Shu didn't know when the change happened. They followed Sasha down the stairs into the enclosed cave —exquisite, light pulsing through the air as the golden koi fishes dived and resurfaced. He felt the tightness in his chest the moment he took his steps to reach the stairwell. He could feel it, a vague presence of something unknown beside him, he could make out the shadow from the corner of his eye, but when he turned to see, he was only met with thick darkness slightly lifted by the torch Sasha carried.

Paranoia, Shu thought and moved on.

The moment he stepped into the cave and took in everything he saw, he heard the faint hum, as if the place was reverberating an invisible form of energy. Then the hum shifted into a steady beat of a flute, its high pitched tones resonating through the air. Shu flinched, looking at others who seemed to be deaf to all the changes, blind to all the shadows closing in.

Then, he saw it.

The creature, the eyes that haunted him when the sickness turned worse. The inhuman pile of flesh staring back at him with much hatred made Shu's skin crawl. It was standing beside him, impossibly close that Shu could feel the scratchy hum of his breathing. "Get out of here" A deep voice, gruffed and gurgling like the water in a violent stream.

Shu didn't respond, he stood frozen. His eyes transfixed on this creature whom he had never seen as a whole. He had seen his eyes, red from iris to the rest of his eyes, that it was just two pools of blood. His body, nothing but flesh. It was as if someone had skinned him off alive but his body had refused to die. Shu could see the thump of his heart under the pile of flesh on his chest. There was simply no skin, even his face was marred and reddish with fresh flesh hanging in, covering up whatever was left inside.

Nausea rose up through his stomach, Shu breathed, biting back a scream as he finally broke the stance and took a step back only to collide with someone. Shu spun around expecting to see Lui or someone else but was met with the sight of a woman— a dead woman.

That was when Shu wondered whether he had finally lost it. When her hands — skin a sickly ash and marred with scars over his wrists, wrapped around him and pulled him into a hug. Shu could feel the warmth of her belly, the blood from her stomach seeping to his skin. Her eyes were pure black, she didn't have an iris, just two black pools of darkness. Her nose, perfectly shaped and her lips, painted a blood red contrasting the pale skin on her face. But then there was her stomach, the skin ripped open, her clothes sagging around the nasty wound like skin itself. Shu could see everything inside her, from her flesh to her bones, the intestines and most of all a human hand, only the limb sticking out as if someone was trying to come out from her. The limb wrapped around Shu's waist and with horror Shu finally started to scream in both fear and agony as he was crushed under her dead grasp.

He heard the man with only flesh whisper over and over to get out, get the fuck out. The hand was tightened around his waist. He couldn't breathe. "No" He gasped, "Get away from me"

The woman laughed, a twinkling sound in his ears, her tongue ran across his earlobe, whispering words and pains. Shu could hear her screams when she was tortured like this, the pain was physically hurting him, pulling him down. "Stop" She was wheezing.

He couldn't breathe.

He couldn't see anything.

When did everything get so dark?

Where were the others?

---

No one moved for the first minute. They watched, transfixed and horrified seeing Shu's body move on its own as if someone invisible was handling his movements. Then he started gasping for breath, crying out for help. Lui sprung into action and reached the albino without the slightest hesitation in his eyes. Sasha, who had known something would happen, was too terrified to move. She had seen this before, but this was a whole new level, she hadn't seen something this worse all her life.

"Shu" Lui reached for his hands. The younger didn't snap out of his trance, his wide crimson eyes staring into space now. "Shu" Lui tried again, holding him by the elbows, shaking him lightly. He was barely breathing. "Fuck it" He said, slipped an arm under his knees and the other under his back to pick him up. "I'm taking him out of here" He announced, dashing towards the stairwell as Shu—in his arms, clutched onto him, gasping like a fish out of the water, trying to breathe, trying to come back from wherever the place he was in.

They reached the room that had the secret door and the stairwell. It was still in darkness after Sasha had brought the torch with her. Sasha, Free and Valt were hot on his tail. The girl hurried to the metal holder and placed the torch, the veil of darkness lifted and was replaced by a dim but steady light. Lui placed the albino safely on the wooden floor and pressed on the bracelet, the crystal flower bloomed on his wrist. "Hurry," Valt urged, kneeling on the opposite side and taking his friend's hand, trembling and cold. His lips parted, trying to gulp in the air but it seemed as if he was miserably failing in his attempts. Lui crushed the flower under his hands and placed a finger on his parted lips and widened the gap, opening his mouth. The liquid slipped in a steady stream.

