Chapter 4: Wings of fate

The vision had finally ended. Nyxon and Luna had begun to laugh over their meeting origins. Nyxon couldn't help but feel his heart flutter at being with Luna. He would do anything for another chance like this in life. "Wow," Nyxon said. "I still can't believe you didn't know it was me then."

"Well, Nyxon, it's because you didn't really have the look of someone's son to me, that's why," Luna said while wiping her eyes away as she continued to laugh. Nyxon frowned at the joke but laughed it off anyways.

"Haha, funny, come on," he said sarcastically. "I think I can feel my Father's rage from here," Nyxon said as he led Luna outside the chamber.

Nyxon and Luna went through the tunnel. It was dark and very smelly. They passed by the Warlocks guarding the room and waved goodbye at the duo (They didn't wave back, Nyxon was very sad.)

Nyxon got curious about the Warlocks guarding the chamber. Nyxon tapped Luna on the shoulder with curiosity in his eyes, "Hey, where are Warlocks from?"

Luna closed her eyes, "Warlocks are the product of hard work and Aura control. They dedicate their life to studying in the great temples of the Air Nomads just for a chance to keep what they love safe."

Nyxon was stunned, "Everything they love?" said Nyxon. He looked at Luna. He holds her hand softly as they continue to walk. "I'll do the same thing whenever it counts on it," Nyxon whispered. Luna looked at Nyxon, kissing him on the cheek. He laughed to himself. She loved his laugh. Nyxons eyes carried a faint color change. Luna noticed it, but she waved it off as herself being strange.

Luna and Nyxon had kept chatting while going upstairs from the chambers of history. They arrived on the surface, where everyone usually greeted them. Nyxon wasn't comfortable with it, but he went along. The air suddenly got heavy. A shadow had engulfed some of the sky, and roaring sounds brought closer to Luna and Nyxon.

Nyxon draws his blade from his hip. The crystal in his sword started to spin fast. Nyxon shouted. "EVERYONE! GET INSIDE YOUR HOUSES NOW!" he called as everyone ran in different directions, panicking as they rushed their children and animals to safety.

"Nyxon, I w-wanna help!" Luna pleaded next to Nyxon.

"Fine, but you need to stay behind me," Nyxon shouted. "I can't sense other Auras, so I don't know how strong whoever is approaching," said Nyxon. Luna stepped behind him. Their pupils glistened at the new challenge they were soon going to face. Luna was preparing herself when a voice startled her.

"NYXON!" the voice roared. Nyxon's name was shouted from the clouds as a dragon appeared and landed on the ground. The dragon seemed familiar to him, but that didn't stop him from lowering his guard and stance. Smoke had overtaken the field they had inclosed themselves in as footsteps approached.

"Lower your guard Nyxon" A voice emerged as a cape blew away some of the smoke from Nyxons view. "That's also an order." It was Magnus.

"Father?" Nyxon said nervously as he tucked his blade away on his hip.

They stared at each other momentarily as Luna's ears twitched from behind Nyxon as she peered over to the boy's Father. Moments of silence passed as Donnel, riding on top of the King, fell through the clouds and landed in the town's fountain.

"NYXON! COME HERE!" The King said as he grabbed Nyxon. They started to pretend to fight with each other while laughing. Luna had been utterly shocked as she witnessed herself being exposed out in the open as the two were messing around with each other. Donnel approached the group, covered in water, as he walked above the king and his son, making them wet.

"Oh, that's why you were gone for so long," Magnus said as he looked behind Nyxon to see Luna.

"Good morning, my King," Luna said while bowing fairly. "Sorry for taking so long with Nyxon" "We had been exploring the town together again."

"There's nothing wrong with that," Magnus stated as he approached Luna. "I just don't like it when he doesn't even leave a note or even a crow to tell me where he's been"

"Really, Nyxon?" Luna said disappointedly as she watched Nyxon wrestle Donnel on the ground.

"Sorry, Luna," He said as Donnel threw him into a wall as Nyxon growled in annoyance. Luna shakes her head and laughs at Nyxons behavior as the King watches in disappointment.

"Well, Princess Luna," said Magnus, extending his hand. "It was a pleasure meeting you again, per usual" Magnust turned around as his cape flew in the distance with the wind it carried on throughout his walk. "Alright, Nyxon; you know the drill already" "And Donnel, help these people fix the hole you, uh, made right here"

"This hole wouldn't be here if you stopped transforming in the sky randomly," Donnel growled.

"But it looks cool, does it not?"

"No, no, it does not look cool," Donnel snapped. He transformed. He was giant (Literally.) Donnel stomped in the other direction as the people walked out from their homes, devastated as they all helped Donnel fix the fountain.

