Chapter 21 – Nyx

Having ridden through the whole night, Callum was shaking himself as he sat atop the Moonstrider's back. His eyes drooped closed, but no matter how many times Rayla offered to stop, he was determined to press on, for his mother.

But as his head lolled once more, almost causing him to fall off his steed, Rayla hurried over and reached for the reins. "Callum, stop. You keep going like this, you're going to fall off."

"I can't stop Rayla," he yawned, "My…my mother needs me."

"You're going to do her no good if you get there all battered," she told him, pulling both mounts to a stop. "Look, let's just rest for a few hours. The Strider and Paw could do with it too. It's the middle of the day, and they aren't so good in the light."

With a sigh, the dragon nodded. "Alright…but only for a few minutes."

He moved to climb down, but the Strider knelt to make the task easier. Rayla also climbed down and stroked the Shadowpaw's face. "You know, it's odd he does that."

"What do you mean?"

"Moonstiders are notoriously proud. They don't bow for…anyone. Yet, he does it for you."

The prince nodded and stroked the creature's neck. "Well…who knows? Anyway, if we're going to stop, then we might as well have something to eat."

Sitting at the base of a tree, the pair sat and rested, Callum in sullen silence while Rayla just looked at her amulet. "Callum…I… I wanted to tell you something." She held it tight, fumbling with her words. "It… it's kinda hard to say and… I know it's strange and… you probably don't feel the same but… the thing is… I… I've kinda… got… feelings for you." She glanced over at him. "Strong…" she trailed off when she saw his eyes were closed. "Callum?"

His breathing was slow and steady and she realised he'd fallen asleep beside her.

Glad she'd at least been able to say it, even if he hadn't heard, Rayla leant back and watched the trees. Suddenly, something rustled above them and Rayla jerked, her sudden flinch waking the dragon. "W-what is it?"

"Someone's coming," she said, hand hovering over her blades.

They both stood up, looking for whatever was coming. Callum looked up just as something dropped from the canopy above, landing directly in front of them.

As it stood, and the pair both prepared for a fight, they realised it was an elf with two feathered wings sprouting from the small of her back. She stood, then looked at them both with two different coloured eyes. "Greetings, travellers. My name is Naimi-Selari-Nykantia, but they call me Nyx."

"Nyx?" Rayla repeated.

"Yes, and no need to introduce yourself. You are Rayla, Dragon Guard of Prince Cadonumis."

The elf frowned. "How do you know that?"

"I am an emissary of the Dragon Queen. She received your message, and she sent me to help you." She walked over to Callum, bowing in half. "Your majesty, I am at your service."

With a tip of his head, the dragon stared at her. "You've been sent to help us?"

"Yes, by the queen herself. She's anxious for your return."

He smiled a little. "She is?"

"She lit up when she read the letter, more than anyone has seen in a very long time."

"Rayla…she…she's…" He grinned before glancing back at the Skywing. "How are you going to get me home?"

Rayla turned to him. "We're doing just fine on our own, Callum."

"I can give you all a ride," Nyx answered, "I can get you across the Midnight Desert."

"Hey, there's no way to cross the Midnight Desert." Rayla frowned. "Only dragons can fly across that. We're going around it."

"Even with the news, the Dragon Queen is still sick, and you would waste almost two weeks, when I can take you straight across in three days?"

"Three days?" Callum asked again. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely your highness. You'll be home before the next moon."

"Don't listen to her Callum. There is no way for anyone to make it on foot. As soon as it gets dark, the soulfang serpents will get you."

"Not if we go to an oasis," Nyx countered. "We make it to one of them before the sun sets, and the barrier will protect us. I know where they all are."

The prince turned to his guard. "Rayla?"

She had a sour expression. "It's true…There are oases protected by magic barriers in the desert…and if we can get to one, we would be safe… but that's if we get to one."

Stepping over to her, Callum held her hand. "Rayla, a three day trip instead of two weeks? That has to be better. The sooner I get home, the sooner we can stop the war." He looked at her, eyes pleading. "You heard what she said; my mother is still weak. I need to get back to her."

Looking at the ground, Rayla thought about it, then nodded. "Alright. Let's do it."

"Fantastic! Follow me!" Nyx exclaimed as she turned, leading the way through the forest.

