DAY 3: 03:00 P.M.

~SCARLET~

"Can I touch it?!"

"No, Princess. You can't."

"But it's pink!"

"That still doesn't mean you can touch it."

"Please?"

“Sigh. Fine."

"YES!"

Marcus and I gawked at Makoto who now touched the brand new 5033 Suzuki Hayabusa that was on display, Junho beside her.

We'd had an eventful morning on the reserved beach; Junho and I returned from a long make out session in the forest to see Marcus and Mako asleep on the unicorn float and Elias, who I had no idea how he'd gotten there, was asleep with Nightmare who hugged a bottle of sunscreen.

We ended up waking them up when we were worried they'd actually get sunburned and had some fun swimming and chatting before it was time for Junho's appointment at his auto-plex nearby.

Today they were revealing the brand-new, Suzuki Hayabusa, dual quad motorcycle and it was only one of five in the world. With the addition of the model sent to Junho being pink, it was set to be revealed in an hour and auctioned off to the highest bidder. Seeing as Makoto had a liking to it, Marcus stated he might bid for it and give it to her as a birthday gift.

"When's Makoto's birthday?" I questioned as we continued to stare at the overjoyed Makoto and a pleased Junho. I had to admit, ever since he'd learned that Makoto was a princess, he couldn't say no to her. If she wanted something, she'd get it. For some girlfriends, they would be pretty jealous, but for me, it made me happy.

I hadn't got all the details on how Makoto had lived in the facility, but from my brief vision and knowledge of how severe the facilities were with the rare survival rate, I wanted Makoto to enjoy the little joys of life. This was her chance to live after losing out on those many years imprisoned within those mold-filled walls.

"May tenth. I don't know what we're planning yet since it's so far out. But I want Makoto to be around people who love her and let her have a good time. Maybe we'll bring her down here for her party," Marcus explained.

"Won't her family want to do a huge celebration or something?" I countered, realizing it would be her first birthday back home with her family and entire realm.

"Maybe. Makoto doesn't like attention though. I bet her parents would understand why. But, I guess we’ll see how it goes when we reach Heila. I think Makoto would rather have something small. Royal parties are a pain in the ass and you know she hates when people bow," Marcus confessed, smiling.

We watched a man in a tux approach Mako and Junho.

"Sir. She can't be touching the model." He scowled.

Mako frowned, looking at Junho who's once amused expression went serious.

"Why is that?" he asked in a deadpan tone, making the man become flustered as he nervously looked between the two.

"Um. It's going to be auctioned. She can't go touching something that's not hers," he argued.

Junho sighed. "Henry, correct? I know you’re new here, so I’ll let this slide and thank you for your honesty, but this bike will be hers. You see, that man over there." Junho pointed at us; his finger aimed at Marcus who looked pissed.

Henry was practically trembling at this point, but nodded.

"He's her very rich, Scottish fiancé and already approached me six months in advance wanting to purchase this bad boy. Why else do you think it's pink? Now, I know we are bending the rules a little by letting her touch it. But, I didn't spend five-hundred thousand dollars to get this shipped out here to have you tell me who can and can't touch this motorcycle," Junho explained.

"I'm sorry, Sir. Sorry, ma'am. I didn't mean to offend. Please carry on. We’ll need you in twenty minutes for the announcement and auction." Henry bowed practically five times, apologizing again to Makoto who looked clueless before coming to Marcus and apologizing. He then darted into the next showroom.

We turned our attention back to Makoto and Junho.

"Marcus' Scottish? And fiancé? Marcus, I want a pink ring," Mako announced happily.

Marcus blushed; his face turned completely red.

"Whatever you like, Makoto," he replied, looking away.

Makoto laughed, returning to looking at the motorcycle, while Junho began explaining to her the different parts.

"So, will I get to attend the group wedding?" I joked, grinning at his embarrassment.

"In like ten years," he mumbled.

"You are gonna propose to her first, huh?" I continued; his face grew redder.

"I don't wanna talk about it," he mumbled.

"I love how men get so embarrassed when it comes to talking about proposals and marriage. Yet, you’re all smitten for your woman," I pointed out.

"It's an uncomfortable topic," he replied.

I leaned up to whisper in his ear, "I'll help you guys find a pink ring she'd like. I'll even get a band with all your colors."

He looked down at me with a surprised expression. "Really?"