The King lifted his arms to stretch. Nyxon slapped Luna playfully on her back to surprise her. Her eyes turned red from being embarrassed but quickly hit Nyxon back. Magnus turned around, "Come on, Nyxon!" The King shouted, "I'll race you to the castle. Just go easy on your old man."

"Yeah, sure – wait! I need to say bye to Luna first!" Nyxon said as he raced off behind him; Luna spread out her arms for a hug from Nyxon. They twisted and turned as The King looked at the two lovebirds before him (Nyxon and Luna.)

"Try and sneak over by my place again, ok?" "We can hang out for a little bit tomorrow, too," Nyxon whispered.

"Nyxon" Luna said while trying to laugh to herself. "You are some troublemaker; you know that?"

"I'm your favorite troublemaker, though, right?"

"I only have room for one as of now."

Luna and Nyxon held on to each other until the King had gotten Impatient and cleared his throat as a sign to leave. Nyxon had run off while waving towards Luna before flying off with his dad into the clouds. Luna continues to wave and shout goodbyes and farewells to the young boy as commotion around her town occurs from what had happened before with Donnel.

Nyxon and Magnus had both taken off above the clouds. The sunset was beautiful from a distance, and the bond of both father and son only made it more memorable. The two had already raced multiple times together, so another one was never surprising except when Nyxon had finally won from all the past attempts. But for now, things were calm; the air was fresh, the sky was a sight to see, and the castle drew near as the two were flying at an even pace.

Magnus had broken the silence with a question. "So, how are you feeling about tomorrow?"

"I.... don't know, really," Nyxon replied. "Being in the army and whatnot isn't something I wanna see myself do."

It wasn't a shock to the King even after hearing this. Nyxon always went around preaching how he didn't want to do all these things for as long as he walked. The King knew it himself, but he had his reasons. "I understand" Said King Magnus. "I really do." Magnus turns his head towards the castle as Nyxon faces in his direction.

"That's why I'm making you do it now instead of later. You don't have to have a prominent role if you don't want to. That's why I'm making you start when you're young, Nyxon. You're indomitable will and strength are very favorable." The King had landed on the top of the castle along with Nyxon as they sat on the rooftop, looking down on the people setting up decorations for the festival.

"You don't have to do much. I know there are other things you wish to enjoy for a boy your age. But after only a few years, you'll be free to do just those things. Start a family, go on as many adventures as you want, solve mysterious and other myths people have created throughout history." The King rested his hand on Nyxons shoulder, making Nyxon smile momentarily. "I'm telling you all this because I know I can trust you, son. And after tomorrow, when you impress everyone enough to join the army through a trial of combat. I'll even put together that wedding for you and Luna.

Nyxons eyes start to water and flutter at the exciting news and moving lesson he had learned about his father. He'd never been understood to this level or even made this happy in months. Marrying Luna, starting a family, and going on adventures were just things that Nyxon was only getting excited about his birthday tomorrow.

"Really? You would do that?" Nyxon chirped.

"Of course, although" The King's nose rose slightly as he caught a smell of something. "No woman is going to marry a man who smells like you had gotten walked over by toads."

"I'll shower soon, I promise," Nyxon said as he jumped off the building and into his room from the window below.

The King stayed on the roof, staring into the sun as he watched more people put up decorations for Nyxon's birthday. Manda was working on setting up Nyxon's "Happy Birthday" message. Unfortunately, the citizens spelled his name as "Onyx" accidentally, making the King's mouth sour. "Hm, that's some kid I have," Magnus said. He stroked his long beard, "That's some power he's also hiding too." The king thought to himself as he rubbed his beard while looking towards the sunset.

Hours passed as Nyxon spent the day in his room. He had everything to do in there, but the most important thing he cherished– was the picture book he and Luna made together. He gazed over every photo she was a part of. Nyxon looked at the one of her when she was fourteen. She held Nyxon's hands up to her face with the prettiest smile Nyxon had ever seen. Nyxon knew he had to bathe. He couldn't smile with the smell of toads and river water in his hair. He ran around his room, gathering every towel and change of clothes he needed before leaving. He opened his door to the hallway– it had led to the stairwell for which he had to pass the big red door. He couldn't do it without his scar and head hurting. Did he hear something different this time– a voice? In his head? Nyxon changed his mind. He decided to jump from his window instead.

