Shu walked along the buzzing hallway, Valt hopping excitedly beside him, looking around the clusters of excited students. It had already been a week since their duel as a team and finally the time has come to face off against Lui. Shu rubbed his hands together letting a small flame flicker across his palms to spread warmth through his skin. He had been avoiding Lui for the past week and it seemed like the white tyrant also had the same idea, because even if they crashed just accidentally against each other, he would just excuse himself and go his own way. Shu knew this duel is important to both of them and through it might be the reason for the white tyrant's distance with him. Even though he also wanted to keep a safe distance with Lui, it would be a lie if he told himself that the distance had been making him a bit lonely the past few days. Shu shook his head slightly, letting his milky white bangs mess up across his forehead as he looked at his side to see Valt, "So, ready to your duel with Free?"

Valt grinned, "You know it!" He yelled, throwing his hands in the air with a giddy laugh. "I'm so excited to fight him. He's super duper strong."

Shu chuckled at his enthusiasm, "That's just like you Valt"

"Ooh! There!" Valt suddenly yelped, grabbing his wrist. Shu blinked, turning to see his parent's royal chariot stopping by the massive gates as the chariot with the Aoi emblem stopped right behind Moeru Kingdom. He let Valt drag him across the training area to reach the compound of the school where many of the students were reuniting with their parents. He briefly caught the sight of the Shirosagi family and the Kurogane family, talking with each other. Shu teared his gaze away from them as Valt came to halt in front of the gates. The grip on his wrist was released as the hazel eyed male jumped up to his parent's arms who showered him with kisses and hugs. Shu eyed them with a fond gaze as he made his way towards his own parents waiting to embrace him with open arms. King Kurenai smiled, wrapping him up in his arms as the Queen cupped Shu's cheeks pressing a soft kiss on his forehead.

"How have you been?" His mother asked, the concern slightly wavering her smooth voice.

"Great" Shu half lied. His time in the school has indeed been a great one, and when you forget the amount of times he almost died, he was pretty sure the whole experience was great.

The king grinned, "You are fighting in the semi-finals, I heard"

Shu made a dramatic bow with a sly smile, "Indeed, my power is increasing at great speed my lord"

The queen chuckled, ruffling his milky white locks when the younger jumped into another loving embrace nuzzling his face on their soft royal robes. "I missed you two so much"

The wind blew past them as they walked into the school. Their teachers were more than ready to give a general review about their physical and educational development. The stands near the training grounds started to be filled with people from the Akarui kingdom, everyone buzzing with ongoing excitement to see the showdown between powerful kingdoms. Children held flags in their hands, vendors passed through them selling food and toys. Someone could say it was another typical duel, another day of enjoyment in the Akarui kingdom but there was more to that. Lui and Shu glanced briefly at each other before turning their ways to the opposite side of the arenas. They were to fight after Free and Valt. Everyone's on their toes when the whistle blew and the first match started.

Shu crossed his fingers behind his back silently cheering his friend from the sidelines, sitting beside his parents whose eyes were fixated on the battle but he didn't miss the concerned glances they threw at him from time to time. He was not surprised, all their life they had seen him as their child, who was made of glass and delicate to rough fingertips.

The first phase of the match ran without any eventful strikes. Both searching for an opening to attack the other. The opening for the first attack was a simple distraction from Valt. The hazel eyed male shifted to his left stealing a glance toward the stands when Free attacked, showing him no mercy. Their weapons clashed against each other as they constantly battled. It was the nature of any battle. A simple distraction, a glance could throw you off the hook and your opponent gains the chance against you. Free moved fast, trying to get an opening to use his power against Valt. Sure, both of them had been partners in the earlier battle and some might ask how they are mercilessly fighting with each other. The truth was, there are no friends or foes in battling, it's just your opponent and if you don't give your best, it's an insult for the other.

Free lunged at Valt and made several arrows from his power. He jumped back as the arrows flung in, but Valt had other plans. He rolled to the side dodging them as the arrow flew past his head. The crowd cheered as Valt immediately stood up, launching himself to the blonde with speed and precise calculation. The attack was taken by Free almost in surprise. Valt successfully landed a blow to his right shoulder as Free was driven to the ground with a burst of pain and a neat, deep cut across his shoulder blade. The blonde hissed in pain as Valt pinned him to the ground as the referee started counting down. Everything seemed to be working well for Valt when suddenly a glowing yellow arrow flew out of nowhere right to his arm. Valt stumbled backward, waiting for the pain but was met with numbness. He focused on Free to see him getting up, his blood soaking through his clothes in a bright crimson.

Valt grimaced realizing the sudden exhaustion pressing against his limbs. Free had successfully affected him with all his power. Free charged at him, as Valt fell on his back. He struggled to stand up when the blonde pinned him using his knee to the ground. There was a deafening silence as everyone watched and this time Valt didn't stand up against Free and their master called Free the winner of the match.

