Dark Wish

by Yumoyori Wilson

  My flame wings spread out, stopping us from crashing into the ground. I huffed as the pounding became intolerable. I didn’t care, I wouldn’t cower from this fight. I’d give it everything I had, even if it pushed me over the edge. I had to have faith in Midnight that she would do the same.

  I pointed my scythe towards him as I called upon Lily’s flames, concentrating on bringing out Lexi’s power as she squeezed herself into my crowded mind. Blue ice like flames materialized out of thin air, mixing with Lily’s amber one. They began to circle around me, dancing together as they waited for my command.

  “Oh, sacred flames of ice and fire, hear thy request. I call upon your services to rid the darkness that plagues my soul. Invoke chaos and destruction as you burn those who defy me. Bring justice to our fellow shifters, our family as we avenge their senseless sacrifice.” I chanted, allowing my built-up power to be free to reign havoc.

  They swirled to life, circling around my scythe before crashing into it. Nighty’s power mixed with Lexi’s and Lily’s powers was enough to charge the scythe up, multiple sparks of various colours emitting from the weapon as pink static flicked off it. I spread my wings before darting forward, aiming straight for Aspen.

  I heard him curse as he slammed his cane to the ground, a red barrier materializing around him in an attempt to stop my attack. I smiled at his act of defense, knowing such a barrier wouldn’t hold my spirits dual attack, I raised my scythe over my head, before dropping down in one quick swoop. The scythe cut right through, shattering the dome. I landed in front of him, swinging my scythe to chop his head off.

  He gritted his teeth, red magic circles forming beneath his feet as he jumped back to try and avoid my attack. I smiled wickedly as I laughed at his attempt to flee. Before he could land, his body was caught in place.

  “WHAT!” He roared, attempting to move his body.

  Hope’s power soothe through me, the invisible strings I’d secretly summoned during out confrontation gleaming with light. White glowing strings wrapped around him, his pulls and tugs only serving as worthless effort.

  Once caught in an angel’s web, no one could save you till judgment was served.

  “Thy holy strings of immaculate strength, hold my prisoner captive for judgement. Your righteous essence shall judge his sins as I inflict his portion of wrath. Nightmare, Oh Goddess of Destruction, give me strength to inflict his portion of pain and agony!”

  I swung my scythe forward, creating a whirlwind of magic. Black, red and blue flames erupted from the ground, colliding with one another in a spiral whirlwind towards Aspen who struggled to escape Hope’s strings of judgement.

  The blast hit him in the center, causing a huge explosion. The impact was strong enough to nullify Hope’s strings, sending Aspen flying. I watched his figure become smaller and smaller before crashing into the ground.

  My knees buckled, my body dropping to the ground as I recalled all my magic. Nightmare returned to her regular form, shivering from the enormous energy loss.

  “Nighty, go back to the gate. I’ll be okay.” I ordered my familiar, her weak, mismatched eyes glancing up at me. She slowly walked over to cuddle against my frame, before taking off towards the gate.

  I began coughing up blood. My conscious was wavering as black spots began to cover my blurry vision. No, not yet. I won’t switch until I know for sure the boys are okay.

  “MAKO!”

  I forced my legs to stand, my body trembling in place. I turned my head to see Ryder, Daniel and Marcus running towards me. They were still far away, their figures small in size. I called for Hope’s power, doing a quick scan with my eyes. I sighed in relief as I only detected small cuts and scratches.

  I smiled weakly, ready to wave at them when the air shifted, my sensitive ears picking up the ending of an incantation.

  My eyes widened as the final words registered in my brain. Lightning Spear.

  I attempted to move, trying to call upon my magic to jump out of the way, but I wasn’t fast enough.

  The spear of light emerged from the dust, ready to strike me in the chest.

  I closed my eyes, ready for the impact. I knew it would surely kill me in my weakened state. As long as the boys were safe, it didn’t matter.

  Something embraced me, spinning me around in my spot. I heard a grunt, the hold around me tightening. I attempted to push away, my mind trying attempting to figure out what was holding me. Why can’t I move?

  “Makoto…no.”

