It's funny how time changes everything. One moment, you are with your sister, or any family member you love, thinking you are inseparable and at the next moment, just like that they're just gone. Some people just leave with goodbyes. Life is a miraculous thing. One moment, it's there giving you hope and love. The affection you want and in the next moment, it robs you off the most precious things in the world. It's such a cruel thing. After the fight with Shu, where the White Tyrant left the boy in the graveyard, Lui walked towards the ice palace: the famous Hyoketsu dungeons. It was strictly guarded with layers of protection. It was impossible for anyone to break in, or to break out. The two guards in the front bowed as Lui walked past them without a look.

The inside was cold. A cold that only an ice holder or a citizen of Hyoketsu could handle. Lui knew the pathetic plight of the foreign prisoners who ended up here. He himself has witnessed their frozen bodies, their blued limbs. Two weeks, that's the longest a person from another area can live inside here. That's the main reason why many of the prisoners inside here are from their own kingdom. Thieves, murderers and all kinds of men who had broken the rules, forsaken the kingdom.

Lui turned to the left route of the ice palace, turning away from the dungeons. This part of the palace was used to keep records, and other important clues to the kingdom. The two guards in front of the massive ice door parted ways as Lui entered the room. This was not cold like the other part of the palace. It carried a healthy warmth and the smell of dusty pages. He looked around at the shelves and the racks. Some filled with books in different sizes bound by leather covers. The others are filled with weapons and significant objects that are used as evidence in court cases. Lui walked past the books trying not to think of the immediate thoughts they brought them. The scent of someone so important that had suddenly become an enemy again.

He stopped in front of one of the shelves. The dust collected on it was wiped off by the cleaning maids who come inside every morning. They are closely checked thoroughly that nothing would be stolen from inside. Lui picked out a long plain wooden box from the top of the shelf. Newly added to the collection. The surface glistening in the light. A cruel joke of fate itself. The arrow inside killed his sister. The evidence they have against Moeru. Arrows that are flying to kill. Their strongest weapons. Lui walked to the table in front of the window overlooking the fields of Crystal flowers and placed the box on top of it. He had made up his mind to look into it. Because of the funeral and the loss of his sister, he couldn't make up his mind to look at anything that was connected with her death but finally he sort himself out of the maze of emotions. He needs the burning of revenge inside his heart. He knew that this arrow would give him the murderous feeling of revenge he needed. To destroy Moeru.

He opened the wooden box and stared at the arrow gleaming inside. Just as the daggers were important to Hyoketsu, these arrows carried the heritage of Moeru. None of the outsiders could get hands on them. They were made to dissolve after the moment the arrow struck the heart of the victim. Lui knew that the strongest magicians in the kingdom worked hard to put a barrier to that magic element in the arrow to keep it safe as evidence. Lui ran his hand through the soft wooden shaft. The tip of the arrow is still marked with brownish stains of blood. His sister's blood. He looked at the significant features every arrow carried in Moeru. The gleaming iron on the tip shining with the faintest red. A type of iron that can only be found in the royal mine of the kingdom where outsiders are not allowed. Feathers of a fire phoenix attached at the back. Not the actual legendary creature, but a typical bird that can be seen all around the kingdom. His eyes finally stopped on the letters: carved neatly on the end of the shaft. The letters of the Moeru kingdom. A burning fire of revenge flamed inside him as he ran a hand through the carved symbols when he stopped. The flame inside him died a little when he realized the letters were not correct.

There was this thing about Moeru kingdom as everybody knew. When Hyoketsu gave their priority to fight, the Moeru kingdom gave their priority to study and write. In many ways, they were the complete opposite of each other. They carried intelligence and education to a high level. Lui watched the last letter of the phrase. The missing stroke. Highly unlikely to be a mistake if the arrow was made in the Moeru kingdom. Especially, if they were planning an attack on the royal family, there would be no mistake Lui knew. One thing both kingdoms had in common was, in any war, they prepared for months. Even small things like symbols, letters, flags carried their dignity as a country. Out of all the kingdoms, Moeru is the last kingdom that he could ever think of making such a mistake. And after the whole chain of incidents, for the first time, suspicion erupted inside Lui's mind. A small flicker but just enough for him to take steps to find the reality behind it.

Lui walked out of the room and looked at one of the guards. "You" He said, as the soldier immediately knelt.

"Yes, my lord"

"Bring Minami Aki here to this chamber. I need her assistance with something." The soldier stood up at Lui's command and started to walk off when Lui added. "And keep this a secret"

It didn't take much time for her to come. Aki had been one of the closest people for Lui in the whole castle. Since they were young, Aki had been the person who assisted him in matters regarding magic and enchants. The purple haired girl entered the room with a look of curiosity engulfed on her face. Lui dismissed the soldier and closed the door behind them, turning to her. "Why there" She chirped, skipping on her feet as she reached the window at the corner. She had always been a child of nature. "What pleasure to see you after a long time, Prince Lui"

Lui lowered his eyes, "I need you to do something"

She turned, "Of course, that's why you always call me anyway"

Lui ignored her sarcastic tone and walked to the box and opened the lid revealing the shining arrow of the Moeru kingdom. The weapon that killed Yuki. "Stop the barrier to the magic in this arrow. I want to see what happens"

Aki's nonchalant expression slipped into a more serious one. She knew what the arrow was because she's one of the people who helped to put on the barrier as soon as they figured it was a Moeru arrow. "You do realize why we put on the barrier, right?"

"I do. And I'm telling you to dissolve it, now."

She didn't question him why he was asking for such a thing. Instead, she asked. "Is that an order, Prince Lui?"

