I took a deep breath, standing upright as I faced my opponent. I attempted to keep up my bored facade, but it was so damn hard, staring at the person I’d least expected to be facing.

Today was the 1v1 examination, being held in a small arena hall stationed in a different building. The headmaster had decided the areas would be stationed in smaller buildings behind the main castle, ensuring safety of shifters and the gold castle. And much like the name insinuated – today, I would be facing another shifter in a battle of magic and wit. Only one of us could win.

As a pink rank, I was privileged to bring any one of my liking to come watch my fight compared to silver ranks and below who was only allowed two friends or family members to witness their match. I didn’t even hesitate, writing down all the boys’ names and EliaseAnne.

They were seated behind me in their designated bench area, everyone but Elias. He’d been summoned by Karen to assist her with some work around campus, unable to say no since he owed the fairy commander a favour. He looked so upset when we were getting ready to depart, moping in the living room as if the apocalypse had been announced.

It took a few minutes of reassuring and Marcus promising to record the match using some weird device he got from Earthala, before he was in a better mood, making us a huge lunch before we left.

I allowed a small smirk to form on my glossy lips, unable to resist the urge as I stared at the nervous Eric Rylander, who was fidgeting in place. Whoever this woman named Karma was, she was doing a pretty good job at making people pay. I had to thank the Starlight gods for this opportunity as well. Let’s see how good this guy is in battle.

Professor Oxwell emerged from the entrance, walking towards the center of the fighting area where I and Eric faced one another. He nodded at Eric, a stern look on his face. He turned to me, smiling as he nodded.

“My name is Matthew Oxwell, Professor of Starlight History here at Knightwood Academy and today’s judge for this 1v1 match. The rules are simple. You are unable to use any of your spirits. You may use their powers and ability, but if you switch and allow your spirit to take over, you will be disqualified. You may use any spells or incantations taught in this semester only, including weapon modification. You are allowed one familiar to assist you during this fight. If you plan to use one, please summon them now.” He explained, glancing at each of us before stepping a few feet back to give space.

“I don’t need my familiar! This is going to be a piece of cake. She hasn’t participated in one practice match and doesn’t even train. If I use my familiar, she’d be at a disadvantage. Thanks for the offer though.” Eric coaxed, flicking his hand to the side as he rolled his eyes, looking confident in his black and silver uniform. Gold ranks and above were entitled to wear anything they wanted for practical exams and matches.

I settled for tight black workout shorts and a neon pink T-shirt, making sure the material was thick and sweat proof, courtesy of Marcus. I was so thankful to him, always travelling to Earthala just to get me nice attire to wear and flaunt around campus with the others.

I tapped my black Nike runners as I looked around the arena. I didn’t know if I would really need Nightmare, but I did want to try the weapon modification I and Marcus had been working on for weeks.

As if sensing my inner debate, the small ball of fur came out of the ventilation system on the top right corner of the room, lifting the cover as if it was a puppy door.

I could hear the boys chuckling from behind me, a genuine smile forming on my lips. She ran towards me, stopping for a moment to look at Eric, hissing.

“Fuck off mutant dog.” He snarled, trying to kick her away, the little ball of fur bouncing to the side to avoid his attack.

She jumped to his other foot before lifting her leg up, a small stream of yellow liquid aimed straight towards his black pants, the liquid dripping onto his pure white shoes, staining them immediately.

“Dammit, stop peeing on me! SIR! Ah – my new uniform!” He yelled, trying to kick her.

She bounced around, switching from one leg to another and continued to pee, leaving a puddle of fluid in his spot. Once finished, she ran to me, a full set of teeth smile brightening her face before she mewed, her three tails wagging wildly behind her.

This familiar had a mind of her own and I loved her for it. That’s my familiar for you, Mama taught you well.

I knelt down to the floor, petting her soft white fur before picking her up to cradle her against my chest. I turned towards Matthew.

“I’ll be using my familiar – Nightmare.” I announced.

He nodded, raising his hand in the air.

“I, Matthew Oxwell wish Eric Rylander, Silver Rank and Makoto Heart, Pink Rank my best wishes. This match is a battle of the fittest. The first to submit or die loses. May the battle begin and the Starlight gods grant you strength!” Matthew declared, his raised hand casting a clear like dome to surround us, followed by him slashing his hand down, indicating the start of the match.

“Wait, did he just say death is an option?” Lexi voiced excitingly.

“No spirit usage, remember?” Rose sighed.

“Aww, seriously!” Lexi retorted.

“Did you not just listen to the man announce it.” Hope huffed in frustration.

“Guys, I think we should be quiet so Mako can concentrate.” Lily encouraged.

Real supportive guys. I sighed at their exchange, Nightmare ran up my chest to take her place on my shoulder, her tails wrapping around my neck.

