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Everything was empty and dark. The air was filled with sand and dust, which were getting into the eyes and lungs. The area seemed very silent (despite the howling wind) and abandoned... until the baby Aereis decided to put its paws on the very soft sand. It was lost and alone. The desert in the night wasn't exactly the safest place for the baby... But mom wasn't coming back for such a long time... And she promised that she'll be back by the evening! What could take her so long...?

- Mom...? - a small one asked into the abyss, that was surrounding it. Suddenly... It heard and saw movement somewhere in that dust. The baby squinted its eyes to try and see better... When suddenly... A big shape emerged from the darkness before small Aereis. It was the one from her own kind! Except... It had black fur. It must have been the Dark one...! But... something in it seemed odd and... familiar at the same time. The mane... It was so bright and colorful, prismatic even. And those light purple eyes... Just like hers... And her mother...! She must have been tainted...! Black Aereis immediately rushed towards her young, but that definitely wasn't the worriedness she had in her eyes. It was pure fury and madness. She shot a stream of golden powder towards her own baby, which was cowering and covering her eyes with her paws.

Suddenly... A loud, magnificent roar had cut through the howling wind and something attacked her mother. At first, she was still blinded by the sand and now the golden glitter in her eyes, but after a short while... She could see the fox-colored Archalium hissing at the Dark Aereis. All of a sudden something picked up the already confused baby and soared with it into the air. Another Archalium - this time red with golden veins and brown tufts of fur.

- I'm sorry, little one - she said, though her words sounded a bit unclear due to the wind and her holding a baby in her mouth – There is nothing we can do for her. However... We can still do something for you.

- Where... Are we going...? - Aereis asked – What happened to mom...? I want her back! She finally realized that her mother isn't coming back at all and she may never see her again. The desperation in her voice caused a slight pain in Archalium's heart. But she knew, she was doing the right thing...

- We are going to the Feather Kingdom. You'll be safe there. – she replied – There are more Aereises like you... Lost, without their parents... We will take care of you. I promise. She added quickly feeling that her words may worsen the situation.

- W-we...? - asked the small one, feeling that her eyes were tearing up

- Yes... The Archalium that attacked your mother is my partner. His name is Feros and I am Avira. Do you have a name, my child...?

She didn't reply at first. Everything was happening so quickly... It was supposed to be another peaceful day with her and her mother in the mountains. She even promised her to watch northern lights together...! She sniffed a few times and took a deep breath to calm herself down.

- Mirage... - said juvie - My name... Is Mirage.

Avira nodded her head and didn't say anything for the rest of the travel. It would be best to let Mirage rest and adjust to a new situation in peace.

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The sunlight finally reached the second-floor window and shone right into young Aereis's closed eyes. Mirage grumbled, upset that it was already morning and she had to get up. She definitely got bigger - gained a lot of feathers on her body, her tail and colorful mane finally fluffed up... And she got her halo! It had the color of her eyes - purple. It wasn't glowing yet though. She was still just a teen and couldn't even use breath yet. At least she learned how to fly!

Mirage finally decided to get up. She yawned and stretched, unsheathing her green claws, and shook off the morning sleepiness. It was time to get some breakfast! But when passing the window... She heard some conversation outside. The teen raised her ear and looked for the source of the sound. She opened the window and stuck her head out. It was Corel - the caramel Aereis who reached adulthood just two days ago and already seemed to brag about it. Especially around females.

- So, yesterday I went to the Bottom! - he said quietly like it was some kind of secret - And when I was in the Desert... I saw something big and dark flying above the black sand... And then it landed before me! It was a Dark Aereis! - everyone gasped - It was three times larger than me! Had blades instead of claws, a huge horn, sharp fangs, and a black, broken halo! - he said with excitement and pride in his voice - Fortunately, I was able to escape it before it ate me!

- That's not true! - Mirage finally spoke up - Dark Aereises aren't much different from us! They're just... Dark... And crazy... But that's all!

- But... You only met your mother, didn't you? - asked one of the female Halaquals

- Yeah! - exclaimed Corel - You didn't meet REAL Dark Aereis, only tainted one! Real Dark Aereises are born from the two tainted!

Everyone agreed. Mirage only shook her head and sighed, returning inside. Of course, no matter what will she say, she'll always be wrong and everyone else is right. Just because she's just a teen, doesn't matter she doesn't know anything! Also, males always bragged about their trips to the Bottom... She was born there! And knew that most of their boasting is just pure lies. The Bottom wasn't just a black-sanded Desert... It was also beautiful, vast plains, damp swamps, and her home - magnificent, tall, and snowy mountains, where almost every night you could observe colorful northern lights... Or Aurora Borealis, as her mother always called it. That's where she got her name from - Aurora. She used to tell her the legend about it - that Boreal Wardens created a shield above Sonaria after the Dark Crystal struck it and caused the creatures of light like Aereises and the Archalium to succumb to the darkness. And northern lights are that shield - only the mountains are close enough to the sky to make it visible.

