They walked out of the firefly forest, as Shu liked to call it, and went their own separate ways. Lui had to spend time with his family and Shu moved around into dark corners most of the time concealing himself in the shadows and isolated corners. His mind was still bubbling with the most recent memories of Lui and the beauty he witnessed back in the woods. He didn't expect to have any good time in Hyoketsu, but sometimes his luck could play wonders and he was holding onto that hope.

"Look who we got here~"

Shu flinched at the rough voice and turned on his heel to see a man standing in front of him. His black bears covered half of his face. A liquor cup loosely hung from his hand as he tried to stabilize himself. "The pretty princess from Moeru" He spat, "Pathetic"

Shu took a step back, looking around for a way to escape. He was standing near a narrow alleyway with a wall to his back and shop standing on both sides of the alley which were all empty and closed down due to the mourning festival. The only way out was the one single path leading out of the alley, where the man stood, drink in hand, his eyes focused squarely on his own red. Clearly, Shu didn't recognize his face and he guessed he's probably not a commander or a higher up. He could just surprise him with an attack and escape but the man was drunk. As far as Shu knew, a drunk man is capable of anything, absolutely anything. Truthfully, these thoughts gnawing at his mind only added to the piling anxiety inside his mind. "Excuse me" Shu tried, trying to sidestep.

The man blocked him, leaning against his face. Shu scrunched his face as his alcoholic breath hit against his nostrils. The man nauseated him. "Why the hurry princess? I'm not done with you yet"

Shu took another step back and he felt his back colliding with the smooth material of the uneven wall behind him. He risked a glance over his shoulder, counting his ability to climb through the wall. But now only he realized that it was ridiculously high and the man would single handedly drag him down before he could even start. It's only after contemplating on all these escape methods he started to panic. His eyes darted around the space and the advancing man in front of him. His toothy grin stretched over his face, sinister and unforgiving. All of them held a grudge against him, and he should've known that some would try so far to hurt him. The man placed one of his plumped hands on his shoulders. Rough and calloused after years of battle experience and his strong, firm hold instantly made him realize that he was no joke. This man was a soldier. Once a soldier will be one forever.

It was only relief flooded in him when he heard the familiar voice, "Stay back"

The man turned to see the Prince of Hyoketsu who could easily take down a grown man with his skills. No matter the age Lui held a higher rank than him and obedience for a prince, a strong one at that, is one of the major pointers anywhere. It was almost surprising how quickly the man surrendered and went his own way. Shu turned his eyes to Lui, standing in front of him. Right, Shu thought, unlike him, Lui had the aura of a prince. The strong face, muscled hands screaming of the battles he had won. Even the way he stood, the grace and the formidable way he spoke screamed of his inheritance as a prince. "I just left you for a few minutes."

Shu put his hands up in surrender, "Sorry"

"Just don't let everyone fall in love with you, Snowflake," Lui said with an exasperated look. Shu could see the amusements glinting at his royal purple eyes. Shu rolled his eyes, taking a step to walk towards Lui when it happened. Other people might've said that it was in slow motion but for Shu everything happened too fast for him to comprehend. At one moment, he was standing in front of Lui, trying to walk towards the White Tyrant and the next moment he was pressed against a wooden pillar that supported one of the shops. Lui hands around him and an arrow strikes right beside his head. Someone was trying to kill him. Shu thought, immediately gazing at the far end of the rooftops where a cloaked black figure stood. Lui was already dashing out to follow the man, "Snowflake, take care!" He said, disappearing out from the corner of the alleyway.

Shu pushed himself straight to look at the arrow just beside his head. Clearly not one from Hyoketsu, he noted. It was just an ordinary arrow with no symbols to identify it. Shu wrapped his fingers on the wooden body of it, trying to pull it out when one of the servant boys appeared, "What are you doing here? We need a hand in the kitchen. The drinks are a mess. Go, quick"

Shu snapped out of his daze and nodded. He hesitantly glanced at the arrow one last time before making his way into the kitchen where the drinks were being made. Just a few moments ago, everything seemed to be in peace, even Hyoketsu didn't look so dangerous. But right now, all Shu could see was a death trap. One wrong move, and it was his end.

After helping with the drinks, Shu moved to help them serve to the guests. Due to the load of work, none of the other servants had time to glare at him or harass him and for a change it was good to occupy his mind with something other than the chain of incidents that seem to happen in this evening. Shu walked out of the busy kitchen after what it felt like hours to get some fresh air. The streets that were away from the city plaza were fairly empty. As he heard, the main event of the occasion was the meal prepared with Yuki's favourite meals and at that moment everyone gathered near the podium in the city plaza to pay respect to their princesses' soul. Shu stayed in the shadows not wanting to attract any attention after the incidents when he heard someone talking. Shu was in the shadows, not visible to whoever the people in the next alley. Shu took cover behind a shop. He wasn't sure whether he should listen to his conversation but the hushed whispers aroused his curiosity. "So, it's all set?" A voice asked.

"Yes" Another voice answered, more feminine and young. "The poison is inside prince Lui's cup and it-"

Shu stopped listening and started running. He didn't know whether the two noticed him dashing out from the corner but he could care less about two killers on his tow. His mind was running around the thoughts building up inside his mind. Lui, Shu thought, taking a sharp turn and making his way to the plaza. Lui, Lui, Lui. When Shu pushed his way to the front through the crowd, the royal family was on their feet. Lui stood beside them, sweaty and looking subtly exhausted. Shu didn't care whether he had found the person he was chasing earlier. All he had on his mind was to warn him. When Shu reached the front of the crowd, all he could see was the bob of Lui's throat as the drink washed past his throat. Shu felt himself still, the words dying in his throat. He waited for an agitated second, but nothing. Maybe it was wrong information, Shu thought hopefully. He had just gotten concerned over nothing. A tiny spark of hope flared inside his mind, everything will be alright. Lui put down the cup and turned to walk to his mother and then stumbled.

