~NIKOLAI~
"She's mentally stable and looks like her spirits are all resting as well. The shock of everything must have been the reason she spiked a fever. Mako heals rather fast. All she needs is rest and she'll bounce back to normal," Isa announced.
I let out the breath I was holding, my red eyes landing on Mako, who was fast asleep in the white medical bed.
Myself, Isa, and one of these so-called star knights named Daniel, whose appearance was similar to Isa’s, were in their ship’s medical room. Ann and Mako had gotten their scans done together, but Ann appeared okay and Isa encouraged her to rest. After escorting a star knight named Ryder along with the annoying dude named Xavier to put Ann in one of the guest rooms to sleep, I'd returned to find out Mako's results.
Her scan took a lot longer, which was expected because of her multiple spirits and overall complexity. The wait time only left me anxious, but I was doing my best to keep up my guarded appearance with the Daniel person present.
Everyone else waited in the general meeting room of the ship, but I wasn't planning to join their conversation. I was dealing with enough headaches for today, and I couldn't stand hearing their thoughts, even if it was only from time to time.
I came to realize they must have been the reason for the voices, recognizing each of them simply by their tones. Regardless, I wasn't digging the invasion. It made me wonder if they could hear what I was thinking.
"I guess you'll be fine from here. I'll go and tell the others Makoto's okay," Daniel announced.
"Is that her full name?" I asked out of curiosity. I didn't care about chit-chat or making friends, but I did want to get some information about my Butterfly.
Daniel turned to me and nodded. "Makoto Heart. I doubt you can search up her information because it's on a private database and Makoto is only a nickname."
"What's her real one?"
"Rosalina Heart."
Isa gasped and turned to Daniel. "The Princess? As in the Princess of Heila? Catherine's child."
Daniel slowly nodded, a serious expression on his face as he glanced between us. "Explaining everything is going to take a few hours, so it's best we all rest and we'll explain things later. Maybe when Firefly's awake."
"Firefly?" I asked.
"Uh...we call her that. Don't worry about it. I'll leave you two alone." He nodded his head in my direction and turned to leave. Isa walked with him to the door, and when he stepped out into the hall, he turned to Isa.
"I know we're not in the position to talk...but I'm glad you're alive," he whispered. Even with his gold-framed spectacles, I could see he wanted to cry. The pain in his eyes alone held so much agony that I knew it must have been hard on Isa, too.
She reached out with a trembling hand and gently stroked Daniel's left cheek. "There's a lot to discuss, but in time, you'll understand. Can you wait a bit longer?" Her sweet songlike voice sounded like a sad melody.
He nodded, blinking his golden eyes, and lifted his hand to press onto hers. "Okay. I'll be patient."
"You grew into a wonderful man, my sweet Daniel," Isa said softly. "How is Michael?"
"He's good. He's an investigator now. He saves shifters and stops crime." Daniel’s praise of his brother was said with a small smile.
"And your father?"
"We're kind of working on things, but he's well," Daniel replied.
I couldn't see Isa’s face at the angle I was standing, but I bet she was a little worried about his words.
Daniel looked up and reached out to brush Isa's cheek. "I'm fine, Mother. We're all fine...I'll be off. I...I love you," he whispered.
"I love you, too, Daniel. Make sure you rest for me," she replied and hugged him tightly. They didn't say anything, holding onto each other for dear life.
After a minute they pulled apart, and Daniel gave her one last smile before he bowed his head in respect and turned to me to give another small nod. I nodded back, and he turned and walked down the hall.
Isa closed the door quietly and pressed her forehead against the black metal door. With a frown, I strode over to where she stood, her shoulders moving up and down as her quiet whimpers reached my ears.
Placing my hand on her back, I comforted her the best I could. Even if I hadn't experienced parenthood yet, I could tell how hard that must have been.
Isa sniffed and slowly turned to face me, giving me the best smile she could muster while the last of her tears rolled down her cheeks.
"To think my own son has grown to be such a wondrous man. He could have questioned me right there and then. Or tried to find out what happened. Instead, he focused on his duty to help Ann and Mako. I was blessed with beautiful children...yet I chose duty over them." Isa looked like she was going to break down again.
I took a step forward and pulled her into a hug. "Without you at the base, many of us wouldn't be alive today. Especially the children. Wintalyn has a future thanks to your selflessness. I don't know what will happen in the future, but the Starlight gods and Mother Galaxy herself allowed everything in the past to happen for a reason. You just have to believe in that, and pray they make your future brighter."
Those were the words I knew I'd want to hear. Isa did a favor to many of us. She'd healed our wounds, and at times when many townspeople were sick, she was there to heal us all at her own expense.
