~DANIEL~
"Any news?"
I closed the door behind me and looked down at the floor in shame, shaking my head in response to the authoritative voice before me. I heard a deep sigh and the squeak of a chair.
My body tensed at the sound of footsteps that got louder with each step until they were in my line of vision. I gulped and waited for my punishment.
We deserved it. Again and again, we kept failing and this time, I wasn't sure our luck would win out.
"Raise your head, Daniel Moore, Heir Candidate of ArchAilennia."
"I cannot." My voice cracked. I took a shaky breath as I held back the tears that threatened to escape.
"Daniel."
Tears began to roll down my cheeks and I slowly lifted my head to face the King of Heila, Arthur Heart.
"We failed you and your family. Not just once, but multiple times. As knights, we've done nothing but fall into traps that have led to our Princess, your precious daughter, suffering. How can I look into your eyes and try to say we’ll find her? I don't even have confidence in myself anymore!" I cried, a fresh wave of tears falling.
It was taking everything in me to resist the urge to use my gift, but I struggled with that control. The pool of sadness only grew deeper with the thoughts of Mako, my love and savior, missing once again with no clues as to her location.
A sob escaped me; my shoulders shook and I bowed my head once more. "Our team is a mess and I have no idea how to fix it. Ryder's recovering from sensory overload, Marcus is with Elias in the psychiatric ward, and Kai's on strict bed rest after using his gift too many times. Kade won't even look at Xavier and is drowning himself in work to try and locate Mako. Xavier is a depressed mess. I'm the only functioning person on our team and even that is debatable because every second when I’m alone, all I can do is cry." I lifted my hands to wipe the tears from my cheeks.
"Pathetic, right? Star knights who were brought together to retrieve our Princess and save our realms from the darkness. The same darkness that has sent challenge after challenge and we've failed each one. I'm a healer, yet I can't fix this situation. I should be able to snap my fingers and fix everything. Yet, here we are with no news of Mako's whereabouts and it’s killing everyone, including me. None of us can afford to lose her again."
The only thing that could be heard in the room were my sobs as I continued to cry in shame. I fell to my knees before the King.
"I love Makoto, our Princess and future Queen of Heila. I once vowed to you that we'd never lose sight of our shining light and that I would never give up. But what am I supposed to do when our shining light is gone? I'm on the verge of losing hope, Arthur. So close...because what kind of knight am I if I can't protect one individual? If I can't protect our Princess, how am I supposed to protect the realms from this darkness?"
I heard him sigh again and I was pulled into a warm hug. King Arthur allowed me to cry into his shoulder while rubbing my back soothingly. I knew my gift was affecting him based on the way his shoulders trembled as he attempted to hold back his own tears. I couldn't continue to hold in my agony.
"Daniel, look at me," Arthur whispered. I took a step out of his embrace and lifted my head to meet his gaze. His vibrant turquoise eyes were filled with tears, but I also saw his driven aspiration.
"Everything in this galaxy has a purpose. Whether someone lives or dies is determined by the gods, but even more so by the one above us all, Mother Galaxy. I don't know what her plans are or what role my daughter plays in all of this, but I know without a doubt that Rosalina is still alive. She couldn’t have survived everything she's been through just to die now. You may feel broken and that your vision is clouded with doubt, but I know your true potential. The same is true for the other knights. You may stumble and fall, but you will never be conquered," Arthur proclaimed with absolute conviction in his voice.
"How...can you still have hope?" I was astonished by his words.
He smiled and a tear trailed down his cheek. "I waited for sixteen cycles to see my precious daughter return, alive. I got to watch her bond with her mother and Kade, battle her inner demons, and fight for her rightful place in our kingdom. I also got to witness her love for all of you. After all of that, I won't let the darkness shatter the hope I have in Rosalina. Wherever she currently is, I know she'll fight to stay alive long enough for her star knights to come to her aid."
He placed his hands on my shoulders. "I believe in all of you. Now, I need you, Daniel Moore, to be your team's strength and help mend them and bring them back together so you can set out to find my daughter once more. Can you do that for me?" I heard the vulnerability in his voice. A man of his position, status, and honor, asking someone like me to bring his daughter home made me realize how much trust he had in us.
He was the King of one of the strongest realms in our galaxy and had retained his throne because of his immense power. If he could search to find Makoto himself, he'd do it in a heartbeat. But he had a responsibility and duty to protect his people and needed us to take on the search and ease the fear that must have radiated in his heart.
