Well-Met By Moonlight

by LunaMagic

PROLOGUE

Charles Terrin looked dashing…at least he thought so as he studied his reflection on the full length mirror of his dressing room. He looked very good in white. His blond, wavy hair was newly cut, emphasizing his hazel/brown eyes. A lot of girls swooned over those eyes. Mother said they were just like his grandfather's.

Today was his 17th birthday. And as usual, his family was throwing him a grand celebration at home. He didn't like his birthday parties. He wished he didn't have to come. But he couldn't very well tell his parents that could he? He loved his mum and dad. It reminded him too much of his grandad, who had died exactly on his seventh birthday. He didn't want their feelings to get hurt over a trivial matter. They always have such a good time planning his birthday parties. Besides, one day out in a year isn't too bad.

His personal butler tried to straighten out the sleeves of his master's tuxedo. "Master Charles, please try not to spill anything on your suit this time. You know how your mother hates to see your suits ruined."

Charlie smiled. Peter Donovan was his friend, his mentor, as well as his butler. Sometimes, when he let his guard down, he sometimes acted like a father to Charlie. No one minded a bit. After all, Peter had been taking care of Charlie since he was a baby.

"I promise, Peter. Besides, I'm seventeen now. Spilling punch on myself would hardly add credence to my reputation as a charmer. I'll be very careful."

Peter placed his hands on Charlie's shoulders and bent a bit to look into his eyes. "I'm very proud of you. You know that. If I ever had a son, I'd wish he was like you. Happy, happy birthday, Master Charles."

"I know, Peter. Thank you," Charlie hugged his butler tightly, "I'll always be grateful to you. You know that."

After a few more seconds, he released the old man.

"I think I need to be alone for a while now, Peter. I want to talk to… you know who…"

"Very well, master. I shall instruct the servants not to disturb you."

"Thank you, Peter."

Charlie waited while Peter ushered the maids out. Being the last one out, Peter peers through the doorway and nods to Charlie before closing the door.

@@@

Making sure he was alone, he listened to the activities outside. Everything was quiet on this floor except for the occasional shouts from downstairs, giving last minute directions to the servants.

Charlie walked to the center of the parlor room. He closed his eyes and concentrated on calling out his power.

He used to find this very frustrating, often waiting for hours before he could get any reaction from the elements. Now, after ten years of practice, he could call upon it in mere moments. Already, he had conjured the beginnings of a mini whirlwind inside his closed room. He certainly had Peter to thank for his patience.

Charlie opened his eyes and held out his hands. He could feel raw power around him, inside him. The room suddenly disappears and he is surrounded by the universe.

"Rod appear," he mutters in the ancient druidic tongue. (as I recall, druids had a secret language - LunaMagic)

A long rod appeared in front of him, glowing an eerie green. The rod was about 6 feet long and appeared to be made with a mixture of ivory and horn. Runes were written upon it with gold and silver. A large crystal was set on its top.

Charlie took the rod with his right hand. The wind stopped blowing around him and all was quiet once again.

He set the rod on the ground then tapped the floor thrice.

"I call upon him who came before me.

I call the one who set my path.

I seek the guidance, I seek wisdom.

This I ask, under my pact."

"Jolly good job, Charlie boy. Peter has taught you well. I was right to make him apprentice. Better than your father would have done, I suppose," a smoky image of an old man appeared in front of Charlie. Except for the blue eyes, black hair, and advanced age, he looked every bit like Charlie himself.

"He tried, Granddad. It's just not in him. He's okay with me practicing, though. That's good enough for me."

"I suppose… He does love your mother dearly. And he takes good care of you, even when he's working most of the time."

"I have you… and Peter."

"Boy, I sometimes wish you were not too good a pupil. You missed out on a lot of things. You should have enjoyed your childhood while you had it."

"I have friends, Granddad."

Leopold Archibald McCollough raised one eyebrow. "When was the last time you brought a friend home? The last time you truly enjoyed an outing with your friends? Do you always need to be so serious, boy?"