She nodded into my shoulder, allowing herself to have the chance to let out the agony she'd kept inside her this entire time. Once she calmed, she pulled back and bowed her head in thanks. "I appreciate it, Nikolai."
“You've done the same for me many times. It's about time I returned the favor." I remembered all the times Isa had helped me. She'd been my light; the person who'd taken me in with open arms and comforted me.
Throughout my childhood here at the base, she'd been the mother I always wished I had. There was a bit of me that was jealous of Daniel—that he had a mother as lovely as Isa back in his life. But it was thanks to the reality of him not having a mother growing up that allowed me to have Isa as a mother for some of my childhood. I had to at least be grateful for that much.
She composed herself, taking a few deep breaths before we moved back to where Mako was sleeping.
"Are you sure they're telling the truth?" I asked, sitting on the right side of the bed that had a little more space. I reached out to move a strand of Mako's pink hair and placed it behind her ear.
"They speak the truth. If we do agree to go with them, we could confirm the truth when we get to Heila, but I know for sure the Princess of Heila's name is Rosalina. I didn't put the two together. Maybe because it's been so many cycles since I've seen Catherine or Arthur Heart. However, now that I do remember a bit of her from when I'd met them with my husband, I can see the resemblance in Mako."
"None of us on Wintalyn saw the resemblance," I mumbled. I didn't want to admit Mako was royalty.
I mean, she was so relaxed and happy compared to some of the royalty I've seen visit Wintalyn to see the Queen. To them, I was just a peasant or an assistant. I'd only seen three rulers, but I didn't know what realms they came from or their purpose for being on Wintalyn.
"You're just worried she'll forget about us," Bleu whispered.
"More like abandon," Blaze muttered, sounding a bit hurt. I didn't even argue with their valid points. That's exactly how I felt. Before Mako, I hadn't really associated myself with anyone. Ann was what I deemed a "work" friendship, and Isa was more like a mother to me.
I never expected to meet Mako, but now that I'd enjoyed her love and the joy she brought into my life, I was scared to lose her. I don’t want to be left alone again.
"We don't learn about those things here, as you should remember. Basic education focuses on surviving Wintalyn and learning specific languages, including our own. That's all you need to know. We only know about the realms and Starlight gods because that's mandatory," Isa explained.
I sighed, nodding my head as I stared at Mako. "What do we do?"
"Wait till Makoto wakes up and handle the situation accordingly. I don't want you leaving her alone for now. Especially on this ship. I don't think she'll sleepwalk around, but I think we should make sure we ask if they have milk on board and leave it in the room. You'll also need to talk to her spirits, or at least Midnight. I don't think we want her trying to kill someone on board."
"Good point." I cringed at the thought, knowing how protective Midnight was. She'd react before caring who she'd kill if she didn't recognize who was in the room.
"Are you worried?" Isa asked.
I didn't reply immediately, focusing on Mako's slow breathing while enjoying her peaceful facial expression.
"What if she...doesn't want me anymore?" My voice was barely a whisper, and it was filled with raw vulnerability. I couldn't show this side to everyone. Only Isa and Mako could see me lower my walls and never judge me.
"She won't abandon you, Nick."
"My parents did, and they were of the same blood," I grumbled as I stroked Mako's cheek with my index finger.
"Nikolai."
"I don't even know my last name, Isa. With this new development, even if I'm apparently connected to these strangers who talk in my head from time to time, I'm an orphan who knows nothing about my background. I'm someone my own parents didn't want. Didn't need. A mistake..." I trailed off, needing a second to collect my thoughts and not fall into the dark mentality that would ruin my night.
"Why would I be needed for this star knight gig, or whatever bull they were saying? If there’s a small possibility I'm a Star Knight, what's my purpose? Why were they chosen first and I, last? What does any of it have to do with Mako? I'm just scared that if I do remain in Mako's life, I'll end up being left behind," I confessed.
My outspoken thoughts weren't just mine, but Bleu's and Blaze's worries as well. We didn't want to start over again. To try and fit in once more and learn about our place.
If this "vacation" went longer than our requested time and I decided to stay with these weird guys and Mako, my whole career would be on the line. If Ann was related to Ryder, she'd have a home, somewhere to return to and belong.
I, however, wouldn't, and that was scarier.
My eyes were still focused on Mako, and I hadn't realized Isa had walked over to me until her hand landed lightly on my shoulder. I lifted my gaze to see her loving expression as she smiled.
"Finding where you belong in life is scary. It's filled with joy as well as disappointment. It’s a trial no one wants to go through because it's the hardest to overcome. However, being successful will bring you happiness. I know you're scared. You and your spirits, but I believe all of you will be just fine. Mako loves you, and from the time we've known her, we know that when she loves, it's absolute. Just believe in her and be confident in yourself."