Lui looked at her deep blue eyes when he answered, "Yes, that's an order"

He watched as Aki reached the box and placed both her hands on the air over the arrow. Her eyes glowed in blue as a light emitted from her open palms. Lui had seen her perform magic thousands of times but each and every time it seems fascinating. Something that you cannot draw away your eyes from. Seconds passed as sweat beads appeared on her face. Her face lined with concentration until Lui heard a snapping sound. The invisible barrier that kept the arrow from dissolving snapped. This was a risk he was willing to take. Both of them watched, as if hypnotized. Waiting for the arrow to dissolve into thin air as it usually would. It had found it's target. Done the damage. No reason to survive now. One second, nothing happened. Aki gulped, an uneasy feeling settling on her. Two seconds, just nothing. They watched the arrow for five seconds until Aki raised her voice.

"This is not possible"

Lui nodded grimly, his suspicions confirming in mere seconds. "Unless the arrow is not from Moeru"

Aki gaped, "Hah? What does that mean?"

"That means what that means," Lui said, looking at the arrow. "That means someone else is behind this. We are all in a huge misunderstanding."

"You sound so sure about that"

"Because I am" Lui snapped at her, but she did have a point. Why's he so sure about that? Why's he trying hard to take the blame away from Moeru? Those questions were the ones he couldn't answer. He didn't care anyway. He knew the truth but proving it to the rest of the kingdom would be the challenge he will be facing. His father always has this burning hatred towards the people from Moeru kingdom. At the moment, he's blinded by rage and rationality was not a part of his mind. He wasn't the only one. Lui was also blinded by the rage until Shu worded his own defense.

I didn't do anything. I was with you the whole time!

Simple as it looked, Shu did have a point. It seems almost idiotic for the king of Moeru to attack the royal family of Hyoketsu when his son was in a school in Akarui: enemy territory. As far as he knew, king Kurenai simply adored his son and never even thought of letting him in on a simple danger. On the other hand, Lui didn't understand the reason to attack Yuki. To destroy the peace they all wanted. The misunderstanding with the arrow only proved his point. In his heart it was already clear that Moeru was innocent. There was no doubt about it. And there was another thing he was sure of. If he tried to defend Moeru at this crucial moment, he's going to be named as a traitor and Shu would lose the only means for his escape. So, naturally Lui decided to take the dangerous path. He'll have to help Shu survive until help arrives from Moeru, and he'll have to do that all in secret. He himself did not know why, but that was a risk he was willing to take.

---

Lui walked out of the ice palace in slow steps. Thinking through thousands of ways to save Shu from this place. This was Hyoketsu. The toughest kingdom in the wide world and Lui wasn't sure how much he could protect Shu. He silently winced when he realized he himself has given Shu utmost pain the last few days. Who could blame him? When anger clouds the mind, the rational part of our brain shuts down for a moment. We all see through a white heat of anger and revenge. That's the danger in anger. It narrows your mind down. It narrows your vision. It changes you in a vast manner. Lui walked past the graves realizing there was no one inside. Shu might've gone somewhere. He turned to walk towards the quarters of the servants when he noticed the lump on the floor.

Lui frowned, taking a step toward realizing it was a human figure. Not just any human. The smooth white hair: matted and tangled together with blood. His blood red eyes sliding to a close as the albino curled into himself letting out a shuddering breath. Lui instinctively looked around, there was no one. He quickened his steps towards the fallen figure of Shu and knelt in front of him. He was trembling, and Lui knew what's yet to come. The horror of what he had seen that day hasn't passed him by.

He scooped him to his arms. Shu was light, frightening light. As if there was no life left inside the boy. His clothes were drenched with the shower outside. Lui walked towards the narrow hallway to the left. A secret path to his room only known by the royals inside the palace. His steps were quiet but quick. He made sure no one was there to witness what he was doing and in a significantly small time span, he was inside his room. "That's a record" He muttered to himself, placing Shu on his massive bed. The mattress and the fluffy blankets hugging Shu's small frame. He stared at the injuries for a few moments thinking of who to call. The person needs to be trusted, and the only one who flashed across his mind was a certain magician. Without a second thought, he sends a message to summon Aki into his room. They had known each other for a long time, she had seen the clues. He hoped, desperately hoped, she would understand.

Aki didn't take much time to arrive. She closed the door behind her and looked at Lui in a questioning manner for a moment before finally spotting Shu on the bed, looking more like a corpse than a human. "What the hell?"

Lui crossed his arms, "Treat him"

Aki stared at him for a good long second, "What's going on? That's the prince of the Moeru Kingdom"

"I have eyes, and I fucking know that" Lui snapped, impatient.

"Don't cuss at me. Why are you doing this? This is going too far Prince Lui" Aki said, not moving a step from her position. "Moeru Kingdom is held as a suspect for killing Yuki. Your sister, my best friend is dead because of that kingdom. Why do you think I would help him?"

Lui frowned, looking for an answer for a second, "Because you were there when I uncovered the truth of the arrow. Because you didn't look surprised when I found Moeru kingdom is innocent"

She hesitated, "You noticed? And yet you didn't say anything"

"I was waiting for you to say whatever was in your mind on your own accord." Lui answered her, his gaze slipping to Shu and back into Aki.

Aki wordlessly walked to Shu and stopped. "Yuki told me a lot about him," She said, bending to take his temperature. "She told me that you've changed Prince Lui and she was happy for you"

Lui stared out the window, ignoring her gaze upon him, "She did."

"Yes" Aki walked to his nightstand and put down her medical supplies. "Someone trusted by Yuki is trusted by me. I had a feeling that there must be something behind this attack and the arrow only confirmed that to me. Take off his clothes"

"HAH?" Lui yelled, turning to her with a shocked face. "What did you just say now?"

