."

"I was partially hoping you would decline. Xan has already made me softer to you mortals." She says, taking a deep breath. "Zenzo Alabaster Leonidas. Your life will be pure hell and agony. You will experience countless hardships with your friends and more without them. Your journey does have a relatively happy ending compared to the pain you'll face. However, until you master your power, you will be a burden on yourself and others." She says before pausing.

Zenzo scoffs before he forms a smile.

"That's it? You said things I already know and live! Although the happy ending is nice to hear."

"I wasn't finished. I was trying to ease into...the other stuff."

The smile on his face disappears.

"Your memories will most likely never return until you defeat the King of Fear. That is not a metaphor. There is a literal King of Fear, and you lost your memories when you fought him five years ago. He is part of the reason why you fear conflict and battle. Before you lost your memories, you were an entirely different person. One that was fearless and powerful."

"Me? Fearless? Powerful?"

"Yes...and then...there's this. Fuck. Xan has already touched my heart and changed my cold soul. The King of Fear killed your entire family after your fight with him came to a draw. Your power sealed your memories, and you forgot to rescue them from captivity. He slaughtered them when Xan rescued you. Until you fight the King of Fear, you will never be complete. I am sorry I had to tell you this. Your enemy's true name is...Felelem Konungur."

The name causes Zenzo's pupils to dilate. The ground around them begins to shake as Zenzo's aura releases itself. Xander watches for the signal to stop him, but Chinami raises her hand to stop him, watching intently.

"Opposite."

The moonlight disappears in the room along with the rest of the light. The only thing seen is Chinami's bright red eyes and Zenzo's purple aura that is oozing from his body, rising into the sky as the town quakes. Jewel and Xander have worried looks on their face as they place their hands on Zenzo to calm him down. There is a terrifying scream that comes from Zenzo even though his mouth is closed. A purple hand comes out of Zenzo's back, followed by another. Then a head surfaces as the wind in the tent blows violently. The scream comes from the spirit coming out of Zenzo, only the spirit looks like him.

The spirit tears halfway through his body as things in the tent lift and float in the air. Chinami places her hand on his face.

"Sleep, young Champion."

Zenzo's head hits the table, and he's fast asleep. The floating items fall to the ground, the wind stops blowing, and the ground stills. Jewel, whose heart is thumping, yells, "What the hell was that?!"

Chinami looks at Xander, who is waiting for a response, before looking at Jewel.

"That was the real Zenzo, tearing himself from his body."

"Why the hell would he do that?!" She asks.

"He has unfinished business. Right, Chinami?"

"Yes, Xan. The real him understands that the King of Fear is on a different plane of existence. Not of our world. Intangible. So the only way to hurt him is to make yourself intangible, or make him tangible."

"Are you saying Zen was killing himself?!" Jewel questions.

"Yes. He was going to kill himself and go fight the King of Fear."

"What the f...This was a bad idea. We shouldn't have come."

"It's too late for that now, Jewel. You must now face your destiny. And both you and Xan's destiny lies with him."

Xander shrugs his shoulders.

"I already knew that."

"Tch. This is bullshit. We didn't ask for destiny like this! We make our destiny! Xan was ready to throw his destiny away for you fifteen minutes ago! That can't be his destiny if you said yes! You hesitated, you thought about it! You envisioned a life with Xan. An eternity with Xan! That sounds like a choice to me!"

Chinami looks into Jewel's eyes as the moonlight returns to illuminate the tent.

"Then if this is not your destiny. Change it. Defeat the King of Fear who haunts your dreams, and make it back here so I can give Xan all of me."

Xander walks over and gets on one knee.

"I'll come back for you. No enemy is strong enough to keep me away from you-"

"Xan," Chinami says in a soft voice. "Don't go. Jewel and Zenzo's fate stays the same no matter what. Your future, however, changes based on the decision you make."

Xander hugs Chinami. Her eyes close as she hugs him. He can feel her quake, causing him to hold her tighter.

"Baby, you can't tie Xan down after rejecting him. You know I have to go with them."

"I know...it's just Jewel said we make our destiny, yet yours is staying the same now. I was trying to see if she was right. If it can be changed, it will take everything you have. Because I don't believe it."

Xander pulls back to look into her eyes. He grabs her hands, which are cold and warm.

"If you know how my story goes, cheer me on from the sidelines."

She nods her head.

"Can I have one last kiss?"

Xander kisses her, granting her request. She inhales, basking in Xander's love as they lock lips while praying for his safe return. After a moment, Xander pulls away. She snaps back, kissing him again. Xander chuckles.