"Daniel's lucky to have you back." I gave her a sad smile, and she leaned over to press a kiss on my forehead, just like she would when I was a child.
"Just because I may return to my family, doesn't mean I will abandon you, Nikolai."
"I don't want him as a brother," I grumbled.
She laughed quietly and shook her head. "I think you two would get along once you understand each other. That goes with the others as well. All you need is time."
"Thanks, Isa," I whispered, meeting her golden eyes. She grinned and ruffled my hair, which only made me growl.
"I hate when you do that. Long hair is so hard to maintain," I complained.
"You're the one who doesn't want to cut it. I also like ruffling it to piss you off." She winked.
"I take my words back. You're mean."
That made her laugh harder. "Liar Liar, pants on fire," she sang happily, moving away to check Mako's vitals.
"Hmph," I mumbled, but a small smile crept onto my lips.
I returned to gazing at Mako while Isa did her own thing. After thirty minutes, I encouraged Isa to go to bed and reassured her that I'd stay with Mako.
"Night, Nikolai. If Mako wakes up, let me know."
"Night, Isa. Sleep well," I replied and bid her farewell. Once Isa dimmed the lights, she headed out, closing the door behind her.
With a sigh, I looked at the vitals machine that displayed everything was normal. Mako...
"Mine."
I blinked and returned my gaze to Mako, who'd turned over. I was glad Isa took my advice and removed her IV, knowing how Mako tossed when she was sleeping alone in her bed versus with someone cuddling next to her.
I stood and moved my phone and hidden weapons from before, thankful that the medical room had a full bathroom.
After changing into more comfortable clothes and putting my weapons and valuables away in the drawer, I laid down next to Mako. The bed was big enough for two people, even with my rather solid body structure.
Mako must have subconsciously noticed my presence in her bed because she outstretched her hand until it patted my bicep. In seconds, she moved over until her body was snuggled against mine, making me grin as I pulled her into my arms.
She relaxed immediately, taking a big inhale before she let it out. "Mine."
Even if she had no idea what she had said, that simple word meant a lot more to me than I thought it would. It made me hope that I would still be hers no matter what the future held.
Now that it was quiet, I could hear the muffled noises getting loud again, and I really didn't want to deal with it tonight. I just wanted to lay here with Mako and pray to the gods she'd remain by my side.
I decided to concentrate for a split second, thinking about the voice and what I wanted to say. "If you guys are going to talk, do it out loud. I'm sleeping."
The voices stopped immediately, making me grin in amusement before I sighed at the quietness of the room. Much better.
I looked one more time at Mako as a yawn escaped me, my hand lazily stroking her hair as my eyes grew heavy.
For now, I'll enjoy the current reality of Mako being mine.
~ELIASEANNE~
"If you guys are going to talk, do it out loud. I'm sleeping."
We were all silent, wondering how much this newcomer heard.
"Does he think he's entitled to shut us up or something?" Marcus grumbled, looking irritated.
I glanced around the others in the meeting room, which consisted of a medium size table that could fit four people, a couch in the corner, and a beanie chair that was nestled in the opposite corner.
Marcus was sitting with me at the table, Daniel and Kai were sitting on the couch, and Ryder was chilling in the beanie chair.
Kade and Xavier had retired for the night, stating they would contact Arthur and Catherine and give them an update. We had enough reassurance that Ann was most definitely Anya, and Isa was Daniel and Michael's mother. We decided to let the King and Queen of Heila contact Ryder's parents and Daniel's father to request for them to gather in Heila.
This was going to be a huge shock to both of their families and would lead to questioning why they were on Wintalyn in the first place. At least Winterlya was still recovering in Heila. The King authorized her to take two weeks off and notified all the realms that she wasn't available.
We all agreed that this discovery only created more questions, and now we were all worried Mako wouldn't regain her memories. Meaning we'd start from square one.
"I think he's dealing with having voices in his head and realizing they're real people," Daniel replied, pulling off his glasses and placing them on his head.
"You think?" Kai asked.
"That's the feeling I got. Did a quick check on him to make sure he was okay as well. They were apparently on a mission of some kind before our confrontation," Daniel revealed.
"That's how Elias met her. She was killing rogues," I mumbled, lowering my gaze to the wood table.
"Ryder?" Kai asked.
When there was no response, I lifted my head and noticed Ryder's eyes were closed and his breathing was rather slow. Daniel pushed off from the couch and made his way over to where Ryder sat with his arms crossed over his chest and his head resting against the large dark blue beanie cushion.
