"Thank you very much, Midnight. I was thirsty."
"You’re very welcome, Freila," Midnight said softly.
I leaned against the wall, listening to the high pitch voice of my little sister and Midnight.
I couldn't sleep and decided to walk in the halls. I eventually found Midnight, who I saw grabbing two glasses from the counter and pouring milk into both of them. Then she walked over and knelt down to where I could see Freila’s curly hair peek out from behind the counter.
Freila was born through a surrogate who remained unidentified, using the preserved eggs from my mother who was warned if she wanted to have a third child, the Starlight gods may not allow it due to her risk of miscarriage and other factors that could put her health at risk. Father was obligated to have one more child and didn’t want his current wife, Cecilia’s mother, to bear their child. Personally, I felt Father was just still in love with Mother and couldn’t fathom having another kid with anyone else.
Midnight offered one of the glasses to her and I listened to their exchange, unsure whether I should intrude or not. To be honest, I didn't know how to deal with Freila alone. It had been so long since my last visit, I felt like I was failing as her older brother; I knew for a fact that Michael felt the same.
That was one of the reasons why he'd gone back home recently just to visit her. Even if he didn't get along with Father, he could at least keep somewhat of a relationship with Freila.
I sighed, pulling out of my thoughts and returning my attention to the two as they continued their conversation.
"Who's Ma-ko-to?" Freila asked, struggling to say Mako's name properly.
"You can just call her Mako. She's my host. I was just thirsty and wanted milk," Midnight explained.
I was intrigued by her tone that conveyed so much kindness, so unlike her usual monotone voice.
"Ah. Are you her spirit? Is that why your eyes are a pretty dark blue?" Freila questioned.
Midnight nodded. "Yup."
"You're so cool," Freila gushed.
"Thank you. No one has said that to me before." Midnight grinned broadly.
"Has anyone said you're really pretty?" Freila inquired.
"Yes. I've been told that," Midnight replied.
Freila nodded with a wide smile. "You'd be the perfect princess. You’re kind, drink milk and like unicorns!" she declared and began to hop around Midnight, her curly ponytail bouncing with each jump. I smiled and my expression softened at Freila’s innocent nature.
Sometimes I feared Cecelia's influence would have changed Freila, turning her into one of the many angel shifter children who were spoiled and didn't value being respectful and humble.
I had been even more scared she'd become a bully, using her status as a future heir to make fun of and lord over others. The thought made me shiver and I was glad Marissa had returned to ArchAilennia just to raise her right.
"I'll inform Mako about that. Shouldn't you be sleeping, Freila?" Midnight wondered.
I realized it was super early in the morning, around three o'clock.
"I can't sleep. I've been asking to see Daniel all day long, but Stepmother won't let me. Cecelia's snoring is annoying too," she grumbled, crossing her arms.
The mention of my name and the fact that vile woman wasn't letting Freila know where I was pissed me off. She was just a kid, she didn't need to be neglected and kept away from family.
"Cecelia?" Midnight questioned.
Of course Midnight wouldn't know about Cecelia. I hadn't given Mako all the details yet about my rotten stepsister.
"My stepsister. She's a B.I.T.C.H!" Freila stomped her foot.
I almost choked and nearly gave myself away at Freila's exclamation. Oh Starlight, who taught her that?
"Aren't angels not supposed to swear and just how old are you?" Midnight asked, looking more amused than upset.
"I'm eight and I can swear if I spell it out. Marissa told me I could. But don't tell Father," Freila whispered the last part, giggling.
I mentally sighed, shaking my head. I couldn't say much because I swore a lot at that age too. Michael had been even worse. We totally did not represent angel shifters at their purest behavior.
"Anyways, Cecelia is annoying from the moment she wakes up allllllll the way till night when she finally sleeps. Then when she's asleep, her snoring can wake the dead. The DEAD! I've come up with a plan to get my room moved when I reach nine cycles. Then, I'll finally get my beauty sleep," Freila dramatically explained.
I had to grin at her commentary. She rested her hands on her hips to add emphasis to her words, looking up at the ceiling proudly. I had to fight not to laugh at how adorable she looked in her pure white nightgown.
