Author's Note: I know it's been a while. Sorry, school is crazy busy. But to make up for it I made this chapter. I'm not going to say anymore because this chapter is for those who have been patient enough to wait for it. And you all have been waiting for this chapter.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own RA

Chapter 22

Against the Sun and Moon

My eyes were fixed opened. Actually my whole body was frozen. And I could only see the man that was not even inches always. I could probably see every fleck of colour in his irises if his eyes were open as he was pressing his lips against mine. It was only a couple seconds but time seemed to vanish as the world around us disappeared and my heart exploded in my chest. He then opened his eyes and backed off with a huge smile. What happened next, I couldn't tell you. All I remember was how I still felt the tingle of Gilan's lips on mine even after they were no longer there. Did he even put me back on the ground? What did Jane and Beatrice say when they stopped in front of me? I do remember them hurting my ears with their screams and this jumping up and down did nothing but confuse my vision further. How long has Gilan been smiling? Has he always been this handsome? More questions flooded through my brained but it couldn't function. All it did was remember the moment Gilan kissed me. His feather light touch of his soft lips that seemed to mold against mine perfectly. From there my mind took me back to when he had saved me underwater by sharing his breath. My mind forgetting all about how it was only to save my life. I bit my bottom lip trying to stop the thoughts, trying to stop the feeling and trying to stop my heart from leaping out of my chest again.

Pulled to a stop I snapped out of it. Mostly that is, as Gilan had turned me to face him. I didn't even notice that our hands were intertwined. His hands were warm and he squeezed my hand soothingly as he ran his thumb over my knuckle. He had pulled us away from anymore eyes. I looked up at him. For a second my eyes lingered on his lips. I had to shake my head to block any more ideas like what would it be like if he kissed me again. At least I wouldn't be caught off guard this time.

"Silas." I saw his lips move twice before I heard the words coming out of his mouth. Finally free of that hold I met his eyes. His eyes were softer than I remember. They still had that ranger sparkle to them but had he ever looked at me like this before. "Judging on how Luther looked after the performance I'm not sure if he will take a step back or forwards." Gilan said calculatingly. The softness in his eyes disappeared as he scanned for any onlookers over my shoulders. "Make sure to keep an eye out for Maverick because I may have just put a damper on his plan." The cool seriousness of a deadly ranger had returned in his hushed voice. The switch was so sudden it was like the smiling Gilan was just a mask he just took off. The ground started to look very interesting at that moment. I must have been imagining the look in his eye. It looks like I still know nothing if I can't even tell when Gilan is acting. The tingle remained but a twinge entered my chest like a knife. It was better before. Before when I didn't let any emotion cloud my judgment. "Silas?" Gilan started again switching back again. He sounded like he was telling a wounded animal he meant no harm. "I'm sorry Silas. I know how much you hate crowds and I shouldn't have done it like that and this is probably still confusing for you-"

"I'm fine." I swallowed hard before looking back up at him. My tone was even and I reverted back to when hiding my emotions was as easy as blinking. It was the only way to think logically. Gilan had kissed me as a show. He was portraying my fiancé who wanted to tell the world he loved the woman he was determined to marry. Also it would cause there to be more tension and possibly catch Maverick and Luther off guard which would make them more vulnerable. It was all part of his plan. "Let's go find out if Luther fell for your act." Because then I wouldn't be the only one.

Spinning on my heel, I started quickly walking away. Except I was pulled to a stop once again. Gilan never let go of my hand. I could feel him holding on tightly so I would really have to fight him to get him to release me. It did nothing for my resolve as the pain in my chest started creeping upwards. Closing my eyes and biting my bottom lip were the only way to silently try to keep it from shattering completely. Just then I felt an arm wrap around the front of my shoulders. A warm chest pressed against my back as he placed his chin on my shoulder. "I'm saying sorry because it wasn't all an act." He whispered softly into my ear. "I'm saying sorry for putting you more in the centre of attention. But believe me, all I could see was you."