I slowly nodded as I stood, staring directly into his turquoise, glassy eyes. "I, Daniel Moore, Heir Candidate of ArchAilennia, vow to help find Rosalina Mackenzie Heart with my team of knights and bring her home safely. No matter what obstacles befall us, I won't give up. Please trust me to complete this task, King Arthur of Heila. The Starlight gods as my witness. In stars we trust."
I didn't know if I imagined it, but I thought I felt the back of my left hand grow warm. A flicker of gold light caught my attention for a split second, but I returned my eyes back to Arthur who grinned and nodded in agreement.
"In stars we trust," he confirmed. He gave me another hug and reassured me that he'd keep our team informed if any leads were discovered by the search team.
"Go get some rest. If you see Kade along the way, tell him to come see me," Arthur instructed.
I nodded, giving him a deep bow in thanks before I exited his private office.
I took a deep breath and rubbed my eyes that I knew would be red from my tears. It was times like these where I wished Makoto was at my side, giving me gentle kisses and holding me in her arms.
I could already envision her sweet low voice whispering in my ear and her gentle vanilla perfume that cloaked her body combined with the cherry blossom scent of her long hair that I adored.
A simple kiss from her could make me forget my troubles and pull me into a perfect moment where there was only her. Now it was up to me to reclaim what was ours and find her.
I strode down the hall and into one of the rooms, spotting Kade leaning against the window frame. His arms were crossed and his right index finger was tapping his arm impatiently as he stared blankly out at the night sky.
I frowned at the purplish red bruise that lingered on his right fist, the result of Kade losing his shit with Xavier for his part in everything, punching him repeatedly to the point where Marcus and I ended up pulling them apart. It would take an estimated two weeks to fix the damage and recover the books in there after Kade's tantrum when he lost his shit with Xavier while they were in the library. Kade punched him repeatedly until Marcus and I were able to pull them apart. I didn't blame Kade and was surprised Marcus hadn't shifted after hearing what occurred which led to Makoto going out to the garden alone in the first place.
I entered the room, closing the door behind me. Kade stopped tapping his finger, but otherwise didn’t budge.
"Your father wants to see you," I announced.
Kade's eyes met mine and I almost regretted telling him after I felt the wave of anger that radiated from them. They were darker than their usual gold, more like copper and the intensity of rage that continued to hit me made me gulp.
"Tell him not now," Kade seethed.
"Kade," I whispered and Azriel nudged into my mind.
“Let me take over.”
I sighed but nodded, giving Azriel control while I stayed back to listen in.
"I understand your anger, Kade. But standing there fuming and destroying every room isn't going to fix anything," Azriel declared.
“Are you sure saying that is gonna do anything?” I asked.
Azriel was the 'straight up' type and didn't care what mood you were in. He'd tell you the truth, as well as remind you of what really mattered. I should know, since he did it to me all the time.
"You think I don't know that?" He glared at me before he approached.
Azriel stood his ground, looking unbothered by Kade's attempt to scare him with his power. We were both Archangels and I knew he was stronger than us, but Azriel clearly didn't give a shit right now.
"You're wasting time," Azriel replied.
"So are you!" Kade countered and he stood before us, his body trembling.
"I can't start what I need to do until Eli or Elias are awake to give us a clear description of what EliaseAnne saw. Till then, we have to rely on the search team and do our best to recover so we’re ready when the time comes," Azriel declared.
"The search team? Don't make me laugh, Azriel! Not once have they been successful at finding my sister, but now we should have hope in them?" Kade snarled.
"It doesn't hurt to hope, Kade. I believe your father taught you that." Azriel spoke calmly, walking past Kade to gaze out the window.
"I can't believe I'm standing here listening to you. YOU and your host should be finding my sister, not trying to lecture me," Kade complained.
Azriel sighed, turning to face him. "Drop the act, Kade. I get why you’re angry. So am I...we all are! You think I don't want to leave this castle right now and search the galaxy for Makoto?" Azriel demanded. It was the first time in a while that Azriel lost his cool. Kade was silent, glancing away.
"We get it. Xavier fucked up! But guess where he is now?" Azriel questioned.
"Probably doing fucking nothing," Kade grumbled.
Azriel rolled his eyes and I felt his patience growing thin. "He's on a fucking ship by himself, getting prepared to start searching. And yet here you are, sobbing and breaking shit like a child. You're mad that we aren't doing anything, that MY host isn't doing shit, but here you are, not any better than the rest of us! Just admit you’re hurting, Kade. Your anger is nothing but a front for how sad and worried you are for Makoto. You're frightened that you may never get to see her smile again, or listen to her ramble about unicorns and how amazing strawberry milk is. You. Miss. Her!" Azriel emphasized each word, his own anger vibrating in his low voice.