Free stood up and knelt beside Valt who was struggling to sit down. The initial blows and the use of Free's power exhausting him to the bone. "That was a good match" Free said, bumping their fists together.

Valt grimaced but smiled, "Yeah" He looked over to Free's blood soaked shoulder. "You should get that treated"

The cheer of the crowd was deafening that Free barely heard Valt's statement. The adrenaline rush inside his body slowly fading away just to be replaced by the blinding pain of his shoulder. Free visibly flinched standing up as he helped Valt to stand up despite his pain. Two of the medical staff ran into them as they ushered them into the medical rooms but Free would never forget the delightful expressions his parents held as he met their eyes for a few moments just before he disappeared into the building.

---

Shu was itching to go and see Valt in the medical room but he knew he didn't have any time to check upon his friend. The cheering from the previous match slowly ceased as the two Princes entered the arena. This time it was tension that rose through the air. Two Princes, from two hostile kingdoms. Shu rubbed his sweaty palms against his clothes looking over to Lui who looked placid and calm. The previous match was amazing; he had to agree. Even Though Valt lost the match everyone could see the determination and the strength of the boy. He didn't miss the tears of happiness Queen Aoi shed as they were leaving the arena.

The match started as the arena fell into the silence. The two stared at each other for a few seconds, circling the arena waiting for the other to take charge. Both of them used elemental powers, contrasting to the other. Sure, they could combine it well and attack with no mercy but when they are taking the opposite sides, it's obviously just unpredictable. Lui stomped his foot on the ground sending a sheet of ice to envelop the whole floor momentarily trapping Shu to the ground.

The albino increased the temperature and jumped to the side to avoid the spikes of ice charging his way. Shu balanced himself on his feet waiting for another attack that never came. There was a skin prickling sensation that something was wrong. Shu frowned looking over to Lui whose hands were encased in ice but the white tyrant was not attacking.

Shu frowned, the Lui he knew would already be on his tail chasing him around the grounds attacking mercilessly. Shu gritted his teeth, wondering whether Lui had a plan or he was simply holding back on him.

He pressed the ruby on his ring and summoned the axe which glistens in the sun. He gripped on it tighter and lunged at Lui with his increased speed. He had been practicing the last few days pushing his limits. He knew it would be bad for his health but as he thought to achieve something great, there's always need to be a sacrifice. Lui dodged his attack and jumped to his side. Shu frowned, concluding his theory, Lui Shirosagi was holding back against him.

"What the hell are you doing?" Shu asked, aware that the audience could hear his shout but not caring about the others' judgements nevertheless.

"Fighting, duh" Just moving before the axe peeled the skin off his right leg.

"I thought you were better than this!" Shu stated, stopping right in the middle of the arena. The crowd's cheering fell into a hush. People shared uncertain glances between each other. King Shirosagi and King Kurenai passed a hateful glare among each other before turning back into the fighting arena where the tension was growing at each moment. "Stop frigging holding back on me! I don't need your pity" Shu raised his voice unconsciously, frustrated by everything.

Lui raised his brow, Shu's words seemed to be familiar, almost like a deja vu. His eyes instantly snapped to Gou who was intently staring at him, his brows furrowed, expression set into a disappointed glare. "I'm not holding back" He simply stated, it felt true. He didn't even realize he was not attacking like other days. He didn't even realize his mind was subconsciously not letting him use his full power.

Shu sighed, looking up at him. The match was long forgotten. Lui looked into his red eyes to see something he didn't see in him when he looked at Lui. It was disappointment and betrayal. Lui felt something tightening in his gut as he realized the real value of Gou's advice. He wasn't doing it intentionally. He wasn't holding back but at the same time he was. Shu always looked up to him with admiration. Lui knew Shu liked being treated equally by his peers, not as someone weak. "I'm disappointed in you, really" He said, the wind around them carrying away his words in a gust.

Lui bit his bottom lip. The crowd has started to get restless. All of them shifted in their seats murmuring among each other. Lui turned to see his parents. His dad's face was clear and cool, not giving away any expressions, just like he often was. His mom was looking rather concerned and Yuki was staring at him intently, wondering what his decision would be. Lui focused on Shu, his red eyes waiting for the answer and he gave it. The White Tyrant grinned, his right hand encased with a thick layer of ice as a sword was formed, glistening in the golden sun but never melting. "You're going to regret this"

Shu smirked back, raising his brow. The expression in his face changed to a determined one as the grip on his axe tightened. This was the Lui he was waiting to fight for, the insane one, the completely outrageous one. The sword was bigger than his former one, and it was insanely sharp, "I didn't mess around" Lui said, running his finger through the crystal. "I'll devour you"

The crowd broke into a loud cheer as Shu tilted his head, a fire blooming along his arm covering his axe. The whole weapon was soon encased in a beautiful, yet deadly fire hissing and waiting to devour the next prey. "I didn't mop around either. Bring it on, Ice Prince"

