~MAKOTO~
"Will it hurt?"
"A little."
"How little?"
"Rosalina, you're being silly."
"But it's gonna hurt. Isn't it like how those humans get those tattoos to copy how we have markings? They use that scary drill thing and there's blood everywhere. I've seen pictures."
"Sweetheart, it's not going to hurt. Let your father remove that mark. Please?" Mother encouraged.
"Do I get a prize?"
"I'll take you down to the garden for a nice long walk with Nightmare and we’ll even bake cookies later."
"Chocolate chip?"
"Yes."
"Okay, let's do this!" I announced, hyping myself up.
"Really, cookies? I said I'd take you out," Kade argued.
I stared at him. "But it’s Mom and she's making me cookies. You didn't add that to your end of the bargain," I countered.
"Dad! That's so not fair. Think of something to counter, Mom," Kade request.
"You won't win," I vowed.
"You two sound like when you were young," Dad groaned.
"Dad! That's not helping me get the afternoon with Rosalina," Kade emphasized.
Mother laughed. "You should bribe her with milk. A little birdy told me she likes chocolate milk." Mother winked at Kade who gasped.
"Chocolate milk?" he questioned in astonishment.
I turned to face him. "YES! Chocolate milk! They even have strawberry milk and milkshakes!" I stressed.
He blinked. "Mom! Dad! When Xavier comes back, can we go down to Earthala?" he requested.
I beamed, turning to face my parents who both exchanged glances before they smiled.
"Alright. We can make a trip down to Earthala," Father announced.
"YES!" Kade and I cheered, laughing at our timed exclamations.
"Okay. I'll get you chocolate milk and we get to spend the afternoon after you’re done with your exercises," Kade announced.
I groaned. "I don't want to..." I mumbled.
Kade raised an eyebrow at me. "Uh huh. Don't give me that. And don't pout like yesterday. I don't know how the guys are able to withstand that sad face of yours," Kade complained.
I frowned, beginning to blink.
"Mom! Stop her from doing that! OMG. Where's Kai? I'm getting Kai to convince her." Kade huffed.
Mother giggled as Father shook his head.
"The moment Rosalina is around, it seems he reverts back to his child self," Father whispered to Mom.
"It's cute," Mother replied.
"We can hear you," we said in unison, looking at each other before we laughed.
"Alright. How about this? Allow me to remove the loyalty mark, Kai will come in and help you with your physio session and Kade and I will finish some realm work. I may need your Mother's help as well. When you're done, you can spend the first half of the afternoon with Kade and the remaining half with your mother. Then we can have a private dinner? How does that sound?" Father proposed.
Kade and I exchanged looks before we nodded in agreement.
"Deal!" we said together.
Father smiled, Mother nodding in approval as they rose from their chairs next to my bed. Kade was sitting next to me on the bed and Nightmare was sleeping on my lap. My family spent all night catching up on the sixteen cycles we'd missed while we were apart.
I explained everything that had happened during my cycles at the facility, even about the cycle that I had to deal with being paralyzed and dormant.
It was still a hard topic to talk about, but it felt easier to explain to my family. After Father, Mother and Kade all reassured me they weren't going anywhere, no matter if I could walk or not, I was willing to disclose everything.
Some parts were still difficult to explain— Lily's death, my cycle of dormancy, and I gave a brief summary of what happened between Samuel and Midnight. I wanted her to explain, but she'd ended up falling asleep, unable to keep up with our conversations.
Kade had mentioned Midnight was having nightmares, leading to me explaining her relationship with the Archangel and King Aspen's underlying plot to play with Midnight's emotions to make her stronger and emotionless.
I explained how she'd only become more interactive since meeting Elias and Eli. And that it was with Eli being a spirit, which made her comfortable with expressing her emotions. She still hesitated with some topics and didn't know how to react in certain situations, but she was learning and I couldn't help but share how proud I was of her progress.
I explained the remainder of the cycles and the rescue mission that occurred in the dungeon and how my star knights saved me before the ugly bear guard attempted to rape me. Kade and Father had furious expressions at that part, but I didn't let it stop me from explaining the rest. Mother had to remind them that it was in the past and had been prevented thanks to my star knights.
