~B.A~

I stood in silence; waiting.

My heart beating loudly against my chest, the blood rushing to my ears, the drumming noise making me more anxious. I wouldn't allow such a plot to frighten me.

Seconds turned to minutes, as I continued to remain still. It must be a prank, a method to fool me into thinking she was actually dead. If it wasn't for Jeffrey’s surveillance of her the last two months, keeping a wary eye on her progress, I wouldn’t have known such an opportunity would arise. Sometimes a parent had to watch from afar, allowing their child to enjoy their moment of bliss before hitting them with reality.

I was only going to allow her to be away for a week or two, locating her at that bloody academy within three days of the invasion. That royal in Realm Nine had delayed me, the meeting that should have taken a few days extended to rotations. After all these cycles, he was still caught up in politics, as opposed to looking at the full picture. As long as you had power, it didn’t matter who ruled. You could simply take control of everything.

How it boiled my blood to see my home destroyed, from top to bottom; these knights stealing all my records and burning my building down, nothing left behind to show my cycles of progress.

Thankfully, I kept a copy of all my records with me at all times, just in case for such circumstances.

I knew the day I stole Rosalina away from Arthur, I could never be too careful. I had to be cautious in all areas, especially with that child. What made her so special? Simply because she was blessed by that dreadful Goddess, Nightmare.

I despised the Starlight gods. They were the reason why I was in this position, the reason why I was struggling in this forsaken world. So, what of my wrong doings? What happened to forgive and forget.

Of course, this Goddess was haunting me, her and the other gods making sure to keep their promise for my life to never receive happiness and prosperity.

I pulled out of my thought as the time continued to tick by. I could hear my black wrist watch tick away; my negligence being rewarded, as reality finally began to sink into my soul. She was gone.

I wouldn't accept this; it must be a mistake, a prank, anything but the truth that began to plague my mind. Her spirits hadn't ascended yet.

She must be down there somewhere, maybe creating a spell to allow her body to survive the extreme temperatures of the lava below. Maybe those knight shifters taught her a way to survive, to camouflage herself so she could escape from my clutches, yet again.

I could feel the panic sinking into my bones, unable to move forward even with the nagging emotions that swam through me; the need to see if she was still alive or if I'd truly lost her. I was destined for eternal unhappiness, anything I cared about always being stolen from me.

It started with my beloved wife, dying during child birth. I tried to hate my only son, to blame him for stealing my wife away from me, but as I watched him grow older, his bright blue eyes reminded me of my Amelia; I couldn't bring myself to resent him.

He grew into a fine young man; his demon spirit as strong as me. He was my pride and joy and would do anything to please me. When I told him about my plans, to find a way to make him the strongest in the galaxy, he didn't hesitate.

The Royals escalated this war. But I had begun it long before they realized what was happening. No one could see the Starlight gods for what they really were. Liars. Cruel. Uncaring. So, I proved it by beginning my experiments, kidnapping shifters from different realms without the Royals noticing, but the Starlight gods knew what I was doing, yet they did nothing.

They were proving me right by watching from the sideline and not intervening. But when the Royals discovered what was happening, they didn’t care that the Starlight gods had not stopped me sooner. They were angry with me. The nerve of them all. They should have been furious with our beloved gods, but they were angry with me!

And then when they turned to the gods and tattled like a group of ungrateful children, the gods decided to take notice. Nightmare decided to take notice. She descended over my land pretending to be appalled by my actions but she had known, they all had known. 

She destroyed everything I loved, taking the life of my beloved son. My only son. She lived up to her reputation, having no mercy on me.

Instead of ending my misery, she banned me from leaving this realm. I was left to rot, always reminded of my actions that lead to the death of my family, people, and kingdom.

After I spent my fifty cycles in solitary confinement, I plotted against them all. I would continue my work and discover a shifter who could be better than Malik. They would be even more powerful and follow my command. I wouldn't fail again.

I would never have expected Arthur and Catherine's only female born to be blessed with four spirits. I couldn't help but feel the excitement blossom within me as I overheard the prophecy, the child being blessed by the Goddess of Destruction herself. It was a sign that she would be my perfect subject. My perfect revenge.

The night of her birthday, I had to put my plan into motion, taking my role as Uncle Ace to walk the halls of the kingdom at the wee hours of the night to the princess's room.

I had to thank that fairy king for appointing me with one of his servants; applying the glamour effect to change my image so I could play my role to perfection.

As I walked in, closing the door gently behind me I took a minute to watch her little figure, sound asleep. She slept on her back; lost in her childlike dreams as her multiple stuffed animals surrounded her in the bed.

