11. Time for Love

Someone was summoning a Fate. The pull of a soul so beautiful and familiar to her, Moira wanted to laugh and cry and sing and take nap all at the same time. Fates didnt do any of those things when they were summoned. They showed up and wrote the destiny for that one special individual so that they would follow and find their path.

Someone was summoning a Fate and Moira was more than ready to show up.

Inanna, you have to distract the other sisters so I can answer that call.

Inanna glowed a little brighter. They do not think you should have anything to do with the beings on Earth.

This time, it is not their choice. It is mine. I know that we dont get fates of our own, so I dont understand how, but this is my fate and Im taking it. Moira fully understood what she was giving up, she wouldnt have these enormous powers, shed have no say in the fates and futures of the beings in the universe, and shed never be able to see her sisters again.

But it was all worth it, worth it for the love of Percy.

Good for you, Moira. You grab your destiny by the horns and ride it for all its worth. About time somebody did. Inanna flickered and sparked, and suddenly burst into a thousand rainbows. Oh, yeah, that was one hell of a distraction.

Moira gave a little mental wave goodbye to her sisters while they gathered around Inannas explosion of colors, and descended down from her spot in the sky. A journey that she controlled this time. The closer she got to the small blue and green planet and to her destiny, the more she could feel each layer of her existence put on in the centuries of being a Fate peeling off and being replaced by skin, hair, a heart, and a soul.

Tiny pinpricks dotted her entire being, excruciating as the powers shed always had burned out. She happily endured this pain, giving the magic up little by little. It was her choice and she chose a mortal life filled with love and more than enough magic in the beings she would get to live with to last all of her days.

Moira didnt need a map or a course to find her way. The shining purple light of Percys soul was her guide. This time, the area where shed crashed landed the first time was filled with more than just the glow of one soul. She recognized each and every light that had gathered. She knew them better than they knew themselves.

She was the Fate whod written their destinies and then later decided to change them so they lived happy fulfilled lives instead of the dark nights their fates called for. That one small act of rebellion, the moment shed made a different choice than what was pre-ordained had set all the events in motion that brought her to her own destiny.

She and Inanna had written so many of these fates between the witches and the Dragon Warriors, put so many of these mates together. She could see them all now. And the witches were her lifes work, the guidance of their souls to find fated mates in the dragons were the lives shed guided and made decision for.

These were her people.

And Percy was her dragon. Had Inanna known this all along? Had she been the one to write Moiras own fate? She must have been. What a secret she must have been keeping for such a long time.

Because Fates didnt get soul mates. Fates didnt have their own destiny. But not because they couldnt. Only because they didnt choose it for themselves.

No more.

Moira would show her sister Fates the way and if they chose to be brave and follow in her footsteps, she would be there for them on the other side. She sincerely hoped some of them would take the risk, because the reward of finding their one true love was so worth it.

The witchs words floated into Moiras mind. Fates above, we call on you to give this soul its destiny. As it is written in the stars so may it be on his soul.

Moira knew shed escaped the purview of her sisters too easily. Inannas distraction had surely worked, but it wouldnt take long for the sisters to notice what she was doing. They could have easily called her back. Plus, any Fate in the sky could have answered the call, but every single one of her sisters chose to remain quiet and give this one shining soul and its destiny to her. She was ever so grateful to them all.

Just as she approached the dragon tree a flash of silver magic exploded, expanding out like a supernova, and then collapsing like a dense dark star. Her last bit of Fates power transitioned Moira into her new mortal life. Her light compressed itself inside of her until only she and her fated mate would be able to see it.

Her vision went dark, her sense of all living beings in the Universe quieted, until there was only her. The darkness of space was gone and the green trees of the forest came into focus. She blinked and breathed once again. She was home.

This time the language and everything else she needed to live her new life was there, some learned from her experience and some as a gift from at least one of her sisters, probably Inanna. It took her a second to find her voice. She was a little surprised to her own soft and beautiful words tinkle through the air. “Say it again, Percy. Say you love me again and again. I want to hear it a million times. Because I love you too. I choose to love you and only you.”

Percy whipped around and their eyes locked. He fell to his knees and wrapped his arms around her thighs. “I love you Moira, a million times, infinity times, I love you. Please stay with me. I promise never to be your punishment again.”

A lone tear dripped down her cheek and landed on his lips. “I was wrong to say that. You weren’t my punishment, You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. You showed me what love is, and what it means to have the choice to love.

