When Shu saw the face of the man whom he had shot down, a cold sweat broke against his spine. He recognized this face. This was his assistant whom he had trusted with all the information about the dark continent and the person with whom he had worked for this whole month. The man's eyebrows were scrunched in obvious pain. His robes were darkening with the blood from the arrow wounds in his body. "You're-" Shu started when another thought tackled his mind. This man was introduced to him by the main commander of the kingdom. He was the closest man to his father and they together conquered many battles. Had this man deceived the Commander too? Is he the one responsible for his mom's sickness? "I trusted you" Shu murmured, when the man smiled despite his wounds.

"And why did you?"

Shu didn't know what to say. He raised his eyes and looked around. None of the others had any idea what he had just discovered. He was about to call for Lui and to explain the situation and how he knew this man when the commander stood in front of him, blocking his view. He was staring at the man on the ground. The same man whom he had introduced to Shu in order to rid him of too much of a burden. "Commander Moriyama, this man-" Shu was cut off by him. The man crouched in front of him with a grin and Shu went pale. Was the commander in this too? Is he the mastermind? "You knew this?" Shu asked, trying to keep the betrayal out of his voice. His position was fatal. The commander was crouching beside him blocking him from the rest of the group. If the commander is a traitor, anything could happen.

"I introduced him to you, didn't I?" He started, tugging at his dagger secured in his belt. Shu reached for his ruby ring, ready to defend himself.

"You betrayed my father?" Surprise crept along his tone. This person was considered the man who was most loyal to his father. What happened? "How long?" Shu asked, unable to keep his voice quiet. "How long have you been working against us?"

The commander opened his mouth almost as if he'd answered but the next moment, he was on top of Shu, his dagger just merely inches away with Shu holding onto the blade trying to stop it from slicing his throat. The shiny material cut through his skin, drenching his hands with blood. "Shu" Lui's voice echoed. The commander didn't look alarmed by the sudden attention. Shu could barely see from his towering figure pressing him down. "Get off of him" Lui growled, trying to launch himself at the man when he warned.

"Take another step, Prince Shu's life would be in danger"

This brought Lui to a stop. The flame haired male uncertainly looked at the others who were equally alarmed as he was. Free grabbed Lui's wrist, shaking his head. It was too dangerous to attack when Shu was in that position. King Kurenai clenched his fist. "What do you want, Moriyama? What's going on?"

The commander pulled back from Shu and loosened his grip and pulled them both to their feet. The dagger was closely pressed against his throat. The commander's grip tightened as he answered. "Stop the expedition right now and Prince Shu will live" There was a silence as everyone let the truth sink in.

"You're-" King Kurenai started when King Shirosagi finished it for him. "You're working to the dark continent"

While the adults were trying to figure out what to do, Shu was staring intently at Lui. When the latter finally caught his eyes Shu made a silent gesture from his hands. Lui raised his brow. If it was months earlier, he wouldn't have even gotten what Shu was trying to say but right now he could exactly decipher his idea. That was the gesture Shu used whenever he wanted to talk about Lui's ice. Lui nodded quietly, getting ready to attack with his ice. He waited until Shu was ready to dodge and when the albino finally gave a quiet nod, Lui attacked. The conversation came to a stop as the commander pushed himself away from Shu and jumped to the side. Shu barely escaped the ice attack. Everyone scattered, alarmed by the sudden change of events. Natsu burst into the garden right at the cue, looking breathless. "This is bad. The main gate is being attacked. We need reinforcement there."

King Kurenai cursed under his breath. Lui and Free exchanged a glance and nod. "We'd take care of this. You all can go" Free said, giving his father a reassuring look.

In the end, the squad was left there. Shu pressed the ruby in his ring and gripped tightly on his axe, slightly slippery with the wetness of his blood. The commander grinned, then howled in laughter. "You all kids think you can beat my squad?"

"Your squad?" Valt frowned, looking around for any attackers. They have already taken down a decent amount of assassins. A guy came out of the patch of wood that was in the garden. He was dressed in complete black, it was almost impossible to see his face through the mask he was wearing. A squad of at least thirty followed him. Lui tensed. Even for them, that was a bit too much. Free tightened the grip on his sword, looking around, their own squad was ten. The other squad was three times bigger.

