Win slumped down on the bench after practicing with Mill, heaving.

"It's almost two months, when do you think I will be ready?" Win asked.

"That depends upon you, Win", Mill let out a sigh, "you see, training of a Saver is as endless as the Universe. Until the end, a Saver must think of protecting Numans rather than luxuries".

"So, Savers fights in a war?" Win questions.

"Yes. Their sole purpose of living is saving people", Mill answered. A woman in her 20s entered the room with two goblets of liquor. She was Adriana, Mill's daughter.

"Have some, you'll need it", Mill offered. He offers to Win some every day after practices even though he declines it every time. But today he took it- something in him told him to.

"I have another question, Mill," Win began.

"Go ahead", Mill answered, chugging the liquor from the goblet.

"Why did you call Joss a traitor the first day?" Win asked.

All the time he had spent with Mill showed him he was a different man. Despite being the leader of the Free Wing, he was neither fierce nor a manipulative guy. He often let Win question everything and nothing plus he has loads of stories to tell. Whenever Mill tells him about the history stories, Win remembers about Sir Tine- they both have similar ways of teaching which fascinate Win to the extremities. Something like the word 'traitor' was unexpected from a man like him.

"The difference of beliefs makes the Savers divide into two groups. One who goes towards the royal learning as Pages, Flashers, and Finishers, others that learn the traditional fightings".

"So you've called Joss traitor for he went towards the royal learning?" Win asked gulping some liquor, distorting his face as the liquid burned his throat.

"Yes, I did. I am sorry", he smiled apologetically, "sometimes I couldn't control my emotions".

"That's alright, Mill", Win answered, "Joss did not mind it". In fact, Joss was very amused at the whole incident, now that the gossipmonger boy got some information about Sir Sarawat's brother's husband.

Mill chuckled, "of course."

They spent the next minutes watching the fire crackling in the fireplace and enjoying the burning taste of the liquor.

"Can't believe you have endured this for two months, youngling", Mill broke the silence.

Win smiled reminiscing the past months. He had been working so hard for days- classes and fighting practices. Of course, he didn't say anyone about practices with Sarawat and Mill. Only Joss knew about practices with the Free Wing's leader.

But somewhere his heart feels guilty for hiding everything from Bright. He had been trusting him since the day he and Joss sneaked out of the palace for sealing the deal with Mill. He had understood Win's silence as an inability due to a certain promise. He deserves to know the truth. As for Carmel and Love- they have been the most considerate friends he had ever had in his life. They'll surely get him if he broke the secret after fighting against Hendry.

Speaking of his fight against Hendry, he's not sure what the future has in store for him. The uncertainty is eating him.

The long silence followed told Mill Win was thinking something very important- it's normal to feel agitated about the future for him, so he didn't press Win to answer him, he could all the time he wants- a Preserver has loads of responsibilities to care of- something a Saver was not to interfere in.

"What if I lose the fight, Mill?" Win asked, subtly startling Mill.

"Win, future is a difficult business- unless you are a gifted Seer you cannot put a finger on possibilities. Have faith and believe in yourself".

"But if I lose all my confidence in me? All my practices, late-night adventures, and toilsome days will do down in the deep waters! I will prove to the Numans again, I am just not capable of anything! Universe just chose some trash this time!" Win blurted out.

"Bullshit!" Mill nodded a 'no', "Even if you lose this fight, that won't change your purpose to Preserve the Universe."

"But if they don't believe in me- in my ability?" Win asked, stammering.

"Then let them go to the dragons!" Mill spat, "they believe or not- your purpose will have to be fulfilled by you only".

Win sighed, "I must consider".

•••

It has been three months since he started learning and building himself up. His wings were yet to come out still. Now, there had been two visible bumps where his shoulder blades are, and the pain was a bit bearable- he felt as if he were to give birth to the babies. Sir Tine had obviously said wings are very precious to a Numan- they must be treated like one's babies.

There was something too, that wasn't something that someone would look forward to, but Win did. He looked forward to the day when he'd get some sign that this is time to face the most anticipated challenge and put to test all those skills he has learned. And wings? They can come out whenever they are ready to- there was no hurry.

The sign obviously came on a warm day when the sun was blazing hot. The Pages were in the Seeing classroom after Usico riding classes. After History class, Seeing class was Win's favorite place to be in.

The power searching practices were over last week with Win and a few Numans topping the class so, it was time for crystal ball gazing lessons.