“GOODLUCK MAKO! Kick his ass!!! Try to make this longer than two minutes, okay!” Eli’s high-pitched voice cheered, waving her hands frantically. Marcus shook his head, pushing the fairy shifter back into her seat. Daniel and Ryder gave me small smiles.

“YOU GOT THIS ERIC! Show her who’s boss!” A girl's voice yelled.

“Teach her how strong we can be!” A familiar voice cheered.

I glanced in the direction of the cheers, realizing my two favourite shifters in the galaxy, Brittany and Leonardo in the opposite stands.

Aw, look, my haters have gathered here today, praying for my downfall. How sweet.

I allowed my hands to glide through my tight curls, ruffling them up to distract myself from the restlessness building within me. I wasn’t nervous about the match. I knew I was going to win, but I was worried about reaching my limit.

I hadn’t noticed till this morning, after training with Marcus that I was extremely fatigued, magically. I didn’t have those weird elixirs the Owner would give us during the experiments, a power boost if you wanted to refer to it as that.

Here at Knightwood, I hadn’t been giving my body enough rest, to recover magically. It wouldn’t take me much to get the job done but my concern was would it trigger Midnight? That would be a serious problem for Eric. As much as he was a nuisance, I didn’t want his death on my head.

Eric wasted no time, magic surging through the air as he summoned the element, lightning: a sword emerging in his hands, the electric currents surrounding the long, light sword. I could already see the beads of sweat forming on his forehead. I frowned, disappointment flooding through me. He can’t be seriously breaking a sweat with that one spell. He won't even last five minutes.

“How boring. Want to make it quick?” Lexi questioned. I could…Elias wants a video though. I want him to get excited. Maybe we can prolong it for three minutes.

Eric charged forward, running at shifter speed towards me. I frowned before letting out a sigh. Seriously, was this the medieval times where you charged at someone? What a foolish way to start a battle.

I summoned my magic, directing it straight to my feet. My ankle markings glowed to life, a greenish blue magic circle appearing under my feet. I didn’t need an incantation for such a small jump, waiting for him to come closer.

Before his sword could impale me, I side stepped out of the way, pushing myself off the ground to make more distance between us, my body soaring through the sky as if I weighed as light as a feather. I gracefully landed on the ground, not making a spec of sound. Nighty relaxed on my shoulder, taking the time to lick at her fur, clearly uninterested in the battle unfolding before her.

I continued evading his attacks, Eric already showing fatigue; huffing and puffing as sweat dripped down his face. His magic skills weren’t doing any justice, being flashier than shock inducing.

I took a peak at my group, Ryder, Daniel and Marcus all relaxed. Eli, however, looked concerned, frowning.

As much as I wanted to ponder on why she looked worried, I turned my attention back to my opponent. It was never good to get distracted in battle.

He charged forward yet again. I was ready to jump, to avoid the same pathetic move when I noticed the floor, the cream wood surface beginning to glow.

“Stop dodging you bitch!” He screamed, lifting his sword to slash me. The light below me shone brightly as a magic circle quickly formed in a bright yellow light.

I smiled, the excitement building as my heart started to increase. I squatted down, summoning more magic to my feet before I pushed myself straight into the air, the ground beneath me crumbling. A wave of heat hit me as flames shot out, towards me.

I continued to ascend in the air, flipping backwards. Within seconds, my feet touched the ceiling, the waves of flames heading my way, its power getting weaker and weaker the higher it went.

I smiled as the adrenaline kicked in, forgetting about my magic levels as I allowed more power to awaken within. I felt a wave of heat burst through me, summoning Lily’s power to my aid. You should never use fire against a phoenix shifter. I outstretched my arms, taking another breath to control myself.

“Obey your true master!” I ordered, magic flowing with each word as my legs grew hot, an indication my leg markings were glowing. I could hear a few gasps, as the flames stopped before me, the flames wildly thrashing in the air, as if an invisible wall had formed before me, stopping them from getting any closer. I closed my eyes, needing to concentrate for my casting.

“Oh, merciless flames, hear my request. Bestow me with your raging essence. You are a part of me as I am a part of you, abandon such frail ambitions and join my quest for domination. My intentions are clear and will never waiver.” I commanded, the power flowing out of my hands.

The flames began to wrap around me, flowing around my wide spread legs and stretched out arms as if to caress my body. The heat was soothing, such levels of heat not causing any harm to my skin or clothing.

I allowed the remaining flames to dance around the ceiling, withholding the burning effect, so no damage would be implemented until I commanded it. The pounding in my head getting stronger, cueing me once again to finish this match, quickly. I pointed my hand downward, making the shape of a gun with my fingers, aiming towards the small sized Eric who stared up at me in bewilderment.

The flames gathered to my pointing finger, constricting into a small flame. The next second, the beam shot forward, blasting to life as it raged towards its target. The flames morphed into a phoenix, the wings stretching out as the bird cried in rage, the shriek loud and eerie.

