There are moments in life. We look back and think, what did go wrong that day? If we could've changed the moment and altered what happened, can we stop the disaster? The truth is, we're under the strings of fate.

Can we change fate?

The answer has always been so simple.

We can't.

After Kira's farewell everything had been pretty quiet. None of them talked about him and even the headmaster kept his mouth quiet about the disappearance of the new student. This silence unsettled Shu. It was almost like the calm before the storm and he didn't like it. They fell into their normal routine of studies. Everyone was engaging in their own work, too busy to look into anyone else's matters. Shu found himself walking side by side with Lui most of the time. The flame haired boy did not complain about it and didn't even try to push him away. Their friendship became something normal in the whole school.

That day, after the lunch bell rang Shu closed the book he was reading. Lui was sitting on the window sill of the library sharpening the dagger. He had grown attached to it, Shu noticed. He didn't blame Lui. Yuki played a big role in Lui's life. It was almost as if the two siblings were connected by an inescapable bond and Shu knew that no one could take the place he had for Yuki in his life. She was just that special. Shu walked to the shelf and arranged the books in the correct order. "Let's go" He said to Lui, looking over his shoulder. Lui nodded, slipping off from the window sill and stepped beside Shu.

"You're such a nerd, you know that?" Lui said skeptically.

"I'm aware" Shu shot back, huffing annoyingly. He didn't want a constant reminder of his habit of reading. Lui just gave him a satisfied smirk, slipping the dagger to his belt.

"I've been wanting to ask. What the heck did Kira tell you anyway?"

Shu froze on his step, "Huh?"

Lui stopped beside him, "What? I saw him whispering something to you and you looked uncomfortable. What did he say?"

Shu shrugged, "He confessed his infinite love towards me"

"What the fuck?" Lui cursed, looking at him with wide eyes.

Shu stared for a second. He shouldn't let him know. Lui shouldn't know about that, Shu thought. He didn't know why he thought like that but inside his mind it felt wrong. He shook his head with a laugh, "I'm just kidding. It's nothing. Really"

Lui stared at him hard. For a second, he thought Lui was just going to leave him but in the other second Shu found himself pinned to the wall. Lui's strong hands on each side of his head. His violet eyes staring right at him. Shu could feel his breath against his face. Icy and Cold. "L-Lui?" Shu stuttered. His heart was racing. He did not know the cause. He never knew the cause. But something was blooming inside his heart. Love never comes like subtle changes. It takes us by storm.

---

Lui looked at the male in front of him. No one had been this perfect from his eyes. The curve of his smile, the long white locks and the ruby eyes. Perfect as he looked, Lui knew about the flaws but he didn't mind. No human is made without flaws and if he didn't Shu wouldn't be human at all. Lui raked his mind trying to find a snarky comeback. Something to say. Something to reveal that his joke about Kira is not what he wanted to hear.

You're distracting me

Lui numbly thought, drawing away from him. "Your fire, it's back" instead he said.

Shu blinked, looking at his arms. Because of the whole ordeal with Kira, he had forgotten about his own current flow. He took a deep breath feeling the tingle of his fingertips. The warmth blossoming inside him. That was the beauty of the fire in Moeru royal bloodlines. It wished to destroy, but in the right hands and pure hearts, it was life and soul. It was passion. He flicked a fire on his finger, smiling. "It is!" He said, his tone raising ever so slightly with excitement.

Lui almost smiled but restrained himself before he broke out the expression. It was not like him. He didn't smile, he glared. He was quite sure he wanted to stick with that routine. He didn't want friendly allies by his side. Just companions would be fine.

The two of them reached the dining hall where everyone was taking their break after studies and training. Shu walked to Valt who always saved the seat beside him for his best friend. Lui sat opposite of him, next to Gou who greeted him with a nod. After the chaos of the murder all of them got closer with eachother. They shared the dining hall table together, and led their training sessions together. It was evident to all the others they were close with each other and no one messed with them. The strongest of the school. The elites.