Percy held her nice and tight like he never wanted to let her go. Youll always have a choice with me. Always. Even if that doesnt include being with me.

She loved him even more for allowing her to have that choice and it was good and right to give him the same in return. A squiggly sort of wormy feeling made her stomach flip and flop. This was the part that she and her sister Fates were afraid of. The risk. Not much of one, she granted, but Percy had been hurt by her leaving and however infinitesimal the chance, he could still say no. I’d like to stay with you forever if you’ll let me.”

Percy jumped up and lifted Moira in his arms, spinning her around and around so that everyone else had to get out of the way. “Forever and ever, my love, my Fate.”

But Percy, you have a choice to make too. I changed your life when I turned you from the familiar into a man, and somehow again when we met and you began this transformation into a dragon. I want you to live the life you want. If you want to be a hedgehog, I will be a hedgehog with you. If you want to be a man, I will be your woman. If you want to be a dragon...I will be your mate.

She couldnt do the magic of altering his fate to what he wanted himself, but she had connections, in the stars. It didnt matter to her which life he chose, she only wanted to be with him in it.

My sweet, sweet star. He cupped her cheek and brushed his thumb across her mouth in a way that made her feel all melty inside. But it was the look of such sincere love in his eyes that really had her turning to a pile of pink goo. You dont even know what you have done for me in changing my life. I am only now becoming who I was truly meant to be, because you set me on the path. I might not have chosen to go through the hardships of change myself. But Im so happy you did.

But you loved being a familiar. I know you did. There was still a pile of guilt for her to get over when it came to the decisions shed made on his behalf.

It was a soft and comfortable life, yes. But it was the life of a child. And to be a child forever was quite literally a curse. You broke that curse, and its allowing me to enjoy a whole new world. With you. I would always choose the life with you.

Moiras heart grew three times that day and kissed him until both their heads were spinning along with their bodies. She couldn’t wait until they were alone so they could show each other just how much they were going to love each other forever.

Percy, Kady the witchs voice broke gently into their reverie, Arent you going to introduce us?

Percy set Moira down and they faced his friends. Two women smiled at her, but the Dragon Warrior men were looking anywhere but at her. Up, down, at the tree, at the rocks, but not at her. Strange.

Hi, Im Kady. Percy and I are old friends. The witch held out her hand to Moira and the moment they touched, their souls recognized each other as kindred spirits. Also, would you mind if I popped a pretty dress or something on you? Our boys here are being very smart and not looking at your all naked and voluptuousness, but Im sure theyd like to say hi.

Moira looked down at her body with its curves and valleys. Her human form had those ample breasts, a softly rounded belly, and thick thighs just like before. She loved this body because it had already brought her so much pleasure and joy.

Percy tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. These guys are all funny about being naked unless they are alone. I promise to spend plenty of naked time with you when we get back to our time and the garden in Rogue.

That was a promise she could hardly wait for. Okay. What kind of clothing should I have. I liked wearing Percys clothes before.

There is something about wearing your mans shirt that makes us all go all squidgy inside. Kady sighed and smiled as if remembering something nice.

Kady, my sweet fire, I will dress you in my shirt now and everyday if you keep looking at me like that. The tallest of the men pulled the witch into his arms and stroked his hands up and down her back.

Keep your shirt on, you horny Dragon. Well, at least until we get home. Kady booped him on the nose and then turned back to Moira. When we get back home, well take you into town and do a little shopping. Theres a wolftress named Selena and who basically owns the town and she has a really interesting fashion boutique.

There was a lot about the human life Moira was going to have to learn. Because werent wolves supposed to keep their true forms a secret? Theyd never been her jurisdiction, that was the Goddess of the Moons job. Shed learn about all of that in time, she was sure. A dress sounds fine as long as its easy to get back off.

She didnt want to spend any more time than she had to with these silly clothes on. Unless of course it was Percys shirts.

I know just the style. In a wave of her hand Moira wore a purple flowy dress that went slightly off the shoulders and did indeed seem easy to take off.

Once she was clothed the men in the circle relaxed and after Percys face went from big eyed and his tongue lolling out the side looking at her, he introduced her to everyone. Her memories of being a Fate and how shed written these peoples destinies on their souls faded with each new introduction until they were all simply new friends and not anyone whos future she already knew.

Hi, Im Genny, the second witch shook Moiras hand. And this big hunk of purplely lusciousness is my mate, Porfirio.I have a feeling were all going to be spending a lot of time together. Get it, time. Because our mates are time Dragons? I crack myself up.