As the group carried on, Callum glanced over at Rayla. "So… what is this…Midnight Desert?"

"It's this desert in the middle of Xadia. It's haunted and horrifying," Rayla explained. "It's made of black sand, so it soaks up the sun's heat. In the daytime, it's hotter than any desert known to elf. And the night is worse."

"I'm guessing it's these soulfangs you mentioned?"

She nodded. "They are the worst part. They suck the spirit out of their victims, turning them into barely-living husks. I saw one once; it got into Silvergrove…I had nightmares for a month!"

Ahead of them, Nyx nodded. "Yep, it's all that and worse. But we're going to be above all that." She turned back to the view as the trees parted for a black, sandy landscape. "Literally."

Slowly, the pair noticed something was moving across the landscape towards them, a creature as tall as the trees they had just come out of. Nyx smiled. "There she is. That's my ride; an ambler." As Nyx took to the air, Rayla and Callum moved to follow, meeting the ambler just as the sand became too hot.

Nyx landed at the creature's large feet and nodded at the pair. "She'll get us to the first oasis by sundown, and we'll spend the night. Then, we'll move on and make it to the second before sunset. From there, it's half a day more to the other side, and you're almost home, your highness."

Looking up at the creature, Callum smiled. "Thank you, this is just what we needed Nyx."

"As I said, I'm at your service your highness." She bowed once more, then waved to the ambler who pulled her tail around and allowed the two and their mounts to climb aboard. Carefully, she lifted them up to the saddled platform upon her back.

Once settled, Nyx flew to the saddle on its neck and directed the ambler back into the desert. After making sure the Shadowpaw and Moonstrider were settled for the ride, Callum decided to pass the time drawing the two mounts for a while. He looked up from his paper and noticed Rayla cleaning her blades yet again, something the prince realised was a nervous habit.

Closing his sketchbook, he walked over to her. "Something on your mind?" he asked, leaning on the edge beside her.

The elf looked away as she finished. "It's nothing."

"Rayla, you promised me there would be no more secrets between us."

"It's not a secret Callum," she sighed. "It's just… complicated and personal."

He watched as she held the opal necklace. "Ethari and Runaan?"

After a moment, she nodded. "After my parents…disappeared, they raised me for ten years… and… and I let them down."

"Rayla… you didn't."

"Then why is Runaan dead?" she sighed, letting the necklace drop. "Why…why am I alive and he's not?"

He took a breath, then let it out slowly. "Forgive me for saying this about him but… he was a stubborn fool who wouldn't see reason."

"Callum!"

"I'm sorry Rayla, but it's true!" he snapped at her. "I was there! He saw me, he saw there was no reason to attack, no reason to continue the fight. He could have called it off! He should have followed your lead and aimed for peace, not vengeance and war!" He glared off into the distance. "He had a chance to change the world…but he didn't take it...for his own pride."

The elf stared at him, then sighed. "I guess…you're right."

"Rayla, I'm sorry," he whispered, reaching for her hand. "But… you can't be responsible for everyone. He had a choice to make, just like you did. You chose peace. You chose to bring me home. You chose to protect Ezran, to look after me, and come with us on this journey. Runaan chose to hate, and I'm sorry for that, but it was his choice."

Looking at him, she eventually nodded. "I did choose. I chose you." She smiled a bit more. "Callum, I-"

Suddenly, the ambler jerked to the side, sending them both toppling forward. "Are you alright Rayla?" Callum asked, but before he could help her up, Nyx flew over to them.

"Sorry about that your highness. Her foot's stuck in a hole," she explained, looking down to see the ambler struggling to free her leg from the sand. "The soulfangs burrow under the ground during the day and make all these tunnels. If too many are in one place, the ground gives way. I just need to go down and get her foot out."

"Can we help?" he offered.

The Skywing shook her head. "No, it's too dangerous for you your highness. Just stay up here where it's safe." She smiled, then jumped down to the sand below.

As she did, Callum turned to Rayla who was now standing again. "You were saying something before?"

She stared at him, but the moment was gone. "I was going to say…I think I made the right choice."

He nodded, holding her hand and nuzzling against her cheek. "You did."

The familiar sensation made her smile, but also made everything so much more complicated. "Callum…"

"Yes?"