Shu couldn't see the pained expression on Lui's because the Prince was not facing the crowd. But the way he crumbled to his father's arm was enough to horrify Shu. All hell broke loose as people started to yell all around him. They were looking for the culprit, the murder. They had lost Princess Yuki a few days ago and now someone has poisoned their Prince. It was too much for people to take and naturally the agitated screaming  around him began. But Shu couldn't seem to move forward. His feet were planted firmly on the crowd. Run, Shu thought as the pieces fell into it's places. You arranged the drinks, Shu told himself.

They're going to hold you as the culprit.

Run.

Despite his wrecked mind, he stood where he was. A hand clutching the fabric of his clothes. The other balled to a fist. He wanted to reach out for Lui but he didn't. In that momentary frenzied state he felt someone tugging at his wrist, dragging him out of the crowds surrounding him, shouting at each other, trying to figure out the culprit. Shu stumbled along the way trying to push through the crowd. He could barely make the silhouette of the stranger amidst the crowd. At last, after what it felt like for hours they came to a clearing. Shu raised his eyes to see Gou, standing in front of him. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were devoid of malice or fury. "Gou"

He clicked his tongue, a rare gesture. "Lui told me about it. He chased this man just before he came to the main event. "He looked Shu in the eye, "Someone tried to kill you, Shu"

Shu turned his head, dodging Gou's gaze. "I-I don't know"

Gou seemed to be frustrated. Shu didn't blame him and for all he knew Gou shouldn't be here with him. He should be by Lui's side. "Why are you here?"

Gou blinked, "I thought if Lui was fine, you would always be his first concern. That's why I'm here"

Shu bit his bottom lip shaking his head. He turned to the side, slapping a hand over his sweaty forehead. It's all wrong, all of it. "You're not supposed to be here. Lui needs you, Gou. Isn't it obvious that all of this was well planned? They're going to hold me as the culprit. There's no way out of it, please"

Gou took him roughly by the shoulder, shaking him. Shu gave him a surprised glance. This is the first time he had even attempted any violence on anyone. "Don't mess with me, Shu. You have to run away. I'll get you-"

"NO" Shu snapped, slapping his arms away. "I'm not running away. I-" Shu looked down at his feet, trying to compose his frantic heart. "I need to make sure he's okay" Shu winced at how broken he sounded to his own ears.

Gou took a step back, "Then I-"

"You go back to Lui, please. He needs you and don't speak for me when they all try to accuse me for this. Getting you involved in this mess would be the last thing I want. Lui needs you by his side right now. I don't trust anyone else with him either. In a low voice, Shu bowed and clasped his hands together, "Please take care of him."

Gou hesitated, but nodded. "Don't worry, Prince Shu. I'll keep a close eye on him."

Shu nodded, giving him a tight lipped smile, "Thank you"

Gou bowed, "Take care" The words sounded meaningless and pointless in the situation. But Shu nodded, bidding farewell to Gou who hurried his way to the palace. Shu wasn't startled when the guards surrounded him. He didn't make any effort to break through when they forced him down and cuffed his arms. Not a word escaped as the citizens screamed for his execution as he was dragged through the lanes of the city towards the palace. Not a tear was spread of everything that could happen. His eyes were fixed on somewhere else, the lighted window of Lui's room. The throbbing fear clawing at his heart.

Shu half expected them to drag him into the ice palace or the other underground cells for foreign prisoners but instead, the soldiers dragged him through the familiar hallway towards the familiar room. Lui's room. Shu's eyes widened as he was pushed into the room, forced to kneel in front of the massive bed where Lui laid. His eyes were closed, and his heartbeat was difficult to discern. The main physician was working and giving orders to the servants who busied themselves with various herbs. While the queen held Lui's limp hand deadly white against her fair complexion, the King stared dead straight at him, his violet eyes storming with vengeance. Shu didn't have time to register the situation as the king threw him to the floor, his strong fingers wrapping around his neck in a deadly grip. Shu choked, closing his eyes, trying to pry away the fingers enclosed around his neck, digging to the bandages and reopening the initial healed wounds on his neck. He couldn't breathe. Even as he struggled to breath, the grip around his neck was never relenting, even for a second. He knew the king wanted to kill him. See his heart stop at that mere moment. He had lost his daughter and now his son was on his deathbed. There was a limit every man can take, and it has been exceeded. For a mere moment, Shu wondered whether this was the end. He stopped struggling. His fingers still loosely wrapped around the strong wrists of the man.

"Your highness, I'm afraid that if you kill him right now, we are going to lose the chances of saving prince Lui."

Shu opened his eyes to see the main physician just as the fingers around his neck started to let go. The breath rushed into his lungs. The young albino coughed loudly, trying to steady himself from his position on the floor. Shu blinked back the tears of pain from his eyes running his fingers through his neck, gingerly. He could feel the wetness over the bandages. He didn't need to look to determine that it was blood. Shu looked up to the sound of a sword being unscathed. In front of him stood King Shirosagi, extending his sword that the tip hit his throat. My son was poisoned by something you used. What was it?""

Shu winced, "I didn't." His voice was a hoarse whisper.