Daniel crouched down and placed his hand on Ryder's forehead. In a second, his hand began to glow, which we figured was a sign of him checking to make sure Ryder wasn't getting sick again. He'd been a bit better after resting all day, but the shock of everything was taking a toll on him.
"He's mentally exhausted. We have to be careful with our emotions for a bit. Maybe let's try not using our knight bond communication until we can figure this all out." Daniel removed his hand and rose to a standing position.
Kai grabbed a blanket that was on his side of the armrest and moved to place it on Ryder.
"I think that's a good idea. We need to have a talk with Nikolai and explain exactly what the star knight bond is and how it affects Ryder the most," Kai suggested.
"He doesn't look considerate," Marcus grumbled.
"I agree," I replied. Couldn't deny that I was still upset about his words. Probably because they were the truth and that's why they continued to hurt both Elias and me.
"In my opinion, he's guarded," Daniel admitted as he and Kai moved back to the couch.
"You get that feeling too, huh?" Kai commented.
"When I was helping...my mom, I could see his affection for Mako just by the way he looked at her. I can see why EliaseAnne wanted us to leave her. He loves her," Daniel replied.
"He can't just fall in love with Mako in less than two rotations." Marcus scowled. All of us looked at him, knowing he was spitting out nonsense.
"Uh huh. I think all of us fell in love with Mako within two rotations." Kai raised an eyebrow and stared at Marcus.
"Hmph, whatever. We're not telling him that!" Marcus huffed.
"You two really won't get along," Daniel admitted.
"I don't need to get along with him. Ryuu doesn't like him either.”
“Just admit you hate him because he's taller and more buff than you." Kai rolled his eyes.
"Never," Marcus grumbled.
"It makes sense I guess," I commented, realizing Dragon shifters had issues with shifters who looked more superior than them. We never had a problem because we'd grown up together, but Marcus wasn't as nice around other shifters, especially bear shifters.
"You're just mad because he called you a bear shifter," Daniel declared.
"I don't want to talk about that either." Marcus scowled.
"He's just grumpy because he misses Mako and wants to hug her, yet she doesn't remember," Elias mumbled within my mind.
I agree. And he hates being mistaken for a bear shifter. At least when Mako said it, she made it sound cute.
That was during the gym session where we'd been "spying" on them as they trained.
"What's the plan? This Nikolai guy looks like he's either going to be super stubborn or annoying, in my opinion," I announced.
"I think we should wait for Ryder to figure something out. He's connected to all of us and could confront the situation with a calmer approach than any of us." Kai glanced at Ryder’s sleeping form as he spoke.
He had a point.
"Fine," Marcus muttered. "And Firefly? What if she wakes up?"
"Once she's stable we can move her to the analysis room," Kai suggested.
"You mean the one that has the separate room where we can see what's going on? Isn't that a bit invasive?" Daniel asked, looking displeased with the idea.
"We'll inform Nikolai and the others about it, but that's the only way we can monitor Mako properly. We don't know what our presence has or hasn't triggered. If she starts remembering her days at the facility before us, we're going to have a problem," Kai explained.
We all shivered at the thought, realizing Mako could go south and be more destructive because of her memories of the facility. This was tricky because we didn't know if she'd recover them, and if there was a slight chance that she did, it could lead to an adverse reaction.
"Makes sense. When she saw Xavier, she snapped and got the wrong idea. We need to explain everything first, but in an environment she's comfortable in." Daniel ran a hand over his face in agitation.
"We shouldn't go back to Heila then," Marcus admitted.
"Why?" I asked.
"She'll be overwhelmed. Remember when she first learned she was a Princess? We eased her into it and gave her proof. She's starting at square one once again. We have to give her time to understand her circumstances and adjust instead of throwing her right into Heila where everyone will treat her like she's okay," Marcus replied.
"Good point. Where are we going to go then? We have to at least leave before sunrise. We don't want to be caught, and if this spot is close to a rogue’s base, we don't want to deal with that mess," I pointed out.
"I think we should go to Minato," Kai presented.
"Huh?" The rest of us replied in unison, unsure why he was suggesting it.
"Why?" I asked.
"If we take her back to Knightwood, maybe it would trigger some of her memory of her time there. We could each take a turn hanging out with her and doing something we all liked to do with her during our time there. That could help comfort her since that was originally the place where all of this began."
"That doesn't sound like a bad idea," Marcus mused.
Daniel nodded as he rubbed his eyes. "In the morning we should tell the King and Queen of Minato to hold on. My dad can meet them back at Heila once he's done helping Kai's Dad, but if we're going to Minato, it would be best to let them stay."