Lui groaned in disdain when the chatter broke out. As usual, Zac was the main reason. The blonde never kept his mouth shut, even when he was eating. Valt was speaking with Shu enthusiastically about something. Obviously it was regarding his fire coming back. Lui flicked his gaze towards Shu. He had his head resting on his palm, looking at Valt. That was a look he only gave Valt, Lui noticed. He always knew Valt had a special place in Shu's heart. He was the friend who never walked out of his life. The one who sticks with him throughout the whole chaotic incidents he faces. When a friendship goes through that rough edge, the bond becomes stronger. Lui knew himself, because Gou had been there. Always have been. But the thing he didn't understand was why Shu's closeness with Valt bothered him after all this time. He shouldn't care about that sappy friendship both shared, but to his frustration. He did.

He cared.

---

There was a moment of peace before the doors of the dining hall burst open, distracting everyone of the room, silencing them. Shu frowned looking over to the door. Soldiers lined up inside. It didn't take a genius to figure out the kingdom. Light blue uniforms, hinted with white. Swords glittering with perfect silver. Hyoketsu. Shu heard Lui standing up with surprise with Gou. Everyone was dead quiet as two of the soldiers walked to their table. Shu didn't even get the time to react as one of the soldiers grabbed him by his hair and drove him to his knees. Shu grunted in pain when they held him down. He didn't know what was happening. But the uneasy feeling he had for the past few days seems to be coming true. He heard someone standing behind him as the sound of a chair falling clattered throughout the hall. Valt. Shu thought glumly, trying to ignore the burning pain in his skull.

"What's going on?" Valt asked, reaching to his sword.

Out the corner of his eyes, Shu spotted Lui who was looking at the soldiers with confusion. It was a sudden attack. A sudden incident. Lui opened his mouth to speak up when another figure appeared in the room. Behind him was the headmaster and the rest of the teachers alongside the black panther and the king of the Akarui kingdom. If they were startled by the earlier attack by the entrance of all the power figures of the kingdom, it turned to chaos. "Dad," Lui said, his voice grim. His violet eyes narrowed at him. But king Shirosagi did not make any attempt to acknowledge him. His eyes were focused on the captured boy on the floor.

Shu hadn't seen many people in his life. He lived trapped between four walls. Everyone was extremely kind to him. Treated him like glass. Easily breakable and fragile. But he knew one thing. The storming violet of his eyes, the glare of King Shirosagi. The absolute disgust they held when staring at Shu. Shu knew he wouldn't be able to shake the memory away for life. It was surreal. Behind that, Shu thought there was something hidden. A pain that cannot be explained. Shu had never seen a man looking so furious and he didn't know whether he wanted to see it either.

Then, all hell broke loose. King Shirosagi walked to him in slow steps. His eyes never left the small figure of the prince of Moeru who was staring right back at him. Frost tingled his fingertips as a mighty sword formed itself from ice. Shu had seen it before. The very sword that blossomed out of Lui's ice. But this one looked sinister. Unlike the other times Shu knew it was coming for a kill. Shu clenched his eyes shut when King Shirosagi lunged at him. He was waiting for the blow. The pain searing down his skin. He was waiting for something when he heard a clash. Shu risked a glance at the scene in front of him. Two swords were crossed. Two pairs of violet eyes glaring at each other. Shu inhaled sharply as Lui put pressure on his own ice sword blocking his father's path towards Shu.

"Lui" King Shirosagi growled, "Out of my way"

"No" Lui snapped back at him. "Give me the reason. What's going on? We're in a peace"

"It's over. The damned peace is over"

There was a pin drop silence as the reality sunk into them. Shu's eyes widened. If the peace is over, if they are in war again. Shu, Valt, Xander and all the ally kingdoms of Moeru are in enemy territory. But there has to be a reason. Sure, there were sparks of war igniting everywhere around them but none of those small reasons were not enough to ignite the flame. What happened? Why does he suddenly declare war again?

"What!?" Lui asked, "What the hell is even the reason for this?"

Shu blinked, seeing the sudden pain flashing over King Shirosagi's eyes. In a blink it was gone. Shu wondered whether he had imagined it. "Your sister..." He started and Shu watched Lui's demeanor shattering right in front of him.

"What's with Yuki?" The response was almost immediate. Shu knew how much Lui loved his sister.

King Shirosagi broke his gaze from Lui to Shu. The previous fury embedded upon his eyes as he accusingly pointed his sword at Shu. "Those filthy Kurenais killed her. You killed my daughter"

The sound of a sword touching the floor followed soon. Everyone eyed Lui who was standing there, frozen. There were no tears, no sorrow, not even anger. It was frighteningly blank. Indifferent. Empty. "Yuki can't be dead" Lui muttered. His voice was shaking as he looked at his father to some reassurance. She couldn't be dead.