The grip on the sword tightened as the king grabbed him by the collar of his robes bringing their faces closer, "Don't sprout that bullshit. There are eye witnesses, there's proof that you're the culprit."

"I'm speaking the truth" Shu tried again. He knew it was futile, but he didn't have any other choice except to keep repeating the truth. If he really knew the poison, he would've told about it without hesitation. He needed to see Lui, to see what kind of changes had happened to him in order to find the poison. Sure, he knew about many things but one can't come into a solid conclusion without seeing the outcome. The king pushed him back roughly to the floor. Shu pressed his palms against the floor hoisting himself to a sitting position. He looked at Lui on the bed. He was too far away to determine anything.

"This poison is certainly different" The physician spoke. Shu turned his eyes to him. He was a tall man with fair, perfect skin. He was surprised to see that the physician was quite young. Maybe, around his late twenties which was rare for a head physician. His light blonde hair passed his back and reached to his waist. His almond eyes staring straight at him. There was something about his eyes which made Shu comfortable and at ease. He had the power to win the love of others effortlessly. "We need to save our prince's life, if you cooperate with us-" He was cut off by the king who grabbed Shu's hand and pulled him towards Lui's bed. Shu almost crashed into the wooden nightstand beside his bed by the sudden rough treatment.

"Look at him! You're the one who did this to him. You all filthy Kurenais, took my daughter from me. Ain't that enough!?"

Shu's thoughts drowned out the rest of his words. He looked at the male lying on the bed. His breath was shallow. His skin was so pale that the blue veins were visible underneath them. Inhaling deeply, Shu stared at his greying lips and almost nonexistent heartbeat. Most poisonous plants exhibit those symptoms. It was then that he realized the blue lines on his body were not his veins. They were growing slowly but running effectively through his pale skin. It's almost as if the poison mixed with the blood made the skin transparent as they snaked along Lui's limp arms and legs. The servants were working hard to keep his temperature down. The queen was still crying before him. The king was still gripping on his hand. Shu tried to organize his scattered thoughts. He was fairly certain. No, he was certain. In spite of knowing about this plant, he could not place what it was.

The king growled, he turned to the soldiers who brought Shu to the room, "Take him to torture chambers. Don't stop until he confesses every last thing about this poison."

There was no surprise in Shu's face. He knew he'd eventually end up there, the visit to Lui's room only accelerated the process. "Yes, my lord" answered one of the soldiers, two of them already dragging him out of the room. Shu's eyes landed on Gou who was watching with a concerned expression. He almost took a step forward but Shu shook his head. This was not the time. He looked at Lui one last time as he was mercilessly dragged out of the room. Hold on, Lui, Shu thought, allowing himself to be dragged away. He focused on his memory, he knew the plant, it was only a matter of time until he recalled it.

Shu had always known the duties of a king, but his responsibilities were not pleasant. One day, he could be helping a homeless farmer with land, the other day that very farmer can be called to the palace for his execution. You don't know what will happen the next day. King after King ruled these kingdoms and all of them resigned from the throne with bloody hands not because they wanted but because killing, execution was a part of their profession. Shu had never been to the torture chambers of Moeru, He never stepped a foot on the dungeons. He never looked outside when an execution was going on. It was not all because he was soft, it was because he knew he was dying. He knew how these men felt when they were taken to their deaths. Their crimes were horrible, but the pain and fear of death were all the same for everyone. What hurt him the most was that judgements were always not hundred percent fair, not hundred percent sure. An innocent man could be framed into something at any moment, and because of those faulty proofs and hollow clues, an honest man would die as a traitor. That, as Shu thought, was one of the most treacherous things in the world.

It is funny how fate can spiral around you and then close in on you, making your fears come to life before you. He never wanted to step foot where men screamed and shed blood. But here he was, standing inside the torture chamber as the soldiers cuffed him to the cuffs hanging from the ceiling. He watched as one of the commanders stepped into the room and took the wooden chair to sit down in front of him. His expression was hard and merciless. Shu wondered how many years he might've sat there watching man after man, boy after boy getting tortured to confess the truth. How many years it might've taken him to get rid of his own nightmares. "Kurenai Shu" He spoke slowly, with a clear voice. "You know your crime. I'm not wasting my time telling you how all this will happen if you do not speak the truth."

Shu refused to give in to his hard glare and cold eyes, he narrowed his own ruby eyes. "If I knew the name of the poison, I would've already told you! It's not only you who wants to save him, I need it to" It sounded stupid. From the scratchy laughs that echoed, Shu realized the others thought it that way too. There was no point in caring, he was saying what he meant.

"Don't mess around" The commander spoke, grabbing a hold of his cheeks and forcing him to look at his face. "Speak the truth and less pain will be inflicted upon your body, Prince Shu"

Shu didn't waver his eyes. The last words were a mocking threat to make sure they won't be too lenient towards him due to his rank. Shu said nothing. The commander pushed his face away gesturing at two soldiers standing beside an iron bowl. Hot red coal burned in fury and resting on them were two iron stripes gleaming a fiery red. Shu kept his eyes on the ground as one of the men took one of them to him, holding it by it's wooden handle. Shu inhaled, readying himself for the pain. Another soldier pushed away his robe, exposing the white skin underneath, gleaming with beaded sweat.