"With pleasure" Lui offered, "Snowflake"

Everyone held their breath as they watched. One side of the stadium was freezing, ice encasing the ground and the half walls dividing the audience and the competitors. The other side of the stadium was blazing with frightening fire. Small flames flicker on the ground churning and hissing. Everyone leaned back against their seats waiting for the impact as the two powers collided. Lui let out a battle cry racing toward Shu as Shu sprinted right back at him. Fire and ice, this time, not together, but against each other. The two powers collide in the middle. Sparks of burning flames and sharpened crystals flying through the air as a blinding light covered the whole training ground. Everyone was in a hushed silence as the smoke and light slowly died down. Both of the males were crossing their weapons, neither giving in. Lui suddenly jumped backward making Shu stagger a few steps forward, and in the next second he was behind Shu attacking him from the back.

Thanks to his fast instincts, Shu was able to block the attack just about the time when Lui brought down his ice sword against his neck. "Fast" Shu muttered to himself, blocking another ice attack. He panted slightly as sweat beads formed on his forehead.

Lui stomped his foot on the ground sending a blast of ice toward Shu who jumped to the air bringing down his flaming axe on the spikes of crystalized ice. The massive structure shattered under the force of fire. Lui blinked, surprised at Shu's strength as he made another ice wall in front of him to avoid the crystal hitting against him. He winced as he felt several piercing against his skin drawing out blood.

There was silence for a moment before Lui caught the sound of footsteps from behind him. He spun around his step to see Shu, the White Tyrant blinked, blocking Shu's path as he jumped backward, 'when the hell did he even get behind me?'

Shu cursed dodging the oncoming ice attacks rolling to his side. The two again met each other at the center of the ground clashing their weapons together with brute force. Sparks seemed to emit from the weapons as they clashed at lightning speed. In a moment of breathlessness Shu staggered backward planting his axe firmly on the ground. He immediately made a circle of fire around him, blocking Lui's way into his safe space. Two of them were covered in bruises and cuts all over. The impact of each other's elemental powers were taking a toll on their body, especially Shu who seemed to be having a hard time focusing on the match.

Lui watched him cautiously realizing Shu's strength was slowly coming to an end. He could see the significant changes of the albino. His white skin was contrasting with the blood red flames still licking his body, dancing around him. His lips were pale, almost ash in colour. Lui notices the slight tremble of his limbs, the wheeze of his breath but the unchanging determination burning in that deep blood red eyes.

'I'm not holding back Shu' He thought, charging at Shu. The albino's eyes widened in surprise as Lui easily put down his fire and soon, the violet eyes stared into his crimson, the sharp crystal sword pointed against his neck, making a clean cut across his throat. "You surrender now? Snowflake~" He sang, grinning.

Shu glared at him for a minute, not moving. Then taking the other by surprise the albino ducked making a sweeping motion on the ground knocking Lui to the ground and making a dash out of his capture. Lui spun around his heel to see Shu standing in front of him. A sloppy grin on his face. Despite the shaking of his body, and the paleness of his skin he spoke, "Not so soon, Ice Prince"

Lui frowned, it was clear that Shu was not in a good state. But there he was, in front of him with that crimson eyes of his, burning in full determination and passion. Lui didn't hold back, he was not going to make the same mistake twice. Shu braced himself to the cold which surrounded him like a fortress. He took a deep breath moving his feet to a balanced position when Lui appeared in front of him and attacked. Shu felt his body flying back and slamming painfully against the rough ground of the training grounds.

Lui sprinted to Shu's fallen body, determined to finish the battle this time when Shu sat up. Lui blinked in surprise. The pain was evident in his eyes yet he kept standing up. 'Stupid masochist' Lui thought icing his left hand as he charged forward. Shu let out another burst of flames, not giving Lui a chance to attack squarely on the albino.

Lui jumped back cursing watching Shu take the stance to another fire attack. Both of them were deaf to the cheers or the concerned shouts of the audience. Both of their minds were in the battle, just the way both of them liked it. Lui braced himself to another burning fire when Shu suddenly stopped. His hand came to a stop in the midair as the albino suddenly twisted his face and took a step back, choking.

Lui stayed frozen to the ground when Shu just collapsed on his back. His fragile body making a slight thud. The crowd started making noise as the referee announced Lui as the winner. But the White Tyrant was numb to all the changes. He didn't even hear the echo of his name chanted by the audience. He sprinted to Shu who was curling to himself so hard that his knees touched his forehead.

Lui slipped one of his arms under his neck, when the albino spoke. His voice was painfully small and quiet. "L-Lui" His crimson eyes were wide and scared. "N-not here." He muttered, "I wanna go somewhere else. Please somewhere away from here"

Lui stared into his panicked crimson eyes for a second and nodded, lifting him to his arms as Shu kept a tight grip on his clothes. He didn't listen to the calls of his headmaster or Shu's parents as he sprinted down the halls only stopping when he reached the medical room where Free and Valt were both talking with each other.

