I shuffled through the narrow hallway, the darkness fading behind me as I entered a brightly lit room, yet my eyes barely registered the change in scenery. I heard a voice talking, the flat tone peaked my curiosity.
“Regardless, I can’t wait till the exams are done so we can- HOLY FUCK! Why is there a girl in your house! No…wait, did she just come from Ryder’s room?” The voice yelled.
I continued staring at the floor, lifting my head slightly, searching for my target. My eyes spotted it, its location was next to the counter, across from the marble island and coloured stools. I shuffled my way towards it, stopping directly in front of it. I took a moment to gaze at its silver metallic texture. I was one step closer to achieving my goal. I ignored the sound of footsteps, the tap noises getting closer and louder to my ears. I felt a hand gently rub against my back.
“Mako? Are you sleep walking?” The voice asked.
It took me a few seconds to figure out the voice, Marcus.
I continued to stare at the silver beauty, the fridge. My subconscious didn’t care about answering questions. I wouldn’t lose my concentration. I wish they had milk...I like milk.
“She’s half asleep.” I heard another voice confirm, I registered it as Daniel’s. He sounded far away, almost like an echo. It didn’t concern me.
I continued to stare at the fridge, thinking of the right moment to open and reveal its contents, praying to the Starlight gods that my treasure was deep within.
“Just give her some milk.” A different voice, Elias, suggested.
“Why milk?” They both inquired, bewilderment oozing off of their voices.
“She did the same thing early last night. Came from the basement and was standing in front of the fridge for thirty minutes. I gave her a glass, filled it with milk and she simply drank it and walked away. Ryder said it was another one of her habits.” He explained, unconcerned.
I frowned, my subconscious trying to understand what the voices were saying. I watched as Marcus opened the fridge, my eyes lifting to stare at the contents mindlessly. I felt my shoulders drop as I scanned the contents before me, my treasure missing. My treasure was stolen.
“Well, where the hell is it? We don’t have any milk in here. Jeez, now she looks sad. Where did you put it Elias?” Marcus questioned, shuffling through the fridge, my sadness only growing. Mission failed, abort.
“I finished it. I didn’t know you had a girl in your house, wearing Ryder’s T-shirt by the way, who drinks milk while SLEEP WALKING! Are you guys even listening to yourselves?” The unidentified voice exclaimed, clearly sounding pissed. I didn’t care, I had failed.
I turned around, my eyes slumping back to the floor beneath me, shuffling to the corner of the bright room. I sat down cross legged, the bright glass before me. I continued my analysis of the black wooden floor, attempting to distract myself by counting the number of tiny lines that surfaced upon closer inspection; anything to delay me from devising an excuse for my failed mission.
“Fuck, is she sulking? Dammit Leo, why the hell do you always finish the damn milk like you’re the only person in here who drinks it!” Marcus snarled.
“You can’t be serious. Why are you angry at ME? Over fucking milk!” The voice argued.
I heard a click noise fill the room. The sound of footsteps and another click followed. I continued my moment of depression, my heart not ready to accept the truth.
“What’s up with all the yelling?” The familiar voice, made my heart jump with joy, though I subconsciously didn’t understand why.
“Ryder. Mako’s in the corner, over there, sulking.” Daniel pointed out, a moment of silence followed.
“She’s sleep walking. Did you give her a glass of milk like I told you?” He asked.
“You got to be kidding me.” The voice announced, clearly upset.
“LeoIdiot over there finished the whole three fourths of the carton.” Elias admitted, his voice sounding frustrated.
“What the hell is milk going to do?!” The voice snarled back.
“Milk to her, is like coffee to me, juice for Marcus and tea for Elias and Daniel in the morning. No milk, she’s a walking zombie. Just like how you come here every bloody morning and finish the god damn milk! Why are you fucking complaining?” Ryder hissed.
I could hear something open before a thump noise echoed in the room. After a few seconds, footsteps closed in on me. I stayed still, reminded of my defeat. I would admit I lost, accepting my fate. I felt a hand stroke my head, as I watched a hand holding a glass, appear before me. I stared wide eyed as the hand place the piece of perfection on the floor, the glass cradling my glorious treasure.
