^“I don’t understand why he’s so busy. The only thing I’ve seen this past week is his chest, while I’m half asleep. I bet my sleep walking self has seen more of him.”

I laid on my back on Eli’s bed; my head hung off the bed as I read one of Eli’s manga books from her two large bookshelves filled with her manga collection. I would have never expected her to be so in love with such books.

Apparently, Elias couldn’t care less about them, stating comics were better. I didn’t know the difference, but I enjoyed working my brain and reading from right to left.

It took some explaining on Eli’s part for me to understand how to read the book without starting from the end.

“Just admit it, you miss him,” Eli pointed out. I peeked away from the manga book I was reading.

A week had passed since Midnight became a spirit. I’d felt absolutely amazing since waking up in the middle of the next night in Elias’ arms.

Since then, I’d been letting Midnight take over for long periods of time. Seeing as everyone else was busy and it was summer break at Knightwood, me and Midnight had been switching throughout the day while we chilled with EliaseAnne. We couldn’t push it seeing as she was still a spirit and simply contributed to my exhaustion if she took over for too long, but she could be in control for a longer period compared to the others – reaching three hours before we’d have to switch. Midnight continued to apologize for making me so exhausted, but I convinced her I didn’t mind. She’d spent cycles in that frigid darkness because of her half-awakening. The least I could do was let her enjoy this beautiful world. I’d had almost three rotations worth of experience.

It was now her turn to enjoy the scenery. It was thanks to her help that we had gotten the chance to be here in the moment.

Elias said he wanted to catch up on sleep; he still felt exhausted from shifting. I’d forgotten that the boys weren’t trained like me to shift and stay in such a form for long periods of time. They had witnessed Lexi’s dragon form and now, Midnight’s dark fairy form, but they’d yet to see the others.

I was still trying to process the fact that Midnight was a dark fairy. Out of all the spirits, I knew of, which was now six; I’d never thought she’d be the extinct species.

Winterlya had given me a bracelet to wear, the device spelled to withhold my magic from pouring out.

Now that I was recovering, yet again, I needed my aura to be in control and not inform all of Knightwood or even Minato of my new spirit. For now, the wristlet contraption would hide my aura, until I was strong enough to do it myself. It also hindered me from using my magic, only allowed to use my spirit’s powers and even that privilege had a restriction.

It didn’t bother me too much, realizing I wouldn’t need my powers for anything in particular. No more exams, no more training. All I had to do was relax and wait for the approval to return home.

After remembering a bit of my family, my mother’s image still engraved into my mind, I yearned to meet them. I wondered if she was still the same beautiful, kind woman in my memory.

“Yes, I miss Ryder and the others, too. But, I still don’t mind us having alone time,” I pointed out, not wanting Eli to feel bad. I truly enjoyed her company. I just missed all of us having breakfast and dinner together.

All the others had been busy throughout the week. Marcus explained he had to get his rotational checkup courtesy of Karen which consisted of a week’s worth of tests. He assured me he’d be back later to check on me, but that was six hours ago and still no dragon shifter.

Daniel said he was going to sleep, after he returned from Knightwood doing who knows what. He’d been busy doing something exhausting seeing as he looked like he could barely make it up the stairs before he fell asleep. I’d found him three times slept in the bathtub, Marcus and Elias had to carry him to bed. I wondered what he did that made him so tired.

Kai said he had a meeting with the headmaster today to give an update on how long we’d be staying. He really disliked the headmaster. I knew all of them had some type of dislike for Karen’s father. What was quite surprising was that Karen was the complete opposite of him.

I’d tagged along with Elias when he needed to give a report a few days ago, peeking through the door as Elias gave a one-minute report and ditched, not even greeting or saying goodbye when he left the office. I applauded him for his attitude.

The headmaster was a rude asshole who deserved a whipping – not the pleasurable kind. He didn’t even look up from whatever was on his computer screen to listen to Elias’ report, stating he still wanted a collective report from Ryder by the end of the week, regardless of Elias’ reasons as to why Ryder couldn’t give him a report.

“I know, Makoto. Don’t worry; things should go back to normal by next week. Anya’s memorial celebration is Friday and then it’s the weekend. By Monday we should all be free. I believe Matthew and Karen got the rest of summer rotation off so...” She trailed off.

