"Ryder? Where are we going? This is such a steep hill." I pondered as we headed up the cement path; my gloved hand in his.

"You'll see in a moment." Ryder looked over his shoulder; his Tyrian eyes glimmered with excitement and a hint of amusement as we continued to make our way up the hill.

I'd slept throughout most of the morning, waking up only because Nightmare kept nudging at my face. I'd let my familiar do her own thing, telling her I'd be down on Earthala before we left. I didn't expect her to be here on Christmas Eve but there she was, jumping up and down on the bed as she pounced on me to wake up.

I eventually got up, taking a long, hot shower. My body was sore from all the dates I'd had this week, and the heart pumping sex. I wondered if I'd get tired of the pleasurable activity. Nah.

Elias had made us breakfast as we settled around the kitchen table together; eating and discussing the night’s event. The boys had shared their catch-up session with Team Seven when they decided to chill at the bar, after Kai and I disappeared to finish our date.

Ryder and I had begun our date relaxing at home – reading a few Christmas stories; my body in his lap as we read them together before playing multiple video games. We finally decided to go outside before it started to become dark.

I didn't understand why we were currently climbing the steep, snowy hill until we reached the top. I gasped at the huge sloped trail; my eyes landed on five husky dogs and a sled.

"What's this?" I questioned, curious and excited at the same time.

"This is going to be our ride for this afternoon. Those loyal huskies are going to take us to our next secret location." Ryder mused, leaning against me as his lips claimed mine; the kiss done within seconds.

"They're gonna take us all the way there? They know the way?"

"Yup. We don't need to do anything but relax. Let's make our way Princess. I bet you’re excited for what's to come." Ryder pursued, tugging me lightly as we made our way to the sled.

It didn't take long till we were both settled in the black sled, ready to depart.

"How are you going to tell them to go?" I questioned.

"All I have to do is command them. Humans use whips and such to order them to move but shifters hate such cruel methods. They can sense our spirits and will listen to a simple command. Stryker really likes animals." Ryder explained before revealing Stryker's fondness of the animal.

"Really now. That's cute." I giggled; my back leaned into his embrace as his hands tightened around me.

"Ready? They run faster than normal huskies." Ryder cautioned.

"The faster the better." I looked up at him. His lips pressed quickly on mine before he focused forward.

"MUSH!" Ryder commanded; power flowed from the single word. The five huskies howled in unison before running and pulling us forward. I turned in Ryder's embrace as my hands held the side of the sled, peering at the scenery as we plowed by. Ryder relaxed, one of his arms still secured around my waist while his free hand landed on mine.

I turned to face him – hoping my ecstatic expression was enough to prove how much fun I was already having.

After ten minutes, I returned to relaxing in Ryder's arms; my head against his chest while we continued our journey to this so-called secret location. The sun was already making its descent in the sky – the sky turned into a piece of artwork as the warm colors of orange and yellow began to transcend to blues, purples, and hints of pink.

Sunsets had always brought peace and joy to my heart. Just as the sunrise gave me renewed purpose and happiness.

I must have dozed off; the smooth feel of the sled and Ryder's heartbeat calmed me to the point of unconsciousness. It wasn't till Ryder lightly nudged me that I awoke.

"Makoto love, we're here."

I opened my eyes, sitting up and rubbing them. When I could finally see clearly, my turquoise eyes widened at the fascinating scene before me.

Lights – of all colors hung intricately on the multiple trees around us. I rose up to my feet; my jaw slack as I continued admiring the multicolored display. As my eyes continued to appreciate the beautiful decorations, they noticed that those weren't the only display. A luminous white glow began to expand in the sky – transitioning from a light green to a beautiful violet purple, swaying from left to right as if the window was guiding it along the dark, starry sky.

It was such a mystical experience; my heart pumped fast against my chest as my transfixed gaze continued to peer above; my hand reached up as if the sky was mere inches from my grasp. I continued to watch as the lights continued to dance – shifting from different variations of purple, blue and soon pink.

Eventually, Ryder's arms wrapped around me as I continue to watch the beautiful display; wishing it wouldn't end.

"It will still be here. I have more to show you, baby." Ryder whispered in my ear.

I turned myself into his embrace; my arms wrapped around his waist; my lips brushed his.

"It’s more beautiful than this place?" I inquired. He nodded.

"I promise we’ll come back, but I have other things to show you." He emphasized on "things" as he grinned.