King Shirosagi tore his gaze away from Shu and rested it on Lui. "We have to go back soon," He said. No words of consolation. No words of comfort. That had always been the way of Hyoketsu. They are tough warriors and they were made to be like that since they were young. Lui didn't reply. He just stormed out of the room without wanting to face anyone. Gou instantly followed him but at the last moment Shu saw the concerned gaze he gave off at him before he disappeared out from the door.

Shu didn't know why he felt unsettled when Lui just walked away without a word. He realized Lui was in pain. A massive pain anyone couldn't understand and Shu realized he preferred Lui putting the blame on himself and just hurt him rather than seeing him suffering alone, quietly. His thoughts were broken by the feeling of the sharp crystal against his neck. Shu looked up at the king who was ready to murder him at any given moment, but Shu knew he wouldn't kill him. He knew the way to Hyoketsu. Torture till they break. Till they beg for death.

Hyoketsu had always been tough.

"Restrain him. We're taking him to Hyoketsu as a slave." His deep voice echoed as two soldiers walked to Shu. They grabbed his wrist and cuffed them roughly. Shu winced at the force but kept his mouth shut. Talking would do no good at the moment. And since he was young Shu knew when to talk and when to be silent. When you live inside the same place too long and when you are trapped within a small space filled with questions about the world, everyone doesn't like it. They want you to shut up. So, you do.

"Wait-" Valt said, taking a step towards Shu in panic. His hand reached to unsheathe his sword but before he could perform his action Shu spoke up.

"Valt, don't! If you attack them right now, they take it as a signal that our side is calling out the war right now" It will be chaotic. You won't be able to go home. Those were the words he didn't speak but Valt understood. Friendships make you strong. When you've gone through shit, they make you stronger.

The hazel eyed male clicked his tongue. Helpless of what to do. It was clear that the headmaster wouldn't help them. None of the people in Akarui kingdom are in a position to help them at the moment. They are in enemy territory. They are the enemies. But when Valt stepped forward and knelt in front of Shu none of them tried to push him away. Maybe it was the threatening glance of the male. It was a rare sight. To see Aoi Valt. The prince who was well known for his cheery nature and smile, glaring with utter hatred. Shu looked at him. The hazel eyes where he always found comfort. "Valt"

Valt placed his hands on each side of Shu's cheek. He used to do this whenever Shu was scared. He remembered when he was five, Shu had his first worst attack of his sickness. He held Shu's face just like this, in between his palms and comforted Shu. When they were eight, Shu had another accident. He was broken and didn't want to see anyone but Valt. The hazel eyed boy was there, holding him just like this, promising they'll get through this. Right now, in front of a whole army, when his best friend was in chains Valt held his face again. Both tearing up not knowing what future might bring. "You're going to be okay," Valt whispered. "You're going to live. We'll come back to get you. Till then"

"I'm going to live" Shu completed his sentence with a tight nod. Valt inhaled sharply standing up. Shu looked at his friend stepping sideways from the soldiers. Shu was dragged back to his feet harshly.

Amidst all this, Shu felt like he was five again.

Blind and Helpless.

Wishing Valt's comfort.

When he was dragged out of the dining hall, he heard the Headmaster announcing an emergency evacuation and everyone should leave back to their home countries. Shu let out a relieved sigh. Despite his situation, he was glad that others wouldn't suffer. He wasn't sure what awaited him at Hyoketsu. He didn't want to think about that either.

Shu stumbled on his feet as the men dragged him toward the front gate. His handcuffs connected to a chain to drag him on foot all the way to Hyoketsu. The restrain bracelet they put on to nullify his power was sinking to his skin. Shu felt like an animal. Trapped within their hold. Helpless to do anything. He blinked when suddenly someone slipped their hand to his pocket. It was Mitsuba. She looked at his longingly before taking a step back with a solemn nod, mouthing the words. "Take care"

Shu gave her a small reassuring smile. His eyes darting among the crowd to find him. Lui was on the horse right in front of the crowd beside his father. His expression betrayed no emotions as he just stared straight at the road. "Filthy Kurenai" The soldier beside him spat, looking at him with pure disgust. "Princess Yuki was still a child. A frigging child for gods sake." He grabbed Shu's chin roughly and pushed him away. "God punish you all for your indecent acts." He stomped away from Shu, leaving the startled albino behind.

