The slice-through silence of the strategy room heightened as the group leaned forward. Arvin sliced his fingers through the air, "Once upon a time the four nations; sun, moon, fire and ice lived in harmony in the land you all currently reside."

"And for some unknowable reason, the people of the moon left the land," Zac said, recalling Shu's words.

Arvin shook his head, "No. As the legend goes, the land our people were living in was not prosperous. Hill and mountains governed the area, the uneven ground didn't yield any crops. So, the people of the moon started trading."

Shu frowned, "But there was no sea," He reasoned, recalling the maps he pored over back in Moeru. "And there was no ongoing industry to provide anyone with trading. Nothing worked."

"Exactly," Arvin smiled, "Nothing worked. Hence, our ancestors turned into Black Magic. Portions, hypnotism, elixir, all of these things because those inhabitable areas were prowling with herbs needed for those things and in doing that, unknowingly they started sucking up all the living mechanisms from the ground, and the void was filled by the supernatural, or you can say, evil."

"Inhuman sightings," Silas said, turning to Shu. "You said those lands the people of the moon left behind were not tolerable for any being."

Shu nodded, "Yes. That's what the archives said."

Keru took upon the story, "One day, a group of the strongest portion makers gathered to replenish the power of the land they were destroying, they called upon all their gods and the god did answer. Do you guys know what angels are?"

Lui nodded, looking around the table. It was pretty common knowledge. Besu started speaking then, "They sent upon an angel in the disguise of a young boy. The moon people took him in, fed him, took care of him for months but nothing was happening. If this was a test of god, it's taking so long. So they asked the boy directly for something, some way to heal their dying soil. But the boy said he's still learning and it will take time, because-"

"They've ruined the land far beyond imagination," Arvin said, "Patience, he said. Have patience and we'll get there. And all this while there was a rumour going around about a lavish continent across the seas and to cross the land, they needed the heart of an angel," He set his lips in a line, leaning forward on his elbows, "Well that rumour is spread through a group of blasphemers who wanted to find a way out of this ruined land and it's said-"

"Angel's golden blood can heal anything, their heart can bring life to any land, cross any danger" Honcho completed, "That's the myth about angels, isn't it?"

Arvin nodded, "Yes. This is not only because of the ruination. It's also because their shady business was being exposed in several parts of the mainland. A war was inevitable, and they didn't have the needed resources for a war. So, they decided to find this new land across the sea and sought safety in the beating heart of a dead angel."

"They killed him," Gou concluded, "But how?"

"He was a boy," Ben leaned back, "And naive, innocent despite his angelic background. They lured him in with love and gave him hate." He shrugged, "And the story goes to say; the breath of the fallen angel echoed,"

Shu's breath hitched at the words as memories came rushing back. Ben kept reciting the lines, "His pained screams deafened the gods, and the story goes to tell, his pain was such a tangible thing. The mother of earth weeped for his soul, the birds in the sky fell seamlessly, as if they had forgotten to fly- do I have to keep-"

Shu cut him off, " His skin wafted the scent of mildew roses, porcelain skin marred in red, sunset crimson eyes, a call for the autumn."

"How the hell-" Arvin frowned, "You guys said you don't know the legend."

"We don't," Lui confirmed, "Do you, snowflake?"

Shu shook his head, "Those were the exact words of the man," He said. "That's what he said to me."

"You mean Hyde?"

Shu nodded at Ken, "Yes, him."

"That's weird," Arvin said, "Why would he bring up an old legend?"

"No, no," Free closed his eyes, "Wait." He placed his palms on the table, taking a deep breath, "Is there more to that recital? More than Shu remembered?"

Ken nodded, talking through Besu. "Yes, actually."

"Can you repeat the words to me, please?"

"Waves of lily white locks framing a moonlit visage. The gods swore revenge as his body hit the ground, the grounds grumbled, the split earth flooded with fire."

Free bit his lip as the poem continued, "The angel smiled, gazing at them with one scarred eye-"

Shu's breath hitched as the story fell into place.

