Rising of the Sun

It was very strange to stare up into the sky and not see her there. In fact, it felt strange for her to even be looking up. Usually, it had been Luna, high above the clouds, looking down in wonderment. What a change it was to see the world from a new perspective.1

Was everything really this...big? And green? From her position, it all looked blue and grey. 2

It amazed Luna how fortunate she was to be experiencing the thrill of this moment. Today was a blessing and it only came around once every ten millennium. Honestly, it felt good to have a day off and her replacement seemed to be doing just fine on their own.3

Looking around her, Luna was at peace. The gentle slopes of mountain ranges reached out in front of her, frosted with ice from the previous blizzard. The blades of grass were frozen where they stood; suspended in time until the day of thawing.4

Luna never thought she would be human again. To feel the crisp Autumn leaves fall into her hair or the squelching of wet soil between toes. Hmmm. That was another thing she had to get used to; walking. 5

Although Luna could never quite comprehend the luck of humanity, with all their wonder of the five magnificent senses, she still missed home. She missed her little nook, nestled up in the stars plus the comforting blackness and stillness of her own world. Everything on this planet was just so bright and busy. Things rustled against her skin, played with her nose, tantalized her taste buds and mesmerized her eyes. She could even hear the song of every plant and animal in this field. It was beautiful.6

Zzzzzoooooooom! A metallic red beast raced past her on the hardened black ground. What a strange creature, she had most certainly not come across it last time. Perhaps the humans kept it as a pet. Luna shook her head in annoyance, she would never forget the day man came and stuck a pole in her crater. How rude!7

Following the beast's direction, Luna plodded along taking in the sights. Walking was such a strange movement, not at all what she was used to. Gravity just pulled her gently along; to and fro like a sailboat. It was easy. But cognitive functions were so much harder to control. Her legs flopped out in awkward directions. All in all, Luna felt pretty stupid.8

Rrreeeeeeeee....puh! Luna jumped in fright. One of the metallic beasts was crouching right beside her. What was she to do? 9

A strange, solidified piece of water lowered itself on the monster. A boyish head stuck out, smirking at her for a reason she couldn't fathom. “Need a ride?” the human asked. 10

Luna approached the thing cautiously. “Does it have to eat me?” she questioned, wondering where on earth it's mouth was. It had clearly devoured this male specimen, and yet, he was completely unharmed.11

The boy roared with laughter. Wiping tears from his eyes he muttered, “I thought so. Not many girls wander around naked in these parts.”12

“Nay-kid?”13

“Yeah, not many people do it. It's kind of bad manners or something. It basically means looking exactly like you are now.” Luna hung her head in shame. So many customs to learn, so little time. The man threw her a long piece of blue and silver fabric with funny flaps attached to the sides. “It's a jumper silly,” he laughed. “Here, I'll help you put it on.”14

As the young man got out of the monster to help her getting dressed, Luna suddenly felt her face growing very hot. A strange, kernel of...unease...crept into her stomach. What was this feeling? She looked at the stranger in a whole new light. He had a short, brown mop of hair, hidden mostly by a cap that said 'Tigers.' His eyes were a vivid green and sparkled like the ice fragments she had encountered this morning. He too was wearing one of the warm cloths that now covered her chest and thighs, except he appeared to be wearing another one down his legs as well.15

Luna started. Wait a minute, she thought. How am I communicating with him so easily? It took a moment for her to remember the rules of possession. As long as her host knew, she knew.16

“So what's your name anyhow?” asked the man kindly, knocking Luna out of her temporary panic attack.17

“Oh, um...it's Luna. Just Luna.”18

The man smiled. She immediately felt safe with him. “Well then Luna,” he said, extending his arms in welcome, “the name's Ray and it's a pleasure to meet cha.”19

Luna spent the better half of a day with her new companion, driving around in their Toyota. Apparently it was merely the brand name for this particular model but still fell under the same category of vehicle. How odd.20

Luna caught a glimpse of herself in the so-called side mirror. Her body was very pretty. It had long, blond hair that waved and curled at the ends, her eyes were a mystic blue and her head was in the shape of a softened heart. Luna's new body was very curvy and elegant, she felt rather pleased with herself to be in possession of it. Not at all like Ray's body, it was all bumpy and hard. Maybe men were supposed to have big muscles though. Luna wasn't really sure.21

Ray parked beside an elaborate garden many hours later, asking her to join him. Luna couldn't refuse. They walked, talked, laughed, ran, it was the best time of her life. Even without the cover of night. But as the day drew to a close and they held each other beneath her final sunset, she felt a horrible sensation creep into her eyes. Warm, salty water spilled over her lashes and a strange hiccuping noise rolled deep within Luna's throat. She was crying. She had grown too attached to this stranger and now, she would never see him again. Their lifespans were too different. Ray however, was smiling.22

“I am glad you enjoyed yourself, my love,” he whispered, wiping away her tears and pulling Luna's head slowly to his chest. “You shouldn't worry. We shall indeed see each other again. For you are the moon and I am the sun, rest assured we shall someday be one.” Luna looked up incredulously. 23

“You - you're the sun?”24

“Well of course,” he chuckled. “Did you really think you were the only one who got a day off? Man, I was so certain my name would've given it away too. Ha. Luna. So amusing. Luna, lunar, Ray, a ray of sunlight. Our minds sure do think alike huh?”25

But Luna didn't respond. Her lips were locked firmly onto his as day gave way to night and she slowly evaporated above the clouds.26

“I'll be waiting.”27