"Ugh!"

I smirk down at Night as I pin him once again. "And that makes 10-6," I taunt him, letting him up. He sighs as he pulls himself to his feet. "Damn, you're good..." he pants, sweat dripping from his forehead. I use my wing to wipe some beads from my own scales. He's really good.

"Thanks, so are you," I reply. "Wanna go best to 15 now, or...?" "Nah, I need a break," he puffs, sitting down. In his defence, we've been at it for hours now. Frankly I could use a breather, too. I sit beside him, attempting to cool myself off a bit.

"You know, I see why you've been chosen as a training instructor," Night comments after a while. "You're amazing. I've never seen someone hand-to-hand like that."

"I'll take that as a compliment," I joke. "You know, if you want to improve your speed you need to practice your fluidity and follow-through. Relying on reflexes can only get you so far sometimes."

He nods, taking this into consideration. "Okay. Thanks for the tip. Do I have to pay you now, or...?" "This one's on the house," I chuckle.

We exchange a smile, then my eyes widen slightly and I quickly mask my aura. "Everything okay?" He asks, smile dropping to a concerned frown. "Y-Yeah," I nod. "I just, Uh... I gotta go. See you later." I quickly fly off before he can question me.

I pace once I reach the lodge, letting my aura out again. No way... no way, no way, no way... Oh gods, what have I done?

And Night... I'm the reason this happened to him? Oh... that actually explains a lot... wow...

As I look down at the light pink aura swirling around me, I wonder how I'm gonna break to Night that I broke rule number two.

~•~

My rituals begin today. It's finally time to gain my full power.

The Elder and Night are both waiting for me as I arrive on the highest peak of the mountains covering the land. It's beautiful up here, I can see for miles. But I'm more interested in the ruins and shrines up here, all dedicated to Iduna.

"Young one, you have completed your trials," the Elder states. "You have earned your true power. It is time."

I lower my head, closing my eyes, instinctually knowing what to do. As I channel my powers just as I'm meant to, I begin glowing yellow as my aura emerges, though for once not by my own doing. Not wanting to get distracted, I focus my energy instead.

It's like something snapped within me; the build up of power suddenly increased tenfold, my light expanding. It's almost too much for me to take, but I hang on, accepting the raw power surrounding me, absorbing all its energy.

It feels like years before it's complete.

At long last, my eyes open. I feel energised, powerful, strong. I've never felt this way before. It's incredible. Is this how the others feel every day?

Night smiles at me. I smile back. "Congratulations, young one," the Elder says. "Thank you," I reply, unable to reign in my still-present glow. Yellow with happiness and excitement.

Then I notice Night's aura turning a little blue and look over at him. "Everything okay?" I ask. "Huh? Oh, yeah," Night nods, covering his aura quickly. "Sorry. Just, uh, know this means you'll be leaving soon, I guess..."

My glow finally fades. He's genuinely upset about me leaving? I feel something flicker in my aura and quickly mask it as well. "Oh... Night, can we... talk? On the way back?"

Night looks confused, but also curious. "Of course," he agrees, then starts walking. The Elder grants us space by flying on ahead, his excuse being he needs to stay with the rest of the Aura Dragons. Fair point either way.

I glance around at the rolling mountain tops surrounding us. It's gorgeous up here. And as good a temporary distraction as any other.

"Vex? Everything alright?"

Ah, temporary.

I stop walking and turn to face him. "Night... you know I've seen your aura, right?"

He tries to hide his newfound nerves, nodding slightly. "Why?"

"Show me."

"What?!"

"You heard me. Please?"

After a moment of silent, hesitant consideration, he sighs and reluctantly starts glowing light pink. It still shocks me to see it, even if I'd worked it out before.

"It was... me... wasn't it? That affected you at the festival. We were right next to each other and you said it faded after I left."

Night actually blushes. It's only slight, barely noticeable, but I still catch it. Heh.

"... maybe..." Night admits. "I'm sorry, Vex. I know this isn't what you wanted and this'll go against your rule number two thing."

"Well... actually..." I allow my own aura completely out. The colour matches his exactly, making his eyes widen. "I kinda broke the rules for you..."

"... so... you like me?"

"Maybe just a little."

"Then... Vex... will you be my mate?"

"... no."

"What?!"

His crestfallen expression makes me struggle to hold on to my emotions. "Why not?" He looks so dejected, so upset, that I can't help but laugh.

"I'm messing with you, Night. I'd love to be your mate."

Night's smile returns, so large I'm certain his face must hurt. "Really? You mean it?" "Of course," I chuckle. "Of course I mean it. I like you, Night. I don't know much about what it means to be someone's mate and I don't know how all this will work out for us, but I'd love to try and be the best mate I can to you."

Night takes a few steps closer and nuzzles me. I happily do so back. I have to admit, I quite like it.

When he hesitantly licks my cheek, however, I pause. He realises this and quickly pulls away. "Oh gods, I'm sorry, I just-"

"No, it's fine," I cut him off. "I was just surprised. All of this is pretty new to me, I've never had someone like me like this before."

Night smiles at this. "Well now you do, Vex. Now you do."