"Bloody, he whispered as the morbid destruction overrode the people." Keru stopped, "After that the remaining survivors crossed to this continent with the beating heart."

"This is crazy, Shu, that's you."

Shu shook his head, "That's impossible."

"Sunset crimson eyes," Lui listed, "Hair of white lilies, All these things are too strong to be a coincidence."

"It's still possible it's not him," Ben pointed out, "Anyone can have red eyes and white hair and still be perfectly-"

"His right eye is scarred," Valt provided helpfully, "By an attack of the demon lords."

"You're shitting me," Ben raised his brow.

Shu shrugged, rubbing his temples. "No, he's right. I do have a scar over my eye," He mumbled, clearing his bangs momentarily.

"Wow," Arvin blinked, "But you're human, right?"

Shu scowled, "Of course I am. My parents are back at home. I'm perfectly human."

"But it fits a little too perfectly," Free pondered, "Are they trying to recreate the legend in some way? Like they got to know about Shu with his features similar to that angel and decided to-" He paused, decided to do exactly what?

"It's possible, but they can't recreate an angel. It's a divine being."

"Nor should they be able to replicate human pain and control it at their will," Ben sighed, "This land betrays what you know as nature's law. Anything is possible as long as you have the resources to do it."

Shu rubbed his temples, thinking, he urged himself. There has to be a sane explanation to all this. He is perfectly human, isn't he? The broken cadence of memories flashed him through. The past where his own citizens called him a monster for the inexplicable illness he had.

"Wait," Free broke the silence, eyes flitting through the participants around the table. "Where's Orochi?"

Zac blinked, baffled. "He took off with Luna. I thought you all saw him leaving."

"With Luna?" Lui asked, surprised. The wolf was not easy to befriend. It took him weeks to tame it even after convincing he meant no harm to Shu.

"Yes, with her."

Two human shadows crumpled the evening light of the throne room. Orochi stood by the doorway with a hunched back woman who seemed to have centuries resting upon her brow. Luna cheerfully made her way around the table to Shu, nuzzling on his knee panting. His hand instinctively ruffled the feather soft fur as his eyes trained on the old woman with Orochi.

Arvin, Ben and Ken stood in unison.

"Adeline," Arvin whispered. "What are you doing here?"

Ken scrambled onto offer her a seat at the table. Adeline smiled, politely refusing as she made her way to Lui. "Ah, you're the one Cordelia has fallen in love with."

Lui frowned, flicking a glance towards Shu who averts his own in return. The subject too bruised for any of them to address without infecting the wounds. "And you are?"

"Luna led me to her," Orochi said, walking in. "It's her," His words were simple and clear, "The one who made the portion."

A flame lit within Lui's mind, he stood as Adeline took a step back. But before he could snap, Adeline spoke. Her voice was laced with raw surprise. "Oh my, you've broken through the hypnotism."

Lui paused, unsure what to say when Arvin provided an explanation. "She's a..." He gestures with his hands, unable to voice the words that's considered a common insult.

"A witch," Adeline smiled. " I practice witchcraft from ancient times."

Shu refused to contribute to the conversation as he stared at the space between Adeline and Lui.

"The witchcraft of the ancient people of the moon?" Zac asked, interested to which Adeline nodded. "Is that how the demon lords gain power?"

Adeline laughed mirthfully. "I cannot compare my magic to theirs. It's much darker and powerful. They practise the magic of the dark archives. Now lost to the world after they've burned all the libraries across the Zodiac island not allowing a single commoner to have access to this power of the devils. But you my child," She smiled at Lui. "Your heart must be so strong to break through my strongest elixir. Tell me, how did you do it?"

Lui didn't answer but gazed at Shu who kept his hands firmly placed on Luna's head. Adeline smiled again, lines creasing her eyes with humour. "I see. It's been a while I've seen a force that strong." None of them stopped her as she stepped to Shu and took his chin in her arms. "He looks a lot like the angel of the myth though, doesn't he?"

Shu shook away her hand, standing abruptly. Surprised Adeline blinked as he stormed out of the room with Luna on his toe. "Well, that escalated quickly," Ben grumbled, turning back to Orochi. "How did you find her?"

