~MIDNIGHT~

I opened my eyes; the bright light blinded my vision. I took a deep breath, the scent of mint surrounded me as my eyes adjusted to the warm rays of sunlight above; a shadow leaned over to stare down at me.

I was greeted with wide emerald eyes; the shiny jewels sparkled from the sunshine as they bore into mine. Bountiful blonde, loose curls fell forward as the shifter continued to stare down at me.

Her skin was flawless; her light porcelain complexion only contributed in making her eyes look spectacular. Her cheeks had a hint of pink to match her soft, smooth, pink lips.

“Midnight?” Her high-pitched voice sent a light tingle flowing through me; the effect occurred when I’d awaken to Elias’ calm voice. This must be EliaseAnne.

“EliaseAnne?” I questioned, tilting my head, lying on the fairy shifter’s lap. She smiled, the expression made me feel like I’d done something good for knowing who she was.

I sat up, Eli leaning back so I didn’t head butt her. I smiled at the peaceful scene that greeted me. Ever since the night of the 1v1 exam, the same night I met Elias’ for the first time, I’d taken a love for Mother Starlight’s immense beauty.

Both times I’d been summoned because of this ‘fainting spell’ problem Mako and I were dealing with, since the group practical exam. I don’t think it bothered either of us. The concern was there were never any warning signs that came along with our switching issue.

It had been quiet and peaceful since our discharge from the medical centre, so I didn’t worry about such matters.

Being awakened due to a simple fainting spell was better than waking up midst of a blood bath of shifters, with the intentions of murdering you on sight.

Now that I had a glimpse of the vast trees, the running stream a few feet from me, and the sun shining in the sky, I didn’t know what else to do.

I crossed my legs, allowing my hands to relax in the open space, pressing them into the soft grass – the smooth dirt sank inward, surrounding my fingers. The sensation was new and different, catching my attention as I began to analyze the dark brown soil. I enjoyed watching nature, but feeling it in my grasp was a feeling too great to express in words. I held a great appreciation for these moments.

“It feels nice and welcoming, doesn’t it?”

I turned to face Eli, who was staring at me with interest. I blushed, realizing how caught up I was in Starlight’s gift of life that I’d completely forgotten about Eli’s presence.

“Yes,” I replied, looking away. It feels weird talking to people other than Mako.

“You need to work on your social skills, Midnight. Mako’s progressed a bit. She still can’t differentiate between her thoughts and speech, but I guess progress is progress, no matter how small,” Rose encouraged.

I frowned, twiddling my fingers as I attempted to think of something to talk about.

“You don’t need to be so nervous Midnight. Just act normal,” Eli pointed out, staying in place.

“I don’t know how,” I admitted, lifting my eyes to stare at her as I continued to frown. Besides from Mako and our spirits, I had no one else to talk to after all these cycles. I had probably said five words within a cycle to the Owner; his focus more on my performance than striking a conversation.

“Well, is there anything you’re curious about?” Eli asked.

I took a moment to ponder on her question; my eyes lowered on the specific spot on her chest – the spot where the lightning spear struck them.

There were many things I was curious about, but the picture of Elias lying beneath me with a hole in his chest was all I could seem to focus on. I could still picture his body beneath me as he bled across the dark grey dirt; my hands drenched in his blood.

“Sorry.” I apologized, feeling sad.

I grasped my left hand, attempting to hide the tremble that began to surface.

Mako had left a bunch of notes with Ryder, informing him to share them with me if I happened to appear, which occurred the following night during dinner.

Mako had explained in her notes that Elias and Eli were the same person, Elias being the host and Eli being his fairy spirit. Now, she was unsure how to face them.

“Midnight, don’t apologize. It’s thanks to you we didn’t die. I should be thanking you for saving Elias. Thank you,” she acknowledged, bowing down to the ground.

My face grew hot; my cheeks red with embarrassment. No one outside of Mako had ever praised or thanked me for doing something positive. To be experiencing such act of appreciation only made me feel awkward.

“Sure...you’re welcome? Is that how you say it?” I questioned, trying to remember the lessons Rose had taught me back when I was learning how to speak just in case such an opportunity emerged.

“Yes, that’s correct,” Eli approved, sitting up before standing.

I looked up at her tall figure, allowing my eyes to roam her body from head to toe.