Soon enough, they were walking towards the Hyoketsu kingdom. Shu did his best to match up with their speed. He was tired, that was the truth. If he was a healthy person, maybe he managed it but Shu had never been healthy. Never known the feeling of breathing freely. He stumbled on his feet several times. The guards pushed him harshly yelling to walk faster. Shu wished he could. His muscles were aching. His lungs were burning with lack of breath. Lui and King Shirosagi had already gone with the commanders. They needed to be at the funeral and Shu knew Lui wanted at least one last look at his sister to make himself believe she's no more.

When they reached Hyoketsu, the sun was setting down from the west. The crowd had gathered in the main plaza to see his arrival. Shu had always dreamed of coming to Hyoketsu but not like this. Not like this, chained like an animal. Despite the season the temperature was significantly low. But most of the citizens in Hyoketsu were used to the cold. None of them wore coats or anything to warm themselves while Shu was shaking with coldness. His vision was fuzzy, as if it was made out of cotton. He was struggling to breath. His feet were aching and he didn't know what doo awaited him at the castle of Hyoketsu. Even if his dad came to rescue him, it would take him at least a week. There's a lot to be done. The war crashed down on them out of nowhere and Shu was dead sure that Moeru was framed for this crime. His dad would never kill a child. Out of all the parents, he knew the pain. He had re-lived the trauma of losing him since he was young. Someone like that can't kill another person's child.

Because they know it. The pain of losing a child.

Shu held his head high. The crowd around him spat curses at him. They gawked at him like a criminal but in his heart Shu knew he had done no crime. Shame was there for criminals and he was not one. So, he was not going to behave like one either. He was taken to the Royal Palace situated on the farthest corner of the kingdom. Shu didn't have any strength left to admire the view or the royalty of the palace or the surrounding. He was struggling hard to keep the pace. Shu was dragged straight towards the slave quarters at the far back of the palace. Shu tried to blink the fog lacing in front of his eyes. The only idea he had about the slaves was that they looked around his age. All of them and they were well treated. Slaves or not, each and every citizen of Hyoketsu were treated as humans. That was something Shu admired but he knew that his treatment wouldn't be so humane. The death glares of the slave boys in front of him was proof enough.

The guards unchained his wrists and left him there. Standing in front of the door of the quarters. Shu breathed heavily trying to focus when one of them gripped on his wrist and dragged him inside as another closed the door behind him.

"Filthy royal scum of Moeru" One of them said, cornering him to the wall. Shu narrowed his eyes when the boy pinned him against it harshly. "Princess Yuki did no harm to any of you! Then why the fuck did you even-" He stopped.

There was something Shu knew. Despite the country, the class, the status each and every one of Hyoketsu adored the royal family. Just like in Moeru, everyone respected them. They were the guardians of the kingdom. A blow for the royal family was a blow for the whole kingdom. In that sense, the whole kingdom was one army. One army of citizens crowding around the Royal Family.

The punch to his gut came out suddenly and Shu doubled over with pain. If it's any other time he would've fought back, but right now he didn't have the strength nor did he have any power to fuel him. It was too dangerous to take out the medicine vial Mitsuba put inside his pocket. If anyone sees it, his sole mean of survival in this hellhole would scatter away. He didn't know how many hits he took. His whole body was aching. When he collapsed to the floor out of sheer exhaustion the boys backed away, looking uncertain. They all knew their king wanted the boy alive. Wanted him to suffer for what his kingdom did. So, they put a stop to their beating and let Shu lie there. On the cold floor. Trembling with coldness and short of breath. His red eyes dully staring at the space as he curled into himself. Shu had only one fear planted in his mind. He didn't want them to see him losing himself for his sickness. So, he kept his focus hard and steady. He had to be strong.

He had to survive this. 

---

The next day, Shu woke up with a start. It was still dark inside the room. The first few sun rays were casting eerie glows on the faces of the boys sleeping on their beds. Considering the fact that they are workers, Shu knew they would wake soon. His whole body felt like it was on fire. He gingerly pushed himself to a sitting position. His back aching from the awkward position he passed out. His head spinning with lack of breath. He wheezed, coughing to his hands fishing out the vial of medicine Mitsuba gave him. He drank only a few drops and put it back inside his pocket leaning against the wall. It was cold. Shu fished out his boots off his feet only to see them bloody and bruised. He placed a hand on the side of his torso and felt the wetness of his fingertips. Blood. He drew his knees to his chest, placing his head on his arms rocking back and forth trying to emit some warmth out of his position and waited for the medicine to sink in. He had to survive. Today is going to be a long day.