Jewel picks Zenzo up, placing him on her shoulder as she exits the tent. Xander pulls away again, and Chinami says, "We need to stop."

"I know." He says, kissing her again. "I get the last kiss."

Chinami giggles, and it turns into a full-on laugh.

"Please come back. You are the most interesting person I've met in a very long time."

"I'll be back as soon as we kill the King of Fear."

"Okay. I'll be waiting. I have nothing but time."

Xander turns and walks away. She takes a deep breath while watching him, hoping he'll change his mind. Xander stops. He looks back with a smile and shakes his butt.

"Something to think about. This could've been us tonight!"

Chinami burst into laughter.

"Goodbye, Xan."

"Goodbye, my Queen."

After heading back to the house, they put Zenzo in the bed and sat at the kitchen table. Xander smiles while Jewel's anger is palpable. He looks at her.

"Joy, you okay?"

"What the fuck do you think?! We're all going to die!"

"You don't know that. Weren't you saying we make our destiny?"

"I watched Zenzo's soul ripping itself out of his body, and you, giving your life to a vampire ten minutes into meeting her. Both of you were nearly dead before our journey even started! Before we've even left home!" She says, slamming her fist on the table. "And then you just have to get with every woman you meet. When is enough enough?"

Xander chuckles.

"Are you jealous?"

"You know, Zen asked me the same thing. And I have the same answer. No."

"Then why are you upset?"

"Because you can't fall in love with every woman you meet!"

"I don't."

"Really?! Out of all the women you've been with. Never? Not one of them at all? You've NEVER fallen in love with any of them?"

"No. Chinami's the first. It was love at first sight. And she would've been my last love if she said yes. But. I wasn't enough."

"Don't say that."

"Why not? It's the truth. A hard truth. But the truth."

"The way she kissed you... Trust me. You are enough, but it looks like it's complicated."

"It doesn't matter now."

"Is the Great Xander Ares Greaves giving up?! I didn't even know that was your middle name until now."

Xander's eyes stare at the moon. He knows she's watching and listening even though they are so far away.

"I'll never give up on her. But let's come back to Infrangilmundo for a second. How long ago did I buy this house for us?"

"Five years ago."

"And until today, neither Zen nor I knew your name. Only an acronym. And never ONCE did I ask."

"I have a VERY good reason for that. It's life or death!"

"I didn't say it wasn't. But my point is, you can't act like I've been withholding information when you've been doing the same thing. Besides. I always tell you anything you ask about. Freely. Truthfully. Without fail. Don't I?"

"Yes."

"Then what's the problem?"

She looks out the window.

"The problem is. You hide things. We never know what you're really thinking. We never know why you're so nice to us. Why you, take care of us. Why you, allow an adult woman to sleep in a house you bought for us and never try anything with her. Especially when you do things with all the other women you meet. We don't know a lot of things. I don't ask because, as you said, we have our reasons for not speaking about it. But seeing you like this today worries me about the journey ahead. I thought I knew you until today. Now I realize there's a whole other side to you."

"Joy. I'm going to ask you this one time, and we'll never speak of it again. Do you love me?"

"Yes. But I'm not in love with you."

"Okay. Then, I need you to never question who I decide to pursue or be with from now on. It's none of your business."

"It IS my business! It's Zen's business too when we live together and are going to be traveling together! What if, at some point, you bring the wrong woman home and she tries to kill us in our sleep? Or poison us, or lure us into a trap?! It is slightly our business!"

"Was I wrong in buying this house for you?"

"No."

"Was I wrong in taking you and Zen in when you had nowhere else to go?"

"No."

"Did I assume the same things of you two that you are assuming others out there will do to us?"

"...No."

"Then can you trust my judgment? Have I ever brought any woman home? The place where you sleep. Have I EVER?! Do I not keep that business away from you two?! I know everyone thinks I'm a fucking idiot. I allow them to. But I am way more intelligent than I let on. Trust in me! Am I wrong when I go out and make the money for us to live off? Am I wrong when I pay for things we need? Am I wrong when I bring food home so we can eat? Come on, Joy. I get it, today was different! It was a lot of shit! A lot of shit that I still have to process myself! Shit that mind isn't even prepared for! But even still. I'll figure it out. I always figure it all out. Can you trust me?"

Jewel exhales as she nods her head.

"I'm not upset with you, Joy. Please don't think that for a second. You have every right to feel the way you feel. But I just had my heart broken. I know it looks like I fall in love with every woman. But she was the first. And more than likely my last."

"Your last? That's impossible."

He turns his head to look at the moon. A tear runs down his cheek.