"Okay," I replied, placing a firm kiss on his lips. He returned my kiss, allowing us to enjoy each other's taste before we pulled apart. His hand slipped into mine as he began to walk forward into the deep forest.

We walked in silence, but it was a comfortable silence. Words didn't need to be exchanged for us to enjoy one others company as we continued to admire the light show that emphasized Mother Starlight’s intricate beauty.

I'd never seen such a display in books or in the shows that Marcus showed me. This was a brand-new experience, and I wanted to enjoy every moment of it.

We reached a clearing; my head tilted in wonder as I saw the entrance. The words Wonderscape Amusement Park were in gold and pink colors, while the lights flashed on and off.

"Amusement park? Is this where humans take those silly rides that go at super high speeds, and they die?" I asked, frowning. Ryder struggled to hold back a laugh; his shoulders shook.

"Mako babe, who told you that?" He asked, turning his head to see my confused expression.

"No one. It's in books. It's like walking into those houses where shifters purposely scare you and you know they're going to, but you go in any way. Then they complain how scary it was. How does that even make sense when you already expected what was going to happen?" I pondered shaking my head in disapproval.

Ryder pulled me forward, urging me to walk again.

"Trust me. No one dies on rides unless there's a mechanical problem, and those are rare cases. Don't worry, I've made sure all the rides here are safe for my Princess." He guaranteed.

I squeezed his hand, already walking faster.

"Then we can go on them? Isn't it supposed to be closed on Christmas Eve?"

"I'm good friends with the owner. He owns multiple amusement parks and attractions all over Earthala and has a few places in Minato during the solace rotations. He happily agreed to open the park just for the Princess of Heila's entertainment." He disclosed, proudly.

I wrapped my arms around his right arm before tugging him to move faster.

"Then stop being so slow, I wanna ride all of them!" I giggled with anticipation as I jumped up and down. I felt like a little girl, getting to experience this for the first time.

"Hahaha. Okay, okay. Just don't trip. You’re already accident prone." Ryder quickened his pace. This is going to be so much fun.

"Mako...when did you learn how to shoot a gun?"

I ignored Ryder's comment as I focused on the prize. I needed to hit one more saucer to get the oversized unicorn stuffed animal that would surely be mine.

"Mine, mine, mine." I chanted as I narrowed my eyes, pulling the plastic trigger of the gun.

With a pew noise, the plastic bullet hit the plate right in the center, knocking it off.

"Woot! Ryder! I get the unicorn!" I cheered, waving my hands. The older attendee shifter laughed, reaching to get the gigantic unicorn off the shelf.

I thanked the shifter before hugging the large stuffed animal. Her white fur was beyond soft. I inspected the nice purple and pink hair that rested on one side and the black eyes that had purple stars in them. The stuffed gold horn had glitter all around it, completing the enchanted look.

I turned to see Ryder’s astonished gaze as he stared at me.

"What?"

"You never answered my question."

"Hm? About guns? What about them?"

"Where did you learn to shoot with such accuracy?"

"I didn't."

"What?" Ryder looked confused.

"The facility makes you focus on one weapon. I only used a gun maybe twice and that was for trials to choose the weapon that most suited our traits and skills. Guns are nice and all, but there's only so much you can do with them. Plus, once you run out of bullets or energy, you’re screwed. Scythes are better. I don't need to use magic to hold up a scythe and it can be used for long range if necessary." I explained, blinking in confusion.

I didn't see what the big deal was. Do female shifters not shoot guns?

"No. Rarely. Most female shifters like the pretty wands and a few go with arrows. It's honestly based on the trend of weapons advertised. If they see someone of high class or royal stature use a bow and arrow, all the female shifters start practicing such tactics. If the same individual switches over to using a sword, they all follow like a flock." Ryder concluded.

"Ah. No wonder Marcus was shocked when I could use my scythe so well. But didn't the others tell you about the incident with Scarlet?" I reminded him of our previous trip to Earthala.

"They did. I just assumed it was a fight or flight response. I didn't think you actually knew how to use a firearm." He slipped his hand in mine, thanking the shifter before we began to walk back.

"Hehehe. Are you jelly?"

"I'm not jelly."

"You so are."

"A little."

"I can teach you."

"It hurts my man pride that my girlfriend has to teach me how to shoot a gun."

"Aww, suck it up." I laughed.

We approached something called a Merry-Go-Round. The ride's name alone reminded me of the manga series EliaseAnne and I waited impatiently for the new release.

