Xavier's Little Star

Sylus

Xavier and I dressed up in suits. We looked really good. Xavier gave me a ring, because according to his plan, we had to act like a married couple, which was absolutely embarrassing for me. He held my hand as we walked to Sylus's Drink bar. Some people stared at us holding hands, and my cheeks were red and warm, but Xavier acted as if nothing was happening. He just stayed calm and walked, hand in hand with me. Sometimes, I envied him. How could he stay so calm, even in the most embarrassing situations?

"Are you nervous?" he asked, looking down at me.

"A little bit," I replied.

"No need to be nervous around me, you know? I'll be right here," he said softly.

How could I tell him that he was the reason I was feeling nervous? Never mind—I just had to pretend. It was all part of the plan at the end of the day.

We entered the bar and sat at the table in front of the bartender. Xavier handed him a piece of paper. The bartender looked at it and smirked.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Yes," Xavier answered confidently.

The bartender led us to a room—a dark room with a single window. A faint light was directed toward a man sitting in a chair. He looked powerful.

"You're an interesting couple," the man said in a deep voice that made me shiver.

Before I could respond, Xavier spoke for me.

"Yes, we're going to the N109 Zone," he said.

The man chuckled, his laugh more terrifying than his presence.

"Aren't you two a bit too greedy?" the man said as he approached us. He was taller than me and just slightly taller than Xavier. "Two little boys wanting to be in danger," he said, mocking us.

"We will go," I said, trying to show confidence.

"Oh... the little kitten speaks," he said, laughing.

"I'm not a—" I started to say, but he cut me off.

"I know, no need to be rude," the man said. "I'm Sylus, the owner of this bar and the ruler of the N109 Zone. It's a pleasure to meet both of you," he said, looking down at us. "Why do you want to go to the N109 Zone?"

"To break a cycle," Xavier said, holding my hand.

"You're talking about the Lunar Cycle?" Sylus asked.

"Yes, that's it," Xavier said.

"You know that fate cannot be changed, right?" Sylus said. "If one of you has to die, that's how it must be. Nevertheless, I think there's a way to fulfill your wishes."

"How can we do that?" I asked quickly.

"Not so fast, kitten. What are you guys paying me for helping you both?" he asked.

"Money? Do you want money?" Xavier asked.

"I have plenty of that," Sylus replied, then looked at me.

"I'm not giving you Carlos," Xavier said quickly, pulling me closer.

"Oh... okay," Sylus said, glancing between the two of us. "You're lending me your powers—both of you. There have been some disturbances in the N109 Zone, so... you'll help me, and I'll help you. Are we doing this or not? Don't waste my time."

"Okay... fine," I said.