Once I was done catching them up on all the events that had occurred after my initial rescue to the details of Leo's exam and the arrival of Jeffrey, Father decided he wanted to remove the royalty mark that had plagued me for all these cycles and replace it with my designated royal mark.
"Are you ready, Rosalina?" Father asked.
"Yes," I replied, feeling a bit nervous, biting my lip. I felt a hand squeeze mine, glancing to my left where Kade gave me a small smile.
"It hurts only a little. I'll hold your hand if it helps," he suggested.
I smiled back, tightening my hold on his hand. With my memories unlocked, which we confirmed must have been due to my death and crossing the Space In Between, I remembered how Kade was very protective of me and didn't like seeing me hurt in any way.
Mother gave me a comforting pat on my head before she stepped back to give Father space. He gave me a reassuring smile before his face grew serious, closing his eyes as magic began to build around him.
“Rosalina Mackenzie Heart, my only daughter and princess of our glorious land, Heila. As of today onward, I revoke your bond to Blair Aspen, King of Latelia. I, Arthur Heart, current King of Heila with my queen and your mother, Catherine Mackenzie Heart, bless this renewed royalty mark that will be yours and can be used when it is your turn to take the throne when that time arrives. No one can prevent you from using your spirits or any other methods of defense and no other royalty mark can be placed in its stead. With this royalty mark, let the Starlight gods grant you wisdom, strength and love toward the people of our Realm and to work together with the other future royals to create peace across the realms and across the galaxy beyond our knowledge. Pledge your agreement, Makoto, and the gods and Mother Galaxy are thy witnesses," Father proclaimed, smiling at the mention of my preferred name.
I smiled back, sitting taller as my magic began to pool in my chest, which already began to warm up.
"I pledge to this agreement and vow to help bring peace across the realms, galaxies beyond, and promote unity among the royal and future heirs of our Realms. The Starlight gods are my witness. In stars we trust," I vowed, closing my eyes and tightening my grip on Kade's hand as my chest burned. I tried to ignore the pain, waiting for the burn to end.
I heard Mother gasp, causing me to open my eyes. I blinked in confusion at Father and Mother's stunned faces.
"Aww no, I screwed something up, didn't I."
Kade snickered, but removed his hand out of mine to shift onto his knees to face me. "No, sis, look at your chest," he encouraged.
"It's ugly?" I exclaimed.
He rolled his eyes. "It's not. Just look at it. I promise it's not ugly at all. It's very beautiful," he reassured me, a look of admiration reflected in his facial expression as his blue eyes stare at my chest.
I sighed, taking a deep breath before I looked down, my eyes growing wide as my jaw dropped. The royalty mark was absolutely stunning. It was in the shape of a rose, the markings glowing a light pink. The outer petals were incredibly detailed, showing the little lines and creases of the petals that blossomed outward. There were six different colored vines that connected to the middle— purple, gold, green, blue, orange and red. They glowed just as intense as the rose, seemingly going across my chest and intertwining around my neck.
Lastly, the middle of the rose had my initials— R.M.H. I knew the 'M' in the middle probably referred to Mackenzie, but somewhere deep inside I hoped the gods meant Makoto, a name I didn't think I'd ever give up.
"It's beautiful," I whispered in awe. I wanted to touch it, but it still burned and would be tender.
"Give it an hour or two and it will settle. The magic will calm and it will look like any other marking. I'm impressed," Kade explained, smiling proudly.
"I agree. No one has been able to create their own royalty mark unless sworn in," Father praised.
"I wonder, does that mean Rosalina will be the future Queen of Heila?" Kade questioned. He didn't sound jealous or mad. In fact, he sounded happy and his face showed his pride.
"Most likely. Are you fine with that, Kade?" Mother questioned.
He shrugged. "Sis would be a better Queen than I would be King in my opinion. After all she's been through, she's selfless and doesn't have intentions of revenge while other people would be driven mad to get payback. I think our people will love and adore her. They've missed her just as much as we," Kade replied.