I slipped out of his grasp, running to the ride. Many of the remaining rides we could easily operate with a press of a button, so no attendee was in this part of the park. I placed my new stuffed unicorn on one of the inanimate objects that were shaped like a white unicorn.

"I shall call you...UH...CELESTIA! Yes, Celestia, the unicorn."

"You did not just name your stuffed animal," Ryder pointed out.

"Don't insult Celestia. She's fierce! She doesn't like when people talk poorly about her. She'll kick your ass," I defended, making sure she was securely on the unicorn look-alike.

"She sounds badass."

"Of course, she's a badass unicorn shifter. Hmm, I want to meet one. Maybe one day."

"Hahaha. Maybe. If you do, you can show her your tiny obsession with the mythological creature."

"I don't have an obsession," I mumbled. He raised an eyebrow at me.

"There's unicorn stuff all over the house and in all of our rooms. Not to mention the stickers on the fridge, the miniature unicorn figurine collection you have in Marcus' room, and don't get me started on the unicorn onesie." He rolled his eyes.

I gasped, pressing my hand to my chest in an attempt to be overdramatic.

"I look damn sexy in that onesie."

"You look sexy naked. Not in that rainbow one-piece."

"You just don't like it because you have to take the entire thing off before you can have me." I broke out laughing as his cheeks began to flush.

"Whatever," he grumbled, making his way to the operating system, pressing a red button.

The ride came to life; soft music flowed out of the speakers as the ride began to move. I squealed with excitement, moving to another mount. I waited impatiently for Ryder, watching him make his way to the spinning ride – disappearing from my sight.

"Ryder. Hurry up or I'll shoot ya down with my magic gun." I called out through giggles, pretending my hand was one of the handguns; my eyes narrowed around to catch a glimpse of him.

"You won't be able to pinpoint me. You may be good with guns but I'm good at hiding." He declared.

"If I wanted to catch you, I could," I announced, pressing my chest against the mount to keep me steady as my elbows rested on the saddle of the ride. I took a deep breath, calming my racing heart as I tried to focus on his footsteps.

A full minute had passed, and I still couldn't hear anything but the soft melody playing in the background. Where did he go?

"I'm right here baby."

I jumped, Ryder's body pressed against my back – pinning me to the unicorn.

"Dammit. How did you do that?" I stared up at him; frowning at his upside-down grin.

"Magic." He whispered; his voice much lower than usual. I noticed his darkened eyes – bleeding fully to black.

"Stryker! That's cheating." I accused. His hands slid from my waist to my hips. I froze; my body already beginning to tingle at the movement. My pussy couldn't help but clench at the feeling of his groin pressed firmly on my ass.

"Is it?" He whispered into my ear, kissing my neck. I sighed, lifting my head back.

I was used to being intimate with Stryker, Eli and Ryuu, the three spirits out of my star knights I'd already surpassed the kissing stages with. Maybe to other shifters, it felt like cheating but to me, our spirits were a part of us and the same as a whole.

Without our spirits, we wouldn't be the same individual we were now. With that being said, I didn't let morals that were looked down upon by the older generation hinder my outlook. I turned my head, craving the feel of his lips. He brushed my hair out of the way, claiming my lips in one smooth movement.

We kissed for a long time, enjoying the way our tongues danced as our bodies pressed against one another. Eventually, I had my back against the unicorn mount; Stryker's hands gripped my ass as his hardness pressed against me – our lips locked in a deep, passionate kiss.

We finally pulled apart when our lungs begged to breathe; our rapid warm exhales formed steamy puffs as they entered the chilly air.

"What did I do to deserve such a kiss?" I whispered. Stryker only took over to make out when I turned him on or if he was in a playful mood.

"You're hot when you aim. I tried to hold back but couldn't help it when your breasts press together like that and this ass of yours. I'm still fighting Ryuu's claim." He mumbled against my flesh; his lips pressed against my left breast.

My eyes rolled back as I moaned, enjoying the touch of his lips against my breast. I seriously wished I wasn't wearing a bra. I wanted him to suck my nipples that were hard against the inner lining of the lace bra.

"Stryker...don't tease. We can't have sex here." I reminded him. One half of me wanted to feel his cock brush against my wetness that pooled between my legs, while the other half took into consideration we were in public. From the sound of things, no one was around but it still lingered in the back of my mind.

"Can you wait? I'm asking your body, not your hesitant mind Makoto." His hand slid under my dress pulling it up. My body shivered at the cold touch of his hands as they glided against my feverish skin.