The guy stretched his arms. "Annihilate them, sir?"

The commander nodded. "Yes and make sure we get him into the main base" He gestured at the fallen man whom Shu had shot with the arrows.

Shu clicked his tongue, his eyes scanning around. "Honcho, Wakiya, go to the back gate. Don't let anyone escape. Gou, Orochi don't let them touch that man or get them away from here. It's too dangerous. Free, Lui, you two get the commander. The rest, attack whoever comes in your way" Shu lit up a fire on his left hand with a glare. "We're not letting any of them go"

Lui grinned, "Now that's a plan I like"

"Got it," Zac said.

The commander just grinned, "You do have high hopes for a squad so small. Attack!" Everyone moved in sync, attacking the team. Honcho and Wakiya flee from the main scene towards the back gates while Gou and Orochi make a dash towards the man. Free and Lui were already rounding the commander and making attacks as the man effortlessly dodged them. It was going to be a hard fight, Shu thought, defending himself as an assassin attacked. Valt and he were standing back to back, attacking in sync. Both of them have known each other since they were kids. They knew each other's moves. Shu picked up the quiver he had dropped upon arriving and slung it across his shoulder. He was quicker with bows than his axe.

He shot down one of the assassins creeping towards Zac and dashed after the guy who seemed to be the leader of the pack into the patch of woods. As soon as he arrived, he regretted it. It was dark and with all black clothes, the guy blended into the surroundings pretty well. Shu lit up a fire, looking around when a slight sound echoed behind him. He spun around just in time to stop a dagger to his arm. The assassin fought with two small daggers, changing stances and moving breathlessly around him with agility Shu could envy for the rest of his life. He did his best to block the attacks from the axe and when he started jumping around the trees, Shu pulled out the bow and three arrows. Two missed but the last got him in the leg. Using arrows was not always just aiming at the target. Shu had always had the habit of releasing at least two arrows one after another. First one always aimed at the target while the others were guesses of which place the enemy was most likely to be in the next moment.

The guy fell off the tree and landed unsteadily on his feet. His full weight was given to the better leg. He pushed the daggers back to his belt and pulled out his sword, launching himself at Shu. Shu dodged, summoning his axe back again. They fought on and on, weapons clashing with so much strength that sparks went flying. Realization dawned on the albino when he blocked another attack. This fighting style was awfully familiar. He had known this for years. "It-" Shu stopped when a scream echoed from the main ground. He spun on his heel and made a dash towards the clearing, out of the patch of wood. His crimson eyes searched around. "Valt" He muttered, running to his friend who was on the ground, trying to block an attack from one of the assassins. He took a step towards Valt when Zac cried out.

"Shu, behind you!"

He turned just in time to block an attack from the guy whom he was fighting with. A grave mistake. He shouldn't have let himself be vulnerable upon helping another friend. He had to survive in order to help another person. He jumped back, still in his fighting stance. He knew the person. All he needed was to figure out what was going on. And to that, he had to find a way to end this ambush as fast as he could. His eyes landed on Lui who was still fighting head to head with the commander. "Oh no you don't" The guy said, blocking his path. Shu grimaced, wiping the sweat off his forehead. He had no idea how long he'd be able to hold on.

"Oh hell yes" Ruway said, coming to his help. The male had a perfect idea of what Shu was trying to do. The guy cursed, blocking Ruway's relentless attacks.

"Don't let Prince Shu get to Prince Lui '' The guy called out, blocking Ruway's attacks. He was slowing down, Shu noticed. Shu's attack on him was slowing him down. His warning took every assassin by storm, but it also alarmed the others.

Xander grinned, shoving another man out of his way. "Which also means, we need to help Shu get to Lui"

Free turned to Lui and nodded, "Go ahead, I can handle this" The flame haired male hesitated only for a second before making his way into the albino. Suddenly, the whole squad was working together. All of them trying to achieve one single goal. Shu was surprised how easily the plan was understood by his friends without a word being spilled. This was the unity they had achieved through all these years of training and being together in that school. It strengthened their sense of fellowship. In a matter of time, Lui was in arms reach. The taller male effortlessly wrapped his arms around his lover, pulling him into that familiar embrace. The others who exactly knew the strength of their synchronization ability jumped back, putting a fair distance between them and the pair. But before the assassins could take any steps to retreat, fire and ice clashed together, producing so much energy that the garden lit up. The light breaks through the night in thousands different shades of red, blue mixed with white.

