It was almost noon when everyone got ready to perform in the tournaments. As they said, being the shooter of the arrow in the Sky god festival brings honour and prosper to one's life. Almost all of the students were anticipated to join and everyone was going for the win. Shu and Lui had been distant this morning and it was almost like the spark of friendship that dawned on them for a few days just vanished into thin air. Lui stood in the farthest corner with Gou while Shu stood with Wakiya, Honcho and Valt. Wakiya was boasting about his skills while Honcho passed snarky and teasing comments at the boy, but almost everyone knew that they had gotten much closer than they used to be. Shu bit his lip as he ran a finger through the soft and smooth wooden surface of his bow. Since he was young, archery was the only skill his father let him master. Mostly, rather than labour, it required precise stratagem and a good eye for the aim. Since it was almost harmless, he was assigned to practice archery with his teachers. Unlike the other skills, which he secretly practiced at late hours or in the nooks and the corners of the castle, archery was something he mastered throughout the years freely. He raised his eyes to the main door which led to the training grounds to see quite a surprising spectator entering the arena. Several gasps could be heard as it was soon outrun by the sound of the mutterings. Zac blinked. "D-Dad?"

The King smiled at him and looked around the crowd of students, standing there with stunned looks. None of them expected to have an audience with him randomly. "Everyone ready?"

Zac grinned. "You bet we all are!"

The king nodded and walked toward the seat where the Headmaster waited by. He flashed a smile at Shu remembering the crazy night where he had his first audience with the boy. Shu flushed, remembering everything Lui said about that night. Just to be polite, the albino smiled back at the king, ducking his head quickly afterwards. Lui gave Shu a smug look for which the latter glared. That idiot is always enjoying my sufferings, the albino thought in complete frustration. After everyone settled down the competition started. Shu didn't really think that they would have this much of an audience. Even a fair amount of villagers were there, watching the skill of the princes whispering among them as a talented archer stepped in. Agitation grew inside his mind. He looked beside him to see Valt, fidgeting with his fingers. He was nervous, not because of his skill, mostly because of the crowds. Just as him, Valt had never been the person who can compose himself in front of an audience. The difference among them was that Shu stayed composed among all the odds while Valt revealed his every feeling through his expressions. When Free walked to the arena, a loud cheer broke out, mostly from the girls who swooned at his looks. The task ain't simple. It's like a rehearsal before the actual festival. They had to pick the fruit, using the arrow. Almost all of them lost their aim and some came closer but the arrow always went past, the apple was never plucked. Free shot his arrow. His shot was a good one, mostly than the others but his arrow also missed from a nick. By now, almost everyone had concluded it to be a mission impossible.

Even strong students like Valt, Lui, Zac and even Gou missed the fruit. In Lui's case, the tyrant was so aggressive that the arrow was stuck in the middle of the apple and Shu found out that archery was not at all his thing because Lui is the type who wanted to walk into his enemy and beat the shit out of him. When Shu took his stance, almost everyone had given up hope, and frankly not so much of the students had high hopes about Shu because he was always average at everything and didn't surpass the ability of Lui and the rest who already failed.

Lui watched as the albino took his posture. By looking at the male, Lui could recognize the familiarity in his body language. He held his bow accurately in the correct position, his crimson eyes focused on the target, nothing else. The truth was, there was a little guilt inside his mind for what he said. It was rare indeed. He never regretted anything he said to anyone, because he always spoke the truth and didn't sugarcoat anything. Nevertheless, he wanted to clear his mind from all the swirling thoughts because Shu and him are partners in the tournament and getting along is a strong part of it. Even though he hated to agree with that, he couldn't hate that idiot. Those crimson eyes and that confused look he gives and those fierce and determined glances were enough to make him likeable. Even though he himself knew that it was weird, his heart always told him that Shu could be trusted. It can be the reason that Shu seemed to trust him thoroughly or else it can be the reason that Shu is still unstained by the ways of the world. He focused on the competition again. Shu had his bow drawn. His posture was good, no, Lui thought inspecting closer. It was perfect. The gap between his legs, the turn on his body and the distance on his arms and the length the bow was drawn is, by his calculation, beyond perfect. Lui gave an impressed look as Shu finally let the arrow go. The arrow flew, cutting through the air whiz passing the world in a blur as it finally landed on the stalk of the fruit connected to the tree and the next thing they knew was the sound of the apple falling to the ground.