I looked away from my book to stare at her upside-down figure.

“So?” I pressed on, curious as to what she had to say.

“I’ll let Elias tell you later.” She finished, returning to her book. I frowned. Boo, I hate waiting.

“Impatient much?” Midnight voiced out.

I smiled to myself, as I closed the book I was reading. I’m not impatient...just don’t like waiting.

“Same thing,” she replied calmly.

I allowed my eyes to wander the bookshelf a few inches away from Eli’s bed.

She did tell me to only take books from the two shelves across the room, but they were so far and I was too lazy. I glanced back at Eli. She was concentrated on her own book; her eyes glued to the page as she laid on her back, one of her legs relaxed on her knee as she leisurely read, paying no mind to me.

I glanced back at the bookshelf, a pink, covered book caught my attention. I moved over to the shelf, using my stealth skills to my advantage, pulling the big bundle of pictures out of the shelf without moving the others.

I dropped back onto the bed, returning to my previous position before looking at the cover – two school girls in different uniforms hugged one another. I blinked, curious as what the story could possibly be. I felt Midnight tug at my mind; her curiosity brushed against my senses. What could this be about? Guess I’ll find out.

Fifteen minutes had passed, and I was through eighty percent of the book.

I frowned, tilting the book as I tried to understand what device they were holding, the double-sided silicon thing did not look very useful.

“Eli?” I questioned.

“Hmm. What Mako?”

“What’s a double-sided dildo?”

“...”

“Eli?” I questioned, continuing the scene, ready to turn the page.

“Makoto. What. Are. You. Reading?”

I frowned, reluctantly moving my eyes from the sex scene that developed between the main character and her friend who’d confessed her feelings to her, to look at Eli.

I raised an eyebrow at her flushed face which only became redder.

“I’m reading Merry-Go-Lucy. But, what does the dildo do? I’ve never heard of that? Is there a book that explains what it does? How are they even going to have sex when she doesn’t have a penis? This book is so unrealistic, but the positions are interesting. Can guys do the 69 position, too? Eli?” I explained before glancing back at Eli who looked like she’d pass out at any second.

“Mako. Put the book down.”

“Why?”

“Because I said so!” she replied.

“No. You didn’t answer,” I replied back, frowning. I wanted to finish it. Operation – find out what a dildo is: in progress.

“Makoto! Give it to me.” She moved fast; I probably wouldn’t have caught it without my fast reflexes. I was up and at the edge of the bed in two seconds, Eli on the opposite side ready to take my precious book.

“No. Midnight and I want to finish!” I demanded.

“Oh Starlight, Midnight, too! Both of you, give me the book or else,” she threatened, her eyes began to glitter.

“Or what?” I dared.

The thought of Eli’s ability to temporarily erase an individual’s memories came to my mind.

I wonder if I’ll ever get a chance to confront her about how she erased my memory of Jeffrey?

Her eyes went wide as she froze in place. “How...how do you know about that?” she whispered. Sorrow hung off her words.

Aww shit.

“Here’s your chance.” Midnight announced.

I sighed.“Ryder told me. He said you did it, so I wouldn’t have a panic attack each time I saw him in the halls. Ryder said he would have done the same thing if he was in your shoes,” I explained. Midnight sat at the edge of my mind, listening in.

“Aren’t you, um, mad?” she questioned.

Not really. I’m upset she didn’t tell me and I had to hear it from Ryder, but her intentions were good. I’m not gonna be upset over it. What’s done is done.

I was ready to hear her excuse, but she stood there before bowing.

My eyes went wide at the sudden gesture, Midnight just as confused and stunned as me.

“I’m sorry for not telling you. I know I should have asked your permission before ridding such memories, but I panicked and well, ya. There’s no excuse. I’m sorry you didn’t hear it from me,” she apologized, staying in position.

I could hear the regret in her voice as she apologized, truly giving off the impression she truly felt bad regarding her quick decision in erasing my memories regarding the Professor Sepherant who we all now knew was Jeffrey. I had been ready to lecture her when the topic was brought up, especially if she dared tried to defend her actions, but now that she’d apologized, I didn’t have any anger in me to be overdramatic.