"Luna," Orochi answered, "And your lyre music. It's certainly nostalgic, I'd say."

Adeline wasn't paying much attention to anyone else but was still deep in her trance of Shu's abrupt actions. "That boy," he asked from the people present in the room. "Is he human?"

Lui let out a dry laugh, devoice of humour. Cold. "Of course he is," He snapped.

"Lui," Valt urged, "Calm down."

"I am calm. She doesn't get to come in and ask if Shu's human after shitting with all our lives. Am I the only one concerned?"

Adeline shook her head, "A love that fierce is bound to be challenged young man. If I were you, I'd be careful." She looked dreamy then, "He's so easily shattered. The way I see it-"

"What? He's made of glass?" Lui retorted. "Yes, I've heard that one before. You don't know a single thing about him. So stop making assumptions."

Adeline shook her head, finally turning to Lui. The latter took a step back in surprise at the force of her will swept over the room.

"Adeline..." Keru whispered as she spoke.

"The path ahead is distorted, devoid of any comfort. Do not fall when he does but the inevitable truth is you will hold him in your arms, watching as the last of the light passes through his eyes. His legend will retain; a story spoken and treasures in everyone's heart. Destruction is inevitable," She held his gaze with a pitiful smile, "But I think you've known it from the beginning. I'm in awe that you still chose to love him. It's hard to love a person, impossible to love someone with the knowledge of their uncertain future. I just hope your strong heart won't break when his stops beating."

A tense silence remained in the room. Lui opened his mouth to speak but found his words had betrayed him. What was he supposed to say when this woman in front of you is speaking about Shu's death as if it's written in their future in clear black letters. Lui shook his head instead. His voice shaking when he finally talked, breaking the tensed silence. "You're lying. I will save him, and you-" His voice broke, "Watch him when I come back with him beside me. Very much alive."

He didn't hold anyone's gaze as he walked out of the room. Her words still echoing in the back of his mind. If it was impossible, he'd make it possible. There was no bridge he wouldn't cross if it meant Shu could live.

Valt shook his head, "He's right. We'll find a way to keep him alive." His pleading gaze searched for Free who nodded.

"We certainly will."

Adeline sighed, "Such naivete and youth. I wish you gentlemen luck," She said, turning to leave. "I'll see myself out."

Orochi clenched and unclenched his hands, stopping her. "No. Your lyre music."

Adeline tilted her head, "Yes?"

"Those tunes. Where did you learn them?"

"They have always been in my memory."

Orochi looked at Zac over her hunched shoulders. "That's surprising. Those are the complicated tunes composed by our royal composers."

Zac's eyes widened, "Your mother."

"Yes. By my mother."

Adeline's smile was secretive and cryptic. "Ah, the young woman with the keen hearing and genius in her fingertips. I never thought I'd meet her son."

Orochi's gaze didn't waver as he pronounced each syllable clearly. "She's dead. I buried her body myself. You're lying."

She reached out then to pat his cheek. "She's very much alive, son. And something tells me you'll meet her soon. And you'll know it when it's time."

Orochi stumbled back as Adeline walked out of the room, leaving behind her a baggage of secrets, a web of riddles none of them knew how to solve. Zac rounded the table and stood beside Orochi. "That's impossible," He whispered. His infrangible facade of calmness tearing apart. "She's dead."

Zac squeezed his hand, "What the hell is she?" Anger entered the blonde's voice as he turned to Arvin and Ben.

"A witch. A prophet..." Arvin gave them a grieving smile. "And never once her word had been untrue. If she says something, it happens and will happen, at least until now."

Free stood from his chair, shaking his head. "This is madness. The closer we get to finding answers, the more puzzles we encounter."

"And it seems," Besu uttered with one final note. "It seems like your crew is more closely bound to this land than we could've ever known."

---

When Lui walked into the room he found Shu perched on top of the windowsill, his eyes looking out to the heavy woods overlooking the pond. He indicated no sign of hearing him as Lui drew closer, reaching out to touch his elbow. Shu jerked away from his touch, his eyes widening with the contact. "Snowflake-"

"Don't," Shu hissed, sliding down the windowsill to the floor as he drew sharply away from him. "Don't touch me."