I gently shook her, her sleepy eyes slowly opening, confusion seeping into her face as she looked at me.

"Uncle Ace. Is it playing time?" She questioned, rubbing her eyes against her eyes as she yawned.

"No sweet Rosalina. We're going on a little trip...as your birthday present. I've already informed your papa and mama. Can you get ready quietly?" I whispered. I watched her eyes widen, excitement blooming in those radiant turquoise eyes as she jumped out of bed.

"Do we have to go now?" She asked, yawning again.

"Yes, little fox. We must if you want to make it there in time." I replied, looking at my black wrist watch.

The nightly guard would be doing rounds soon. I had to leave now.

"Can Kadey and Xaviory come?" She questioned, frowning. I shook my head.

"No, they're still asleep but the moment they wake up they'll come and visit you." I reassured her, the lies flowing out of me like water.

She took a moment to ponder before looking up at me.

"Can I bring Mr. Bear? I don't want to leave him behind. He gets lonely without me, Rosey and Hopey." She questioned, before pointing to her small little bear, resting on the counter. I pulled off my best smile.

"Yes, you can bring him." I replied, giving her permission. One bear wouldn't make a difference.

"Yeah!" She cheered, running up to her table. She grabbed the light brown, stuffed animal as I glanced at my watch. We have to leave soon...

My eyes glanced to check on the girl, her hands scribbling something on the drawing book on the table with a crayon. I noticed a giant heart on the side, making me roll my eyes. Children.

She was probably wanting to draw something quickly, her distraction level reminding me of when Malik was but a child. I ignored the pang of pain in my heart as it ached in agony.

She finished doodling before rushing to my side, yawning again. She raised her hands up, frowning as her eyes started to drop.

"Up?" She asked softly, her voice filled with exhaustion.

I smiled at her before kneeling, picking her up to cradle her against my chest, her head laying against my shoulder as her body relaxed.

Within a few seconds, she was back asleep, her bear squished in between her and my chest as her breathing slowed. I sighed in relief. If either of her spirits had taken control, I would have been in trouble.

I looked around her room one more time, deciding on what approach would be best. It would be best to apply the spell first.

"Rosalina." I whispered, shaking her lightly. She stirred, opening her eyes to lifting her head. She turned to stare at me, her eyes fighting to stay open.

"In order to give you the birthday present you have to agree to something. It's like a secret password to open the surprise." I lied, trying to find any way for her to agree to the loyalty mark I was about place upon her. She blinked at me, her head falling forward before snapping back up.

"Password. Like the secret word Kadey has to use to open Xaivory’s room?" She mumbled.

I nodded, hoping this plan would work, my heart beginning to race as I noticed the sun begin to rise.

"Yes. All you have to say is I pledge to you when I tell you too. Okay." I informed her. She nodded absentmindedly.

"Rosalina Mackenzie Heart, you now belong within my care. Let thy loyalty mark be revoked, your bond to Arthur Heart becoming no more but a memory. I, Blair Aspen am your Owner now, the ruler of Latelia. When you enter my land, your memories will be forgotten, enclosed deep within your mind, unable to return unless unlocked. Pledge to me." I chanted, the magic flowing out of me as my body began to glow, my eyes emitting a red light.

She tilted her head at me, her eyes staring into mine in wonder.

"Pretty red light." She whispered, distracted by the glow of my eyes.

"Rosalina, you have to say the secret words." I reminded.

"Oh, hehe hehe. I pledge to you." She whispered.

I watched her flinch as her chest began to glow, the once loyalty mark that displayed A.H, fading away as my loyalty mark replaced it.

She yawned, her head falling back onto my shoulder, falling asleep immediately. I turned to the window, noticing my transportation car had arrived, hidden with the use of magic, parked a few feet from the gate.

I couldn't help but smile, my plans falling into place.

Sixteen cycles later, I stood here. I never imagined my path would lead to this moment as I waited for any signs of life.

As if answering my thoughts, four flashes of light flew through the sky: purple, red, black and gold. My shoulder slumped as I stared at the night sky.

I was ready to step forward, to sprint towards the edge to confirm whether she was truly gone when a final light shone through the sky. Midnight blue.

My eyes widen, my heart skipping a beat as I watched the light fade away. Impossible. It couldn't be. There was one more? No, I would have sensed it.

The test results should have shown if she had another spirit. Midnight...no she wasn't a spirit. She was a reflection of Mako, a split personality we were able to induce through vigorous treatments. She didn't categorize as a spirit, so what was that?