His skin did not respond at first when the iron was pressed into it. It took a second for his brain to register the pain erupting from his skin. Shu sucked in a breath, grinding his teeth together. The foul smell of his own burning skin filled the room. It had only started and Shu wondered whether they would ever stop. He tried to focus on the pain. Shu didn't have any chance of escape from the situation. He knew it was even fruitless to try. He recalled Lui's lifeless form on the bed. With that in mind, he started repeating. Repeating all the names of herbs inside his mind. Recalling every single detail he had read about poison. There has to be something. He just needed some time.

Shu lost the count of time. He didn't know just how long he was there. They had switched from burning to whipping. He barely felt any emotion at all. His whole body was aching with constant torture. Shu was quite sure at one point he did pass out only to be rudely woken up with a splash of water. The memorizing was fruitless. He knows countless medicines and cures but he didn't remember about the one he mostly needed. He screamed to his teeth when the whip sunk to his skin with each strike. Amidst everything, he could feel the rising agony coming from his lungs. It hurts to breathe. The commander was growing wary of everything, Shu noticed. He hung his head gasping for breath when finally, a memory flashed through his mind. There were many medicine books in the Moeru library. His teachers were always after him with them, trying to make him thorough with all kinds of poison except for one book. Shu winced. Another strike. The pages he went through ran inside his mind. He was never instructed to go through it academic wise because none of the nobles or even princes did. The book consisted of descriptive passages about different poisonous plants, the ones that are only found in Moeru. The ones that are used in warfare to poison the enemies. Only people with a private knowledge about Moeru medicine figured out the cure. They were used to kill enemies and none of his teachers thought of giving the book any importance because the ones that are used to kill enemies don't need cures. Those poisonous plants are deliberately grown and taken care of for the sole purpose of death.

Shu shivered as the memories became livid inside his mind. He skimmed through the pages at first, knowing these wouldn't be seen everywhere and he will rarely need this knowledge but then he went through them again and again. Not knowing what to do with the knowledge he just pushed it backed into his mind. Now, he has strained his mind. The picture of Lui lying still on the bed with those blue streaks growing across his limbs made him shiver. Shu gulped, pushing back the agony of his own sickness an torture to the back of his mind. He imagined himself going through the book. One page after another. Looking at the striking deadly features of these poison that could kill a man in seconds and there it was. The same poisonous symptoms. The special feature were the new blue lines on the patient's body. Nausea at first, then a coma. Not any other coma, a coma where even in that unconscious state makes the patient delirious. Hallucinations and horrific dreams. It was not only about physical torture. This plant was about psychological breakdowns. If not treated soon, Lui would never be the same again.

Shu was drawn out of his own world by another strike. Shu doubled forward, tripping on his own feet. He calmed himself and raised his head. His sight was so blurry that he could barely make out the outline of the commander as he spoke, "I'll tell you." His voice didn't sound like his own. For a moment, Shu was convinced the voice was coming from some far away source. But the strikes stopped, the commander barked out orders for the soldiers to bring the main physician to the chambers. Smart, Shu thought, breaking away from his own hallucinations. Even if he tells them, the soldiers who's mentality is only prepared for warfare would never understand.

Be quick, He wanted to scream. He didn't have much time. His mind was muddled and foggy. It was only a matter of time until he lost it. Until the monster that's inside him shows it's true colours to everyone watching. Shu was not ready for another episode like that. However, most of the things in his life have always been out of his control. Shu didn't see the physician, he could only hear the footsteps. He squinted through his muddled vision to see two figures dressed in silk and he assumed them to be the king and of course, the physician. He was saying something, but Shu could barely make out the words. His ears were ringing and his throat tightened. He could taste the blood in his mouth. Suddenly, the pain in his body was overwhelmed by the fear in his mind.

Not now.

Please, just another minute.

I can't-

Shu choked on his own blood and felt the darkness slipping in. He could feel the rising agony inside his chest. He was slipping. He tried to grip onto his consciousness. A vain attempt. He could barely mutter the first syllable of the poison before the darkness within grew heavier. His eyes slipped close only the last thought swirling inside his mind like a storm.

I'm sorry, Lui.

---

It was as if a cruel joke was tossing them around back and forth. Prince Lui laid on the bed, his pulse barely working and his eyes under his eyelids moving in distress. He had been a Physician for ten years. He was only sixteen when King Shirosagi first raised his position to the main physician. He still remembered how everyone was against it. He was too young, the judgmental gazes followed him around until he performed his first miracle. He saved the king's life when all the other doctors had given up on saving him. After that, there was respect for him wherever he went. He had always been skilled with his hands and medicine is something natural for him. Just like his second nature. He did not know what King Shirosagi saw in him but he had always respected the king for his good, straightforward decisions. He was a strict king, but never a bad one.

His name was Kawano Yasuo, and it was a name everyone in Hyoketsu knew. A man capable of miracles. A man who had the touch of god when it came for healing.

It was the worst time he had felt helpless under such a poison. Something he had never seen before. He tried all kinds of treatments but none seem to work. Everything he tried ended up being useless. When the soldiers came into the room crying out of alarm that Prince Shu had finally given up on his silent treatment and ready to speak, they rushed into the room. He stopped, frozen by the door as he just stared at the boy, chained into the cuffs, looking at him with half close eyes. The flash of red was barely visible. Shu looked confused, Yasuo thought. Almost as if he couldn't understand what's going on or who's standing in front of him. King Shirosagi was in front of him, ready to hear the confession. The boy barely moved. Yasuo kept his gaze fixed on his face where there was the least amount of blood. His robes were bloody. His hands were striped red with festering bruises. A puddle of blood underneath his feet, and for a moment Yasuo wanted to call out for medics and ointments. He had seen men suffering, but this was something different.