He only raised his head when he heard someone's footsteps getting closer to him and stopped right in front of him. Shu raised his tired eyes to see a boy. Closer to his age, maybe a few months older. He crouched down in front of him and talked in a whispering tone. "Are you alright?"

Shu blinked, processing the words but nodded. He pulled out fresh clothes and a pile of bandages looking over his shoulders to see whether anyone was awake. "Here, have these. Those wounds can get infected. And please don't tell anyone" He pleaded, placing the clothes on the floor in front of him.

"Thank you" Shu muttered as the boy nodded curtly and jogged to his bed, throwing the covers over his head to pretend sleeping. Even in the darkest times of your life you find good people. The sad thing is, they are repressed by the evil of the others. The single action of kindness is cloaked by society. It's sad. It's sad how people can't be themselves when they ought to be someone better. Shu pushed himself up and leaned against the wall balancing himself and waiting till everything came to focus. He winced as he bent to pick up the clothes and exited the room. He spotted the washing room just beside the room he was pushed into last night. Better to get done with everything before the others wake up Shu thought, washing off the blood from the wounds and the bruises. He wrapped the new robes around himself, securely placing the vial inside his pocket and throwing away the damaged, bloodied clothes. His eyes were tired from the lack of sleep. Shu rubbed his wrist gingerly feeling the restrained bracelet digging to his skin.

He missed his fire. The flow of the current of power inside his body. He got his power back just to lose it again. Fate is such a cruel thing.

The albino snuck out of the washing rooms before anyone else woke up. He didn't know where he was going or where he was. The corridors looked all the same. Marbled walls and the floor with high arches painted light blue. The morning sun reflected on the white marbles and the diamond decorated night lamps. It was straight out of a fairytale. But there was no liveliness in those corridors. All he could hear was silence. The silence that would take place after a great loss. Like Yuki's. He was sure the funeral was completed yesterday. He didn't know where Lui was or how he was feeling.

Shu turned around when he heard the sound of footsteps. He froze on his feet, staring at the figure. He wanted to see Lui but never he questioned whether he was ready to see him. It had taken them months to mend their relationship only for it to be shattered in mere seconds. The hatred in those eyes. The fury of his steps was clear as the day. He shivered as the boy walked straight to him. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Shu flinched at his tone. "L-Lui"

"Don't speak my name. Don't you ever-" He stopped in pure rage. Shu noticed the ice blossoming through his fingers. He felt the force before the pain. Lui had him pinned to the wall, his frost covered hands wrapped around his throat. "Why are you fucking alive when she's... when she's-"

He averted his gaze, not loosening the grip around Shu's neck. The albino clawed at his hands, trying to push him away. "L-Lui" He struggled to breath. The bruising grip around his neck cutting off his air. Shu winced when the small frost pins dug into his skin. "Stop" He choked.

Lui, in return tightened his grip. "You should die. Like you heartless monsters killed my sister. You should fucking die already"

Shu closed both of his eyes as spots danced around his vision. His hands weakly pushing away the strong hands of Lui himself. Shu didn't know what hurt the most. The words of Lui or his threatening grip. Shu didn't have any air left inside his lungs to protest. He let his head lean back to the wall blinking out the spots inside his eyes when someone yelled, "Lui Shirosagi" Shu knew the voice. It was familiar after all those days spent together in the school.

Shu felt the grip around his neck slowly loosening. He coughed panting hard as his lungs suddenly filled with a burst of air. "What the heck are you doing?" Free yelled, pushing Lui away. The white tyrant was still staring at Shu with furious eyes. Ready to snap his throat in halves at any given moment. Shu held his gaze for a few seconds before he spun on his heel and stormed away from their sight. Shu gingerly touched his neck and felt the bruises. His fingertips coloured red as he stared at them. It was oddly comforting. It was comforting to concentrate on the pain rather than heartbreak. It had always been easier.