Before the pain consumed, Lui slipped his hand to his robes and placed it on his bare chest, activating the power, harmonising the fire and ice clashing in his body. Shu curled to his hand, searching for the warmth and solace and Lui could only hold him close, easing the pain and wondering what the hell was going on.

"You knew this would happen," Free said, turning to Sasha. The girl looked no better than the rest of them. They were all shaken to the core. Sasha's skin was pale under the dim light of the torch, sweat glistening her forehead.

"This was ten times worse than what I expected"

Lui wasn't listening. He wasn't angry, just confused. Confused as to how she knew Shu would react differently than the rest of them. Shu sighed, opening his eyes. Dulled crimson looking through the people inside the room, his trembling palms trying to hoist himself up. Lui slipped a hand behind his back and aided him to sit down. "What happened?" He asked, "Where am I?"

"We're back inside the room" Valt said, squeezing his shoulder. "How are you feeling?"

Shu looked at him, haunted. "How are you saying things like that?" His voice was trembling, the others noticed.

"What do you mean Shu?" Valt's voice was patient and calm. He kept looking at his friend, ready to give an ear.

"What do you mean what I mean?" Shu's voice raised, "Didn't you see all that inside there? That woman? That man? All that-" He stopped, eyes wide and heart racing. Shu clasped a hand over his mouth.

"Shu?" Lui asked, worried. "Hey, talk-" The albino stood and raced out of the room. The others waited a second, processing the situation before chasing him through numerous doors, passing their friends who were still celebrating, to outside. Shu rushed to the side where the woods started and fell into his knees, throwing up.

Lui was there by his side first. He traced comforting circles on his back as his lover hacked, coughed and retched painfully. Bile mixed with blood on the ground before them. Unshed tears of agony were glistening in his eyes. "Shu, breathe" He said, running his fingers through those soft white locks.

Shu nodded, "I'm trying." He said, his voice hoarse and raspy. Zac arrived by their side with a bowl of water, his sapphire eyes worried and puzzled at the sudden worsening effects of his friend.

"Wash your mouth and drink some" Zac advised, kneeling beside him. Shu turned his head to Zac and nodded. He was tired of the metallic taste in his mouth, and the aftertaste of bile clinging to his taste buds.

Shu gratefully accepted the water and washed his mouth, trying to lessen the horrible taste it left behind. He then greedily drank the water, moistening his dry, raw throat. "Thank you" The albino sighed.

Zac placed a hand on his cheek, "Are you okay now?"

Shu nodded, leaning back to Lui's hold. "Yeah," He said. Zac didn't mention the fact that he was trembling like a deer caught in a trap. His eyes were dull and tired. He needed rest and so did Lui, Zac noticed. The White Tyrant hasn't got any rest after the healing magic was casted upon him.

"What happened?" Cuza asked, looking at Sasha, "Did you?"

The girl didn't answer. She averted her gaze to the ground. "Oh" Cuza said, understanding. "You actually took them there"

"Where?" Wakiya questioned, "What the hell is going on?"

"Questions can be asked later," Zac said, looking at the pair. "You two need rest now. Go ahead and retire for the night. It's been a long day"

Lui nodded, "Yeah, okay. Can you walk Snowflake?"

Shu nodded, taking Lui's hand and balancing himself despite his shaking legs. "Goodnight" He murmured to Valt who was still holding his gaze. The latter nodded echoing the greeting watching his best friend walking towards the healing hut.

"You know what? Free broke their gaze from the pair. He crossed his arms behind his head and nonchalantly stared. "Maybe we should go and get a drink. To celebrate" He was looking at Sasha when he said, "And maybe get answers for some important questions"

Sasha didn't object. She simply nodded, "I could use a drink"

Soon the squad was sitting around a long wooden table, the maids walking in between them pouring drinks for the tiny cups and filling the plates with roasted meat, the aroma of seasoning and spices invading the air. Free picked up the cup and downed the drink. He placed it back on the table watching Sasha, playing with the rim with a distorted look. Valt was to his right, telling the story of what happened for the rest of them present. Aiger and his father alongside Fubuki were missing. They must be back at Scorpion kingdom organising the messed up system, they had a long way to go and Free was sure they will meet again.