When the pair pulled away, the light slowly came to a close. Only a few assassins were still on their feet. Everyone looked disoriented and troubled with the sudden burst of power. Lui still had one of his hands around Shu's waist, holding the albino close. He could feel the drained power flow of the other and the struggle to keep himself on his feet. Lui noticed two things. First was that their synchronization had gotten almost perfect and two, Shu looked more drained than their earlier attacks. The Crystal flower really seemed to be doing a number to his body and flow energy. Before he could ask anything from Shu, the commander's voice interrupted them. "A nice play of power, Prince Shu and Lui. But shame that it had not taken-" He stopped, frowning. The rest of the squad had disappeared from their sight when the synchronization occurred. Shu's lips moved into a silent smile.

"Oh, don't worry about that. Lui and I are not the main show today."

While Lui and Shu distracted the assassins from their attack all the while taking a number of them down. It gave the time for the rest of them to regroup. Shu knew their power alone won't take them down. Especially the commander and the rest knew about this technique. But while they try to take them down, the rest can circle them and regroup. Free was with them and the blond knew about all their skills precisely and how to get use of them just right. When they attacked, the commanders were taken by surprise by how quick and accurate their moves were. The pressure just added to the right places and soon, Free had his sword pressed against the Commander's throat. The other guy who Shu fought was on his knees with Valt's and Ruway's weapons aligned against him. "Well played" The commander said with a smile. "Well played, Prince Shu"

Shu clicked his tongue, breaking away from Lui. He walked straight towards the guy and pulled off his mask. Just as he assumed earlier. There he was. His own brother dearest with his usual goofy grin. "Hi!"

Shu scowled, "Don't give that to me. What's going on, Itsuki?"

Valt and Ruway who were keeping him down shared a surprised glance. Shu didn't blame any of them, he was just as surprised by this whole scenario. Itsuki shrugged, "Thought you would've figured it out already"

Shu stopped the urge to kick him. He had already figured it out. There was no ambush. There were no traitors. It was a test to see whether they were fitting to be the squad who went first but why is he in this mess and not Itsuki? He was not even allowed to go. What cruel joke is this? "So, that means," Free said, looking at the commander. "All this was just a fluke?"

The commander shrugged, "More or less"

"That isn't an answer" Zac frowned. Honcho and Wakiya soon joined them. When everyone was there, his father walked in. The rest followed him close by. King Kurenai hummed in acknowledgement, certainly intrigued by the display of their strength.

"A meeting will be held in the throne room after a few hours. Clean up and attend. We'll tell all the details about this situation in the meeting" He met Shu's confused eyes.

"This hurts" Itsuki hissed, breaking the tension of the group. He sighed as Natsu helped him back to his feet. "Your aim is just getting better and better"

Shu didn't reply, he didn't even offer him a smile. He had his own problems to deal with. More specifically, the rising pain in his lungs was getting worse. Shu coughed to his hand, turning around, trying to suppress the urge to clutch his heart. "Shu '' His father said, walking to his side. He placed a hand on the albino's back, trying to ease the pain that only got worsened as the time passed by. From his peripheral vision Shu could see the stares of the rest of the squad. "Let's go get your medicine" His father suggested and Itsuki grinned, trying to break down the silence which was growing uncomfortable.

"Oh yes. Sounds like heaven"

Natsu flicked his forehead with a groan, "You should've been more careful"

"This is the best aim in the world we're talking about" Itsuki shot back, grumbling something under his breath. Natsu's eyes grew wide at whatever the statement was. Shu let his father lead him towards the medical rooms which were only for the royal family. The beds were divided by curtains. It had been a while since Shu had been here. He preferred taking his medicine inside his room rather than here. But upon coming here, Shu felt a sense of nostalgia. It reminded him of the school dorms they had back then.