"Shu?" Free called, trying to get his attention. Shu raised his head to meet his dark eyes, filled with concern. He knew the Dorein kingdom was always neutral about the war. They never took any side in war and they might've arrived to pay their respect to Princess Yuki. Shu hummed, not trusting himself to speak. Free helped him to his feet and wrapped one of his arms around his shoulder till Shu stabilized on his feet. "Do you need anything?" Free asked. He knew the blonde was struggling. This was a time of war and as a neutral kingdom he couldn't show any favour to any of the sides.

Shu shook his head pushing away from Free. "I-I'm fine" Shu winced at his voice. At how pitiful it sounded.

Free gave him a restless look. "Free" Another voice called, drawing their attention. Both of them turned to see the King of the Dorein kingdom walking to them.

"Father" Free muttered, averting his gaze. Shu had seen King De La Hoya in the opening ceremony of the school but he had never seen him up close. Shu could see the strong resemblance of his father and Free. Both of them had the same dark eyes and high cheekbones. Unlike Free's messy blonde locks, the king had his hair pulled back to a ponytail. He cast a glance at Shu who took a step back in the process unsure of what to do. When he placed his hand on top of Shu's snowy white hair, the albino almost flinched away. Free looked at his father as he nodded at him.

"We have to leave"

"Yes, Father"

The king gave a small sad smile at Shu. "Take care" His voice barely whispers. Shu nodded. Free caught his hand and squeezed his fingers slightly echoing his father's words. Shu watched both of them walking out from his sight. In moments of hardships and extreme loneliness, the small comfort you receive might give you the strength to survive another day. It's just that important.

Shu found his way back towards the slave quarters. Just as he expected everyone was ready as he walked into the room. Shu averted his gaze from the hateful glares and mocking snickers. He was a royal blood among the slaves and the hate he received from them was a mixture of hatred and jealousy. One of the boys walked to him, taking the younger by surprise. Shu blinked as he clicked his tongue. "You're at the stables. Go." He simply said, leaving the albino stunned for a second. First, he didn't know where the hell the stables are. Second, he didn't know how to work in those stables. Good. Shu thought gingerly, he's off to a brilliant start. "What the hell are you waiting for?" The boy snapped at him. Clearly enjoying the sense of superiority he can exercise over Shu. In Hyoketsu, inside this room, he was a nobody. Someone hated by the whole kingdom. Worse than a slave.

Shu thought of pointing out the fact that he's completely unaware about the place the stables are located but before he could speak, the boy who helped in the morning spoke up. His voice was painfully tiny regarding the other's. "I'll show you the way to the stables" He squeaked. The others didn't speak or even acknowledged the boy. Both of them made their way to the stables.

Just as the interior of the castle, the stables were made front pure marble which reflected the sunlight. The corners were coloured light blue as from each stall horses neighed at them. Shu watched in wonder for a moment. Back in Moeru, the stables were situated relatively far from the castle. Shu never got the chance to visit them and seeing the massive stables of Hyoketsu, he felt almost ashamed that he hadn't seen the stables back at home which surely mirrored this glory of the kingdom. The other boy snapped his fingers in front of Shu's face, making the other blink in surprise. "Y-yeah?"

He sighed, "You weren't listening to a word I said. I asked about the bruises on your neck"

Shu fingertips instantly went to the swelling skin around his neck. "Oh..." He fell silent. The other just shook his head with a small smile.

"My next question, do you even know how to work in stables?"

Shu shook his head with a frown. "I'm sorry, but I don't know."

The boy nodded, "Figured. Come, let me show you"

Shu followed the boy to the stables. He stopped in front of the stables and took out the equipment needed to clean the stables and to feed the horses. Shu followed him inside as they reached the end of the stables. Horses lined perfectly inside their stalls. They watched the two of them with their beady eyes filled with greed at the stacks of hay lined neatly in the corner of the stables. The boy got into work. Shu could see the familiarity of his body. Shu walked beside him and offered his help when he talked, "Nah, I'm good. Aren't you tired?"

Shu blinked, about to counter with the fact that it's still the morning when he realized. The boy obviously must know his state and his illness. "Not exactly" Shu answered, a bit uncomfortable about the fact that everyone knows about his situation. It was almost like he got zero privacy for himself.