He landed feet first down to the grounds of the castle. He immediately sprinted to the bathhouse that was stationed outside. At first, Nyxon took in the hot steamy air he was accompanied by while stepping through the building. He then started walking into the changing rooms, removing each bit of clothing until he had a towel around his waist. He strolled through the hallways; laughter and kids running through the halls filled his vision and ears as he headed toward where he wanted to go. "Hey, Nyxy!" A voice shouted at him from behind him. Nyxon looked around himself to see his sister Manda and his brother Brinks. "Oh great," said Nyxon in an unpleasing tone. "Hi, Brinks," Nyxon said unenthusiastically.

Manda ran at a surprising speed. Nyxon blinked for a moment, and she was already hugging him. "Nyxy!" (A nickname Manda gave him as a child) "Nyxy! It's good to see you,"

Brinks managed to yawn as loud as he could to annoy Nyxon. Nyxon rolled his eyes as Brinks watched him chat with his sister. Manda refused to get off of Nyxon before he told her about his day. Nyxon went on to tell her everything up to when he would marry Luna. "Nyxy, that's great! Ah!" Manda squealed with joy as she hugged her brother as tightly as possible. Nyxon could barely breathe. Brinks scoffed, "You getting married?"

"Well, that is what I said," replied Nyxon.

"Brinks, don't be a jerk." Manda ruffled around Nyxon's hair, making him giggle. "I'm taking a bath, boys. I'll see you two later." Manda walked in the other direction, entering the women's bathroom. Brinks glared at Nyxon. He looked like a bomb, ready to explode if he got near Nyxon.

"Who would wanna marry you anyways?" Brinks raised an eyebrow, looking Nyxon up and down while pointing to his long hair. "You don't look marriage suitable."

"Go away– I don't have time to mess around." Nyxon snapped. Nyxon turned around, walking away to the men's section.

Brinks grabbed his hair and started tugging it in his direction, pulling Nyxon towards him like some sort of rag. This was his favorite thing to do, after all. Brinks snorted, "Now, now, now, aren't you forgetting something?"

"Well, from what I can smell from here," Nyxon sniffed around in the air, only picking up Brinks. He wanted to cover his nose, but he couldn't. "You are definitely missing something," Nyxon said to Brinks. He could smell it from a mile away. Just even being near the guy was enough to make him gag. Nyxon's scar started to hurt. He was angry and annoyed. Just the thought of being angry made his head spin. "Don't think I've gone soft on you just because Manda is gone." Brinks squealed. Nyxon's head started to spin. Only negative thoughts concerned him. Nyxon turned around, making Brinks lose his grip. Nyxon shouted, "GET AWAY FROM ME!" He pushed Brinks.

Brinks looked like he was ready to fight. He adjusted the towel around his waist to ensure it was tight before walking to Nyxon. Something was different with Nyxon. Brinks looked carefully at Nyxon. Nyxon's eyes were acting strange, flashing from soft brown to purple. A purple Brinks recognized too quickly. Brinks made no hesitation to run away, leaving Nyxon alone in the hallway of the bathhouse. Nyxon felt around his scar, touching it after Brinks left. Nyxon wasn't angry anymore. "That wasn't my usual self. I'm never like that." he thought to himself. He waved it off as he was tipped over the edge and decided to take a bath the next day.

Nyxon finally walked out of the bathhouse, not even from taking a bath or even being able to rest. Brinks made him angry enough to call it a day and go home for the night. Nyxon sprinted through the castle fields as he dodged troops of guards in the towel he was still wrapped in from before. His hair flowed in the wind as he sped into the castle's opening while shutting the door as quietly as possible.

The castle was lovely; some people would love to sit silently as darkness overwhelmed them. Nyxon couldn't see much at the time; lighting a flame on his finger seemed to do the trick for now as he walked upstairs.

The stairs were a long walk, but they eventually paid off. As he slowly walked across the room, he passed a big metal door with a sign. This wasn't the first time Nyxon had seen the door; it had been here since he was a baby. And every time he walked past it, a light would appear beneath it, and his head would berserk.

He knew opening the door was forbidden. His father always ensured that he knew that every day when he was younger, it stuck with him growing up. He was told it was just a generator that had powered the house and the city, but he didn't believe it.

Nyxon takes a deep breath. He put his hand on the doorknob. Twisting, turning, and pulling towards him, he started to sweat as fear flooded his mind.

"NYXON!" His father shouted at him from the side of him, making Nyxon jump in fear as he noticed his father standing in front of him.

"F-Father? You're awake?"

"I sensed something troubling outside of here while I was asleep," Magnus said as he lowered his head to Nyxon. "I thought I said this door is off limits, did I not?"

"I-I know, I know," Nyxon squawked. "But this door!" Nyxon said as he started to slide his hands up and down the door as he began to shake his hands near the metal door. His ears and head started to ring louder and louder as he tried to devise a plan. "Is this a new door, Father? I know something new when I see it."