Aki sighed, "His clothes are drenched. Take them off, or I'll do it"

Lui clicked his tongue in dismay, trying to ignore the embarrassment of his outburst. He certainly did not want Aki stripping Shu down and he certainly did not want to do that himself. He hesitantly walked to Shu and glared at Aki, "Turn around"

A smile ghosted her lips. Yuki had obviously said something more than their friendship to her and that was clear. "Okay" She turned around and started going through her supplies while Lui started to peel the clothing off Shu's body. Doing his best to keep his eyes from his body. Instead, he focused his eyes around the room. Shu's gonna kill him, he thought instantly covering him up with a warm blanket. "Done"

Aki turned around and pressed a wet cloth to the side of his face wiping down the blood. Lui watched from the side as she took off the bandages around his neck and replaced it with new ones. Aki was good at both medics and magic and had been Yuki's best friend since they were only children. Lui had already informed Aki about Shu's special medicine and Aki had everything ready in a few moments. Her parents died from the first war. They were professional magicians who worked for the royal court. After their death, Aki just shut down. She didn't respond to anyone. Didn't talk with a soul. That's when Yuki came to the picture. Lui knew well how his sister kept trying to be with her and eventually it did work because Aki actually got along with Yuki. They were an inseparable duo but fate has the ability to control anything. Now, Yuki is gone from this world. It was only her again and Lui knew Aki was trying hard to find a way to cope up with the loss. He also was. Everyone was.

Aki finally finished her work. "I'm off. He'll sleep for the rest of the day. I've made a spell that will keep him strong without food for a few more hours. I'll be back tomorrow, prince Lui"

Lui nodded, "Thank you"

Aki stopped on her tracks and gave him a surprised glance but brushed it away with a gentle sway in her head. "No worries"

He watched as she walked out of the room. The only person whom he can trust from this whole kingdom. Maybe Gou will understand, but Lui thought he should give it some time before telling him. He turned to Shu instead, wrapped up in a tight bundle of blankets. His forehead was covered with a plain white bandage. There was no blood on his face anymore. His brows were drawn together, either in pain or fear. It was like his feet automatically led him towards the bed. He inspected Shu's face more closely. He was in pain, of course he knew that. He was the reason for half of the pain inflicted on him. Lui bit his bottom lip reaching for his cheek which was frighteningly cold. Lui sighed.

He had always known. Always known that all through his life Shu had been walking on thin ice. Lui didn't know how Shu exactly felt about that. Thus, he would never know how to live in a constant fear for death. He didn't know how to go to sleep every night knowing that you won't wake up tomorrow. It was pathetic, pathetic how some people throw their lives away, whining about their lives when there are people in this world who would give anything for another day.

Lui moved his hand from his cheek and rested it on Shu's hair, gently stroking back and forth, hoping it would ease his nightmares. That night, sitting beside Shu, Lui thought about many things. Things that would come forth in their future. The inevitable war that would crush thousands of lives. He snapped off his thoughts focusing on the present.

It was the truth, but no one would know. No one would know that one night Lui stayed awake sitting beside a certain boy whom he didn't know he loved. No one would know how many times he reached to feel the faint pulse, and the beat of his heart. No one would know that Lui Shirosagi, the white tyrant, cradled the enemy prince in his hands thinking of thousands of ways to turn back in time and undo what he did. Sometimes, stories are hidden behind the shadows in the corners. And this moment, shared by only two of them is another shadow, known by no one, not even by the white haired boy sleeping on the bed.

---

Tired eyelids fluttered softly. Shu opened his eyes to see a rather foreign setting. He groaned as pain flooded back into his limbs, settling as a constant deep ache inside his body. His red eyes tiredly wandered through the elegant room, painted light blue. Weapons and stacks of books neatly piled on the shelves. Long windows to his left, the sunlight reflected through the translucent white curtains. He inhaled the fresh scent of the morning dew and finally turned his head to when he saw him. Shu tensed, already sitting up. The cold morning wind brushed against his bare skin. Shu shivered, looking down at himself. Panic flooded into him.

No Shu thought, even someone like Lui wouldn't go that far to torture him. He wanted to believe it. He told his mind over and over to trust his instinct. Lui was sleeping quietly leaning against the back of the chair he was sitting, positioned right beside the enormous bed. He noted his clothes, freshly washed and cleaned sitting in a neat pile on top of another chair just beside the bed. He slipped out of the covers quietly not making a sound. He was used to it. To do his things in utmost silence. He dressed up quietly ignoring his racing mind and aching bones. He should get out of here, that was the only thought circling inside his mind. Pity. Two weeks ago, he would've trusted Lui with anything but right now, even though he tried to ignore it, Lui is the enemy. Shu wiped at his eyes threatening to fill with tears of both pain and misery. He's not going to cry, Shu promised himself tiptoeing to the door, trying to force himself to remember what happened last night. But everything was blank. Frightening empty. Shu felt fear in this emptiness. He always feared the missing parts, the blank moments inside his memory.

He walked along the hallway. Servants rushed past and he was glad that none of them even acknowledged him. The least thing he wanted right now was attention. He found his way to the servant quarters and stopped by the door which was still closed. He could hear the hustle inside the room. They are still inside, Shu thought bitterly, placing his hands on the door handle. He didn't realize he was shaking until he looked at his own hand. Soft tremors running down his body, either from exhaustion, hunger or fear or maybe from everything. From every goddamn thing he had to face since he had come to this kingdom. He noticed his bandaged wounds and the lack of agony while breathing meaning someone had given him medicine. He had so many questions but no answers but what he wanted wasn't answers, he wanted freedom.