  I froze in place as my spirits spoke in unison, a wave of regret crashing into my mind, slowly being replaced by the feelings of impending doom.

  In all my cycles of knowing my spirits, listening to their multiple personalities and emotions, I’d never felt such level of despair. What could have possibly caused them to express such emotions? I was still breathing; my ragged huffs still audible to my ears. Why? Why are you all afraid? What happened?

  Mint.

  The clean, fresh scent gently caressed my nose, my eyes opening wide as my mind put the pieces together. I forced my head to tilt up, unable to breathe as my eyes locked onto those emerald eyes.

  “Dammit Mako. Always. Getting…in trouble, huh. Let go of your hand…for one moment and poof…you vanished. I’m glad I got here in time.” He huffed, struggling to finish his ridicule as his face began to pale.

  He gently pushed away from me, my eyes trailing to the spear sticking out of his back, the tip poking through his chest. It cracked, before shattering into nothingness, leaving an open wound as blood splattered at our feet.

  His knees buckled, my body leaning forward to catch him. His body weight was too much for my weak arms to hold, both of us dropping to the ground. I quickly positioned him on his back before pressing my trembling hands against his bleeding wound, his blood soaking his white shirt.

  “Elias! No, why! Why did you do that?!” I cried, tears forming in my eyes, dropping down my face.

  I tried to call upon Hope’s power, but nothing happened. I tried again and again, the result ending up the same. I’d reach my magic limit. I could feel my spirits struggle within me, frustrated at the turn of events.

  “Silly. Didn’t we say we’d keep you safe? Can’t bring you home…dead, now can we?” He replied before coughing, turning his head to the side to spit out the blood that was pooling in his mouth. He’s dying.

  “DANIEL!” I screamed, my desperation clear in my high-pitched voice.

  I watched as Marcus began to glow, a pair of ash grey dragon wings spreading out before he pushed off the ground, grabbing Daniel as he flew as fast as he could. They wouldn’t make it.

  I looked back to his eyes blinking slowly, closing for two seconds before opening. His usual vibrant, green eyes were dulling, the light draining out of them as his blood continued to pool around us, soaking my knees.

  “No, Elias! Listen to me, you can’t die. You just can’t! You said you wouldn’t leave me. You swore it! You’re MY star knight! I didn’t give you permission to die on me!” I urged, helplessly.

  “Firefly, I’m not…going anywhere. See, I’m right here. Why are you getting so upset…? And crying…you know, your eyes are mismatched now. Turquoise and midnight blue…two sides of a coin. Don’t cry. You look ugly when you cry.” He teased, his eyes closing slowly as he reached out to brush the tears that continued to spill down my cheeks.

  “Elias. I’m sorry. Don’t leave me. Please, Starlight gods don’t take him away from me too. Is this my punishment for freedom? Why am I so foolish? Please, I’ll give anything…just don’t take him away from me.” I begged, pressing my head against his chest.

  “Stop being…overdramatic. I’m fine…moment Daniel gets his slow ass here I’ll be good…as new…and will walk out of this stupid exam…Eli…Eli says stop crying. See, I told you she’s an ugly crier, but nope. I’m not the bad guy.” He mumbled, his breathing becoming shallow as his hand roamed through my hair.

  “Eli? Elias dammit.” I cried, my heart pounding as I bit my
lip hard, the taste of blood entering my mouth.

  Why hadn’t I figured that out till now? It was the worse time to discover the two shifters were the same bloody person but I didn’t have time to ponder or feel pained by the distrust. I would save them both and deal with it after.

  Why? What have I done to deserve this pain? This agonizing ache in my heart. Why does everything bad follow me? Am I not allowed happiness? Am I too ungrateful to receive love and affection? How dare he steal my Elias…Eli…I’ll be damned if I lose them both. No more sacrifice! I have a god as a familiar, yet I can’t even unlock her potential! I’m claiming to be the princess of some realm with powerful parents, yet I can’t save the people I love. I WON’T ACCEPT THIS!

  I took one final breath, as I allowed my consciousness to fade, looking down at Elias, before looking towards my remaining knights, rushing towards us.

