Lunar Rotation- XI, Cycle 5018

 

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my beating heart, thumping rapidly against my chest. Waiting for the signal, the anxiety and anticipation builds as the seconds tick by. This was my chance to finally obtain freedom. I glanced to my left, looking upward at my best friend – Lily. Lily was like family to me.

When I first arrived at the facility, it was difficult to adjust. All I could remember was my stuffed teddy bear in one hand and my new Owner’s hand in the other, as we walked towards the glass rotating doors. I had just woken up, the sky above me was pitch black, my surroundings covered in a dark mist. I could barely see my feet stepping into the mushy dirt as we walked. The only rays of light came from the structure before me. My Owner said the outside was dangerous, but we’re safe within the facility.

I trusted him. I didn’t understand why, but I had a feeling I’d known him for awhile. I simply couldn’t put the pieces together as to why. He explained I had fallen and hit my head while I had been playing, so I could be experiencing some memory loss. Such a predicament must have contributed to me not remembering him as my guardian. Regardless, I had no fear as we entered.

Standing in the middle of the wide entrance was a girl. Her bright orange hair and shiny amber eyes lit the room, making her the center of attention. She was skinny, wearing a simple red dress that complimented her pale white skin. She didn’t show any emotion; her eyes were blank and she scared me. I hid against my Owner’s leg, trying to hide myself from her. He chuckled at my apprehensiveness.

“Makoto, this is Lily. She lives here too. Say hello.” He introduced, his hand gesturing to the girl standing before us.

I peaked my head out to stare at her. My eyes grew wide as I watched the most serene smile form on her face, brightening her appearance even more.  She raised her hand up towards me.

“Hello, my name is Lily Milton. Let’s be friends.” She gestured.

I took a quick glance up at my Owner, his striking red eyes pierced mine as he smiled.

“Go along.” He encouraged. At his command, I walked towards her, cuddling my teddy bear to my chest.

“Mako…” I whispered, placing my hand in hers.

She was my first friend here, and I could never ask for anyone else. Now we stood here, side by side, waiting for the rebellion to begin. Having her next to me at this very moment helped me stay in control. What we were about to do would change everything.

Lily noticed my stare, returning it with a smile. Her amber eyes reflected her unease but also showed a glimpse of her determination. Her warm hand grasped mine, squeezing lightly.

“We’re going to be just fine. Lark promised. They already scouted the tunnel twice. We’ll be safe soon enough. The adults will take care of it.” She explained. I nodded in response.

Lily was mature for ten-cycles and had participated in the planning of this mission. Being the only phoenix shifter, wielding the element of fire at her fingertips, she was an important asset in case trouble occurred. I simply had to trust her judgement.

But that didn’t mean I wasn’t capable of things either. I was currently the strongest in our category, stronger than even Lily. I was eight-cycles, carrying both a demon and angel spirit, which made me an extraordinary case.

The Starlight gods, our divine protectors, blessed us shifters with a spirit at birth, some stronger than others. If you were given two shifter spirits, you were beyond blessed. An individual carrying three spirits was extremely rare. There was yet to be anyone on record with more than three spirits.

Researchers concluded that an individual able to carry four spirits or more would either have been driven mad with power or have various mental issues.

Spirits took shelter within one’s mind and had their own personalities to match. They may not be privileged to take full control of their host, but they had enough jurisdiction to have control over those they shared their space with. A person with three or more spirits would have to conduct vigorous training and meditation to teach their spirits to coexist in harmony.

I was also learning alchemy and summoning magic thanks to Elaine, our Owner’s girlfriend. She was an extremely strong Mage from some far away land. Our Owner had told me I was too special to go to waste, and he wanted to make sure I learned many things. It would benefit him and make him happy, at least that’s what he told me.

A howl tore through the air, echoing against the dungeon walls. I nearly jumped at the hollow cry.

“This must be the signal.” I whisper, watching the shifters raise their weapons in the air, rushing forward. I almost tripped as Lily pulls me forward, briskly walking towards the left corridor, following the other shifters who ran ahead, weapons ready for confrontation.