“Raise your head, EliaseAnne,” I ordered.

She obeyed, her eyes became glossy.

“Eli, don’t cry. I’m not mad. I understand what you had to do. I don’t hate you,” I explained, hoping my admission would calm the potential waterworks.

Eli gave off the impression that nothing concerned her, but I knew she’d have a soft spot, that area being extra tender when it came down to my approval of her.

I was happy she was fine with waiting for me to figure out the relationship developing between her, Midnight and myself.

We needed more time with her and now with Anya’s approaching death anniversary, the person who needed me the most at the moment was Ryder.

“Are you sure?” Her hesitant voice pricked my heart.

“Eli. I’m sure. We’re fine. I’ve known for a while now. It’s fine. You’re forgiven. Just don’t do it again unless you ask permission or have a good reason like previously,” I noted.

She nodded, giving us a moment of silence till her eyes landed on the book in my hand. I smiled mischievously as I lifted the book up and opened to the page I left off.

“Now, what is a double side– EEEK!” I shrieked as I attempted to avoid Eli’s grasp, ducking under her raised arms before rotating my body to face her – my short legs were no match for her long ones as she caught me in one giant leap. We lost our balance; my body fell back, bringing Eli down for the ride as we fell onto the bed.

“Dammit, Eli—” I began to scowl at her before my words were caught in my throat, my face only inches away from Eli’s.

Her wide emerald eyes looked mesmerizing up close – those dark green orbs flickered from their usual colour to a mustard yellow; the two-tone alteration only noticeable up close.

Her scent engulfed my senses; the fresh mint mixed with the cherry blossom shampoo made her smell absolutely divine.

I blushed as my heart skipped a beat; my eyes landed on her red lips. Bad Mako. No kissing of the gorgeous female, fairy shifter above you.

“Tempting indeed,” Midnight commented, her wave of attraction not helping me in my dilemma.

“Mako...” Eli whispered, before leaning downward.

I didn’t move, ready to feel her lips against mine when the door opened.

“Mako, I’m bac– Oh.”

We both glanced at the door, Marcus stood there, holding his cellphone in his hand with a stunned expression on his face. He took a moment to stare at our position before an amused smirk formed on his lips.

“I know Kai told me not to come by, but I wanted to check on Mako. I’ll come back when you guys are done. Carry on,” he encouraged, ready to turn and leave the room when Eli’s body went rigid.

“Kai? Did you just say Kai was here?” Eli questioned.

“Ya, Kai. He was outside the door when I walked into the hallway. He said he was bringing some snacks for Mako, but decided he’d come back lat—”

“Son of a—” Eli jumped off the bed and rushed out the door.

We both stared at the door before we heard yelling followed by a crash.

“I SWEAR TO STARLIGHT, KAI! DON’T YOU DARE DRAW THAT! KAI!”

Marcus turned back to face me, shrugging off the chaos happening outside as if it was nothing.

“Should I even ask how you two got into that position?” he inquired.

“It’s Eli’s fault! I was minding my own business, reading this manga about these two girls who fall in love and she wouldn’t tell me what a double-sided dildo was!” I argued, emphasizing my need to learn what the silicone device was.

Marcus stood there, his mouth half opened as he gawked at me.

He closed his mouth before his eyes landed on my book and then gazed at the bookshelf next to the bed.

“That’s...the book is a part of her hentai collection,” he explained.

“Hentai? What’s that?” I questioned, tilting my head.

“It’s basically readable porn, Firefly. Just animated,” he replied, his face blank.

“Oh.”

We stood there for a moment in silence.

“Well, why didn’t she say so? Jeez. That still doesn’t explain what the dildo is. Marcus, explain. How are Lucy and Lia going to have sex if neither of them has a penis?” I argued, dying to solve this mystery.

Marcus was about to say something when his eyes glowed – his dragon took control.

He smiled at my shocked expression before a low chuckle escaped his lips.

“Good afternoon, Princess. Marcus is unavailable at the moment, but I can answer your questions.”

“As long as you explain, and I still have time to finish this before Eli comes back,” I countered.

“Whatever you like Princess. Now a double-sided dildo is…”