Eli had an attractive body to match her beautiful facial features; her height only complimented her exquisite curves. From the way the wind carried her long, blonde curls to the sun’s rays that splashed against her delicate skin, made her look dazzling before me.

I felt my heart rate accelerate as I continued to stare at her, unable to determine why I suddenly felt attracted to her. Aren’t we supposed to not like girls?

“Those are shifter and human morals for you. Spirits, on the other hand, don’t concern themselves with such fine details,” Lexi clarified, sounding unconcerned.

“It doesn’t say anywhere in the Starlight law that shifters had to mate with the opposite sex,” Lily pointed out.

“Love is love,” Hope approved, sounding pleased with her declaration.

I looked within myself, the feelings of attraction still strong and present. Did Makoto feel attracted to EliaseAnne and was just ignoring it? If she did like Eli, was she purposely not telling her because of her morals or did she not know?

But I’m not a spirit…I’m just the other half of Mako. Where does that leave me? Do I have to follow morals?

“What are you talking about? What are you asking about that regards morals?” Eli questioned.

I grimaced, realizing I’d exposed some of my thoughts to the topic of interest. I sighed, rising to my feet to face the overly attractive, tingle inducing, fairy shifter. I’ll just inquire.

“Is it incorrect to love the same sex?” I inquired. My voice held no emotion as I sought for an answer that would be enough for my frantic beating heart.

It had been cycles since I felt such emotions – the mere possibility of feeling any compassion or attractiveness being sealed within myself for multiple reasons.

At the facility, such emotions only lead to heartbreak and unbearable misery. I assumed I’d never need to feel attracted to anyone ever again. But I wasn’t sure now that I was in this situation with EliaseAnne and it was confusing.

More importantly, I was afraid to open such a box sealed within me. I knew EliaseAnne wasn’t a threat, but I couldn’t ignore my past; my heart struggled to determine whether to unlock that box within me and experience love once more.

Eli simply stood there, speechless, her eyes wide. I held my ground; my curiosity outweighed the feeling of apprehensiveness that began to crawl into my mind. As the silence continued, I started to feel disappointed. Maybe asking was a bad idea. I don’t think I’m good at using social skills.

“It’s not that. I...just didn’t expect you to ask that question. As a spirit myself, to answer your question in that perspective, no it’s not incorrect to love the same sex. In terms of my own morals...I’m different,” she explained, frowning as she avoided my gaze.

Different? “But you’re a girl and a spirit. Doesn’t that mean you don’t care in dating a female shifter?” I couldn’t seem to understand her reasoning.

“It’s complicated,” she replied. I could see a shift in those green eyes…it was a look I had seen in many shifter’s eyes when they’re being backed into a corner. Feeling trapped.

“Why?” I retorted, not satisfied with her answer.

“Midnight,” she said sternly. I could see a hint of Elias in her expression as she continued to frown at my analysis attempt.

“If Mako liked you, does that mean you wouldn’t date her because she’s a girl?” The words flew out of my mouth before I could stop them, a weird sensation filled me. It was the same feeling I experienced when I was thrown into the pit to face multiple shifters – dread.

I frowned, wondering if the sensation was induced by Mako’s subconscious. She’d written down how she sometimes could feel me, similar to how she’d felt her spirit’s emotions. The only difference was we couldn’t speak to one another, nor could we feel each other’s feelings all the time.

Was Mako feeling frightful with the possibility of EliaseAnne not liking her in that way?

EliaseAnne didn’t respond; her expression alternated between confusion and sadness.

I frowned at her outstanding silence; the fear of her rejection grew greater than any fear I had experienced at the facility. I didn’t know where I stood with her, and that feeling made me feel uncomfortable and awkward standing before her.

I’d just met her for the first time, but Elias on the other hand...I knew I liked him.

“Nevermind. Forget I asked. I’m going home. Bye EliBear.”

I turned around, not able to face the fairy shifter as I felt my eyes sting. I was puzzled at my sudden immense emotions of sadness and rejection. I’d locked my feelings away long ago, yet within this short time it was as if I’d never done such a selfish act. Was it Makoto’s feelings I was harbouring right now? Or my own?

If she didn’t like me that way...only wanting to be friends, then I didn’t want to hear it from her now.