This boy was the prince of Moeru.

The prince who didn't have any future ahead of him. The prince who woke up every morning with a death sentence hanging upon his head. The Prince who was haunted by death itself. He snapped back into reality when the Prince shuffled for a moment, wheezing for breath and before anyone could move or reach out, his head slumped down, his eyelids slipped close.

"Wake him up!" The king barked, not caring at the least about the situation. Yasuo couldn't blame him. The man lost one of his children and the other lay dying on the bed. But this time, he didn't stay silent.

"My lord, if I may, I think what boy needs is treatment."

The king turned to him in fury, "My boy is dying there, and you want to treat him?"

"You know his status. If we don't give him medicine right now, he will die before he can even speak of the poison. Considering our situation, I think that's-" He was cut off by the loud wheeze. They all turned back to the prince whose eyes were wide open. He was staring at the floor with a look of sadness. His eyes were dull. Yasuo almost took a step back when the younger screamed, his face twisted in agony. His mouth repeating the same words like a mantra, Kill me, please.

This was the extreme of the mysterious illness that plagues the heart of Shu. Even King Shirosagi took a step back in surprise before finally giving him a tight nod. With that, he left the room. No matter how tough he acted himself to be, King Shirosagi also had a conscience. Yasuo ordered the servants to bring the Katuseki flower and bandages. "Release him" He said, turning to the commander. He hesitantly reached the prince who was acting as if he's possessed by some monster. There were rumours before, that the prince of Moeru has always been possessed by some monsters and Yasuo knew by tomorrow morning, everyone will only talk about the monstrous illness of Prince Shu and want him dead. Humans have always been afraid of things that they can't identify. Shu was a living testimony for an unknown that man could not uncover.

Shu fell to his knees and clutched his neck. He wasn't crying, it looked almost as if he's trying to cut off his own breath. Yasuo didn't know why he was so quick to help the boy. Maybe, it was because he was another curious physician who wanted to uncover the secret between his illness or maybe, he was someone human, who couldn't bear to see the pain. He fished away Shu's fingers off his neck, trying to calm him down until the medicine arrived. Shu was breathing hard and was trying to pry away his strong grasp around his body. At one moment, Shu just stared at him with nothing but a blank look on his face. It was frighteningly blank. There was nothing. Yasuo sucked in a breath and fished out a stray strand of hair from his eyes.

Those fiery red eyes of the Moeru royal blood, always rumored to be filled with passion and beauty, seemed different to him.

They looked so hopeless.

"You requested medicine" A feminine voice spoke, making Yasuo look up in surprise. Standing by the doorway of the secret chamber was Aki, holding on the small jar of Katuseki flower broth.

"Aki" He said. She was her best disciple and always had an eye for magic and enchantment, a gift from her mother. "Bring that here." He tried to stop the thrashing boy from hurting himself furthermore. "Hold him down" He said, as two soldiers stepped in. Yasuo didn't miss the hesitance of their arms as they grabbed the boy by his forearms pinning him down. Yasuo took the medicine and poured it down Shu's throat. It didn't took affect right away but as the seconds passed his breathing grew rhythmic. He stopped muttering and shaking. "Everyone, out" He commanded. The soldiers inside the room looked glad that they could finally escape from the devil's room and specially, from the boy whom they now considered to be a monster. Aki was the only one inside the room and he didn't make any attempt to send her way. Both of them quietly watched as Prince Shu sat down on the floor, blinking slowly, looking around in confusion. His eyes stopped on him then at Aki. He doesn't seem to register anything for a second and finally let out a heavy breath slumping forward with fatigue. Yasuo caught him by the arms and cradled him in his arms. He was an enemy, Yasuo knew, but then again he was an injured boy.

Shu blinked slowly, almost as if he's struggling to stay awake. Aki took a step beside him and touched his temples. Yasuo had seen her do this. An energy spell. It will allow him to have energy to speak about the poison and tell about what he knows. Shu sat up on the floor, pushing away his hold, looking at them with suspicious eyes. He flinched whenever they moved and Yasuo couldn't blame him. After going through all that, he doubted whether the boy will ever trust another person in Hyoketsu kingdom.

"What's the poison?" Aki broke the silence.

Shu's eyes finally came into focus. "Crimson Nightshade"

The silence that followed as the reality sunk in was heavier. Everyone knew what Crimson Nightshade was but at the same time no one knew a thing about it. Crimson Nightshade, the most dangerous poison produced in Moeru. It's symptoms, cures were unknown to the world. It was called as Devil's touch for a reason. As far as Yasuo knew, he had never heard a cure for this bloody poison and had never heard of anyone who survived this. "So, it is you!" Aki yelled, "You're the one who poisoned Lui. After all that he went through to save you?"

Shu winced at her loud voice, "I didn't" It was barely a defense but Yasuo had the feeling that something was indeed wrong.

"There's no cure for it" His voice is calm.

Shu seemed to grow comfortable with his calm and kind voice. He teared his gaze away from Aki, "There is a cure for it." He confessed. If he reveal the cure now, that would mean he's giving away one of the top secrets of Moeru kingdom but then again without the special ingredient for the cure, none could be saved. Shu looked at the Physician and started to list down the thing needed to make the cure. It was almost a miracle he remembered it all but he was glad that some miracles do happen in the correct time. "And a drop of blood from the royal family of Moeru" Shu finished.

Yasuo blinked, looking to his eyes with a confused look. "What's the last one, again?"