He opened the door to see a few of the boys in there, talking with each other while getting dressed quickly. They all halted their actions as they saw the albino who stepped into the room. His eyes darting along, watching carefully. He didn't know where the next blow would fall. "Well, well" One of the boys said, taking a step towards him, "We were wondering whether we should report about your disappearance to the authorities, it seems-" He suddenly stopped, his hand stopping midair where it moved to reach Shu's shoulder, his dark eyes going comically wide. He was staring at something behind him.

Shu looked over his shoulder, expecting to see someone else from the servant quarters. Someone higher ranked, but there he was, standing by the door with his violet eyes focused on his own red ones. "P-Prince Lui" Almost all of the boys fell into their knees in respect while Shu stood in between them, startled and frightened. The skin crawling feeling coming back to him.

"You" He said coldly, pointing directly at Shu. "Come with me, I have work for you"

He heard the snickers around the room, all the others assuming the things he was assuming. Lui was gonna torture him. Shu didn't move, or even make an attempt to move. He just kept staring as if he couldn't understand the words coming out of Lui's mouth. "Oi" One of the boys stood, hissing at his ear, "It's Prince Lui talking to you, go."

Shu broke the gaze from Lui and turned to the boy standing beside him, "H-huh?" He gave Shu a smug look. Shu wasn't even trying to mask his fear at the moment. He just wanted to run away until he collapses, or close his eyes and pretend this all to be a dream. He heard Lui groan and before he could turn around there was a hand on his wrist, and a tug in his arm dragging him out of the room. Shu stumbled the first few steps trying to match his pace with Lui. His heart was racing inside his chest as he took a few turns and abruptly stopped in a quiet hallway. Shu crashed into him from the impact. "Whoa, calm down, snowflake"

Shu looked up at him in surprise, there it was, snowflake. Shu snatched his arms from Lui and took two steps back, still breathing wildly, ready to run at any given moment. "What do you want, Shirosagi?"

Lui fully turned to him and crossed his arms, "A thank you would be-" He stopped, frowning. A wave of guilt passing through his eyes, "Never mind"

Shu gave him a confused look, momentarily wondering why did Lui bring him here, "Geez, for god's sake I'm not going to hurt you. Breathe, Shu"

Shu wrapped his arms around himself lowering his eyes, "What do you want?" He repeated his question.

Lui frowned, "I need to show you something. C'mon"

Shu shook his head, refusing. "No" He muttered, barely audible to his own ears. Don't fucking cry, he thought to himself blinking away the tears that were pooling inside his red eyes. Don't you dare cry in front of him.

Lui seems to notice the change, or maybe even the glistening tears in his eyes. "What's wrong? Listen, I know I was shitty to you yesterday, but I found out something and I want to show it to you. I promise, no more hurting"

Shu looked up at him, he was pinching his own arms trying to focus, trying to draw his mind away from the thoughts piling inside his mind. "W-What did you do?" His voice cracks, giving in. "Last night... what happened?"

Lui got a sense of déjà vu. It was like the past was repeating. But this time, Shu was not in a simple mood like the last time, Shu was serious. Frightened. Frightened of him. "I-" He sighed, "Damned it. I should've thought. Listen, nothing happened. I was just trying to keep you alive. Do you think I'd do anything for you after I saw that experience inside your own mind? What is this Shu?" He was getting angrier, Shu noticed, "I know I was shitty to you. Oh heck, yes! I admit it and I'm not proud of myself for acting blindly like that but to think I'd do such a damn thing? Have your thoughts about me fallen that low?"

Shu bit his bottom lip, looking down. Had they? Had his thoughts fallen that low? Even though he was overwhelmed by emotions, somewhere deep down he knew there should be a reason for that but the past traumas were still too fresh inside his mind. Past is like that, it follows you through everything like your own shadow, ready to swallow you whole at any given chance. "I-" Shu started, "I don't know"

---

Lui took another step towards Shu and this time the albino didn't step back, he looked up at Lui. A faint hope written inside his ruby eyes. He didn't push back when Lui took his hands caressing them softly. That's when the first tear fell. Shu bowed his head so that his bangs covered his eyes. Lui waited patiently as the albino cried, right in front of him. Small sounds of sobs escaping his lips, tremors running down his body. Lui felt the grip on his hands tightened. He had the urge to wrap his arms around Shu and hold him close but he didn't want to scare the albino more, so he decided against it. "You alright?" Lui finally asked, realizing that Shu had started to calm down.

He nodded, pulling his hands away from Lui's hold, as he rubbed them against his own eyes. "Sorry"

Lui wordlessly unhooked the cloak resting on his shoulder and wrapped it around Shu narrow ones. He looked up in surprise, "Lui?"

"We're going somewhere cold, you're going to need that" Lui pulled the hood over Shu's head, and tucked one of the stray bangs behind his ear. Shu hummed, not asking questions. It was not only for warmth, both of them knew. It was an extra safety measure. If someone saw both of them together, getting along. It would be both of their doom. Prince or not, Lui was still a citizen of Hyoketsu. Innocent or not, Shu was still an enemy.

Lui walked in front of him, passing the hallways. As they started getting closer to the ice palace, the air got colder and they didn't meet any more servants along the way. It was a confidential place. Somewhere many weren't allowed to visit. Shu shivered despite the heavy, wool cloak he was wearing. "Lui, i-is this?"