She looked at him before smiling and brushing his hair back lightly. "Thanks."

He smiled back, then gasped as the ambler got her foot free and continued on her way. As the day went on, the prince wondered what could be wrong with Rayla. She still seemed distant and not herself, but he decided to give her some space, letting her think.

As the sun began to set behind them, Nyx stood from her saddle. "Ah, there is it," she explained, pointing ahead. The pair hurried to look at a gap in the dark, black sand, parting for a green, lush space with a pool of water in the middle. Five pillars created a glowing, blue barrier around it.

Once inside it, the ambler held up her tail to allow the passengers down, Nyx joining them. "It's not much, but it will do for the night. The second one is bigger, but it's further away. At least this is a safe haven for the night."

"Thanks for your help Nyx," Callum said with a smile, then turned to the ambler. "And thanks to you, for letting us ride on your back."

The beast tilted its head, but then nodded slowly while the Skywing smiled. "That's very kind of you. Now, it gets cold here at night, so I'll go get you a blanket."

"That's kind of you, but I have my own." He patted his bag. "And… dragons don't tend to feel the cold. I once fell into an icy, but was fine once I dried off. Didn't even feel it."

"You fell into an icy river?!" the elf gasped, horrified. "Oh, you poor thing! Were you alright?"

Callum shrugged. "Well, I didn't actually fall into it… I kinda jumped in to save my brother."

"Brother?"

"Claimed," he added, "Claimed brother."

"Well, I would love to hear about your adventures."

"Sure," he agreed, moving to find a space to sit down, but noticed Rayla had gone off on her own again. "Nyx… do you know what's wrong with Rayla?"

The elf frowned. "Probably just tired. Come on, I want to hear all your stories!"

Having made a fire, the pair let the next few hours pass before Rayla came back over, just as Callum began to tell about his time at the nexus. Nyx seemed to be completely drawn into his story, leaning forward with wide eyes and a smile. "Wow, you really have had an adventure. But, I think it would be best if we get some sleep now."

Agreeing, Callum got out his blanket and passed Rayla hers. He looked around for somewhere to sleep, but noticed that Ralya didn't make eye contact and set up her blanket slightly further from him and Nyx.

When morning came around, Rayla busied herself with making sure the two moon creatures were alright and ready for the next leg of the journey. As she did, Callum walked over to Nyx while she saw to the ambler. "Does she have a name?"

"Umm…Amble?"

Callum chuckled as he reached over to the creature, stroking her foot. "Nice to meet you Amble. Is her leg alright after yesterday?"

"Ah, that's kind of you to worry, but she's fine." The Skywing stood and looked at the prince. "So, how are you feeling about going home?"

"Honestly…I'm completely terrified," he confessed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I mean…everyone keeps expecting me to be this… big, powerful dragon, but…in truth, I barely have a grasp on my Arcanum and I still can't shift into my true form."

Rubbing her chin, the elf thought about it. "Well, I'm sure you'll be a great leader, judging from the stories you told me, you have all the signs."

"Signs?"

"Your kind, thoughtful, brave, considerate," she said, counting on her fingers, then changing hands. "Understanding, compassionate, strong, and noble." She smiled and winked at him. "Not to mention handsome."

Feeling a little hot around the cheeks, the dragon looked away. "Umm, thank you."

"You know what you need?" she asked, moving closer to him.

"No? What?"

"A good woman by your side."

Again, he went red. "I…I do?"

"Yeah," the other teased as she walked over to him, standing a little closer. "Someone to help you, who understands the pain and stress of ruling." She placed her hand under his chin. "Someone you can…turn to when things get tough."

Swallowing hard, the male stepped back quickly. "Well, I've got Rayla."

Nyx chuckled lightly. "Oh, dear Callum…Rayla is a girl. Young, unsure, doubting herself. No…what you need…" she teased, placing her arm around his middle, and rubbing the top of his tail. "Is a woman."

Face burning up at the feeling, Callum backed away from her. "I-I-I should get back," he stammered, "I'm going to… get packed before we leave, see if Rayla needs any help." He quickly turned to leave.

"Wait."

He turned back to look at her, still blushing and shy. "Y-yes?"