Shu knew he would ask him to repeat it. Everyone does. That's why many people dies from Crimson Nightshade. The last ingredient was always missing. Crimson Nightshade was not just poison, there's a sense of magic attached with the plant. There are many legends about the plant and Shu had always wondered whether there's any truth in them. Legends are always triggered from a root cause and most of the times, the root cause was true. In an attempt to repeat, Shu opened his mouth, but Aki jerked his wrist and made him stand. Yasuo stood up with them looking at Aki with a raised eyebrow. "I don't know what plan you have in your mind, Prince Shu. Just repeating the cure and helping Prince Lui wouldn't make you a hero and if you're thinking it will help you escape, it won't. The moment you poisoned prince Lui, you lost all of your chances to escape or to get a pardon. But right now, all I care about is Lui's life. You're coming with us."

Shu flinched at her harsh words. Yasuo gave him a sympathetic stare. The Prince didn't look as if he needed any reminders that he'd be walking into his execution in few days. He followed Aki silent without objecting or talking against her, he looked deep in thought and Yasuo knew that something was clearly wrong but he didn't speak. He was a Physician. So, he followed the two teens to Lui's room. His priority was Prince Lui. He couldn't let King Shirosagi lose another child. 

---

Shu wondered whether there's a limit to the pain a human could feel. You're inflicted with pain over and over until you go numb to all the changes. Maybe that was it. His body was going numb to all the pain. Or maybe, it was the effect of Aki's spell on his body. Either way, Shu wondered whether he should brace himself for another shock of suffering.

The chain of incidents finally started to make sense. The initial plan was probably to kill him. If he die while in the Hyoketsu territory, the war will reached towards another level of gore and death. Whoever the person pulling the strings, they knows the friendship Lui and Shu carried and had the sense the one day it's going to end the war. Naturally, after Lui saved his life from the first attack, they moved to another backup plan. He didn't know how the enemy got their hands on Crimson Nightshade but to frame him into this crime there's no other suitable plant than it. The planner is obviously familiar with the education system of Moeru and the secrets of the inner court. Through this, even though Shu saved Lui's life, everyone will know that only he could get his hands on something like Crimson Nightshade. No matter the scenario, it's going to end with his execution. Unquestionably, this is a brilliant plan. There was no room for flaws and escape expect for some miracle. After all that he went through, Shu just didn't have the strength to believe in another miracle.

The soldiers visibly stiffened upon their arrival. Shu saw Gou's eyes widening at the sight of him. Shu wondered how horrible he looked. Possibly not his best appearance with blood smearing over his skin and clothes. It's only a matter of time until the spell wears off and he's thrown back into that hell of suffering again. The Physician with the kind eyes was working again. He gathered all the things needed and started to brew the medicine for the poison. Shu just stood there, feeling all the eyes on him. He was scared to look down at himself. He could feel the clothes rubbing against the burn wounds on his torso. He could feel the wetness of blood on his skin. Damn it, even his lips were dry and caked with blood. King Shirosagi's eyes bore holes against his skin. Shu did his best to avert his gaze out of those intent violet eyes. He wanted to leave. He didn't care where, he just wanted to leave.

The Physician called him towards the bed and Shu walked to him. He looked hesitant to draw anymore blood from him. He was a medic, and he seems to be a person who stays true to his words and job. King Shirosagi was running out of patience and Shu didn't want to drag this more. He pricked his own skin and let a drop of his blood fall onto the clear medicine water on the gold rimmed bowl. The colour changed into a deep crimson. Deeper than any red. Deeper than his own blood. Shu backed away as the Physician sat beside Lui, hoisting him up slightly as he poured the medicine into his mouth. After the first time he arrived, the eyes were not fixed on him but on their prince lying on the bed. There was a minute or two of silence, nothing changed. Then slowly, but clearly subtle changes occurred in his body. His heartbeat steadies and the blue lines slowly started to drone off from his body. Shu let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. The Queen was crying again, this time the tears were out of relief. The King seemed visibly calmed. Shu smiled faintly, he didn't care about himself anymore. Lui will be fine, and at that moment, it's all that matters. Not the pain, not even his life mattered anymore. 

King Shirosagi gestured to one of the ministers, "Assemble the ministers of the inner court."

Here it comes, Shu thought as he was shackled again. Two guards roughly took him by the hands and led him out of the room. Shu looked over his shoulder with a soft, sorrowful look on his face, "Get well soon, ice prince" He muttered under his breath turning back to the door. His mind was oddly calm. Shu just waited for it to shatter in any minute, in any second. The time ticked away. His time. He is nearing the end of his days. He tipped his head back, looking at the grey ceilings with white chandeliers decorated with violet crystals and realized.

Death might not be so bad after all.

The throne room was decorated with rich furniture and elegant flags that held the symbol of Hyoketsu kingdom, the dragon Luinor. Ministers dressed in purple robes whispers around him as he was forced to kneel before the throne. King Shirosagi sat on it, his face stone cold. His purple eyes held no sense of humanity or compassion. In the throes of furious whispers, Shu closed his eyes and tried to drift away, the whole room swaying around one idea, one single thought, running through their heads.. Death. They're looking for death. Not just anyone's death. The death of Prince Shu who tried to kill their prince. 

King Shirosagi's eyes burned to his soul and for some reason, Shu didn't dare to look up at him. "My lord," One of the ministers said, "This person kneeling here has conspired against the royal family. Execute him, my king"

Shu winced at the mere word of execution. The rest of the ministers bowed respectfully to the king, chorusing the same words like a curse on repeat. He didn't expect any different sentence but hearing his own execution was something he wasn't ready for. King Shirosagi rose from his seat, opening his arms. "It's decided. The day after tomorrow, Kurenai Shu will be executed publicly by dawn. Inform the citizens and be ready." With that, he walked out, not giving anyone any room to think, to object.