With those six words he let me breathe again. The pain in my chest subsidized with a shuddering exhale. Gilan pressed his forehead and nose against the side of my head as he squeezed me closer. "Ready?" He breathed into my ear after a few long moments. I opened my eyes. He uncoiled his arm and turned to face me. I blinked confused at him. Ready for what he didn't specify. Before I could ask he flashed a brilliant smile. "Let's go."

"Wait, what!" He had already turned and started running. My hand was still attached to his so I didn't have an option. I barely had enough time to pick up my own feet to avoid tripping. Luckily there was no long skirt I had to worry about because of the ridiculous costume the girls forced me into. I didn't really know why we were running. But what I really didn't understand was Gilan.

As tradition for every performance there was music and dancing and drinking all around. I did my best to stay away from the alcohol because I couldn't afford anything else clouding my thoughts. I tried not to think on it. My focus was on the fire. The dancing light glowed only brighter as the day grew dimmer. The light flickered off the couples dancing to the cheerful music. It felt different this time. I had actually earned a spot here this time. My cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing from the silly performers that played skits for their friends. Of course I can only go a couple of minutes ignoring the pull coming from my right side. For some reason I have to check every time even though I get the same results. Turning my head to the right I see Gilan sitting right beside me enjoying the night's festivities just as much as I am. However as soon as I turn my head he notices. His ever present smile widens when our eyes meet. I turn away as soon as my cheeks start growing hot and I try to hide my emotions. Gilan laughs quietly but it tells me I am too slow to hide them from him.

Someone cleared their throat catching my attention. From my spot I look up at the tall handsome man who gracefully knelt in front of me to be eye level. With my mind a mess I had completely forgotten about Luther, about our whole mission in fact. Gilan should know that I can't be blamed for that. "I was wondering if you could spare me a dance love?" Luther drawled. He opened his palm to me and flashed a crooked smile.

Without hesitating I grabbed his hand. "Sure." I said a little too quickly than I meant. He offered me his second hand to pull me to a stand. He lightly put a hand on the small of my back as he led me forwards. I didn't miss the death glare he shot Gilan when he thought I wasn't looking. I was just looking for some breathing room from Gilan. I needed to clear my head. Really I'm more thankful that Luther asked me to dance because I don't know if I could function having Gilan as a partner.

"I think you're improving." Luther praised. Focus on Luther Silas. We were already dancing and I didn't even notice. Maybe that's why he saw improvement. For the minute my head was clear of Gilan I accidentally stepped on his foot. His face grimaced as he tried to stay silent through the pain.

"Are you sure about that?" I chuckled. His pain disappeared from his face and he threw his head back and laughed heartily.

I did my best to follow his lead through the dance. I was getting better but there were times that only smiling and laughing were the only ways out of embarrassing myself further from my lack of coordination. As a ranger I had very sure footing in all kinds of terrain, but put on a dress, spin me around and let someone else lead me was completely different. Luther probably took pity on me as he eventually led us through the throng of people and out into the open. Away from the fire the heat wasn't as intense but the cool breeze felt wonderful on my hot skin. Without saying a word I followed Luther. Well he did hold my hand tightly and it would be against my character to let go so I simply went along. We walked for a minute until we came close to the outer linings of tents. The light from the fire was barely visible but it was enough to see there were no tripping hazards for me to worry about.

"I don't think I got to tell you how beautiful you looked today." Luther said softly finally coming to a stop. I looked down and remembered that I was still in costume. Shyly I placed my free hand across to my other shoulder hoping it would provide some coverage as I suddenly was aware of how much of a breeze I was feeling on my bare skin. "Seeing you smiling still makes the stars and the moon seem less bright." I looked up through my lashed at him. He smiled briefly when I met his eyes but turned back to the night sky as if he was speaking to it instead of me. "I only wish that I could be the one to show you off to the world. The moon and the sun can't both be in the same sky. Staying awake for both is also impossible. At one point we will have to sleep. The moon does have a different kind of light but it can still show what is right in front of us." Luther took my hand off my shoulder. Turning away from the moon and the stars he was telling me about I caught the look on his face. His face was serious but his eyes were intense. Even in the dim light I could feel them trying to look into me. He gently place my hand on his chest. His heart was beating fast and hard against my palm. So much that it surprised me.

