A/N: I just realized I never really explained why my last fic took so long to post. I kinda forgot to do a quick proof read and so I tried to hurry it up after I came home from school. That said, i also want to point out that I do have to make sure that when I upload these, that both the Ao3 and sites get the exact proper versions.

ANYWAYS. With all the boring technicalities out of the way...

Moonlight. Day 4. This one was very difficult for me to work out. When I saw the prompt list, at first I thought this'd be easy! But then, as I started going over all my ideas I realized this was one was the only one I was lacking in something creative and well... entertaining. So, I guess I'll just let you read it?

Chapter Summary: Spooky things can happen in the moonlight. Darkness can rise, evil may lurk, and the unknown may creep about all around those who are unaware. Unfortunately, in this case, a mere Mage boy and his dragon companion are left to the mercy of the night all by their lonesome.

Rayla? She's off having fun...

Word count: 1,840

Moonlight

"Rayla, this getting old."

Callum found himself wandering very aimlessly late at night. He had Zym in his hands and a very tired expression on his face. He looked up all around him, and scanned the bushes and trees. A month had flown by across their journey and so of course that meant a new moon had shown. And, with a new moon shining high above in the night sky, that left Rayla to revel in her superpowered abilities.

The instant the dark clouds cleared way for the moonlight to shine, Rayla turned back at Callum with a childish grin. A grin he'd come to know as her mischievous and annoying side (of course, he said that, but deep down he found it to be quite adorable). Before he could even say anything, she chuckled.

"Hey Callum," she called out, pulling on her hood. "See ya later!" she laughed, activating her powers.

The artist frowned at the sight of the nearly invisible Moonshadow Elf disappearing into the shadows. Ever since they started… dating? Callum supposed that was what it was called. After all, two teenagers travelling alone, holding hands and such? That was dating, right? Either way, as time progressed, Callum realized how much of an influence he was on Rayla. At the start of their journey, she'd never even consider the chance to goof off whilst walking or even have fun. Getting the Dragon Prince to Xadia, Zym to his mother, that was the most important priority.

But now?

She was off hiding in the trees, giggling like a child. Callum rolled his eyes as he picked Zym up from the ground, holding him close to his chest. He sighed to the little Storm Dragon as he muttered, "I know buddy, I'm getting tired of it too." He continued to pet Zym as they wandered down the dirt path. "Rayla!" he called out. "This was funny the first time, it was cute the second, now it's just a hinderance."

"Ah boooo," her voice echoed from the shadows. "Stop bein' so lame."

He chuckled. "Ohh, the irony," he whispered to Zym, who yapped an agreeing smile back in response.

"Hey, I heard that!" Rayla warned. "Oh, ho, ya're gonna get it now!" A bit of rustling shimmered around Callum, and then silence.

He stopped in his tracks and stared into the direction where thought the source to be. "Rayla…" no response. "C'mon, we gotta hurry to the next town!" He let out an exasperated sigh as he looked down at Zym. No response came again. "Is she really gonna go this?" he rhetorically asked.

Zym tipped and shrugged with his two front legs. Callum chuckled, "That was adorable." He let Zym's head as he turned to the set of bushes in front of him. "Fine, if you're gonna keep goofing off, Zym and I will just keep walking to the next village in our own!" When she didn't say anything Callum quirked up a smug smile as he shouted, "And he and I are gonna share the bed! There'll be no room for you or cuddling!" Nothing.

Callum frowned with slumped shoulders as he kept walking. He was actually positive that'd work. Nevertheless, he kept true to his goal and kept walking. He didn't mind sleeping on the dirty grass, heck, he was actually getting used to sleeping in caves too! But, that was all thanks to Rayla's presence. And Zym's too, of course. They made an effective team of cuddle buddies, a trio of togetherness. That said, a roof and a bed in an inn wouldn't be so bad every so often.

The pair walked on as the deafening silence accompanied them. The parted clouds allowed enough of a gap for a stream of the moonlight to seep through. Callum looked up at the moon and sighed at it. If he understood the Moon Arcanum too, he'd be pulling tons of illusion nonsense just as well. Maybe he even better than Rayla's. But alas, he had only learned a handful of Sky spells for the time being.

A sudden chill crept down his spine as a breathy breeze blew from behind. Callum froze up as he turned his head around. Did he just… feel a breath? "Rayla?" Nothing. So she was clearly messing with him. The Mage rolled his eyes and kept on walking.

A hiss suddenly sizzled out from the treetops, echoing all around the forest. Xadian creatures like insects and birds fled from their hiding places. As if there was presence that disturbed them, like Rayla. Or perhaps a predator lurking within the dark. Callum chuckled to himself, shaking his head to rid himself of such foolish thoughts. Zym confusedly cocked his head at the boy's sudden reaction.

"Don't worry Zym," Callum assured him, "There's nothing of there. It's just Rayla."

That was what he believed anyways.

But as the night progressed, Callum's alien did not let up from the set chilling nerves that had been scraping down his spine. Rayla had taught him about trusting instincts awhile ago. She said, "Whenever ya fee a sudden creepin' on your back. Run to me or get ready to fight." Again Callum laughed, and again, the Storm Dragon within his arms shot him a look of worry. What if Rayla had just run off to go scout ahead? She had done it before—granted, she always told him before she left—but maybe she decided to mess with him by not saying a word.