Stepping back over to him, Nyx held his shoulder, smiling as she looked into his eyes. "You don't need Rayla. I'm all you need."

"Nyx, I…" He was cut off when she lifted a pouch of some kind from her pocket, throwing its content into his face. The content made him cough and blink, and he backed away from her for a moment. "What was that…Nyx?" he asked, rubbing his forehead. "What happened?"

"You…you were telling me about Rayla?" Nyx smirked.

He frowned as he coughed into his hand. "Rayla? What about her?"

"Well, do you still want her to come with us?"

After one last cough, he stepped towards her. Callum smiled and rubbed his cheek against hers. "Who cares about her? You're the only one I need."

Holding back a pleased sound, the Skywing smiled. "You should go tell her that. She seems to think she's coming with us."

He nodded before turning and heading away, looking for Rayla. He eventually found her sat by the water. "Rayla," he called to her.

"Oh, hey Callum. Are you ready to go?"

"Yes, I am. But you're not coming with us."

She turned quickly and stood up. "W-what?"

"You heard me. You're not coming with Nyx and I." He shrugged casually. "Go back to Silvergrove or whatever, I don't care. But you're not going any further."

"I'm trying to work out if this is some really bad joke, but I'm not seeing anything funny in this."

"Because it's not a joke," he sighed, turning away. "I don't want you to come."

"But…Callum, after everything we've been through…"

"Rayla, we have been through nothing."

"Really? Saving you from that cell? Helping you with your nightmares? Panicking over your life when you were bitten by the Antacuda snake? Looking after you when you were thrown out of harmony… that was nothing?!" she shouted, genuinely hurt by his words.

Callum didn't even flinch. "Yeah, it was. See, until now, you're the only elf I knew. Sure, we met Lujanne and Ethari, but Lujanne was a bit crazy, and Ethari ghosting you, he wouldn't be much use in getting me home. But now I realise, you're nothing. There is nothing special about you. In fact, you are below nothing. You're a disgrace. Sol Regem was right. You are a coward and a traitor, leaving your own kind to save your own skin. Why would I want to take you with me?"

"Because I'm your friend!"

"You are nothing to me!" he snapped, "Nyx is all I need."

"Nyx?! You hardly even know her!" Rayla shouted, running after him, and grabbing his arm. "Callum, what's wrong with you? Why are you doing this?" He glared at her, then suddenly grabbed her wrist, squeezing till she gasped at the pain. Her eyes widened as she felt his talons dig into her skin. "Callum, you're hurting me!"

He continued to squeeze, but then let go, staring at her and breathing heavily. "Rayla?…" he gasped, but then shook his head and huffed. "Just stay away from us," he ordered before turning and walking over to Nyx, who had come to watch. She smiled as the prince wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Let's go Nyx."

Rayla couldn't bring herself to do anything apart from watch them climb onto the ambler and begin to head off into the black sands. She stared after them, rubbing her wrist where he'd grabbed her, trying to comprehend why Callum would do this. As she thought, tears fell from her eyes and down her cheeks. She found her knees giving way and she fell to the ground. The wall of confidence he helped build for her cracked, and self-doubt flooded her mind. All she could see were her flaws, faults, mistakes, and everything wrong with herself.

Maybe he was right. Maybe she was a failure.

She wasn't sure how long she sat there, but the sun was above her when she decided she couldn't stay anymore. She didn't know where she would go. She was a ghost to her own people, and she had nowhere else. Perhaps she would try and get back to Ezran, see if he still wanted her.

She walked over to the Strider and Paw, stroking them both. "I guess… it's just us now," she said to them, watching as the Shadowpaw nuzzled her gently, giving her at least something to smile about. "Thanks big guy," she sighed, scratching his chin.

As it looked at her, Rayla sighed, thinking about the anger she'd seen in Callum's eyes when he shouted at her. She breathed deeply, closing her eyes, and hoping to banish the memory. As she prepared to climb up into the saddle, she hesitated.

She thought back to the memory, concentrating on a part of it: Callum's eyes. When he'd stared at her…she was certain they had a brown colouration to them. "His eyes changed," she said aloud, blinking as she thought about it. "Why have his eyes changed?"