I heard Matthew curse under his breath, raising his hand to summon a black magic circle. The spell spread around our dome, creating an even stronger barrier.

The flames crashed into the ground, the impact so strong it cracked the floor throughout the arena, the waves of fire crashing into the original blue barrier, shattering it upon impact. The wild flames continued forward, crashing into the black dome.

The barrier flickered, but stayed standing, only small cracks showing up throughout the dome. I couldn’t help but enjoy the wave of heat that brushed against my body, its warmth soothing my skin.

I recalled the air, allowing my body to drop downward, flipping myself to land softly on a large broken fragment of the ground as I allowed the air to form a green fan in my left hand. I took another deep breath, ignoring the pounding that continued to rise.

I squinted my eyes, trying to find Eric through the thick fog. I noticed a figure crunched down. As the fog lightened, I saw his trembling outline hunched over, huffing and puffing. As much as I want this to be it, I can’t let my guard down. This is an exam. No pity parties.

“Also, if you don’t recall, he was a jerk to you on your first day of school. Just saying.” Hope casually stated, sounding unimpressed. I couldn’t blame her, she had a valid point.

He quickly stood up, summoning his lightning sword in his hand once more, the sharp end pointing in my direction. He raised it to be parallel from his face, at eye level. I allowed my ears to concentrate as I noticed his lips starting to move. Clearly, he was saying some type of incantation, his voice too low for even my super natural sensitive hearing to pick up.

My eyes widened as I felt the air shift, power spreading through the dome. Ah shit…this isn’t good. Guess, it's time for my weapon huh.

I looked to my shoulder, Nighty cuddled against my neck, her eyes closed. I reached out and nudged her gently. Her mismatched eyes opened, blinking a few times, before looking around. She jumped up in excitement, her head rubbing against my cheek as she purred, before returning to her jumping spree on my shoulder. I laughed, petting her one more time before glancing back at Eric, who continued to charge his weapon with some type of spell.

“Want to give the weapon modification a try. Scythe weapon, remember?” I asked her, my hand unconsciously, pressing against my left frontal, the pounding becoming harder to ignore. I need to get out of here the moment this match is over.

Nighty nodded anxiously, dropping down to the floor, her legs spread out as her tails flowed out. She let out a roar, her body bursting with light. Her white fur glowed vibrantly. Her usual normal grey markings lit up to neon pink as her eyes began to glow.

I closed my eyes, allowing my energy to flow towards my hands. I placed my left hand near my chest, my right hand staying out stretched. I could feel my legs burn up, my markings probably on full display at this point. I could hear the multiple gasp and whispers ringing around the room, but I ignored them, not wanting to lose my focus.

“Nightmare, oh Goddess of Destruction. I request for your assistance. A pinch of power is all I require, to tame those who defy your grace. I, Makoto Heart, pledge my allegiance to you. Grant me such power to defeat thy foe.” I chanted.

I gritted my teeth as the power rushed forward.

My hands trembled as the weapon began to form in my hand, at a far more rapid pace than during our training sessions. Moments passed and my large scythe had materialized, the chain wrapped around my hand, the rose designed metal glittering a pink colour. I could see the magic, physically coursing through the scythe, the long sharp blade shining in the light.

I looked up to see Eric incantation complete, his sword grown double in size, electricity and fire wrapping around its solid form. I guess he was done wasting time. I glanced at the timer, 3:55 projected off the clock. One minute was more than enough time to finish this.

“ITS OVER! BOW DOWN TO ME, SLAVE!” He snarled, jumping off his feet, the energy lifting him forward in a direct path towards me.

I felt my eye twitch, my control wavering as a tingle spread through my body, the cold wave sending goosebumps down my body. I closed my eyes, taking another deep breath. I’m still in control, fear will not consume me.

“Sweet Nightmare, fear no harm to me. Judge thy enemy before me. Deliver his portion of pain and regret.” I roared, my words swallowed by the rushing winds that surrounded me.

Eric was inches away, his sword ready to pierce me. I raised my scythe in defense, ready to take his attack head on.

“BARRIER!” Matthew’s commanding voice soared over the multiple sound vibrating around us, the black barrier shattering to pieces as a pure white with gold mesh netting took its place, prepared for whatever level of impact that followed.

Our weapons clashed, the sound deafening as the power blasted around us. My hair flew wildly in the wind, the already cracked floor crumbling underneath, causing us to drop. My magic circles resurfaced underneath me, preventing me from falling any further, Eric doing the same, our weapons still locked together.

The multiple elements clashed with one another, the lighting and fire battling my wind magic. Only one of us would be victorious; the question that remained was who. The slamming echoed in my head, my vision blurred as my concentration wavered. This needs to end NOW!

