Chapter 9 - Episode 9 Blood Moon Rising

📖 Whispers of the Moon

By Rapwizzy Debaron

Episode 9: Blood Moon Rising

The sky bled red as the trio ran through the forest—Juvia, Ha-jun, and Eunji. The trees whispered secrets, the moon pulsed like a heartbeat, and the air trembled with the approach of something ancient.

Juvia's heart raced, but her steps were steady. For the first time, she wasn't just reacting—she was becoming.

"You said I'm Moonborn," she said breathlessly as they dashed between twisted roots and low branches. "What does that mean?"

Ha-jun's voice was sharp but calm. "You were chosen by the Moon Goddess in every lifetime to bear her light. The Moonborn don't die like others—they return, again and again."

"But why me?" she asked, frustration bubbling up.

"Because you carry the Moon's heart," Eunji replied. "And Rian… he was meant to carry her shadow."

Juvia's throat tightened. "Then we were supposed to balance each other."

Ha-jun gave her a quick glance. "Until he chose to destroy the balance."

Suddenly, the path ahead split. A silver mist rolled over the ground like waves, thick and cold.

Ha-jun raised his dagger. "Mist of the Hollow Vale. We're close."

"Close to what?" Juvia asked.

"To the Gate of Echoes," Eunji answered. "Where the past and present collide."

They stepped into the mist—and the world changed.

The trees twisted into towering spires. The forest floor turned to smooth marble. The air shimmered, like a dream slipping from reality. A black archway stood ahead, carved with silver runes that glowed faintly.

"The Gate," Ha-jun said.

As they approached, a voice echoed from the arch:

"Only the Moonborn may pass. Others shall fall to memory."

Juvia hesitated. "You can't come?"

Ha-jun looked at her with something like pain. "No. This part is yours alone."

Eunji pressed something into her hand—a crescent-shaped talisman. "To protect your soul. If you see him, don't believe everything he says."

Juvia nodded and stepped through the gate.

Instantly, she was surrounded by stars. Not just in the sky—but beneath her feet, above her, around her. A sea of memories swirled like constellations.

One star pulsed brighter than the others.

She touched it.

The world shifted.

Now she stood on a balcony, looking over a golden empire. Drums echoed below. Flags flew in the wind. She turned—and saw herself, older, dressed in moon-etched armor, speaking to a court of warriors.

"We must not hesitate. Rian has already crossed into the Shadow Realm. If we wait any longer—"

That version of Juvia stopped mid-sentence. Her head turned slowly, eyes widening—as if feeling her current self watching.

Suddenly, the vision dissolved.

And Rian was there again.

But not as a shadow.

He looked real. Flesh and blood. Closer than before.

"I missed you," he said softly.

Juvia stepped back. "This isn't real."

Rian smiled sadly. "Then why does it hurt so much?"

"You tried to kill me."

"I tried to set you free."

She shook her head. "From what?"

"From them." His voice rose. "From the goddess. From the curse. From this endless cycle where you always choose Ha-jun over me."

Juvia froze.

"What?"

His eyes flared. "You chose him every time. Every life. Even before he knew who he was. Even when you were mine first."

She looked away. "That's not true."

Rian stepped closer, brushing his fingers near her cheek—but stopping short.

"Tell me you don't feel it," he whispered. "The way the moon tugs at you… but the shadow makes you stronger. Don't you wonder what we'd become together?"

Juvia's heart pounded. The truth was—she did feel something. A connection. But whether it was love, or guilt, or destiny's chains, she didn't know.

"I don't know what I feel anymore," she admitted.

"Then come with me," Rian said. "Just once. No gods. No orders. Just us."

Juvia looked into his stormy eyes. For a moment… she saw the boy from the mural. Her brother. Her best friend. The one who promised to never leave.

Then she felt the talisman Eunji gave her grow hot in her hand.

The stars flickered violently.

And her own voice echoed through the void:

"He lies with kindness. He loves with poison."

Juvia gasped, stepping back. "No. Not again."

She gripped the talisman and shouted, "I choose myself!"

A beam of moonlight shattered the illusion.

Rian screamed as the stars consumed him.

And Juvia awoke—back at the temple ruins, panting, trembling, glowing.

Ha-jun knelt beside her, relief flooding his face.

"You came back."

She nodded weakly. "I saw everything. And I finally said no."

The blood moon faded to silver.

But in the distance, deep in the shadows of the realm between realms…

Rian opened his eyes again.

And smiled.

---

To be continued…

🌙 Did you feel that twist?

❤️ Like if Juvia choosing herself gave you chills

💬 Comment your thoughts on Rian's dark love

🔁 Share this episode with anyone who loves drama and fantasy

🗳️ Vote to keep Whispers of the Moon glowing bright

✨ Follow Rapwizzy Debaron for more unforgettable moments under the moonlight!