Moonlight Desire

Chapter 17

Lia stared into the distance at her window, her head flowing with the little time she had spent here. Lia's expression remained unchanging with only the sun's warmth against her skin that seemed to be the only thing bringing life to her. She never forgot what Himeko said to her that day they first met. Memories of that day haunting her mind.

"As you see, this island is deserted. No one lives here expect the Komatsuzaki clan. To keep it that way, I just cast an illusion spell to make it appear as though the mansion never existed, to begin with. The only way to get back in is if you have the key, which is the spell I just cast or if you have a household member with you." 

"What's the point of that," Lia asked herself but spoke softly. 

"The reason for that is so we can stay hidden. I was still a baby when it happened but, about 200 years ago, our clan was almost completely wiped out." 

Lia let out a sigh and grabbed her arm that was facing the window which was warm from the sunshine beaming down on it. 

"Two hundred years ago, huh?" Lia forced a smile and brought her head to face the floor. "How is that possible? Himeko, you realize that would have been in 1817. It just doesn't make sense." 

Lia heard a knock on her door that snapped her mind back to reality. 

"Lia," she heard Kazuki warm tone at the door. "Mind if I come in?" 

Lia's eyes instantly lit up and went over to let Kazuki in who was holding a tea tray.

"Merry Christmas," he said to her. 

"Merry Christmas," she replied back with a smile.

Kazuki walked over to her large window and opened up her balcony door, letting in all the warmth. 

"I thought we could enjoy some tea together." He looked back at her with his warm expression and his eye shimming in the sunlight. "How does that sound?" 

Lia went over and followed him out to the balcony. The sunlight instantly soaked into their skin and a hint of ocean air filled their senses. Kazuki set the tea tray on the table and the two sat down and enjoyed a cup of tea.

Lia stared at the trees surrounding the house and listened to the peaceful sound of the morning birds singing a beautiful song. The waves softly made their way to shore and complimented their song. The beautiful sound of nature was enough to calm Lia with the overwhelming thoughts she had earlier. 

"Beautiful isn't it," Kazuki asked finally breaking the silence. 

Lia nodded. "It is." Lia's tone was soft but she kept a smile and looked up at the sky, soaking in more of the sun's warmth. "This is so nice. I wasn't expecting it to be like this."

Kazuki smirked. "What, you mean the planet?" Lia nodded. "Well it is different from what you would see in movies, isn't it?" 

Lia brought her head back down and took a sip of tea. "Yes, everything we've been told about aliens is a lie. But, I'm wondering, what is this planet called?" 

"Rakuen." 

"Rakuen?" Lia smiled and slightly tilted her head down. "I should have guessed it would have a Japanese name." 

The two laughed softly and continued to sip their tea. 

"Anyway Lia, I've been meaning to ask you. How have you been feeling?" 

"Oh! Well, I've been feeling a lot better lately." Lia began to speak in a bubbly matter. "I have to admit that I was very confused as to where I was when I did wake up. I can't believe how stiff I was. The last thing I remember is going to sleep in Monte's arm and then all of a sudden I was here. I thought you forgot about me and I was going to die." 

Kazuki bowed his head slightly. "I'm sorry." 

Lia waved her hands out in front of her. "It's fine really. You see, I'm okay!" 

Kazuki didn't lift his head up to face her again. "I didn't make it in time and I let you die." Lia's eyes widened and she was lost for words. He lifted his head up and began to speak to her again. "But, you probably want to know what we are. I kind of kept you in the dark. Is there anything you would like to know?" 

Lia's thoughts pretty much instantly drifted back to when Himeko told her that their clan was wiped out 200 years ago but what bugged her the most is when she revealed that she was still a baby when it happened. Lia looked at Kazuki, filled her entire being with air and built up some courage to ask him about it. 

"I'm just wondering. Kazuki, how old are you?"

Kazuki raised his eyebrows in a slight surprise at Lia's little question.

"Out of all the things you could ask, you want to know how old I am first.

Lia nodded which caused Kazuki to smirk in response. 

"Take a guess." 

Lia took a look at his physical appearance which made him appear like he was in his twenties. There was no way he was anything over thirty. 

"Twenty-five?"

Kazuki let out a laugh at her response. "Not quite."

"Okay what is it," she playfully demanded.

"Two-hundred and twenty-four." 

Lia shook her head playfully. "Shut up, no you're not."

"I am," he teased.

Lia crossed her arms with a smirk. "Alright then, when were you born?"

"December 1st, 1793."

Lia then came to realization that this wasn't a joke anymore. She looked into his purple eyes and knew everything that he just said wasn't a lie.

"Lia," he said softly. "What is this about?"

Lia starred into her cup of tea, feeling a little ashamed of how she just behaved. It was already clear to her that Aliens were not human so their aging should also not be very human either. 

"Himeko said something about the Komatsuzaki clan being destroyed two hundred years ago."

Kazuki, with worry in his eyes, looked right at Lia. "How much did she tell you?" 

"Nothing really. She actually changed the subject after she said it but, I can't help but wanting to know what happened.

Kazuki got up from his seat and rested his hand gently on her head to reassure her. 

"It's nothing for you to worry about. In time, I'll tell you what really happened back then but only when you're ready. Alright?" Lia nodded her head in response. "But, we should head downstairs." 

Kazuki grabbed the tea tray and started to walked back into the house. Lia followed him behind, where they would start their little Christmas celebration.