"I enjoy my studies, Granddad. And I am not a boy. Not now. I am seventeen, remember? I can take care of myself. And yes, I sometimes find most of my friends shallow and dull. But they are friends, nevertheless."

The ghost gave a sigh. "There is one I like though. That friend of yours, Eriol Hiiragizawa. He's got a good vibe. I feel power in him, too.  He might be a little more understanding of your circumstances. I daresay he might make you a very good friend."

"The less people who know about my 'circumstances', the better it will be. I don't want anybody to get too involved with me…"

A memory flashed in his mind, about the girl he liked once… the one who went away--- because he was a freak… The memory faded. And was replaced by something else.

"Charles?... what is it?"

It was night. He was seven and his granddad had just died. He ran, away to the woods at the back of their house. He was crying. He felt like his chest was going to burst.

"Charlie?" The ghost's voice rose in concern.

This brought Charlie out of his trance. "Nothing, granddad. Just… a memory."

"Be careful. You know that nothing is coincidence."

"We shall see, granddad. We shall see."

The old man's face suddenly looked dismayed, "The clock is ticking, son. I have to go. Happy birthday, my boy.  May the powers bless you well." The ghost's features begin to fade.

"Thank you, granddad… " Charlie waits until the last of the smoke clears, "I miss you… always…"

Trying not to cry, he lifts up his rod towards the ceiling.

"Finis!" in a snap, he was back in his own room as if he never moved. The rod was gone, of course, till he needed it again.

@@@

Charles Terrin looked at his wristwatch. It was almost six at night. The guests would be arriving soon.

He peered out of his bedroom door. He wasn't at all surprised to find Peter waiting outside.

"Everything good, sir? It is almost time for the party."

"Yes, Peter. Everything's good,"

Another flash of memory stole into his consciousness. What in bloody hell?

He was back again in the woods. He was scared because it was getting dark, and he was lost and cold and hungry. Then there was a flash of red, and a  remembrance of warmth and safety… and butterfly wings, all around him… and sleep.

Peter raised an eyebrow inquiringly. "Master?"

Charlie merely smiled and straightened his cuffs. This is no time for reminiscing.

"It's nothing, Peter. I'm ready. It's showtime, folks."

@@@

Nakuru was humming a happy tune. She, Eriol-sama, and Tomoyo-chan were going to Charlie-kun's party. She felt very, very happy. Bubbly even. Even Spinel Sun's sarcastic comments couldn't stop her enthusiasm. Personally, she didn't know why Eriol-sama allowed Spinel Sun to come. She was pretty sure Charlie-kun would not allow pets inside, even ones that looked like plushies.

"Really, Eriol-sama. What would Charlie-kun say when he sees me with a plushie toy? He'll  probably say I'm childish or maybe lacking in the head."

Spinel stiffled a yawn. "And what difference would it make? You ARE lacking in the head. Besides, he already thinks that of you, baka."

Nakuru gave the cat a steely glare then stuck out her tongue. "AM NOT!"

"I rest my case."

They continued to hurl insults at each other for the rest of the trip. Eriol-sama and Tomoyo-chan were really quiet in the backseat. It was really unnerving, but she didn't want the master to notice that she noticed. Luckily, the drive wasn't very long. After thirty minutes of driving, she took the Aston Martin beyond the huge iron gates of the Terrin Manor. Everyone (with the exception of master Eriol) had their mouths open and were ogling at the finely manicured gardens.

"It's bigger than our house..." Tomoyo breathed, "It's utterly beautiful," she said as they passed by a the enormous fountain in front of the house. On top of the fountain was a magnificent sculpture of a man wooing what appeared to be an faerie maiden.

Nakuru parked the car in front of the brightly lit mansion. Definitely bigger than Eriol-sama's town house.

A valet opened Nakuru's door and offered his hand. "Good evening, milady. Welcome to the Terrin Manor."

"Kawaii! You're so polite!" Nakuru put her hand in the valet's offered hand. "And cute, too!"

The valet's face went as red as his hair. "I... uh... well... thank you..." He pulled Nakuru up from the seat. "Umm... the keys... miss."

Nakuru looked around. Eriol-sama and Tomoyo-chan were already being helped out of the car.

