"Oops?" I shrugged.
"I bet it was worth it," Lily commented, the only spirit currently awake.
I bet it was.
"Anyways. When Ryder and the others finally found you, I was relaxing in my room, drawing away. In one moment, I could feel their relief and adoration all flood in at once. It left me confused as to how all four of them could be affected just by discovering you. Then when I finally got to meet you, in the cutest way might I add, all my fears faded. I knew, regardless of if I had to devote my life to protect you or if I fell in love with you, I would have no regrets," he finished.
I opened my mouth to speak, but I closed it again. He stopped sketching; his hand brushed my cheek as a tear rolled down it.
"Makoto. I know you're struggling to figure this all out. Wondering how everyone is willing to stay by your side. We aren't doing this for personal benefit. We want to be here and enjoy every moment being in your presence. Regardless of the good or bad. I'll never abandon you, and I have no doubt in my mind that the others will not leave either. Including Daniel," he reassured me.
"Thank you, Kai," I whispered, the last set of tears flowing down my cheeks.
He brushed them away, putting his sketchbook and multicolor mechanical pencil on the nightstand. He turned the light off, changing positions so we laid on our sides. His arm tightened around my waist, bringing me closer to him.
"You’re welcome, Princess," he replied, leaning forward to kiss me.
I closed my eyes, enjoying the softness of his lips against mine as we kissed. I pulled away to ask a question. "Kai? What about your spirit?" I asked.
"Hinotori?" he asked.
"That's your phoenix’s name?" I asked.
He nodded. "Yup. Hinotori Akiyama. He's shy." Kai grinned. His eyes flickered – glowing amber ones took over.
"I'm not shy. Good evening, Princess of Heila," Hinotori greeted.
I smiled. "Hello, Hinotori. Your name means...phoenix?" I asked, remembering I’d read the word in a Japanese book.
"Yes. Have you heard of it before?" he pondered.
"I read it in a book of Japanese history and mythological shifters when I was in the facility," I explained.
He nodded, frowning. "I wish you hadn't had to learn about my culture in such circumstances, but if you ever want to know more about Japan or me, just let me know." He smirked.
Damn, that confidence.
"Me like," Lily mumbled.
Do you want to say hi?
"No," Lily replied.
I could feel her embarrassment. I grinned. "Lily wants to talk to you, but she's beyond sh–" I began until Lily shoved me aside, taking over.
"I'm not shy! Just...um...hello," she greeted, blushing.
Hinotori’s smile widened. "I wondered when I'd get to meet you," he whispered; his hand brushed gently against our cheek.
UM, you guys want alone time? I can ditch, you know, I pointed out, giggling.
I felt Lily roll her eyes.
"Makoto's teasing me," Lily muttered.
Hinotori chuckled.
"Don't worry, Kai does the same when I don't take full control. Let's chat more when we reach Heila," he suggested.
Lily nodded. "I'd like that," she replied.
They both smiled in farewell before giving us both control.
I blinked a few times, shaking off the seconds of disorientation before meeting Kai's amused expression. We both broke out into laughter.
"Does that mean I get to learn more about Kai when we get to Heila?" I asked.
"Is there something specific you want to know?" he asked.
I took a moment to ponder; the image of the pink rose mirror popped into my mind. "Why do you carry that pretty mirror with you?" I asked.
He gave me a sad smile, causing me to frown. "It's a rather long story. Also, I don't want to make you sad," he replied.
"You'll tell me when we're in Heila?" I pushed, hoping he'd tell me eventually.
He nodded. "I promise I will," he confirmed.
I nodded, snuggling closer to him. He pulled up the blanket, pressing me against his chest before he relaxed.
"Makoto."
"Yes, Kai?"
"No matter what the future has in store for us, know I'll always be by your side."
"No matter what," I repeated.
He patted my back, gently. "No matter what. Rain or shine, good or bad, I'll always be by your side and never give up on you," he vowed.
"Okay," I whispered, closing my eyes as I smiled.
And I'll always be there for my Kai.
Chapter Eleven
DAY 4: 07:00 A.M.
SCARLET
"Where did those two hike off to?" I asked.
"They're probably making out somewhere or Elias is showing off his awesome nature skills," Ethan commented.
We'd woken up at four in the morning to catch the sunrise at the highest peak of the mountains with Elias and Makoto. After enjoying the beautiful scenery, we decided to relax in the woods for a while before we headed back to our cottage; Elias and Ethan were on breakfast duty since they didn't want the others burning Junho's property to ash.
Ethan and I were walking hand in hand as we made our way down the different trails, having been a few steps behind Elias and Makoto who were deep in discussion about unicorns and fairies.
"Ethan. What spirit are you?" I asked.
He was silent for a moment, allowing a few seconds to go by.
I continued. "You don't have to tell me," I pointed out, not wanting to force him to tell me.
"No, it's not that. I was checking to see how far out Makoto and Elias were," he admitted.
"How can you tell?" I asked, confused.
We entered a small clearing, a pond surrounded by wildlife appeared before us. I gasped at the beautiful scenery – multiple flowers of various colors danced lightly in the passing warm breeze as different wildlife buzzed around.
Ethan smiled, following my gaze to the clear pond filled with colorful fish. I pulled on his hand to walk closer, kneeling at the edge of the pond to get a better view of the different fish. I took a deep breath; the breeze surrounded me as I concentrated – my back felt warm.
I could feel the happiness and serenity of this place, rarely having any visitors. Those who came by had no ill intentions and would help preserve this sanctuary for the wildlife. The water was pure and happy, the air was clear of pollution and the soil below us was pleased to ensure the flora got all they needed to continue to grow and blossom into the wonderful plants around us.
"Scar?" Ethan's voice was but a whisper.
I opened my eye to see a baby deer; the parents a few feet away eyeing us. I grinned, rising to my feet. The baby deer made its way along the edge of the pond, reaching my side in moments.
I knelt, presenting my hand.
"Hello, little one," I whispered; my voice sounded different to me, feeling magic surround me.
The baby deer looked into my eyes, brushing his nose against my presented hand. It took a step forward, brushing its face against my cheek in a peaceful gesture. I laughed.