It took ten minutes and nine flights of stairs to reach the top floor of the facility.

The structure consisted of ten floors. I only had the privilege to explore three of them; the experimental testing center on the seventh floor, the general sleeping quarters on the sixth and my room which was on the same floor as our Owner’s on the eighth floor. He had once explained that he wanted his living corridors, office and meeting room close to the main level to make his business flow better, though I had no idea what he did for a living.

I watched as the older shifters rushed through the door, sprinting towards the final checkout point. We dashed through the doorway, seconds away from the door that led to the entrance. My feet glued to the ground as I took a moment to stare at the blue metal door.

“Makoto? Let’s go, we don’t have time.” Lily stressed, tugging at my arm. I had every intention of escaping, but my body was frozen in place.

Lily turned around to look at me directly, her expression alternating between annoyed and confused. I didn’t blame her. I probably looked like a deer in headlights, staring at the door leading to my long-awaited freedom.

“I…Um…it’s just…” I heard my voice tremble with fear as I tried to figure out a way to explain the sudden gut wrenching feeling of trepidation. It couldn’t be so simple…so easy? Out of everyone, I knew the Owner best. I got to see his heartwarming side as well as his dark merciless side. There was no way he would sit back and watch all of us escape.

“Lily, I think…maybe this is a trap?” I whispered, reaching my other hand to hold hers.

“I just feel….my spirit’s too…something is not right. It’s too quiet.” I suggested, staring at the cement floor.

When I didn’t hear a reply, I looked back up to see Lily’s eyes glowing a bright orange, as she checked our surroundings. She frowned as her eyes returned to normal. She walked towards the door, leaving me to stand alone in the middle of the room.

“There is nothing to be afraid of. My phoenix and I don’t sense anything. How about I go in first? I’ll come back out and get you. Stay right here, understood?” She ordered.

I simply nodded in reply. I had a bad feeling about this, but if Lily said it was safe, I wouldn’t interfere any longer. As the Owner always said; “Do what you’re told and nothing bad will happen to you.”

Lily pulled the heavy metal door, quickly slipping through the little space before it slammed shut. The only view I had of what waited beyond the door was of the room’s center, which looked empty. I had once gotten the privilege to go with our Owner to the entrance of the facility to greet some guests a cycle ago. It looked the same, with a change of the carpet from its previous maroon colour to a creamy pink. I felt my fingers begin to shake as I attempted to remain still.

It had been five minutes and still no Lily. Something must be wrong. Lily wouldn’t abandon me.

I took a deep breath as I raced towards the door. I could feel my demon and angel spirits at the edge of my mind, waiting to take over if necessary. I struggled to pull the heavy door open, made enough space for my small frame to slip through, the door slammed behind me.

I felt my body jolt, as the sudden wave of sounds bounced off the walls. I quickly placed my hands over my ears as I dropped to my knees and cringed. Screams of all different variations echoed throughout the room, clashing metal and the sound of bones breaking. My heightened hearing was a curse, the intensified sounds piercing my eardrums. I turned my head to see what I walked into, only to be shocked by the scene developing before me.

Blood was everywhere. From the top of the walls to the floors. I stared at the creamy pink carpet that was now soaked in blood and body parts.  I could feel the bile in my throat, trying to escape. It took some effort to hold it in, using my hand to cover my mouth as I suppressed a gag.

Lily! Where is she?

My head darted back and forth, my eyes searching for my best friend. Within seconds, I caught the sight of her red hair behind a wolf shifter who was viciously ripping off one of the guard’s head.

As if she had sensed my thoughts, Lily’s head whipped around, her eyes – those amber orbs – widened in fear.

“Makoto! Get out of here!” She yelled.

I watched as she summoned a wave of fire, the rich flames encircled her arms before flowing out into a mass of guards coming from the side entrance on her right. Their agonizing screams echoed, bouncing off the walls, as they soon became ash.