I glanced at the friendship bracelet on my wrist – MAKOTO – ELI – MIDNIGHT displayed around the bracelet in nice stone like blocks, the letters engraved into the material. Our names were separated by bears, making me want to call Eli by her new nickname.

I walked forward, placing my hand over my mouth to yawn as a wave of exhaustion washed over me.

I didn’t hear footsteps follow me as I entered the forest, which only made the sensation within me deepen – leaving me feeling numb. Doesn’t Eli like us? Like that?

Something tugged at my hand, causing me to shriek, I was ready to summon my magic when I was pulled into an embrace, the mint leaf scent mixed with the familiar cherry blossom shampoo fragrance I knew from Mako’s memories was owned by one person.

“EliBear?” I whispered, struggling to keep my composure.

“I swear to Starlight, don’t make that expression...the same one Mako makes when you come to a conclusion without reasoning.” She whispered in my ear as she tightened her embrace, causing me to blush.

“I did ask for a reason. You gave me no response. Of course, I assume...” I trailed off, not wanting to finish. I let out another yawn; my eyes became heavy as my mind began to fade.

“EliBear...can you tell me the reason next time I see you.” I questioned, fighting the darkness that attempted to devour me.

She was silent for a moment, before pulling back to look at me. She must have noticed my struggle to stay awake as my body wobbled; her embrace only tightened around me to keep me up straight.

“Yes,” she answered as she gave me a nod.

I gave a weak smile; my eyes closed as I gave into the darkness’ numerous attempts.

“I like you Midnight...till next time.”

~MAKO~

I jolted awake, sitting straight up. SHIT, SHIT, SHITTY SHIT, SHIT. What just happened...no that was a dream, that couldn’t have just happened.

I was shocked at a number of things as my mind frantically tried to solve all of them at once. I decided to narrow it down to three main concerns: A. I’d fainted even though I promised Marcus and Elias I wouldn’t. B. I’d heard a majority of Midnight’s conversation that occurred, and C. Eli likes Midnight? Does that mean...

“Makoto? What’s wrong?”

I whipped my head to my left, a pair of emerald eyes locked on to me, worry etched on Elias’ face as he stared at me, frowning at my delirious display. “What?” I questioned back.

“Why do you look like you just saw a ghost? You woke up and started swearing,” he questioned, raising an eyebrow at me.

I blinked at him; the feeling of guilt returned at full force. It must have shown on my face, because he reached out and grabbed my hand, hindering me from attempting to escape.

“Makoto...stop running away from me,” he cautioned; the seriousness in his words made me freeze.

I opened my mouth, attempting to find the words – anything to express how sorry I was for what had happened during the exams.

I should have known better, knowing the Owner for sixteen cycles; long enough to know his underhanded tactics.

Instead of words, a tear rolled down my cheek, followed by another. Within seconds, the tears flowed uncontrollably as I stared at him, unable to hide my feelings of distress any longer.

“Elias...” I cried, the sobs escaped me as I kneeled there in the cushion like grass, surrounded by the hollow trees.

I could feel the darkness that had claimed me during my weeks of unconsciousness; the tendrils of agonizing cold and loneliness took over.

It was as if it didn’t want to leave my soul, wrapping its icy fingers around me – always reminding me that I am nothing but a tainted rose that would never achieve its once perfect image.

Guilt weighed me – like a heavy burden placed upon my shoulders for me to bear alone. I still feared the Owner would return once more; unable to anticipate what his next actions were and who’d be his next victim.

I didn’t want to be plagued by such feelings any longer; needing to stand on my own feet instead of being babied. But, I struggled to get past this.

He swore under his breath, crawling toward me and pulling me into his arms. “Mako babe, stop. It’s okay, I’m fine,” he urged as he cradled me in his arms, rocking back and forth.

“It’s my fault. It’s always my fault. Everyone who comes close to me dies or gets hurt. Why would you want to be around someone like me? Someone as tainted as me? How am I supposed to lead you away from the darkness when it’s within me? I don’t deserve such status. What if you had died Elias? You and Eli and you didn’t even tell me!” I cried through sobs as I pulled away to pound against his chest with my fist. I’d trusted him with my secret of Midnight, yet he couldn’t even trust me with his?

