Fourteen months they were in the cold war. No attacks, nothing except for the crippling fear of a massive bloodbath that would drown them soon. Finally, as most of them have predicted, Hyoketsu lost their patience and declared war against Moeru. A troop of Hyoketsu soldiers attacked Moeru borders and destroyed three villages as a warning. King Kurenai couldn't see the destruction and finally took weapons. The two troops read to meet in the plains between the two kingdoms. Citizens of each kingdom started to gather rice and other food and stayed inside their houses. All the young boys and men were occupied, working as soldiers to win the war. To save their country. Shu was able to convince his father about his capabilities and his strategies impressed the court who welcomed their prince with welcomed hands. Itsuki and him worked day and night on strategies while Shu worked on his own one alone. They travelled with their massive platoon to the battlegrounds as the dawn cracked through the night. Shu's mind was occupied with all the things he had to face throughout the year. He had set the plan but one mistake, it would fall apart.

Just as Lui expected, the battleground was chaotic. Moeru soldiers attacked mercilessly, forcing themselves towards their brilliant strategies and formations while Hyoketsu were forcing themselves through their strength. It was a clash between intelligence and physical capabilities. Lui wasn't sure who was winning. He skipped over a corpse and attacked two more Moeru soldiers who came his way. He was looking for a certain mop of white hair. Soldiers dodged, attacked and slashed the enemy mercilessly. Blood pooled like puddles of water after a heavy rain. Lui tried not to think about their families, Shu had certainly ignited a spark of sympathy on him.

Lui knocked out one of the generals of Moeru. He grimaced, turning to see the heavy slash across his arm. He was a general, Lui expected nothing else. He forced his way to the front, his violet eyes working up, darting through the crowd, not paying attention to anyone else when he spotted him. Shu was standing in the middle of two Hyoketsu soldiers. He had changed, not drastically but subtle changes Lui could easily identify. He had gotten taller, his white hair falling down to the middle of his back tied up into a ponytail. A gold circlet with a red ruby glistened on his forehead as he moved through the two soldiers swinging his axe, knocking them both out. Deadly accurate moves. But didn't quite kill the soldiers, disarmed them.

Lui instantly snorted, Shu was still the same soft hearted male he met months ago. Lui circled behind Shu and placed his ice sword on the back of his neck, "Game over, prince Shu"

Lui noticed Shu's shoulders stiffening for a minute, and the albino cautiously turned around. For a second Lui wondered whether he didn't recognize his voice but the smile on his face said otherwise. Shu raised his own axe to Lui's neck. Eye challenging and dancing with excitement. His white robe, painted with splashes of red. Except for his cut on his arm and bruise on his neck, Shu appeared unharmed. "Shirosagi Lui" He said, his voice pronouncing the words carefully, eyes never leaving his own violet, almost as if they were waiting. The last words of his letter echoed in his mind. All around them were chaos, soldiers dropping down with deadly wounds, blood pooling underneath their feet. Lui dropped his sword, and if a soldier came attacking him right now, he could care less about that. Soon another sound followed as Shu dropped his own weapon.

A spark ignited inside Lui's heart as he stepped towards Shu. His heart racing, his eyes moving to the soft curve of Shu's lips. He cupped one side of his cheeks and closed the gap between them. Maybe, time really did stop around them. Suddenly, the roars of the battleground, the metallic smell of blood was nowhere. He couldn't believe how soft Shu's lips were against his. They moved in sync, his hands slipped around Shu's waist as Lui pulled him close, pressing their bodies together. Through his half closed eyes, Lui sneaked a glance at his lover. Shu's eyes were closed, his cheeks tinted in pink, his hands soon found their way around Lui's neck.

Kissing Shu was like watching thousands of fireworks coloring the sky. It was addictive. Kissing him was like a drug, he would always come back to take more.

---

As Shu heard Lui's voice and felt his cold sword against his neck, excitement washed over him rather than fear. He turned around to see Lui standing in front of him. His violet eyes holding his own crimson. He had gotten taller and stronger. Shu's eyes scanned the slash on his skin. When Lui dropped his sword, he realized Lui remembered what he said. Shu felt his own grip loosening and the axe falling to the ground with a loud thud.

No words were shared, Lui's hand, calloused with hours of training, cupped his cheek. Shu felt his heart beat getting quicker as he leaned close. The gap between them was closed. Lui's lips invaded his own, moving with perfect acknowledgement as if he had kissed him before. The flutter in his stomach intensified as Lui pushed him close, his hand wrapping around his waist. The scent of wildflowers invaded his senses. He felt his knees getting weaker from the mere impulse and the emotions. Shu slipped his eyes close and wrapped his hands around his neck, his finger curling against the fabric of Lui's light blue robes.

Kissing Lui was like a dream. A fantasy world where they could kiss each other forever. Heat streaked across his cheeks as their lips parted, eyes still wild with emotions, hands still holding each other. With a sudden giddiness rushing over him, Shu realized he could stare at him forever and never be bored. Those two pools of violet were the deepest he had ever seen. Enigmatic yet strangely naked with emotions. "That was-" Shu found himself stopping, thinking of a word. He was out of words. There was no way he could describe the feeling.

Lui's eyes broke away from him as he looked around. That's when Shu registered the silence. The roars were hushed and the weapons were not clashing. Shu pushed away from Lui, and stumbled a step back in sudden overwhelming attention. His crimson eyes darted across the horrified soldiers and his furious aunt, her fingers curled against her sword. Itsuki looked confused and his father stood by, looking at him with a mixture of both disappointment and surprise. He watched as king Shirosagi took a step to reach Lui when horns blew. Everyone snapped their focus from the two princes to the arriving group. Relief washed through Shu's heart. Free was there on time.

"Snowflake?" Lui asked, gesturing at the arriving troops of Dorein. "What's this?"

Shu slipped his hands into Lui's and squeezed his fingers, "The plan, it's working."

They were all waiting in silence as King De La Hoya stepped down from his horse. King Kurenai and King Shirosagi held their gazes with him as he walked to them. Free walked to the two of them. A smirk on his lips, his dark eyes dancing with fair amusement. "Way to distract a crowd, Shu."

Shu flushed, as Lui's quizzical glance landed on Shu. Free raised his brow, "Maybe it wasn't only a distraction. Desire too, huh?"

Lui frowned, "What's going on?"