I pushed myself up, standing, my hands clenching into fists. I wasn’t going to leave Lily in this madness. I was about to let my demon take over when a menacing laugh filled the air.

Everyone froze. I knew that laugh. Everyone knew that fear inducing sound. Clapping filled the now silent room. I heard the door behind me shut, the clapping much louder as it echoed around the enclosed room. I looked over my shoulder to see the Owner and Jeffrey.

The Owner was wearing a perfect white suit, a burgundy undershirt with a matching silk tie. He was five-eleven, with dark red eyes. His short red hair was styled in a slicked back undercut, his left gold earring on display. He had a commanding demeanor. His appearance, carried with it the weight of a ruler, like a King standing before his servants. His obsession with perfection and cleanliness was represented by his white wardrobe, adding red for a flash of colour. In my two cycles of being here, I’d yet to see him wear anything else. I was clueless as to what spirit he possessed, but it was powerful. His knowledge of magic surpassed even the eldest shifter, so much so, I questioned how old our Owner was. No one knew and we were all too afraid to ask. No matter, the power that flooded the room as he entered, was enough to make your skin prickle, inducing shivers to surge through you in fear. 

Jeffrey, his second in command, was six feet, wearing a typical black suit, his arms behind his back. His long silver hair was tied up in a neat pony tail. He wore black pointed shoes and his white tie was tucked neatly within his vest. His violet eyes looked dull and haunting. He was a mystery to me, always appearing just as our Owner required his aid. I would describe him as a butler, but such a term didn’t quite fit his qualifications. A loyal partnership would better describe it. I knew for certain Jeffrey wasn’t obligated to be by his side. He stood beside the Owner with his own convictions, which frightened me. Who would want to help someone like the Owner? He wasn’t the man I knew two cycles ago, the man before Elaine.

I watched as the Owner finished his applause, taking a moment to view the scene.

“I leave to have a relaxing evening and return to this lovely entertainment. Boy oh boy, isn’t this surprising? I never would have guessed you lot would take the opportunity to run away. I take care of you all, don’t I? I think this is so heartbreaking to watch, isn’t that right Jeffrey?” The sarcasm dripped off each word, like a thick molasses.

“Yes Sir. Should I dispose of them?” He asked, his arms falling to his sides. He wore creamy white gloves, his right hand rising to his left, ready to remove the silk material when the Owner lifted his hand, signalling him to stop.

“No, no Jeffrey. Why don’t we play Hide and Seek? I think that would be marvelous.” He replied, clapping his hands together.

Upon his command, the entrance gates came crashing down, blocking the exit. The Owner then glanced my way, clearly assessing my clean appearance, a wide smile forming on his chapped lips.

“Why am I not surprised? The only person out of you lot to not fight is my beloved Makoto. Of course, she would never betray me.” He announced.

His hand landed on my shoulder causing me to shiver as I straightened my posture. A wave of power hit me, causing me to waiver on my feet. How could they have been so blind to think they would be successful in escaping from someone as powerful as him?

I closed my eyes, waiting for the pain to cripple me. However, nothing happened. I opened my eyes and glanced up at him. He was smiling down at me. I swear, I saw a hint of relief in those red eyes, maybe even kindness? It was a mere second before he lifted his gaze back to the crowd before him.

“Makoto will be first to escape this room. Anyone else who is able to survive the following events and reach my office will be spared. Those are my rules. Reach my office, you win. You can guess what happens if you don’t.” He explained. I felt his hand leave my shoulder and he gently pushed me towards the door, Jeffrey held it open.

“Now go, my little fox.” He whispered.

I took a glance at Lily. She did a quick nod, reassuring me she would catch-up. I didn’t need any other reassurance. I darted straight out the door.

“LET THE GAMES BEGIN!” The Owner’s voice echoed behind me as the sounds of screams and clashing weapons followed.

I ran as fast as my little legs would carry me. The halls were now pitch black, with only the emergency alarm lights flashing red rays of light. A voice blared across the speakers, alerting everyone that a lockdown had commenced. No one gets in or out. We all knew the protocol.