“Mako it’s not like that! I was going to tell you, but with the exams and you already dealing with so much...I didn’t want to burden you. I wanted you to be focused on the tasks that were already in front of you; you didn’t need another distraction,” he argued. His hands grasped my wrists, preventing me from continuing my hammering against his broad chest.

“Burden me! This doesn’t have anything to do with that! I want you to TRUST ME! You guys carry my baggage every day, yet I can’t be told that my best friend is your spirit! You know how embarrassing it is? How hurt I feel that every day you lied to my face! The others didn’t tell me either! ALL of you were okay with lying to me and keeping such an important secret from me because you thought it would be a BURDEN!” I yelled. I pulled my wrists out of his grasp, standing on my wobbly feet, turning to walk away.

“Makoto!” He yelled after me, his footsteps rushing towards me.

I clenched my fist as power grew within me; my anger and rage contributed to its growth. It pulsed within my body wanting an escape, to be free to wreak havoc.

“Stay away from me!” I ordered, walking even faster.

The breeze around us picked up as I felt the power seep from within. It began to lash around me as the leaves circled me, making me stop in my tracks. I turned and stood before him in the eye of a cyclone. The emotions poured out of me like water from a faucet, yet there was no way to turn it off. I couldn’t keep it trapped inside of me any longer. The anger and fear cut through me with precision and more than anything; I just wanted, needed, to know where I stood in this new life.

If they couldn’t trust me with something so important, what would happen in the future?

“Mako! Stop! Karen said no magic!” he roared.

I ignored him, my breathing became rapid and my heart raced. Just leave me alone...just let the darkness take me. At least I’d know I’m alone.

The wind stream of air created a barrier around me. I heard pounding against the barricade I created as I crouched down to my knees; my hands pressed against my ears as I began to hyperventilate.

I’m not good enough; I don’t deserve to be here. There must be a mistake. Yes, I’m a mistake...I should have just disappeared with the darkness, I should have faded away. Disappear...yes; melt away from everything...no one would care. No one would notice. I’m nobody.

I tried to continue accepting my fate, when warm hands slid against my cheeks.

I opened my tear-filled eyes, my frantic exhales continued as I stared at Eli, only she was different.

Her hair glowed, floating gently in the air, the high-speed winds that encased us having no effect on its dazzling appearance. Her eyes shone a lime green, as emerald coloured markings began to surface along the left side of her face, trailing down her neck. The most eye-catching feature was her large, translucent, multi-coloured wings that glittered to life.

I stared at her with wide eyes; her expression softened. I could see her eyes water as she swallowed. She pressed her forehead against mine before she began speaking, her soft-spoken voice triggered goosebumps.

“Makoto. I’m sorry. I should have told you. It’s okay for you to be mad. I deserve it...we all deserve it. You have every right to feel disappointed in us. We were appointed to you as your Star Knights and had every intention to be truthful to you. We all just assumed it would be best not to tell you because we didn’t believe you would be able to handle it when you were already trying so hard to adjust to everything around you. I speak for the others, as well as Elias. We’re sorry. We should have trusted you, our princess, and had more faith in you. If you don’t want to see me again, simply say the words and I’ll disappear.”

I allowed her words to sink into my frazzled brain, the immense anger raging with in me dissipated; the wind barrier around us faded away as the air shifted back to a breeze and then slowed down to a stop. The multiple leaves gathered in the aftermath, fell around us. A world...without Eli?

I frowned; a new set of tears formed in my eyes at the simple thought of my best friend leaving me. I felt the weird sensation, sadness flooded my mind. Midnight didn’t approve of this either.

“Don’t go...” I whispered, biting my lip. She smiled, a tear rolled down her cheek.

“You don’t need to forgive us now. But know you aren’t a mistake Makoto Heart. You are our light, our sweet Firefly with a heart of gold. You helped us find the path of light when we were surrounded by darkness. The emptiness we all once felt, the void that lingered within us as days passed, unable to live out our roles as your knights are now filled. Please, don’t ever think of yourself as nothing. We need you...I need you.”

I nodded, unable to argue with anything she had said. I didn’t know what was going on with me, but I just wanted everything to be normal between us again, to be able to face her without feeling so negative.

She hugged me; my body relaxed as I felt the remaining feelings of anxiety and anger release, leaving behind a wave of exhaustion to take its place. I moaned as I tried to fight the spinning sensation that attacked my senses. I needed to at least say this.