Most of the pure creatures of light already moved to the Feather Kingdom floating in clouds above the sea, which Mirage was always afraid of. But some of them were too attached to their old home, just like her mother was. She probably got too close to Dark Crystal cave and it caused the taint to corrupt her mind and soul. There is no known cure to that, so every Dark creature is just killed on spot by these, who can take them on.

Though there were some creatures, which were told to be immune to Dark Crystal's power - they were called Glimmers. You could tell that the creature was a Glimmer because of the radiant glow they produced. In earlier times, they were considered royalty - nowadays no one knows, what happened to them. That's the part she heard about from Feros.
Speaking of him... She finally came downstairs. There was only him in the house - Avira must have been with the babies in the kindergarten.

- Morning... - she said to her adoptive father. Feros turned his head to her. His left horn was broken off and he didn't have the left eye - it was closed and there were three claw scars on it. He lost it in the fight with Aurora. Horn, however, was lost by him in some fight in his early years.
The male smiled at a teen Aereis and came to her with a bowl full of fruits.

- Good morning, dear. - he put the bowl before her – Hungry, I suppose?

- Just a bit... - she sighed, but her stomach growled at the sight and smell of the juicy fruits picked from their own bushes and trees. She picked one of the cherries and started chewing on them. They were so sweet...

- Did something happen...? - Feros pushed her gently with his nose – You look sad...
Mirage didn't answer at first, looking inside the bowl. But then, she took a deep breath.

- Corel is lying. - she mumbled - He claimed that he saw a Dark Aereis. But I know he didn't! I know how do they look and they are not bigger than us and don't have broken halos...! And they don't eat us. - she huffed.

Feros chuckled a bit at the last sentence.

- Well, you know, darling... Boys will be boys. They always have to colorize everything, so others will like them. Especially females. I was the same back in the days... - he smiled and seemed to ponder a bit.

- You were lying too...?

- Well... Sort of. - he looked at her with his only eye - To win Avira's heart, I've always been boasting about the fights I've been picking and winning, showed her my battle scars... But she was too smart for that and admitted to watching me from her cave. It turned out that I was the one picked on and I've always been losing – he laughed. Mirage smiled a little bit.

- Do you think I could ever prove them wrong...?

- Who knows... But females rather prefer sticking to the safe Feather Kingdom and raising their young...

- How can they raise young, if there are so few males here...?

- Well... Female creatures of light can have young without the interference of males. In that case, the babies are exact copies of their mothers! - he smiled.

- So... Do you think that's the reason I've never met my real father...? - she asked finishing her breakfast.

- Yes... That's most probably the reason. - he nodded - Okay, I see that you finished your meal! Now you should go out and play with the others - male Archalium smiled, taking the empty bowl to wash it. Mirage nodded her head

- I'll be back by the evening! - she replied quickly rushing out of the house.

***

The first thing she did after leaving the house was meeting with her best friend - male calico Aereis named Sirius.

- Ugh, did you hear Corel today? - she asked immediately without even saying "hello".

- You mean the story about the Dark Aereis he saw? - he chuckled - Yeah, heard that. If he met a real one, he would probably freeze in place.

- Yeah... Um... Sirius? Can I ask you something?

- Where did that sudden change of topic come from? - he giggled - But sure. What's the matter?

- I want to go to the Bottom once I'm an adult. I want to prove them all wrong! - she exclaimed with sheer determination in her voice. Sirius just looked at her like she lost her mind.

- ...Are you serious?

- Yes.

- Well... Guess I can't stop you then... But you have to remember, that Dark creatures might still be very dangerous. But... Why did you want to "ask me"? It sounded more like a statement than-

- Because I want you to come with me.

Okay. Now she really had to lose her mind.

- So? Are you going, or not? - she huffed.

- Well... - he hesitated a bit but seeing the pleading in her eyes... - Okay, okay. I'll go with you. But it's just for keeping you safe! - he added.

- Yay! - she exclaimed with excitement and jumped into the air. - Okay! So what should we play now?~

The young male chuckled a bit and shook his head. She will never change, will she?

***

Mirage came back home when it was already dark. But before she came inside, she heard an argument behind the door. The young female decided to wait a bit and listen to what was that all about.

- She will reach adulthood in a few days. We should tell her! – said Avira

- Why? It could break her heart! It's better to stay the way it is now. She doesn't have to know everything. - replied Feros

- It would be unfair towards her! What if she finds out by herself?