The King started to stroke his beard, thinking to himself before he crossed his arms as Nyxon shivered from feeling the fear from his father's aura as it surrounded his body. "Why yes, this door is new, in fac. I'm glad you noticed. I had gotten it installed the other week."

Nyxon let off a sigh of relief in his head; he couldn't tell if his father was downright stupid or if he got fortunate. Either way, this was enough for Nyxon to receive a pat on the back, and he was sent to his room quickly afterward.

Finally, it was when getting dressed for bed was required for Nyxon. It was a lovely wool pair of pants and a shirt with its sleeves cut off. It had performed a nice look at him in front of the mirror as he stared off into the darkness of his room. The sword he had freshly gotten from Rocks was still near the corner of his bed. He unsheathed it to look at his reflection through his blade. Then for a moment– he saw something– someone. He didn't look fast enough to determine what it was– he was too tired to care.

He crawled into his bed as quietly as he could; his bed had a nasty creek to it since the day he and Luna jumped on it once when they were younger, so he had to be careful as it shook itself around trying to throw Nyxon off. He closed his eyes after a deep breath and drifted away into his first breath. Suddenly, a knock on the window.

Knocking on the window? Nyxon slowly walks over to his window and removes the curtains as he reveals Luna standing on a great falcon she had conjured with her Aura. She waved at the window as she leaned in closer to stare into Nyxons eyes as the wind passing by Luna accompanied her.

Nyxon opens the window as Luna steps through; she holds onto Nyxons hand as she steps through the window. They hugged briefly, staring into each other's eyes again, getting lost in each other's presence as they finally were together again. It carries a warmth Nyxon couldn't describe. It made Nyxons heart skip a beat. Luna pushes the hair away from Nyxons face to the side. "You smell" Luna says as she laughs to herself.

"It's not my fault," said Nyxon. He safely helped her step through the window, "It was Brinks again; he's just being a jerk." Nyxon added on.

"Why won't you fight back? He doesn't like you," Luna said as she sat up against the bed.

"Because... we're family." sighed Nyxon. "Family aren't supposed to fight each other. That's what Dad would tell me."

He had been laid down, his body vertically sitting on the bed as Luna rested her hands across his head as she gazed through the various memories of Nyxon. All of his pain, hardships, and love for everything around him were apparent to her. She could see it. She could see Brinks tugging on Nyxon's hair, Brinks trying to cut Nyxon's hair while asleep, and Brinks watching him. Luna stopped. She was creeped out. Luna grinded her teeth together, "That jerk, if I see him again, I'm gonna have my word with him," Luna said as she walked away from the bed. She creaked open the window as her eyes darted to Nyxon. She stared at him, her blue eyes and long hair illuminated as she stretched her hands toward Nyxon. "Do you wanna... go on an adventure with me?" She asked Nyxon.

Nyxon nodded softly, walking around the corners of his room to equip his gear and items before climbing out the window to the falcon Luna had conjured. The falcon was quick, soaring through the night sky as Luna and Nyxon lay near each other. They played with each other's hands and laughed as the falcon flew through the air. Finally, they had touched down at the local library, Nyxon hopping off first as he caught Luna, who had jumped off the falcon as it disappeared into dust from no longer having a purpose of serving. Nyxon pushed open the doors. "So why are we here?" he asked curiously.

"To study, you have a big fight tomorrow. So you should study to fight with your Aura again." She talked as she leaned over to catch a smell of Nyxon. "And tomorrow, you're taking a bath; I hope you know that." Nyxon got nervous looking at all the books in the library. Luna reached over for a book on a shelf; she struggled as she grunted and flailed her arms around, annoyed with being too short of reaching it. Nyxon finally caught notice as he got over and walked Luna to a table for them to use.

"Alright, get to reading now Nyxon" She said as she leaned in her chair and yawned as Nyxon stared into the book.

Nyxon got nervous, had already opened the book, and hadn't made a single word from it come to mind. He started sweating. Luna saw something was wrong and got curious. She asked, "Nyxon? Is something wrong?" Nyxon was upset, he tried to swallow down the guilt of not knowing how to read, but it only made his stomach ache.

He had rested his hand on the book in disappointment, embarrassed not to know something necessary to others. Luna rested her hands on his as she moved the hair away from Nyxons face and took the book from him.

"Well," Luna said, "How about I read it, and you can just sit and listen?" Nyxon smiled. "I can also teach you how to read later when we have a chance," Luna said as she rubbed Nyxon's hand.

She opens the book as Nyxon stares into her eyes; page by page, she turns and explains various sword techniques. They were going to be here for a while.