I tried to calm the anger that began to rise, realizing I'd lost more than just my gateway to revenge. I lost a potential five spirit holder. She was the first of our kind to survive carrying four spirits.

I could only imagine the power she would possess with five. She would be unstoppable. Now she was no more, apart of the lava below.

I felt something press against my shoulder. I took a deep breath, attempting to keep my composure. I turned my head, a pair of haunting violet eyes greeted me.

“I’ve searched the perimeter, no living thing but you and I.” He admitted, smoothly.

I nodded, ignoring the ache that began to form in my heart as I kept a blank face.

I glimpse back at the cliff, the steam emitting from the hot lava below, rising in the air. She truly was gone, one with the lot of foolish failures. If only she listened to me…she should have obeyed me. This wouldn’t have happened. I failed, yet again.

I turned my back, heading towards the thick fog, Jeffrey’s footsteps trailing behind. I snapped my fingers, the mirage dropping down, revealing the large, black house hidden within. Even though those menacing knights destroyed my facility, they weren’t strong enough to notice my hidden house.

Whenever I announced I would be away from the facility, I usually was here, spying from afar. I needed a quiet space to focus on important plans, without the chance of being disturbed over useless issues.

I couldn’t believe the one time I’d actually left the realm, having to meet my co-partner, was when the knights infiltrated. I couldn’t help but take a glimpse at Jeffrey, his long stride matching mine as we walked side by side, those mysterious eyes focused on the path before us.

I know I couldn’t trust anyone, and he was the only one who knew of my departure. Did he give a tip to those knights? Was he plotting against me?

I took another calming breath, trying to ignore the clawing curiosity in my mind. Jeffrey wasn’t obligated to stay by my side. He did it because he believed in me, believed in my plot for revenge.

For all I knew, that stuck up co-partner could have set me up. I knew he was working for someone, but even with my multiple spies and rouges, I still couldn’t pin point who.

I reached my private office, Jeffrey opening and holding the door for me. I sighed as I entered my sanctuary, walking towards my clean marble white desk. I sat down, my new velvet red office chair squeaking in protest as I relaxed, closing my eyes.

I heard Jeffrey close the door, his footsteps walking a few steps, before I heard the clattering of a glass. A pop noise followed by the pouring sound of liquid filled the room, the plain white walls still hollow from lack of furniture in the room. I would have to redecorate.

I opened my eyes to see Jeffrey turn towards me, a glass of scotch in his glove covered hand. He walked towards the desk, pulling out a glass drink coaster to place upon my desk, before setting my glass down. He bowed before stepping back.

“Sir, do you still want me undercover at that school of weak misfits?” He questioned.

I could sense his disinterest. I couldn’t blame him, as being before surrounded by weak shifters with no true understanding of what power really is, grind my gears. I bet Jeffrey felt the same.

“No. You may officially drop it. I can’t stand that headmaster anyways. Waste of money. I have a request. Head to Distala. Get the demon girl, the purple eye one and bring her down here. She’ll be next up in the experimental trials.” I instructed, reaching out for my glass, the three ice cubes clattering against the clear thick surface. 

I don’t have much hope in that Minato shifter but she’ll have to do for now. Maybe that royalty blood would pay off.

“Yes sir. I’ll take my leave now. Is there anything else you need?” He questioned, eyeing me for a moment.

I closed my eyes, hoping he couldn’t see the multiple emotions slamming through me, growing every second that ticked by.

“I’m fine Jeffrey. This too shall pass. Contact me if anything occurs.” I reassured him, opening my eyes to stare back at him.

He nodded, giving me one last deep bow before turning around, walking out the door. I watched as the door closed, leaving me alone to finally let go.

I took a long chug of my drink; the strong liquor flowed down my throat and I hoped its effect would rid me of these hindering emotions.

I deserve this. Everything I care about always taken from me. The gods always destroy the people I care about. Were my cycles of solitude not enough? Were the hours of staring at the bare land before me, the ground that once blossomed with life, as my people walked and cheered, praising me, not enough of a haunting reminder of my mistakes and failures? I dared to open my heart again, craving to share a bit of happiness with the woman I loved and the blue-eyed shifter who excelled in all things, reminding me of my past life. I regret ever thinking I could enjoy such luxury with the Starlight gods watchful eye. They stole my Elaine from me, and now…my little fox too.

I rose to my feet, picking up my now empty glass as I stalked towards my miniature bar. I poured another glass of scotch, chugging it down; the burning sensation reminded me that I was still breathing.