“Mako, here’s your milk?” Ryder gestured.
I felt like I could cry, the overflowing relief engulfed me. I reached out to the glass with caution, taking a moment to feel the cool glass texture under my fingertips. I lift it up slowly, assessing the white liquid, the soft creamy scent inviting. I took one more moment to appreciate its magnificent glory, before bringing it to my lips, drinking the contents slowly.
My body hummed with happiness as the sweet taste coated my taste buds. I drank the liquid slowly, enjoying every gulp. I placed the empty glass back on the floor gently, appreciating its duty of protecting my treasure. Mission Accomplished.
I let out a yawn, my eyes becoming heavy. The satisfaction of completing my duty made me happy. I allowed myself to descend back to sleep.
***
I felt something nudge me lightly, causing my consciousness to stir awake.
“Mako? Are you still sleeping?” A voice questioned.
I opened my eyes, only to squint from the sudden light that invaded my vision. Why the hell is it so bright?
I tried a second attempt, opening my eyes at a slower pace, allowing them to adjust to the light that was pouring out in front of me. I lifted my hand to rub against my eyes, attempting to remove the sand dust. What time is it?
“Mako?”
I snapped my head up to see Ryder looking down at me, his smile welcoming. I took a second to look around, realizing I was in the boy’s living room, sitting right in front of the glass door at the corner of the room. Hmm, when did I get here?
“I can’t even comprehend what I just witnessed.” A unfamiliar voice declared, filled with frustration. I frowned, turning my head towards the direction of the voice.
A dark tanned boy sat on the two-seater sofa, his hair a mixture of brown and blonde, which in my opinion, didn’t compliment his facial features at all. His hair was short and messy, an indication he wasn’t very neat. His brown eyes were dull, though the freckles that lay upon the bridge of his nose drew my attention, the small brownish dots being something I’d only seen in books. He was wearing an orange T-shirt with brown pants, his irritated expression evident. Daniel was sitting on the opposite sofa with Marcus, while Elias, was casually leaning in his usual spot against the bookshelf. All three of them looked amused.
“Why am I sitting in the living room and who’s Mr. Freckles?” I questioned.
“Mr. Freckles!!!! Oh Starlight, nope. I can’t deal with this girl this morning!” Marcus blared laughing. I could hear a few low chuckles and a low pitch growl.
“Seriously? Are you guys going to introduce me to this girl who’s the reason why I was yelled at this morning?” He raged, his face slowly turning red.
“What a hot head. I wonder if he’s a phoenix shifter? That would contribute to his short temper.” Rose commented, a yawn following. I smiled.
“I’m Makoto. What’s your name, hothead?” I asked. I would enjoy pissing him off.
“Hey, Leonardo? She hasn’t known you for two minutes and she already knows how short tempered you are. I told you, try to chill or something.” Elias pointed out, his voice sounding uninterested but the grin on his lips betrayed him.
Leonardo. Why was my gut telling me we weren’t going to get along?
“Well, I don’t appreciate some stranger pointing out my freckles.” He
whined, crossing his arms over his chest. He reminded me of a child in an adult body.
He was skinny, with barely any muscle on him. His eyes were brown, the shade not reaching my level of fascination. Compared to the others, his eyes had no effect on me. I always wondered how freckles looked on a real individual, their spotty appearance looking attractive on the models displayed in books and magazines. I had to admit, they weren’t doing the same effect on Leonardo. He shouldn’t hate on them freckles. It's not their fault they can’t boost his below average level of attractiveness. At least they tried.
I watched as his face turned completely red, the anger radiating off his body, ready to explode. I stared back in confusion.
“What?” I questioned, clearly missing the point of his death glare at me.
“She does have a point, you know…about them freckles.” Marcus whispered to Daniel, who nodded in agreement. I heard Elias sigh, Ryder chuckling quietly. Oops, my bad.
“Are you guys done with the “let’s all insult Leonardo” game?” He asked, standing up.
“You started it.” I mumbled back, taking a moment to appreciate the rays of the sun, their warm rays bathing me as I continued to sit in place.