The two stopped dead when they saw Shu in his arms, clinging to his robes breathing heavily almost as if he's clinging to his dear life. Valt's eyes widened as Lui placed his gently on the covers not caring about the blood covering them both, and at this point Lui was not sure who's blood that was.

"What-" Valt started, looking in between his friend and Lui.

Lui wiped the sweat off his forehead, "He used too much power"

Free blinked, "He never really-" He was cut off by a sudden scream by Shu. Almost all of them jumped back in surprised, startled by the sudden sound of the albino. Valt's hazel eyes widen in realization. It was just like that time.

"Guys this is bad." Valt murmured when Shu started to tremble. His limbs shaking violently as the albino hugged himself tightly, his nails pushing against his skin.

"What the" Lui started when Shu flipped himself to face the ceiling. His crimson eyes wide open with fear and panic. Free and Lui shared a bewildered look at the acts of the albino when he started clawing at his own neck.

"B-breath" Shu gurgled. His nails dug against the cut on his throat opening it up as the blood flowed down his pale skin. He screamed again, squeezing his eyes shut, tears springing up from his eyes, streaking down his cheeks.

Lui was just staring, he remembered the words of Shu. People called me a monster.

"Shu..." Lui whispered looking at the hyperventilating male in front of him.

"Prince Lui" Someone yelled, snapping him off his trance. He snapped his head towards Mitsuba who looked terrified at Shu. Lui grimaced and turned back to see Shu trying to rip off the skin on his neck. "Pin him to the bed, stop him" Mitsuba said, recovering from her dread.

Lui didn't need to be told twice. He immediately got to the bed and stood over Shu, clawing his hands out of his own neck, pinning them to the white bed sheets colouring crimson. Shu thrashed and kicked as Lui held him down. "Let me die" He screamed, throwing his head back as he tried to free his hands from the iron tight grasp. "I can't bear this! I can't. This thing is inside of me! Please! Kill me. Kill me. Kill me." Shu stopped heaving another deep breath. Lui could feel his hands shaking against his hold. He bit his bottom lips trying to control him.

"Shu, stop that, you're hurting yourself" Lui said through gritted teeth. Even though Shu was in a bad state he was trying his best to kick Lui in the gut and Lui was glad that Shu didn't have his early strength or momentum to push him off the bed.

"I'm not hurting myself," Shu said, trying to bite off his arm. "I'm trying to frigging kill myself"

Lui blinked, taken aback by the bold statement of the albino. Looking at him, screaming his lungs out, Lui realized he almost looked possessed. He heard people going mad with pain but it was the first time he witnessed someone to be driven into insanity by pain alone. Shu sobbed openly, tears streaming down his cheeks. His eyes were clenched shut as his protests still kept the same. Lui turned his head when he heard more people entering the room. He stiffened when he saw the King and the Queen of the Moeru kingdom, standing by the doorway. Their eyes were focused on Shu, who was thrashing against Lui to get free.

"Knock him out" Mitsuba suddenly opened her voice.

"W-What?" Lui hollered, surprised.

"There's no other way. Knock him out Prince Lui" 

His violent eyes instantly landed on the Royal Family of Moeru. King Kurenai bore a hard expression on his face which reminded Lui of his own father. Beside him was the queen, frozen to the ground, a hand covering her mouth as she stared at his son on the bed. Lui sighed, looking back at Shu who was exhausting himself to the core. "I'm sorry-" Lui mumbled under his breath as he pressed down a pressure point knocking him unconscious. Lui calmly watched as his crimson eyes slipped close with a soft sigh.

He climbed off the bed trying to keep his eyes away from the festering wound on his neck, dripping with blood. His nails were caked with blood and dirt. He ran a hand through his hair when the Queen ran to the side of his bed and knelt down. Lui silently stepped to the side giving his parents the chance to see him up-close. Behind him, Valt let out a shuddered breath, and Lui knew that this wasn't the first time the hazel eyed blader is witnessing all this madness. Free looked awestruck as him. The two shared a look and sighed. Everyone was silent as they watched Mitsuba mending to his wound before it got infected. Lui was quite surprised that the Kurenais didn't ask him to leave the room and he was not sure even if they asked, he would leave the room when Shu was lying in pain.

"How's he?" The queen asked, her voice strained with sobs and sadness.

"He'll be fine" Mitsuba said to her kindly, "Prince Shu is strong"

King Kurenai just nodded, turning his head back to Shu and Lui realized the doubt in his eyes. He turned to free and gave him a curt nod, indicating that he will be leaving. His injuries were not fatal and besides he was sure that his parents would be looking for him all around the school. He excused himself from the room giving one last look for Shu who was lying still on the bed. His mother kneeling beside him, kissing his hand as she gripped tight to him as if she'd lose him at any moment.