Dangling the keys with her thumb and index finger, she dropped them on the valet's left hand. "Certainly." Resisting the urge to hug him, Nakuru can only smile and bat her eyelashes.

Noticing Nakuru's regard, the valet tried to get in the car while avoiding brushing against her. "Right, miss."

He actually looked scared... Kawaii! He looked cuter scared.

A rather loud cough could be heard from inside the car. The valet gave Spinel Sun a confused look.

"Did that toy..."

Spinel! Cough. Cough. "Oh my, I seem to have contracted a bad cough. Oh, look. I forgot to bring my plushie..." Leaning over casually, she grabbed Spinel by the neck, earning her a irate glare. She then straightened up and squeezed Spinel's cheek into hers.

"I just can't go anywhere without it! Hmmm..." she kissed Spinel soundly.

"Uh... right." The valet closed the door and proceded to start the car.

Spinel let out a sigh of relief. "You nearly suffocated me, baka."

She didn't answer, but gave Spinel a smug smile and began to walk. Seeing Eriol and Tomoyo just entering the front door, she hiked up her skirt and ran as fast as she could up the stairs while trying to appear dignified.

@@@

"Eriol-sama, you're so MEAN!"

Nakuru just found out that it was Charlie-kun's birthday! Oooh, and he looked sooo cute in his white tuxedo. It just emphasized his lovely brown eyes with those gorgeous blond lashes. It made her think of chocolate surrounded by caramel. Yum.

".... Ah, of course, a dance with you miss Nakuru... "

Wha... Nakuru came out of her reverie. Did Charlie-kun just ask her for a dance?.... Ooooh, so kawaii!!!

*Behave, Ruby Moon. The Master does not need to be embarassed tonight.*  Spinel Sun's thoughts intruded on her own.

*Of course, what made you think I'd do anything stupid?* Secretly, Nakuru was disappointed. She was just so happy that she had wanted to jump on Charlie-kun's back and hug him tight. Oh, well. Just for tonight. I'm sure I'll find some way to meet him outside.

*Nakuru-chan...* Even in thoughts, Spinel can sound so.... serious.

Nakuru spotted french doors leading outside to a huge balcony and moved towards it. Making sure no one was near, she put Spinel on the marble railing and said, "Okay, you're here. Now stay put." A nasty gleam appears on Nakuru's eye. "If you're good, I'll bring you some sweets."

"I don't eat sweets." Spinel said as-a-matter-of-factly.

"Oh, loosen up, Spinel-kun! It's a party. Just stay hidden behind this plant and enjoy the music." Nakuru skipped back to the doors. Looking back, she smiles and says, "Behave, Spinel-kun. Master does not need to be embarassed tonight." She laughed and tossed her hair back.

"Baka."

@@@

Charles heaved a sigh of relief as his eyes followed Nakuru's form going out towards the balcony. Thank heavens. He didn't want to attract too much stress today. Still, he could not resist taking another peek. She looked good today...

Charles himself a mental shake. What am I thinking...  "Good evening, ladies. Janet, Lara, Virginia... " The three girls in front of him giggled.

"Oh, Charles, darling. Happy birthday!" Virginia Magnusson hugged him and kissed his cheek.  She whispers in his ear. "I'm free all night. Maybe we could have our private party later..."

Charles gripped Virginia by the shoulders and laughs nervously. "Haha... Thank you very much Ginnie. I appreciate it. I'm afraid I'll be busy tonight, though. " Looking around, he spots Regina Bonetti. "Begging your pardon, ladies, but I believe I have promised a dance to that young lady over there."

Releasing her, he half ran towards Reggie. Behind him, Janet and Lara began their giggling fits again and Ginnie was glaring furiously at his back.

@@@

Nakuru was grinning from ear to ear. She had seen what had happened to Charles and his lady friend. She couldn't help feeling smug.

"So, Miss Nakuru,  as I was saying... my family and I will be spending this Saturday on our HUGE yacht. I would be so happy if you could join us." James Cameron raked his fingers nervously through his honey blond hair.