  I hope they knew what a difference they created in the last two months, bringing levels of happiness and evoking laughter I’d never been privileged to experience till now. Smiling softly, I closed my eyes.

  Farewell my loyal star knights. May the gods, guide you home.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  ~MIDNIGHT~

  My summoning was welcomed with the overwhelming feelings of devastation, my eyes opening to absorb the chaos before me.

  I noticed the body beneath me, my hands pressed against someone’s chest, hands soaked in blood. I trailed upward, my eyes locking onto those inviting green eyes, the same eyes that once shone with life.

  Now, they were dull, their once shinning spark was fading away. Elias! Did…I did this to him?

  His hand was wrapped in my long brown hair, holding my head in place as I stared at him in shock, petrified at the deed I must have committed. He frowned, struggling to keep his eyes open as he shook his head slowly.

  “You did nothing, Midnight. Not your fault. Aspen…Blair Aspen. Mako fought him. I’m fine. Just a scratch.” He explained, brushing off the fact he was bleeding to death.

  “Scratch? You’re…dying! Hope! Hope will help. Hold on, just a moment!” I pleaded.

  Before I could call upon Hope’s power, his hand pressed against my head, pulling me forward.

  His lips smashed against mine, my eyes widening at the sudden sensation of his moist lips. He kissed me slowly and deeply, his free hand landing on top of my hands, which still covered his open wound.

  He smiled against my lips, pulling away to rest his head against the charcoal ground beneath him, his breathing labored, as he struggled to obtain oxygen.

  He closed his eyes for a moment, opening them slowly to stare at my stunned expression as his smile widened weakly in amusement.

  “Midnight. You. Are. Loved. Just like Mako, our Firefly. I just wanted to say that…just in case, you know…Eli told me I should tell you that. She…didn’t tell me to kiss you though. That was all me…just making that clear.” He whispered, chuckling lightly.

  I shook my head, my own set of tears spilling down my flushed cheeks, unable to hold them back any longer.

  “You can’t go. You’re my light in the darkness! You can’t dim away. I won’t let you!” I soothed, my body trembling uncontrollably as I allowed the pint up emotions within me to morph into power.

  My once brown hair began to glow, shifting to an strawberry blonde as I called for Hope’s assistance. She pushed forward in a quick movement, my eyes burning to life as the power continued to release.

  “Oh, Starlight gods, I request thy intervention. Such a precious gift you bestow before me, yet his petals have begun to wither. Do not allow for such a scared flower to perish. Don’t allow the darkness to extinguish his light. Thy holy strings come to me, mend his sorrows and agony. Restore his blood, as you heal him to his original form, before we entered this wretched world. I give you thy strength, as much as you need for the request I bestow. Judge me not for my multitude of sins, but peek within my heart, my intentions written in stone.” I whispered, the magic flowing outward with every word as my eyes closed.

  My body grew warm as the power expelled from my body, flowing down my arms to my fingers tips. I opened my eyes slightly, watching the bright golden light spread across his chest.

  The white strings worked their way within his open wound, forming a web as the wound began to close, healing him from the inside out.

  I smiled as the spell finished, the wound closed. A red scar remained on his smooth skin, colour returning to his pale face.

  He opened his eyes slowly, astonishment forming on his face as the colour began to return to his eyes. We did it. He’s okay. I did good.

  I pushed my weak body off him, wobbling backwards to give him space to sit up.

  “Midnight…thank you.” He whispered as he pressed his hand against his chest, analyzing the scar before his eyes gazed up, his face filled with remorse.

  “ELIAS!” Marcus yelled, landing with Daniel few inches away.

  Daniel rushed over to him, dropping down onto the blood covered ground.

  His eyes glowed as his hand hovered over his sealed wound, moving in a circular motion. He sighed in relief as he sat back on his knees, his gaze turning towards me.

  “You completely healed him.” He said in astonishment. I nodded before backing away.

  “Midnight, don’t run away.” Elias soothed, trying to stand up. Marcus walked over to him, his dragon wings returning to his back, disappearing with a flash of blue light.