I hadn't realized until this moment just how upset Azriel was. He'd hidden his pain and had given me as much support as he could, but I had neglected to think about how worried he must have been for Hopefilinia.
Azriel? I'm sorry.
Kade strode toward us and Azriel prepared for what he assumed would be a punch as Kade raised his bruised hand up, clenching it into a fist aimed to hit us, but then he froze; his eyes flickered on and off and he bit his lip.
We didn't move, just stared into Kade's eyes. Azriel sighed. "You don't think we hurt, Kade? Somewhere out there, Makoto's alone having to deal with another trial without any of us. I'm praying she at least has Nightmare and her spirits, but that would be it. My Hope...is far, far away and I can't reach her. All because we couldn't do our duties as her knights. Some may say it's not our fault. But we take responsibility for what happened. I take responsibility for the pain you're feeling. You and Kane," Azriel admitted as a tear rolled down our cheek.
I was shocked that he knew Kade's angel spirit's name. I had yet to have the privilege of meeting him until this moment, and only because Kade was losing control.
Kade bit his trembling lip and his eyes glistened. His fist was inches from our face, but it quivered. "What if we can't find her?" He choked out the words as a wave of tears began to roll down his cheeks.
I didn't know what Azriel was going to say and was stunned when he went down on bended knee before Kade. "We will find her. I, Azriel Moore along with my host, Daniel Moore, vow it. Just as we vowed to find Makoto in front of your father. We have to hope and believe the Starlight gods will guide and protect Makoto until we can reach her. I know it's a long shot, Kade. But please, have hope in us," Azriel pleaded.
Kade lowered his fist, staring directly into our unwavering eyes. More tears fell, but he slowly nodded. "Fine." He quickly turned and walked to the door. It opened before he reached for the doorknob; King Arthur and our father stood in the doorway.
We rose to our feet and watched Kade stare at Arthur, who gave him a sad smile. They didn't exchange words; Arthur just lifted his arms up, gesturing for Kade to give him a hug. Kade walked into his embrace and sobbed while his father reassured him we'd find Makoto.
Azriel retreated, giving me control once more; I met my father's gaze. He gave me a nod and waited for Arthur and Kade to excuse themselves and head down the hall before he entered, closing the door.
He walked up to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "How are you holding up?"
It was weird to have him inquire about my feelings. I hadn't experienced his affection in cycles. Even back then, our relationship was strained due to all the issues with Claire and our more recent problems with Cecelia and her troublesome mother.
"Could be better. I already cried my eyes out. Don't think there are any tears left now," I admitted, looking at the floor.
Father sighed and gestured for us to move toward the window.
We faced the large window that overlooked the garden, both of us admiring the fireflies and the soft glow of the moonlight that twinkled on the various flowers below.
Father placed his hand on my back, patting me softly. "You'll find her. I have no doubt about that," he declared.
I struggled to keep my composure. To believe cycles ago, I begged for his praise and support, and now I was finally receiving it when I needed it most.
"I'm surprised by your confidence in us," I admitted.
"I know I haven't been the best father, especially when you compare me to Arthur or Alexander, but I never lost confidence in you, son. I was..." He trailed off, appearing to be deep in thought.
He sighed. "There's no excuse that I can give to justify my behavior. I was simply lost in my grief at losing your mother and later upset that I couldn't find a companion to help fill the void made by her disappearance. Nevertheless, I've seen from afar how you've grown from the little boy who set off with his older brother to prove you'd be less of a coward than me, to the man I watched interfere in a royal fight to protect the woman he loved. I couldn't be more proud."
He turned his head to meet my wide eyes and smiled. "Look back at who you used to be, Daniel. Am I wrong?"
I lowered my gaze to think, trying to recall my childhood memories and all of my actions that had led to this moment.
Look back at how I used to be?
"You have changed tremendously," Azriel pointed out, entering my mind.
Have I?
I didn't feel much different. I suppose it was fair to say I'd changed a lot since Makoto entered my life, but for both Father and Azriel to comment on my growth made me consider what I was like back then.
Who was the Daniel Moore from my childhood and what happened to make me strong enough to be worthy of my father's praise? Was it because of the struggles I endured? Or should I give credit to the beautiful blue-eyed Princess who entered my world?
It was time to reminisce about my past, and how one Princess changed my entire future.