Shu held his breath. He missed his parents. He missed his secure home in Moeru. Every little thing becomes precious, every single moment of life is endearing when you realize you are going to die. You start to regret the chances you never took and the feelings you never shared. It's funny how life works. It twists turns and sometimes it snaps. If it snaps, there's no way to get it back. Shu was hoisted back to his feet and was led to the dungeons. Not just any, but the ice palace: the palace of death and suffering. The cold pierced through his skin. His mind immediately worked back to his time with Lui. A person we know can change our life for the better in surprising ways. With Lui, this place looked like a safe haven but now all alone, Shu didn't know what to make of the darkness awaiting before him.

Upon being pushed back into the cell, all he could smell was death. He didn't know how he recognized it, but the whole cell only had an eerie glow as any light. He waited till his eyes adjusted to the darkness when he spotted the limp man on the floor, slumped to his side at an odd angle. His mouth slightly opened as a line of drool escaped from his mouth dropping to the blood stained floor below him. "Man, he did, huh?" One of the guards said, walking in. He dragged the man by the back of his neck out of the cell.

He stared at the man for a few seconds as he was dragged out of the hallway. The guard locked the cell behind him. Shu looked around. The chilling feeling of death was still lingering in the open air. He could make out the patches of blood on the floor and two benches on each side of the cell. He walked to the far corner, trying to get away from the man and the image inside his mind of him slumped like a dead fish. He felt nauseated and awful. He lied down. The wood was hard against his wounded skin. Splinters dug into his open wounds as he curled into himself. Making himself smaller and insignificant. His eyelids slid close to a deep slumber. There was nothing he could do for himself except to escape from the pain. And the only way he knew to do that was to close his eyes and sleep. Sleep has always been an escape.

---

Lui woke up with a start. His limbs were heavy against his body. He groaned at the splitting headache. How long had he been sleeping? What happened after he took the poison?

"Lui?" His mom's voice said. Lui turned his head to see her. Her hazel eyes wide with tears and overflowing emotions. "Sweetie, you're awake"

Lui just nodded, his mouth was dry, "Water" He managed, hoisting himself up to a sitting position. His mother stayed with him for a few minutes before his father showed up. He instantly wrapped his arms around Lui, startling the latter. It has been years since he last hugged his father and years since he made any physical contact with him at all. They didn't ask him any questions and he was grateful for that but there were so many questions inside his mind. His family has always been small with words but great with actions. He preferred this way. Words meant nothing, if one could not live up to them.

His parents spent a few hours with him and left him to rest, which he felt grateful for. He loved his parents, but right now he had many questions and he wanted to be alone with Gou to attain information he needed. When the doors were closed, he was left alone with Gou. "What happened?" He didn't need to elaborate. Gou knew exactly who he was asking.

"The situation is pretty bad, Lui. This time, it's going to be hard to get him out of this mess. Even for you"

Lui frowned. He didn't care how hard it would be. He didn't care what others would think of him. He needed details. He needed details of what happened to Shu. "What do you mean?" He listened carefully as Gou spoke. His face betrayed no emotion, not a single tear or a sense of panic. After Gou finished, Lui stared hard at his hands. It didn't surprise Gou when Lui threw away the covers, and stepped out of the bed.

"Which cell?"

Gou didn't try to stop him. Some might interpret this as cowardice. But he knew Lui the best. There was no stopping the White Tyrant when he set his mind to something, and if he stopped Lui right now, he would live his whole life with regret. "When's the execution?"

"Tomorrow dawn" Gou replied, following as Lui hurriedly stepped through the halls. He had slept for too long. He had lost his time to save Shu from his disaster. The ice palace was freezing, but neither of them reacted in the least when they entered. They were used to this freezing climate. As people of Hyoketsu, it was one of those rare abilities they possessed. "The last one" Gou said, walking to the soldiers. He muttered something to the two soldiers guarding the entire hallway. The cells were made with iron and protected with the trickiest spells. No one had been able to break through them. The guards stared at Lui, who stood away from them and bowed leaving them alone. "I'll stay here and inform you if anyone comes. Be quick."

"Thanks" Lui muttered, walking away from Gou. In one of his hands were the things he would need. Lui didn't know how much of a bad state Shu was in right now. He didn't want to take chances. He reached the corner cell and unlocked the charm. The iron bars hissed as he opened and stepped in. There was no sound, except the foul smell of blood and flesh. He looked around, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the darkness when he spotted Shu. Lying on the wooden bench at the corner, curling to himself to get any warmth he could. Lui averted his gaze to the floor. A foreign feeling of sympathy flooded his mind. He wasn't the one who was hurt but he didn't know why the pain inside his chest tightened with every second upon seeing Shu in pain like that.

He silently walked to the albino and crouched beside him. He reached for his shoulder and slightly shook it. "Hey, Snowflake"

He watched as Shu's eyelids fluttered slightly before the flash of red appeared behind his eyelids. "L-Lui?" His voice was hoarse as he spoke to him. After a moment, his ruby eyes widened in surprise. He sat down, probably faster than he intended to. Lui watched his face twisting into a pained expression. "What are you doing here?" He finally managed, searching his face for any hints of pain or exhaustion.

"I'm fine, if that's what you're asking. I heard about everything." Lui brushed away a stray bang falling to his eye.