He tugged at my strapless bra, pulling it low enough for my left breast to pop out with ease. He smirked; his hand slid out of my dress and returned to the V-neck of the material. He pulled at the fabric with his fingers, exposing my breast, before those devilish lips locked onto my hard nipple.

I moaned, unable to hold back the loud sound as he began to suck and tease the hard bud; the cold added to the sensation.

"Stryker..." I whispered; my breathy voice a clear indication that my body couldn't wait.

"Can you wait?"

"No."

"You want to fuck right here?"

"Yes."

I knew I had to be direct with Stryker. He liked when I admitted what I wanted instead of denying my needs. I wouldn't tell him I like that side of him.

His hands left my ass, unbuttoning his jeans before sliding the zipper down. He pulled his cock out with ease while his free hand landed on my thigh; making a slow ascent – lifting my dress up.

I thanked the Starlight gods that I wore knee -high socks, instead of leggings today. We didn't delay; both of us in desperate need to start moving in the chilling cold. He rubbed himself against my pussy; my wetness clung to his hard length before he slowly slid into me. I exhaled, biting my lip as I let my head fall back. His mouth returned to sucking on my breast, his length deep inside me.

"Stryker, please." I wanted to start moving – my pussy clenched around his cock, the aching need to rock my hips made it extra hard to stay still.

"Did I mention I love when you beg, Mako? Turns both me and Ryder on. I still like teasing you more." He revealed, sliding out till only the head of his cock remained before taking his time sliding deeper into me.

"Dammit, Stryker, faster." I groaned; my hand that rested on his shoulder glided up to his black locks, gripping them firmly as I lifted his head up from my breast to kiss him desperately. I didn't know if it was Rose's appearance at the edge of my mind that caused such urgency, but I wanted him to fuck me hard and fast as if going any slower would prevent my body from reaching its limit.

"Impatient."

"From the shifter whose cock is so fucking hard," I mumbled against his lips before biting his lower lip; tugging lightly before slipping my tongue into his mouth.

He groaned; my dominant display enough to turn him on – his hips began to move.

"You like that?"

"Yes, ah. Faster, harder...yes." I urged; my hands gripped his shoulders as we looked into one another’s eyes – his pumps became faster and faster with each stroke.

"I love the way you moan Mako; the way your face shows how pleasurable this is for you. Do you like this? Feeling me deep inside you." He groaned; his cock so deep every little movement felt electrifying as the tension began to come closer and closer to release.

"Ah, yes, I like every damn second, every thrust ah. So close. Please more." My moans grew louder and louder as I begged for release.

I was so close to cumming, waiting for Stryker's command. He loved when I waited to come with him; knowing what a struggle it was when he fucked me so wildly.

My nails dug into his shirt as I gripped him hard; my pussy tightened around his cock.

"Fuck, Mako. A bit more." Stryker exclaimed through gritted teeth; his face, the rapid breathes and grunts enough to tell me he was close. My body trembled as I struggled to hold back any longer.

"Stryker, I can't."

He continued his rapid thrusts; we were surrounded by a cloud of white steam as our warm breaths panted through our moans.

"That's it, baby. Come with me." He ordered; his permission enough to throw me over the edge as my head went back in a silent cry; my body trembled as I climaxed.

"Fuck." His hands gripped my hips, giving one solid, deep thrust till his body grew rigid – his hot cum flooded into me and I felt it attempting to escape, even with his erect cock filling me.

I collapsed against him; my head laid against his chest while my body shivered, attempting to come down from its high. We both panted loudly; Stryker pulled himself out – cum dripped out.

He held me in his arms until I calmed; Rose's essence still lingered at the edge of my mind.

"Mako."

"Yes, Stryker?"

"You did well." He praised; his fingers slid into my hair, tugging lightly. I looked up at him. He kissed me ever so gently; a tad unusual for Stryker.

"Tell Rose we’ll have fun later on tonight, as promised. I just need to switch, or Ryder won't last long." He confessed. I smiled, letting Rose take over for a moment.

"Fine. But you better have enough energy to fuck me senseless." She proposed. He smirked at her, claiming our lips again as he tightened his grip around our waist.

"Anything for you." He whispered. He pressed his head against ours; Rose retreated to give me control before fading from my mind. I heard Ryder sigh; his regular tone returned as his eyes opened, locking onto mine.

"He couldn't wait till later huh?"

"I turned him on with the gun shooting." I giggled; my hand brushed against his cheek.