“Leonardo. This is Makoto. She’s the girl we rescued on Realm One.” Ryder introduced.
I turned my head to watch his eyes grow wide, his gaze, looking me up and down in disgust. “HER! Seriously? Miss sleep walker?” He mocked. I raised my eyebrow at him, unamused. Ryder rolled his eyes, turning to face me.
“Leonardo was with us when we rescued you. He was responsible in making things go smoothly above ground.” Ryder pointed out.
“Well, I guess I should say thank you, but since we’re on the subject of nicknames, take your pick; hot head, Mr. Freckles or rude? I’ll make a mental note to call you whatever you decide.” I retorted.
“Really? Continue the insults and see what happens.” He yelled, pointing at me with a menacing look. I frowned, glaring at the finger pointing towards me. I’m so tempted to light that finger on fire…
“I can say it was an accident?” Lily chipped in, excitement flowing with each word.
I should have warned the others about how my spirits loved causing mischief. I smiled menacingly, calling upon Lily’s power. I hid my hand behind my back, my magic reaching my fingertips. I snapped my fingers, a flicker of fire erupting to life on Leo’s finger.
“Mother fucking Starlight! OW!” He yelled, waving his finger as to put the tiny flame out. I glanced away, putting my hands in my lap as I feigned innocence. I caught Marcus’ and Elias’ expressions; Marcus grinning as he stared at me with pride while Elias attempted to hide the smirk on his lips with his hand.
“Hot head? Were you trying to show me your skills? I must say, you shouldn’t go playing with fire if you don’t have any control.” I suggested, tilting my head to the side in confusion as I continued my innocent act.
My spirits all laughed, the joyous sound filled my mind. I smiled at the sound, such uplifting noise warming my heart. It had been a long time since my spirits expressed happiness.
“HELLO? None of you can stand there and say you didn’t see that! She’s the devil!” He accused, glaring daggers at me.
“That’s just how she is Leonardo. Be a man and suck it up.” Elias snapped, slicing his hand through the air, clearly done with the conversation. He pushed himself off the bookshelf, making his way over to where Marcus and Daniel were sitting.
I glanced at him as I felt my lips turn upward into a smile. Our eyes met for a split moment, before he quickly glanced away, looking to his side. I could see the slight blush appearing on his cheeks. Aww, Elias defended me.
The act of kindness reminded me of last night’s promise, to accept me for the person I had become. I wondered if Ryder had told the others.
I returned my gaze back to Leonardo, his sour expression only motivating the wicked smile forming on my lips. You want to play. Let the games begin. Mako-1, Leo-0.
“Now that introductions are settled and Mako’s awake, let's eat.” Elias announced.
I felt my heart melt as a thought crossed my mind. It was clearly past sunrise, the sun too high up in the sky to be calling it breakfast time. Did they wait for me to wake up to have breakfast?
Ryder stepped in front of me, offering his hand. I placed mine in his, without a hint of hesitation, as he gently pulled me up. He leaned down, picking up the empty glass that was in front of me. Seriously, where did that glass come from? He moved next to me, leaning close to my ear.
“Don’t worry about where the glass came from and me and the boys decided to wait for you so we could eat together. School schedule may get a little chaotic, but we try to make it a habit to at least eat breakfast and dinner together. Plus, we figured breakfast would be more entertaining with your presence, as you’ve proven.” He whispered, low enough that Leonardo wouldn’t hear. I turned my head to stare at him, my face probably reflecting the happiness I felt at hearing such a revelation.
“Thank you.” I whispered back, making sure to express how grateful I was to him, to all of them, except for Leonardo of course.
“Mako, let's hurry. You have got to get registered and get your rank stuff sorted before our class tonight. Eli will show you around.” Daniel encouraged, standing up to stretch.
“Eli? Who’s that?” I questioned, my head leaning to the side. I immediately started to wonder who this Eli person was and her relationship with the boys, feeling a hint of jealousy course through me.
The boys took a moment to stare at Elias. I figured they were doing their mental communication thing, seeing as Elias let out a huff, rolling his eyes as he started walking towards the kitchen island.
