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Alouette Estate

Prairie sighed as she turned the page of the book she was reading. When the next few pages failed to keep her interest however she closed the book and placed it on the table next to her. Looking around she once again familiarized herself with the small room she had been confined to.

She was the current head of the Ciel family, however it didn't seem like she was anything more than a prisoner.

Ever since she was a child she had been confined to the estate, all becaue of one person. Her only friend, the one she secretly shared a bed with, and the only person she could love.

However, she would never tell the girl this directly.

"And I said you would never have to."

The girl didn't flinch at the voice, nor did she even move when the shadows in the room began to stir. The only move she made was when the form of a girl was formed by the moving shadows. This girl, known as Aile, was a Midnight Maker, a entity that consisted of nothing more than shadows, wearing a Mask to look human.

Giving Prairie a toothy grin the Midnight Maker closed the distance between them. She gently placed her hands on Prairie's cheeks and lifted her face to hers.

"Its been a while, my sweet Alouette."

Then, slowly the girl pulled Prairie into a kiss, which she eagerly melted into. This way of greeting, a ceremony only for the two girls, was something Prairie always looked forward to. Even if she couldn't tell if Aile mirrored her feelings, it still filled her heart with warmth when their lips joined.

When several blissful moments passed Aile released Prairie and backed away slowly. Quickly collecting her thoughts, Prairie held out her hand to the monster.

"Three days isn't a long time Aile."

"It is," Aile muttered taking her hand; "when that means time away from you."

Quickly Aile pulled Prairie from her seat and brought her close. Prairie looked up into Aile's pupiless glowing green eyes and smiled. She wouldn't admit it, but she missed the sight of those eyes. And given that Aile smiled, she had heard her again.

"I thought I told you to stop doing that."

"And how many times must I tell you that I cannot. I came from you, thus your thoughts are also mine."

That was true, Prairie had created this Midnight Maker, even if it was unintentional. A beast birthed by taking the despair of its host into its seed. And given how Prairie was after her sister's disappearance, it seemed only natural that she would birth one.

Shaking her head to clear those thoughts away, Prairie pushed away from Aile with a smile of her own.

"Must be awfully cramped inside your head with the two of us."

"If it's your voice, I gladly accept the company."

Chuckling to herself Prairie quickly returned to her seat and looked up to the girl. Aile gave her a puzzling look as she began moving closer.

"Have you generated another Maker? You seem happier."

"No, its just that its almost time for our plan to begin."

When Prairie finished Aile slowly turned to the clock and noticed it was 20 minutes until twelve. Returning her attention to the seated girl, Aile's expression became mischievous. This time Aile held out her hand, waiting for Prairie to take it.

"Wonderful, my little bird is finally going to spread her wings."

Prairie nodded as she again grasped Aile's hand, and was completely surprised when the Midnight Maker yanked her from the chair and into her arms. Aile was carrying Prairie like a newly wedded bride, causing Prairie to blush furiously.

Looking down at the girl in her arms, Aile gave a knowing smile.

"Shall we take leave, my Alouette?"

"Yes, but before we do, I want you to call me 'Prairie' from now on."

Aile's smile again widened as she began moving towards the room door.

"A lovely new name, Prairie."

And with that Aile turned and ran full speed at the window, breaking through the glass while protecting Prairie.

The two currently sat on a hill at the edge of a town. Aile sat, watching the rising sun as Prairie rested on her lap. Aile had carried Prairie several hundred miles away from her estate, and the girl felt a little dizzy from the run.

A hand began stroking her hair as she cuddled closer to Aile.

"So, where shall I take you? To the ends of the sea, or beyond the sky? Say it and I shall see to it that you make it there."

"For now, here is fine Aile. I have the rest of my life to decide where to go."

"Yes, and if you were to generate the two other Midnight Makers, we could go on forever."

At the girl's statement, Prairie lifted herself to look into Aile's eyes.

"That is the second time you've brought up your siblings. Why is that?"

Aile didn't answer, simply turning away from Prairie. But, wanting an answer, Prairie guided Aile's attention back to her. When she realized she wasn't getting out of answering, Aile sighed.

"Okay, you are aware that if you generate the last two of my kind, you would become one."

"I also told you that I wanted to stay a human."

"Yes," Aile nodded with a smile; "surprisingly I can accept that."

"Why?"

"Because, I want you all to myself."

Aile placed a hand under Prairie's chin and tilted her face up. Prairie gave a smile as she began leaning closer.

"I thought you Midnight Makers didn't actually have feelings, you could only emulate them."

"Well, I lied. Truth be told, I've loved you the day I opened my eyes and saw your beautiful face."

With that the two again met in a kiss, this time however it wasn't as a greeting, but as a seal on their new lives together.

And Prairie finally learned, shadows could feel warm too.

Another chapter complete. I hope you enjoyed!

World: Phantom Zx (Based on a Friend's work)

Contributor: N/A

Plot: Prairie is wanting to escape while her shadow, Aile, has a secret she's been hiding.

So, the species Midnight Maker is actually based on one that one of my friends made. I asked if I could borrow the concept and he was fine with it.

Although he wouldn't let me use the actual name of the species.

So, to clarify something, the Mask that Aile wears is her human form. It isn't literally a mask the Midnight Makers wear over their face. The actual shadowy bits form their organs when they are using their Mask.

They resemble and function like humans in this state, except they still have access to their powers.

I hope no one minds that this essentially the end of the story that happens in this chapter. As I usually write the beginnings or at the middle of a story.

I apologize for rambling, and I hope you enjoyed.

Have a nice day!