"Yup."

"Hmm. Okay," he agreed.

"You all really love her," I commented.

He nodded. "We do. I just hope we can show her how loved she is."

"You sound as if your love will be tested," I acknowledged.

"I guess you can say the guys and I are worried about Heila. Remember when Makoto was on bed rest? She was in a coma for two weeks prior and we'd almost lost her. I guess...we're just scared we won't be able to overcome whatever hurdles are planned for us. I just want Makoto to be happy. She's suffered for so many cycles. I just hope she finally gets to meet her family and begin making new memories," Marcus concluded.

"Whatever happens, I think Makoto will know you all love her. I can't say we can live a life without goods and bads, but I think you guys will be fine. Makoto is strong, and I feel her love for all of you can beat whatever obstacle that arises. You all just have to believe in her," I admitted.

We shared a look before we listened in on Makoto and Junho's conversation.

"So, when you turn it on it does the vroom, vroom noise like they state in books?"

"Yup. But trust me, it's sexier," Junho emphasized.

Makoto laughed. "How can a vroom sound be sexy?"

"It can. When you hear this bad girl versus other motorcycles, you'll know the difference."

"Bad girl, huh. So, it will sound like a purr compared to Marcus' snoring?"

"Anything is sexier than Marcus’ snoring."

"HEY! My snoring isn't that bad!" Marcus pointed out.

"It's pretty bad," Junho replied, winking at Mako who giggled.

"How do you sleep next to him?" Junho asked.

"He's a good cuddler. I just pretend I'm on a train," Mako began.

I snickered, covering my mouth as Marcus sighed.

"I give up," he huffed.

"The joys of love." I laughed.

"Mr. Suk and Mr. Hunt. The auction will be starting soon," the secretary announced.

"Alright. Makoto, Scarlet. We'll be back. You can stay here for ten more minutes, but then we'll participate in the auction," Junho announced, walking over to me and giving me a kiss.

"Okay, honey," I whispered against his lips.

He grinned, giving me a quick peck. "Be good. No trouble," he reminded.

I smiled innocently. "I don't cause trouble. Right, Mako?" I asked the brunette who finished kissing Marcus.

She peeked over his large frame. "No trouble at all," she defended, blinking her eyes innocently.

"Totally don't trust either of you." Marcus sighed.

"Are you actually going to get the pretty pink bike?" Mako asked.

"Do you want it?" Marcus asked.

"Will it cost a lot of money?" she countered.

"There's no price tag on your happiness, Firefly. Do you want it?"

"Hmm...yes?"

"Then, it's yours," Marcus replied and shrugged.

She smiled, jumping in his arms. "Scarlet! I get a motorcycle!" She beamed.

"You can't drive it till you’re twenty-six," Marcus reminded.

She glared at him. "Twenty-six! That's next cycle!" she retorted.

"Patience." He grinned.

"Fine. I'll just ask Kai," she announced.

He groaned. "Kai can't use his favors on me! That's against the rules," he mumbled.

"We'll see," Mako said proudly.

I shook my head as Junho sighed.

"He's losing this battle," Junho admitted.

"Agreed." I nodded my head in approval.

We said our goodbyes, beginning to walk around to see the other surrounding cars.

"We should make our way back, Makoto," I announced, looking at my phone to see we had about five minutes till the auction.

"Oh. Okay, let me go put the keys back," she announced, hopping out of the matte, ruby red Jeep she sat in.

"Keys? What keys?" I asked, confused.

Mako lifted her hand to reveal a pair of keys. "The one for the pink bike. They left them in the slot and I was worried someone would take my bike," she announced.

I sighed but smiled. "Alright, let's go give the keys—"

*BOOM*

We both dropped to the floor, screams and shouts could be heard in the other room.

What the flying fuck?

I coughed at the wave of smoke that hit us.

"Put your hands up! Boys, go get that motorcycle. The keys should be in the slot," a male announced.

Bike? Aww shit! The motorcycle.

"Mako! Let's—" I began, turning my head to see a missing brunette.

You’ve got to be kidding me.

I heard the sound of the engine start; the smooth purring of a motorcycle echoed in the smoke-filled room. In seconds, I saw the flash of the headlights, the sound becoming louder till Makoto emerged on "her" pink motorbike. I gawked at her; the five-five brunette wearing a pink helmet in simple blue shorts and a neon pink tank top.