There was an awed silence for several seconds as they just watched. Shu put down the bow and arrow, his look was neutral, calm and collected. He had done this thousand times and it didn't feel like a big deal to him anymore. The King of the Akarui kingdom stood up, applauding. Shu turned around as he walked toward him with a welcoming smile. "I heard about your skill in archery and now I'm marveled by the fine display"

Shu bowed, stepping out from the arena. "Thank you sire"

The King nodded. "You would be holding the honor in this sky god festival Shu. I'll be looking forward to another grand performance there"

Shu smiled. "Of course!"

The Headmaster gave him the instructions as the other students walked out to do their daily training and learning sessions. Shu waited behind to listen to the instructions he had to follow and the importance of the Sky God Festival. Nervousness wasn't what filled him as he heard about them, it was the excitement to check out something new. Explore something different. After he was released, he walked toward the garden where Valt and the others were waiting for him. Valt grinned seeing him walking up to them. "Yo Shu! That was awesome man! No wonder they tell you have a Hawk's eye for archery"

Shu smiled. "Thanks Valt."

Wakiya shook his head. "That was really amazing honestly"

Honcho gasped beside him, dramatically falling to one of his knees as he looked up at Wakiya. "Oh my god! Wakiya complimented someone. Is this the end of the world?"

Wakiya kicked his shin, glaring at the blonde. "Shut up Kiyama! I'll kill you one day, mark my words"

Shu chuckled at his antiques. The rude comments and the collision with Lui fading away from his mind when Sisco suddenly talked. "Look, Mr. Grumpy is here"

Shu blinked, spinning around to see none other than Shirosagi Lui. The albino bit his lip, cursing himself for talking too soon. "You want something Lui?" Honcho asked, looking at the white tyrant who's focusing on Shu.

"I came to talk with this chicken head in private"

Shu just shot a glare at him and walked passed the male without even glancing at him. Lui turned around and grabbed his wrist in a flash. "I'm talking to you candy cane"

Shu raised his brow, can't he get more creative with those stupid names honestly? "I don't wanna talk to anyone. Especially to Shirosagi Lui because I have nothing to say" He forced his hand out from the firm grip of Lui. Lui grunted, annoyed, and of course he didn't listen to a word the albino uttered and quite surprisingly Valt and the others didn't stopped the duo as they watched Lui drag Shu away from them. Everyone was in confusion about their relationship, because they act like they're best friends and in the next second they are enemies. None of them knew what was going on with both of them. Lui stopped when they reached the far corner of the land, just beside the stables. Shu wandered whether Lui wanted to take a ride again. He did promise yesterday, the albino thought watching the white tyrant walking to the black stallion who neighed at the familiar approach of his master. Lui guided Kuro to him and hauled onto it. Shu gave him a questioning gaze as he offered his hand. "You want me to get on Kuro as well?"

Lui nodded. "I figured that this is the best way to teach someone. Come on"

Shu hesitantly accepted the arm and got on to the horse, sitting in front of Lui. Yesterday, because of the rush of the wind and the agitation of the moment he didn't realize the closeness of their position. Today, since he had no other thoughts to rush his mind, the only feeling he could focus on was the rush of Lui's breath against his neck, and his hand around him holding onto the reins. "You're stiff like a rock," Lui grumbled. "I'm not going to kill you"

Shu clicked his tongue looking to the distance. The sun was blazing up in the sky and the harsh sun rays hit their skin. Certainly not a good time to go for a ride, Shu thought as Lui rode the Horse closer to the river bank. The air was much colder near the river. The whole ride was in silence and Shu started to think that the whole talking thing was just a fluke but just after they were out of earshot of any other people in the vicinity Lui stopped Kuro and got down, helping Shu to get down as well. He silently released the horse as it ran down the grassy plain helping himself to a good afternoon meal. Then he walked beside him and sat down on the river bank, the rush of water almost touching the tip of his boots. Shu sat down beside him, crossing his legs. "I want to talk"

"You already said that" Shu muttered under his breath, picking on stray grass on the dirt.

"You did great, in the archery competition I mean"

Shu just gave him an apathetic look. "Oh really? Now you're here to be my friend because I'm not as weak as I look?"

Lui clicked his tongue. "You're so hard to talk to"

"I never intend to make it easy either"

"Can't you shut your big mouth for a minute and let the guy do the talking?"

"Well, excuse me, but I am a guy too. In case you're single celled brain forgot" Shu grumbled, drawing his knees to his chest. "I don't have anything to-" Lui reached down and clamped his hand on Shu's mouth, stopping the albino mid sentence.

"I'm the one who said I need to talk. For god's sake, shut up"

Shu grumbled to his hand, saying something. But the words came out as a muffled cry. "What are you saying?" Lui asked, completely clueless about the topic.