- Finds out what...? - she asked quietly entering the home. Both Archalium looked at her and pricked their ears forward, seemingly surprised by her sudden arrival.

- Oooohhhhh, Mirage! I-it's great to see you, darling, haha... - began Feros, but feeling his partner gaze on himself, he sighed. - We... we have to talk.

- About what? - she came closer to them - Did something bad happen?

- Not exactly... - he laid his paw on her shoulder - It's about your mother... - he looked straight into her eyes - She... She is alive.

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Mirage didn't want to leave her room for a good amount of time. She spent it looking through a window at a sky or just laying down, alone with her thoughts. Her mother... Was she really alive? It must have meant... That she was alone there somewhere...! Alone and scared... She was wondering, whether she would be okay there. She really hoped that she was, in fact, still alive and nothing have harmed her... She just wished to see her again one day. To find a way to purify her... Or maybe just teach her, how to defeat the magic playing with her mind...? That way, she could live with it... And maybe become stronger! At least nothing would harm her then...

The young Aereis was dreaming about that for a good week. Thinking of a solution, a way to reconnect with her... When one night... Something seemed off. She woke up at midnight... Why was it so bright in the room...? She got up slowly, yawned, and looked around. Nothing weird here... And nothing that could give off that light. She looked through the window. It was still dark, but the outside looked like there was a light turned on in her room. But it wasn't... She even looked at it to make sure. Nope. It was off. Maybe... She'll try asking Feros and Avira...? They should know something about it...

- Feros...? Avira...? - she asked quietly entering their room. Both Archalium groaned, feeling the bright light piercing through their eyelids. The male finally raised his head, wiping his eye with a paw.

- Mggghhh... What happened, Mirage...? Nightmare ag... - Feros suddenly silenced when he finally looked at his daughter. He jumped out of their bed and ran straight to her.

- No way... - he whispered - Avira, look! - the female finally got up with a slight groan and opened her eyes.

- What is happe... Oh! - she finally realised what was happening and rushed to them as well - Is she...?

- Yes. She is a glimmer. - replied Feros nodding his head and looked at the young Aereis with a glimpse of pride in his eye.

- I am... A WHAT? - Mirage finally asked. The Archalium pair giggled, seeing the shock on her muzzle.

- Look in the mirror! - said Feros. Young Aereis rushed to see herself in the bathroom. What she saw... Made her scream. The was finally an adult! And not only that - her body was all glowy! That was that radiant glow she heard about from Feros when she was still a baby! Her claws, markings, halo, hind paws... Everything was so shiny!

Of course the first thing she did after coming out of the bathroom, was to hug both of her adoptive parents. They both licked her head, so her fur was slicked back. She laughed with a joy that she had probably never experienced before. Both Archalium were as happy as her. Especially that she didn't seem herself for a good week!

- Well then... It looks like we have a new leader. - said Feros with a slight smile on his muzzle.

- A new... Leader...? - she asked like she didn't really understand what he said - B-but I'm not suitable for that...! I... I have no idea how to lead and...

- I was joking~ - he giggled and licked her head - Well... It would be nice if you were one. But I know too well, that it's way too early for that. But... Maybe someday... Who knows? - he pushed her gently with his nose - But now... Let's get some sleep, shall we? The morning will be a big day for you. Go get some rest before that!

- Y-yes! Of course! - she exclaimed and rushed back to her room. Avira looked at her partner.

- Do you think she would want to stay here...?

- Of course. After all, she's our daughter... - but his voice was full of uncertainty. Avira noticed that and she put her ears back.

- She will want to find her mother, won't she...?

He didn't reply, staring at the floor.

- Let's... Let's just go back to sleep.

***

The next morning was, in fact, a very big day. As soon as Mirage stepped out of the house, she got swarmed by all creatures of light from the Feather Kingdom.

- Wow! How did you do that?

- Are you really a glimmer?

- Do you glow in the dark as well?

The questions didn't stop. Mirage laughed and tried to answer the best she could. And finally... She noticed Sirius in the crowd! Young Aereis rushed to him to give him a friendly nuzzle.

- So... Our small Mirage is someone big now, huh?~ - he asked jokingly and bowed before her - Your Majesty...~

She covered her muzzle with the tiny head wings from embarrassment.

- S-stop that...! Others are watching...!

- Is that a bad thing? - he swiped his tail and got up with that mysterious smile of his.

- ...hmph. - Mirage just looked away. The young male chuckled quietly and sat down.

- So... What are your plans for now?

- I think... That you already know - she looked straight into his eyes - Remember our promise?

Sirius sighed. Of course he did!

- So... A trip to the Bottom that is, huh?

- Yeah... Can we go in the evening? As you can probably see... I'm a bit busy, haha... - she looked at the crowd that was drilling its eyes into her.