"As long as I can ban bowing," I mumbled.
Three pairs of eyes met mine.
"Bowing?"
"Yes. I'm banning it," I announced, firmly.
Mother snickered while Dad tried to muffle his chuckles with his hand.
"What?" I asked.
"Sweetheart, you can't ban bowing." Mother laughed.
"Why? If I'm a Queen, why can't I ban it?" I asked, confused.
"Why would you want to ban it in the first place, Rosalina?" Father asked.
"Because! It's...uh...annoying! You don't need to bow to me. Just because I have power or wear a crown shouldn't determine someone's worth or need to bow to give respect. If they pledge to you, that should be more than enough recognition. Unless they do wrong or show disrespect then bow in apology and forgiveness for their actions would be required," I explained my theory.
Mother and Father stopped laughing, exchanging looks as my words sunk in.
"Yup. You'd totally be a better leader than me," Kade whispered in my ear.
I giggled. "But you still have to help me," I replied.
He grinned. "I'll go write up the law against bowing in the castle." He winked.
"Perfect!" I replied.
"I think regardless of what we say, they'll make it happen." Mother shook her head, but was still smiling.
"I have to admit, I like her reasoning. But of course, she's our child so we shouldn't be surprised," Father announced proudly.
"That's boasting, Dad," I pointed out.
He shrugged. "I'm allowed," he replied, giving me a wink before he made his way to my side and placed a kiss on my forehead.
"Now, you need to rest or at least take a nap. Royalty marks take a lot of magic," Father encouraged.
"But. I'm not tired," I countered, frowning.
Mother smiled, coming over and giving me a kiss on the forehead. "You're not tired, yet. Give it five minutes and you'll be knocked out," she explained.
"Hmm," I replied, trying to assess if what she said would happen or not. I looked back at the new royalty mark, unable to stop the smile that grew on my face. My star knights.
"Take a nap, sis. We’ll come and check on you later." Kade gave me a kiss on my nose, causing me to laugh.
"Eww. Why my nose?" I complained.
"Because it's fun. And you loved it when you were little," Kade reminded, sliding off the bed. He quickly checked the charts on the counter, signing a few things before he joined Mother and Father who were taking turns petting Nightmare who was quietly staring at them.
"You'll be back...right? This isn't a dream where if I wake up, you guys will be gone, right?" I whispered.
Mother gave me a sad smile, walking back to my side before sitting on the bed. "It's not a dream, sweetheart. We aren't going to disappear when you wake up. How about I stay with you till you sleep?" she whispered.
I nodded. "I'd like that. Just until I fall asleep," I confirmed. I knew they had many things to do and we'd stayed up all night and this morning. They all deserved rest.
"Yes. Now, lay back and relax," Mother encouraged.
I waved goodbye to Kade and Father who smiled at me and reassured they would be back later. I took one more look at the new royalty mark, my eyes lingering on the different vines until they stopped on the red line. Where are you my red star knight?
"There's one more missing, isn't there?" Mother whispered.
I turned my head to face her gentle expression. I nodded, frowning. "I don't know where he is. I feel like he needs me? But...how will I possibly find him?" I pondered.
"The Starlight gods brought the others to you. Maybe, they'll bring you to him?" she replied.
"I hope so. I love the others...but sometimes, I feel something is missing and no matter how much love and affection they give me, I don't feel..." I trailed off, trying to find the word.
"Whole. You don't feel complete, which makes sense. The Starlight gods will reunite you when the time is right. Don't stress about it." Mother pulled me into her arms, allowing me to rest my head on her chest.
"Okay," I replied, already beginning to feel the exhaustion from the initiation of the royalty bond take effect.
Mother began to hum softly, the sweet melody already having an effect in calming me down.
It wasn't long till I began to drift, my conscious slowly being engulfed by the darkness. I wasn't afraid of going back to the deep section of myself, but I now didn't have to. I wasn't going to run away anymore.