Shu gave him an, are you serious look making the other groan again. "Okay fine. You don't open your mouth until I finish talking"

Shu lowered his eyes, but nodded. Lui took his hand away and let it fall limply to his lap. "Can I trust you Kurenai?"

Shu looked at him, "What do you mean?"

"You know what's the first thing about betrayals? It never comes from your enemies, it's always a friend or a person you trusted the most. That's why I don't believe in that fluke called friendship" He said, a distant look passing through his features. Shu stayed quiet, letting the other continue. "You saw it"

Shu hummed, he remembered the vision inside Lui's mind. That memory he saw when they had their bonding experience. His own cousin betrayed him and Shu didn't blame Lui for having trust issues after that. "What about Gou?" Shu talked. As far as he knew Gou and Lui held a strong bond.

"Gou is" Lui said, "He is an exception. Someone different and someone who stayed by my side through thick and thin and even saved my life in some battles we fought together. I trust him because I know about him and I have seen him through his worst just as he saw me through mine. And he's the only stranger I trust, except for my own family"

"Why are you saying all this to me?" Shu questioned. His eyes were plastered on Lui's face. And he once again realized the shine of that violet eyes, and it was drawing him in.

"Because you're just some kind of a weirdo. I mean, you trust everyone to be your friend. Those strangers, you don't even know much about them. And then again, you're loyal and all and it piss my off"

"Hah?" Shu asked in confusion.

"Okay listen you blockhead" Lui started making the other male grunt.

"Don't get creative with names. It disgusts me" Shu shot back.

Lui ignored his statement. "I'm going to trust you. It's not because we have gone through some stuff. And both of us are total opposites and almost strangers who know nothing about each other. But still, there is this weird feeling telling me to trust you and you can be trusted. I know I'm taking a great risk here. Because you're the son of my father's enemy. I can only hope" Lui said, standing up, looking to the horizons unfolding in the distance. "Only hope that you won't stab me behind my back"

Shu followed his suit and stood up. "I don't know how things go in Hyoketsu. I know you people are hardy soldiers and tough ones but in Moeru we always have this tradition" He said, fishing out the lucky charm he brought that day. Lui raised his brow seeing the charm was broken to two wristbands. Each of them holding five beads of the dragon bead in the red background. "Here" Shu said, handing him one. Lui took it from his hand. "This is a token of our friendship. This may sound lame, but it does work. In the name of Moeru" Shu said, facing Lui. "I promise you I won't ever betray you Shirosagi Lui"

Lui's lips curled into a rare, small smile as he put on the bracelet. "I'll trust in you I guess"

The two shook hands breaking the cold ice between them, welcoming the newly burning fire of friendship. Shu didn't know how things would end up for him and he didn't know the outcome of this friendship, but he pledged to himself that no matter how crucial the circumstances might be, he will never betray Lui. Lui cleared his throat. "I've been wanting to ask, you stare at my eyes weirdly?"

Shu averted his gaze quickly. "I don't know what you're talking about"

Lui grinned, peering to his face. Shu's breath caught in his throat as he stared at him again. "Your eyes" Shu blurted out. "Are not as ugly as I thought"

Lui pulled away. "What the- you're such a weirdo"

Shu huffed. "Thank you for the compliment!"

Lui shook his head in despair as they decided to walk instead of riding. The evening light kissed their skin as they reached the school grounds. It was mostly quiet because most of the students were resting after a day of heavy training and learning. After giving Kuro food, Shu turned around to walk to the dorms when Lui stopped him. "Where do you think you're going? We still have to train"

Shu tilted his head. "I'm too tired for that Lui. Later"

Lui narrowed his eyes. "You're just lazy"

Lui was right, rather than exhaustion he didn't have the active mind to participate in any training. Shu also knew how stubborn Lui Shirosagi can get. Hence, without thinking twice, he turned around and sprinted toward the dorms. Lui yelled behind him, quickly following the albino. Shu dashed in and stopped to catch a breath. Everything was deadly quiet as he looked up. He did reach the dorms, but sadly it wasn't the right one. "What are you doing here Shu?" Honcho asked, crossing his arms.

The albino gestured him to wait as he catch his breath. It didn't take much time for Lui to figure where Shu went. "And you too Lui" Sisco added, watching the prince entering the dorm.

"I came here to drag this dumbass back to train"

Shu groaned. "I don't wanna train now! Stop torturing me"

Lui grabbed the back of his collar and dragged him to the door, ignoring the protests of the other. "This is kidnapping. Leave me alone"

"No. You're just lazy"

Wakiya watched the duo exiting the dorm just as fast as they came in. "I don't really understand them. Are they friends? Enemies? Or lovers or something?"

