Two weeks have passed since the tournament. Everyone acknowledged Lui's and Free's power alongside Valt. About Shu, everyone bore a different view. Most of the rumours about him being possessed by a monster spread like wildfire and Shu found out others avoiding him in the hallways like a plea. He tried his best to ignore them and his friends: Valt, Honcho, Sisco and Wakiya didn't let him bear all the things alone. They were always with him, sticking together. It helped Shu to think about the situation positively. He had his own circle who cared for him, and that was the only thing he wanted.

Lui also seems to hang out with him a lot more than he used to. After the kiss, Shu thought it would be awkward between them, but Lui doesn't seem to care and he was glad he didn't mention it after the incident. It was relieving. Shu and Lui walked toward the dining hall after another session of training. Both of them have been focusing on smoothing their individual powers, the fusion power which allowed them to spend their training time together. "I'm starving," Shu complained, stretching as they reached the doors.

Lui rolled his eyes, opening the door. The inside was buzzing with murmurs and talking. The duo walked to their friend's table where everyone was seated just like any other day. Zac was enthusiastically talking while the other listened. Valt bounced in his seat, eating his food while Wakiya complained about their lack of discipline. Shu smiled, taking his seat beside Valt while Lui walked to Gou. The conversation never seemed to end among them until the door opened and the headmaster walked in. It was only then everyone fell into a stunning silence. It was a seldom occurrence. The headmaster rarely came into the dining area during lunch hours. All of them stood up in respect, watching him walking to the podium in front of the room. The deep voice broke the deafening silence, "I came here to tell you about a new student who would take part to the classes with you all"

"New student?" Zac mouthed, looking at Orochi.

The latter just shrugged as soft murmurs echoed around the room. Shu and Lui shared a look and turned back to the headmaster when he announced the name, "Shirosagi Kira, come in"

Shu inhaled sharply, his head snapping to Lui. His eyes were focused on the door as it slowly opened again. His fists clenched, knuckles white from the pressure. His eyes moved to Gou who held the same concerned expression hovering over his features. Shu could see the surprise clear in each face as the guy walked in. His violet eyes, identical to Lui but lack the intensity darting around the hall as they finally stopped meeting Lui's. The corner of his lip quirked upwards as he shook out his raven bangs from his eye. His eyes then rested against Shu's crimson ones before turning back to headmaster. He walked to the small podium and stood, "My name is Shirosagi Kira, cousin of Prince Lui. Nice to meet you all" He smiled, bowing slightly at the crowd.

Lui gritted his teeth, glaring at the male. His dad clearly knew the disruption between the town. After the incident in the past they barely talked. Lui ignored him by all means but his father held a different opinion about Kira. In his eyes, Kira was an able soldier, a warrior, and the person who would help him lead the country one day. Lui knew no one would believe him even if he told about the betrayal of Kira. Everyone in the kingdom worshiped him. He averted his gaze to the table. Pure anger filling through his veins to the point he couldn't bear to stand in the same room with him.

So, he turned around kicking off his chair as it fell to the ground with a loud thud shaking everyone out of their stance. Heads snapped toward their table as the white tyrant stormed to the door, slamming it behind him leaving his shaken friends. "What happened?" Zac whispered.

Orochi shrugged, "It seems like they are not the best of the cousins"

Soft murmurs filled the room again. Cutting them off, the headmaster talked. "Prince Shu, I hope you can show him around and also he will stay at your dorm. He's the son of Shirosagi bloodline"

Shu blinked, looking uncertain for a second but nodded. In the back of his mind, he wanted to follow Lui and check on him but he couldn't talk against the headmaster. He nodded, "Yes, sir"

With that, the headmaster left them. Everyone was still standing, as if they were glued to their own places. Nobody dared to make a move until Gou pushed back his chair, walking out from the room which Shu guessed to find Lui. Kira blinked, looking around the hall when ever enthusiastic Valt finally made his move.

"Hi!" He cheered, walking to the ravenette. "I'm Aoi Valt, from Yokina Kingdom. Nice to meet you!"

Kira smiled, his violet eyes glittering with warmth. "Shirosagi Kira, from Hyoketsu" He bowed, accepting Valt's warm greeting wholeheartedly. Shu blinked, the Kira in Lui's memory was a completely unique person from who's standing in front of the room, surrounded by the other students who warmly welcomed him. Shu tilted his head, frowning as he finally took a step towards him. Maybe, people change with time.

Kira was the first to notice him among the crowd, "You're Prince Kurenai Shu?"

Shu nodded, "I am." He said, clasping his hands behind his back. "Shall I show you around?" He asked politely.

Kira nodded, "Yes, thank you in advance"

Valt threw a look at Shu, "See you two later, then!" He dragged Honcho and Wakiya from their arms to the exit, already talking about the new technique he discovered. The others walked away as the duo parted away from the crowd. Shu led him through the now familiar halls.