Shu pressed his cheek against his upper arm ignoring the glares of his own soldiers. "I persuaded King De La Hoya to stop the war. And I wanted to minimize the destruction and distract them. So, I asked you to-" Shu cut himself off. For a second his mind wondered whether Lui would be mad because he thought the kiss was just a mere distraction. The truth was it held more meaning than anything in his life. "Lui, it's not just for show" He found himself blurting out, "I really love-" Lui cut him off with pressing his finger against Shu's lips.

"I know, Snowflake. You don't have to explain yourself"

Free smiled at both, "Let's go and see what's going on there" He gestured at the three kings, sharing words between them. Shu let go of Lui's hand as they reached the three. King De La Hoya smiled as they arrived, "Prince Shu" He acknowledged with a small nod. Shu nodded back. He didn't know him well but the past few months he had been engaged with Free and his father for the sake of stopping the war. He was the only person who could get between the two kingdoms. Doerin was stronger than both Hyoketsu and Moeru combined. The power of draining was far more effective and the Doerin soldiers were unharmed from even the earlier wars, giving them the superior power than the other two kingdoms.

Shu noticed from the corner of his eyes his father's judging gaze. "A peace" King De La Hoya said, "That's what I'm asking for you two to consider. Prince Shu focused my attention on a far more worse threat we'll have to deal with. This is not the time for quarrels or a war among ourselves."

"Impossible" King Shirosagi's voice boomed through the crowd, "This is an insult to both kingdoms. We have our reasons. Stay out of this."

Shu sighed, he knew this wouldn't be easy. But Doerin had power, an ancient power they almost forgot because they never wanted to use it before. The power of being the highest kingdom. "I didn't think I'd have to use this authority, '' King De La Hoya sighed. "After 500 years, I'm going to use the power as the high kingdom of this land." There was a silence, "I forbid this war from happening and call for a truce. Those who go against the truce will have to face the wrath of the Doerin kingdom." There was a demanding tone mixed in his voice. Everyone's eyes were on the two kings of Moeru and Shirosagi. The latter's faces were twisted with anger as the king of Moeru stared ahead with his composed mask. That was the royal, ancient power of Doerin. The power over all the kingdoms in times of matter. As the legend goes it was granted to them by gods. To extend their power over the others.

"Fall back," King Shirosagi ordered. The soldiers started to retreat from the battleground, many of them helping wounded soldiers, "We're camping there" King Shirosagi said, storming away from the rest of them. Lui and Shu shared a look and departed from each other. Shu knew Lui had to leave because the damage had been done. Both of them have to answer their father's about the moment they shared. It wasn't going to be easy.

"Retreat" His own father ordered, breaking away from the crowd and walking to the other side. Wordlessly, Shu knew they were going to camp on the opposite side, a few feets away from the camp of Hyoketsu. Shu shared one last look with Free before walking towards his own kingdom's soldiers. The irony was that King De La Hoya was able to stop their war in just mere words, almost as if this was just childish banter among two youngsters. It was the power of Doerin. Most of them had forgotten their power because they hardly ever exercised it over the other kingdoms.

During the first periods of war Doerin kingdom never interfered with their business. People died, lives were ruined. People starved. A small part of Shu wondered what would've happened if he interfered that time too. Many people's lives would be saved. But it would be foolish to wish every war to be over and stop using the imperial power Doerin held. It was not possible to live without war. As long as there's peace, the very word war will be lurking behind the shadows ready to attack at any given moment. It was cruel sometimes. Life. You never know what the future holds and sometimes just with blind assurance you walk right into the fire.

When Lui arrived at their camp, the soldiers were already building up the tents. The medics were kneeling beside gravely wounded soldiers who were moaning in pain. Lui cut off all the sounds and walked to the main tent standing tall in the middle, already knowing what he would find there. His furious father. He looked at him in utter disgust and disappointment. Lui kept his neutral face as he walked to him and put his sword against Lui's throat. "Explain yourself."

His face didn't betray any emotion. Frankly, Lui didn't regret anything. It was hard to fake regret when you didn't feel anything about the events that occurred throughout the day. He loved Shu and that feeling was something he would never come to regret. "I have nothing to explain. It's just as you saw, father"

Lui could see the fury of his violet eyes but he could do nothing. He was shaking in rage. The difference of this situation was that Lui was the sole heir of the kingdom and he had proven his worth even in the earlier wars. The soldiers held a deep respect for the prince while Shu was the person who was inside four walls, a person known to be their porcelain prince. Fragile and soft. "Get out of my sight" His father yelled and Lui only bowed, walking out of his room. The soldiers were watching him cautiously but nobody made a move or utter a word. They still bowed their heads in awe as he passed. They still respected him. In Hyoketsu, respect defeats emotions like rage and shame. Their worth was mimed by pure strength and the ability. Lui had proven himself years ago. He glanced at the red Moeru tents from the corner of his eyes and hoped Shu would be okay.

Shu could hear his heartbeat as he walked through the crowds of soldiers. But thankfully none of them were paying much attention to him. They were busy with treating the fallen soldiers. They have lost at least ten soldiers. The sound of pained whines and grunts filled his ears as he made his way towards the main tent. Shu knew his dad would be expecting him right now. He pushed away the cover that worked as a door and walked in. His dad, Itsuki and his aunt waited for him inside and assisted with the five main commanders of each platoon. He let the cloth fall back into place, closing them from the pain outside. He almost expected it when his aunt stormed to him. Shu didn't have the time to react when the back of his hand met his cheek, Shu winced, the ruby on her ring bruising his cheek drawing out an even thin line of blood.

"What is the meaning of this!?" Her voice was loud and furious. Shu raised his crimson gaze to meet hers. There was no hint of fear or shame in his eyes. Just blankness. The commanders were quietly watching him, their eyes judgmental and disgusted. He finally looked at his dad. Disappointment, that was only he could see.

"When did you start working with King De La Hoya?" His voice was stern, not a familiar tone for Shu.

"A few months ago" He answered, staring straight at him.

"Why?"

Simple enough. Everyone had this question. Why? Why go to such lengths to stop a war? Why hide everything from your own family? Why betray your kingdom? "I'm not allowed to speak of the information until tomorrow." The kingdom Doerin has announced a peace meeting in their kingdom which was not a big way from their battleground. The leaders of each kingdom were to meet there. Right at the cue Valt's and Xander's fathers walked into the tent and informed both of them would be now leaving as the ambassadors representing Moeru to settle things up before the main part arrived. Valt's father gave him a sympathetic stare before walking out.

"Are you aware that you're being a traitor to your kingdom, Prince Shu?" One of the commanders talked, "You're working against your own kingdom"

Hot rage bubbled through him, "I have done no such thing." His eyes were narrowed, "Never realized saving the lives of your own kingdom's are known as being a traitor" His voice might've held a hint of sarcasm because the general glared at him.