Shu smiled, "I'm glad you're okay"

Lui bit his bottom lip, What about you? He wanted to ask. Do you think I'll be okay if you leave me alone in this world?

"You're staring" Shu tilted his head. Leaning back against the icy cold wall. Lui moved to sit beside him and pulled out the bandages. Shu raised his brow. "What are you up to?"

"You'll infect those." Lui silently murmured, running a finger through his bruised skin. "Let me patch you up, Snowflake."

"Don't bother," Shu said, turning his head. I'm going to die anyway.

Lui sighed, reaching for him. Shu didn't make any attempt to stop him as Lui started applying a paste along his sounds. The burns were the hardest parts, Shu had to bite the inside of his cheeks to prevent screaming as Lui was forced to peel out the clothing material stuck into his body. Finally, everything was over, Shu was allowed some breathing space. He observed Lui digging out an iron jar, sealed tightly that whatever is inside won't spill. "What's that?"

"Food"

Shu rolled his eyes, "It's not a picnic, Lui"

"The last place you'll need a picnic is inside the ice palace. Are you up to some?"

Shu fidgeted, Was he? The smell inside the cell isn't giving him any appetite and the last thing he wanted was to throw up inside. He shook his head. He wouldn't be able to manage anything right now. Lui hummed, setting it aside. They both just stared silently for a moment. "Lui, am I really going to die?"

Lui moved his hand to rest in Shu's smaller ones. "You're not. I'll find a way around."

Shu let out a dry laugh, "This is scary. I'm... I'm scared." He smiled dropping his head to Lui's shoulder, "I don't want to die"

Lui caressed his hand, "You won't. Just trust me, okay?"

Shu stayed silent. He knew Lui was just trying to console him. There was no way he could get him out of this mess. This brilliant plan someone has created. It was impossible for Lui to stand up for Shu without ruining his own reputation. "Don't destroy yourself, save me. I woke up every morning thinking I'll be dead soon." Shu laughed, "In the end, I really am dying. Maybe it's for the best. Don't you-"

Shu wasn't able to finish his sentence, Lui moved and grabbed him by the shoulder, leaning against him. "Don't you dare." Shu flinched at his rough voice. His face was so close that Shu could feel his breath on his skin. His own reflection was there inside his violet eyes. Shu went ahead and dropped his head onto his shoulder, wrapping a pair of weak arms loosely around Lui.

"I'm scared, Lui." He muttered. His words muffled against the robes of the White Tyrant. He could feel Lui's hands tightening around him, holding him tight and close. In his hold, Shu felt secure. Maybe, Lui had a plan. Maybe he will save him. Shu's breath hitched as he tried to compose himself. "I didn't do anything, I-I didn't poison you. I didn't kill Yuki. I'm...sorry, Lui. I'm so sorry" Shu was rambling and Lui didn't stop him. He knew the albino needed it. To speak his thoughts. The thoughts that were devouring his mind. He held him against his chest, slightly rocking back and forth. Waiting till Shu finishes everything. Waiting till he spilled all his thoughts to him. After he calmed down, Lui carefully looked at him. His face pressed against his chest. Crimson eyes still open wide, staring right into him.

"For all I know, this is a brilliant plan," Lui agreed. "But there's another thing I know, Shu. I won't let you die. That's a promise. So, you can stop being afraid and start believing me. I know it's hard for you. You've always been living with death. I would never imagine how hard it is to live in the constant fear of death, but as long as I am with you, I won't let you leave me. So, trust me on this one. I'll save you"

Shu's hold on his robes tightened. His lips were shaking as he opened them to speak. "O-okay" It was a mere whisper, barely audible to his ears but it was there. "I'll be waiting"

Lui nodded, pushing away from him. He had a limited time to do something. "I'll go now."

Shu stood up with him, nodding. "Okay, take care."

Lui hummed, "You too."

They both stared at each other. None of them daring to cross the boundaries between them. Until Shu took a step forward, brushing his lips against Lui's. Barely a kiss. Just a snip of intimacy. But the feelings, the emotions he summed into it was there in his heart. Shu smiled, his eyes closed, his cheeks tinted with pink while Lui stared, dumbfounded. "I'll hold on till you come back, Ice Prince"

An effortless smile decorated his face as he reached to ruffle Shu's hair. "Yeah, wait for me, Snowflake"

Neither of them said anything else. They both trusted each other and Lui knew he'd survive, he would save Shu, that was the only haunting thought inside his mind. Shu had given him many things in life. Show him that life is more than strength and power. To lose a person like him is to lose your heart. He walked outside, looking over his shoulder one last time to see that small smile against his lips. The hope glistened in his eyes. He'd be coming back to see that smile, see those eyes again. He'll sacrifice anything to make it happen.

Gou nodded at him as they walked out of the ice palace. Two individuals waited for them by the castle's gates. Both of them were sons of trusting commanders. The four of them had been friends for years and never broke any promises with each other. The brown haired male raised a hand in greeting. A sloppy grin on his face, "Been so long since we went on an adventure, Prince Lui"

Lui rolled his eyes, "You got what we need?"

The green haired male, tossed the enchanted compass to his hand. "Yes"

"Shinki, Katana and Gou" He said, looking at the three of them. "We'll have to find the real culprit and come back before dawn."

Katana grinned, rubbing his hands together, "Well, mission impossible, here we come"

Happy Birthday Luna4605!!!

Hope you liked the chapter. (Which I personally don't ;-;)

Anyways, many happy returns of the day! You're an amazing friend and thank you for supporting me through everything. Love you!!!