"Anywhere specific you want to go?" Shu asked, trying to break the awkward silence crowding among them. Kira shook his head slightly, his eyes fixed on the surrounding, admiring the architecture and the view.

"What's your favourite place?" He asked, his violet eyes fixing on his.

Shu ducked his head softly, "I don't think that would be the first place you want to visit"

He chuckled, "I'm pretty sure I'd like it too, want to share with me?"

Shu averted his gaze, "It's... the library" Shu sighed, waiting for the mocking laughter or a cynical sigh. Instead, his eyes met with a delightful smile.

"Lead the way!"

Shu blinked, looking up at him. His smile seemed genuine, his eyes shone with excitement. Shu stood for a moment, disoriented. Inside his mind, he was debating whether Kira had really changed. Maybe he had, maybe had finally realized his mistakes. But why's Lui acting like that? "This way," Shu said, leading the way. Kira hummed as he caught up to him, their shoulder barely brushing against each other. Shu opened the large two doors to the library. He had been inside this place more than the training grounds, but no matter how many times he came in, he always loved the welcoming scent of the books. The sight of the shelves neatly lined in front of each-other. This was heaven.

"Wow" Kira breathed behind him. He walked past Shu to the shelves, almost hypnotized by the sight of the enormous library. Shu followed him, smiling. Kira wandered along the shelves for a few minutes, finally turning back to Shu. "This place is amazing"

Shu nodded, "I'm glad you like it. Princes rarely visit here."

Kira grinned, "Well, this is going to be one of my favourite places"

"I'm glad. Want to see the other places?"

Kira nodded, reaching for Shu's side again. Shu showed him around the entire school. The training grounds, the stables, none of the places went unseen by the two males. "Now, the dorms," Shu said, already comfortable with Kira's friendly nature.

Kira stretched, "I'm going to pass out as soon as my head hit the pillow"

Shu chuckled, "You should've told me you're tired. I would've taken you straight to the dorms"

"Where's the fun in that?" Kira said, patting his white locks softly.

"What the hell are you doing here?" A furious voice asked, snapping them off their conversation. Shu spun on his heel just when Kira turned with him to see Lui Shirosagi standing just a few feet away from them.

Kira smiled, "For what else, for the same purpose you're here. To learn"

Lui growled. "No. Knowing you, you are not here for some stupid shit. What's your plan?"

Kira sighed, looking upset. "I said sorry a thousand times to you. I'm sorry I did all that shit, okay? I know it's unforgivable but I-I was upset. Jealousy took the better of me," He looked down, "I'm sorry, really"

Lui snorted, "Don't think I will take that sorry for granted. I'm not naïve enough to trust you again. You son of a-"

"Lui, that's enough" Shu finally interfered, cutting him off mid-sentence.

Lui glared at him, "This is none of your business. Shut up" He roughly shoved him away making the albino stumble a few steps back. Kira caught him by the shoulders.

"Lui, calm down. Control your anger. You okay Shu?" He asked, helping him to stand back up.

Shu blinked for a few seconds before finally nodding. It's been weeks since Lui last talked to him like this, he frowned when the white tyrant spoke again, "Oh great. Now you found a new pathetic buddy to hang out with?" Lui mocked, turning to Shu. His violet eyes storming with fury.

"What's wrong with you?" The albino breathed.

"Wrong with me?" Lui growled, walking to Shu. Kira took Shu's wrist and pushed him back standing in between him and Lui.

"You got a problem with me? Then solve it with me. Don't drag other to this"

Lui looked as if he was about to say something but held back. He looked at Shu who was watching him with a disappointed look and he didn't know why it stung. "Go to hell" He muttered under his breath storming to the dorm room. Kira sighed rubbing his temples.

"You okay, Shu?"

Shu nodded, rubbing his arms. "Yeah, fine. Let's go to the dorms"

The two entered the room just after Lui entered the room. That's when Shu noticed the difference made in the room. Lui's bed was pushed away from his that his bed was in between Kira and Free. Lui didn't even spare a look as the duo entered the room. "Yo!" Xander greeted them with his usual bright smile.

Shu smiled, greeting back as he walked toward his bed. Somehow, it felt weird not having Lui beside his own bed. He was used to his passive good night call and the small fights both of them had before they went to bed. His eyes instantly moved to Lui who's eyes were fixated on a small silver dagger in his hands. Shu knew Yuki gave it to him, just before they left for Hyoketsu.

"How's the school?" Breaking his thoughts, Zac asked. Shu looked up and blinked several times to make sure he wasn't talking to him but Kira who was smiling.

"It's amazing! I love it"

Valt groaned, "I'd love it too. But learning is not my brightest talent"

Shu chuckled, "What's your brightest talent then?"