Lets get this show on the road back to our Rogue. While 10,000 B.C. has been fun, Id prefer a good steak for dinner instead of some wooly mammoth. Neo said and pointed to Porfirio.

Moira whispered to Percy. Are we in a show?

No. He laughed. Its just an expression.

Oh. Too bad. I like your shows. The stories in his tablet were fun and exciting and she looked forward to snuggling up in a bed, eating snacks, and spending lots of time with Percy. Naked.

The other Dragon Warrior stepped up to Percy, and a shimmer of purple scales flickered across him. Percy squeezed Moiras hand and she understood he was asking for her strength. Shed give him all that he needed, and squeezed back.

Percival, the other Dragon Warriors voice resonated with a magic that only a few held. He must be the alpha. Are you ready to command the element only Dragons of our kind can wield? Are you ready to fully become a member of the Purple Dragons?

Percy looked at Moira, gave her a wink, and then nodded to the alpha. John Wayne said that courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway. Im saddled up and ready.

The other dragon shifted into an enormous purple sparkling dragon and held out one of his claws. Genny slipped herself onto the talons taking a seat. Then she waved her hands at Percy and Moira indicating they should do the same. In fact all the other Dragon Warriors were shifting, and Neo and Kady were doing something similar.

Huh. So riding on your dragons back wasnt the thing. Percy smiled at her then closed his eyes. His purple magic swirled around him and he shifted into the very same Purple Dragon that Moira had ridden through the portal the first time. This was her mates true form, and it was beautiful.

Instead of climbing into his claw, Percy lowered his head. I like when you ride on my back, my star. I promise to keep you safe, if you want to ride there again.

Moira didnt hesitate and climbed up the scales on his neck and settled herself between his wings. I know you will. Percy, fly!

A swirl of clouds opened before them sizzling and sparkling with Percys purple magic. He lifted into the air and this time the flight was smooth as gliding through the night sky. The other dragons followed and, in a flash, they were all back in full forest next to the Dragon Tree. Somewhere nearby the sound of bustling human civilization echoed, and she knew they were back to the most current point in time. Exactly where they belonged.

They continued their flight and soon came upon a small town. Most of the Dragons descended, and Moira assumed they were taking up into their own residences. This was the first time it occurred to her that she and Percy probably wouldnt just be living in the Dragon tree.

Percy, where will we live?

Come on, I have just the place for you to rest and tomorrow well talk to the gnomes about getting a tiny house of our own where no one will care if we walk around naked all day. Percy flew her to a small copse of trees surrounded by flowering bushes. I used to come here to look up at the stars and wish on them.

She remembered. She shouldnt, but she did.

Percy shifted back into his human form and led her inside the circle of trees and bushes. She found a soft layer of leaves that resembled a nest. He pulled her down into the center and they laid together, Percys shoulder acting as her pillow. From this position, they could look up through a break in the treetops to the starry sky above.

Thats funny, Percy said pointing to a particular cluster of stars. From here we can usually see all seven of the Pleiades.

What are the Pleiades? Moira looked into the sky where he pointed to where her closest sisters were looking down on them.

Its a constellation of stars called the seven sisters, sometimes you can only see six, but I only see five tonight.

Moira smiled to herself and snuggled further into Percys side. Maybe one of the sisters decided to come down to Earth and give love a try.

Percy looked from the stars to her and back again. His mouth fell open and he started to say something then stopped and started again. Youre...I mean... theyre.... Really?

Her best reply to that question was to give him a nice long kiss. Soon enough, they were naked and kissing and touching everywhere on each others bodies. They made love calling each others names to the stars so her sisters would know how much joy and pleasure Moiras new life brought her.

When they were sated and wrapped up in each others arms again, Percy pulled a cord from around his neck. Theres something Id like to give you.

Without even asking, she knew what he was offering. Percy, its beautiful. But I dont have anything to give you in return.

No witch had pulled a piece of her own soul to exchange with him. Maybe she could ask Kady to do that for her tomorrow.

Youve given me everything already. I think our hearts and our souls belonged to each other the first moment we met. They were just waiting for us to realize it and make the choice to be together.

His words were even more beautiful than the gift he presented her. I do love you so very much. My heart and soul are yours, Percy. Forever.

He slipped the leather cord over her head and settled the tiny hedgehog charm between her breasts. I never thought Id be so lucky to get a Fate like you for my destiny. Love you, my Fate. Forever.

Finally Moira had her very own fate. A fate written in the stars.