  He wrapped his arm around his waist as he helped lift his right arm to rest on his shoulder, counting down before lifting him up in one smooth swoosh.

  “You need to leave. He’ll come back. Finish what he started. Go.” I insisted, gesturing them to the portal. The situation would only go two ways; they would escape and I’d return with the owner, or we’d all perish. Wasn’t hard to figure out.

  Daniel’s glowing eyes roamed down my body before he grimaced, taking a step forward which prompted me to take another step backwards.

  I wouldn’t let them get any closer. Whoever came close to us was as good as dead.

  Ryder walked to Daniel’s side, worry filling his face as he stared between me and Daniel.

  “Midnight. We can’t leave you. You and Mako…you’re dying. You’re at your limit, you can’t use anymore magic. It would be suicide.” Ryder admitted through gritted teeth.

  I could see him struggling for control, his eyes flickering back and forth. Marcus was shaking with anger while Elias stared at me, his sad eyes pleading with me.

  “No. Can’t afford to lose anymore. Promised to do good. I have a plan. Plan to get you out of here. But…you have to trust me.” I explained, sweat dripping down my forehead as my breathing began to become labored.

  Hope, we don’t have much time. Please, a bit faster.

  Ryder stepped forward, cautiously. I stood my ground, not feeling unwary with his approach compared to the golden eyed boy, the angel.

  He reached me in a few long strides, his hands cradled my cheeks as he stared into my eyes, his bright purple irises boring into me as if to confirm what I was saying was true. He sighed, pressing his forehead against mine.

  “This may be the second time I’ve had the opportunity to meet you, but I trust you. You’re apart of Mako and I love her. I have to tell her properly, to show her how much I care…allow her to see how much we care for her, and you. So, don’t die. Can you promise me that?” He whispered, his eyes going glossy as he pulled back, waiting for my answer.

  I stared, contemplating if there was an actual chance that I could survive.

  The odds were against me, but it would be worth a shot; to live another day and learn more about the four shifters before me, but was it what the Starlight gods wanted? Would they spare my life once again, save me from impending death?

  My expression softened, as I allowed my lips to curl up, giving the best smile, I could muster.

  “Okay. I’ll try. Promise.” I agreed. No matter what happens, I’ll fight. I vow to the stars
, the gods my witnesses.

  “We’re right here with you Midnight.” Hope whispered.

  “Always be with you.” Lily responded.

  “Till our very last breath.” Rose assured.

  “Always together. I’m ready at your call.” Lexi whispered.

  The fear that once plagued me, always pushing me to do what I was told, vanished. I was free from its shackles, as I made my final declaration.

  Free and dumb. I was free now and considering what I was about to do was really dumb: freedom had given Mako courage to walk into the unknown and now it gave me courage. Mistakes will be made and certain situations will be unavoidable, but with courage and patience, change will follow, leading to inner happiness. Freedom was now the oxygen in my once suffocating world. I’m no longer afraid to fight, for the oxygen needed for my soul. Freedom is bliss.

  A loud explosion roared into the air, followed by a strong gust of wind. I pushed myself backwards, moving away from Ryder and the others, the gust pushing them away.

  My eyes widened as I noticed how close they now were to the edge of the cliff, the pit of lava raging below. Hope?

  “It’s ready. I’ve done all I can.” She said weakly.

  I could sense their exhaustion, Lexi being the only one left with enough energy to do anything at this point. I commended them for their hard work. We gave it our all and this final plan would be our encore.

  “I’m impressed, little fox. You’ve been practicing some new techniques without my supervision. These shifters have corrupted your mind with lies and deceit. No worries, I shall end them right now. Now, stand there like a good girl and watch their demise!” He announced, emerging from the smoke, his hands spread out in praise.

  I stared at his face; a large slash mark ran from his eyebrow to his lower cheek, the blood dripping down his once pristine white suit, now grey from the dirt of his charcoaled land.

  I saw the anger storming in his red eyes as he made his declaration, the gust of wind doubling in size. I dropped to the ground, my body skidding, as I tried to stop myself from moving backwards.