Oooh, kawaii. I wonder why master never introduced me to his classmates. They're all so cute! "I'd love to, James. But I'll have to check my schedule." Nakuru laughed at his crestfallen face. "I promise I'll call you when I am free."

James looked up expectantly. "Really? I'll hold you to your promise..."

"Yes, I promise."

James dipped Nakuru to her back as the final strains of the tango drifted in the air.  He smiled and straightened her up. "Alright, then. I'll be waiting for your call." He kissed her right hand. "I'll see you later, angel."

Nakuru laughed and waved as James moved away.

She turned around... just in time to see Charles Terrin moving away from Eriol-kun and Tomoyo-chan. Just in time to see the faint blue glow surrounding him.

Nakuru's eyes grew wide. He's doing something! Something magic! And... he's turning, turning... Oh no, he saw me! After that, it seemed to take less than second for Charlie to get by her side.

Charlie gave her a sinful grin. " I believe you owe me a dance, butterfly girl." Then he took her hand and lead her to the dance floor.

@@@

"Enjoy yourself, my sweet?"

Nakuru grew confused and looked towards the balcony. *Spinel... he...*

*At ease, Ruby Moon. He means well.*

"A penny for your thoughts?" A pair of chocolate eyes bored into hers.

"I... uh... ummm… it's nothing." She felt warm. Perhaps Spinel was right, for once.

*I heard that.*

She smiled. "Everything's just fine. " She put her arms around Charlie's neck and put her cheek on his chest. She sighed. He may be younger than her, but he's sooo cute. And he feels so nice. She rubbed her cheek against his expensive jacket.

~~~~~~

Note from the author:

Although Nakuru appears older than Eriol, she's actually younger since she couldn't have been created until Eriol was born and had enough sense to create her and Spinel Sun.

~~~~~~

Charlie was taken aback. Normally, he would come up with an excuse to get away, but tonight he felt his throat contract and he just couldn't say the words. Ah well, might as well enjoy the evening. Besides, it IS my birthday.

Finally, he put his hands on Nakuru's waist. He kissed the top of her head and said, "That's good." Gods, she smelled good. It reminded him of a forest, a forest filled with beautiful flowers.

"So, what do you think of the house?"

"Hmmm..." Nakuru brought her eyes up to stare at his. "It's beautiful. I especially liked the sculpture on top of the fountain. Where did you buy it? It's a very interesting piece."

Charlie smiled. "My grandfather had it commissioned a long time ago. It's actually a sort of remembrance of family history. According to the legend, one of my ancestors married a faerie maiden during the height of Camelot's fame."

"Camelot?"

"Uh... one of England's more famous legends.  I'm surprised you don't know of it. You have lived in England long enough to hear of it, surely."

Nakuru's face felt warm. I'm not blushing. I'm not blushing. "Well, I was a bit preoccupied."

Charlie laughed a full and rich laugh. (KAWAII!!!) "I'm sure. Anyway, Camelot is merely a dream, as the family legend is merely a flight of fancy. I'm also surprised that you noticed the sculpture. Most people wouldn't give it another thought."

"It IS a beautiful piece... AND it comes with such a pretty story. It would have been nice to know how they lived."

"Happily ever after, I would think. As far as I know, our family never had problems with love... Nothing severe, anyway."

Except for me... major, major draught…

"As for faerie magic... I think love is powerful enough on its own. Don't you agree?"

Nakuru did not answer. How would I know? she thought miserably, I never had that kind of love... She thought of Eriol. No, that's different... I think. He is master. Besides, there was Tomoyo-chan.

"Forgive me. I didn't mean to make you sad." Charlie looked concerned.

"Gomen ne, Charlie-kun. Did I look sad?" She smiled. "I was merely thinking of my homework. I have to finish them during the weekend."

He flashed her his trademark grin. "College must be a terrible drag. Allow me to make you forget your worries..."

Taking her hands, he pushed her away and twirled her around. The next tune was playing. It was more modern, a pop song... Perhaps this would serve his purpose better, and he planned to make her forget the more unusual events of that night.

Meanwhile, a pair of green eyes glared at the couple on the dancefloor unobserved.