I felt someone close behind me. I glanced over my shoulder to see Lily not too far behind. I smiled, as a sense of relief washed over me. I was so glad she was safe. We both turned right at the end of the corridor, rushing towards the dinning room.

Within a minute, we had reached the Owner’s private office. I knew what the Owner had planned.

The Owner had two offices; his regular office and his private one. The bastard knew only a small portion of us were aware of him having a private office, let alone know where it was. I silently prayed to the Starlight gods that the one’s that didn’t make it would not experience much pain before their deaths.

Lily quickly opened the door, ushering me in. Once I entered, she closed the door shut before we both made it to the middle of the room, collapsing on the ground. I needed a moment to catch my breath, placing my hand over my chest. I could feel my heart rapidly pounding inside my chest, as the adrenaline continued to spike. It couldn’t be over. There was always a catch when the Owner plays his games.

“Lily!” I cried, hugging her. She returned my embrace, brushing my hair soothingly, as she continued to cradle me.

“It's fine, shh. We’re going to be okay. We may receive a little punishment, but everything will work out, okay?” She reassured me, pulling out of the embrace to look down at me.

I took a deep breath and nodded, rubbing my tear stained face. I couldn’t break down now. I had to be strong for Lily. I wouldn’t allow the shifters who lost their lives to have done so in vain. We would survive this and somehow find another way out. For them. For all of us.

Fifteen minutes later, myself, Lily, Raphael and four other shifters stood in the big office. We all lined up side by side, myself in the middle, Lily on my right, and Raphael on my left.

“I’m sorry.” Raphael whispered, his head hung low in defeat. I watched as he shook his head over and over, cursing under his breath. He must have truly believed we would all escape, unharmed.

I could hear the other shifters chattering teeth and heavy breathing. The shifter on the far left was bleeding all over the sleek white tiled floor.

The whole office was themed white and red; from the white corner sofa to the ivory white book shelf on our left. The desk in front of me was pure white marble, holding a replica of our facility and a few folders which were neatly piled to one side and on the other side a small red lamp. The chair was a velvet red, matching the curtains that hung on a crystal rod.

I heard the door open, my body straightened as anxiety surged through me. Lily’s hand grasped mine, squeezing it tightly. This was it, at least not all of us died. Out of one-hundred shifters, only seven remained. I guess that’s better than none.

“Congratulations, well done.” The Owner laughed, clapping his hands. I watched him stroll to his desk, taking a seat in his velvet chair, sighing. I noticed the blood stains on his no longer perfectly white suit.

“Honestly, I didn’t think you guys would realize which office I had meant. You should have seen the others’ faces when the other office locked and snakes began pouring out of the hidden openings in the walls. It was brilliant hahaha. As we speak, they’re all chained and being tortured, slowly.”

I glanced to my sides to see the remaining shifters pale complexions as reality sunk in. Though life had sometimes been a living hell here, we were all a family. Now, our family was dying. Tortured because of one mistake, trying to obtain freedom. I guess it's true what they say; Free plus dumb equals FREEDOM.

“Jeffrey, make sure once the torturing segment is over, their blood is drained and that they are still alive during the process.” He continued. I stared at the Owner, wide eyed. He can’t be serious. The Owner pulled at his tie, loosening the collar as he let out a sigh.

My body wavered, my knees gave way, causing me to drop to the ground. I couldn’t handle this much blood shed.

“Aww, my Makoto. Don’t cry my little fox.” I heard the squeaky noise of the chair followed by footsteps.

I continued to sob uncontrollably, as the tears fell on the floor. Within seconds, I was lifted and cradled in his arms. The arms of the man who murdered almost all of my family. I wanted to push away, to refuse such comfort. I didn’t want his pity. But I knew if I acted in such a way, it would only lead to more bloodshed. Enough was enough.

“Shh, little one. Shh. I know, you should not have witnessed such bloodshed. Raphael should have known what would happen when planning this charade with Lark and the other shifters. There, there. Don’t worry, it’s almost over.” He mocked, rubbing my back gently.