"Then Lui picked Shu up and raced back to the room" Valt was saying, "And then that happened '' Valt said referring to the throwing up.

Zac thanked a maid as she filled his cup, he picked it up. "Okay" His cheerful voice had taken a grim turn. "Princess Sasha" He said, placing the glass back on the table and crossing his arms. "Did you know Shu will be different?"

Sasha downed her third cup. Her cheeks were tinted in pink, the alcohol was strong. She was obviously trying to drink into oblivion. Cuza picked the cup from her fingers, "That's enough"

"My sister," She said, her eyes averted on the table. The rest of the people — Kitt and Cuza were watching her in concern. "My sister had the same kind of behaviour"

Honcho frowned, "You mean, like our Shu she also acted in a frenzy down there?"

"No" Her voice was guarded and defensive. "Your friend completely lost his mind, Honey was diligent enough to run out of the cave. She- She-"

Cuza placed a hand on her shoulder, "Honey did have a peculiar reaction when she was inside the cave. She just kept saying she could hear sounds and crying, though we had no idea what she was talking about we knew something was wrong. Then, she suddenly said someone was telling her to get out of here and the next moment she was dashing out the cave. She didn't go back there even once after that"

"Where is she?" Free ran his finger around the rim of his cup. His eyes on Sasha's.

"Not here obviously" Sasha growled, "She was taken prisoner"

"Not the Scorpion kingdom, right?" Orochi asked, "If it was the Scorpion kingdom we would've seen her or saved her already."

"Another one," Kitt said, his hollow face turning sadder. He was the only person at the table not tasting alcohol. Too young to take a sip of it.

"And that is?" Orochi's voice was kind. Kitt looked as if he was warming up to his kindness.

"The land of Gemini" The boy answered. "Their land is just beside Scorpion kingdom and it was in their raid Honey was taken"

Free hummed thoughtfully, "So your sister?" He started, "Had she been showing any symptoms since she was a child?"

Sasha nodded, "She was sick from her birth. It was that her lungs were weak, physicians said. But it was something else. She always told me she could hear voices"

"Does this sound familiar Valt?" Free asked.

"Kind of. Shu fell sick when he was around two after that incident in the castle. Since then, physicians had been trying to determine the sickness but none couldn't. Shu didn't complain about the noises though but sometimes he would scream when his situation turned worse, he asked people to-" Valt stopped to breathe as he remembered everything clearly, "He asked people to kill him. Said he didn't want to live"

Everyone fell silent for a moment or two. "Okay" Sasha breathed, "That does sound worse than whatever my sister had but-"

"There are similarities" Ruway offered. Xander was nodding beside him listening to the brunette speak. "And the fact there is a similarity is saying something. Maybe the situation is connected but we have to prioritise saving your sister at this moment"

"I'm guessing that's why you eagerly decided to give us a place to stay" Xander added with a grin, "You want help to save her, don't you?"

Sasha didn't seem to have the strength to object, she idly turned a piece of meat from her chopsticks. "Yes, I need help to save her"

"Tell us about the land of Gemini" Wakiya said, "It would be easier"

"Gemini is the land of entertainment, that's their speciality anyway" Cuza started, "That's my native land"

Valt blinked, "I thought you were from here"

"My parents moved here when I was a child but we are originally from Gemini. It's a kingdom with festivals everyday. When you are simply walking by the market square or city plaza you could hear the notes of flutes, vendors humming along to their songs. It was such a beautiful place to live. As I heard from the brokers, after the demon lords grabbed the power in the land of Aries, they started spreading it across all the lands and Gemini fell into their clutches"

"The royal family was slain" Sasha started the story from there, "A new ruler was appointed who was faithful to the dark arts and demon leaders. But the customs didn't. The only thing changed was that they started robbing people, mostly women from other lands, to serve as entertainers. The land itself didn't turn corrupt but the entertainment field where many made money became the monopoly of the aristocracy itself."

There was a silence, everyone was turning the idea over their minds. What kind of entertainment, they wanted to ask but refrained from asking not wanting to offend anyone.

Sasha sighed, seeing the stunned faces. "It's not that kind of entertainment! For god's sake my sister is like twelve."

Zac smiled innocently, "Pardon our rudeness but can you elaborate please?"