"Stop talking." His father ordered, cutting him off. "You're dismissed. I don't want to hear your excuses. After the peace meeting tomorrow, I'll see into your actions, Prince Shu" His voice was cold and distant. Shu shared a look with Itsuki who was silent throughout the whole ordeal. He was relieved to find him giving him a nod and a soft reassured smile. Sometimes, that little supportive smile was what you need to go through the day when it's ruined to pieces.

Shu walked out of the tent and stepped to the mirage of darkness outside. Medics were rushing around shouting answers to each other about medicines and herbs. Shu wiped the blood off his cheek and ignored the stinging pain on his swelled skin. Honestly, he should've expected it. His aunt had never fancied him and this wasn't the first time she raised her hand against him. The difference was that this was the first time she did it in front of everyone. The pang of humiliation was worse than physical pain. He broke his gaze from the ground and looked at the bodies laid around. The tents were probably overflowing with injured soldiers that they had no option but to lay them on the ground beneath the harsh sunlight. Shu looked around them, and more than half of those who weren't injured were staring at him. Shu couldn't quite recognize the emotion behind those war ridden, exhausted eyes. Shu felt his own chest contracting in pain. He winced, pulling out the liquid from his pocket and chugging it down. The pain subsided momentarily but the pang of pain didn't leave. Shu frowned, and shook his head telling himself. He exhausted himself way too much, it would take a while for him to recover this time.

He stood uncertainly for a while, collecting his thoughts when he noticed the unattended soldiers. Surely, the medics were not enough and they could get all the help they can at the moment. Shu walked to the side and washed his hands from the large wooden bowls with clear water. He could use a distraction and besides he couldn't let anymore die. They have lost enough lives. He knelt beside a soldier who had a spear sticking out his right shoulder. He was breathing hard, like a fish out of water. His eyes darted around, asking for help. Just as he knelt, another medic appeared and knelt on the opposite side, "Prince Shu" He acknowledged him.

Shu nodded, "I can help"

The man didn't say anything but nodded, focusing his eyes on the soldier instead. Shu quietly watched as he took the pulse. "Raise him to a sitting position"

Shu snaked one of his arms around the man's back, hoisting him carefully to a sitting position. He moaned in pain, scrunching his eyes shut. He helped the medic to take out the spear and dress the wound. After that, he moved to another. It was great to feel that he could help, do something. But it took him only a few hours to realize something was wrong. He washed off his own wounds and dressed them himself. The tents were fully up. A separate one for Itsuki and Him. Shu walked in to find it empty. Their belongings were placed neatly inside. Shu sat down on the bed and placed a hand over his chest, feeling his heartbeat. Something was wrong, the pain wasn't leaving. He had already taken two doses of the medicine but it was still there. With horror, the albino realized it was only getting worse. A matter of time until he would be cut off of his breath.

He didn't hear Itsuki entering until he spoke, "Shu?"

Shu raised his head, "Yes?" His voice was strained, he had to focus on breathing. In a matter of seconds, Itsuki was by his side.

"Shu, where's your medicine?" He was already looking around, fussing through the bags to find the familiar red liquid.

Shu shook his head weakly, "Not working. It's not working."

Itsuki froze, turning to him. A look for horror passed through his crimson eyes as he let the information sink in. There was only one possibility for this to happen. Shu's body has grown immune to it. His sickness has grown immune to the flower. "No way" He whispered, mostly to himself as he raised his eyes to see his little brother, clutching his chest and doubling over with a cough. He sprinted to the entrance of the tent, "Ask the king to come here now." He shouted to the nearest soldier before making his way back to Shu.

"Shu" He whispered, slipping down to sit beside him, his arm wrapped around him as the younger coughed out his lungs. "Take deep breaths." He said, rubbing comforting circles behind his back.

"I can't" Shu's voice was a whisper, "I can't breathe" He wheezed, shutting his eyes close. "Itsuki" His voice was painfully small as he clutched his robes. When he opened his eyes, Itsuki was taken aback by the emotions. He looked scared. Almost as if he believed he wouldn't make it.

The king arrived shortly after, "What's going on?" He asked, kneeling beside his son. "Where's his medicine?"

"They're not working" Itsuki answered as Shu was cut off by a series of coughs. "What are you going to do? His body is immune to them." Itsuki didn't realize when he raised his voice that he was practically screaming. He didn't realize what was going to happen to his brother. He didn't want to think about the outcome. It was hideous.

"Call the medics, now!" The king ordered, taking Shu's hand. His eyes traced Shu's frame. He looked painfully fragile and pale. The sickness indeed did the worse to him in a matter of seconds. The physician checked his pulse and checked his temperature.

"Prince Itsuki is right. His body has grown immune." There was a sense of finality in his voice.

"Recommend another medicine. Do something" The king was desperate. His voice was harsh and commanding. Something his citizens rarely witnessed.

The physician cautiously shook his head, "I'm sorry my lord. Katuseki was the only medicine that had effects against the sickness."

A dreadful silence filled the room. "But" The physician continued, "There's one medicine that will work."

"What is it?"

"Crystal flowers. It will work. I can't say for sure. But it's the only medicine that has a chance against the sickness."

Itsuki shared a look with his uncle. "The Hyoketsu camp surely has it."

He nodded gravely, and stared at Shu who was struggling to breath. It was one of those situations where fate tests you. Your ego, or your child's life. It wasn't a hard question. A father would always choose his child over any pride or ego. "They won't help us."

"Yes, many won't, but Prince Lui will," Itsuki stared at his uncle. "We have to go."

King Kurenai nodded. He wasn't left with any other choice and looking at Shu's state, they had to do something fast. He picked Shu up as a sense of nostalgia hit him. He had taken his own son on his arms like this countless times. Each time occupied with the sense of dread and uncertainty. Each time the physicians looked grave and uncertain until he breathed again. There was a limit to the pain a parent can take but at some point he was sure they had surpassed all the limits and boundaries to keep Shu alive. Every minute, every second of that effort was worth it.

As they expected, the entrance was heavily guarded with soldiers, all of them bearing weapons and glaring down at them as they arrived. Itsuki was desperately looking around, "We need to talk to Prince Lui."

They were met with silence, "I said," Itsuki talked again. His voice was demanding and authoritative, the kind of a voice that alarmed soldiers into submission. "We need to talk to Prince Lui. Pass him the message or Prince Lui will assure you won't see the light of the next dawn." The threat worked more than the considerate words before. Two soldiers rushed inside with their spears. But it wasn't Lui who arrived but the high king of Hyoketsu, Shirosagi himself. A tense look passed between the two kings before he finally laid his eyes on the boy in his arms. Dead still and quiet.