- Of course, of course. I'll have time to prepare myself! - he laughed and got up - So... See you in the evening!

Mirage swiped her tail to bid him farewell and returned to the crowd surrounding her.

***

The sun was already setting behind the clouds when the young male finally arrived at the edge of the Feather Kingdom.

- What took you?! - female Aereis asked with the pretentious tone.

- Sorry. The nap was just too good. - he replied chuckling at her offended expression - So... shall we go?

- Yep! - she spread her wings. That was the first time she was going to the Bottom since she was a baby! She didn't remember much from it... Maybe except for the mountains and black sand of the desert.

She finally decided to jump... And spread her wings again. She was soaring in the clouds...! That was one of the things she was hoping to do one day in her life! The wind was carrying her like she weighed nothing... And after a while, Sirius caught up to her.

- First time? - he giggled seeing the fascination in her eyes.

- Yours too. - she huffed

- And I'm glad that I got to do it with you! - he smirked and dived to get under the clouds.

- Hey, wait for me! - she exclaimed and did it as well. She finally could see the Bottom...! It was so diverse! The beautiful green plains, the brown and muddy swamps, the white and cold tundra and mountains... And the black desert.

- So, where are we going? - Sirius asked looking at her.

- To the desert.

- Of course, it had to be the most dangerous place, eh? - he shook his head - Alright then! Direction: the Black Desert!

They soared and played in the air for a bit before landing on the sand. It was... So empty everywhere. Mirage suddenly felt like she was a baby again. Lost and alone around the raging wind, carrying the sand that was cutting her skin like thousands of tiny knives. Thankfully, this time the weather was rather clean.

- So, where are we going...? - Sirius asked stretching himself

- Umm... I guess ahead...? - Mirage looked at him with uncertainty in her eyes.

- Well... Okay then. Lead the way. - he nodded.

And so, the young Aereises were walking through the black dunes. The sand was soft and still warm from the harsh sunlight of the day, but the air was getting really cold. To the point, both of them could see their breaths. They walked like that for a good while... When they heard a voice.

- Oh, just what do we have here?~ - asked a feminine voice, not that far away from them - A stained glass princess... And her knight, huh? What a sight! - they finally looked up, to the source of the voice. On a short dune above them, stood an Aereis. It was almost fully black with blue markings here and there. Her wings were unusually fluffy, feathery, and seemed puffed up, just like her mane and tip of the tail. Her eyes and were blue, just like her markings. And most importantly...

She was a glimmer!

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- Who THE HELL are you?! - asked Mirage, spreading wings and lowering her body, ready to attack at any moment.

- Me? - asked Aereis, putting her paw on herself - Oh, thank you for asking! - she cleared her throat - I am Safira, the heiress to my father's throne, et cetera, et cetera - she rolled her eyes - Can we skip to the part, where you try to attack me, but fail miserably?

That part enraged Sirius, who was just sticking his claws in the sand and gritting his teeth. Who did she think he was...?! Of course, he can defeat a Dark Aereis by himself! He jumped into the air and flew towards Safira. She was just sticking her eyes on him, and... Stepped away, which caused him to miss.

- Using your wings, huh? Pathetic. - she huffed.

- Tch...! - Sirius got it as an insult, but he landed. She wanted the fight on land, so she'll get it! He rushed to her again, ready to attack her... But he didn't even have a chance. She immediately swiped at him with her claws, which caused him to howl in agony. But that was just the beginning. The female jumped on him, causing him to fall on his back, and clenched her teeth on his neck. Mirage stepped back, seeing the strength of the Dark Aereis. She was still clawing at his face while choking him... And looking at her. What did she want from her...? Was that the signal "you'll be next"?

She couldn't just look at this anymore and rushed to them.

- STOP! - she yelled and the Dark female just stepped back like nothing happened.

- It wasn't MY fault. - she just replied, licking the blood out of her claws - He attacked me first. I was just defending myself.

- T-that wasn't just defending...! - she exclaimed looking at Sirius, who was just writhing and yelling in pain.

- Well, I warned you before, that you'll fail miserably. He didn't listen... So he just got what he wanted. - she shrugged and was observing, how Mirage tried to get Sirius on his back. Safira came up to her... And decided to help.

- I don't need your help! - she yelled at her. Safira was just staring at her calmly, putting one paw in front of herself and almost burying the muzzle in her own mane.

- Of course, of course. After all, you're such a strong female. You managed to help your friend~ - she was looking at her from the side, smiling mysteriously. Mirage only huffed and jumped into the air, with Sirius clenching on her. He was very heavy and the flight was very difficult... But she had to help him...!

- M-Mi... Mirage... - he finally managed to say something.