"You can go dad," Shu said between coughs. His father hesitated but nodded. Shu knew he had to get ready for the meeting that would take place in a few hours which would also give him all the answers he needed. Shu sat down on the bed, looking at the maid making the Crystal Flower liquid. Unlike the Katuseki flowers, this gave him immense pain upon drinking for a full five minutes before everything eased back to the normal routine. He preferred the bitter taste of Katuseki over this sweet poison he was drinking every day. The maid handed him the vial and bowed, walking out of the curtained area. He stared at it for a while, turning it around in his hand, looking at the silverish yet clear liquid inside.

He took a deep breath, dropping the content to his mouth and waiting for the pain. There it was, burning through his lungs as if someone was peeling his skin inside out. He choked, tears rushing against his eyes. Shu closed them, gritting his teeth when he heard someone walking in. He didn't need to look because he knew the cold touch so well. Nor did he make any actions when a hand slipped into his robes, a hand placed on top of his chest connecting power flows and with the Crystal liquid inside him. Shu sighed as the pain faded, quicker than before. He leaned against Lui, dropping his head onto his shoulder mumbling a thank you. The ice holder of Hyoketsu naturally had a connection with the Crystal Flowers and Lui could easily lessen the pain Shu felt. "Better?" Lui asked, waiting a moment longer before pulling his hand back.

"Yes" Shu raised his head to look at him. "My fire acts against the Crystal Flower, doesn't it?"

Lui nodded, "Yes. That's why it hurts. It's effective for ice holders. It's one of the best medicines out there."

Breaking their conversation, Itsuki walked in. "Sorry for interrupting the moment" He grinned, leaning against Natsu who had that same shit eating grin on his face. Shu raised his brow, looking at his bandaged leg.

"I should've shot right on that big mouth of yours"

Natsu nodded vigorously beside him. "I second that idea. Shame you didn't"

Lui snorted when Itsuki huffed, pushing off the curtain and sitting on the opposite bed, "You figured out halfway this was all a test, didn't you? I know you recognized my fighting style"

Shu shrugged, "I've been training with you for so long and I knew you wouldn't betray us. I figured. But what I don't understand is why me and not you? I'm not even going on that expedition"

Itsuki blinked, looking surprised. "Didn't uncle tell you already? Aunt Akiko gave her permission."

Shu cocked his head, frowning. "You're-" He stopped, huffing out loud. "You're messing with me?"

Itsuki leaned in and ruffled his hair. "Of course not, Shu. You should go and meet your mom. I'm pretty sure she'd have lots of things to say"

Lui was quite beside him. But Shu could see his relaxed expression from the corner of his eyes. Itsuki sat down again with a grin, "I'm going to stay back and come for that final blow." Shu hummed, fighting the urge to jump on and hug Lui. He didn't need to get teased by them again. The albino's eyes slid to the burn scar on Itsuki's neck. The loosened robes made it easier to see. The darkened skin was luminous in the candle light of the room. Itsuki's gaze fell where Shu was staring as the former tugged on his clothes, closing it. The albino turned to look at his brother who was watching him with a small sad smile. It had been years since the accident but Shu had never forgotten how Itsuki screamed in pain that day. Shu's fire seared through his skin. The terror the young albino felt and the fear he developed about himself and his fire. He still remembered Itsuki's face and his kind hands guiding him outside of that darkness. The way he helped to overcome his fear while his aunt put the blame upon five years old Shu.

"That scar-" Lui asked, breaking the silence. Shu froze beside him. "Is it a burn?"

Itsuki averted his gaze, "Yeah. Something like that"

Lui hummed, frowning. Shu could see his violet eyes clouding in confusion while he pieced the puzzles. "I did it" Shu confessed before Lui came into an assumption. The White Tyrant didn't look surprised. It was almost as if he had figured it out.

"No" Itsuki shot back. "It wasn't your fault. You were five, Shu"

Shu hummed, rubbing his arm. Lui realized why Shu had acted that way when he burned his hand accidentally. It was not him overreacting. It was Shu reliving his fears. But there was something else in Lui's mind. When fighting today in the ambush, he had been dangerously closer to Shu and he could swear at one moment the orange flames reached his skin but nothing happened. He didn't even feel the warmth except for the barest tingle on his skin. "Has your fire affected everyone except you?"

Shu turned to him, "Pretty much. Why?"