Again Callum shook his head. "She's messing with us," he mutters to himself, though he tried to convince himself that it was for Zym.

"Calluuuum…"

Instantly, the boy froze in his tracks. That, did not sound like Rayla. At all. His eyes went wide. He was definitely not alone. Had sounded like a withered, frail voice. What was he supposed to do now? Taking a deep breath, Callum kept on walking. If he could let this voice believe that he wasn't aware of its presence, he could surprise the stalker. But he still didn't know where it came from. He thought about using Aspiro to blow away the leaves and bushes, hopefully revealing the stalker lurking around them. Worse case scenario, Fulminis would not only light up the surrounding area, but also set fire to the scenery.

He figured Rayla would be upset if he caused a forest fire in mere self defence, but that change didn't the fact he was scared for his life. And Zym's too of course. He kept on walking, this time, his legs shook with each step he took. This was getting difficult. It felt like the set of eyes fixated on him were all over the place. His body had become overwhelmed with this sensation of nerves, this creeping alertness in there was a gaze glaring at him from within the shrubbery, the shadows. This… this had to be Rayla.

"Calluuuuum…"

He let out a nervous gulp. Or not. He felt a shiver in his hands and noticed that Zym had a worried look on his face. That settled it, this was definitely not a prank anymore. Rayla would never go to the extent where Zym would be at risk of getting scared too. She was way too caring to even do that. It was like their hidden pact. Zym was off limits.

Should he respond to the voice?

"H-Hello? Any-anyone there?" he said in a strangled voice. Mentally, he facepalmed. He sounded like a total scared child. Clearing his throat, Callum planted his feet and straightened his back. "You don't want to mess with me!" he shouted, letting his voice echo out.

Another breeze came through and Callum shivered. He shook his head. He could do this, he could stand his ground. Removing one arm from his grip on Zym, he readied his index finger at his side. A quick Aspiro and he could distract their assailant, perhaps he could even stall long enough until Rayla returned. Ever the optimist, but he needed to consider all possibilities.

"Calluuuuum…"

Or running, running was an option too.

With that, Callum turned around and ran. "Rayla!" he called out. He sprinted as fast as he could. But he could hear within the wind, the sound of the leaves and branches shifting. Something was following them, fast. He just kept running. "Rayla!" he shouted once more. She had to be nearby at this point. Callum's face dropped as another realization came to him. What it they had gotten to her first? She was fooling around, she was off her game earlier. Anyone could've snuck up on her.

He had to make a stand.

Coming to a hard stop, Callum dropped whipped around and with his finger, drew the Aspiro symbol. "Take one more step!" he warned. He heard a branch snap from behind him. "Aspiro," he whispered, blowing into the symbol. He whipped around and focused the wind, leaving the trees and shrubbery to bend at its will. Worry overwhelmed him as he realized that nothing was behind him. His spell was dying.

A tap on his shoulder startled him. Hastily Callum turned around and was instantly met by a dark, nearly invisible, smile. Before he could even react, the smiling lips planted themselves onto his, silencing any possible scream he could've released. His eyes closed shut as the firm force made its mark on his mouth. He didn't even think about recoiling, as the presence of the lips before him felt so familiar, so warm. It was the type of feeling he'd usually feel on his cheeks, his hand, his forehead. The type of feeling that'd put him at ease, that would make him feel warm.

He opened his eyes and smiled against the lips pressed up against him as he noticed the face before him was visible. He pulled away and laughed. "Wow… I… I always thought our first kiss would be underneath the moonlight, but never thought you'd be invisible for it."

Rayla's now visible face, was red as her moonberry juice. "Ah… hehe," she giggled. "I… I guess I just needed to work up the nerve."

Callum laughed at Rayla as he placed his arms on her shoulders. "By sneaking up on me?" he smiled. A sudden brush against his shin caused him to chuckle at the Storm Dragon curled up against it. "You gave Zym quite the scare too."

Rayla chuckled. "Nah, he saw me when I first vanished, he'd actually been watchin' me lurk," she dismissed with a casual shrug. "I thought it'd be fun to mess with ya though." She began laughing as she shook her head. "Ahh, ya shoulda seen your face! Oh goodness, ya were all, 'H-hello?' Ahaha!" Rayla bawled out another bout of laughter. "Ahh… ya were so adorable." She winked as she placed her hands on Callum's hips.

He rolled his eyes. "Next time, I'd prefer just the kiss." Callum smirked. "And, maybe if you can work up to it, visible lips?"

Rayla sighed as she leaned close. "We'll see."

A/N: A/N: Sorry for not posting sooner! I forgot too! Anyways, I did say I had some troubles with this, so I had to come up with something. So, I thought I'd just make something silly. I don't know why, but i thought it'd be fun to see Rayla messing with Callum but with hidden intentions. I guess I just figured she'd be the first to make a move, but also really nervous about it.

Anyways, that's all I got. Please, review, follow, favourite and come again tomorrow!

Until next time,

- Bleh