Lui frowned, "What happened?" He didn't understand. Did that woman unnerve him?

"Nothing," Shu whispered, wrapping his arms around himself. "Just nothing, okay?"

"I don't believe you. Shu, you can tell me anything. Please." A pang passed his heart as he wondered whether he heard about the treacherous words; his death.

Shu shook his head, "Of course," He said in mock-respect. Lui frowned at his tone.

"Is this about Cordelia?"

Shu scoffed, making a beeline towards the door. "This is about her, right?" Lui asked, grabbing his elbow. "For God's sake Shu, I thought we're over this." He sincerely thought it was over. Shu's kiss was proof enough for him to relax and forget the hours of hypnotization.

Shu didn't answer, he swatted his arm away. "Let go of me," he groaned. "I want to be alone."

Lui did let go, "Just so you know, you're being unreasonable. You know I had no power over the actions I did when I was under whatever the spell that was."

Shu absently rubbed at his elbow, "Of course," He murmured, storming out of the room.

Lui clenched his fists, anger bubbling in his mind as he shouted after him. "Leave then. Go wherever the hell you want, I don't care." He was trying to convince himself. But he knew Shu was being unreasonable. How was he supposed to stop that from happening when he was out of his goddamn mind? None of them even suspected something like this would occur while in this land, none of them foreshadowed Cordelia's actions. He grabbed his sword and stormed out of the room towards the training grounds, startling the maids on his way. He could use a little release after all that shit he had to go through in two days.

Besides, something in him smiled. He missed those days of petty fights. And he knew Shu would come back sooner or later.

---

Shu made his way towards the pond he always found himself in. Lunar was already there monitoring the koi fish when he sat on the mossy bank. The wolf leaned against him as Shu sighed. He was a bloody idiot. Why did he get mad at Lui? He wasn't even at fault for anything. Shu knew he was being completely unreasonable.When Adeline spoke about the hypnotization like it's just another daily chore, the memories of the kiss flashed by his mind, feeding on the jealousy in his heart.

He groaned, burying his head on his lap. He was acting like a young maiden in love. "Stupid, stupid, you," Shu muttered, knocking his knuckles against his skull. "Stupid pride, stupid ego. Stupid jealousy."

"Whoa," Valt's voice broke his stupor of absolute self-loathing. Shu looked over his shoulder as the younger grinned. "What's gotten into you?"

Shu shook his head, "Nothing."

Valt tilted his head but didn't question further. Instead he tugged his arm, "Let's go to the training ground, Free and Lui are duelling! It's been so long since I saw the two of them going against each other."

Shu opened his mouth to object but thought better of it. If he dismissed the offer, Valt would be suspicious, maybe even worried, which would lead up to an embarrassing confession about his childish fight with Lui. "Okay."

The pair made their way to the fighting arena where Lui and Free were wreaking havoc. He looked through the faces of the spectator, the awe in Arvin's face and the admiration on Ben's. A flicker of pride ran through his heart. Years of war had hardened them into fine soldiers, there was no denying their fighting styles were superior to anything these people might've seen. "Who are you cheering for?" Valt grinned, "I hope Free wins."

Shu shrugged, "I don't mind." He wished Lui would win, but he wasn't going to say that out loud. Not when he was fighting... he sighed, resisting the urge to punch his own face. When did he start being so childish? Cordelia's presence in the training ground, her pale eyes purely focused on Lui was a thorn against his side. "You know what? I'm just going to leave," he said, turning around when a cheer echoed around them.

Free was on his back on the sandy ground with Lui's sword planted firmly over his throat. The blonde was smiling as he grabbed Lui's arm, hoisting him up. "Lui won." Valt smiled, nudging him teasingly. "Aren't you going to congratulate him?"

Free looked over to them and grinned at Lui, saying something to him as the latter followed his line of vision to Shu. Lui scowled, earning a confused glance from Free.