Honcho plopped on his comfortable bed, yawning. "Who knows"

---

" Do we have to hug each other every time we activate it?" Shu asked, taking their position.

"Trust me, I'm not all flattered about touching you either" Lui shot back, lacing their fingers as the duo matched the power forces again. By now, it was coming naturally for both of them. They pulled away. There was one flaw in their technique. After each and every outburst of their power, Shu would have a hard time suppressing the fatigue building inside his heart and body.

"Sorry" Shu wheezed out again leaning against Lui.

"It's fine. Catch your breath, we still have time" But the unspoken words spoke louder in their minds. They didn't have much time. Shu knew he had to learn how to control his breathing and find a way to hold on after using their power fusion technique. Or else, there would be no use for any of them in the battle and all the training would be in just vain. "Let's go again," Shu said. Lui nodded, taking the stance again. They trained and trained. Taking a break each time before the albino collapses into the ground. The birds chirped from the trees and besides that everything was silent.

The headmaster watched the duo in silence from the window of his main office. The power fusion technique was something rare. Mostly rare among, two guys who are not family. As far as he knew, something like this was only possible between family members or among two people in the opposite genders. It was his first time seeing two guys trying the same thing, and succeeding in the attempt. His lips curled into a small smile, their friendship needed to be strong in order to overcome this obstacle and these two hard working males reminded him of two identical friends. They did not have the power fusion technique. But they shared a strong friendship with each other and fought side by side against the evil. After many years, things have changed and the two friends were bitter enemies. It was almost surprising, the headmaster thought. That a little incident could change the whole perspective of a person. He missed the times where they used to be friends. The war had separated the bonds they once shared but seeing their sons fighting alongside made him realize that there is still hope left for them. Because as far as he knew, this battle doesn't lie between Hyoketsu and Moeru. It laid between light and dark. It lies within a mysterious continent to the west. The land of dead, and the land where the demons rule.

His thoughts were broken by the sound of the footsteps. The man turned around to see someone familiar. A guy in his early twenties walking over to him. From the first sight, anyone viewed him as a handsome person. His shiny black hair flowed down, curling just above his shoulders. The sharp jawline and the smooth tanned skin gave him the impression of the warrior and a slight resemblance with his father. His deep blue eyes shone with excitement when he looked at the Headmaster, his own father. His name was Himemiya Natsu, the general of the King's most powerful undercover army, Black Panthers. "Natsu" The headmaster nodded at him. The male grinned, perching himself on the windowsill, observing the duo training at the grounds. He was the youngest commander in the kingdom, he inherited his skill from his father and from the training he received since he was young but his strategic mind and the brilliant plans were a gift of his mother. He crossed his legs, balancing himself on the windowsill. The evening sunshine reflected on the scar on his forehead, almost covered by his dark bangs, a memorial from the dark wars that haunted almost all of them, the bloody war between Moeru and Hyoketsu, fire and ice.

"Power fusion" Natsu mused. "Quite interesting I'd say"

The headmaster nodded, "I'm glad to see the Black Panthers are available to participate in the tournaments"

Natsu smiled. "No war is going on, and it's a good opportunity to help us evolve, you know I won't miss such a chance"

The headmaster only smiled, nodding. Natsu turned his eyes back to the training grounds where the two were bickering again. "Moeru and Hyoketsu with power fusion technique. Can be deadly... I guess I'll take them"

The older male sighed. "I knew you would say that. But don't go overboard. They are still trainees"

"I know dad. But still, power fusion technique within two guys are just abnormal. How strong their bond can be?" Natsu's face held a knowing smirk.

The headmaster shook his head. "I'm afraid that's not the case Natsu. Just don't jump to conclusions. I hope their friendship will last longer because this technique would be our key to destroy what lies ahead of us"

Natsu jumped out from his resting place to the floor. His movements were smooth and swift, just as it always had been. "You're still hanging up on that theory," He sighed, walking to the door, stretching his arms. "I have spies everywhere but none of them found anything about that theory of yours. Besides" He stopped, looking over his shoulders, his eyes shadowed but his mouth curled up into a sinister grin. "If it comes to that, Black Panthers will slain them, piece by piece"

The headmaster shook his head lightly, leaning against the window. He knew it was the truth and soon enough, the real villains would come to the play and when that happened he wanted to be ready. He wanted Moeru and Hyoketsu side by side, fighting together to destroy the demons. 

So I was telling my friend how school was keeping me busy and that I didn't have the time to update my books and she looked at me dead in the eyes and said, for some people your update can be the mood lifter and for some it is can be their sole happiness to see the book update in the morning.... and damn i felt that XD