Sasha raised her brow, "The entertainment field in Gemini is purely arts. Dancing, singing, playing instruments and playwrights. Those are the main fields. Aside these there are two groups of entertainers — prostitutes and Hetaira. Prostitutes are strictly chosen by their own volition. Their legend says if women were put into sex slavery, the kingdom will be cursed with a plague and will crumble into dust."

"So, no matter who rules, people won't allow it," Free stated.

Sasha nodded, "Correct. On the other hand, Hetaira are intellectual maidens who are witty with their words and can keep a conversation going. Many men go to visit them to talk, have philosophical conversations. They are regarded as one of the highest classes in the kingdom. They stole women, especially nobles or royalty to make them Hetairas so they would be able to know more about the sophisticated values of different kingdoms. Gemini is always yearning to learn about new cultures and entertainment."

Free flexed his fingers, "That certainly does complicate things"

"Yes" Sasha said, "Gemini are intelligent, we need a solid, flawless plan if we need to save them"

Zac pondered over the situation for a while, "Do they have festivals?"

"They do but the two men Shu killed are from Gemini. I'm pretty sure they are

looking for the culprits and the protection in the city gates must've tightened."

"Well" Silas said, "Shit"

"Shit indeed" Free said with a smile, "Let's move from this topic to the celebrating one" He raised his glass, "To the victory"

Others smiled, raising their glasses. "To the victory"

Inside the hut, Lui and Shu were white awake. The White Tyrant was on his side, his head resting on his palm as he looked at his lover, staring at the ceiling in deep thought. Lui reached for his hair and twirled one of the long white locks in his finger, idly caressing it. Shu turned to him. "Aren't you tired?"

"I'm not" Lui let go of his hair and placed one of his warm hands on his cheek. "Aren't you?"

Shu shook his head, turning his body fully when he was facing him. "I don't want to close my eyes" He confessed, running a finger down his chest, feeling the defined muscles underneath his robes. "Tell me about something"

Lunar curled on the floor beside the bed. Her sound breathing was the only sound except for the whispered words of the two. "What do you want to hear?" Lui asked, moving closer, his hand wrapping around Shu's waist.

Shu tipped his chin up to look at Lui. "About Hyoketsu? I didn't learn much from the last visit"

Lui hummed, "Right"

Shu chuckled, "I'm joking. But I do want to hear about that place"

"There is the Crystal Flower Pond. You didn't get to see it last time, did you?"

"No. I've read about it in that novel" Shu answered, "Is it filled with Crystal flowers?"

"Kind of" Lui answered, shifting his position that he was fully embracing Shu. The latter had his chin tucked into the curve of Lui's neck as he listened to his deep, calm voice explaining. "It's a mix of Crystal flowers and lotus flowers. On full moon days, the petals starts to shine and they cast white moonlight beams on the lotus flowers"

Shu hummed, "It must be beautiful"

"It is. When Yuki was there, we always stayed the night in the inn near the Crystal pond on full moon days. It was like a family ritual between me and her. When we go back, let's do that. I want you to see the Crystal Pond when there's a full moon"

"Okay" Shu whispered, fighting back a yawn, "Let's do that."

Lui kept talking. Childhood stories, the battles, his training, everything that came to his mind to keep Shu's mind from going back to that place, those haunted memories. He didn't have any idea about what he saw, and Lui didn't ask. He knew talking about something that made your gut churn would've been torture. So, he held Shu in his arms, caressing his hair — a silent reassurance he'd be there despite what happened. Shu's breath tickled the skin on his neck but gradually it fell into a steady beat. His grip around Lui loosened. Lui kissed his hair, inhaling the soft scent of the male, whispering into the quiet air of the hut, goodnight.

The next morning the pair walked into the main house where Sasha was. As they guessed the others were there. Shu and Lui had purposefully waited alone inside their place of residence until the others gathered to discuss their further plans. It was Shu who kept hesitating, he didn't want to face them after his absurd display last night. The two entered the dining room hand in hand. All eyes turning to them, Valt gestured to the empty seats beside him.

"Good morning" He said as Shu slipped into the seat.

"Good morning," Shu replied with a tight smile. His eyes were exhausted. Even after falling asleep, Shu had numerous dreams. At one point in the night he slipped out of the hut not wanting to wake Lui who was in deep slumber — though Lui refused to acknowledge it, he was tired. Shu only fell asleep properly when the darkness was lifted by a faint curtain of sunbeams dawn brought.