Almost over. What did he mean by that? I peeked a glance at Lily, her eyes were wide with fear.

“Come now, Winners.” The Owner announced.

Still carrying me in his arms, the Owner made his way to the door, Jeffrey opened and held it, allowing us to leave. I lifted my head slightly, watching the others follow right behind. I could practically feel their despair.

The Owner carried me into a small room while the others remained outside in the corridor. There were three chairs which took up most of the space, a counter full of buttons and a solid glass window, revealing an empty room on the other side. He placed me down in the middle seat, taking his place on my right. A few seconds later, Jeffrey arrived, closing the door behind him, taking his seat on my left.

“What's going on?” I accidentally asked out loud. The Owner let out a low laugh.

“Don’t worry my dear little fox. I want to teach you a lesson. I know how intuitive you are. You knew this was going to happen, but you didn’t tell me. I know, I know, you didn’t want to hurt their feelings, right?”  He asked, looking down at me with a stern gaze on his face. I nodded quickly.

“See, you’re such a good girl. You understand me. You know I don’t like doing this. They’re like my children. No Father wants to punish his child. But what have I always told you?” He asked.

“Do what you’re told and nothing bad will happen to you.” I whispered, lowering my head in shame.

“Yes! Exactly. I told you guys to behave while I was gone and look what you all did? Of course, you didn’t participate and thus why you're sitting here next to me and not on that side.” He stated, happily. I lifted my head to see his arm outstretched, pointing to the glass before me.

I turned my head and gasped. In seconds, I shot up out of my seat, rushing towards the glass. No, no, no, this can’t be happening! I slammed my hands against the glass.

“LILY!!! LILY!” I heard my voice scream her name over and over, a fresh stream of tears rolled down my cheeks, as I watch the event before me.

Lily and the others were lined up, chains around their wrists and ankles. They were stripped down to their undergarments. Four guards came into the room, holding a variety of weapons. From an ax to multiple spike balls, the guards neatly placed the weapons on a black table located in the corner of the room. They then stood at attention, their arms straight against their sides, waiting for orders. The Owner ignored my screaming fit, standing up and moving to the intercom, his finger pressing against a red button.

“Look what we have here. My winners! It saddens me that some of my finest shifters are standing before me. I don’t understand what motivated you to follow through with this act of defiance, but it must be eliminated. I can’t have you tainting pure, innocent minds like Makoto over here.” He stressed, stroking his chin.

“YOU KILLED MY WIFE!” Raphael screamed, his brown eyes glowing purple. He sneered as his body shook, falling to the ground in agony. The mark upon his chest preventing him – any of them – from acting against the Owner.  

“Tsk tsk, Raphael. You’re still angry about that. I must say, I’m not surprised. Demons do hold grudges. Your wife knew the rules and broke them. She got what she deserved.” He mocked, taking a deep breath before continuing.

“None of you can defy me. The loyalty marks upon your chests prevent you from doing so. I’ve claimed you! Go ahead and try to fight against me. You’ll merely hurt yourselves trying. My mark won’t allow you to harm me. Didn’t you all agree to serve me? I took you all from the wretched lives you once lived. Yet, this is how you repay me, your master? With defiance. Such actions truly hurt my heart.” He complained, pressing his hand against his forehead, shaking it side to side. He took a deep breath, his arms spreading wide. 

“Now, your reward for winning Hide and Seek. My loyal guards, feel free to do whatever you wish to these fools. Beat them till your hearts content. I don’t care if they are alive or dead. Teach them a lesson so next time, they will think before going against my instructions. I guess that doesn’t really matter now. If they die, they won’t disobey me in the next life!” He laughed as his finger pressed a green button.

There was a ping noise, signaling the guards to begin. I stood there helplessly, slamming my fist against the glass. I needed to do something, anything. I could feel my angel and demon spirits press against my mind. They wanted to help in some way. I knew I couldn’t shift fully yet, but they could take over and do some damage.