"Goodnight, Joy. We can continue this talk later if you want."

Xander gets up and heads to his room.

"Goodnight, Xan." She says as he walks away.

He's sleeping here tonight. She really hurt him. He's never slept here once.

She lets out a sigh.

What's going to happen to us? I don't know. I've never been this unsure in my life. I have to get it together.

Jewel stands and walks to the window to look at the moon.

"You better do right by him!" She says, pointing at the moon. "I've never seen him like this!" She exhales before heading to bed.

Later that night, she had another nightmare. Screaming Xander and Zenzo's names, tossing and turning. She wakes up sweating, heart pounding in her chest. Placing a hand on her forehead, she exhales as she gets out of bed. Joy walks down the hallway and stops at Xander's room. She raises a hand but pulls it away. Her eyes drop to the floor as she ponders what to do. The door opens. But it was her hand that did it. Xander is sitting in his armchair directly by the window, staring at the moon.

"Can't sleep either?" Xander questions.

"Nightmares."

"Strange. Destiny, huh? You had that nightmare before you visited her. Meaning it was going to happen either way."

"I still don't want to believe that."

"You don't have to. I'm not sure I believe either. It's a lot to think about. The answer could change the way we view the world."

Joy walks into the room, closing her robe. She places her arms around Xander's neck, hugging him from behind.

"Don't stay up too late, Xan. We depend on you more than we should."

"I know. I'll stay in peak so you can always depend on me. Goodnight, Joy."

She kisses him on the cheek.

"Goodnight, Xan."

Xander smiles, watching her walk away.

She's going to make someone very happy...

His eyes turn back to the moon.

Can I ever be happy? I wonder what this being is that she gave her heart to. Does it even love her the way I do? No use in thinking about it. I need to stay strong for Zen and Joy. They'll need me to get through the tough times ahead. Or so they think. I'm not truly needed. Once they realize they can achieve anything without me, they'll probably move on. But until then, I'll enjoy having them as family.

His eyes start to close as he memorizes the dimples on the moon.

"Goodnight, my Queen."

Xander's eyes close as he drifts to sleep.

At the same time, Chinami lies in her massive bed in her palace. She bites her lip, placing her hand between her legs.

"Xan...What have you done to me...?" She moans. "We can't be together...Yet, I crave you...I desire you...I need you...I'm coming..."

Xander places his hand on his cheek as he moves in his sleep. When he opens his eyes, Chinami is in his lap. He grins as he looks into her eyes.

"You invading my dreams now?"

"Maybe."

"You can't be doing this after rejecting me. Why are you here?"

"Someone told me I need to do right by you."

"And you listened to her?"

"The same way I listened to you when you called me your Queen." She says, wrapping her arms around his neck. "She smells good. Like sweet oranges."

Xander looks into her eyes.

"What are we doing, Chinami? What happens to the one you gave your heart to?"

"It doesn't matter. Everything I do from here is going to be a mistake either way. He and I, we've known each other for thousands of years and never done anything. We barely even talk."

"But isn't this wrong?"

"You didn't care about that when you kissed me. Now I'm here. Right or wrong is different for immortals. We view things differently because we have the luxury of time to see things in a different light. You mortals have such short lives. I could sleep through your existence. Every second is precious for you, so you give things that have little meaning, monumental weight. What matters to you and me, in this moment. Is that we're here. You know this. You want me to say I want you. And I do."

Xander smirks as he kisses her, placing his hands on her hips. He pulls away.

"How long will this moment last?"

"For the night."

"Then we'll make it one to remember. Forever."

She kisses him, and their clothes disappear. He picks her up and takes her to the bed, lying her on her back. Chinami's fingers lock with his as he kisses her. Xander smiles as he looks into her eyes.

"You know she's watching, right?" Chinami says with a grin.

Xander shrugs.

"Then let her watch. Nothing can spoil this moment."

She pulls him closer and they kiss once more. A kiss here. A nibble there. Playful bites. A few harmless scratches. Countless laps of the tongue. The night dwindles as they embrace one another for hours. Both hoping. Praying, this moment never ends. An hour before sunrise, Chinami lays her head on his sweaty chest. The sweat from hers dripped onto him.

"You think you'll remember that for eternity?"

"I'll remember it for eternity and beyond."

He raises her chin to kiss her.

"You know I have to tell you your fortune now."

"You can. But I don't care. This hasn't changed my previous statement. If you are not a part of my future, I don't care."

"How do you live your life like this? I can afford not to care about things. I have time to care eventually. How do you live with this emptiness inside?"

"By not knowing what happens next. That. And having Zen, and Joy."