Win eyed the white crystal ball in front of him as he sat in front of it, squeezing between Carmel and Bright.

"Today we'll start with Crystal ball gazing. For a Seer, Crystal balls are their weapon. A crystal ball is one privilege to touch- so one must treat it with respect, are we clear?" Arista asked as the Pages chanted a 'yes mam'.

"Focus, now", Arista's voice drowned into a mere whisper as the class fell in deep silence, "the things which a Seer can see in it, is either a sillouette or a clear image", she explained, "keep on focusing on the crystal ball, surrender yourself to the forces of the Universe."

Win closed his eyes seeing Bright do the same thing. Bright told him a few weeks ago about his way to get into the focus mode.

"Find your power just like that..."

There the golden flame burned frantically- ready to swallow whatever came in its way.

"and let it show you... Whatever you have to see..."

He let the power flow through his veins, arteries, and capillaries. Heat seering his body- his body was on fire within seconds. He glowed as he slowly opened his eyes, shivering, and looked at the crystal ball.

"Just like that... Very well... Look into the misty glass ball- let it show you..."

He concentrated on the glass ball as he felt Bright shiver beside him- he might have got his powers to flow too. He shook his wavering thoughts and collected them, looking in the whiteness of the ball.

He furrowed his eyebrows in concentration trying to find something in the void. He grunted contracting his muscles as sweat formed on his forehead.

He inched near, feeling Bright's elbow brush his- he felt a different heat flow in his arm. He too felt Carmel's elbow brush with his, but the contact with Bright felt so...

THERE! HE SAW SOMETHING!

His eyes widened.

"I saw!" He whispered, even though he couldn't hear himself- but he did.

He squinted his eyes inching closer to the ball, panting-the power flow was making him dizzy- he sticks his nose to the glass, widens his eyes.

Then he saw. Two silhouettes- one lying on the ground, another standing, wavering with the moving mist in the glass ball.

"Argh!", Win grunted holding his head as the heat subsided and his head throbbed.

The same reaction was seen among the few more Pages. Yet, Arista glided through the students towards Win.

"You saw something, didn't you?" Arista's voice was grimly calm.

"I did", Win nodded after a few moments.

"What did you see? Silhouettes or clear pictures?" Arista kneeled in front of Win.

"Silhouettes. One was laying and another was standing", Win answered. He couldn't help but wonder if this was some indication of the fight.

The teacher studied his face as her eyes widened, "that's a sign. The sign you are looking for".

Win snapped up his head. Did she read his mind?

"Is this something about the prophecy?" Love asked, looking dumbstruck at Win.

"I have no idea, dear child", Arista looked concerned at the young raven-haired boy, "Poor thing. Probably a sign sent by the Mighty Universe".

After getting out of the class, he excused himself and Joss from the resting telling them they were to meet Sir Tine to talk about the dinner arrangements ignoring Bright's suspicious looks.

"What happened to you, Raven-head?" Joss asked.

"I have taken a decision", Win declared.

"What? Another plan that includes Luke?" Joss raised his eyebrows.

"No, dumbhead! The sign I saw... It might be the sign I am looking for. It's time", Win said as a group of Finishers passed them.

Joss needn't be told what 'time' was Win referring to. He quickly nods to let Win know he can continue.

"So, before that, I must explain everything to Bright", Win let it out.

"That's a good idea", Joss grinned. Finally the Raven-head was including them in a plan. "You should explain to him. He deserves to know everything ".

"When should I say him...?" Win asked, playing with the hem of his Tunic, "I mean he's so busy with extra duties".

"He's free after dinner. You may find him in the North Tower. He star-gazes there before going to bed", Joss patted Win's shoulder as a goodbye and walked towards the flying lesson.

Win stood there. The dream two months ago was vivid and fresh in his mind.

"Whatever happens, remember, I love you".

He blushed a bit. What is this, Metawin!? Get a hold of yourself! He's a Prince for God's sake!

"Bullshit", he uttered, stuffing his fuzzy feeling in an imaginary jar and tossing it somewhere far away.

•••

The night air was very cold when he walked towards the almost empty corridors towards the North Tower. Winter was fast approaching, he might have wrapped himself in the thick jacket right now that Potsdam gave him yesterday!

He had taken a leave from Sarawat telling him about his Seeing class incident. Sarawat too agrees it's time for him to take any action, now that his archery skills have improved quite a bit and freehand fighting went much sharper. "Dedication is always rewarded", he had said.