My family accepted me; something I'd waited for cycles to feel and enjoy the happiness of having a group of people who loved me unconditionally. Not only did it make me thankful to the Starlight gods for helping me reach this moment, it made me yearn to have a family one day. And I'd vow to bring peace to all realms, so no shifter would have to experience the loss of their child from Aspen's hands again.
In stars we trust.
"Kai-mhm," I countered, but was interrupted by his soft lips pressing against mine. I moaned into his mouth, kissing him passionately.
Kai came by in the late evening to wake me up for physiotherapy, my family informing Kai and the other knights that the old loyalty mark had been removed and how I'd created my own.
Apparently, making my own royalty mark confirmed I'd be the Queen of Heila in the future— the Starlight gods approving and allowing my symbol that represented me to manifest on my chest.
Now that the magic had dimmed, it was like any other marking, but instead of being just black, it held its color, which was bold and eye-catching.
Kade said he'd be first in command and Xavier would be the second, which was common practice until I get married and choose a King to rule alongside me. That was something that was tricky in itself, unsure how it would work when I was in love with not one, but five loyal star knights who were all Future Heirs of their designated realms.
Kai was here to help me with my leg exercises, but we'd gotten distracted with other things and I was now pinned to the bed with Kai above me, kissing me like it was our last moments on Heila.
He finally pulled away, allowing both of us to catch our breaths.
"Sorry, I couldn't help it," he whispered. His amber eyes twinkled in the soft light of the nightstand, but I could see the exhaustion in the lines of his face and the black circles under his eyes.
"You look like a bear shifter tackled you," I commented, lifting my hand up to brush his cheek and leaving it there. I enjoyed feeling his warmth, but even for me, he felt warmer than usual.
"I've had better days. I'll sleep later," he reassured me.
"Did you sleep at all?" I questioned.
"All day and night apparently. Ryder had to wake me up, but told me to go back to sleep when Kade came by and told me you were still resting," he explained.
"Ah. Father and Mother had explained that it takes a strenuous amount of energy," I mumbled.
"Yes, it does. I'm impressed you're awake. Those who get sworn in and create their own marks are usually out for days," Kai revealed.
"Days?" I repeated.
Kai nodded. "Father explained to me that he was out for three days straight when he became King. It's very energy taxing, so your parents thought you'd be out for a while," Kai confirmed.
"Oh. Interesting," I replied, still frowning at Kai's tired appearance.
"You should lay down with me," I proposed.
"We're supposed to be doing exercises," he countered.
"Five minutes."
"Fine." He sighed, giving up.
I knew he didn't want to argue with me, either because he didn't want me getting upset or because of the simple fact I was stubborn.
He helped me so I could lay on my side facing him.
"Have you been eating?" I questioned.
"What's with all these questions, Princess?" he whispered, his lazy eyes showed a hint of amusement while his hand brushed against my cheek.
"I'm worried about you. You don't look well, Kai," I replied. I seriously didn't like the way he looked and how warm he'd felt earlier.
"He should rest."
I flinched at the voice in my mind, completely forgetting about my spirits. LILY!
"Hello, Makoto. Welcome back, we missed you dearly," Lily whispered. She sounded tired but her chirpy voice was filled with happiness.
"Mako?" Kai questioned.
"Oh. Sorry, Lily woke up. I haven't heard from anyone else but Midnight so far. I was just taken aback that's all," I reassured Kai.
He nodded, pulling me into an embrace before he relaxed.
"Three minutes, then physio," he reminded.
"Uh huh," I replied, noticing from the deepness in his voice he was on the verge of sleep.
"Give him one minute, he'll be gone," Lily suggested.
We both waited.
Sure enough, Kai was asleep within a minute.
"Kai?" I whispered.
He didn't budge, his inhales and exhales were slow and even.
I frowned, rubbing his cheek. Why is he so tired? Is he sick?
"His flame is low."
Flame? You mean his phoenix energy? Like the energy usually reserved for when we completely shift? I questioned.
"Yes. Every Phoenix has energy reserved just for shifting. It's what helps us summon our flames with ease in battle. When that energy is low, we get sick. We've never experienced it because we've never used energy to that extent," Lily explained.