Sasha stared straight at him, "I'm sorry about yesterday"

Shu just nodded, "That's fine"

"No it's not" Lui interrupted, "How did you know?"

Shu didn't stop Lui. He wanted to know too. How did she know he would act differently? Sasha spoke, her words loud and clear. She described the situation with her sister, the land of Gemini, the sickness she had. When she was finished, Shu was too stunned to speak. That was a lot of information but there was one thing echoing in his mind. They had found a breakthrough, a link, a clue for the sickness. There's another person who had the same thing— not fatal as his but still Shu cannot help but be happy. Maybe there is a way of healing.

"About the land of Gemini" Gou spoke, "Did you think of a plan?"

Sasha shifted her gaze to Shu. After the earlier attack on the Scorpion kingdom, she had recognized his skills as a strategist. "I do, actually"

"Let's hear it then"

Sasha nodded at Free's question. "Every full moon day of the month, Gemini organises a festival. A crew of all the adjoining kingdoms are allowed inside the city gates after a strict set of tests which is often searching the members for weapons and all. These parties are allowed inside for entertainment. The citizens of Gemini love novelty, so they invite the rest of us to produce that, some novelty for their culture."

Shu frowned, "The full moon is just two days away"

"Yes" Sasha said, "We haven't participated in a single festival after they took Honey"

"But why?" Sisco interrupted, "You would be able to see your sister if you do go"

"I might've been able to, but coming back home without her again" Sasha shook her head, "I cannot do that. I vowed myself if I'm setting my foot inside that land, I'm going to bring Honey back home"

"So" Shu continued, "You're telling us that this time we should send an entertainment party to Gemini and sneak out your sister and the other Pisces prisoners?"

"Yes"

"That's a good plan," Shu said, "But there is something we need to discuss. First," He said leaning towards Sasha, "How are we going to explain why the sudden favouration of Pisces to enter the festival? Things are going to look very suspicious"

Sasha leaned back against her chair, "You don't have to bother. I've already taken precautions to spread the word that some beautiful maidens from one of our distant relatives have come for a visit. They are interested in women and the culture my new relatives brought"

Wakiya frowned, "I can understand the culture part, but our group doesn't have any women"

Sasha just smiled at him as Shu ignored the topic of women as a whole. "Okay, next. Even if we go in, how are we going to carry any weapons inside? I assume the search regulation in the city borders must be strict just as you said. Sneaking in weapons without their notice is going to be a task near impossible"

Sasha grinned, "I have ways, you don't have to worry about that"

The whole situation had become a questionnaire between Sasha and Shu. The rest just watched, interested and amused as the two shared words back and forth. Shu gave her a sceptical look, "Okay? Next question. I am also assuming people are not in much disfavour of the system, so our only target is to save your sister and bring her to safety. We will help with that of course, but our main target from the start was to dethrone the evil of demon lords, how are we going to do that?"

"Let me tell you Prince Shu. Gemini kingdom, thought a slave of the demonic system is not a strong contender of it. The kingdom doesn't produce any weapons to the main government but is only there for merely entertainment purposes. If there is any kingdom useless to the Demon lords, it's Gemini."

"You mean this kingdom wouldn't pose a threat for our future operations?"

"Yes, I can give you my word on that"

Shu looked impressed, "Okay. Last question" He smiled sweetly at her, "Who are these women you speak of?"

Sasha mirrored his expression, "You're a genius, Prince Shu. I hope you have that already figured out"

"You flatter me, your highness. I sincerely do not know about the women you are suggesting about"

Lui snorted beside him, "Let's cut to the chase, first is Shu and the rest are?"

Shu groaned, dropping his head to the smooth surface of the table, the food bowls and the tea cups rattling with the force. "I hate you Shirosagi"

"Zenkuro Kurogane" Sasha said, "Wakiya Komurasaki and Ruway Sun, how about that?"

"Fair," Free said, crossing his arms. "If it was up to me, I'd have chosen the same"

Honcho gasped, "Look Wakiya, you're finally embracing your true nature"

Instantly, Wakiya had his dagger drawn, its pointy end on Honcho's throat. The latter didn't fear it, and looked rather amused from the display. "Say another word, I'll slit your throat"

Zac was the one showing least resistance, "Ah, I'd be happy to aid you all with my skills. It's my pleasure"

Ruway just shrugged, "If it helps the plan, sure"

Lui was petting Shu's locks, "See Snowflake? That's real teamwork right there"

Shu glared at him, chin still on the table, his hands idly spinning an empty teacup. Wakiya sighed, "This is not going to work. Okay, let's say we somehow dressed like maidens and walked in? But what about the entertainment part? If they are experienced, how are we going to fool them?"