- What is it...? - she asked with her eyes stuck in the clouds above.

- I... I can't... I can't see...

She finally looked at him... And after she realized what happened, her heart skipped a beat.

His eyes were clawed off...!

***

- Someone... Please, help...! - Mirage exclaimed, landing on the clouds and falling on them from exhaustion. Of course, everyone rushed to them, asking what happened. Feros and Avira arrived as well.

- Did you go to the Bottom? - asked Avira

- Yes...! And we met a Dark Aereis...

- In the Desert, right? - asked Feros with a serious look on his muzzle. Mirage lowered her head, like a juvie, who just got yelled at.

- We told you so many times that it was dangerous there...! - said Avira - I know you want to find your mother... But don't do it on their terrain...!

- How else am I supposed to help her?! - asked Mirage

- Enough. - growled Feros - You're grounded. You're not going to the Bottom anytime soon. You are okay, but look what happened to Sirius!

She looked at him again. The Ani were healing him and were trying to do their best to save his eyes.

- We're going home. There is nothing more we can do. - said Feros, pushing Mirage towards the house. She had no other option, but to listen...

***

In the next evening, after everything calmed down, she paid a visit to Sirius. He was just sitting, with a black bandage on his eyes and with his head lowered.

- H-hi... - Mirage came up to him, and Sirius raised his head, trying to look for the source of the sound. This made the female's heart hurt a bit. - I'm... In front of you...

She nudged him with her nose and he got startled a bit. But at least he was "looking" in the right direction!

- They... They said I won't see again... - he put his ears down.

- Mhh... I'm sorry... - she lowered her head - But hey... That bandage looks good on you... Heh... - the slight smile disappeared from her muzzle, seeing that Sirius wasn't in a joking mood at all.

- I really don't want to blame you or anything... - he murmured - But... It's your fault that I lost my sight. - he turned his head away - I will be blind for the rest of my life because of you.

Mirage just lowered her head, biting her lip and feeling her eyes were burning. She... Was the one that should've gotten hurt...

- I-I'm sorry... It IS my fault... - she put her ears down - I won't... Bother you anymore... - she stood up and was ready to go away - Sirius...?

- Hm?

- Are we... Still friends...? - she looked at him.

He didn't reply immediately.

- I... Don't know. I have to think this through.

She just nodded and finally walked away. She felt tears going down her muzzle, the burning of her eyes and heart... She probably lost her friend... And love interest as well. She was into him since they both were teens... But now everything shattered. And it did because of her... And that Dark Aereis...! She rushed to the edge of the Feather Kingdom. She knew, that she was grounded... But she had to avenge Sirius...! No matter the costs...

So she just dived into the clouds.

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Less than 15 minutes later, Mirage finally landed in the Desert. She ruffled up and was looking around nervously.

- Safira! - she exclaimed finally - Show yourself! We have scores to settle!

- Did you call, stained glass princess?~ - the voice suddenly appeared behind her. Mirage jumped and turned around. It was her...! - What did I do to deserve such an honor? - she put a paw on herself with that fake grateful smile, which enraged Mirage even more.

- Yes, I did! - she hissed at the Dark Aereis - I want to fight you!

- Fight me, hm?~ - she asked - Hmm... If that's your wish... Let us do it then~

Mirage didn't even wait. She just straight up jumped on Safira... But landed on the sand instead. And felt that something was holding her tail. How did she dodge so fast?! She ripped her tail out of her mouth and tried to jump at her again, but Safira just stepped back and pressed her to the ground with a paw.

- You done? - she smiled.

- Y-you wish! - Mirage got up and bit her paw. Safira was just sitting... And looking at her.

- You look like a Rukig clenched on a small bone.

- Shut up! - she yelled - Stop playing and fight with me...!

- Why so aggressive? - she shrugged and stretched - After all... We have the whole night... And the more tired you are, the easier it will be for me to win...~

That actually left Mirage stumped.

- Why... Would you tell me that...? - she asked as if she had completely forgotten why she was angry at all.

- Well... It's clear that you've never fought before. Well... Maybe not for real - Safira started to circle her - No scars, perfect fur...

- You don't seem to have scars as well...! - she noticed - And your fur is in an ideal condition too...!

- Why, thank you!~ - she instantly puffed her mane up - But it's just because I care about it...~

- ...That's not what I meant.

- Yeah, yeah~ - she patted her head, which caused Mirage to instantly hiss and jump away. Safira looked at her awkwardly.

- ...what are you...

- D-don't touch me! You'll taint me! Or burn me! O-or something worse...!

The Dark Aereis looked at her for a good while... And then burst into laughter. She was even rolling on the ground!

- What's so funny to you...?!