"Shu?" Valt questioned, raising his brow as Shu made no move to walk over and congratulate Lui as he usually would. Free looked over his shoulder at Cordelia who seemed to have picked up this small mishap.

"Did you two get into a fight?" Valt asked, "Don't tell me you guys did."

Shu shrugged one shoulder, "Not exactly..." He murmured increasingly aware of the stupidity of the fight. He had no reason to be jealous when Lui, Shu blinked, narrowly dodging to the side as a clear ice plank decorated the floor.

That bastard, Shu gritted. He was picking a fight with him.

Lui had a sly grin on his face, beside him Free was still keeling over confusion when Shu pressed on his ring. If he wants a fight, he will surely get it. "Wait, maybe-" Valt started, panicking as a sword formed in Lui's hand, crystal glistening under the sun. Shu launched towards Lui who dodged to the side, avoiding the sharp edge of the axe.

"Whoa," Free stumbled back, throwing his arms in the air. "Please spare me from this lover's quarrel."

The two paid no attention to the blonde who made his way to the edge of the training ground where Valt was standing. "What's that about?" He asked, crossing his arms. They're really going at it. Heavens."

Valt shrugged, "Beats me."

Their two figures clashed against each other in the middle of the field; a flurry of movements for the naked eye. "Too slow, Snowflake," Lui taunted, grabbing Shu's wrist and twisting his arm to press it against his back. Shu found himself locked in Lui's hold, his back pressed against his chest, axe cluttering to the ground. The icy sword against his throat.

"Surrender?"

Shu rose a flame along his wrists, trying to force Lui to release his grip. The White Tyrant chuckled, "That was cool as a breeze."

Right, Shu sighed. His fire had no power over Lui, nor did his ice. That was probably why he felt nothing despite the frost covering his upper arms to his neck. "Fuck you," Shu grumbled.

"I'd like to," Lui agreed, tightening his grip.

Shu flushed, aware of the eyes around the training grounds. He could make out Free's amused grin from where he was standing. He didn't dare to look at Arvin and Ben. "Ok, fine. I surrender. Now release me."

Instead of loosening the grip, Shu felt Lui's cool lips against the back of his neck. "Lui," Shu hissed, "This is not the place."

"To the bedroom then?"

His skin flamed with the remark, he lurched forward, trying to break free from his grip. Lui loosened his grip making the albino stumble. Shu whipped around to face him, "You're bloody insane."

Lui smiled, not teasing but a genuine smile. Shu frowned, noticing a difference in the air. Lui didn't have his teasing mask on, rather he looked ... sad? "Lui?" Shu asked, noticing his royal purple eyes glistening under the sun. He wasn't going to cry, was he? "What the-" Lui took his elbow and pulled him into a tight embrace.

Shu chuckled, surprised. "What's gotten into you?" He felt Lui's fingers treading through his long locks. He tipped back his chin, looking at his face. "Don't tell me our little fight upset you." Upon his silence, Shu started panicking. "It was me being dumb, okay? I was- I was just jealous," he pouted, having to admit it openly. "And I just snapped. It's my fault-"

Lui patted his cheek, "It's nothing. You're adorable when you try to console me by the way."

Shu frowned, something was not right, but he couldn't quite place his finger on it. He twisted around to look at Free and Valt for help who held the same...nostalgic? Worried? Gaze. His frown deepened. He opened his mouth to speak when Lui took his wrist. "We've given enough spectacle. Let's go."

Shu blinked, finding himself being dragged by Lui out of the training ring towards their rooms. The sun was setting and the twilight was already descending upon the marble walls of the castle. The dinner was a quiet affair. Cordelia was missing from the event, Arvin gave them a polite smile. To his surprise, Orochi and Zac were missing. It was only after the dinner Shu discovered what the woman had really said. But even as Free revealed the reason behind Orochi's absence he couldn't help but think none of them were giving him a clear description of the truth. Only bits and pieces that drove him into confusion.