"What do you want, Kurenai?" His eyes sounded like steel.

"What's going-" Lui arrived, a sword in his hands. It didn't take a minute for him to lay his eyes on the still figure on his arms. "What happened to him?"

"We need crystal flowers." Itsuki talked, averting his eyes from the watchful gaze of the enemy king standing in front of them. "The medicine is not working."

"Come in" Lui instantly replied, taking in the urgent note of Itsuki's voice. The soldiers shifted nervously, glancing at the king who stood just close by. Lui grunted in annoyance, turning to his father, "Father-"

"We're not monsters" The king cut him off, nodding at the soldiers. "But none of you may enter bearing weapons."

Lui was quite surprised by his father's approach. He didn't think he would be easily agreeable at a matter like this. Especially after seeing them kiss on the battlefield. Lui watched as Itsuki, Shu's elder cousin, discarding his weapons by the entrance. They were walking to the devil's mouth without bearing a single weapon by their hand. Just how confident they have to be, how much love they have to share with Shu to risk their own lives for him. It was the bond between a family, the bond of blood that ran through their veins. The pure intention of keeping him alive. As they entered, Lui's father glanced at King Kurenai. He always saw the pure hatred they carried. After Yuki's death Lui didn't have the simplest thought his father would accommodate Moeru in anything. But right now, he was helping to save the prince's life. What's the reason for this change? What's he trying to achieve?

Lui's thoughts were momentarily distracted once they were led to the medical tents. The stared of the soldiers burning across their backs. Shu was still as a statue when he was laid on the bed. If it wasn't for the slight rise of his chest, there wasn't any sign that he was alive. The main physician walked in with Aki who averted her gaze as soon as he looked at her. Lui frowned, clearly, something was up. Lui watched as Itsuki and the king stepped back from Shu as the physician knelt beside him, taking his pulse. After a while, he turned to Aki. "Make the potion of Crystal flowers, use two"

There was a silence before Aki collected her thoughts, "Two? But it's-"

"We'll have to make it happen," Yasuo, the physician, said, turning to Lui. "He has a flow connection with Lui. We'll make it work"

"What will two flowers do?" Itsuki was frowning.

Yasuo turns to look at him, "Hopefully, it will heal him. That's the only shot we have right now."

Aki soon arrived with the medicine. The flask gleaming with silver, the colour of Crystal flowers. "Prince Lui" Yasuo called, "Can you give me a hand here?"

Lui nodded and walked to the opposite side of the bed, facing the physician. Itsuki was kneeling just beside him, his eyes firmly planted on his younger brother. It reminded Lui of his own relationship with his sister. The difference was that she was gone, and Lui wasn't there to protect her. "He'll be fine" Lui found himself whispering, much to his own and to Itsuki's console.

Itsuki turned to him, his crimson eyes focusing on him. The same shade of Shu's. "Hopefully."

Yasuo wrapped one of his arms around Shu and hoisted him to a sitting position and poured the potion into his mouth. There was no reaction when he lowered the male back to the mattress. "Prince Lui, stay alert," Yasuo advised when he started to twitch. Shu rolled to his side, curling to himself as he wrapped his hands around himself, wheezing. His brows furrowed in pain as he kept coughing out blood. "Now"

Lui reached for Shu and held onto his hand while his other hand was pressed against his forehead. Even Though they hadn't connected in months, Lui could feel the messy power flow of Shu. Tangling and tripping over. It was almost like trying to connect with a tangled thread. There was no start or end. Shu's fingers dug into Lui's skin as the younger screamed to gritted teeth. His eyes clenched shut with agony. Suddenly, something shifted, and suddenly

Lui was staring at complete darkness in front of him. Where am I? His eyes blindly wandered through the darkness. A flash of red passed from the corner of his eyes. Lui turned fully to see a pair of red eyes. Not the bright crimson he was used to. This was something different. Demonic and filled with malevolent energy. Lui was frozen to the ground, his unblinking eyes staring to the depth of the red pools in front of him. He couldn't move a limb, just what the heck was this?

"Prince Lui"

The voice snapped him back to reality. Lui blinked and saw Yasuo was staring at him, "Yes?"

"You spaced out" He said, brows ceasing with worry. Lui blinked and turned to look at his father standing a few feet away, his hands crossed. He turned back to Shu who seemed to be calming down. What was that vision? Lui thought, realizing that their power flows were connecting. Shu's was growing steadily.

"It's working," Yasuo said, watching the steady breath of the prince. Lui caressed Shu's soft skin from his thumb. His mind is still dancing around the vision of the demon. Shu whimpered, opening his eyes. Lui watched as his brows drew together to a frown. He stared at Lui for a second before trying to hoist himself up for a sitting position. He grunted, clutching to his chest. "Be careful," Yasuo advised.

"Huh?" Shu blinked at the physician. He turned his head, his crimson eyes darting around, taking in every face present in the room. Not a very likely combination. The two kings of Moeru and Hyoketsu are standing inside the same tent.

"How do you feel?"

Shu turned his attention back to Yasuo, "Okay. I'm fine."

"Do you feel any change in your body?"

Shu shook his head, stealing uncertain glances at the two kings. Lui and Itsuki shared a glance. Both of them knew the albino must be confused about why he was inside a Hyoketsu tent treated by the royal physician. Yasuo opened his mouth to speak again when another figure entered the room. Itsuki grunted in annoyance. Lui instantly recognized the commander of the cavalry. The only female commander in the Moeru platoons. Itsuki's mother, Mitsuki. Her eyes, piercing blue, stared at the king of Moeru, "I heard the Katuseki flower stopped working. Isn't it only a matter of time the crystal flowers stop working too?" Her words were logical. There was no sympathy in them, just pure skepticism. Lui realized how much she despised standing here and her hatred seemed to purely focus on Shu.

Yasuo shook his head, "Crystal flowers alter to the sickness no matter how many changes it takes. But there are bad side effects from it."

Shu raised his head to look at him. He looked tired, Lui noticed. "Side effects?"

Itsuki stiffened a little, obviously worried. Yasuo nodded, "Crystal flowers affect the people of fire a little badly." People of fire, an ancient statement to call the Moeru. Once upon a time, as the legends states, People of fire was the name the Moeru kingdom was known. Hyoketsu was, people of ice. "Crystal flower is the sacred symbol of people of ice. So, it's made in a way to benefit us and harm you. But in your case the sickness and the crystal flower battles against and neutralizes the effect of both."