"You look better than I thought you would," He answered honestly. "I guess all the rumours ain't true"

Shu tilted his head in confusion as the boy continued, "I mean, after all the things that happened yesterday, I didn't think you'd be able to work like this"

Shu stiffened a little wondering whether he should speak the truth. His hand unconsciously reaching his pocket where the vial lied. Should he trust him? Shu thought to himself numbly when his ears caught the sound of the footsteps. It didn't take much time for the stables to be filled with the rest of the working boys. "You looked into what he got Akemi?"

The other boy put down the shovel and crossed his arms, "You're too early. I was about to get the truth out of him"

Shu stood in between them, unsure of what to say or what to understand. He turned to Akemi, "What do you mean?"

Akemi walked to him with a sly grin on his face, "Really, Prince Shu? Really? You thought anyone would help you? You're an enemy. I was just trying to get that thing inside your pocket. The medicine, I assume"

Shu didn't know the boy, that was true. He met him just a few hours ago but he didn't realize how much he depended on the kindness he showcased. In brutal times when it seems like there's no hope left we all reach out to the little snippets of kindness we receive from the others. Shu just didn't know that he would have to give up on that kindness this quickly. Neither he thought it would be a fluke. Shu took a step back looking at them cautiously. He's cornered by all of them and Shu knew that he wouldn't be able to secure the vial at any cost. Even if he tried, he'd only end up injuring at least one boy which will cause an uproar. He's the Prince of Moeru and if he acted rebelliously while in their hold and injured citizens of Hyoketsu he'd be violating the inter kingdom rule and that'd be held up against the whole country. When you're a prince, there's not much you can do. You're always confined by rules.

Shu was jerked back to present by Akemi, who slipped his hand to his pocket. Shu tried to draw away from him when he grinned, "Put a scratch on me, it will be held against you. You're not even worth a slave here, Kurenai Shu"

Shu grunted in annoyance when the other pulled out the half filled vial of medicine. "I knew it" Akemi grinned, tossing it to the other boy standing by the stable doors. He didn't break eye contact with Shu when he dropped it to the ground crushing it with his foot. Shu winced seeing the liquid leak out the vial. His only escape, his only hope shattering to pieces right in front of him.

"When did he snuck that in anyway?"

Akemi shrugged at the other, "I don't know but somehow I knew he had something up his sleeve" He took a step towards Shu, grinning. "As the legend goes, you ain't strong" He flicked Shu's forehead roughly, making the other male wince. Shu didn't speak and he didn't intend to speak. He knew there would be no chance for him in this kingdom. It was his foolishness that he thought he would survive at all. His foolishness to trust someone. Thinking about making a friend at all.

"What's going on?" A voice said, grabbing their attention. Everyone turned to meet with Gou's eyes. Standing behind him, a few steps away, was Lui. His violet eyes settled on Shu's as the fury slowly started building up. Lui Shirosagi looked like he was ready for a murder. "Nothing, my lord" Akemi answered smoothly. "Should we prepare horses for you?"

Gou nodded dutifully. "Yes"

Shu took a step back, as if to hide himself from Lui's intense gaze. His smiles and jokes, the friendship they built with each other looked like a distant dream. Shu felt the tension building among them. He almost expected it when Lui stormed into him and grabbed his wrist. Not smooth like the other times. His fingers digging to his skin. A tug so tight that Shu almost stumbled when he started dragging him along the path. Shu's eyes were fixed on Lui's hand as he dragged him along. He looked over his shoulder to see Gou hurrying behind them. A look of concern over his face. Behind all of them stood Akemi and the rest of the boys, smirking. Certainly enjoying whatever the thing Lui will do to him. Shu wasn't sure where he was being dragged until they stopped in front of the Royal Cemetery. Gravestones stood glistening in even spaces. Names carved onto the stone. Lui stopped in front of the newest one. It didn't take a genius to figure out the name. Shirosagi Yuki, the princess of Hyoketsu "You did this" His voice was low, barely a whisper.

"I didn't" Shu didn't know where he found the courage to answer. He was quite surprised when the words left his mouth.

Lui grabbed him by the shoulders, staring at his stormy violet eyes. Shu stared back at him, refusing to play the victim. "You can deny all you want. But that doesn't change the fact that she's gone because of your country. You fucking people." Lui kneed his back drawing Shu to his knees. Shu felt Lui's fingers closing behind the back of his neck as he forced Shu to look at the gravestone.

"Lui" He heard Gou's voice.