I gritted my teeth as I felt my eyes begin to burn, power overflowing. Pink electric currents surrounded my weapon as I stood my ground against Eric’s pushing.

“NULLIFY!” I commanded, allowing the power to flow out, releasing my hold. A wave surged outward, cancelling out every other element in a ten-foot radius, including Matthew’s barrier, the white gold globe shattering, the remaining essence falling around us, like glitter.

I could see my eyes in Eric’s irises; my usual turquoise radiant colour was now a dark blue, resembling midnight blue. Not good, enough fighting for today.

His shaky sword attempted to continue pushing me back, my scythe still blazing with power, pink electric currents shooting out small sparks.

“What – what did you do! Where’s my magic!” He raged, his drenched face scrunch together in rage.

“I nullified all magic in the area, except for mine of course.” I replied coldly. I could feel my personality changing, my usual patient amused self- fading away as my darker personality began to emerge.

“That…that’s CHEATING.” He snarled. I sighed, my patience withering.

“Oh really?!” I snapped, pushing him back.

The raging anger within me flowed through my scythe, the weapon pulsing to life as it released an electric shock that upon impacting his sword shattered it completely, leaving him weaponless.

He dropped to his knees; his wide eyes watching the falling broken pieces of his sword litter the remaining pieces of the ground. I felt my lips curve as I smiled sinisterly at his pathetic figure.

“Funny how I’m a slave, yet here you are, bowing before me. Only a sore loser would insist their opponent is cheating. Here's a little tip, Eric; never underestimated your enemy. It will get you killed.” I mocked, sneering the last sentence as I twisted my Scythe in my hand, removing any excess sweat and dirt.

I stared down at his trembling body, his face red with anger but I didn’t care. I needed to leave and his failures were none of my concern.

“Nightmare. Return.” I whispered, attempting to sound less irritated as I ordered Nightmare to change back to normal.

In a flash, she was back to her white furry self, shaking her fur out before clinging to my leg. I knelt down to pick her up, the air magic circles still supporting my frame from the debris below. I placed her on my shoulder, putting my hands in my short pocket. I noticed the various markings on my legs, the pink glow emitting from them dimming.

I glanced to the others, noticed how utterly quiet the room had become, everyone shocked in place. The boys all had various degrees of stunned expressions. I guess they didn’t truly understand my capabilities, seeing as I barely showed much power unless it was through showing off my aura or my spirits. They never witnessed MY strength, proving how valuable I truly was to the Owner and his plot for revenge.

This little display of magic was nothing compared to what I could accomplish, especially with the help of those power boosting elixirs.

My eyes stopped on EliaseAnne. Instead of a stunned expression on her face, her eyes reflected concern. What was she so worried about?

I returned my gaze to Matthew, his mouth wide open as he looked between me and the kneeling Eric. He shook his head, probably attempting to clear his head before raising his hand in the air.

“Eric Rylander is unable to continue with no weapon and energy depleted. Makoto Heart wins, passing Knightwood’s 1v1 battle. Makoto, congratulations on your victory. Your score will be judged by the fellow professors after review and your score will be displayed on the board outside the school before your practical group exam. You have the right to leave.”

I didn’t hesitate, swiftly turning around and striding over to Matthew. I quickly bowed.

“Thank you Professor Oxwell for the opportunity. I’ll see you after the exams.” I expressed my gratitude, rising up to face him again. He nodded, his eyes locking onto mine.

I knew by now my eyes were midnight blue, prompting the look of worry he gave me. I forced my lips to curl into a smile, before walking slowly towards the exit. As the doors closed behind me, I entered the empty hallway and sprinted towards the nearest exit. Forest.

It didn’t take me long to arrive deep into the forest behind our living complex, reaching a small lake that Elias once showed me during one of our nightly walks.

I ordered Nightmare to return to the house, hopefully distracting the boys from realizing I wasn’t home. The sun had already set; the stars now out in the pitch-black sky.

I leaned against a large tree, my hand gripping against the rough bark as my other hand pressed against my throbbing head. I cringed in agony as the pounding became unbearable, my knees shaking as I tried to catch my breath. I felt like I was suffocating, my eyes stinging with tears.

I knew I wasn’t in danger of anyone seeing me; Midnight having the freedom to look around the forest quietly and realize I was safe and wasn’t being forcibly summoned by the Owner.

I let out a groan as the world began to spin, my strength leaving me. I leaned my body weight against the tree, my legs shaking in place, unable to support me for much longer. My exhales were quick and shallow, unable to control my rapid breathing.

I opened my eyes one last time, my conscious wavering as I stared at the lake. I noticed a dark figure, hints of blonde hair reflecting light in the moon's rays.

The last thing my eyes registered before rolling back behind my head were those alluring, emerald green eyes, glowing in the darkness. Elias? Please Midnight, don’t hurt him!

That was my final prayer as my conscious descending into darkness.