He turned around and left the room. He still needed to get ready for his final match with Free. He walked along the hallway where students were gathered in clusters as they murmured among each other. Lui was sure the outburst of Shu is already spreading around the school like a wildfire, and he was not sure how the younger will face all these rumours going through.

"Big Brother!" Yuki's voice echoed through the hall snapping him out of his trance. He turned around to see his father and mother, alongside with his sister waiting by the end of the hallway. He walked to them. It was true that he won the match, but there was not much happiness inside his heart. Even though he was walking to his family, his heart was still stuck with the male lying still in the medical room, devoured by his own demons.

---

Shu sighed softly as the consciousness slowly came back to him. He opened his crimson eyes and blinked several times as the world came into focus around him. "Shu?" His mother talked, her voice was quiet and small. Shu winced slightly as he sat down on the bed, immediately regretting as a sharp pain ran across his neck. He gasped for breath when someone patted his back drawing comforting circles. His mother immediately cradled him in her arms kissing his forehead repeatedly. Unshed tears shining in her eyes. "My god, you scared me"

Shu coughed, pressing his face against her gasping for breath and trying to endure the rising pain. "I'm O-okay"

His dad sat down beside him, taking his hand. "You're not, both of us can see that"

Shu pulled away from his mother and turned to him. His face was shadowed with worry and doubt. Shu knew exactly what he was thinking. "I don't regret coming here, having this battle. You shouldn't too"

His father sighed, "I don't know Shu..." He pressed Shu's hand against his forehead, closing his eyes. "I can't bare to see you in pain like this"

Shu looked down, "I'm sorry..."

"It's not your fault honey" His mother said, kissing him again

Shu just nodded, "When's the next match?" He suddenly piped up.

"You're not leaving the bed" His father sternly said, standing up. "You have to rest"

Shu huffed. "I wanna see the last fight Dad. Oh c'mon"

His mother actually chuckled at this sudden enthusiasm. "Dad is right. You need rest"

"But the match" Shu said with all seriousness he could muster into his tone. "After that, I'll sleep for a week if you want. Please" He clasped his hands together and pouted. He watched as they exchanged a look and finally nodded.

"Okay" His mom said, "But after the match-"

"Rest for a whole year, got you!" Shu said overly excited, forgetting about his injuries for a moment. He hissed when another shock of pain burned through his neck.

"Be careful" His father said, ruffling his hair. "We'll wait by the audience."

Shu nodded as his parents turned to leave. He basked the silence of the room for several minutes collecting his messy lump of thoughts together. He remembered everything clearly about the match. From the start to the end, even the way he lost control in this very room, right in front of Lui. He sighed, wondering whether Lui will ever look at the same way again. He gingerly touched the bandages wrapped around his neck and wondered how bad the damage was. But he was pretty sure he didn't hurt anyone this time, which he was truly grateful for.

Shu got up from the bed and walked down the corridor. Students drew away from him as he passed by. Shu visibly flinched when one of them whispered too loudly, about the 'rumours'. A strong sense of deja vu passed his mind. It was just like the last time. Whenever he tries to fit in somewhere he always ends up messing up his chances and Shu is not quite sure how he will talk to these kids again.

Shu walked slowly and quietly, his crimson eyes focusing on the ground as he let his mind wander all around. The match was wonderful and Shu never felt that much content with something all his life. He knew he did his best and he had no regrets about that. Since he was young, he always dreamed about travelling the world, getting to know about people. But right now, walking along this long hallway with students whispering all around, he felt more lonely. Lonelier than he had ever been in his castle back in Moeru. For a second, he wondered whether this was a mistake. Just maybe, he should've stayed inside the castle, within it's safe walls. But then again, he was happy about the life he spent the past few months. It had been a different experience. A new experience Shu never wanted to forget.

"Oi" A voice called making the albino look up to the source of the sound. He let out a startled gasp to see Lui, standing right in front of him with his stone cold face and cold gaze.

"Lui" Shu said, his voice painfully small.

"What are you doing walking around? Aren't you supposed to stay in bed?"

Shu blinked, "Uhm... I wanted to watch the match?"

Lui rolled his eyes, and shot a glare to a group of students who were staring at them. "Just, c'mon" He hollered, taking Shu's wrist as he walked down the hall, away from the murmuring crowds and away from all the rumours. Both of them stopped near the stables where everything was quiet and isolated. There was no one to bother them. Lui moved his hand and looked into the distance while Shu took a step back, unsure about Lui's thoughts about him. Does he see him as a monster too?