"In other words, Crystal flowers are also poisonous for him. But the two things cancel each other out?" Itsuki frowned, "He's drinking poison to heal himself?"

"If you put it simply, that's the basic theory of it all. From now on you will be sensitive to all kinds of climates, Prince Shu." Yasuo said, "As I know, your family's firepower doesn't have any effect on you, right?"

Shu's eyes instantly wandered to Itsuki. It was the truth. The royal family has fire powers but it didn't harm any of the royal members. When Shu was young, he played with his dad's fire but never got burned. Everyone thought it was the nature of their fire until- "His fire harms everyone" Mitsuki's icy cold voice provided.

Lui watched as Shu's eyes glanced at Itsuki for a second before shifting back into Yasuo. The physician frowned, "It's probably an effect from this sickness. But from now on their fire would harm you too. Your fire is the only thing you'd be safe with, be careful."

Shu nodded as Yasuo continued, "Crystal flowers effect would limit your fire furthermore but if you tried to surpass the limits of your body, at one point the clash between your sickness and the effect of the crystal flower will overwhelm you and the worst case of scenario is-"

"Both will attack your body and instant death" Aki provided helpfully behind Yasuo. Lui shot a glare at her. She rolled her eyes at the silence of the room. "I'm just explaining the plain raw truth."

Yasuo sighed, patting Shu's hand, "Don't mind her. She's terrible at communicating"

Mitsuki shared a glance with king Kurenai. Her eyes were sceptical and challenging. "So they say, your majesty" Her words were dripping with venom and insane hatred. "You might want to reconsider the position of the crown prince. I'll let you make the decision. Your sons' capabilities are not convincing me anymore."

"Enough. This is not a matter we discuss here. Leave, now"

The others shifted uneasily inside the tent, as Mitsuki smirked, taking a mock bow and exiting the room without looking back. Lui's eyes dragged onto the albino sitting on the bed. His crimson eyes firmly planted on the ground. How bad the situation might be for a moeru commander to come into an enemy tent and insult their own crown prince. How pathetic the power struggle must be. Itsuki groaned, clenching his fists. He was clearly irritated by his mother's behavior. Lui instantly realized the struggle. Mitsuki wanted her capable son to lead the kingdom but Itsuki seemed to despise the idea. From all the reactions the raven haired male gave out, he respected Shu for his skills and determination. Just like Lui did. "That's about it," Yasuo said, breaking the awkward silence. Lui glanced at his father who seemed to be sympathizing with the situation.

"Thank you" Shu stood up, sending a sideways glance at his father.

"We will leave now" King Kurenai announced, turning to King Shirosagi. Both of their gazes were still icy cold despite the moment the two kingdoms shared a moment ago. Lui's mind wondered again about the abnormality of the situation. Something must have happened for his father to offer his help readily to Moerus. "Thank you for the help, Shirosagi" Without another word, he walked to his son. Shu gave his father a reassuring smile and a small nod. Itsuki broke away from his side and reached the two, his eyes darting around in gratitude. Just before the three left the tent, Shu looked over his shoulder one last time. Their eyes met and he smiled, a small watery sad smile that disappeared from his lips quickly. Lui stood back and wondered whether it was possible for him to give Shu real happiness. To save him from the darkness conquering him, devouring his pieces little by little until there's only a hollow of the person whom he was left. 

After the Moeru kingdom left the premises he turned to his dad. He offered no explanation before taking off with Yasuo muttering something about injured commanders. Lui turned to Aki who was standing there. A guilty look on her face, "I told him" She confessed before he could question. "Right after the king of Doerin came and announced the peace, I knew he'd be furious at you for your act of disobedience."

Lui nodded gravely, "So, I'm assuming you told him the truth about Yuki's arrow. Without that, he has no reason to fight with Moeru" Actually, that explanation fitted with the change of his father. No matter how cold and distant he could be, he was also prone to expressions such as guilt. He punished Shu and make him go through endless torture back at Hyoketsu. This was his way of redeeming himself from the crimes he committed under the blind eye of revenge. Lui walked out of the tent, his mind clearer and serene. Everything seems to be coming to the correct place for him. The soldiers bowed as he passed. They held the same respect, same love for their prince. There was no power struggle in Hyoketsu. He was the one single heir of the whole kingdom but the situation was different in Moeru. There was a struggle for power, two parties fighting over the crown. Lui was unsure who would win.

---

When Shu and the rest arrived at their camp, everything was chaotic. There seemed to be an argument going on. Upon his father's arrival, everything quieted down but Shu could feel the malicious stares burning down his back. A soldier came forward and stood right in front of him. He was the one whom Shu treated a few hours ago, "Prince Shu, are you alright?"

Shu blinked by the sudden question, "Yes, I'm fine. How's your shoulder?"

The man smiled. His eyes were showing nothing but genuine concern. "It's alright." He bowed, "Thank you for always being kind to everyone despite their statue prince Shu. People will say thing" His eyes darted along the ones standing closer to the commanders."But for us, you will always be our crown prince." He knelt on one knee, bowing deeply, "We're always happy to be at your service." Shu was taken aback as half of the camp knelt, bowing their heads echoing the same phrase. The troops who were directly under King Kurenai's guidance and the troops under Itsuki were there in front of him, accepting him as the crown prince while the other half of the camp was dead on their heels, glaring at Shu with all the hatred a man could muster. Their camp was torn into two factions. Itsuki walked quietly and stood in front of his troops. "My troops are always at your service little brother" He grinned, "You don't have to worry about a thing."

Mitsuki clicked her tongue, turning to his father and to her son. Her cold eyes lastly stopped on Shu. "You are destroying the unity of the camp, Prince Shu. First, your shameless acts on the battlefield ruined our moral code as soldiers and second, you proved yourself the weakest prince to ever exist. People have doubts and you have only deepened them by keeping quiet and working behind our backs. A ruler like you is bound to fall." She swiftly turned to king kurenai, "Don't tell me I didn't warn you."

"Perhaps you should start by looking at yourself, Aunt Mitsuki." Shu's voice took everyone by surprise. His crimson eyes were ridden with exhaustion but the flame of anticipation lit them up under the setting sun like an igniting embers. "You are running the unity of the troops by spreading rumours among soldiers. Just look at you. You're supposed to be an idol, a figure whom we all respect. You're ruining your image through your shameless greediness to the crown. I may have done things behind your backs. All I wanted was to call for peace, people died and that's enough." He broke his gaze from his aunt to his father, looking at him with a hint of surprise. Shu noticed the pride in his face. Took him too long to assure his own place in the troops. His father waited till he took actions of his own and Shu was grateful for his patience.