Lui didn't ask him to try using his fire on him because he knew it would give Shu nightmares. But there was something he could do to check whether his theory was true. Lui moved his hand to grip on Shu's. The albino blinked with a questioning glance. Lui used his ice. First just barely did not wanting to hurt the boy but when he didn't react the least he increased until frost appeared on his pale white skin. "Prince Lui" Natsu said, nervously looking at the frost forming on Shu's skin. "What are you-"

"It's not cold" Shu blurted out, poking his skin, now scattered with crystals. "I can barely feel it's there"

Itsuki inhaled sharply. "Shu, try it with your fire"

Shu whipped his head towards him. "But-"

"Just warm enough" Itsuki tilted his head, "You have better control on your power than before. Don't worry, Prince Lui can ask you to stop it if it had effect on his skin"

Shu hesitantly places his hand on Lui's. "If it hurts-"

"I'll tell you" Lui assured, interrupting. If this works, if they really have adapted themselves to each other's powers. It was going to be ten times easier to fight together. None of them will have to be careful when others are using elemental powers. A flame flickered, just barely there. Lui didn't react. He waited until Shu slowly increased the fire. The albino was so fascinated with the improvement that he unconsciously made a full lit flame on his skin. "It tickles," Lui stated with a grin. "I can barely feel it"

Shu frowned, flicking the fire off. "But how did that happen?"

"You two synchronize your powers together right?" Itsuki hopped towards Lui. "Should I try? We can determine whether it was only for Shu or it works all the way"

Lui nodded and as Itsuki guessed he had to put down the flame pretty quickly because it was too warm against Lui's skin. "It's only for you two," Itsuki concluded. "It should be the effect of synchronization."

"Or maybe" Natsu dramatically started, giving both of them a longing look. "It's the power of love"

Shu flushed and Lui iced the floor leading towards Natsu. The latter jumped away from the attack with a loud laugh. "No need to get aggressive. I was just assuming things"

Itsuki nodded, joining in. "You're right. Natsu, do you think our platonic love is strong enough for this marvel?"

Natsu gasped, "You love me? Oh Itsuki, how long have you taken to confess your love? You didn't have to be shy."

Itsuki rolled his eyes dramatically, pretending to blush. "It's not easy to confess something deep like that right away Natsu~ Give me time, sweetheart"

"B-but they kissed in a battlefield" Natsu argued, trying to suppress his laughter. Shu scowled, standing up.

"I'm gonna break your other leg and cripple you for the rest of your life if you don't stop speaking right at this moment Kurenai Itsuki"

"Damn" Natsu teased, "He went for the full name"

Lui shrugged, "I mean, they are speaking the truth"

"You shut up" Shu yelled, "You have no say in this"

"Yes sir" Lui smirked. "Go on and do your thing. You're cute when you're angry"

Shu's eyes twitched when Natsu whistled. "I'm about to get too damn adorable,"

"Go for it" Itsuki cheered, falling back to the bed with a tired sigh. "My energy has left my body, I still have a meeting to attend"

Shu rubbed his temples, "I'm going to go meet mom." He looked over his shoulder at Lui. "You coming?"

Natsu sat down on the bed, "Go on Prince Lui. You should get to know you mother-in-law"

"She's cool" Itsuki provided, giving them a lousy thumbs up. Shu muttered something under his breath, storming out of the room. Lui followed him out. As he thought, Shu was waiting outside for him.

"Don't gang up with them"

Lui shrugged with a pensive look. "For the record, they were speaking the truth"

"Truth my foot" Shu mumbled, turning left and walking towards his mother's room. Lui followed him and decided to wait outside as Shu knocked on the door. One of the maids opened it. "Aren't you coming?"

Lui raised his brow, "Me? Aren't you supposed to go ahead and speak with your mother alone?"

Shu shrugged, "She'd love to meet you. C'mon"

As they entered, Lui uncertainly leaned against Shu, whispering. "Are you really going for that mother -in-law thing?"

Shu scowled but didn't bother to answer. The albino walked to his mother's side who was watching him with a small smile. "How did it go?"

"You knew it too?"

She smiled with a nod. "Your father told me when I mentioned I gave you the permission to go on." Shu waited for a second, studying her pale face which was strikingly identical to him. He had always looked like his mother more than his father.

"Thank you" He whispered, taking her hand. "Really, thank you, mom"

She squeezed his hand reaching to cup his cheek from her other. "Come back to me, okay?"