- Hahahah... T-that's the best nonsense I've heard in a while! Do you REALLY believe in it up there...?! - she asked, still half laughing.

- O-of course...! Why wouldn't I...?!

- Because it's utter nonsense...! Did I "taint" your knight? Or burn him? Or "worse"? - she asked with a mocking voice.

- You blinded him. Also, he's not my... "Knight"...? He's just my friend!

- Of course, of course. Friend. That's how it's called now, huh?~ - Safira winked at her - Anyways... I just used my claws to do that. Nothing special.

- Why did you do that?! - she ruffled up again.

- Ah yes, aggression mode on, huh?- she rolled her eyes with a smile - As I answered you earlier... I was just defending myself. Plus, I hate males.

- Why...?

- Personal reasons.

Mirage just sighed. That whole conversation was just irritating her. What was she thinking? That they will become friends or something? She came here to fight, not to talk!

- Well... I guess it's time for us to part ways. I'm a bit sleepy. - said Safira, stretching herself. Mirage tried to attack her one last time, but the horn hitting her belly really hurt.

- You should train a bit before trying to challenge me~ - she smiled - If you ever wanted to train or talk... Just hit me up! You know where to find me~ - Safira finally turned away and started walking towards her home. But... She stopped for a while.

- What's your name?

The young female finally stood up, still shaking a bit from that blow.

- Mirage...

Black Aereis nodded.

- Well then... Until next time, Mirage~ - she swiped her tail goodbye and just ran off.

Mirage sat for a while and then took off to the Feather Kingdom. She still had some time to rest...

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- Are you crazy...?! Why did you go there...?! - asked Sirius rushing to Mirage when she landed on the clouds. The young female looked at him confused and almost fell back down when he bumped into her.

- W-what... Do you mean...? - she tilted her head when she finally caught her balance.

- Sorry. - he murmured in response to the sudden bump - You literally just said that you've just met Safira at the Bottom...!

- I didn't say anything like that! - she responded quickly. Good thing everyone was still asleep. The young male looked at her, pretty confused.

- You... Didn't...?

- No...

Sirius just turned his head away. He seemed sad...

- I'm not sad. - he replied, though Mirage didn't say anything as well this time - It's just... I hear weird conversations lately. Like everyone was talking to themselves...

Talking to themselves... Did it mean... That he could read others' minds...? She noticed that Sirius' ear moved.

- Read... Minds...? - he asked and seemed to ponder a bit about that - Wait... - he raised his head, trying to "find" her - That means you WENT down there...!

- Well... I never said I didn't... - she put her ears back - But I didn't say anything about that. Or at least not out loud...

- You lost your mind! She could've killed you...!

- But she didn't! - she exclaimed - She was even quite... Nice... In her own way. - she murmured, looking away.

- What if she's trying to deceive you? - he asked - Then she'll betray and kill you! You can't just trust Dark Aereis like that...!

- It's not trust! I just met her to avenge you, but...

- So you FOUGHT with her?

- Kinda... But not really... - she looked down - She is way stronger...

- Of course, she is, Mirage. She is a Dark Aereis, and glimmer at that...! And you didn't have to fight for your whole life...

- That doesn't mean I'm weak!

Sirius put his ears back.

- Of course, it doesn't... It's just...

- And I will show you! I'll get stronger and I don't care about your opinion! - she exclaimed and just went back home. She tried to do something good... And that was the "thanks" she got...?!

***

- Too slow. - said Safira dealing a blow to Mirage's muzzle. They were training for a bit already. Safira was pretty reluctant about that at first, but... It would be fun to be the one teaching this time!

- Mghh... Could we... Take a little break...?

- You want to get stronger, or not? - asked Safira, spreading her wings like she was trying to look bigger.

- I want... But I'm so tired...! - she groaned - And everything hurts...

- The opponent won't care about that. - suddenly, she jumped on Mirage, pinning her to the ground and lightly biting her in the neck. The colorful female squealed... Which caused Safira to burst into a laugh.

- I haven't done anything yet!

- Y-yet...?! - asked Mirage

- Yes. After all... You wanted to avenge your friend, didn't you?~ - she grinned and snapped at her. She chuckled seeing the female trying to cover herself with her paws. - Nah. You're still not ready for a real fight. - she finally let her go. Mirage jumped to her legs and ruffled up, but calmed down, when Safira sat down calmly, cleaning herself like a cat.

- Hmph... I'm not sure he's my friend anymore. - she looked away

- Ohhhh?~ - Safira put her ears up - The knight broke his princess' heart?~

- No! Also, I told you, he's just a friend...!

- Uh-huh, sure~ - she smiled

Mirage huffed and put her ears back.

- It's just... He thinks I'm weak.