"I wrote countless times to the king of Doerin pleading for this investment in war. And I was able to stop it. You have to trust me, Dad. There's another ominous evil lurking behind the shadows. Our attention should be there. Tomorrow, I will explain everything. Till then, give me some time to prove myself, I won't fail you"

He smiled, placing a hand on his head. "I have always trusted you and I will now too. You didn't raise any doubts on me but all the encounters that happened today took me by surprise. None of us want war, son. If you can stop it. I'd be more than willing to give you a hand. You have my faith and blessing." He turned to all the soldiers, "Everyone is dismissed for the day. But have my word, as your king, the one persona whom you looked up to, I am disappointed in your behaviour. Soldiers aren't supposed to be aroused by simple quarrels and petty rumours." His gaze stopped on Mitsuki. "Think twice before talking. If any of you have problems, confront me directly right now. I'll have a word about your fraud loyalty"

Shu was surprised by the effect his father's words had on them. The ones who were standing shifted and one by one, everyone started to kneel down. Soon, the thousands of troops except for the gravely injured soldiers were kneeling, their heads bowed to their king. This is what a king should be, Shu realized. A few words and he had the respect of thousands of men. The glory of it all rattled the young albino. Still, there was a tiny doubt flickering at the end of his mind as his eyes lingered a second long on Itsuki. Shu shook his head, walking back to his tent, exhausted. Things were going to get complicated with time. It was all about waiting for the next day to the next moment. Future has a way of throwing us into an endless loop of uncertainty after all. 

---

Next day, when they stepped into the Doerin kingdom the sun was just rising. When they stepped through the gates, Free was there, dressed in elegant royal robes. A golden crown decorated with amber and citrine gems glowed on his head. He took a bow as the Moeru kingdom entered. "Welcome your majesty" He smiled, gesturing at one of the high royal servants, "All the kings have gathered to have morning tea together. She will lead you there."

The king nodded and gave Shu and Itsuki one last look before following the woman to the royal chambers. "The other kingdoms are already here. The princes are having a" Free trailed off, shrugging. "Having a friendly tea, I guess"

"I can perfectly imagine the friendliness" Shu smiled as they walked down a flowery path leading to the royal gardens. The strong fragrance of honeysuckles welcomed them. The garden was shining with the morning dew shining upon the grass like jewels. Various shades of flowers bordered the gardens and the massive pavilion in the middle which was now occupied by a chaotic squad of princes and the sons of nobles and commanders arguing back and forth about something. The pavilion was made with glass gold bordering the edges. The series of ponds and the waterfalls just in front of them gave the perfect view. The garden was picture perfect.

"What are they yelling about?" Itsuki whispered, raising his brow. "I expected a more civilized audience"

Free, who heard the comment, looked over his shoulder. "Civilized is the last thing they are."

"Free, we heard that!" Sisco yelled from where he was sitting with a glare thrown in the way of the blonde. Free nonchalantly shrugged, settling himself in the head seat. Shu's eyes instantly wandered to Lui who was sitting beside Gou and looking bored out of his mind. He could've just walked up to him if not for Valt who jumped over the table, knocking a plate of food into Honcho's lap and dashed to him.

"You kissed him!" He exclaimed and everyone fell into a dead silence. Itsuki snorted beside him.

Zac skipped towards him with a mischievous grin, "Now, who we have here. Lui's long lost soulmate. He'd been waiting for you since he arrived here, shooting star!"

Valt held him by the elbows and shook his back and forth chanting the same sentence. "I'm going to throw up if you keep doing that." Shu commented, trying to stop his best friend.

Valt grinned, "Sorry."

Lui was cautiously watching everyone, probably annoyed. Everyone was watching his every move as he reached the long table. Shu hesitated upon the gazes, what the hell was- he was cut off by someone who just dropped out of nowhere. "Oh my my, Itsuki, long time no see, asshole." Shu blinked at the familiar voice. Natsu, the captain of the black panther troops, was walking to them.

Itsuki's face matched the same cynical expression of Natsu. "Well, look who we have here, the eternal loser. Sucks to be you."

Natsu gritted his teeth, "Have you gotten any better? Pipsqueak"

"Stop calling me that" Itsuki yelled, "I'm going to rip your skull open I swear"

"Not my fault you don't have any improvement. Have you gotten any taller? Probably not"

Itsuki gave him a shit eating grin, his eyes falling on Christina who was walking to them. She was wearing an elegant gown decorated with light yellow flowers in a plain white silky material. "Hello Christina!" Itsuki called her cheerfully and Shu was quite surprised when she met his gaze with a smile. "Is this idiot still hopelessly pinning on you?"

Natsu cracked his knuckles, "Forget the peace. Shithead you're going down."

"I didn't know they were close," Free commented, blinking. Shu took the chance from the distraction of the group and slipped into the empty seat to Lui's right.

"Hey" Shu said, "Good day?"

Lui rolled his eyes, "Does it look like one with all these idiots sprawling around me?"

Shu snorted, elbowing him lightly making a zipping motion. "Shut it."

They turned back to the commotion of the three in front of them. Natsu had Itsuki in a headlock. Both of them were laughing. Shu wondered when they became friends. It should be around the first war. He heard a battle between Itsuki's troops and the black panther. The loss of this battle was heavy on both sides and many people died. Both Natsu and Itsuki, two of the most diligent warriors, found themselves gravely injured and they went for the first peace which prevailed until a few months ago. After everyone settled down, Natsu looked over to Shu. "Heard you found some things" He grinned, "Damn Itsuki, if only you had your little brother's brain."

The raven haired male rolled his eyes, "No one has a brain like that. He's special."

"No, seriously" Orochi interrupted, taking a sip from his tea. "No one expected for the Doerin kingdom to intervene. That was impressive."

"Shu is really good at writing letters," Free commented, shooting him a look. "Those were adoring"

Shu flushed, "Don't lie."

Lui lowered his eyes, "You're trying to get on my nerves, De La Hoya"

Free bite into an apple with a smirk, "Is it working?"

Lui rolled his eyes, "No"

"Are you sure?" Wakiya grinned, "You look annoyed to me"

"That's the face I was born with"

"Tragic" Zac sighed heavily, making a waving motion from his hand. "Really"

"Sometimes I wonder how you fell in love with him, Shu." Honcho chimed in, looking thoughtful. "But you two were always together. We should've predicted it."