"Lui" Shu talked, this time his voice was louder and more stable. "Why are you- I mean do you-"

Lui cut him off with a glare. Shu instantly pressed his lips together, his heart shattering to tiny pieces as he thought Lui would probably be thinking about him as a monster. But in the next moment, surprising the albino, Lui took a step forward and reached his arm to rest on Shu's milky white locks. Shu stilled, his eyes focusing on the royal purple ones in front of him. Lui looked unsure for a moment before he ruffled his white locks ever so slightly and let his hand fall limply to his side.

"I'm glad you're okay"

Shu took a sharp breath, waiting for him to continue. "And no, I don't think you're a monster. The things I saw today doesn't change the way I saw you before our fight. You're still a warrior snowflake"

Shu blinked, processing all the words. A tiny part of him wondering about the change of the white tyrant. "T-Thank you-" His tone was surprised, mostly taken aback. "Really, Thank you"

Lui just grunted before giving him a shit eating grin, "Doesn't change the fact that I kicked your ass in the match today"

Shu huffed, there he was again, the typical Lui. He didn't complain about Lui's attitude or his personality, because it's the way Shu liked him. Carefree and bold. Just like a cold tyrant. "Celebrate while you can, next time I'm gonna get you on fire Ice Prince"

Lui reached to him and flicked his forehead, "Watch me, idiot"

Shu smiled, "I will watch your match with Free. Give us a good show"

Lui smirked, "Will do"

Shu opened his mouth to wish him luck when a figure burst through the entry for the stables. A girl with light blue hair tied up into a ponytail came in, her violet eyes darting around and landing on the two of them. Shu looked in between Lui and the girl, taking in all the similarities of the two. "Yuki?" Lui asked, raising his brow in confusion. 

She squinted, raising her brow as she looked in between both of them. "Mom and Dad is looking for you" She said pointedly, her eyes still focused on Shu.

Lui rolled his eyes. "Don't stare at people"

Yuki huffed, crossing her arms. Shu blinked realizing how similar the siblings were. He had only heard about Princess Yuki in the Hyoketsu kingdom but never got the chance to see her personally. But now, standing in front of him was a replica of Lui Shirosagi. "Mind you big brother" She huffed, "You stare at him a lot more than I do. Got to admit, he got the looks"

Lui clicked his tongue, "Shut up. Act like a lady you dang airhead"

Shu cleared his throat awkwardly, feeling out of place. He wasn't sure whether he was supposed to be standing in between them watching their little argument. "Don't listen to her," Lui said pointedly, reaching for her sister and flicking her forehead. "She's a disgrace to the word Princess"

Yuki grinned, "I always take that as a compliment" She said, turning to Shu. "Nice to meet you by the way. Shirosagi Yuki is the name, the not - so-ladylike princess in Hyoketsu kingdom"

Shu bowed in return. "Kurenai Shu, Prince of Moeru"

"I loved the match!" She suddenly exclaimed, clasping her hands together. Her rough demeanor instantly changed into a more softer cheerful one. "I've never seen someone standing up against Big Brother like that. Uhm... maybe Free did, but you're really something"

Shu blinked, realizing the initial hostility Lui showcased when they first met was missing from Yuki's introduction. She looked welcoming and open towards him. "Thank you," Shu said with a small smile.

Lui sighed, "Are you flirting with him or something?"

Yuki wiggled her brows, "Not really my type, but if you're insisting I can"

Shu felt heat rushing to his cheek when Lui pressed his fingers against his temples, "Just stay away from him."

"He's yours, okay" Yuki blurted out when both Princes grew awkwardly quiet before snapping,

"Excuse me?" They said in sync earning another grin from the female. Shu and Lui shared a look and averted their gaze.

"Shut your big mouth. You said mom and dad are looking for me. Let's just go"

Yuki blinked, "Oh, I forgot about that part" She spun on her heel and ran along the hallway as she screamed, "I'll let you two have space, but hurry"

Lui sighed, "Don't mind her."

"She's like you" Shu stated, deadly serious. "A more better version though"

Shu watched amusedly as Lui's eyebrow twitched in annoyance. "Shut up freak. I'm leaving"

Shu nodded stepping out of the way to let him pass. "And Lui" He said, stopping the other in his track. "Good luck. And win this for both of us"

Surprisingly Lui smiled, "Of course I would" He said, suddenly leaning closer, staring right into his crimson eyes. "For both of us"

Shu watched him leave. His pale cheeks still dusted in a faint pink at his words. He watched as the white tyrant walked away from him to the battle field. The last words echoing inside his mind.

For both of us

Shu shook the thoughts away wrapping his arms around himself. He wondered when they changed this much. It felt like it was yesterday they were biting back at each other. He turned to their two favourite horses and nuzzled his nose against their soft strong skin. Zac's statement about his crush on Lui seems to be more evident with the thoughts building up inside his mind. All along his life, Shu trusted in the emotions which were felt at a much deeper level. He always thought love was not for him, because most of the time it wasn't. Medics said he won't live a long life and he didn't really see the real reason behind falling in love for such a short amount of time but then again, as every book said, falling in love is beyond our control. Now walking to the training grounds where the battle was taking place he let his mind wonder whether it was possible to fall out of love as easily as you get attached to someone.