I needed to forget, to rid myself of these feelings. Such emotions were for the weak and I, Blair Aspen, would not fall prey to them after today. That’s right, I’ll allow them to consume me, one last time, but I’ll never keep anyone close to my heart again. I would avenge my failures, my Elaine and little fox.

I poured yet another glass, attempting to down the contents, as I felt a tear roll down my cheek. I lowered the glass, looking down at the golden liquid, the remaining ice cube clinging to the side.

I clenched my hand before slamming the glass into the wall, the sound of shattering glass echoing. My outrage didn’t stop the tears from falling, my pint up anger and frustration only contributing to my depression.

Just tonight, I’ll mourn for her: my little fox, Makoto and Midnight. Fear not, I’ll avenge your sacrifice. I’ll destroy the gods and ruin all those who’ve plotted to corrupt everyone I care about. They will all suffer. I promise.

 

***

“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are grey. You’ll never know dear; how much I love you. Please don’t take my sunshine away.”

 

“Mommy, sing it again!” I begged, wrapping my arms around her legs as I looked up towards her. I loved my mom’s eyes, they were exactly like mine. I was my mom’s mini-me and I liked it.

“Rosalina, why do you love that song so much?” She asked me, bending down to lift me in her arms. I laughed as she lifted me in the air, catching me in her arms once more. I wrapped small arms around her neck, snuggling next to her.

“Because the sun is bright and makes me happy. It scares the monsters underneath my bed away.” I answered, looking up at the bright sun in the middle of the cloudless sky.

I looked down to stare at my mom, placing my hands against her cheeks.

She smiled back at me, her soft red lips made her eyes even prettier in the sunlight. I loved my mom’s brown hair. She always had it down in huge curls. I wanted to look as pretty as mommy one day.

“You know what I want you to always remember, Rosalina?” My mom whispered softly.

“What?” I whispered back, leaning into her face.

“The sun will always guide you back home. No matter where you are and the hardships that may follow you in life, always look up at the sun for guidance. Light will always be stronger than the darkness. No matter how lost you are, the light will lead you to salvation.” She promised.

I took a moment to ponder her words, not understanding everything she had said.

“But Mama, you’ll always be with me and daddy, Kadey and Xaviory! Why would I need the sun?” I questioned, confused.

“I won’t always be there baby girl. The gods have big plans for you, but they’ll never fail you, just as the sun never fails to rise every morning, to scare the monsters away. You’re still too young to understand, but in time you will. Can you at least promise me to trust the Starlight gods and sun to guide you?” She asked, rubbing her nose against mine.

I giggled, before nodding.

“I promise. Cross my heart and hope to fly! Poke a flower in the sky!” I sung; my voice switching to a melodic voice, as Hopey’s power flowed in me. My mom laughed, shaking her head.

“What did I say about you constantly switching with Rose and Hope?” She reminded me. I pouted at her, Rosey coming forward to hug her.

“But it’s fun! I’m sugar and spice.” Rosey exclaimed. Hopey nudged her, taking her place.

“And I’m everything nice.” She sung. I took over, laughing.

“See Mama! We’re the POWERPUFF GIRLS!” I giggled, wiggling in her embrace. She sighed.

“I need to tell Kade to stop letting you watch those Earthala shows. They make you hyper.” She mumbled.

“I’m not hyper! I’m – NIGHTMARE!!! Mommy, down down!” I roared as my eyes caught glimpse of her small white furry body in the flower bush.

My mom laughed, placing me back down on the ground. I ran to my little friend, her head peeking up before she started mewing, racing towards me. I embraced her, spinning around as I laughed. I was so happy to see my familiar.

“I guess Nightmare’s joining us for dinner. Let’s get going my little sunshine. Daddy will be joining us.” My mom encouraged, holding out her arms. I beamed at the mention of Papa. He was always busy with work, but he promised to be at dinner tonight, celebrating my sixth birthday early.

“YEAH!!!!” I yelp, running into my mom’s arms, Nightmare wrapping her tiny frame around my neck, her three tails, hanging down my chest. We both laughed as we made our way back to the palace.

“Mommy? Can Rydey and Stryky be there? Pretty please?” I begged, looking up at my mom with wide eyes. She smiled down at me before nodding.

“Yes, he’ll be joining us with his sister, Anya. I made sure he’s sitting next to you.” She smiled.

I hugged her, tightly as my spirit’s happiness flowed in my mind. 

“I love you, Mama.” I whispered, kissing her on the cheek.

“I love you too Rosalina. You’ll always be the sunshine in my life.”

 

 

I’m cold…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TAINTED ROSE

November 2017