Shu groaned, "Why is this the only topic we're talking about?"

"Because it's interesting" Natsu commented, "Right Itsuki?"

Shu glared, don't you dare. Itsuki nodded "For once, you're right."

Valt stretched his arms, standing up. "We still have two hours till the meeting starts and Shu reveals everything big time. Want to see around?"

Christina smiled, "That would be a great idea."

"Would you mind guiding us, young lady?" Natsu sprang up from his seat expectantly.

"Oh my god, he's so pathetic" Itsuki muttered under his breath following Christina and Natsu out of the garden. He looked over his shoulder just before leaving. "You all good, little brother?"

Shu nodded, "Yeah, go ahead."

Itsuki waved, as Natsu took him by the wrist and dragged him out of sight of the rest of the squad. "Honcho, let's go and try their food"

Honcho, Valt and several others joined the crew as they walked out of the gardens, determined to make the best of their stay. It was almost as if they had forgotten there was a war just yesterday. In the end, there were only two of them left inside the pavilion. "They played us," Shu groaned. "They literally wanted us alone together"

Lui grinned, "Isn't that a good thing? Those nauseous idiots are better off"

Shu rested his cheek on his palm, "You hate socializing just as before, don't you?"

Lui leaned in, looking to his crimson eyes, he could still trace the hints of exhaustion inside those but he looked better than yesterday. Shu leaned in slightly and bumped their foreheads together, laughing. "What are you looking at?"

"I was wondering, do you want to go for a walk?"

Shu shrugged, "of course."

Lui stood up and reached for Shu's hand which the latter took effortlessly. They walked out of the garden to the busy main street of the capital. The flag of the Doerin kingdom, decorated with the legendary dragon Fafnir, waved gloriously in the wind. People were friendly. They smiled at them and welcomed them with a heart warming smile. It was a pleasant kingdom. "There's a lot of stalls that do fortune telling." Lui looked around, still holding onto his hand tight. Shu hummed absent mindedly, staring at a group of children playing nearby.

"You know what snowflake? Let's visit one of those. I have an idea"

Shu frowned, "I assure you I won't like it"

"Oh you will" Lui smirked, dragging him to a nearest store with decorative hair pins. Shu watched confused as the white tyrant went through different coloured hair pins decorated with silver. He finally settled down on a silver rose, the petals painted in silver. "I'll take it" He said to the woman in the stall who smiled and nodded, immediately packing it up for them. After paying for the accessory Lui took Shu to a quiet area of the town.

"What are you doing with that?" Shu pointed at the hair pin with a suspicious look on his face.

"We're going to go get our fortunes and expose their lies." Lui grinned, reaching for Shu's hair. Shu didn't say a word as the albino let the male pull out the leather band holding his hair up in a ponytail. Soft, silky white hair flowed down his shoulders, bangs perfectly framing his face. Lui stared. "You should keep it down, snowflake." His hand found its way to his cheek. "You're beautiful"

Pink tinted across his cheeks to the tips of his ears. "Now you're blushing like a maiden" Lui snorted, dropping a kiss to the top of his head.

"I hate you" Shu grumbled, trying to launch himself at Lui as the latter perfectly dodged.

"You wish"

Shu snatched the hairpin from Lui's hand and twisted two strands of his hair and clipped them using the pin adjusting his hair into a half ponytail with bangs let loose. "You wanted something like this?"

"Yes" Lui said, intervening their fingers together as he led them towards the first stall to their right. The board in front of the stall read, Fortune Telling for six gold coins. Shu blinked, "That's pricey"

Lui hummed while walking inside. The interior was dark. Black silk drawn across the walls making it darker. There was a woman inside, sitting behind a low table on the floor. Her eyes were glowing eerily from the table lamp in front of her. Another woman entered behind them and led them to sit in front of the cushions in front of the woman. "Introduce yourself to her" The woman said in a whispery voice.

Lui nodded, perfectly playing his role. It was perfect. They had just arrived at Doerin and not many people saw them besides the darkness of the room making it harder for her to see their faces. So, he spoke the lies smoothly. "We are a couple waiting to be married by the next full moon. We came to see about the future we will share"

Shu whipped his head to look at him. His face was perfectly composed, lips twisted into a sinister smile. Shu bit the inside of his cheek to keep himself from laughing. Lui was horrible to the core. The woman closed her eyes and asked Shu to give his hand to her. The woman traced his skin with her fingers, calloused with age. "Such young maiden hands. You truly are a gem, my dear."

Well, Shu didn't blame her. The lack of training and the fact he was rarely allowed in the training grounds made his hands that way. If he had worked out like Lui, his skin wouldn't be soft. She proceeded with the same action with Lui. "You two are going to have a successful marriage life" She smiled, "Your wife is blessed with children. Your house will be filled with laughter and joy"

"How many children?" Lui asked right off the bat. Shu flushed a deep scarlet. That jerk.

"Three children. Two healthy sons and one girl"

Beside him, Lui was trying hard not to laugh at her. He dropped the coins and took Shu's hand. "C'mon sweetheart, it's going to be a wonderful life for both of us"

Lui walked out and burst into laughter. Shu watched him for a second, showering himself in this new side of Lui. It was the first time he had seen the white tyrant laughing so freely. He let himself join in. "You're such a jerk, you know that?"

Lui shrugged, "It's tempting" He leaned down and patted Shu's stomach. "Seems like we're going to have many kids. Your non-existing womb will have a hard time."

Shu swatted his arms away, "Shut up ice prince!"

"To the next!" Lui announced, dragging them towards another one. Shu didn't object, just let himself go with the flow. It's not everyday you see Lui interested in something. Even though it was exposing the lies, it was worth it.

"Last one" Shu said, exhausted, looking at another small fortune telling stall. It was cheaper than the other ones. Each and every one declared they are going to have children. One lady went far enough to declare about a full family with ten kids and Shu wondered just how much they earned through these things.

"Last one" Lui confirmed, as they both walked in. Both of them froze upon arrival. It was completely different from the other stalls. Shu felt his power flow instantly connecting with the woman sitting in front of them.

"Welcome Prince Shu and Prince Lui" She said, gesturing at the purple cushions in front of them. They had found the real thing, Shu thought sitting beside Lui uncertainty looking around the stall. It had the same black silk wrapped upon the windows closing the light from outside. "It's an honour," She said. That's when Shu noticed her eyes, pure white. She was a blind person. Lui reached his hand and squeezed his fingers in comfort. "I can tell you about your future."