Sasha stood, stretching her arms. "That's why you four will be given training"

Shu shrugged, "This is going to be a disaster"

Valt was beside him, grinning widely and cheering him on. "You'd do amazing, Shu!"

They took their leave from the Breakfast table. Sisco, Orochi and some of them departed from the group to improve their solo training and techniques. And the ones who were interested — Lui, Free, Valt and Honcho to be specific alongside some others, stayed behind. Sasha had the four lined up in front of her, a thick book on each other's hands. "So, it's true?" Wakiya asked, conflicted, "Did princesses really practise their walking style balancing a book on their head?"

"I did it with a teacup. Be grateful, that's harder than using the book"

Zac scanned the book and placed it on top of his head, sauntering across the garden and twirling around, the book perfectly still on his head. "That's easy!"

Sasha watched him, mouth agape. "How did you even do that?"

"Zac is from a kingdom where entertainment was kept in high regards" Free answered, "He probably has the practice"

"And Ruway too" Xander added pointing to Ruway, "He's a martial arts prodigy, smoothness is in his nature"

"Wakiya" Honcho cheered, "Don't give up, you can do it"

"Shut up and just leave, will you?"

Shu stood there, uncertain. The morning he had woken up with all the nightmares swimming in his mind. He was tired. The images of the things he witnessed keep messing up his focus. Moreover, he was too drawn into the information in the book to put it on his head. It was a book about the mechanism of ancient Pisces ships and the way they used magic to stabilise them amidst storms. "Stop reading it!" Sasha scolded, reaching to grab the book, Shu swiftly turned, dodging her attack.

"So, you guys can use magic?" His eyes were on the white page where a ship was skillfully drawn, arrows pointing to each part and how the magic should be implemented.

"Sorcery is part of our genius," Sasha answered, lunging at him. "Stop ignoring me"

Shu suddenly stopped, "Wait," He looked at the others, "This book is so valuable, are there more like this?"

Cuza nodded, "Plenty"

Sasha was growling, "You're such a pain"

Shu shrugged, "I can walk just fine"

Wakiya on the other hand was purposefully ignoring the book and the walking. He had long since given up and started squabbling with Honcho who kept teasing him from the sidelines. "Let's just move on" Sasha said, "At least two of you are good at this"

"Tell me you guys can play instruments, or I'm going to lose my mind"

"Anything!" Zac chimed in, "From drums to the lyre, I can play anything"

Wakiya huffed, "I can play the harp"

"The lyre" Ruway answered.

Sasha's sceptical gaze stopped on Shu who innocently stared back. Free snorted, "She's so done with him"

Lui shrugged, "Snowflake is doing fine"

Valt nodded vigorously, "Shu's pretty! That's all that matters"

"Flute?" Shu answered, "Yes, the flute!"

"Bring me a flute," Sasha ordered to Cuza who was standing with the rest. "I don't trust this one"

"Why?"

"Others were confident in their answers but you didn't look like you're sure if you played it or not" She looked over to Lui, "Can he play?"

Lui blinked, baffled. He had no idea.

"I can play" Shu defended himself, "I haven't told Lui yet"

Valt nodded, "Shu can play!"

Sasha didn't look convinced. Cuza handed the flute to Shu with an apologetic smile at their princess' behaviour. Shu smiled back, picking it up, turning it over his hand. It was made of marble, Shu realised, handling the instrument with care. The surface was carved with complicated lines to emboss the main sign of the land — koi fishes. "This looks expensive"

"Play"

Shu pressed his lips together, "Whis piece?"

"Huh?"

"What music piece?"

Zac chimed into the conversation, "The cry of the lotus" He said, "I love that piece"

"Okay" Shu answered, taking his position. He placed his slender fingers according to the piece and raised the instrument to his lips. The marble flute was cold against his skin as he played. The quiet, strong music notes resonating through the air, reverberating against their ears. The Cry of the Lotus was a complicated piece composed by one of the most famous musicians in Akarui. Later, when the drama of the novel Crystal Pond came into light, the Cry of the Lotus was used as the background theme when the maiden cried after realising the Prince didn't notice her. It was truly a heartbreaking piece and Shu found comfort in these music notes when he was bedridden and had no one to cure his boredom.