"I will. It's a promise"

His mother nodded, looking over to Lui who was standing just a few feet away from the bed, quietly watching them not wanting to interrupt. She smiled warmly at him, opening one of her hands. "Come here, Prince Lui. It's good to finally meet you"

"Just Lui is fine" The White Tyrant said, walking closer to both of them.

"I wanted to talk to you both. Good that you're here" She said, slipping into a serious tone. The two males shared a glance, wondering what was to come. "I didn't bring this before because you were busy with all the strategies" She smiled at Shu. "But I think I should actually talk to you both about this relationship, shouldn't I? Lui, what did your mother say?"

Shu looked at Lui, realizing that the male hadn't even mentioned her mother's idea earlier. "She's fine with it," He answered, looking at Shu. "She didn't really object to any of my decisions. It's all the same for this"

"That sounds like her," She answered, "I've known your mother since I was young. When there wasn't a war, we used to be close friends. Tell me. Are you two serious about this decision?"

"I am," Lui answered right off the bat. Shu blinked, averting his gaze, nodding along. This was the first time he was confronting his mother about something like this. It was weird but Shu was glad she seemed to be open about this.

"Then, I have nothing else to say. Take care of each other." Shu looked at her as she continued. "I'm so glad you found someone who loves you this much, Shu. The journey is not going to be easy, but you two will just be okay. Just be there for each other. I know everything will turn out just fine" There was no hesitation in her voice. No mention of all the problems that would rouse in the future if their relationship continued. This is something Shu had always admired about his mother. She lived in the moment.

"Thank you" Lui said, breaking his thoughts. Shu smiled.

"Yeah, thank you, mom"

She opened her arms, gesturing at both of them. Shu easily slipped into her embrace while Lui hesitantly hugged her back. "Take care of my boy, Prince Lui." She said teasingly. "He can be spoiled sometimes"

"Mom!" Shu compleined when Lui pushed away with a snort.

"I can tell you that is very true"

"No, it's not"

"Sure" Lui rolled his eyes with an exasperated sigh. The two boys bid farewell to the queen and walked out, ready to attend the meeting. "Your mom and you are close, aren't you?"

Shu hummed, clasping his hands behind his back. "You can say that. We are"

Lui nodded, "That's nice"

"Aren't you?"

"I am. But it was mostly Yuki who was close to mom. I was always with dad. So, we're closer than I am with my mom. It's kind of a given. But still intimacy was rare even in our family"

Shu stopped, looking at him. "I've heard. You guys rarely show your love using actions." Shu placed his hands on his hips, lowering his eyes with a grin. "Did you like the hug, Lui?"

Lui stopped with Shu, frowning. "What do you mean?"

"Hugging is not something you're used to, are you? When mom hugged you, you were pretty stiff, I saw"

"You're imagining things"

Shu extended his hands, flexing his fingers, pouting. "Come here my sweet child, I'd hug the living hell out of you" Shu waited for a beat, "You're looking at me like I've gone insane"

Lui reached out and flicked his forehead, "Bingo. That's exactly what I'm thinking. Stop acting like you've lost your mind and you're ridiculously happy, aren't you?"

Shu smiled, "Uh huh. I'm excited"

The duo walked into the throne room which was already filled with the rest of the ones who were attending the first squad. Ideas were passed and at last, everything was settled. The first squad was to leave as the first thing next month. The collective performance they gave out today had only increased the trust the rest have on them. After the meeting, the squad gathered inside Shu's room to speak about their future plans and appoint leaders and divide into squads. Shu tapped his foot on the floor, feeling slightly uncomfortable that everyone was inside his room. This was the first time he had had such a crowd inside. "Don't look at us like we invaded your privacy, Snowflake, '' Lui grumbled, making himself comfortable on the chair in front of his study table. Shu huffed.

"I didn't even say anything"

"I was reading your face"

"Stop doing that then '' Shu shot back, glaring at the male who was staring back with a smug look on his face. Ruway sighed.

"Guys. Let's calm down."

"I am calm," Shu said, fuming.

Lui snorted, "Yeah, right"

Valt scratched the back of his head with an uncertain look. "Would we be able to do this with those two"

Free shrugged, "I'm questioning their capabilities now"

"You have something to say, De La Hoya?" Lui hissed, walking to him.