Shu walked through the hallways, searching for Orochi's solitary shadow when he noticed him standing by the balcony in front of the throne room. Zac was nowhere to be seen. "Orochi?" He asked. The latter didn't react as Shu walked over to him and perched on the railing looking out to the sky devoid of stars.

They kept their silence for a while, "You came to talk to me, don't you?" Orochi's voice was strangely cold.

"Yes," Shu admitted, "But I don't know what to say."

Orochi turned and gazed at him for a while, "You don't have to say anything. I don't believe she's alive. It can't be right." He laughed a dry, humourless laugh. "Who am I to pile up on hope when I've buried her body with my own two hands?"

Shu slipped out of the railing, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry you had to hear all that, but I thought-"

"Thought what?" Orochi cut him off. "That I'd be happy if I found out she's alive? Hiding from me? Leaving me alone in a world so cruel, lying to me all these years?" He shook his head, "I'd rather not, Shu. I'd rather not think of any possibilities and stick to the stone cold facts. And if that is a lie, all the other things she said is going to become a lie anyway."

Shu looked up, "What other things?"

Orochi shook his head, dropping his hand to his head, caressing his locks in a strange affectionate gesture. Shu frowned, feeling as if he was the one being consoled. "Shooting star?" Zac asked, walking in with a tray balancing on his arm with two cups of steaming tea on it. He placed it on the wide railing. "What are you doing out? It's cold."

Shu glanced at Orochi, then back at the blonde. "Nothing. Just came looking for him."

Zac nodded as Orochi dropped his hand from his head, "I'm fine, Shu. Go take a rest."

Shu reluctantly nodded, "If you're sure..."

"I am." He gave him a weak smile. Shu didn't prod. He reached out and squeezed his hand in comfort before hurrying away from the hallway, feeling unsettled by their gazes. The question lurking in his mind; what are they hiding? Or was it the angel reference bothering them? Do they not think of him as human anymore?

Lui was laying on the bed, polishing one of his daggers. The silver gleamed in his hand as the orange-red of the lamp casted upon it. Shu closed the door behind him, Lui glancing at him with a smile as he crossed over the threshold of the room towards the closet. He slipped out of his robe and stepped into a lighter, comfortable outfit before slipping under the covers beside Lui. All the actions felt domestic, so Shu wondered if they would ever share a life like this back home.

"Hey," Lui murmured, placing a dagger on his bedside cabinet as he kissed his hair. "Talked to Orochi?"

Shu nodded, snuggling up to his arms. "I did. He's not really in the mood to talk. I don't blame him."

Lui hummed, his deep voice vibrating through his skin. Shu shivered, "It's weird though," He continued. "They were looking at me weird."

His hands around Shu tightened, "What do you mean?"

"Do you think they're creeped out of me, because of all those stories about angels?"

Lui chuckled, "I'd known that since ages."

"Know what?"

"That you're an angel."

"Fuck you," Shu muttered, flushing. "You're not supposed to turn every serious conversation into a flirting session."

Lui didn't reply. He kissed him instead, long and deep. His hands tightening around his hips, trapping in his strong body, their legs tangled with each other. Shu moaned, sighing in pleasure, feeling his lips running along his neck. "Gods, snowflake," He whispered, voice wrecked with tremors that sent shivers down his spine. "I love you so goddamn much. I don't want to live a life without you."

Shu clutched Lui's robes, wrapping his arms around the other. "I don't want to leave you either. I hope I won't have to. I hope we can stay like this forever."

The woman's words rang through Lui's mind as he tucked his chin on the crook of his neck, inhaling his familiar scent. There has to be a way. There got to be one. If nothing worked, he was going to rip the heaven apart to bring him back. Shu belonged nowhere else but in his arms, safe and loved. He gazed down at his drooping eyelids, slightly parted lips. His arms loose around his body.

He didn't know if he liked this. To be loved was to be ruined, broken, torn apart muscle by muscle. But god, wasn't he addicted to this rush of adrenaline? It was as if Shu was the drug and he was the addict. He didn't want to get better, just to delve deeper into the sweet misery of it all. 

IS IT TOO LATE NOW TO SAY SORRY? *HEADBANGING*