My demon came forward, taking control. Before, she could even cast a spell, I felt something cold and hard pressed against my head. We froze. My demon moved our head to the left, staring up at a frowning Jeffrey, who was shaking his head in disapproval.

“Do. Not. Interfere. Demon. You know as well as I, if I wanted to kill your host, I could do it.” He threatened. I heard the click noise and knew he must have taken the safety off the gun he held.

Guns were his weapon of choice, having witnessed him use the silver weapon to kill off the remaining failed experiments after our trial sessions.

My demon growled, but retreated, giving me control. I gasped, my body trembling from the exchange. I struggled to keep myself upright as I was assaulted by a wave of dizziness. Exchanging bodies temporarily with your spirit takes a lot of energy, especially for my age. I heard the Owner laugh again.

“You're so feisty little fox. I love that demon of yours. She is so entertaining. Now, watch my punishment. I think your little friend deserves that much from you, don’t you think?” He declared, putting his legs up on the counter.

I continued banging on the glass wall over and over, till my little hands began to turn purple. Lily was staring directly at me. Her amber eyes filled with tears as the guard continuously whipped her.

Within an hour, the four shifters were dead, leaving a bleeding Lily and crippled Raphael. His guard had taken the pleasure of cutting each of his limbs, one by one, starting with his toes and working his way up. Being a shifter sometimes meant faster healing, but unless you had an angel spirit, you could not simply grow back your body parts. We weren’t immortal, there were limits.

I had watched them whip Lily for fifteen minutes straight; her back was shredded before they took the liberty to rape her.

I was forced to watch every second, my only way of showing my distress was my repetitive trashing against the glass. I had to watch my best friend suffer, because I was in the same predicament as they were. Constrained to this man by a loyalty mark.

“Why don’t we finish this? I’m simply famished.” The Owner said. I turned my head as he pressed the intercom.

“Finish them both.” He ordered, before standing and glancing at me.

“I’ll give you the privilege of watching your friend die. It’s the least you can do to honour her. I know you won’t defy me, Makoto. My cunning little fox. Such struggles are futile and you know it. So, sit there and witness the results of disobeying me. Engrave it within your mind as a permanent reminder. When it’s done, go to your room and sleep. I’ll need you in the morning.”

With those last words, he walked out of the room, Jeffrey following his lead. He wasn’t serious.

A shot rang through the room, causing my body to jolt up. I returned my gaze to see a dead Raphael, blood now flowing freely from his open head.

Lily was on her knees, her head down. Blood was dripping from her wounds. I continued with my helpless assault on the glass.

“LILY, NOO, I…I can’t lose you! Lily, Lily.” I couldn’t even recognize my frantic voice, its pitch two octaves higher.

I started hyperventilating as the guard behind her approached the table. I watched him pick up the ax, inspecting it for a moment, before turning around.

At that moment, time slowed. Lily lifted her head slowly, her now dull amber eyes staring into my blue ones. This would be our last moment together. I watched her slowly smile, revealing her broken, bloody teeth.

“Makoto…” I could barely hear her through the thick glass, even with my hypersensitive hearing.

“Lily, no, I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Don’t leave me! I’ll never be bad again. I’ll follow the rules. I won't pee on your side of the bed or steal your favourite books. Don’t leave me Lily.” I cried out, begging, the tears rolling down my flushed cheeks.

“Mako…take care of her for me? Can you do that? Don’t die. Survive this…be good without me…Phoenix will protect you, kay?”

What did she mean Phoenix would protect me? Take care of who?

“Lily what –” I began, but my words halted in my throat as a sudden wave of heat hit me. Even with a glass separating us, the heat was strong and humid. The guards all pulled back as flames burst out of Lily’s little body. I watched her markings come to life, their vibrant yellow glow appearing on her wounded body as they flared, the flames continuing to rise to the ceiling. Within seconds, a form emerged. I was left speechless as I looked up to see a large phoenix.

She was beautifully divine. From her majestic flow, to the multiple shades of red, orange and yellow that formed her physical body. I had the opportunity to talk to her twice. She truly loved Lily and was wise, full of knowledge. I realized what Lily had just committed.