"You were hot." He revealed. His arms left mine to put his cock back in his pants. I took the same moment to fix my dress, realizing how cold it now was.

"It's cold," I confessed. He nodded; his hand slid to mine.

"Let's grab Celestia and head back."

"We're going home so soon?" I inquired.

"Nah. I have one more surprise for you." He whispered. I beamed, already feeling the anticipation grow at another surprise. Today had been full of them and I didn't know what else he had to offer.

I gathered Celestia from her unicorn mount and we walked hand in hand back to the entrance of the amusement park.

I was ready to head left but Ryder stopped me; his hand tightened around mine, holding me back. I looked over my shoulder.

"This way." He ushered to the right. I narrowed my eyes at him as a smile formed on my lips but I don't argue, following his lead as we made our way to the right path.

We walked for a few minutes before we reached a small clearing.

"What is that? A house? Of snow?" I questioned; my body came to a stop a few feet away from the snowy structure.

"It's called an igloo. It's a house built out of snow. Polar bear shifters can make these in minutes. Even castles if they wanted too." Ryder explained. We walked to the entrance; his hand wrapped around the ice handle, pulling it open.

I walked into the icy structure, waiting to feel the cold but was surprised at the heat that hit me.

I glanced around the fireplace that was on – the entire thing made of ice. That's totally contradictory.

Ryder chuckled behind me, securing the lock on the door.

"They build the structure completely from ice and then spell it to stay that way, regardless of heat." Ryder disclosed, walking to the ice made bed. The black sheets look like the same material as those sleeping bags humans used when they had to sleep outside. The only difference was the material was used as the sheets of the bed – the blanket and pillows were navy blue with a white snowflake design, resting neatly on the bed.

It was basically a room with a bed, fireplace, and a section made for the washroom.

"Where's the shower?" I wondered, walking over to peak into the room where I only saw a toilet and mirror.

"The hot spring is one minute away." He revealed. I smiled; Rose lingered in my mind.

"I call first dibs," Rose announced. Oh c'mon. I want to go first.

"You got unicorn merry-go-around sex. I get hot springs." She argued.

"If I knew hot springs was an option I would have thought about it." I thought out loud, crossing my arms.

"Your body had other plans, and no you wouldn't." Rose noted.

Ryder approached me, pulling me into an embrace.

"Let me guess. You two are arguing on who gets to have fun in the hot springs." I pursed my lips.

"She's claiming dibs."

"You have to share."

"Boo." His finger brushed along my lower lip.

"Rose let you enjoy Stryker without interfering. You gotta do the same." He lectured.

"I can't believe I'm being lectured right now," I grumbled.

He pressed me against the nearest wall; my eyes grew wide at the sudden movement.

"Or, you can say you want me to fuck you, after Rose."

I bit my lip; my eyes lowered to his before returning to stare into his Tyrian eyes.

"I'll think about it," I mumbled, blushing.

"You need to be more direct with me like you are with Stryker." He pressed himself against me, our lips barely touching. I could feel the bulge in his pants, clueing me in on his arousal.

"We just fucked. How are you hard...again?"

"You fucked Stryker. Not me." He reminded.

"You're the same body."

"Your point? Or are you saying you're not wet for me right now?" He eyed my face, grinning at my flushed expression as I looked away.

"Whatever," I mumbled, copying him from earlier. He pressed his lips to my forehead before moving away.

"C'mon. We have to be back home soon. I want to have my way with both of you before we head back." Ryder winked.

"You should be playful like this more often. It's cute." I acknowledged.

"If you’re fine with it." He replied. I walked over to him, sliding my hands around his waist as I pressed myself against his broad back.

"Mako?"

"Thank you, Ryder."

"I didn't do anything."

"Yes, you did. You love me and Rose. Stryker loves me just the same. I'm surrounded by the most loyal group of men I've ever met. You don't care about my flaws or quirky attributes. I just...I want you to know that thanks to you and the others, this has been the best holiday experience I ever dreamed of having."

He was silent for a moment.

"Mako." He lightly parted my hands. I let my arms drop to my side as he turned to face me. He then pulled me into a hug.

"I will always love you. Every part of you. The others all feel the same way. We love everything about you. Every flaw, every joke, every outer monologue. We love your spirits because they are a part of you. We love you, Makoto Heart."

We stood there enjoying each other's warmth; his words meant everything to me.

Tomorrow would be my first Christmas, and this time, I'd be celebrating with my loved ones.