"That's a good idea. Anya wouldn't benefit much from staying at Knightwood where our house was. How are we going to decorate it though? It has to look like what it was before and most of our furniture, which includes the stools, is back at Heila." I furrowed my brows, wondering how we'd get all the stuff back.
"We could ask Kade and Xavier to go ahead of us. They could use the smaller jet ship and head to Heila. With its speed, they'd get to Heila before we made it to Minato. Transporting our furniture wouldn't be hard. Then when we landed in Minato, we could let Mako stay the night on the ship while we got things ready and set up. Elyion could stay behind and watch, seeing as Mako looks comfortable with her and Elias. We'll organize everything and then the next rotation or so we could do what we used to do as students," Kai explained.
"Is it even available?" Marcus asked.
"Should be. No one currently has the highest ranks to live there. We can tell Mako's brothers to get Arthur to contact the headmaster and do us a favor. He'd love to try and gain the King and Queen's trust again after the shit that happened with Leo's exam," Daniel replied.
"What happened to that asshole?" I questioned. We hadn't heard from him since the second exam incident, all of us too angry to even mention his name.
"He got kicked out," Kai said with a shrug. "Headmaster took it out on him and cut him out."
"Ouch." Marcus grimaced. "Guess he deserved it. He'd never be a knight with his skills. I don't feel pity for him. It's his fault Mako went through what she did at Heila and her healing process."
We all nodded in agreement, and I sighed. "We finally found our final star knight, yet I feel like we're on different sides," I admitted.
"Once we understand the situation from their end, it could turn out to be a lot easier to understand their circumstances. We'll also find out what role Jeffrey is playing in all this." Kai ruffled his hair and stretched.
I nodded, clenching my fists that rested in my lap at Jeffrey's name. The image of him carrying Mako through the portal still lingered in my mind, taunting me every day.
I didn't care what his reasoning was. He'd been the cause of our struggles and conflict, repeatedly. I wanted him dead, and I was positive I wasn't the only one who would rather bring his dead body back to Heila.
"I think we should get some rest. My head hurts." Daniel sighed.
"I agree. Tomorrow we'll start organizing everything and clean the analysis room to make it more comfortable for Mako. It's big enough to turn it into a room with a bed and some things she may like," Kai explained.
"Our stuff from our Earthala trip is still on this ship, right?" I clarified, remembering we'd never gotten the chance to unload everything because of Leo's exam interference, and we'd always used this particular ship.
"I think so. We never unloaded, and Ryder took a different ship when he gathered our things from Minato. We should be able to make her room a little more comfortable," Kai added.
"Anything unicorn and neon pink?" Marcus asked. We all smiled at Mako's obsession, knowing how much she loved the magical creatures and the bright neon color.
"Most likely. Daniel, you can go sleep. Kai and I can check real quick. Eli, I'll see ya in my room in a bit?" Marcus asked, moving his gaze to me.
I gave a nod and shot them a relieved smile. "Yup. You guys get ready for bed and check what we have. I'm gonna talk with Elias for a bit," I confessed.
They all nodded. Kai and Marcus moved to help Ryder up; he didn't even stir from the movement.
"Sleep well, Eli and Elias." Daniel gave me a small wave.
"Night Elyion and Elias," Kai replied with a yawn.
"See you in a bit, Eli and Elias," Marcus assured me.
I nodded, giving a small wave of goodbye and watching the door close behind them.
I stood and stretched, pulling the hair tie that was holding my long blonde hair up. Releasing it made me sigh in relief, and I moved to the couch to lay down for a few minutes.
"Are you okay?"
Don't know. I feel all over the place. How about you?
"Kind of the same," Elias replied earnestly.
Am I still in trouble?
Even though we found Mako, I figured he was still going to punish me for my stunt.
"Don't know. Haven't decided yet."
Hmm.
"Let's go back to Marcus' room. Might as well, seeing as he invited us."
Because he knows I'd freak out staying alone.
"True. We both would," Elias whispered.
I hope we get our Firefly back. I really pray she remembers.
"I pray she does too, but we have to be prepared for if she doesn't. Or worse."
Worse?
"She remembers, but doesn't know which Mako she really is? It's a possibility and rather overwhelming. We have to try and aim for that not to happen," Elias warned.
"Okay...and Midnight?"
Elias was silent which made me frown as my eyes stung. Guess I should give up?
"I never said that."
Feels like it.
"It took a while for Midnight to gain our trust back then. Now with Nikolai in the picture...well...I don't know, Eli. I really don't know."
I nodded and closed my eyes, a tear rolling down my cheek.
Makoto...our Firefly. Can't you be ours once more?