"Scar! Let's ditch. They’re trying to steal Cassandra!" Makoto announced, throwing the red helmet to me. I caught it, scrambling to my feet and heading to sit on the back of the bike.

"Cassandra? Who the fuck is Cassandra? And Makoto, do you even know how to drive?" I asked, putting my helmet on before wrapping my arms around her waist.

She looked over her shoulder to glance at me with a playful grin.

"I read the manual of a motorcycle. Does that count? And Cassandra's my bike's name. Isn't it pretty?” she admitted.

"You named your bike? No, wait a minute. Did you just say you only read the— EEP!" I shrieked out; the sound of gunshots got louder— a group of men appeared at the entrance of the showroom.

"MAKO, DRIVE!" I screamed.

She didn't hesitate – the bike sped forward before she leaned to the side, turning around and heading straight for the group of men.

"Mako! What are you—" I began.

I felt the magic leak off her; a bubble-like shield surrounded us – the bullets bounced off the surface as we approached. They all swore, jumping out of our path as we exited the showroom; Mako drove us right out the front door, down the stairs, and onto the sidewalk.

"STOP!" a few men called out.

I looked back to them scurrying to grab cars; two cars already trailed not far behind as Makoto entered the quiet streets.

"Mako? Where are you going?" I asked.

"Hmm? Oh, I don't know. Where the wind takes me that's safe." She shrugged as if this was normal.

The wind?

"You could ask the wind yourself you know," Aurora pointed out, yawning.

"Morning, Scarlet. What’d we miss?" Serenity greeted, yawning.

Oh, I don't know. We're just having an eventful afternoon being chased by a group of thieves on Makoto's motorbike whose name is Cassandra, may I add.

"That doesn't sound too bad," Aurora muttered.

"Cassandra's a nice name," Serenity commented.

I groaned. Can you guys please help with this situation?

"Makoto should be fine, but I do suggest you summon Risuki, cause you’re gonna need a gun," Aurora commented.

"Yup. Five cars approaching," Serenity confirmed.

I looked over my shoulder to see five black cars tailing us.

"Mako! Speed up! RISUKI!" I encouraged before summoning my familiar. In a flash, my black cat, Moonlight appeared, falling onto Mako's shoulder. She turned her head to stare at Moonlight.

"Meow?"

"Hello, cutie! What's your name?" Mako greeted.

"Mako! You're supposed to focus on the road!" I reminded.

She ignored me. "You’re Moonlight? Midnight mentioned something about you. Are you Nightmare's boyfriend?" Mako asked.

"Meow," Moonlight replied; his fur fuzzed up, which usually indicated he was embarrassed.

"Awww. You do like Nightmare, don't you? Starlight gods are so cute," Mako announced.

"Makoto! POLE!" I screamed as we approached a pole.

"Oh." Mako maneuvered the bike, missing the pole by a second.

I pressed my head against her back; Moonlight moved onto my shoulder.

"I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die. I'm seriously going to die," I cried.

"Stop being a pussy and change me into a gun," Risuki huffed.

I opened my eyes to glare at him. "Look who's talking! And how the fuck am I changing you into a gun?" I shouted.

"It's called weapon modification, Scarlet. Visualize the weapon you want to create and call upon your familiar for their aid. Just calm for a second and the words will magically flow into your mind," Mako explained.

From the tone of her voice, it sounded like she was an expert at this.

"I suggest you listen to the Princess," Serenity suggested.

"She's experienced for sure," Aurora confirmed.

How do you guys know that? I swear, I want a whole lesson on this later! I took a deep breath, going into agent mode.

Within seconds the words flowed into my mind.

Risuki was engulfed in a bright light; my body felt weak at the sudden withdrawal of energy. I gritted my teeth, keeping my mind concentrated on the image of a handgun. I sighed in relief when the withdrawal of power stopped, lifting my hand to see a black handgun with turquoise blue outlining that looked like lightning bolts.

"Holy shit. My cat's a gun!" I exclaimed.

"Isn't it epic? Having a familiar has more advantages besides being a cuddle buddy," Mako called out, turning into the toll highway.

"Mako! This is the toll highway!"

"Trust me," she replied, speeding up. I tightened my arm around her waist when my phone rang. Oh no...

"I bet you it's Marcus," Aurora announced.