“A friend…now sit down so we can eat.” He said, pointing to the stools around the island.
I sigh, but obeyed, making my way to the island. Now that he mentioned eating, I did feel slightly hungry. Operation Met Eli, in progress.
There were six stools around the island, all of them a different colour. Let’s see…pink, purple, yellow, blue, orange, and oh what a pretty green. I stalked towards the shiny green stool.
“I claim you.” I announced as I pulled it out, perching on it. It was high enough that my legs didn’t touch the ground.
“You can’t sit there.”
I looked up to Elias glaring at me.
“Why not?” I asked.
“It’s my stool.” He argued. What…
“You guys have appointed stools?” I asked.
“It’s a habit.” Ryder replied before heading to sit down, pulling out the purple stool. Of course.
“Don’t tell me your stools match your eyes?” I inquired, which was met with a moment of silence. No way.
“Maybe.” Marcus replied quietly, shuffling to his stool, which, of course, was blue.
I slapped my hand over my mouth to attempt to mute the snicker that escaped my lips. Within seconds, I was laughing. Chest shaking, tear induced laughter. Only a few hours with these guys and I’d laughed harder and longer than my whole existence.
“You guys are…Ha-ha…grown ass men and you have colour coded STOOLS!” Laughing even harder to the point it hurt.
“We broke her again.” Daniel said with a smile. At least he thought this was hilarious.
My laugh was cut short when a pair of arms wrapped around my waist, lifting me up. I shrieked.
“HEYYY!!” I demanded wiggling my feet. I turned my head to see Elias’ ash, blonde hair. He used his feet to pull out the pink stool while I was still squirming in his arms. He dropped me down, gently.
“Green is my stool. You can have the pink one.” He confirmed, his authoritative tone setting his demand in stone.
“What about Leo? Is the orange chair his?” I asked. My question was met with another wave of silence.
“I don’t live here. Just dropped by. Anyways, I’m out.” Leonardo answered, dismissing himself. I watched him open the entrance door, closing it behind him.
I don’t like him. I heard a few snickers.
“Hey Mako, work on those amazing social skills. That thinking out loud business is going to get your ass in trouble.” Elias retorted.
Scratch that, I hate him more.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Breakfast was phenomenal. I would have never had guessed, out of the four boys, Elias, would be the cook. I almost choked on my glass of milk as I watched him strap that yellow apron on, the top half of the cotton material displaying “Heavenly Baked,” while below was a picture of a cartoon loaf of bread with a glowing halo.
He ruffled his hair, moving the small gold strands that had fallen out of place out of his eyes. He pulled out the frying pan from one of the multiple black cabinets along the wall, moving towards the fridge to raid it of all the ingredients he required to forge the best pancakes ever.
I had only enjoyed the savory taste of pancakes back when Elaine would visit. She was the only one who could leave the facility without execution. One of my few happy moments was jumping out of bed, dragging a hesitant Lily into the Owner’s designated kitchen to see the tall, bright red head magician placing the plates on the table, the sweet and savory aroma of pancakes and bacon filled the room.
She would smile softly at my eagerness, making sure to make an extra plate, knowing I’d drag Lily to eat with me. I knew in the back of my mind that the Owner didn’t appreciate Lily’s presence, but Elaine wanted me to feel comfortable. As long as she approved of it, the Owner had no further arguments. Although she had moments of kindness, I slowly began to see her for who she truly was and kind wasn’t it. While she would parade around as a caring woman one moment, the next she was whispering in the Owner’s ear, and I found myself shackled in a cell every night.
As much as I loved Elaine’s fluffy pancakes, Elias’ pancakes were beyond perfection. The mouth-watering smell of butter and bacon made me shift on my pink stool with anticipation, my fork and knife in hand, ready to devour his creation.
Marcus couldn’t help but laugh at me, noting how excited I was for breakfast. I was so impatient, to the point where I used a pinch of Lily’s fire magic to heighten the heat of the stove, which Elias soon discovered and scolded me. If it wasn’t for the fact he threatened to serve me last, I would have continued my efforts to speed the process.
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