Frowning, she climbed up onto the Shadowpaw and turned it to follow the ambler's tracks, the Moonstrider following freely. "I need to speak to him again."

~#~

Callum sighed as he looked over the side, staring at the desert sand below, his head pounding. Nyx was up at the head of their ride, directing it to the next oasis, so he was alone for the moment.

Groaning, he rubbed his eyes, then moved to sit down, wondering why everything hurt. It was like a part of him was gone, but he had everything he needed. He had Nyx. She would take him home, look after him, and be there for him. Nothing was missing. The thought soothed his headache and he sighed in relief, looking at his wrist.

Ez seemed quiet, the band only mildly changing with worry over something.

"Callum."

He turned to the voice, frowning as he stood. "Rayla, what are you doing back here? I told you to leave!"

"Callum, why are your eyes brown?!" she shouted back, one of her blades drawn so he could use the metal as a mirror.

Frowning, he snatched it away and looked, blinking when he saw she was right. His eyes were brown. "I-I don't know," he muttered, but then tossed the weapon to the side. "But that does not explain why you're here."

"Something is wrong with you Cal," she explained, "Your attitude, your eyes…something isn't right."

"I'm fine. It's you that has the problem," he growled, getting in her face. "You think you're so important? Well, you're not!"

"You once told me…I was the most important person in the world to you," she whispered back, tears in her eyes. "Y-you said…"

"I know what I said," he huffed, "And I lied."

Staring into his eyes, Rayla took a chance. "It's almost night. If you don't want me here…then I will go. But before you do, know this… I won't make it out of the desert in time. I'm too far from an oasis… the soulfangs will have me the moment it gets dark." She stared up, pleading with him. "Is that what you want?"

He stared at her before frowning. "Yes."

"They will kill me."

"I know."

"And you still want me to go?"

"Yes."

Feeling condemned to her fate, Rayla stepped away. "Alright," she whispered, looking over the edge. "Alright, if… if that's what you want." She sighed, climbing over the edge. "Goodbye, Callum…you dumb lizard."

"Wait."

"Yes?" she asked, hopeful.

The hope grew when she saw his face and concern. He stared at her for a bit, then nodded. "Stay."

Climbing back over, she stepped over to him, reaching up and brushing his cheek gently. "Cal…what's going on?"

"Nyx is all I need," he sighed, "But…I don't want you to go. I…I need you, Rayla." He closed his eyes, tears starting to leak down his face. "I need you Rayla."

Leaning towards him, she wiped his tears away. "I'm not going anywhere," she whispered, chastely kissing his lips. As she pulled back, blushing, she placed her head on his shoulder. "It's going to be okay, I promise."

"Rayla," he whispered into her ear, slowly leaning back. "W-what happened?"

She looked up and saw his eyes were fully green once more. "Callum?"

"W-what happened? What's going on?" He looked around suddenly, frowning. "Last thing I remember, I was at the oasis, and it was dawn…it's the middle of the day now…how did I get here? Did…did something happen?"

Rayla blinked, then smiled, hugging him tight. "You're back," she almost sobbed into his shoulder.

His arms wrapped around her and held her tightly in return. "I went somewhere?"

"I…I think Nyx put a spell on you," she explained sadly. "You…you sent me away."

"What?!"

"Told me…I wasn't important…that…that you wanted me to leave."

Horrified by her words, Callum held her face with both hands, making her look at him. "Rayla, you are the most important person in the entire world. Whatever I said…was a lie. I would never, never send you away. In fact, I order you to never leave my side for the rest of your life."

Wiping her eyes, Rayla chuckled. "Callum…"

"Callum, what's she doing back here?" Nyx asked, having finally noticed the Moonshadow elf had returned.

With his back to her, the prince winked at Rayla, then turned to the Skywing. "She came back and asked me to let her stay."

"Well, tell her to go away again," Nyx scoffed as she walked over and linked her arm with Callum's, leaning on his shoulder. "You don't need her, right?"

"Because I have you." He smiled over at her.

Rayla could feel her blood boiling at the sight. "I…"

"Nyx, tell me… what do you like about me so much?" Callum teased, reaching over to brush her cheek. "Is it…my hair?"

"Well, it is very soft," she chuckled, running a hand back in it, and glancing at the furious Rayla.