"What wrong Luther?" I wondered. He still had my other hand clasped tightly in his and he used it to quickly pull me closer to him.

"You're the one doing this to me Silas." He whispered. My breath caught on the inhale and I had to look him in the eye. Not because he said it was my fault, but rather this was the first time he had called me by my name and not 'love' or another pet name he came up with. "You're are going to have to decide when to sleep Silas but not before I get my chance."

Luther dropped both my hands. Before I could blink he placed both hands on either side of my head. He caught my breath as he crashed his lips against mine. His eyes were closed as he tilted his head to one side to come even closer. With my hand still on his chest I could feel my heart beat rapidly catching up to his. The fingers slowly moved to tangle within the strands of my hair. He pulled back a few inches. I stared at him with wide eyes. I didn't know where to look let alone think of what I was a going to do. I was frozen. His gaze was soft and seemed to whisper what his heart was trying to tell me. It was almost sad. I managed to finally breathe. Without saying a word he moved his right hand, the tingle on my cheek still burned, and gently covered my eyes. With that I automatically closed my eyes. Once again his lips pressed against mine. With eyes closed my senses heightened. Except I could only feel his touches. Gently he moved his lips, molding them to mine. His other fingers crawled until they curled and locked at the base of my skull. The pressure from his strong fingertips guided my skull to tilt backwards. I kept my eyes closed even as his right hand found the small of my back and pulled me up closer to match his height better.

It was intoxicating. I breathed into him which made the closed seal on my lips open causing this man to take advantage of it. His teeth came out and captured my bottom lips teasing it out. It took a moment to remember how to breathe once his lips and teeth released me. I could see feel the heavy pants against my face as he pressed his forehead against mine. "You have no idea what you've been doing to me. Do you know how long I've had to hold myself back from doing that?" His whispered gently hit my face. Slowly I opened my eyes. I watched as opened his eyes and held me down with his gaze. "Except now that I've tasted it I don't think I will be able to share."

This is bad. This is really bad. I could only see Luther. I can only think of Luther at the moment. My heart is beating at the same time as his. No, could it be that it's beating for him? This needing type of feeling is starting to scare me. I tried to back away but he had my back in one arm and pressed my hand back against his chest when he felt the sudden change. "Stay with me." The look in his eye and his words convinced me. So much for not letting him get to me. The urge to flee vanished as he rested his chin on the top of my head as he embraced me tighter.

Every time I closed my eyes my mind would wander. I could still recall every second of Luther's kiss. Sleep was impossible as I simply laid on my bed staring up at the canopy of my tent for the remainder of the night. Shaking the scene away would only lead to this morning's events. Gilan's kiss was sweet and playful and completely different than Luther's. But it still was my first real kiss that made me bite my lips to stop my lips from turning up in a smile. The look he gave me after was what caused me to want more. The most frightening part was the look in their eyes were scarily similar. Except I couldn't tell for which set of eyes my heart was fluttering.

I may have doze off closer to dawn from sheer exhaustion but like clockwork as soon as the sun peaked over the horizon my eyes shot wide open. I quickly changed. Grateful for once that I could tie my own corset. I slipped on my blue dress and quickly tied my hair back into a long braid. Then I waited. Actually it was more like stared at the opening to the tent. Biting my lip I debated whether or not it would be a good idea to head outside. I must have been focusing pretty hard because I nearly jumped when it was abruptly moved aside and a body barged in. Make that two bodies. I let go of the breath I was holding, relieved that it was Jane and Beatrice and not either of the other two.

"You look terrible." Jane had no problem stating the obvious.

"Think I could finally have a chance against her?" Beatrice teased as she tossed her hair over her shoulder, blinking rapidly in an upwards direction. Jane pushed her and they both giggled.