"The ice palace" Lui said, guiding them through a cold hallway. He stepped carefully, looking for any guards on patrol. Even if they saw him, they didn't stop him. Lui was relieved because he knew that many assumed his companion was Aki because the last few days, the two of them had been together a lot. He stopped in front of the massive room and opened the door leading Shu in. After they were inside he closed it and locked the door from the inside. It was only at that moment Lui finally let out a relieved breath. They were safe. Safe inside the room. He knew no one would come. First, because everyone was still mourning Yuki's death and second, Yuki's death ritual would be held tonight. Everyone was busy with that.

---

Shu took a look around the massive room. It was designed with shelves and tables sprawled with various records and maps. He felt a sudden nostalgia, he missed home. He remembered that this is identical to their own record room back in Moeru. He walked to one of the tables and dragged his fingers through the smooth wooden desk. Stacks of books on the surface. Why am I here? Shu thought. He was pretty sure that outsiders are not allowed inside a room like this. "Lui?" He questioned taking down his hood.

He watched as the other walked to a nearby shelf and took down a wooden box. Shu's eyes traced Lui's actions carefully as he set it on the table. It was weird. Weird to see a person who lost someone close acting so composed. He wondered whether Lui had even cried. Well, he did yesterday but Shu felt a pang of sympathy towards the boy. In Hyoketsu, things were rough. No one gave you a shoulder to cry and crying was a weakness. "Oi" Lui called, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Come here"

Shu walked to him. Lui reached for his wrist and snapped off the restrain bracelet. Shu blinked, looking at the reddened stripe of skin, where the bracelet had dug into. Lui opened the box revealing an arrow. The design is quite familiar. No, exactly familiar. It looked like an arrow from the Moeru kingdom. "I've heard that the Moeru kingdom applies special magic to their arrows," Shu nodded at this statement. "If it's true you must be able to derive strength from this. You're the royal blood of Moeru. Tell me whether you can feel it or not"

Shu raised his brow, "And, you're gonna believe me? What if I said yes anyway? I would never prove my own kingdom guilty, would I?"

Lui smirked, "Our power flows are connected. If your power flow changed or got influenced by the arrow as it normally should, it's from Moeru. I have my ways, Snowflake"

There was it again, the nickname. Shu averted his gaze from Lui and took a step closer to the arrow. His palm hovering over the empty space over the box. He waited to feel the power surge, something but there was none. "What the-" Shu muttered, picking up the arrow to his hands. His eyes running down the wooden material and the characters carved into it. He instantly noticed the flaw and realized that this arrow had not disappeared. Initially, he thought it was some magic but now that he picked it up, he could not feel the least connection from the arrow. Just nothing. This is not ours. This is not even from our kingdom. This is an impersonated one.

There was no stop for the chain of his thoughts as he set the arrow down. Realization dawned on Shu as he wondered aloud, "Someone is trying to frame Moeru." He was overwhelmed with emotions, but a tiny part of him was happy that it was not his kingdom. They were innocent. Shu knew that his evidence to prove the arrow is a fake one would not work at all. Even if Lui tried, in this critical situation, it would be counted as treason. The war had already begun, there was no stopping it.

Lui nodded, closing the box. "Already figured."

"That's why you-" Shu stopped. That's why Lui had probably started to trust him. "Lui, what's going on?"

Lui stared hard at him for a minute before speaking. He revealed all the things he and Aki had found until now. "I'm sorry" He said, finally. "Yuki's death clouded my judgement. I just couldn't believe it."

Shu hummed, "Lui, are you okay?"

The white tyrant looked up at him with a questioning gaze. "I am. Why are you asking?"

Shu shrugged, "You just look too fine to me. I mean," He struggled to find the right words. To say something without hurting him.

"You mean, I look like I haven't lost my sister two days ago? I don't look sad at all? It's like I don't care, is it?"

Shu shook his head, realizing Lui's voice was at the edge again. "No, I-" Shu inhaled sharply as Lui took a step towards him. At first, Shu thought Lui was angry again. He was ready to shield himself for any attack when the other wrapped his arms around Shu's waist, hiding his face on the crook of his neck. Shu froze, stunned by the sudden intimacy. Sure, they had been close together before but mostly in a time of crisis, in a battlefield, in a training ground. Right now, there were only two of them inside this room. Safe from all the outside crises and horrors. This felt different, Shu noted blindly before he heard Lui crying. He was actually crying. Not the tears out of anger like before. But real tears out of the loss of his sister.

Shu wrapped his arms around Lui in a tight grasp. In Hyoketsu, there was no one to care for you. You are to bear your burdens alone, but Shu knew the loss of his sister was too great of a burden. Once in a while, even a Hyoketsu warrior needs someone to lean on. In the end, they're all only human. His sobs were quiet but felt loud inside the empty room. Shu rubbed comforting circles on his back. "I'm sorry" Shu whispered, "I'm sorry for your loss" I'm sorry you had to go through this alone. I'm sorry you are in such pain. I'm sorry that you lost your sister. I'm so sorry Lui. These were the thoughts he didn't speak out loud but whirled inside his mind.

After a while, Lui pushed away from him, leaving them both momentarily dazed. "Wanna sit down?" Shu asked, gesturing at the small couch in between two shelves. Lui just hummed as they both walked and sat down on it. Both quiet. Lui wiped against his eyes, resting his face on his palms. "Have you slept at all?"

Lui glanced at him, "I'm fine"

"You have to take care of yourself," Shu said quietly.

"I'll manage"

Shu patted at his lap, "Come here, sleep for a while. You look like you're about to pass out at any given moment"

Lui finally turned his head to look at him. He looked as he was about to reject but seemed to decide against it as he laid on the couch, his head resting on Shu's lap. "We'll find them," Shu said, looking at Lui's royal purple eyes.