- Well, he's not entirely wrong... - she shrugged - But he probably plays stronger than you, huh?

- Well...

- Yeah. That's the issue with males. You're a female, so you must be smaller and weaker. Hmph! Now anyone that says that regrets it instantly~ - she smiled a bit creepily - Well... - she stood up and stretched herself - Guess we can take a break. Wanna go for a walk?

- Uhm... Sure, I guess... - she nodded. Well... A small stroll shouldn't kill her, right...?

- So... Where should we go?

- Mmm... Could we go to the mountains...?

- Well, if you want... Then I guess we can - she nodded.

Mirage spread her wings and jumped into the air, ready to fly... But when she looked behind, she saw Safira just sitting on the sand, giving her the "are you kidding?" look. So she landed.

- Why didn't you go after me...? - she asked.

- I can't fly. - she replied.

Mirage just put her ears up and the Dark Aereis sighed and spread her wings. When bright female looked closely... They did look a bit weird.

- What happened to them...?

- They got broken so many times during my training, that they are pretty much useless right now. I can glide on them though and they help me with jumping. But that's all.

Mirage nodded her head. Well... The stroll was a good option as well! So they just started walking.

- You know... I was born in the Bottom... - said the bright female - The mountains were my home...

- My mother was born there too. - replied Safira - That's why I have the ice breath now.

- Ice... Breath...? - asked Mirage. And she instantly got sprayed with it. - H-hey...!

Safira laughed and raised her head up. But she got her vision blurred in return.

- That darned glitter... - she had to shake it off.

- A-and who's laughing now...?~ - asked Mirage, shaking a bit from the cold.

- Hmph. - she whipped her with her tail and started to run - Tag, you're it~

Oh no, she didn't! Mirage couldn't run that fast and got tired pretty fast. She just laid down on the sand and started panting.

- Ohhh, what's happening, princess? Not enough stamina?~ - Safira just looked at her with that superiority look - And what will you do if someone just took these pretty wings of yours? You would be dead in seconds.

Mirage just put her ears back.

- I... I would just escape before they could get me...

- Like a coward, huh? - she huffed - I would just suggest you start training harder.

Bright Aereis got up finally on shaking legs. But... She had to get stronger, right...? Anyways, they started walking again.

- Say... Are your parents Dark Aereises too...? - she asked

- Nah. I'm half-blooded. - replied Safira - My father is a Dark one, my mother was not.

- Was...?

- Yeah. She's dead. She died while I was still a child. - she looked up at the starry sky.

- Oh, I'm... I'm sorry... - she looked away.

- Don't worry, it's okay. I don't remember her much anyway, I just know that she was cool. My father, on the other hand... - she looked down - I despise him.

- Why...? Is he that bad...?

- Even worse. - she huffed - He's a heartless, soulless tyrant. He doesn't care about anything else than power... And will do anything to achieve it.

- That's... Why you don't like males, huh...?

- Yeah. Partially.

Mirage nodded. Suddenly, they encountered the wide river dividing the two continents. The water was freezing cold as it was bordering the mountains.

- I can take you on my back if you wa...

- No need. - Safira replied, jumping straight into the water. She swam across like it was nothing. Mirage decided to take the easy route this time and just flew above it. Moments later, the dark female got out of the water and shook herself off. She wasn't even shaking!

- Okay. Let's go. - she started walking. Mirage followed her.

- Well... I was raised by two Archallium... But my real mother turned into the Dark Aereis... - she lowered her head. Safira looked at her.

- Then she probably lives with us now.

- She does...? - Mirage raised her ears up.

- Yeah. But there are hundreds of us. No idea if she's there for sure... But I'll try to look for a stained glass queen~ - she winked at her and Mirage was just swiping her tail irritated. But not for long, as she sighed after a while.

- When I found her in the desert... She didn't look like herself. She was in berserk, tried to attack me...

- Yeah. When Light Aereises turn into Dark ones, they behave like that at first. Going mad, killing their children so they won't die on their own or end up like them... But after we acknowledge them, that they will be alright, they calm down and are back to normal. So she was probably confused, that's all.

Mirage nodded again. So... She was probably still alive and was her old self, huh...? She was wondering whether she still remembers her... And suddenly, she stopped.

- I... remember this place... - she said and looked around. That was the area where she used to play with her mother when she was a baby...! She rushed up the mountain... And there is it...!

- This is the cave I lived in! - she said to Safira and looked inside... But... There was someone there. the Varskela family with their young. The male raised his head and growled at them, so Mirage stepped back and sighed.

- Well... At least someone else has home now, huh...? - she looked at her paws and then on the sky - I have to go... The sun will be raising soon...

Safira nodded.

- Goodbye. I'll try to look for your mother.