Is it because he teleported us here when we...uh died? I didn't like how weak Kai was looking and would rather he rest than spend time helping me.
"Hmm...more than that. I'll ask Hinotori the next time I get a chance," Lily assured me.
Have you talked at all since Earthala?
"Briefly when I woke up to ask what happened and where you were, but I couldn't stay awake. I tried, but was just too tired. Hinotori reassured me he was working with Daniel and the others to help heal our legs and then I went back to sleep," Lily explained.
Ah. I closed my eyes, wondering about the others, especially Daniel. I felt Midnight nudge into my mind, making her presence known first rather than her usual random appearances.
"Mako. Are you angry at Daniel?" Midnight questioned.
I didn't answer, unsure how to even answer. It wasn't that I was mad at him. Kai and Kade explained he'd been working nonstop to help us with our current situation. It was even thanks to him that the hole in my chest had healed. Thankfully, the new royalty mark hid the large scar left behind after healing.
I just didn't know how to face him. Daniel loved perfection; from the way his clothes fit on his body to his meticulous ash blond strands. If his glasses had even a hint of dust on them, he had to clean them.
How can he love me now? I’m not like the woman he loved before the exam. I am damaged...broken. He can't love me like the others...right?
"The angel still loves you, Mako," Midnight whispered.
Lily mentally nodded. "He wouldn't work so diligently if he didn't love you, Makoto," Lily stressed.
I sighed, nestling myself in Kai's arms as I took in his pumpkin spice scent, his sweet, addictive aroma always being able to help calm me.
I don't know. I just don't know if I want to keep fighting to learn more. I'm exhausted as is.
"Then let him fight for you? Didn't Scarlet say something like that?" Lily questioned.
"She did. Down on Earthala. On the beach," Midnight confirmed.
I pondered that thought, remembering Scarlet's discussion from Earthala:
"Is Ryder the only one you've been sexual with?" she asked.
"Ya. I'm kinda struggling to be honest," I admitted.
"Why?" Scarlet asked.
I gulped, feeling nervous.
She tightened her hold. "Makoto. We're friends. I know, it's kinda hard since we've just met, and I'm not used to having a friend to consult with besides Cece, but I want you to know I'm here to help if you're in a pinch," she comforted.
"Well...I'm just having difficulty juggling myself between all of them. Ryder and I have always been close because I remember him from my childhood. I'm fine with Marcus and Elias, and even though I just met Kai, it seems our relationship is pretty solid. But, I'm struggling with Daniel and feel he's pushing me away," I vented.
"Why do you think Daniel's pushing you away? He seemed pretty defensive in making sure you were his this morning," she replied.
"He's dealing with his inner demons I guess?" I mumbled, looking down to the ground. I was trying my best not to show how much it bothered me. I cared about Daniel and wanted to know where we stood. All the tension growing between us and Midnight was getting to me, and I didn't know how to handle it.
Scarlet turned to face me, placing her hand under my chin and lifting my head up to face her.
"You love him just like the others, right?" she asked.
"Yes," I replied.
"Then have some alone time with him. Maybe he thinks you love the others and not him? If he's dealing with whatever has happened in his past, give him the reassurance that you aren't going to leave him behind. Some guys are just like that. I noticed the way he looks at you. There's love there. I think he just needs to get over whatever he's dealing with," Scarlet stated.
I took a moment to digest her words; Midnight lingered in my mind to listen in.
Scarlet gave me a light smile. "Trust your instincts and if all else fails, be stern with him and tell it as it is. If you get tired of chasing, change roles. Give him space and let him decide. If he truly wants to be with you, he'll move mountains to reach you," she encouraged.
That makes sense.
"I like her," Midnight admitted, sounding pleased.
"Thank you, Scarlet. That helped a lot." I smiled back.
"Let him chase me..." I whispered, allowing my eyes to close.
I felt something brush my hair and I began to stir awake. I turned my head to look over my shoulder, tyrian purple eyes meeting mine.
"Hey, baby. You okay?" he whispered.
I blinked, feeling confused as I turned back to see Kai who was still asleep. "Sleepy?" I mumbled. I gently pulled myself out of Kai's embrace, he mumbled something before turning over, falling back to sleep.