"Who?"

"The ones who did this to her" Shu said, raising his eyes to look at the box. "We'll find them"

Lui hummed, closing his eyes. "Yeah, but first we got a war in hand and we have to get you out of here, Snowflake"

"I'd be fine"

"Yeah?" Lui sighed, "I doubt that. Your father better hurry, I can't keep protecting you forever"

Shu rolled his eyes, leaning against the couch as he stared at the ceiling. I hope so too, he thought. He just spaced out for a few minutes and turned to Lui again, about to mention to him about the fact that he's practically sleeping on the lap of the enemy when he saw the peaceful face of the White Tyrant. Actually, it was pretty rare to see him like that. Without frowned, ceasing his brow, his lips twisted into a scowl. But right now, Lui looked different. Different in a handsome way. Shu flushed, realizing he's staring at Lui. He tapped against his cheek averting his gaze to the floor in front of them.

Minutes ticked by and Lui finally stirred startling Shu out of his thoughts. The ablino watched as his eyelids fluttered open revealing the violet underneath them. He frowned, his eyes darting around for a few seconds before finally settling on a certain pair of red eyes. Shu watched as Lui came out of his sleepy daze and sat up. "How long did I-?"

Shu shrugged, "Just a few hours. I told you, you needed that."

Lui groaned, standing up. "Let's go. You have to eat something"

Shu blinked, only then realizing the deep ache inside his stomach. Lui walked past him and stood by the door, opening it only an inch signaling Shu to come along. The albino pulled down his hood covering his face as he followed down the hallways looking around. "There ain't many servant around today"

Lui hummed, "We're having a memorial festival for Yuki today."

"This soon?" Shu asked, quite surprised. In Moeru, they hold Memorial festivals upon their yearly death anniversaries.

"After two or three days we always hold one of these for the passed away one. We're going to celebrate all the memories we had with Yuki. Her favourite food, drinks, places, everything will be celebrated and" Lui sighed, suddenly looking distant. "We let her go. There's this belief that our loved one can't rest in peace when we're holding onto them too much without letting go. So we let go, holding her memories in our minds and treasuring them but still we goes on with life"

Shu listened to each word carefully and he thought it was beautiful. It was the first time he was hearing about this tradition. People always have a hard time when they are trying to let go of someone they love but here in Hyoketsu they let go of them, for both the parties. "So, everyone should be decorating the capital"

"Yes" Lui replied, opening the door to his room. Shu followed him in. Both of them were welcomed with the sweet aroma of freshly made sushi. "I told them to make something for me. As usual, they overdid it"

Shu gave him an amused smile looking at the table filled with various dishes. Shu unhooked the cloak around him and placed it neatly on the nightstand beside Lui's bed. He rubbed his arms already missing the warmth. "It's so cold here"

"It's not" Lui said, gesturing at one of the chairs in front of the table. "This is our normal temperature."

"Crazy" Shu muttered, sitting down in front of Lui. They both started eating silently and were soon finished with the meal when Shu finally got up. "I better leave now. It would be suspicious if I was here with you the whole day"

Lui frowned, "You don't have to. I can make up some excuse"

Shu smiled, "You've done more than enough Lui." He placed his hands on his hips. "I'm okay now. I'll be fine. Everyone's busy with their work in the city plaza, so there wouldn't be much to do in here"

Lui sighed, letting him go. "Be careful"

"I will," Shu nodded, walking out of the room with one last smile. Even though he said it himself, he wasn't sure what would happen when he walked back into the servant quarters. Somehow, before he could walk any further one of the workers called him. Shu turned to the man who was calling him. Shu knew him. He was the main chef in the kitchen and he rarely came out of the place. But there he was, standing in front of him with a tray of food in his hands.

"You" He said, handing him the food. "This is for the queen. Take the food to her."

Shu blinked, wasn't he afraid that he'd poison this food? Shu took the tray to his hands and watched the man leave without another word and Shu didn't expect him to hang around and talk either. None of them believed him. What puzzled him was the trust that he quite suddenly put in him to deliver something for the Queen herself. Shu shrugged the thoughts off and found his way to the Queen's palace. It wasn't hard to find hence he had passed it on the way to Lui's room. Balancing the tray from one of his arms Shu knocked at the door. There was a nerve wrecking silence before finally he was allowed in. Shu opened the door and stepped inside. The room was bigger than Lui's, obviously. Before his eyes could dart around the room, what he noticed was the furious gaze of the Queen planted on him. That's when it dawned to him. It's not that the chef trusted him. He was specifically asked by the queen.

Shu placed the food tray on the table where the breakfast tray was still lying. The food was still there, untouched. Shu bowed, turning on his heel about to leave. He had enough problems in this kingdom as it is he didn't want to face the anger of another Shirosagi after one of them just made up with him. Unfortunately, he couldn't. He knew the attack was coming. He could've easily dodged it but he did nothing when the woman pinned him against the wall, a knife pressed against his throat. Her eyes reflected nothing but pure fury and behind that layer of anger Shu knew what there was. It was agony. Pure agony of losing a child. Her hand was shaking despite the tight grip around the knife. She didn't speak, didn't insult. It was like all the words that were inside her mind were swallowed by sorrow. Finally, she let go of him, without making any further harm.

"Why are you at fault?" She whispered, her voice faint and unsteady. She placed her palm on his cheek, "You're just like her, another victim of this war of adults."

Shu blinked, "H-huh?"

She gestured at the door. "You can leave now."

Shu stood there for a while, not knowing what to do. "I thought you asked for me because you wanted to ask me something?"