- Goodbye... - Mirage spread her wings... - And... Thank you for today... - she smiled gently at her - I enjoyed it.

Safira just huffed and puffed herself up.

- Of course, you did! After all, you spent it with me!

The light female rolled her eyes with a smile and finally took off. The Dark one watched her go until she disappeared into the clouds.

- I... enjoyed it too.

***

Safira got home when the sun was just behind the Volcano. Her father called her, so she rushed to him as soon as possible. When she got to the "Throne Hall", as he liked to call the cave with a pedestal in the middle, she bowed before him.

- Did you call, father?

The large black Aereis with the body full of big and deep scars and golden glimmer pattern looked at her with superiority.

- Did you get rid of or tainted the Light female yet? - he asked, in his deep voice.

Safira knew he was going to ask about that. She dug her claws into the rocky floor.

- Not yet... But I promise you. She'll be gone soon.

Chapter Text

A few days have passed since Mirage last saw Safira. Of course, she was still sneaking to the Black Desert! But... The dark Aereis was nowhere to be found. She searched for her, tried to call... But she had to escape once she noticed the presence of other dark Aereises. Luckily, they didn't seem to notice her... Or at least that was what she hoped for.

Mirage was getting increasingly depressed, her colors became a bit duller and even her glimmer wasn't as bright. Feran was still coming to her room, bringing a basket filled with berries. He put it next to her and nudged her gently with his nose.

- I've brought you your favorite Ringberries, honey... - he spoke in a calm, soft voice.

 - I'm not hungry. Thanks. - she replied moving her head away from the basket. That made Feran even more worried.

- You haven't eaten for a few days...

- Yeah. And?

Archalium sighed.

- I know, that you are angry at us... But we just want the best for you...

Mirage didn't respond.

- Listen... We know, that you are sneaking out. - that made Aereis flick her ear - And we know, that you still miss your mother, Mirage... But... Aren't we a good family already...? We tried to do everything to make you feel at home... I understand if that's not enough, but...

Young Aereis clenched her teeth.

- It's not... That. - she sighed - I'm very thankful for everything you did... It's just... It doesn't feel the same... - she finally looked at him and noticed the pain in his eye - Don't get me wrong...! You both... Are more like an uncle and aunt to me... - she stood up and brushed against him like a cat - Plus... It's not just my mother I want to see... - Mirage added in a more silent voice.

- Did you... Meet someone there? - his voice suddenly shifted into a more humorous one.

- ...maybe.

Feran chuckled a bit and got up, stretching his body.

- Fine. You can go. - Mirage suddenly jolted, hearing that - Just promise me... You'll be careful.

- I will! - she exclaimed and brushed against him - Thanks... Dad~

Feran's heart fluttered a bit. He chuckled and nudged her gently.

- But first... Eat your berries~

- Fine, fine~ - she chuckled as well and started eating voraciously.

***

An hour later she once again landed in the Black Desert. This time, she wasn't going to let go so easily.

- Safira? Safi...! - she got interrupted when something tackled her. Instinctively, when she landed on her back, she kicked the assaulter and jolted up to see who attacked her. It was... Her friend!

- Safira...! What is wrong with... - Mirage didn't have the chance to end her sentence, as the dark Aereis jumped in her direction, trying to bury her claws and teeth in her friend's body. Suddenly she was blinded with golden glitter and the light Aereis managed to dodge her. Safira rubbed her eyes with paws and shook the glitter off... And then used her tail and fluffy wings to kick up the sand. It was way harder to spot her now... And then she tackled Mirage from behind, causing her to fall over. She rolled over to look into her friend's eyes. All she saw... Was fear and desperation.

Safira was staring and her, panting. She knew, what she had to do... But she didn't want to. She couldn't...

- Please... - she whispered - Get out of here... And never come back...

- Huh...? - Mirage tilted her head and got up when Safira backed off with her head lowered.

- You can't come here anymore. - she murmured - Or... I'll have to...

Mirage stood up and came to her, brushing her head against hers.

- Hey... You can tell me anything... You know that already, don't you...? - she asked with that gentle smile, that almost made Safira's heart soften a bit. But then she shook off that feeling and backed off.

- No... I can't anymore... - she shook her head, trying to get rid of those useless thoughts and feelings - Please... Just leave... I don't want to hurt you...!

Mirage looked at her patiently... Then came up to her again... And leaned her head over her neck, hugging her.

- I won't leave you. Even if that means you killing me.

Tears flowed down Safira's muzzle. She... Couldn't take this anymore...! She pushed her away, striking her friend's muzzle with claws... And then ran away, like a coward she was - she thought to herself. Mirage just stood there in shock, with golden blood flowing down her muzzle.

What... Happened to her...?