Ryder helped me sit up and repositioned my legs so they dangled off the bed. I rubbed my eyes before yawning.
"What time is it?" I asked.
Ryder knelt down, beginning to massage my legs, which I couldn't feel. Kai said it would ensure my blood wouldn't just pool to my feet, the massage techniques aiding in blood circulation.
"Ten at night," he replied, looking up at my confused expression while he continued the massage on my right leg.
"We slept all evening? Oops," I mumbled.
Ryder looked past me to Kai, frowning. "Kai's exhaustion is worrying me," Ryder confessed.
"He looked like he got hit by a bear shifter," I explained.
Ryder nodded. "He's been like that since yesterday," Ryder mentioned.
"Lily said it has something to do with his phoenix flame? She said she'll look into it," I noted.
"Okay. I'll tell him to take tomorrow off."
"He won't and you know it."
"I can try?"
"And deal with stubborn Kai? I don't see that going well," I countered.
Even though Kai and I hadn't gotten a lot of time to learn about one another, I knew he was stubborn. Maybe even more stubborn than me.
"We’ll see," he whispered. He paused the massage, standing up before his hands slipped across my cheeks. He lifted my head, his soft tender lips landing on mine.
I relaxed, having missed his rose scent that surrounded me as he kissed me. He was hesitant at first, but those soft kisses grew deeper while his hand slid through my black locks.
"I missed you, baby," he whispered. His voice was filled with so many emotions that it hurt my heart to have left him and the others.
"I'm sorry. I just...couldn’t face you all. Not after what I did to Nightmare and trying...to..." I trailed off, unable to state the words.
He shook his head, his arms wrapped around me.
"Firefly, we wouldn't judge you. I'm so sorry. We should have done our part too. We didn't know about everything that had happened at the facility. We should have. It was our duty to review the files, but we were so caught up in the sheer joy of having you back we totally forgot about it. Regardless, we wouldn't have judged you. We love you wholeheartedly no matter what happens. This is just a body, remember? It doesn't determine the beautiful woman you've become and the princess we love," he whispered, claiming my lips once more.
I kissed him back, a tear rolling down my cheek as we deepened the kiss. I'd missed Ryder just like the others, and now that he stood before me, kissing me with such affection, made me happy to be back.
"Make out later..."
We pulled away to stare at Kai, who'd mumbled something. We waited for him to continue, but he fell back asleep.
"Ya. I'm totally going to try and make him have tomorrow off. Maybe I can get Arthur to force him," Ryder suggested.
"Or you can let me try?" I whispered, grinning.
He raised an eyebrow at me, but grinned. "You're just going to blink your eyes or seduce him, aren't you?"
"Never. I, the Princess of Heila wouldn't dare use such tactics."
He chuckled, shaking his head before his eyes lingered on my chest. "The royalty mark..." He trailed off, focusing harder on the colorful masterpiece.
"Father initiated it earlier with Mother and Kade present. Apparently, this means I'm going to be Queen one day," I disclosed.
Ryder nodded. "Yes. I'm surprised you're awake. Father said he was out for a week," Ryder pointed out.
"Kai said something similar, but his father was out for three days," I replied.
"Yeah. Everyone had a different recovery time. I'm glad you're awake, but please make sure you get enough rest. Now, let me help you with the stretches." Ryder gave me one final kiss before letting his arms return to his side as he lowered to his knees and focused on massaging my left leg.
"Ryder."
He looked up to meet my gaze. "Yes, Makoto?"
"Do you think...I'll be able to walk again? And...if there's a chance I don't, do you think the people of Heila will accept me? I don't want to be seen as a burden or a hindrance. I know how to operate a wheelchair and function in battle without the use of my legs if necessary. I don't want people looking down on me because...I'm uh...disabled," I mumbled, lowering my head while I struggled to accept my fate if we couldn't fix the damage in my legs.
"Makoto, lift your head," he ordered his voice low.
I swallowed, lifting my head up to face his stern look.