The song moved from the slower pace to a quick one. The quiet sobs of the woman turning to rage, furious waters, like a storm brewing in the horizon. Shu's fingers moved on the flute with precision and active tempo. Gradually, the notes fell away until it came to a stop. Shu put down the flute, pressed his lips together and expectantly looked at Sasha like a child looking for his teacher.

Sasha blinked, "Uh... that was okay"

He frowned and looked at Lui. The White Tyrant was smiling. "She's just stingy with compliments, you did great snowflake"

"Thank you" Shu grinned. "See? I told you I could play"

Zac clapped his hands together, delighted. "That was excellent, shooting star!"

Sasha rubbed her hands together, "Okay fine! I agree, you're great. Happy now?"

Shu nodded with a satisfied grin. "Very"

"Next, dancing"

There was a collective groan from Ruway, Shu and Wakiya. Zac seemed to be excited for everything. "You all need partners," Sasha said, grabbing Cuza's hand and leading him to the middle of the compound. She looked at the rest of them, "This is a dance routine popular in the west and was inherited by the Gemini with time" Cuza placed a hand on her waist and tangled her fingers with his. They swayed in practised rhythm even without music. The gentle breeze passing them by.

"That's quite popular in Akarui too" Zac said, "We should call Orochi here, he knows the dance. It'd be easy"

"Same here" Free said, "That dance routine is pretty common"

Valt and Shu shared puzzled looks. "Is it?" Valt asked, "I can tell you it looks quite foreign to me though"

"It was popular in our lands. I don't think it reached far enough to yours" Lui explained, "It was suppressed by the newer forms of entertainment that came into the kingdom. Now we rarely see this even at festivals. It flourished during the time of war and died with the end of it."

Shu nodded thoughtfully, "That's probably why we have no idea"

Ruway shrugged, "Looks pretty easy to me, I'll catch up"

Wakiya pointed at Honcho, "You come here."

Honcho didn't complain. He raised his brows in mock amusement. "I'm flattered, princess"

Wakiya let out a string of curses as they tried to imitate the steps Sasha and Zac were trying to teach them. Ruway was dancing with Xander and Shu looked at Lui who put his hands up in a surrendering motion. Shu just smiled in return, "I know you won't dance"

Lui reached to him and pecked his lips. "I'm sorry"

"That's okay" Shu patted his shoulders, consoling. Lui looked over his shoulder to see Free who was staring with a smug grin.

"You have something to ask me, Lui?"

Lui raised his brow, "Oh, I do. I know you are the only dance partner left here to dance with him. Try something weird, I'll feed your body to whatever the carnivore I find first in these woods"

Free shrugged, "Terrifying" He walked over to Shu and offered him his hand, "May I?"

Lui ruffled Shu's hair and let him go. "I'm going to go rest. Have fun"

Shu nodded, watching him leave. A part of his relieved Lui was finally taking the rest he deserved. Shu accepted Free's hand and started going through the complicated motions. He did get the basic steps mastered in a few minutes, Shu felt like he was doing fine — except for the fact he was stepping on Free's foot. The latter didn't complain but smiled, amused by the display. "Don't laugh" Shu complained, "I'm trying so hard here"

Free twirled him and wrapped both his arms on his waist, guiding Shu's around his neck. "Okay, I'm sorry"

Wakiya and Honcho had somehow mastered the steps and were solely focusing on stepping on each other's foot. They'd do fine, Sasha had muttered before walking away to bring the tailor to take measurements. According to her, they needed special clothes with the finest silk to match the situation. The men who would be going with them, Lui, Free and a small group chosen by them would also need new clothes in the newest patterns of Gemini. She came back a few moments later with an old woman with misty eyes. Sasha introduced her to the rest of the team who parted from each other and stopped practising and bowed in respect.

Her eyes — sunken in their sockets were the colour of fresh leaves of Spring. Her skin was lined with experience and the years of happiness, sorrow and torment. She walked over to them, "Are they the ones, princess Sasha"

"Yes" She said, her tone levelled and filled with respect.