The Queen turned and shook her head, "I just wanted to see you. I thought I'd be angrier when I see you but" She stopped, looking at an art hanging by the wall. Shu instantly recognized the pictured person: Yuki. "There's nothing wrong with you. It's the fault of the others. The innocent are just falling victims."

Shu looked down at his feet. Even though she had this ideology Shu knew she wouldn't dare to interfere with any of the actions regarding his situation. Not because she didn't want to risk it and cut off the chances for Shu to escape but because she thought he deserved it. If Yuki died because of these struggles. If she fell into the hands of the victim and lost her life, she didn't see why any other child shouldn't face the same fate. Some people might call this selfishness but then again, the emotions and the love of the mother is fathomless. Maybe it was selfishness, maybe it was just pain disguised in some other way. Shu excused himself from the room, thinking about her words.

There was one question dancing inside his mind. If it wasn't Moeru, who did this? The only enemy cities around this part of the world were Moeru and Hyoketsu. The war had been raging on for years before this peace was concluded. Then again, the war raged on because Hyoketsu- Shu stopped on his tracks, his eyes widening, his mind working with a newfound vigour and suddenly everything seems like deja vu. He had been there, he had seen something exactly just like this. It was like history is repeating. Shu didn't have much time for himself, to think through the new information that came to his mind. He was called by the others to work at the city to decorate. Shu kept his head low and didn't look at the others while he walked past the citizens. He knew they despised him. Hateful glares were thrown at his way all the time but Shu did not mind because he was ready to face all the hatred. He came to this kingdom as a traitor, and this treatment is something he expected through them.

When the nightfall came everything was ready. Shu was standing in the darkest corner of the city feeling comfortable in the isolation. He watched everything happening right in front of his eyes. Everyone quieted down as the royal family made their way through the crowd to the wooden temporary podium built in the middle of the city plaza. Everyone was silent as they recollected their memories with Yuki. These were the streets she walked down, hand in hand with Aki giggling and laughing. They are the people who admired their princess and watched her growing up. Each and everyone had memories of her which they clung into fearing they will disappear at any moment. These were the people she considered her family. Shu had only met Yuki once but it was enough for him to identify her colourful, cheery personality. It's hard to let go of a person. Especially if they have so many memories which they left behind.

Shu was drawn out of his thoughts by a cold touch on his shoulder. Shu defensively turned around ready to attack whoever was coming up from behind. It was not a habit, it was an instinct. Lui put his hands up in surrender, "It's just me"

Shu relaxed, standing straight. "Don't sneak up on me"

Lui rolled his eyes and gestured towards the patch of forest lying behind them. The only place that was quiet and not lit from the memorial ceremony. Shu followed him into the deep, dark forest. It was still except for the slight swishes coming from the trees and the mysterious grunts coming out from the massive trunks. They walked for what felt like hours but Shu didn't question. By now, he knew Lui would not harm him and he was used to hanging around with the White Tyrant all the time back when they were learning in the school. He wondered whether Lui did not want to see people letting go of Yuki. He walked beside him. The sound of their footsteps echoing through the forest.

Finally, he stopped. Shu broke his gaze from the ground to the front. The world stopped. Shu hadn't been into many places but he was sure if even if he had been to many places he would never see a place like this. In front of them was a clearing in the middle of the woods. Throughout the clearing were crystal flowers, swaying softly to the rhythm of the wind. The transparent petals reflecting the moonlight that the whole area looked like diamonds or mirrors reflecting silver lights. It was stunning. Shu drew in a breath, "It's beautiful"

"Yuki and I used to come here when we need just time to ourselves"

"Wait," Shu frowned, "You mean people don't come here?"

Lui slid down the slop in front of them and extended his hand. Shu took Lui's hand without a second thought as he got down safely to stand beside Lui. The scenery in front of them was breathtaking and Shu was momentarily dazed from the beauty. "This place is haunted" Lui hissed, against his ear. Shu barely bit back a yelp as he turned around. His ruby eyes widened in surprise.

"Hah?"

Lui grinned. "It's rumored that a girl around our age was killed here. People had seen weird things and heard weird voices around that this place is quiet almost everyday."

Shu shivered, "Somehow, it feels real"

"Of course it is. That's why this was our hiding place" Lui smiled to the distance, as if he's reminiscing the memories of his sister. Shu slipped his hand to Lui's and gave it a comforting squeeze. Lui didn't turn to look at him. Instead, Shu felt his fingers intervening with his own. "C'mon, let's walk around a bit"

Shu hummed, letting go of his hands as he took the lead out of pure fascination. He looked at the knee high flowers brushing against him. It was like they held their own glow of silver. Even though the darkness of the night was surrounding them like a thick veil, a fantastical, eerie silver glow was added to it by the crystal flowers. Stopping in the middle of it, Shu thought this place looked like it was straight out from a fantasy story, and it was beautiful. Shu turned, "Lui" He talked, only to see the White Tyrant was missing. Shu frowned, "Lui?" He moved in circles looking around. "If you're trying to scare me, it's not-" Shu stopped. A chill ran down his body as he felt a cold hand slipping against the back of his neck. He yelped loudly turning around, horror stricken.

Lui rolled his eyes, "It's not working~ Are you sure about that? Snowflake?"

Even in the darkness lighted by the eerie glow of the moon, Lui could see the tint of red on Shu's cheeks. "You're so annoying!" He growled, ready to tackle Lui to the ground. Lui took a step backward with the same shit eating grin on his face as he dashed away from the younger who was trying to reach him. "Wait, you little-"

Lui's stop was so abrupt that it resulted in Shu crashing against him, tackling him both to the cold dirt. Lui turned at the last moment that Shu was on top of him staring confusedly at his deep violet eyes. Shu pushed away from him and sat down, the tint on his cheeks deepening. Lui felt his own cheeks flaming as he imitated the other's gesture. "So" Shu talked, "Are you letting go? Of the memories I mean"

"Do I have to?" Lui questioned.