"Totally guarantee it's Marcus," Serenity agreed.

It took me a moment to change hands, letting the hand with Risuki wrap around Mako's waist as I pulled my phone out of my shorts pocket.

"Hello?"

"Scarlet! Where's Makoto, and what's that noise in the background?" Marcus yelled.

"Um. You see..." I began, looking back at Makoto who gripped the handles of the motorbike.

"I want to ride my bicycle! I want to ride my BIKE!" Mako sang happily.

"Scarlet...was that—" Junho trailed off.

"For Starlight sakes! Do not tell me, my princess is on a bike, singing QUEEN!" Marcus yelled.

"Well...actually, she is singing Queen...while riding a Suzuki Hayabusa 5033 dual-quad motorcycle," I confessed.

"Scarlet! I'm speeding up! Make sure the guys chasing after us don't shoot," Mako called out.

"Mako. You're not helping here," I replied, waiting for my impending doom from Marcus, who went silent on the phone. I'm so screwed.

I heard shuffling in the background before Junho cursed.

"Marcus! Mother fucker, you almost hit that old lady!" I heard Junho shout.

"My girlfriend is driving a motorcycle and being chased by those mother fucking thieves, and you want me to stop for the OLD LADY!"

"Um...he's mad, isn't he?" I replied, cringing at the loud screeching sounds in the background.

"Nah, he's just a little upset," Junho admitted.

"That doesn't sound like 'a little.' Are you guys close?" I asked.

"Mako's phone has a tracker. You guys are on the toll highway, right? And trust me. If Marcus was mad-mad, he wouldn't be human right now," Junho explained.

"Fuck you, Junho!" Marcus replied.

"Stop being an ass and drive," Junho retorted.

"Do you two always insult one another when you're nervous?"

"YES," they both replied.

"Ah," I replied.

"Scar? Is that Marcus?" Mako asked.

"Yes," I replied.

"Tell him I kinda broke the promise of not driving Cassandra. It wasn't my fault, so he can't be mad!" she challenged.

"Mother Starlight, help me. I can't even be mad at her without her being so fucking cute ugh!" Marcus called out; the sound of the car accelerating in the background made me nervous.

"Junho are you gonna survive?" I wondered.

"I'll be fine. He's driving a fraction faster than Christian. At least Ethan's not here," Junho replied.

"Good, I think we'll be oka–" I began, but was cut off by a blast of energy whirling past us and crashing into the pole a few feet away. The impact was loud enough for both of us to shriek.

I looked over my shoulder to see one of the thieves have bright white eyes, making him look like a male Storm, from the X-men.

"You got to be fucking kidding me," I shouted; anger raged through me.

"Scarlet! HELP!" Mako screamed, drawing my attention to the pole that was beginning to lean to the side.

Mother fucking!

"MAKO! SPEED UP. GO AS FAST AS YOU CAN," I ordered. I could feel the fall of magic bursting through her and into Cassandra; the pink bike began to glow.

"Use thy power at your disposal. Grant us speed to escape our enemies!" she chanted, gripping the handles. We bolted forward; our speed went far beyond the max of the bike. I noticed the pole began to fall forward.

"AIR!" I commanded; the wind picked up tremendously and held the pole.

I slipped the phone into my bra, switching arms before looking over my shoulder, pointing Risuki directly at the man.

I screamed.

The engraved lightning bolts glowed a bright blue before they burned a neon orange. I pulled the trigger – a shot headed straight for the male Storm. He attempted to dodge the incoming attack, but the bullet tripled in size in seconds; big enough to crash into the main car and its neighbor.

They both skidded off the road, exploding into flames.

"Two down, three to go," I announced.

"Scar! Company!" Mako yelled.

I turned my head to see a familiar black Escalade and Junho's yellow Lamborghini entering the highway.

"It's Marcus, Junho, and the others!" I informed. We passed the pole; Marcus and the others passed by before I let go of the wind. Two cars were able to pass before the pole came down – crashing on top of the third car. Oops.

"That’s gotta hurt. You think they're dead?" Aurora wondered.

"I think they're dead," Serenity confirmed; her voice showed not an inch of remorse.

"Mako? You okay?" I asked, feeling my shoulders slump. Fuck, I'm tired and this chase isn't fucking done.

I didn't hear a reply, making me worried.