"No one will dare think such a thing, and if they do, I'll make sure they regret it. Your magic is your strength. Not just the body that hosts it. Same as how your soul is what makes a difference in someone's life. Not just your looks. If it helps, we've had an Heir in similar circumstances and her realm never looked down upon her. An opposing realm member challenged them to a duel to the death. Long story short, his grave is a reminder that no one should judge a book by its cover," Ryder explained.
I absorbed his words, wondering who could have endured something similar to myself. If they could overcome this, maybe I could too?
"Okay. I'll give it a shot. I'll lift my head proudly and if there are negative responses to my current condition I'll just let you and the others beat them up," I cheered.
He snickered at my change in expression. "Oh, Mako. I've missed you," he whispered, giving me a wide smile.
"I've missed you more," I whispered, leaning forward to kiss him.
"MEW."
We pulled apart in time to miss Nightmare's attempt to crash into us.
"Hyper," I mumbled, staring at Nightmare who'd recovered from her jump and had crawled into my lap. Her tails waved wildly back and forth with a vibrant pink glow.
Ryder sighed, moving back so her tails wouldn't hit his face. "She's super excited," Ryder pointed out.
"Yeah. She hasn't left my side since I woke up." I lifted my hand to pet her.
She purred, relaxing on my lap before she curled up, her tails still waving back and forth, but at a slower rate.
"She really missed you. She would take turns sleeping in here or with Marcus or Elias," Ryder explained.
"Are they okay? Where are the others?" I questioned.
"Daniel's been working on something. I think he found out something from his research, and has been locked in the training room trying to figure it out. Marcus had to stay outside the castle walls in case he or Ryuu shifted due to his emotional imbalance," Ryder explained.
I frowned, worrying about Daniel overworking himself and Marcus being excluded.
"What about Elias and EliaseAnne?" I asked.
"EliaseAnne had a really bad panic attack when we arrived. You already know about her fear of medical centers. She helped stabilize you and clear out as much poison as possible till Karen was able to take over. But the fear of losing you most likely got to her and being in that environment and the machines just tipped her over. They're both okay, but Karen won't discharge them until she knows for sure Eli won't have another one. It's dangerous when Eli has panic attacks," Ryder explained.
"What happens?"
"She either gets extremely sick or her magic becomes imbalanced. If the latter happens, that's when it's dangerous. You know EliaseAnne is a hybrid, correct?"
I nodded, remembering Marcus had explained it to me when we'd been in the cabin during the storm that hit us on the way back to Knightwood.
"When EliaseAnne's or even Elias’ magic goes out of balance, it triggers Eli's dark fairy side. That side of her isn't as controlled as the fairy half you've seen before. Dark fairies are extremely powerful and very dangerous if they can't control their strength and magic," Ryder emphasized.
I nodded, knowing exactly the extent of power he was referring too.
"Are they balanced now?" Midnight whispered. She must have been listening in and her concern caused her to pop up and ask.
"Midnight’s asking if they're balanced now?" I asked.
"Yes. They're okay. I saw Elias yesterday, and he looked fine and he's been coping well. He informed me Eli's been just fine. Ryuu even painted her nails." He smirked.
I giggled, shaking my head. "She loves when Marcus or Ryuu does her nails," I agreed.
He finished massaging my legs, beginning to help me do different exercises. I was impressed at his seriousness and how focused he was.
"Ryder? How do you know all the moves?" I questioned. Daniel had apparently taught Kai ahead of time.
"Daniel taught all of us. He said just in case he wasn't here when you woke up or needed to move your legs during certain hours of the day, all of us could perform it without trouble. Marcus and Elias also know how to do it," Ryder explained.
He did that just for me?
Ryder smiled as he helped lift my leg so my knee bent in and out— holding my leg outstretched for ten seconds and bending it and keeping it in that position for ten seconds.
"We all don't want to bombard you at once, Makoto. Daniel may keep his distance momentarily to figure out a way to heal your legs, but he loves you and worked hard when you were resting to help Midnight as well," Ryder acknowledged.
"Midnight too?"