"We're waiting"

"It's uncertain and foggy" She said, her eyes staring at a spot behind Lui almost as if she's speaking to someone behind him. "Prince Lui, you'll have to make hard choices and go through one long calamity of incidents. But he will hold your hand throughout the journey" She said, looking over to Shu. "Only both of you will win this together. In the end, one must go" A chill ran down Shu's spine.

"Go?"

A sad watery smile, "Yes, my dear. It seems like if two of you leave , only one must come back. It's bound by the fate unless some miracle offered by fate only one of you will survive"

"Is there a way to stop it?" Lui asked, his fingers tight around Shu's own.

She shook his head, "That's all I am allowed to say. The rest, you will have to find on your own. I can give you one advice, never let go of that hand you're holding, you will survive"

Both of them bowed and she refused the payment. None of them were laughing as they walked out. Both of them just stared with heavy hearts taking in the information. "Wherever I go, it always ends with something like this. It's like nothing allows me to be happy for a second" Shu dropped his gaze to the ground with a smile. "I'm such a morbid creature"

Lui reached to him and pinched his nose making Shu look up. "Didn't you hear what she said at last? Keep holding our hands like this and we'd survive" Lui raised their intervened hands. "I'm not planning to let go"

This drew a smile from Shu. "Right, we still have that whole house with ten kids."

Lui rolled his eyes, "Too much, let's settle down with three"

Shu elbowed him, "Shut up" He giggled, tipping his head back to look at the cloudless sky. "We should probably go back" He said, turning to Lui who leaned in and pressed his lips against Shu's.

He pulled away after a second, "If I really kiss you, I won't be able to stop. So, maybe after the council, I really will"

Shu juts out his bottom lip, tilting his head. "I'd have to explain everything first to everyone. Gives me chills. And don't say a word to anyone what you heard here. Let's just keep that between us."

"You'd do just fine" Lui dropped a kiss to the back of Shu's hand. "Let's keep it between us if you want, love. I'm always here to protect you."

"They are so in love it's disgusting" A voice exclaimed drawing their attention. The two turned to see their friends watching them. Silas was scowling. "Not in broad daylight, guys"

Zac whistles, "Nice look, shooting star. You look beautiful!"

Shu's hand instantly reached to the hair clip trying to pull it off when Lui stopped him. "They're just plain out jealous. Don't mind those insignificant creatures who call themselves humans"

"Not cool, prince Lui" Natsu grinned, arriving with Itsuki and Christina right at their tow.

Itsuki walked to Shu and wrapped one of his hands around his shoulders. "Aww mittens you look adorable"

"It's been so long since I heard that nickname!" Valt chimed in.

"Right" Itsuki nodded vigorously. "It's been so long since I called him that"

"I despise you," Shu sneered, pushing him away.

Lui snorted, "Mittens? Really?"

"Shut up, you have no say in this Shirosagi"

Lui put his hands up in surrender. The grin never leaves his face. "Wow they switch into last names real quick" Free commented, looking around.

Lui cocked his head to the side, "What are you doing with us anyway? Don't you have things to do?"

Free waved his hands dismissively, "Everything is taken care of."

"Prince Free!" A cluster of kids ran to them, circling Christina and Free in an instant fussing with them and laughing around.

"Right! We went to visit Christina's house. Do you two remember Aito and Aki?" Natsu asked.

"Who?" Lui uttered at the same time when Shu went, "I do"

"It's your kids" Itsuki confirmed, nodding along, "They mentioned you at least fifty times since we were there. The little one was fussing about my eyes and blabbered a lot about how similar they are to yours" Itsuki smiled, "They looked so attached to you two"

"Ah" Lui sighed, "Those two"

"You two should go for a visit." Christina suggested.

Shu nodded, "After the council probably. We are running out of time. We should go now."

"Finally the big moment is here" Natsu grinned, "Don't worry prince Shu, my evidence will be right at your service"

Itsuki rolled his eyes, "Good luck!" He bumped his fist against Shu's hand. "Make me proud"

Shu nodded, "Right. Let's go kick some-" Shu stopped clearing his throat. "Let's just go"

"I dare you to finish this sentence" Xander challenged ruffling his hair. Shu just shook his head.

"I'd sound like Lui. That's the last person I want to sound like."

"You're insufferable," Lui said, flicking his forehead.

Shu gave him a close eyed grin, "I love you too"

"Some of us are feeling lonely here" Natsu exclaimed, faking tears as they started their course to the royal chambers where the meeting would be taking place. Shu fished off the hair pin from his hair and pulled his hair up back again. He slipped the pin to his pocket, stealing a glance and Lui who gave him a cocky grin. They stood in front of the closed doors for a moment.

"Good luck Shu" Free said, opening the massive doors. Lui quickly reached for his hand and squeezed it in a comforting way.

"You can do it Snowflake"

Shu gave him a small uncertain smile as they walked in. The kings, commanders and the main guests were there. Shu glanced at the Headmaster who was standing by the pillars and nodded. The man gave him a reassuring nod in return. His dad smiled at him as he took the seat between Itsuki and his father. The whole room quieted down as the High King stood up, "We are gathered here today to discuss a possible threat to all of our kingdoms. All these incidents may sound unbelievable but Prince Shu had found solid evidence to prove everything true. I won't drag on my speech" he said, gesturing at Shu. "All yours, Prince Shu"

Shu stood up and cautiously looked around the table. The judging gazes, the encouraging smiles. A heavy burden on his back. Their future came down to this revelation. It all depended on him. 

Heck yes! Finally a chapter over 10k I freaking love writing this book! You all give me the will to write this! Thanks for all the love, means a lot to me for real! Idk what else to say! But thanks again! Oh and I have two more Shui books coming up after this. So, never fear Shui will prevail in my account for few more years I guess. I'm also planning to write a Mikey x reader. (Mikey is a character from Tokyo Revengers btw lol) Anyways, all these are after November. So, yeah probably next year January. 

And WakiShu book, Rhythm of Our Lives would come in January too. I still haven't started on it. I've been having Shui vibes that Wakishu vibes are draining away. Criii ;-; 

Lmao okay, that's all I guess. I'm just super glad you guys actually like reading my books. You all awesome! I love you! If you guys wanna be friends drop a pm. I'm not always on but will reply when I am. 

Oh and listen to: Say You Won't Let Go  by James Arthur (of course it's the chapter name too, ;)) I find this song really fitting to the chapter. Drop some romantic song recs will ya? I wanna extend my playlist and know about new artists. Lemme know about your music taste as well. <3

Author is signing off now! See ya! Take care and stay safe!