"Mako?" I called out again.

"Sorry, Mako is temporarily out of service. I'll be your driver this fine evening," a gentle voice announced, having a hint of sass.

What?

"Who are you?" I asked, unable to see what color eyes she currently had.

"Lexi," she replied, the bike begun to vibrate from the speed.

"Lexi? I think we need to slow down. The bike can't handle any more power!" I pointed out.

"I would, but we have a problem!" she announced.

"What pro—" I asked before another ball of energy flew past us – so close we could feel the blazing wave of heat. It crashed into another light pole; the structure shattered upon impact and fell across the highway, blocking our path.

"Aww shit," I screamed. I heard the screeching of tires – glancing back to see Marcus' and Christian's cars braking. We headed towards them at full speed with the final black car chasing after us.

"Lexi! BRAKE!"

"We can't, or we're screwed."

"We're screwed either way!" I argued.

She took a deep breath.

"RYUU!" she screamed.

Ryuu? Who the fuck is Ryuu?

I tightened my hold around Lexi, praying to the heavens for a miracle when a large blue magic circle formed before us – an ice sculpture in the shape of a ramp emerged in our path. I gawked as Lexi gripped the handles – increasing our speed.

"Brace yourself, Scarlet. When we go over the edge, summon the air!" she instructed.

"Got it!"

The bike went up the ramp and dove straight into the sky.

I commanded, feeling my back burn as my hand markings emerged; my hair began to shift in color.

Before we reached the ground, the wind caught us, stopping us from crashing onto the pavement. We flinched at the loud explosion that boomed behind us, both of us looking over our shoulders to see smoke begin to rise.

"Well...that was exhilarating. Nice to meet you, Scarlet," Lexi commented before greeting me.

"Um…likewise?" I replied, watching her pull her helmet off, revealing her bright purple hair with a hint of red eyes. I gaped at her.

"You're a dragon?" I asked.

"Yup. I burn stuff...or people. Depends on how I feel." She shrugged.

I blinked nodding my head. "Oh," I replied.

"I like her," Aurora pointed out.

"Me too," Serenity agreed.

Lexi's eyes looked over my shoulder; her cheeks grew red.

Why is she blushing?

I looked over to see Marcus approaching us, but his demeanor was different – powerful. I noticed his eyes were a bright orange mixture; the color reminded me of a flickering flame. The way he walked demanded everyone's attention and deserved it.

What is he?

"Dragon," Serenity and Aurora said in unison.

I stepped back wanting to give the two of them space as he reached Lexi’s side, giving me a nod of acknowledgment. So, this must be Ryuu.

Ryuu opened his mouth to speak, but Lexi lifted her finger.

"Before you go ape-shit on me and Mako for doing something crazily stupid and dangerous and probably made both of you almost have a heart attack, I just want to say I love you," she rambled in one breath.

Ryuu blinked, taking a deep breath before sighing. He pulled her into a hug, kissing her forehead.

"You deserve a spanking," he mumbled.

"I volunteer for any spanking," she mumbled into his shirt.

"That's the wrong punishment for you."

"No, it's not. Spank me nice and hard, Ryuu," she purred, leaning her head back to grin up at him.

"I don't know what I'm supposed to do with you or Mako," Ryuu mumbled.

"You have to admit, that was SO MUCH FUN." She beamed.

He groaned. "Makoto. Marcus is still mad at you," he admitted.

She frowned; her eyes flickered back to their turquoise color. "But...but, it wasn't my fault those crazy shifters wanted to steal Cassandra! I did well," she complained, blinking her eyes.

Ryuu groaned, kissing her on the forehead before his eyes flickered back to normal; Marcus took over.

"You can't ride her again until your birthday."

"You’re no fun," she mumbled.

"You okay?"

"Yes. I'm tired though," she confessed.

I smiled at the two; my shoulders slumped as I sighed. I would love to nap now.

"Wait, wait. The romantic scene is getting good!" Serenity called out.

"Don't you dare faint now, Scarlet." Aurora scowled.

I wanted to obey their request, but my mind already faded.

"Scarlet!"

I heard Mako call out, but I couldn't open my eyes. I felt someone embrace me, keeping me from landing on the ground.

"I got you, sweetheart. You did good," Junho whispered.

I mumbled something, relaxing in his arms as I felt soft lips press against mine.

"Let's go home."