He feels like cheating on his teacher when he was going to tell everything to Bright, then again keeping in mind how he has saved his asses every time was nearly caught by the Saver guards, he deserves to know them- plus, he's a prince! He ought to know everything that's going inside the palace and everything that Win was up to.

And most relevant point was that let his first-ever friend know about Mill and Sarawat. He trusts him especially the way how he had been trusting Win whenever he had ditched the sneaking away topic.

He kept explaining to himself whatever he was doing was not cheating.

"Win?" The mellow voice broke his trance. He looked up only to find Bright with a telescope.

When did Win reach here? Was he so engrossed in his thoughts?

"Hi, um, hello Bright!" Win flashed a smile walking up to him.

"Not to be rude, but what are you doing here? Can't sleep?" Bright asked softly.

"Partly", Win mumbled.

Bright sensed the fidgetting demeanor of Win. Was he in distress?

"Look at me, Metawin", he placed the telescope on the table and put a hand below Win's chin, lifting it, "Do you want to say something?" His voice went dark soon, "Is it about Hendry again?" He examined Win's porcelain face to find few bruises on the cheek.

"Not that not it. That's not the reason I am here", Win said, pulling himself away from Bright's touch. He sighed, composing himself, "I need to confess everything to you. I hope you'll not disown me as a friend?"

Bright frowned, "That depends on what are you about to say". He soon regretted speaking that when he found Win's eyes looked here and there is nervousness.

"Although I doubt that'll ever happen", he added quickly with a reassuring smile.

"Okay, so", Win gulped, telling Bright from start to finish. He let out everything - except those Seeing and dreaming incident that makes him blush- quite messily by telling a bit and then again coming to add a few more pieces of stuff which he had left out.

All thanks to Bright being a very good listener, he never felt like he was making him feel bored.

"So, Sir Sarawat taught in private", he chuckled, "after arguing with Sir Tine? Now this is interesting".

Bright's amused attitude, lifted a weight from Win's heart. He smiled in response to the addictive chuckle.

"He did, yes".

"And you have been training with the Free Wing? And Joss knows?"

"Luke was from Free Wing, he guided me and Joss", Win explained, before bowing and pouting his lips, "I didn't say you because I wanted to tell you after dueling with Hendry, plus I thought you must be offended".

"Hmm", Bright hummed, he jumped to sit on the brick wall, motioning to do the same. Win happily obliged.

"And Joss knew?" Bright pouted subtly, a hint of sulkiness was panging his heart, unknown to both the boys.

"He knew only about Mill teaching me the skills. You're the first one to know about Sir Sarawat", Win assures him.

Bright nodded, "Sir Sarawat knows about Mill teaching you?" He smiled finding Win nodding his head in a negative response.

"I see", he hummed looking at the misty atmosphere with the translucent display of planets above and glowing city downwards.

"Are you... Are you mad at me? For not telling you?" Win asked, looking at Bright, trying to find emotion.

Bright smiled, his eyes sparkling as he looked in Win's direction, "You're so cute! Nobody would guess you're are going to fight that ferocious villain Megatrix someday", he patted his head, running his fingers through the smooth raven locks.

"Ow! I am here to prove my worth! And I am not cute", Win furrowed his eyebrows, blushing a bit at the sudden display of affection. It was brotherly of course, wasn't it? Yet he blushed.

Bright tittered.

Win huffed, demanding "Are you mad or not?"

"I was a bit. But, then I had to consult other Royals and we have decided to forgive you", he announced as in a majestic demeanor, making Win grin, "But, you have to promise me that you'll share everything you plan or do with me, at least."

"I promise", Win nodded.

"Not like this! I have researched about humans promising with hooking the index fingers", Bright replied proudly.

"You're what? Three?" Win laughed.

"Isn't this how humans promise something? Did I get it wrong?" He furrowed his eyebrows.

Win shook his head, "No, not at all! I am messing with ya!"

"Oh!" Relief washed over the boy. He quickly jutted out his pinkie, waiting for the other boy to do it.

Win giggled before wrapping his finger with him.

"That the deal then, Raven-head. You cannot break out of it, ever!" Bright announced as the cold wind blew past them.

______

I am feeling so lazy these days... Sorry for the late update haha. Hope you've loved it. Plus BrightWin is finally sailing- or was the relationship development done too fast?

Anyways, thank you for reading, voting and commenting! Love you all💖💖

Here's a video which inspired me to write this chapter. Enjoy!