Free looked at him with the same pensive look he held. "Yes. And that's you all are being idiots"

"Whoa whoa whoa" Zac said, putting his hands up. "We're all friends here, stars. Let's get into what we came to do, shall we?"

"I'm not friends with this asshole" Lui looked pointedly at Free who just tilted his head in defence.

"The feeling is mutual"

"Aren't you all a lively bunch?" Natsu walked in with Itsuki who was still limping by his side. Itsuki raised his arm in a wave, shrugging.

"So, did you guys figure everything out?"

"Yes"Wakiya said, "I think the as the first thing we're all gonna die"

Xander barked out a laugh from where he was sitting, clearly enjoying the chaos in front of him. Honcho patted Wakiya's back with a sympathetic smile which the latter growled. Orochi was not even listening at this point. Sisco looked so close to snapping at someone. Gou sighed, rubbing his temples. "Let's start with appointing leaders, shall we?"

"Lui" Shu said right off the bat while Valt went. "Free"

The two best friends stared at each other for a good long minute until Natsu burst out in laughter. "Oh my god, guys."

"I thought we were going with Shu" Orochi commented, crossing his arms.

Lui hummed thoughtfully when the albino protested. "No. I'm not. Too much work and too many things to handle."

"Why don't we go with both then?" Zac suggested. "Both Free and Lui have enough capabilities and leadership skills. It's better to have two leaders. Different opinions and more options?"

"Hopefully if they won't kill each other" Sisco said, shrugging.

"Sounds like a plan to me" Gou agreed, looking at the two said males. Free nodded, mumbling an okay while Lui just nodded. "We need to break the group into smaller portions," Gou suggested. "That way it would be easy to handle a battle"

Itsuki sat down as Shu perched himself on the armchair of his seat. The revanette rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I think the best option is to divide yourself according to the combat style. Short range, long range and all rounders"

"If it's close combat, I suggest Zac, Rantaro, Valt, Sisco, Xander and Gou" Natsu chimed in. "They have the best close combat fighting style. And Zac can guide them as the close combat squad leader. It'd be for the best. Close combat is dangerous but effective"

The others nodded in agreement. Natsu looked at Free and Lui, "You two can be all rounders. Both of you usually fight long range while using elemental powers and short range while using weapons. Ruway" Natsu looked at the male. "You join these two. I know you can handle various types of weapons easily"

Ruway nodded, "Okay"

"Lastly, Wakiya, Orochi, Shu will be in long range combat" Natsu looked at the three of them. "Long range combat is just as important. You guys have the backs of all your comrades. Keep that in mind. Also, Prince Shu I know you are skilled with your axe but I suggest you stick to your bow and arrows a lot more." Natsu stopped, trying to find words to explain what he was trying to say.

But before he could speak, Shu nodded. "I understand. It's best for me to stick into long range combat." It was better he kept away from the enemies. Considering his physical state, going head on against those people in the dark continent whom they have very little information was suicide.

Natsu pressed both his palms on the table, looking at each of them, meeting their eyes. "Lui and Free. As the leaders I want you two to study all the abilities and the flaws of each of your teammates. When this month ends, you two have to be thorough with every possible thing about your squad. Understand?"

The two males nodded, "Yes"

"Shu and Ruway. I need you two to come up with strategies for different scenarios. Don't stop at certain things or narrow it down. Assume the worst and make a plan of attack. All of the strategies you can do with this team, I need you two to plan them beforehand. When crisis arises in the Dark Continent, those moves will help you to break through"

Ruway and Shu shared a glance and nodded. "Got it!"

"Short range combat group will start training with Me from tomorrow morning. The all rounders will be trained by Itsuki and the long range will be taken care of by Christina and Misaki. When this month ends, you all need to be the strongest warriors in this whole wide kingdom. We need the strongest battalion. The one that will survive and provide us with the information. We need all of you to be strong and ready." He smiled, "I know you all can do it"

Itsuki stood up unsteadily, "Natsu you're good at this" He said, punching his shoulder. "Let's start from tomorrow morning. We have a month. It's more than enough"