“I’m sorry...EliaseAnne. I forgive you,” I whispered against her chest.

My conscious faded away; my body unable to fight the weakness and ongoing dizziness that assaulted my mind.

~ELIAS~

“Fuck, is she okay?”

I walked out of the forest, Daniel running towards me. I noticed Kai’s ginger hair as he emerged from the gate, frowning as his eyes landed on the sleeping princess in my arms.

“She’s okay.” I reassured the angel shifter as I reached him.

His eyes glowed; the golden light emerged to life as his eyes scanned her from head to toe. He sighed in relief but was still frowning when his eyes returned to normal.

“What happened? And why do I sense magic radiating off her?” Daniel demanded, not impressed with his discovery.

I sighed, ignoring him as I started walking again, heading towards Kai, who was holding the gate. I nodded to him thanks before making my way to the door.

I called upon the wind element, summoning its soft waves to push gently against the door as I said an incantation, the door unlocking without any struggle.

It opened slowly, allowing me to walk into the house. I headed for the black, three-seater, suede sofa and lowered Makoto into the soft cushions. She didn’t even stir; her body sank into the material as she continued to breathe softly.

Kai walked to my side, taking a moment to assess Mako; his hand brushed away the strands of brown hair lingering on her oval face. His eye emitted a soft amber glow, and my body grew tense.

Kai’s phoenix didn’t make many appearances for multiple reasons; his inability to control his temper being the primary one. When you looked at Kai’s usual calm nature, you would never guess his spirit to be the complete opposite of him.

Kai was cool and collective, his phoenix – wild and in desperate need of anger management classes. It was easy to relate to him when we were younger; both of us dealt with our anger issues together. He wasn’t as comforting as Marcus, but it was fun to release our anger in the form of training during our childhood and teen cycles.

“She broke down and used magic.” He stated the words as fact instead of a question. I needed a moment to collect myself, trying not to snap at my fellow knights for stating the facts; the fear of their scrutinizing stares and remarks, fell upon my shoulders.

“Fuck, I don’t know what happened when she was in a coma, but it had a big effect on her emotionally. She blames herself for the scar on my chest and doesn’t want to forgive herself for putting us all in danger. She got mad that I didn’t tell her about Eli, that none of us told her. We basically didn’t trust her, and that simple thought hurt her. She got angry and her magic reacted to her immense desire to shield herself. She summoned a wind funnel, hiding within it to protect herself from everything. Eli shifted to her fairy form to calm her down and apologized. She accepted it and fainted out of exhaustion.” I gave them the cliff notes version…it was all they needed. They didn’t need to know about the guilt I felt now staring at her, or the way Eli had died a little on the inside at the thought that she could never love or have Mako and Midnight the way I could.

I walked to the opposite sofa; my body dropped into its soft cushions. I allowed my hands to flow through my ash blonde locks in frustration. It was hard enough having the ability to feel her emotions, the wrath of the twister of emotions hit me like falling bricks upon touching her, partnered up with Eli’s internal thoughts and emotions, was pushing me to a breaking point.

I felt a hand drop on my shoulder, a wave of calm flowed through me. I opened my eyes, glancing up to see Marcus staring down at me; his sapphire eyes glowed softly as the markings on his exposed chest glowed. I smiled, thankful for his calming ability. You would never expect a dragon shifter to have such a talent. Ryder and Daniel walked up to stand next to Kai.

“We just finished talking with Matthew. You can explain in detail what happened in a moment, but we’re going to need your help,” Marcus confessed; his voice stern and serious. I didn’t like the sound of his voice. When Marcus’ expressed seriousness, it only emphasized that something was wrong.

I sat patiently, waiting for him to continue as I swallowed the lump forming in my throat.

“Mako’s faint spells…they aren’t simply because of her body attempting to recover from surpassing her magic limit,” he proposed.

Kai and Daniel both turned to glance at the dragon shifter, confusion morphed onto their faces. Ryder made his way to the bookshelf, leaning against it. Oh no, bad sign.

“If it’s not that, why does she keep switching in and out?” Daniel questioned.

Ryder crossed his arms with a stern look in his darkened eyes.

Marcus turned himself to face all of us. “Midnight isn’t a split personality. She’s a spirit.”