"Leave me alone" Lui yelled, "I'm going to teach him a lesson"

Gou didn't intervene and Shu didn't blame him. Lui was a prince and Gou was not. He was bound to his word. "Yes, prince Lui" His voice was tight as he spoke. Shu heard footsteps fading away. It was now only Lui and him and Shu knew nothing would end up well.

Lui crouched beside him, "Don't you monsters have a heart? She was just a child and she had nothing- nothing to do with this war." His fingers tighten and Shu felt the earlier bruises deepening. A sting of pain running down his skin.

"Lui" Shu winced at his shaky voice. "You know I did nothing. I was with you the whole time... my parents wouldn't do such a thing... there is something wrong-" He was cut off by the other. Lui drove him to the ground forcing his forehead to collide with the hard stone of the grave. Shu almost yelled out loud when he felt his skin break under the hard stone. Pain erupting through his head, reaching to his skull.

"Shut up! Don't give me your pathetic excuses"

Lui moved his hand making Shu look up again. Shu winced at the sudden movement. Half of his vision coloured blood red. The liquid dripped off from his forehead in droplets. "It's your fault" Lui chanted. As if it was the only thing revolving round his mind. Shu blinked, trying to get rid of the black spots on his vision and focused on Lui's face again. "You fucking did...did this" He muttered again. Keeping a steady grasp over Shu's neck, ready to choke him at any given moment. Shu blinked. Everything seemed to be turned back in time. To the time where both of them were pure enemies. Except for the fact that right now, Lui had steady streams running down his cheeks.

He was crying.

Shu stared at him, bewildered for a minute. It was the first time he saw the white tyrant crying and Shu realized he was not ready to see it. He never thought he would see Lui cry and now staring at him, while droplets of tears ran down his cheeks, Shu whispered, "Lui..." He had always been strong. Never cried. But at the moment Shu realized, no matter everything Lui was still a teenager. Someone who had emotions. Lui was also human.

Lui kicked Shu , making the male double over to the ground in pain. "I'm not done with you, Kurenai. I'm not done with everyone of your kingdom. When I take revenge, you'll wish you were dead."

Shu watched the other walking away. His fists clenched. His stature shadowed. It was like he was ready to take the revenge just as he spoke, and Shu didn't know what would happen. He fell back to the dirt and stared at the sky. His whole body was hurting. His hopes were crushed to pieces and amidst it all a small part of him felt tight. He wanted to comfort Lui, be there for him but he knew there would be now use. The hatred Lui held for him had no boundaries. He'll only burn from the sheer force of it if he got closer. Shu pushed himself up and winced. He wiped the blood off his face from the back of his hand and walked aimlessly through the identical hallways.

First it was only the physical pain that burned across his body like fire. Next, he felt the symptoms. The tightening of his breath. The quickening of his pulse. Everything was blurry as he finally gave up, leaning against the marbled walls. He curled into himself as the coldness settled inside his bones. He was shivering. He tried to breathe steadily. Do anything to keep his consciousness until his body finally gives up. The albino slipped into unconsciousness in that isolated hallway. No one around to comfort. Just no one to help him through his pains.

Shu lost the track of time but when he woke up again the sun was rising over the east. He groaned, massaging his temples. If yesterday was bad, today was worse. All of his muscles ached with pain and screamed for him to stop when he stood up. A feeling of nausea made him gag drawing out another burst of pain through his body. He didn't remember when he ate last time. "Dang it" He wheezed, making his way through the hallway. Stopping momentarily to collect himself. His sight was fuzzy but he could barely make out the outline of an arriving figure. Falling into his knees was out of his control. He clutched into his chest when the feeling arose inside himself. As if someone was trying to take hold of him. The very pain he was always afraid of feeling. He coughed to the back of his hand when the sound of footsteps got closer. He didn't know who they were and didn't care. He just had to reach out his hand to feel the coldness of death. He felt himself slipping away. It felt easier to die. To leave the world behind and put a stop to the pain.

After a long time, Shu closed his eyes and wished he was dead. The very word he was scared for, became his companion, his comfort. He barely registered the feeling of hands around him as he passed out. Barely registered someone crying out his name at all. 

This chapter is not that good I agree. Sorry guys. Exams have been taking up to me and I'm losing my focus on other things ;-; 

Thank you for all the love for this book. See you! Take care.