"Even with those bags under her eyes they probably will fall at her feet." Jane stated as she led me to sit on the bed. "Now, we want to hear every detail." Jane clapped her hands together. My brows furrowed in confusion.

"Don't play dumb with us honey." Beatrice huffed and glared playfully. "We want to know every second leading up and after your kiss."

"Which kiss?" I asked innocently. They both gaped at me. "What?" I asked again. Their squeals nearly broke my eardrums. It was only then when I relapsed my mistake. They had only seen one of my kisses. They didn't know a about the second one. I covered my mouth with my hand to avoid giving away any more information. I wasn't careful. I let my guard down. I was so dead.

"Now we definitely need to hear this." Shaking my head and they both stared me down making me feel really small. What came next made me think I would need to use in order to get information out of my next enemy. They began poking my sides and tickling me trying to force my lips open. I couldn't give into them, not again.

"Wait!" Jane exclaimed suddenly. To my relief, their fingers froze as well. "I've figured it out!" Beatrice and I both look at each other and but I was the only one hoping that she was wrong. "Luther was your other kiss wasn't he?" Beatrice gasped, Jane's smile widened triumphantly as my eyes widened for a second giving the truth away. "That's why he pulled you from the party last night and you never came back. Now his good mood and beautiful smile make sense when he came back."

"You're so right!" Beatrice exclaimed. I covered my face with a pillow groaning as I fell onto my back on my bed. I can't seem to be serious with these girls. It's either that or they have become really good at deciphering. "Oh no!" She gasped. Making me peep one eye open. "I know I saw Gilan leave rough around the same time with Maverick. Do you think he saw?" I sprang up to my feet.

"Did you just say Gilan left with Maverick?" I was trying to keep the fear out of my voice. Just standing abruptly shocked both of them, I didn't need to scare them any further.

"Yes, it seemed like Maverick wanted to talk to him about something." Jane confirmed. With that I rushed out of my tent.

I had my skirt hiked up above my knees but I didn't care. Hardly anyone was awake even this late in the morning, it was due to everyone's late night. Those who did see me only saw a blur of blue rush by. Where Gilan had set up his tent was empty. It was then when my heart started drowning out other sounds. I had to find him. I ran around camp calling out Gilan's name. Once I reached the end of possibilities I spun in a circle, nearly pulling out my hair, unsure of where to go next. My breathing was shallow not from running but of my worst fear that may have just happened. Gilan had warned me that Maverick might try to get rid of him. But I didn't expect that it would happen so soon.

I didn't care if anyone was watching. If Maverick found out about this power I could care less. I had to check. I needed to know and there was only one thing I could rely on. I squatted on spot, pressed both hands hard onto the ground and closed my eyes. The energy pulsed through my fingers and the world around me unfolded in behind my eyelids. This world is different. I searched through the dark looking for the energy light of the living which shone brighter than the non-living around it. With each breath that quickened I widened my search in all directions. Picking out a familiar energy usually took me seconds to locate. There was a weight that hindered my breathing as it took longer than normal to find Gilan.

I gasped and fell as my legs gave way under me. I had pushed my power farther than I ever had and it all crashed back into me leaving me gagging on air. The uneasiness didn't pass easily. Gilan was nowhere in reach and that scared me. I don't even remember the last time I was afraid of something like this. However there was one figure I was able to pinpoint. New energy lifted me from the ground and propelled my feet guiding them towards my target.

Approaching his tent I didn't hesitate for a second. I knew Maverick was in his tent. I also knew he wasn't alone but that didn't deter me. I had sensed he was circled by other men including Luther. My guess a war meeting of some kind. My goal was to get invited to one of these but time was of the essence so I'll just invite myself. The man guarding the tent from might've been on higher alert when passed him except he was temporarily blinding. Using this energy I pulled a shadow and covered his eyes and I slipped silently inside. All eyes turned to the entrance when they heard the guard's yells. They all were taken aback and quit conversation when they noticed who had entered.