"But they don't know you like I do. I've seen everything, inside and out. Past, present, and future."

He kisses her again.

"Isn't that the most beautiful part? They knew nothing about me, and still love me regardless. I'm the same way. I don't know much about them, other than I love them. We have fun, we live, and we survive together. Weren't you the one saying we mortals put weight on things that don't matter? The rest doesn't matter as long as we love each other."

Chinami smiles, taking a deep breath.

"You are an anomaly, Xan. You are..."

"Perfect for you?"

"Yes. In every way."

Xander smiles that smile you give when you've accomplished a difficult task.

"You know what I want to know?"

"Hmm? What's that?"

"Who is this King you've given your heart to? The only thing more perfect than me for you is God. Is it God?"

"......." She stares at him, trying to find the words to speak.

"It is, isn't it?"

She uses her nail to write out the letters, "Y. E. S." on his chest in their sweat. Xander erupts into uncontrollable laughter. When he calms, he says, "A vampire? In love with God? Is this not sacrilegious?!"

"I know, I know. But the thing is, he's God, but he's not."

"Is he like an Avatar?"

"YES! Exactly like that!"

"So you love God's avatar."

"Yes."

"Why?"

"I don't know. He's perfect. That and he's been around longer than me. I don't have many lasting relationships on Infrangilmundo. I guess time was the determining factor. I don't see him often, but when I do, I typically enjoy our time. Even if contact is...limited. We never do what you and I did tonight."

"How often is often?"

"Once a millennium?"

"Are you kidding me?! You turned me down for once a millennium?!"

"The time is coming up when we usually meet...That's why it was hard to say yes."

"I can't be mad about losing to God. The only acceptable loss, honestly."

"You don't sound upset. You sound. Excited."

"I am. I'm going to fight God!"

Chinami grabs his jaw and nibbles on his bottom lip, followed by a kiss.

"You turn me on in ways I could never fathom, Xan. But that's an impossible fight. I'm the strongest thing you know, and he can beat me in the blink of an eye."

"I never said I'd win."

Chinami begins to laugh, and Xander joins in as her laugh is contagious.

"Oh, I love you, Xan. My human King."

"And I love you, My Demi-God Vampire Queen."

Her eyes wander outside as she tries not to show all her teeth from happiness.

"If the sun wasn't coming up soon, the things I'd do." She climbs on top of him. "Is there anything else you want to talk about?"

"You."

She giggles, "So we're not going to talk about you until the end?"

Xander shakes his head, "I don't matter. You matter to Infrangilmundo infinitely more than I do. And you're infinitely more interesting. You know what's on my mind constantly?"

"What?"

"How bored I am. I have no purpose. No goals. I've seen it all, done it all. Seeing you brought that purpose back. My life has meaning again. That's why I only want to talk about you. Tell me about Chinami-"

"Lehshisnik Istennő Kuutamo."

"That's the most amazing name I've ever heard!"

"I am the youngest of four sisters, and one estranged brother."

"I can't imagine what an immortal has to do to become estranged."

"You don't want to know. I come from a place where the sun never rises. Andhera Eternu. Please don't ever go there. My sisters will drain the blood from your bones and devour your flesh. This process will take years, and you will die an excruciating death. Zero pleasure. They do not love like I do."

"Okay."

"I have lived for longer than I care to admit. I think I'm at or approaching 8,000 years old. I have been in love twice. You know both of them. I know how to use every weapon known to man, and my power is Lunar Manipulation, and I have complete mastery over it. Is that good enough?"

Xander rolls her over and kisses her stomach.

"You told me way more than I ever thought you would."

"It won't matter. When you wake up, all this will be forgotten."

"No. It won't."

She looks down at him.

"You truly believe you can change destiny?"

He looks up at her.

"Watch me."

"We'll see. I'll be watching when you wake up."

He climbs up to kiss her, chuckling as their eyes close.

"It's cute that you're trying to make me believe this is a dream. I know that I'm awake. And even if you do have the power to make me forget. I'll remember."

Chinami giggles.

"I love you, Xander Ares Greaves. My King."

"I love you, Lehshisnik Istennő Kuutamo. My Queen."

When Xander opens his eyes, Chinami is gone. His head hurts, and he grabs his head, feeling something is off.

"What was I doing? Hey! I slept in my bed!"

He looks down at his body.

"Why am I so sweaty?! Did Joy and I?! No."

Getting out of bed, he walks to the window as the sun rises. He looks up at the moon.

"I bet that's what you wanted me to say. I'll never forget you. My Queen. We make our own destiny."

He grins as he sits back in his armchair and closes his eyes.