"But it's not what you like most?" he questioned, only looking at Nyx. "Then…what is it?"

"Well…it's everything about you."

"Everything? Even my lack of fighting skills? My fear of boats? My weakness for jelly tarts?"

"I don't know what a jelly tart is," she chuckled, leaning towards his lips.

As she got closer, just before Rayla interrupted, Callum pulled his head away and held up his hand. "Oh, I know why you like me Nyx!" he exclaimed with a large smile. "It's because of my powers!" He smirked before she was suddenly zapped by a blast from his hand, sending her flying backwards and over the side of the ambler.

Covering her mouth in a laugh, Rayla hurried to see what had happened to her. She saw her lying on the ground in the sand, but then gasped. "Oh no…" She noticed several black snakes coming out of the sand, their eyes and bellies glowing green. "Soulfangs. She must have landed in a nest."

Callum looked down as well, watching as Nyx tried to fly back up, but the fall must have damaged one of her wings. "Oh, I didn't want to hurt her! I…I just wanted to teach her a lesson." He frowned, then stood on the edge. "We need to help her."

Rayla held his arm, then shook her head. "You stay here…I'll get her," she huffed, grabbing a rope from the side and tossing it over the edge. She repelled down to the sand and slid down the dune. Her blades at the ready, she took stance near the other elf, slicing and slashing each snake, decapitating them as she made her way over. "Stay right behind me," she told Nyx, eyes on the serpents.

Carefully, the pair made their way back to the rope, Rayla killing any of the fangs that tried to bite them. Once at the rope, Callum helped pull them back aboard, and the fangs gave up, retreating back under the ground.

Once safe, the pair took a moment to get their breath back, the action causing an adrenaline rush. As Rayla recovered, she stood and put her blades away, looking at the dragon beside her.

"You alright? They didn't bite you?" he asked with a frown.

"No Cal, I'm fine… but the next time you want to zap someone over the edge into a dangerous desert, give me a bit of warning."

He smiled, hugging her close. "Promise."

As the pair embraced, Nyx finally stood. "I… I don't understand, why did you save me? Even after I tricked you?" She smiled at the prince, moving over and putting a hand on his shoulder. "It's because I'm charming, right? Despite it all, you can't help but like me?"

Callum growled, his hand crackling with lightning once more. "Do you want to get zapped again?"

Quickly, she took her hands off him and shuffled a few steps back. "Sorry! I…I was just messing."

"I never wanted you to go over the edge," he confessed. "But what did you do to me?"

She looked away and scratched the back of her neck. "I…may have blown some clafel dust into your face?"

"You would use clafel dust on a member of the royal family?!" Rayla questioned, sounding appalled.

Nyx shrugged. "Hey, what can I say, he's cute. Fancied my chances." She looked at the furious pair, then coughed. "Well…thanks for saving me."

"Get us across the desert before night and I will forgive you." The prince sighed, looking over at the sun as it began to set.

"We won't make it all the way before sunset, but I know the way to another oasis for the night."

"Then get us there," he growled, not in the mood for her.

Quickly, Nyx nodded and hurried to Amble's head, directing them to their destination. As she left, Callum sighed and sat against the harness. "Is being a prince always going to be this hard?"

"Nar," Rayla chuckled as she sat beside him, "It's gonna be much harder."

He opened one eye at her. "Seriously?"

"I wouldn't know, but you know I'll be there to help. You'll be fine."

He closed his eyes once more and moved his head to her shoulder. "You know, we could always run away together. Forget about everything and just…disappear."

"Oh?" she sighed, reaching behind his head so she could scratch his ear. "You want to do that?"

"Right now? Yeah. I could become an artist. People would travel for miles to see my work. And you…you could be a teacher."

"Teacher?" She scoffed at the idea. "Me? Yeah right."

"Why not? You'd be a great teacher. You're understanding, compassionate…and fierce. Look at all the things you taught me. You would be an amazing teacher."

Thinking honestly about the idea, the elf sighed. "Perhaps I would."

"I know you would," he mumbled, then looked up at the sky. "But…we can't. After all, if I don't get home soon, Xadia may end up going to war."


SL: Well…shall I wait for you to stop screaming over the kiss?

RK: Man, even in this AU, Nyx is still a pain. XD