"That sounds like a good plan. Do you want to go try to sleep?" Midnight inquired.
Freila crossed her arms, looking like she was in deep thought. It made me wonder if she was talking to her angel spirit who I'd yet to be formally introduced to.
The last time I talked to Freila, she said I needed to go to the royal tea party to get another invitation to her spirit’s name reveal party. It was basically a long process and I said I'd make sure to attend all the requirements when I visited her again to discover her spirit’s name.
"I guess I can try. I'll try to find Daniel tomorrow," she vowed.
I clenched my fist, wanting so badly to go out and reveal myself to her. She barely knew me, yet she still wanted so badly to see me.
"When was the last time you saw Daniel?" Midnight inquired.
"Uh. A few cycles ago. I don't really remember it, but I miss him and my older brother Michael. Stepmother won't let me see them. It makes me sad," she confessed.
I almost teared up and had to take a deep breath to compose myself.
Midnight walked up to her, kneeling down and moving one of her gold curly locks out of her face, tucking it behind her ear.
"Daniel was busy helping Mako. She was really sad and Daniel made her feel better. That's why you haven't seen him," Midnight defended and I was shocked at her words.
It had only been a few weeks ago when she couldn't stand me, hating me because of the angel who broke her heart. Now she was making me look good in front of my little sister.
Freila's eyes grew wide, sparkling with hope and excitement. "Daniel helped Mako! Is she happy now?"
"Yes. She's very happy. She's still healing so Daniel's helping her out. But he did a really good job. He heals anyone who needs it," Midnight complimented.
Freila squealed in delight and I had to take another steady breath.
Midnight was making me look like a hero, not the person who couldn't even confront his little sister who missed him dearly.
"Daniel's so cool. Marissa told me all these stories about Daniel and Michael. They use their healing magic for good! Is Mako the Princess Daniel was destined to save with the other knights?" Freila asked.
"Yup. But that's between you, me and your family. No one else knows," Midnight replied, placing her finger on her lips.
Freila seemed to get the idea, nodding quickly and placing her pinched fingers at the end of her lips, moving them along them as if she was zipping her mouth closed.
“My lips are sealed," she vowed.
Midnight nodded. She rose back up and looked down to Freila.
"Do you know how to get back?"
"I do…but..." Freila trailed off, fidgeting nervously as she looked down to the floor.
I knew right away she didn't want to walk back alone now that she wasn’t on a mission for something. Michael and I had been the same, having no issue walking through the castle to get something we really wanted, but having a difficult time going back to where we came from alone.
"Want me to walk you back?" Midnight proposed.
Freila immediately jumped up and down. "Yes, pretty please. I don't like being alone," she confessed, her shoulders slumped as she frowned at the thought.
"Me neither. Let's go," Midnight whispered, offering her hand.
Freila placed her small hand in Midnight's and they walked all the way back to Freila’s room.
I followed along quietly, hiding my presence. I noticed Nightmare was walking above, hopping from pillar to pillar, following them as well. I watched them exchange words; Nightmare joined the conversation when she landed on Midnight's shoulder.
Freila ended up petting Nightmare who looked like she didn't mind, sitting in the palms of Midnight's hands. Eventually, Midnight yawned and Freila must have noticed how tired Midnight looked.
"Thank you, Midnight. I'll be going to bed," Freila announced.
I smiled at her kindness and consideration.
"Sleep well, Freila. Ask Marissa for some earplugs." Midnight winked.
Freila giggled. "I will."
I watched Midnight turn around and I leaned back, not wanting to be spotted just yet.
"Midnight?" Freila whispered.
"Yes, Freila?"
"Can we drink milk together again? No one else has time for me," she revealed. She looked to be on the verge of tears which made my shoulders sink in sadness.
I had thought she’d never had to experience being alone, yet here she was with no one to talk to. At least with Michael and me, we had each other. She had no one and Cecelia was no help in that regard.
I was ready to walk out, but then Midnight turned around, walking back and crouching before her. Even from this far away, I could see the tears pooling in my sister's gold eyes.