In the shifter world, there were two things that could happen when you received a spirit. You could either accept such a gift given from the Starlight gods, or you could release it.

Releasing your spirit was the most criminal act you could commit. You would be rejecting the Starlight gods gift, thus making you unworthy of anyone's kindness.

The person is either exiled, or in the case I had once witnessed, he was killed after days of torture. The spirit that’s released, returns to Starlight, where the gods will gift the spirit to a new host.

I couldn’t believe Lily let her phoenix free. The phoenix screeched, the sound piercing. I clamped my hands down over my ears to try and dim the sound. I watched the other guards do the same, cringing from the sound and heat. Before I knew it, the guard with the ax was behind Lily, his arm slowly rising, readying himself to perform the final blow.

Our eyes connected one more time, her previously amber eyes, were now a dull brown. The last, stray tears flowing down her cheeks as her lips formed a small smile.

“Farewell Makoto…love you.”

I heard myself scream, as the ax dropped, disconnecting her head from the rest of her small body. My eyes trailed her head as it fell to the ground, rolling in an arch. It bumped into the glass, stopping in front of me. Lily’s dull, lifeless eyes staring straight into mine.

Everything fell silent, as if my brain suddenly shut off. I stood there, staring at Lily’s head.

I could remember all the good times we had shared, as well as the bad. I was the trickster, who always went around causing mischief and trouble, but she would always follow, taking the blame. If I broke something, she’d admit to breaking it. If I deserved to be punished, she would take my place and receive it. She was my shield, my strength and protector. She watched over me throughout the day, listened to me in the evenings as I shared my misery and sorrows, and soothed me to sleep when the nightmares consumed me at night. Now, here I was, staring at her lifeless eyes, her soul long gone. My best friend was no more, but a memory.

I would have to live on without her warm hugs and snuggles, her lively laugh that made my heart blossom with joy and satisfaction. The one person I could always talk to and reveal my insecurities and fears. The girl I valued as a sister, was now one with the stars, but I couldn’t accept such fate.

Had she known how much I loved her? How vital her existence was in mine? She was my light amongst the darkness, my air to breathe when I felt like I was suffocating. Why hadn’t I volunteered to take her place? To offer myself so she could live. If I did…would she still be here?

I slammed my hand against the glass.

“Comeback…” I choked. No answer was given, igniting a wave of anger within me.

“You can’t leave me. You promised to always be by my side. Why aren’t you here? You lied!” I screamed. The pain was nothing compared to the heartache that consumed me. I screamed and thrashed against the glass, as I continued to sob, uncontrollably.

“Lily!!! I’m…sorry.” I wailed, sliding to the ground, in defeat.

I laid there crying my heart out, the pain never ceased. I curled into a ball, shutting the world around me out. Why did the gods take my Lily? Give her back…I beg you. I prayed over and over in my head. I knew such a wish would never become a reality.

I heard a gentle voice echo in my head, the intrusion prompting me to open my eyes.

 

“Fear not child. The gods have spoken. Embrace my power. Consume it, wield it, and mold it to your call. I am yours as you are mine. I will protect or destroy at your will. May the Starlight gods protect Thy child. Give you strength and a better future than my beautiful Lily. In stars, we trust.” The voice proclaimed.

 

My eyes grew wide as I looked up at the phoenix, it’s wings spread out wide, rising up to the top of the ceiling. It performed an arch, before diving straight towards the glass – straight for me.

I felt the impact as the Phoenix charged into me. My body arch up as I tried to scream, yet no sound left me. I was consumed by heat, a burning sensation that made my blood boil. The pain was the worst I had ever experienced, never enduring this with my two residing spirits. I could feel my body seize up as I tried to breathe, gasping for air. I couldn’t handle it anymore.

To think just a moment ago, my one true friend told me to live and now she was dead. Would I be joining her in the stars?

With that last thought, I felt my consciousness fade, my eyes rolling back as my world plunged into darkness.

“In stars, we trust.” The last words I heard before my world went black.