Shu turned and stared at him for a moment, "I guess you can hold onto them and at the same time move on. It's your choice, Lui"

"Have you ever lost someone close to you?"

Shu smiled, a tiny sad smile that gave Lui his answer. "Yeah"

"Sucks, doesn't it?" Lui said, turning to meet Shu's eyes. Shu chose the same exact moment to turn back to him.

"Yes, it sucks"

There were many words they could have spoken at the moment. Many synonyms, alternatives they could've chosen to describe the feelings but they didn't have to. A single word, a single look was enough to sum up the whole loss. It sucks, that's what it was. One moment they were here and the other moment they're not. It was as simple as that. Many poets, novelists might give description, poems to these feelings but the simplest way it can be described is that, it sucks.

Under the moonlight, the two boys sat down side by side, looking at each other. So many things to be spoken but silent. Under the moonlight, with the eerie glow lighting his pale face Shu looked beautiful . Lui looked at his soft, pink lips and felt the sudden urge to meet them with his own. Felt the desire to run his fingertips over his pale, clear skin. "Lui?" Shu talked, breaking his stance. Lui blinked snapping back into reality.

"Yeah?"

Shu was focusing on something in front of them. A small glowing dot of yellow in front of them. An instant smile took over his lips, "Snowflake, the magic is going to happen."

Shu was already on his feet as the dot disappeared just to be replaced with thousands of light rising from seemingly nowhere. "Fireflies" Shu breathed, his eyes twinkling in fascination.

"Yes'' Lui smiled at Shu's excitement. The albino had never seen something like this, he was sure. Lui tipped his head back to stare into the sky wondering whether Yuki would be mad that he shared their secret place with someone else. "Lui, is this real?" Lui just pinched his arm. Shu winced, nodding to himself. "Okay, it's real"

He felt his heart filling with warmth. He looked at the sky again, knowing Yuki would never be mad. The place Shu had in his heart was different. The piece he gave to Yuki would never change, because she's irreplaceable. Just like Shu was slowly becoming. "You can catch them," Lui said, taking Shu's hand as fireflies glowed all around them. Almost as if small fairies have come out of their homes to dance around them. Lui released Shu's hand and cupped his palms around one of the fireflies who settled on his palms for a few seconds. Shu watched in wonder.

"Can I?" He asked, like a child asking for something made of glass. Something that carefully needed to be tended with care. Lui stood behind Shu and guided his arms. Shu carefully followed his gestures and finally the tiny bug landed on his open palm. "Oh my god" Shu whispered.

Lui snorted, "Why are you whispering?"

Shu blinked, and shrugged. "It just feels right," He whispered again.

"Stop whispering, it's creepy" Lui grunted and right at the moment the firefly on Shu's palm decided to fly away.

Shu moaned, "Aww, you scared it away!"

Lui bumped their shoulder lightly, "Don't be ridiculous"

"Rude" Shu muttered, "Rude, idiot, asshole, dumbass"

"That's how you're showing your gratitude. Who showed you one of the best things you can see in your life?" Lui asked, raising his brow in a challenging manner.

Shu made a dramatic bow, "Thank you, my lord" He stood up back again, "You're such an asshole" He said in the next very minute before turning back to the fireflies flying around him, glowing in a greenish yellow.

Lui shook his head and wrapped his arms around Shu from behind, taking the younger by surprise. Shu squeaked in surprise, "Lui!"

"You're gonna get it" Lui said, placing his chin on the crook of his neck staring at the scene in front of him. The one he shared with Yuki, now sharing with Shu. Both special to him but in different ways. Shu relaxed against his body, his red eyes darting around, trying to catch the scenery into his mind. To emboss the picture in his heart. Lui's warmth against his body, fireflies cutting off the darkness blending to the white glow of the crystal flowers. It was like a piece of heaven had been planted on earth and Shu was lucky enough to see it, standing with someone he treasured.

Lui finally let go. "We better go, they might be looking for me"

Shu hummed. Frankly, he liked the silence and the peaceful atmosphere here. Even the thought of going back to face the glare and the hatred was like thousand venomous needles pricking against his skin. Lui noticed the change on his face, "Don't worry, I'm here, alright?"

Shu smiled, "Yeah"

Lui and Shu stood facing each other for a moment before Lui closed the gap between them, his lips brushing against Shu's forehead which was warm against his lips. He could feel Shu stiffened under the sudden intimacy. When Lui pushed away, Shu did nothing to hide the most evident blush on his face. Lui tucked a white bang behind his ear and he didn't stop himself when he spoke, "You're beautiful"

On other times, Shu would've pushed him away. Would've lost his mind over the simple compliment but he just smiled. He was used to the nuances they shared. The subtle compliments Lui gave away whenever he was comfortable and relaxed. Lui shook his head, taking Shu's hand in his own. Shu looked a one last look over his shoulder to see the fireflies, the crystal flowers and the unearthly prettiness of them all. "Lui, thank you for bringing me here"

Lui just nodded in return, "It's not only for you, you know?" He looked back at the crystal flowers. "I came to let go, but I thought I'd bear the memories with me."

Shu smiled, "As you wish, ice prince"

Lui squeezed his hand as they started to make their way through the forest. Their shoulder brushing together and a comfortable silence in between them. Both of them had no idea what might happen in the next few days. They were just focusing on the moment. Blinded to the shadows of the future looming behind them like a storm.