"How about this? At night I'll walk around and check to see if you're asleep. Only on days where you can't sleep can we stay up and drink milk. Okay?" Midnight offered.
A wide smile formed on Freila face. "Okay! Night, Midnight." She bid farewell, giving Midnight a hug.
Freila pulled away and gave her one more wave goodbye before making her way back to her room. She opened the door to the loud sounds of Cecelia and I sighed.
No wonder she can't sleep.
Freila rolled her eyes but gave Midnight a smile before she walked in and closed the door behind her.
I sighed, leaning against the wall in the hallway. My poor little sister.
"Mew?" I heard Nightmare’s soft mew, the one that made her sound like she was sad.
"I know. She's lonely," Midnight replied. I heard her soft footsteps as she approached, then turned the corner. She looked exhausted and was dragging her feet. Midnight quickly noticed me and I smiled at her, pushing off the wall.
"How long have you been there?" she questioned with a yawn.
"Since my sweet sister asked for some milk," I revealed, giving her a thankful smile. She didn't know how much her action meant to me. I walked up to her and my eyes scanned her black loose t-shirt and black shorts. Her markings were glowing a dark blue, revealing she was using her own magic to help her walk around instead of Makoto's.
"Oh. Hmm…sneaky," Midnight mumbled, yawning again.
I offered my hand to her and she didn't hesitate, placing hers in my grasp. We walked down the hall together, heading back to her room.
"She misses you," Midnight pointed out.
"I know. I've just been avoiding it," I admitted, unsure what to say regarding my family issues.
"Too much?" Midnight questioned, looking a little confused.
I nodded. "I'm not good at multitasking. I want to see her, but I wanted to make sure you guys were okay. Plus..." I trailed off, staring at the floor as we walked.
How could I explain to Freila that I really cared when I'd barely seen her? I didn't want to disappoint her with expectations I knew I wouldn't be able to keep. If I saw her, when would be the next time? There's no way I could go back to ArchAilennia. Not yet anyway.
Midnight stopped, halting me when she tugged my hand. I looked up to see her neutral expression.
"You don't want to disappoint her," Midnight realized.
I gave her a sad smile, happy she understood my internal struggle. "When you shatter a kid’s expectations, they remember. It's better for me to watch from a distance," I whispered.
I knew exactly how it felt. To be promised things and have all your hopes shattered when plans changed. It would happen over and over again, to the point you stopped expecting anything. Why continue to be hurt by someone who can't keep their promises?
"Even if she's lonely?" Midnight pressed.
I sighed, hating the reality of my sister’s situation; she deserved better. "I don't want her to be," I said in a hushed tone, my head hung low in defeat.
Midnight took a step forward, pulling me into a hug. I closed my eyes, wrapping my arms around her and resting my head on her shoulder.
She understands me.
"Maybe before the competition you can see her? I bet she'd be happy about that," Midnight whispered.
I nodded, tightening my hold on her. I didn't realize my actions until my lips were pressed against her neck, but I didn't regret it or think it was wrong. I just wanted her to know how I appreciated her.
"Midnight?" I whispered.
"Yes, Daniel?"
"Thank you." I hoped my words were enough.
She pulled back and had a wide smile on her face, something none of us got to see very often from Midnight. "You’re welcome. Can we go back to sleep now?" Midnight asked, looking like she wouldn't be able to keep her eyes open much longer.
I nodded with a wide smile before I lifted her up.
She gave me a look and I chuckled.
"No more magic. Mako has training in the morning and you look exhausted," I emphasized.
She sighed but relaxed in my hold, laying her head on my chest. "You smell nice," she whispered, then her breathing slowed.
I looked down to reply, but she was already asleep. I ever so softly pressed my lips to her forehead, knowing she wouldn't feel it. "Sleep well, Midnight," I whispered. Then I continued walking toward her room.
Meet Freila before the competition…would I be strong enough to face her?
"You've grown."
