Is it land, though? Dark clouds rise from the sea. So dark, the sunlight seems to be swallowed up by it. They hover over the water, colouring it as black as the night. No one needs to spell it out, everyone knows by heart what lays before them: The Dark Island. Luna and Caspian whirl around at the call from the crow's nest, frozen next to each other while the crew rushes around them to get a look on the swirling darkness slightly larboard of the Dawn Treader – miles ahead, yet it seems to grow larger and even darker by the second. A cool wind picks up, pushing the Narnian ship toward the manifested evil. A shiver runs down Luna's spine at the sight, colder than she has ever felt before – colder still as facing a hostile army. This might not be so different, though, they have no idea what awaits them behind or inside these clouds. The warrior tries to pull herself together. She is a general after all, she must keep level-headed to give proper orders in battle. Straightening, she carefully adjusts her expression, masking her surprise and fear. There is still time, they will need it. She looks up to Drinian who towers by the wheel as usual. Exchanging a look with him, she nods before turning to Caspian. The king came to the same conclusion as his Crown Shield, switching into his stoic self. Their gazes meet and understanding passes between them,

» We need to prepare. «

That is what they do. After giving orders to the men, they rush below deck. Lucy already awaits Luna in their cabin. The queen started to lay out weapons and armour on the bed. With few words spoken, they work alongside each other. Luna doesn't wear a full suit of armor like knights do when jousting. She decides for a simple leather armor that covers her upper body, reinforced with chainmail. It doesn't weigh her down, so she can still be swift and agile while fighting. Putting on knee-protections and fastening her forearm-guards make the armor complete. Next is the sword belt. She makes sure to check every blade and sheath them correctly – not only her sword and dagger on her belt, the throwing knife in her left boot as well. Lastly, Luna straps her bow and quiver onto her back diagonally.

Lucy suits up as well, her dagger and a short sword on her belt. She leaves the healing cordial on the bed, ready to grab it later. It would be naïve to expect no one to need the precious liquid. Now, her fingers graze over Queen Susan's white bow and the delicate, red-feathered arrows, pondering on taking these weapons. Luna watches her friend for a moment,

» It's wise to have something with you and don't need it than needing something out of reach. « Lucy lifts her head, glancing from her companion to the bow on the bed. She hesitates to take it, seeing it belongs to her sister. Then again, Susan won't return to Narnia to use it. With a firm smile, she curls her fingers around the light wood,

» Alright, I'm ready. «

Meanwhile, Caspian and Edmund prepare in the study. Just as the close friends reassure each other to have their backs and hug, stepping back to check the other's armor over, Eustace is ushered in by Reepicheep. Both are agitated – the mouse is excited, anticipating the fight to the point where he can't sit still; the boy, however, is a nervous mess. Ed tries to calm his cousin down which gives Caspian the opportunity to step aside. He needs to clear his thoughts. Since he met Luna on deck half an eternity seems to have passed. Then, he wanted to finally sort it out. It being their relationship, whatever path it will continue on – friendship, romance or strictly professional – it needs to be determined. It wasn't the right time, and it certainly isn't now. Yet, he recalls what a friend once told him: You can't always wait for the perfect time. Sometimes, you must dare to act. Life is too short to wait on and on. One day, you will wonder what could have been, and then it will be too late.

The king takes a deep breath while the others argue – something about Ed wanting Eustace to stay below deck. The boy, however, doesn't want to be a coward. There, the door to the royal cabin opens, revealing Lucy and Luna in full armor. Edmund stops mid-sentence at the sight of the women ready for battle, wearing determined expressions. The six friends look at each other, slowly realizing that they are really going to fight. So, this could be the last time for all of them being together.

» Oh, Aslan, « Lucy calls out as she notices Eustace wearing chainmail – they didn't find any armor in his size. That isn't what surprises the queen, though. She steps towards him, pulling him into a hug. He doesn't even try to resist.

» Look at you, « the corners of Luna's lips lift but the smile doesn't reach her eyes,

» You're a warrior now. « Of course, she is proud of him – they all are – yet he is still a child, he shouldn't need to fight. In the end, this is a cruel world. Reepicheep pats Eustace's leg, exchanging a gaze with the Just King.

» Come on, « he says,

» Let's find you a safe spot on deck. « Eustace grins lopsidedly, proud that his friends accept him as a fighter in their middle. Still, he is so afraid he feels dizzy. He fails to conceal the terror in his eyes as he clings to his cousin for a moment longer. So, having remained behind Lucy, only Luna notices it. She is about to step towards him but stops at the sound of Caspian's voice. He stands at the window. As she started to move, he thought she would leave. Now, his right hand is extended as he looks at her,

» May I speak with you? «

~

Four of the six friends clear out, leaving Luna and Caspian to their long overdue conversation. They both know it, at least, deep down. It isn't a good time for such a delicate topic, yet they have been to war before and recognize its possible consequences. Leaving things unresolved or going to battle with hard feelings towards someone scars the heart with bitterness. They remain where they are standing, searching for a suitable approach. Luna takes a deep breath, forcing the racing thoughts about necessary preparations aside. She lifts her eyes to meet his, finding him already looking at her. Though they lastly spoke heatedly, his expression holds nothing but kindness. His hair is a mess, not yet pulled back into the bun he usually keeps it in for fights. Nevertheless, in the dimness of the study he looks handsome as ever, vulnerable, and yet strong at the same time. His cheekbones are prominent in the game of light and shadow. Silent words are passed between them, concerns, and fears as well as unmasked feelings.