"What are you doing in here?" One asked standing up trying to scare me back the way I came. I simply looked up, square in the eyes and that was enough to caused him to pause for a second from taking another step forwards to shoo me away. It was more than enough time to sidestep the burly man and continue my long strides towards the only set of eyes that didn't show shock. In his dark eyes showed a twinkle of amusement.

I grabbed his collar and practically raised him to his feet. "Where is he?" I yelled locking my gaze on his face for answers.

"I think we should take a short break." he said to our audience not backing down from my stare.

"You were the last one seen with him what did you do to him? Where is he Maverick?" I repeated in a deadly quiet voice.

"He left already?" Maverick said evenly, a smile tugged at his mouth. I twitched towards my concealed knives but two hands gently placed over mine and started to unlatch the claws I had in Maverick' clothes.

"Silas calm down" said the empty voice next to my ear. The voice cleared my head making me see, think and assess the situation better. I dropped my hands and Luther rubbed my back affectionately. It helped but what the situation really needed was for Maverick to be punched so hard that evil smile was wiped clear off his face. And that's exactly what I did. With lightning speed my fist collided with the left side of Maverick's face. The man was sent backwards to the ground. Slamming down on his back so hard the earth vibrated.

Luther watched stunned. I simply waited to see how long it would take this man to recover. Unfortunately it only took a few seconds. I need to get back to training. He lolled his head as he sat on the ground. Then he did something that really sent my senses on high alert. He laughed. Not a smile or a singular huff but a full open mouth of delight. He looked up at me like he just found a box of gold. The unsettling smile remained on his face as he crawled back to a stand, brushing off the dirt off his pants.

"I didn't do anything to him." Maverick stated. The smile left his mouth but not his eyes. "If you must know he told me to pass along a message for you."

I looked quizzically at him. Gilan certainly wouldn't do that. Not if you killed him. No Silas. He isn't dead, you would've felt the body. Gilan is just out of reach. I breathed not letting this man invade my thinking.

"He saw you and Luther yesterday." He started bluntly. I ignored the new wave that washed over me. "He thought it would be best not to interfere with real love." Maverick grabbed my hand and placed it in Luther. A gesture a father would do if giving away his daughter to her new husband. "He said it was going to be too painful to say it to you which brings which is why I knew you would come and find me. Saves me from interrupting you later." He put a hand on my back, pushing me closer to Luther as he passed behind me. He stopped for a moment when he reached the exit of his tent to turn around and say: "I guess everything will turn out in the end."

He left. Luther and I were in the tent by ourselves. He gently brushed my other arm in a comforting manner. He squeezed my hand a little harder still not saying anything. It was a good thing because I needed time to process this. He changed tactics, now patting my head before cupping my face. I breathed and looked at him needing to start with a clearer mind. He smiled with no hidden intentions as he brushed my cheek with his thumb. Using the hand that cupped my face he pulled me in closer and touched his lips lightly to my forehead grazing the bone where my eyebrow sit ever so slightly. "I'm still here." he said sincerely when he was far enough to see my eyes clearly. He wrapped his arms around me hugging my head close to his heart.

Gilan would never leave without a word. Last time he left he at least told me his plan. There is also no way that Gilan would tell Maverick any of that. Gilan is a Ranger and wouldn't let himself be killed if he knew someone was trying to kill him. Why did he leave? If I have no answers then I have to look for them. Until my questions are answered I will finish this mission. It is after all my grandfather that I need to save. That is the whole reason that I need to keep my head focused on my task before more conflicts arise.

Luther for the rest of the day didn't leave my side. To be more accurate he never let go of me once. Either holding my hand while walking, an arm draped over my shoulders or around my waist as we sat or brushing the hair out of my face so he could get easier access to my cheeks for a quick peck. I could understand his actions. He was determined that I forget Gilan as quickly as possible. HIs sweet gestures and playful attitude made Beatrice and Jane swoon. Alright me too, but just a bit. My mind was rather busy trying to plan my next move. Luther just made it rather difficult as I would lose my thought process over and over again. I'll have to work on fixing my Ranger face because he seemed to be able to tell when I was thinking and succeeded in stopping me from doing so.