---

The audience was going wild. The deafening cheers echoed through the stadium as Shu reached for his seat beside Valt who shot a worried glance at him. "You shouldn't be here!"

Shu gave him an apologetic smile. "Sorry you had to see that... again"

Valt slipped his hand to Shu's with a soft sigh. "Don't say sorry. I'm glad you're okay."

Shu nodded, "Thanks"

"Well" Valt grinned, "That said. I'll be rooting for Free!" He suddenly jumped up from his seat and started to cheer.

Shu huffed, "Too bad. Lui is going to win" For both of us.

Valt grinned, "Let's see!"

The two friends grinned at each other, turning back to the training ground. Shu turned a blind eye towards all the stares he was getting from his fellow classmates and the civilians. Valt trusted him, Lui didn't think of him as a monster, that's all he wanted.

"The final battle" Headmaster announced, drawing out another cheer from the crowd. Shu felt his skin prickling with excitement, his heart racing against his chest as Lui and Free entered. "Now commence" his mighty voice echoed like a repeatedly beating drum.

Shu fidgeted with his robes nervously watching the two getting ready for the battle. Ice encasing Lui's hands as Free's hand was covered with a glowing bright yellowish colour. Both of them ready to go at each other on their full strength. The crowd started to cheer as Lui stumped his foot on the ground and built an ice wall, his signature move, blocking Free's way to him as well as covering an option for Free to use his power.

The two fought on and on. Lui mostly in his defensive mode while Free went offensive mode. He kept searching ways to attack Lui, even get closer to the white tyrant while Lui blocked all the ways and kept his distance. Simply, Free was difficult when he could aim straight at his body and Lui was trying to exactly ignore getting struck by one of those power sucking arrows of the other Prince.

Free grunted as an ice spike attack took him unguarded piercing his right leg. He jumped backwards and landed unstably on his feet. The injuries from the earlier match were healed using a healer and Free knew that this injury would need natural healing considering the fact it's not possible to use healing magic on a body without destroying it twice a day. Lui kept his attacks coming and Free kept looking for an opening.

The match went like this for several minutes until Lui found his ice unbearably exhausting. Ice power was a part of his body and the more he used it, the more exhausted he felt. Lui encased another layer of ice against his aching muscles aiming at Free when he realized the male was missing. Lui snapped his head backward, his violet eyes darting around the arena just when Free De La Hoya emerged behind him, his arrows flying straight towards his body. Lui dodged sideways missing most of the arrows when a slight ache ran up his arm. He didn't need to see to recognize the arrow because the effect, doubled with his own exhaustion settled in draining his own body power making him vulnerable for Free's on and on attacks.

Lui groaned painfully as Free kicked his side making him stumble back and fall to the rough patch of dirt. The disadvantage of Free's power is that once used in someone's body, there is no chance to use it again but that one time he uses his power can be deadly and effective. Lui groaned as he watched Free lunging at him again, aiming to his side. Lui rolled over, his eyes barely focused, the exhaustion slipping in when he caught the sight of the audience.

Rather than the audience, it was the concerned face of a person whom he unconsciously treasured. He stared as Shu's crimson eyes filled with worry, but there was the trust evident on his pale face. Lui could taste the blood in his mouth and the ache in his muscles. Shu's words echoed inside his mind.

Win this for both of us.

"Damn" Lui cursed, wiping down the blood caked on the corner of his mouth from the back of his hand. He turned his attention back to the fight, "That damn idiot is messing up my mind even when I'm battling" He said, pushing himself upward, forcing himself to stand. Free gave him a stunned look, momentarily freezing to the ground. He knew by now it would be impossible for Lui to stand up straight but there he was, standing in front of him with a grin on his face, ice encasing the ground yet again.

Free let out slow pants, with a grin matching Lui's own. Both of them were exhausted, but none of them wanted to accept defeat against one another. They clashed again as the audience cheered loudly. Lui dodged a punch from the blonde and aimed a kick against his torso taking him out by surprise.

Free grimaced trying to get back up on his feet when an enormous layer of ice covered the ground trapping his feet to the ground. At any other time, it would've been easy to break the ice with his bare hands, but after using his own power and the running exhaustion was making him weaker and somehow Lui seemed to manage to produce even more ice which creeped up on his legs covering half of his body. Free frowned, looking to the blue haired male who was clearly pushing himself. Free grimaced as the cold creeped in through his aching muscles but the blonde was not yet ready to give in.