After deciding everything in that group, the squad launched themselves into a steady routine of training. Free and Lui spent hours looking through the early records of their teammates while Shu and Ruway, hauled themselves inside Shu's room going through different situations and applying strategies to overcome them. The separate combat teams trained together and Itsuki helped Shu to train with his fire. Itsuki's abilities were still frighteningly more advanced than his own but it had always been fun training with him. Trying out new things and strengthening the abilities he already had. When finally the day before leaving, another meeting was called to solidify the journey. After the meeting, Shu parted away from Lui as the latter went back into the training grounds to practice using his elemental powers. Lui's skills of handling the ice had impressed everyone so far. Free didn't second to him in anything. The two males were practicing and training all day and night to achieve perfection because one single flow could cost their lives. Shu turned from the corridor intending to walk to his rooms to review on a strategy they had planned when King Shirosagi stopped him.

"Prince Shu, can I have a moment?"

Shu was surprised. He nodded quietly, walking towards one of the long windows in the corridor overlooking the main garden of the castle. "How's everything going on?"

Shu leaned against the wall, "Everything's going on just fine. We're working on everything and improving our ways"

King Shirosagi nodded, "That's good. I heard your father confronted you with the question of your relationship"

Pink dusted his cheeks. This was not something he was ready to discuss with Lui's father yet, but it seemed to him that he wasn't given any choice. "Ah, yes. He did"

"I won't question anything from you. You two are still young and getting ready to go on a journey that's dangerous beyond imagination. I just wanted to ask you a favour, Prince Shu"

Shu looked up at him with a confused look. "Yes?"

"Take care of him," He said, looking out the window. That moment, Shu saw the shadow of worry passing through his face. The worry of a father about his son. It was the first time he had seen the King of Hyoketsu showing any intimacy towards his family. "I know this might sound strange to you. But Lui can be very stubborn when it comes to things. Depending on the situation, he might act on his impulse and throw himself in danger." He smiled, "He would exchange his life for his friends. When the time comes and when he needs someone, please be there for him"

Shu smiled, a genuine smile that reached his crimson eyes. "Of course. You don't have to worry about that, your highness. I'll make sure he'll be alright"

The king nodded with a thank you and just before he could walk away, Shu talked. "I know Hyoketsu rarely shows love and affection towards each other. I know it's an emotion you all bottled up inside your mind. But I think you should show him you love him from time to time." Shu pushed himself away from the wall, looking at his violet eyes. "Lui would like that"

King Shirosagi tilted his head for a second and gave him a smile. Just barely there and vanished in seconds but a real smile. "Thank you, Prince Shu. I'd be leaving now. Good night"

Shu nodded, "Good night"

Next morning there was a queer stillness inside the castle. Maids rushed around but unlike other mornings they were awfully quiet. The butlers whispered quietly among themselves. Shu made his way towards the city plaza and walked towards the main harbour alone. He knew the others must be still getting ready. They had an hour before they depart. He stood, looking at everyone working on the ship. There would be a minimum ship crew and after getting them safely into the Dark Continent they would be homebound again. He looked back at the kingdom, his home. The place he'd be away for months or maybe years. There was no telling when he would be coming back. "Hey" A voice said, taking his attention. Shu turned to see Itsuki, standing beside him.

"Hey"

"Are you ready?"

Shu shrugged, turning back to the ship. "I guess I am."

Itsuki reached and ruffled his hair, slinging a hand around his shoulder, pulling him close. "Be careful out there. Okay?"

Shu nodded, pressing his cheek against his brother's hand. He'd miss him. After a while, everyone gathered in the harbour. All of them saying their goodbyes. Shu watched as Lui's father wrapped him in an embrace. The Hyoketsu kingdom had come up with a magic charm that would work with Lui's ice power that would make Crystal Flowers so that Shu won't have to worry about getting the medicine. The captain of the ship bowed to his father and called everyone on board. Shu waved to his parents one last time, stepping in. Lui was by his side, holding tightly to his hand. The ship departed, the anchors were pulled as they slowly made their way into the sea. The journey awaited them. A foreign land awaited them. Shu leaned against Lui, looking over to the quiet, clear sea and prayed for good luck. The new journey started from here. A new chapter of their lives. A chapter that was so dark no one had the vaguest idea how cruel it might be.

Who's ready to the start of the Dark continent arc??? EVEN IM EXCITED WNFOWENF.