"The moon and stars are shining tonight." He noted casually as he swung our hands while walking. I looked up taking in how dark the sky had turned while I was in my thoughts. "No rain tonight." he mused facing me. We had come to my tent. Luther, I noticed, shifted from foot to foot as I looked down at our hands expecting him to let go anytime now. "Don't you wish the night could last forever?" I looked up at him at his puzzling question. He laughed into his smirk. "You look so beautiful under the moonlight it's as if you belong to it." His explanation wasn't any clearer but it still caused my fluttering heart to betray me and bring a small laugh. Luther caught my laugh with his lips. His lips against mine seemed to pull me up on the balls of my feet, drawing me closer to him. My eyes had automatically closed with the contact and I could feel him smiling. With the pull I stumbled towards him breaking the lock between our lips when my body hit his. I had to grab onto his waist as a result. I could feel happiness radiating off of him as he grabbed both sides of my face and peered down at me. "You're going to have to stop doing that love." I blinked in response.

"What?" I questioned. Kiss. He briefly pecked my lips.

"That." Kiss. "Being you." Kiss. "Laughing, blinking, breathing. I might not be able to let you go next time." He sighed and hugged me this time. His content hum vibrated in his chest.

Leaving the warmth of his arms by pushing him away, I headed towards my tent. I bid him a small goodnight before entering my tent. I sat on my bed with a hand on my chest. I had no time to deal with the reason my heart keeps changing direction every few seconds.

Author's Note: Woah wasn't that steamy! I mean what didn't happen in this chapter? Gilan has feelings but now he's disappeared. Luther for some reason isn't real and is probably why I'm still single lol. Oh boy did he get his chance. Anyone else feel sorry for Silas? Not about getting kissed by both of these gems but it's obvious that she can't choose both and her poor heart is so confused. I guess we'll have to wait to find out what happens next. Let me know what you think!

Love, Marie

Now to my lovely reviewers that I don't deserve but am so grateful to have:

Catherine- Studying is important. Hopefully this will brighten your day after you finish. Thanks for the review

GeorgiaIsAwesome- You are the reason I spent all night typing. I wanted to bring this to you as fast as possible. You're reviews inspire me and I really appreciate and am thankful for your generous compliments. Thanks so much for your reviews.

Explodinglollipo-Thanks for the review and I will.

GeorgiaIsAwesome- Not only did Gilan kiss her but so did Luther… Many times. Too many feels I had to take a break to stop gushing over this chapter too much. Thanks for another review.

CalliL13- Believe me I was waiting for her to get kissed to… especially because I wanted to write this chapter. Thanks so much for the review

Mando'a ranger/ aka elvishrangerwolf- Sorry to leave you hanging, I'm getting worse at it… I know… bad author. Don't worry the second camp is coming up next. The story is really going to start moving soon. Thanks for the review.

Shadowess Knight- If the last chapter got your heart going, I'm praying that you don't have heart problems after this one lol. Thanks so much for review it made me laugh and brightened my day.

GeorgiaIsAwesome- Girl you kill me. Every time I write your name it makes me feel guilty for not being able to publish sooner. I will do my best to write more often. Thank you for showing so much love for this story and I will continue to work hard to keep it going.

Heartyfangirl101- A knife throwing act would've been cool to see in person. I tried to make Jane and Beatrice funny (thanks for seeing it lol) just to have Silas see that having friends isn't terrible and being a girl isn't the worst thing to happen. And then there's Luther… the above chapter reveals my thoughts on him lol. Thanks for the review.

Catherine- I skipped over the end of Gilan's act because I already had this planned out for the next chapter. Hopefully it was the right choice. Thanks for this review too!

Adrianna- Sorry if Gilan is no longer your favorite lol. More kisses to squeal over and I hope you didn't get any strange looks if you did. Thanks for the review.

Something like me- Thanks so much for the review. Both Luther and Gilan got their chances plus a recap of Gilan's kiss. I hope this chapter is just as great!

daughterofak1ng- Thank you so much for the lovely review. You had asked for more and I hope this works for you.