"Yes. I know they had a rough start, but Midnight’s been very cooperative and so has Daniel. I don't know if they've solved what happened before the exam, but they haven't killed one another yet, so I think it's safe to say they're on okay terms."
"That's good," I whispered, stifling a yawn.
"Tired?"
"No. I don't want to sleep yet. I miss the others too," I admitted.
He finished the rest of the stretches before he sat next to me, pulling me into a side embrace. "Want to go out for some fresh air? It's late, but a nice stroll would do some good," he suggested.
I smiled, ready to hop off the bed when I realized I couldn't do that; the dead weight of my legs a reminder of that. I frowned, staring at them in defeat, my shoulders sinking. Ryder stood up, going through the curtain that gave us privacy to retrieve something. I could hear him setting up something before he moved the curtain out of the way— a pink wheelchair coming into view.
My eyes grew wide at the metallic pink material. I'd definitely seen and used a wheelchair before, but I'd never seen a pink one before.
"It's pink. Is it mine?" I asked.
He smiled. "Yup. Yours until you’re able to walk again. It even has these." He knelt down, flicking some type of hidden switch. The wheelchair began to light up, beginning with a rainbow of colors that reminded me of a unicorn, before slowly shifting between colors, starting with purple.
"Of course it would start at purple," I huffed, blinking back tears.
"I always get first dibs. Well, aside from Kai if he wants to be an ass," Ryder mumbled. He rose to his feet, walking to my side and lifting me up with ease. He gently lowered me into the seat, ensuring my feet were properly aligned on the pedals.
He walked over to the drawer next to the oversized unicorn float that Midnight stated Kai and the others had set up in my room with my other unicorn figurines.
The closet even had my collections of unicorn onesies from Earthala. I decided to hold off until I was in a happier mood before wearing the comfortable clothing.
"Mako."
I lifted my head in time for his lips to meet mine. I closed my eyes, enjoying his soft touch.
He pulled back to stare into my eyes. "We’ll get through this. It's going to be hard, and you can cry or be sad whenever you want. But remember, we're all here for you and will never leave you. We won't abandon you. I swear it," he swore.
I knew that he meant every word. "Okay. Thank you, Ryder," I whispered.
He smiled, walking over to check if Kai was still asleep. He pulled the blanket on him and left a quick note on the table next to Kai's side of the bed. Nightmare climbed up the pink wheelchair, reaching my arms and climbing up to my shoulders.
She nuzzled her head against my cheek, prompting me to giggle before I lifted my right hand to pet her soft fur. She relaxed, wrapping her tails around my neck like always as she began to purr.
"Will I eventually get to see the others?" I whispered. I didn't know if I had the courage to see them all at once and needed a bit more time to adapt to my new conditions, but I definitely wanted to see them.
"Yes. You'll get to see them for sure," Ryder validated.
"Okay." I gave him a smile.
"Let's go for a stroll and then you’re going back to bed."
"Yes, sir." I lifted my hand in salute.
He rolled his eyes. "Soldier Mako, your voice doesn't match your salute gesture," he pointed out.
"Is my voice too high?"
"Yup."
"Hmm. I'll ask Marcus. He can teach me his skills."
"What skills?"
"His snoring skills. His snores are pretty deep. If I practice, I can deepen my voice too!" I exclaimed, looking up at Ryder whose shoulders shook as he tried not to laugh.
"Don't tell that to Marcus."
"Why not?" I complained.
"You'd hurt his pride." Ryder chuckled, unable to hold back his laughter.
"Hmph. I'll think about it," I replied, crossing my arms.
"C'mon, our future Queen. Let's go for a stroll," Ryder whispered in my ear, his low voice sending shivers down my spine as I licked my lips.
I relaxed as Ryder began to wheel me out of the room, Nightmare snuggled on my shoulder while she continued to purr quietly.
I have to confront all of them eventually. Yes. One by one, I'll talk with each of them. I may still be scared to confront Daniel, but maybe I'll do exactly what Scarlet said. Let him come to me. Maybe that will help ease my fear of being rejected by him. And maybe...I'll know if he truly loves me...for well, me.