I blinked, looking around the pure white room. It reminded me of our room back on ArchAilennia, the room from my dreams and nightmares. I looked at the balcony, the white and gold curtains fluttering in the wind that drifted into the room. It was warm and carried the gentle scent of flowers, especially lavender.
Lavender, my mom's favorite scent and the aroma I loved to use whether it was my body wash or cologne.
I lowered my gaze to the room, recognizing the familiar surroundings. I looked over my shoulder at the gentle voice that called out to me. The same woman who always haunted my dreams walked past me, her long flowing blonde locks blew with the wind as she strode toward the balcony.
A part of me was afraid, scared she would go over the ledge. Yet, there was a stronger sensation that took over, one that overpowered my fear and replaced it: courage.
I followed the woman, step by step. I ignored my doubts and fears and followed the woman onto the balcony. I was shocked at the glorious sight; it was something I'd never seen before.
White flowers blossomed across the field, swaying side to side in the warm breeze. There was some type of city or ancient buildings, all in white with large pillars. I could identify the fountain that shot water up into the sky and even from the distance, I could hear kids’ laughter while they played in the town area.
The sky was just like ours but even during the day, you could see the sparkling stars, some more prominent than others. The sun was present and shone brightly, warming my skin.
I looked at my clothes which were pure white and looked over my shoulder to see large wings emerging from my back, black wings that shifted to white. It was weird, seeing the shift in colors, but I loved how the top half was black and the bottom pure white.
"You finally love who you are?"
I turned back to the woman who had her back to me, looking across the land while resting her hands on the stone ledge.
"Love who I am?" I repeated.
She nodded, but still didn't turn.
I pondered her words, thinking about what I'd gone through. Everything, from my childhood to rescuing Makoto, the rift in our relationship and finally mending it and healing the wounds that lingered.
The woman's words were right. I did love myself more now. I'd grown into someone I actually was happy with, and even though I had a few areas to work on, I was ready to try my best and face them.
"You’re right. I do love who I've become. I have flaws and I'm nowhere as perfect as the angel shifters may expect of me, but I'll work toward being the best I can be. That's all that should matter," I declared happily.
The woman slowly turned around and she had the biggest smile on her face. I stared into her gold eyes in awe as tears began to fill her eyes. Her nose was just like mine and those long curly locks reminded me of Freila. Her rosy cheeks and pink lips were just like the picture I had of my mother and I knew without a doubt that this was the woman before me.
"Mother?" I felt a tear roll down my cheek. I knew she was gone, but to see her look so alive and well, made me wish she was really here. Wish she could see how I'd grown and blossomed. I longed to see her, just to thank her for giving me a chance at life.
"My son," she whispered, opening her arms to me.
I walked up to her, giving her the tightest hug I could. I knew this wasn't real. My consciousness told me so, but I'd live in this dream, savoring this loving embrace I had always prayed to one day experience with my mother.
"I miss you," I whispered.
"I know, my sweet Daniel," she hummed, her voice like a hymn. Her lavender scent was strong, making me smile as the tears fell. We pulled away and her hand brushed my cheek.
"Everything will make sense, my son. Just be patient and protect the Princess," she sang.
"Do you think I can? That I'm worthy enough?" I worried.
Her smile widened and her eyes twinkled with pride. "Oh Daniel. You do not know the power you hold. You will understand soon enough that you deserve your place as her star knight. Challenge yourself, work together with your fellow knights, and no matter what the darkness has in store for you, don't lose hope. Fight for what you want, my son, and you will be rewarded," she reassured me.
I nodded and hugged her once more, not wanting to leave. "Don't go," I whispered.
"Daniel." I lifted my head to look into her gold eyes.
"Something lost can always be found. You just have to look hard enough."
"Something lost can always be found?' I repeated, not understanding what she was referring to.
"You will understand. I promise. Now wake up. My little angel wants to meet you."
"Little…angel?" I questioned, but my eyes felt heavy all of a sudden. I took one last look at Mother and she cradled my face, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.
"Farewell, my son. I love you."
I closed my eyes, letting her image linger in my mind as long as I could manage before the darkness claimed me.
I love you too, Mother.