"Come to me one by one, I will take the measurement" Her voice was steady despite her bent back and snow white hair that framed her small face in curls. Zac was the first in line. The blonde participated in each and everything with the same vigour and interest. Sometimes, this adaptability of Zac marvelled Shu. The way he could carry himself in front of a crowd, the way he could delight everyone with his skills. He was simply a marvel.

After the measurements, Sasha turned to them. "Who's good at knife throwing"

"I am pretty decent" Shu said, "I can catch a target just fine"

Sasha nodded and turned to the tailor. "I need an opening in the skirt of his" She said, motioning to her upper thigh. "The same as mine, made the opening long enough for his upper thigh and hold it between folds"

Shu blinked, "Oh. Am I going to strap the knives into my leg?"

"Bingo" Sasha said, "For the others, Ruway is fine because I heard from Xander your family bloodline can summon weapons." She turned to Shu with a determined expression, "We'll cover for the others' ' Shu didn't exactly get what she was saying, but it looked like she knew what she was doing, so the albino didn't question. The rest of the day was the same. They practised a variety of skills that must be important for the group.

When they finally retired for the day, Shu found his mind brimming with newfound confidence. The memories of yesterday were clouded with the moments of today. He quietly opened the wooden door and stepped in. A single oil lamp was lifting the darkness, throwing shadows across Lui's peaceful sleeping face. Shu didn't crawl in beside him. He moved quietly in the hut— swift and graceful, trying to retrace the movements he did with Free. Dancing was the one thing he was falling behind.

"You sure are trying hard" A voice said. Shu turned to see Lui, sitting on his bed, arms crossed. He waited a moment longer and upon hearing no answer, stood and stepped towards Shu.

"May I?" He asked with a smile. Shu accepted his hand with a dip on his chin feeling Lui's strong fingers interlacing with his own. His other hand was on his waist as Shu placed his on Lui's shoulder.

"I thought you didn't dance" Shu followed Lui's lead, tracing their steps across the dim light of the hut, shielded away from the rest of the world, just two of them, embraced in each other's warmth.

Lui parted and took his hand twirling him. "Not when others are watching. But if it's just you and me, I wouldn't mind"

Shu smiled as Lui spun him for the second time pressing Shu's back against his chest. His lips gliding over the curve of his neck, the smooth skin warming in his hold. Shu shivered, "What do you think about Sasha's sister?"

They had stopped dancing and now we're standing in the middle of the hut embraced in each other's hold. Lui's strong arms around his waist, Shu's own hands tracing the muscles along his bicep. His cheeks tinted pink as Lui kissed his neck and shoulders, his lips moving with familiar ecstasy. Lui briefly pulled away, "I think there's a good chance we'll find the cure here. If there are people like that here, it means there should be a cure too. Don't you think?"

Shu hummed, "Yes and thank you"

"What's that for?" Lui tucked his face on Shu's neck, inhaling his sweet scent.

"For not asking about yesterday. I couldn't have told you even if I tried" Shu whispered to the eerie silence of the hut. Lunar missing. She might've gone for a night hunt.

Lui untangled his hands from Shu's waist and spun him around again for their previous position. "Shall we keep dancing then?"

Shu smiled, "Of course, Prince Lui. Let's keep dancing"

Lui leaned down and placed a kiss on top of his nose with a chuckle. "As you wish, Snowflake," He said. The two swayed to the rhythm of their hearts around the isolated hut, The heavy veil of darkness consumed the twilight outside. The flick of the flame on the wick casted eerie shadows on the clay walls. Shu didn't mind, neither did Lui. They moved in harmony, their eyes transfixed on each other as they danced. Forgetting what existed outside this bubble of love for a moment. Basking in the adoring gaze of the other. They enjoy life. Enjoy it for the brim that Lui felt there was no other outside this person he could love. Enjoying it that Shu felt there was no other could make his heart swell with love like this person would.

They dance in the quiet, dark room falling in love again. 

This is kind of a uhhh shitty chapter? Like there were so much dialogues but I had to do it to set the plot for the story :D This keep getting complicated with each one istg. 

Anyways! Thank you for the support as always and uhm...

Since many are requesting, I am about to reveal about this Free x Shu I have in my drafts. It's a historical love story without fanatasy elements. Much like the ones I'm writing on Shui. Tell me your idea btw. I'm not sure about posting it because of the already ongoing books, but since I'm closing to 1k followers, I just might post it for 1k special ;-)

Thanks again though! This support means the world to me! I love you guys so much <3