» What if it distracts us? « Luna's voice is quiet, gentle, as she spells out what has been tormenting her heart for years,

» If being... together prevents me from doing my duty properly? « Both know what that could mean. A slip-up from the Crown Shield could result in death. Caspian, however, is ready to take that risk if it means to be happy. Of course, he wouldn't distract her on purpose. Fooling around, staring at each other in situations that demand full attention will need to be restricted – he doesn't rule out the possibility of it happening still. Though, all this is one step ahead already. His heart beats faster at her question, hoping it finally indicates she feels as strongly for him as he for her. He is done waiting, steering around the subject. A small, hopeful smile pulls at his lips as he steps closer,

» Does that mean you... you reciprocate- « He chuckles over his difficulty to voice his thoughts when she is around. Luna's features light up, her eyes sparkling at him, silently teasing him for his courtly behaviour.

» Since last night, I realized that I- I don't need time, Cas, « she hesitates, unsure how to word it. Caspian sighs in relief, his smile widens. Just as he takes a step closer, she does the same, placing a hand on his still extended arm. Gazing into each other's eyes, for a moment they are both at a loss of words.

» Then, back to plan A? « Cas tilts his head forward slightly,

» One step at a time? « Luna's heart leaps at his understanding. He is a gentleman through and through, a really gentle man who knows her so well.

» Plan A it is, « her reply is barley a whisper,

» Although, by now, I doubt the alphabet has enough letters for us. « Caspian laughs breathily, Luna doing the same as she blinks up at him. Slowly, he snakes his arms around her middle, drawing her close, while her hands shift to his shoulders. Both hearts flutter at the familiar gesture that brings such proximity. Luna's cheeks redden as she inhales his scent, not yet allowing herself to dwell on it. Her gaze becomes distant as she adjusts his armor,

» Do you really think this can work? « He hesitates at the sudden seriousness in her voice. His first instinct is to draw her into a tight hug, but he restrains himself, waiting for her to lift her eyes again.

» We've been through everything together, « he then says,

» This is no different. « Well, maybe a little different, but he is asking her to trust him. He feels her hands move to the back of his neck, pulling him even closer. He smirks as he willingly bows his head, letting her lean her forehead against his. The gesture calms both their thoughts and hearts, allowing them to enjoy the relief and warmth washing into their souls. They resolved what stood between them since she asked him for time, and the argument that followed. Now, their relationship is back on track. Caspian watches the turmoil in her eyes being mostly replaced with what he asked, glad she gifted her loyalty to him all those years ago. As she closes her eyes, he is sure of her trust. With a smile, he allows his eyes to drift shut as well.

~

As Caspian and Luna appear on deck, their expressions show determination. Neither of their faces gives their friends a hint at the outcome of their private conversation. Their concerns are soon drawn to the island they are approaching, anyway. The dark clouds swirl over the water less than a mile ahead now.

» What's the point of time and space when they ain't workin' properly anyway, huh? « Elrik complains, his voice echoing over the deck. At this, Luna notices the eerie silence that seems to swallow almost every sound. The only constant is the murmur of the waves, breaking at the Dawn Treader's hull. The usual bustling of the crew is a distant memory, the men only whispering amongst themselves as if afraid something could hear them. Maybe they are right to fret. Luna shudders involuntarily at the thought. She would feel a lot more confident if they knew what they are up against. The description of this evil is more than vague. Is it magic, an old power such as the White Witch was? Or a beast hidden in the shadows? As they approach the Dark Island, the first clouds reach for the ship. At this point, the warrior wishes to hear the cries of seagulls – she always found it quite comforting when the ship was anchored in another haven after long days of travel with nothing but the blue ocean around. Yet, this time, the birds fail her.

~

» No matter what happens here, « Caspian climbs the stairs to the front deck and addresses the crew, his back facing the looming darkness,

» Every soul standing before me earned their place on the Dawn Treader. « His hands rest loosely by his side, yet from her spot just below the stairs, Luna notices the tension in her king's shoulders, the way his head is bent slightly forward.

» Together we've travelled far, together we've faced adversity, « he shifts from one foot to the other, balling his hands into fists as he raises his voice,

» Together we can do it again! « While the men murmur in agreement, Caspian pauses, letting his eyes wander over the familiar faces, coming to rest on the one who holds his heart. She nods encouragingly at him without breaking the eye contact. Knowing her at his side comforts and strengthens him.

» So, now's not the time to fall to fears or give in to the temptations the green mist will bring, « he continues, finally breaking his gaze from Luna,

» Be strong! Never falter, for Narnia and everyone in it depend on us. « He finds Edmund in the crowd, standing near the railing with Eustace and Reepicheep behind him. The young men nod at each other.

» Think of the lost souls we're here to save, « at this, Rhince lowers his head for a moment, memories of his dear wife swallowed by the mist take him prisoner. His heart aches for his little daughter he had to leave behind for this quest.

» Think of Aslan. « At the mention of the Great Lion's name a strange warmth floods the hearts of the crew. Lucy smiles proudly at Caspian as he notices her slipping through the crowd to the front.

» For Narnia! « Tavros roars, making everyone flinch before doing the same. Cheers fill the odd silence, sounds of confidence, and hope not even the increasing dark clouds with their flashes of green lighting can smother. The king observes his people with a smile in his eyes, remaining on the front deck only a moment longer before descending the stairs. He is eager to close the distance to Luna once again, glad that she awaits him at the bottom. A firm smile adorns her lips as he comes to a halt at her side, fingers ghosting over her hand.

» For Narnia, « whispers she, her voice barley reaching him over the cheering and shouting of the crew. Yet, he catches it and knows, they are ready. Together they can face whatever is coming.