With a final blow of power he broke down the ice and charged toward Lui who spun on his heel and jumped over his head. Free grabbed ahold of his own sword and spun around trying to aim it against Lui's neck when he was surprisingly taken off by a smooth pointed sword against his neck. His dark eyes stared at the violet eyes in front of him, "Game Over, De La Hoya"

Free dropped his sword with a small smile, softly shaking his head, "This one is for you Shirosagi"

The headmaster gave away the sign of the end of the tournament as the crowd broke into a cheer. Lui extended his hand, "That was a good match"

Free took it and shook it softly, "Yeah, it was"

Both of them turned to the audience where everyone was cheering for both of them, shouting out about how amazing the match was. Lui looked over to Shu who was standing beside Valt, his hands tightly gripping the barrier, his soft pink lips curled into a happy smile. "He seems to be happy" Free wondered aloud, giving him a sideway glance.

Lui huffed, "I don't care"

Free snorted turning to leave the arena. Lui wordlessly followed the blonde out of the deafening cheers. The two stood in the hallways when medics came rushing in, looking for injuries and ushering them to the medical rooms to patch them up before they collapsed down the hallway. Free let himself be taken away to the medical rooms, and the blonde was clearly exhausted by the match before with Valt and now with Lui.

The White Tyrant was not feeling any better, he let the medical staff guide him to the medical rooms when someone spoke and the rushing of footsteps closed in. "Lui!" Shu yelled, making the white tyrant turn around. The albino stopped right in front of him panting harshly, planting his palms against his knees as he tried to catch his breath.

"Oi, aren't you supposed to be resting? What are you doing running around?"

Shu finally stood up straight with an apologetic smile. "I came here to congratulate you!"

Lui clicked his tongue, "You promised to go straight to bed after watching-" He stopped, a sudden feeling of nausea overpowering him. That stupid Free's power, Lui grimaced, blinking away the black spots from his eyes. He stumbled forward to Shu who let out a startled yelp when Lui dropped his forehead to the other's shoulder, trying to internalize the dizzy feeling in his head.

"Lui, you okay?" Shu suddenly asked, one of his hands resting against Lui's back.

Lui just grimaced, "Funny, I was the one who was always helping you up and now look how the tables have turned" The violet eyed male breathed against Shu's neck, taking in the familiar scent of strawberries. He felt Shu's hand rubbing comforting circles against his back.

"It's okay to lean onto someone" Shu said, the side of his head pressed against Lui's own. "And besides, it's good be the one who's helping sometimes, rather than always been the weak one"

Lui snorted pulling away as the dizzy feeling ceased. "Mind helping me to the medical rooms then"

Shu gave him a genuine smile, nodding along. Shu wrapped his arm around Lui's waist as the latter wrapped his own against Shu's shoulder leaning against him. The pain from the nasty cuts made him wince with every step as they reached down the hall. "Why do you smell like strawberries anyway?" Lui finally asked, trying to make a light conversation that Shu would not have to focus on the slight murmurs around every corner.

Shu looked up at him, his pale skin dusting with pink, "You creep" The younger grumbled, "Now you're going around sniffing me?"

Lui shrugged, "I mean, we hug each other when we're activating our powers. So I guess it's natural?"

Shu huffed out loud, "You smell like the forest" Shu mumbled under his breath, "Like the fresh natural air"

"That's better than smelling like flowers and strawberries, I guess"

Shu's eyes twitched as he had the frightening urge to elbow him in the side. A conversation with Lui had this miraculous power to always piss him off. "Shut up"

Lui grinned, clearly enjoying the frustration of the albino. The two reached the medical room door as Lui pushed away from Shu, "So," The male said, raising his brow, "I won as you wanted me to, what's my gift?"

Shu crossed his arms, rolling his eyes, "A kick in the nuts or something?"

"Is that all you can do, Kurenai?" Lui challenged when Shu took a step to him taking the other off guard. Lui just watched as the albino stood in tiptoes reaching for him,, his lips brushing against his cheek for a second before he pushed away. His eyes shadowed with his long white bangs and Lui standing in front of him with an awestruck look on his face.

"Thank you for winning for both of us" Shu squeaked, turning on his heel to dash away to the dorms to take his promised nap when Lui finally broke off from his stance.

"Did you just-"

Shu looked over his shoulder giving him a glare, his eyes burning against his skin. "Spill a word about that gift, I'll murder you Shirosagi" The younger threatened, dashing off, down the hallways not giving Lui a chance to utter a snarky comeback. Lui touched his cheek, trying to tell himself that his heart was not racing because of that small kiss. Trying to assure himself he did not enjoy the sudden gift of the albino. He walked in where Free was getting treated by the medics and sat down in the corner bed as Mitsuba walked to him with a bundle of bandages.

He was not at all falling for Shu, or is he?

Another chapter done! And this shoutout is for Yeet (ShotohasGucci) who's celebrating her birthday today! Happy Birthday girl! I love you so much! Keep being amazing and thank you for motivating and supporting me! 

I purple you! 💜💜💜💜💜💜

Thank you all for reading! Bye Bye!