Valt grinned, "Obviously eating"

The conversation was dragged on until they heard the bell run showing the breakfast was over. Free stood up, "Time to get into our training, I guess"

Valt jumped out from his bed cheering as he followed Free out of the door. After the tournaments, Free and Valt had been closer with each other. Shu watched as one by one the students walked out of the door. Lui just casually walked out, not sparing a look at Shu. Any other time, he would've asked to join him but today after the fight it seemed like the friendship they built up between each other was slowly crumbling apart. "Wanna train with me?" Kira asked, making Shu snap back from his thoughts.

Shu realized only he and Kira were left inside the room. He looked at the ravenette uncertainly but nodded. As far as the first impression went Kira was a good person. "Sure"

The duo walked out of the room to the training ground. It was almost amazing how Kira could continue a light-hearted conversation even though Shu had been an awkward companion. Shu felt himself warming up to the boy. It was easy to talk with him and be with him. "Do you have ice powers too?" Shu asked, as they crossed the hallway and arrived at the training grounds.

"More or less" Kira said, sticking out his palm as frost blossomed along his fingertips. "Mine is not strong like Lui's, but it can do some damage"

Shu hummed. His own elder cousin has fire powers, but that was obviously stronger than his own. Shu had never used fire powers to the full length and as the legends went in Moeru Kingdom, the heir to the throne owned mysterious fire powers that could shake mountains. Shu often wondered whether it was an exaggeration. As far as he knew, his powers didn't go to that lengths.

"Shu!" Valt screeched waving his arms. "Are you two going to practice together?"

Shu shrugged, "I guess so"

"Okay! Take care" He said dashing back to Free as he blocked his attack. Shu turned to Lui who was standing in the far end with Gou, sharpening his ice skills. Kira turned to him, "Ready?"

Shu turned, pressing his ring as his Axe appeared in his arm. Kira raised his brow with a challenging grin as he pressed his own ruby ring. Unlike his, Kira's weapon was a long double-edged sword, decorated with fine gems and made with the finest iron. "Whoa" Shu breathed, "Who gave you that?"

"My uncle did. Since my ice was not enough for me to defend myself, he made me this weapon"

Shu smiled, "That's cool!"

"Thanks," Kira said, taking his stance. "Ready when you are"

The two dashed against each other, launching attacks and defending themselves from the attacks. Shu moved swiftly dodging the attacks, instantly analyzing his pattern which was not much different from Lui. Both of them learnt the initial fighting moves from Hyoketsu. So, it wasn't surprising to see the similarities between the two fighting styles, but Kira mostly depended on his sword while Lui went all over with his ice attacks. Shu frowned, dodging another blow as he jumped back landing perfectly on his feet. Kira's moves were not solely based on Hyoketsu fighting style like Lui's. There was something else, a mix of two fighting styles which made his attacks more complex and harder to predict. Maybe he self learned some new stance, Shu thought, looking at the rough moves which revealed the lack of an excellent teacher but the effect those moves were making was enough to knock down several enemies at once.

"You're analyzing my moves" Kira wondered aloud, bringing down his sword which Shu blocked with his own axe.

Shu raised his brow, "You catch up on things quickly"

"I always did," He answered, making another move. Shu side stepped. He could feel his lungs getting crowded. He slightly winced as Kira's sword almost slashed his skin. His body gave off the warning signs as any other usual day and finally Shu stopped planting his axe on the ground, leaning against it to support. Kira stopped attacking and rushed to his side, looking concerned. "You okay?"

Shu looked up with a grimace, "Yeah, just tired"

Kira put down his sword when Valt ran up to him. "Shu!? Are you okay?" The boy asked, looking concerned. Shu managed a smile which betrayed the expression of his eyes.

"Yeah"

"Let's get you to the medical room" Valt said, stepping to help him when Shu shook his head.

"Train. I'll manage"

"But-" Valt started but Kira cut him off.

"It's fine, Valt, I'll take him to the medicine room." Kira assured wrapping one of his arms around Shu's waist supporting his body.

Valt hesitantly nodded letting both of them go. Shu leaned against Kira, appreciating the support of the ravenette as he led him toward the medicine room. All of them were engrossed in their own worlds to notice the suspicious glare of Lui as he stared at the pair, sensing the uneasy feeling of his gut.

When they reached the medicine room, there was no one inside. Shu looked around, "Mitsuba must've gone to visit the town."

Kira helped him to sit down on a chair, "" Do you know the medicine?"

Shu hummed, looking at the lines of bottles lined perfectly on the top shelf. "The red one" He said, leaning against the chair.

Kira nodded and picked the medicine bottle and handed it to him. After the incident of Lui putting too many flowers to his medicine Mitsuba always kept his medicine ready for him to use at any moment. Shu clenched his eyes shut and dropped the liquid to his throat. He grimaced at the bitter taste it left inside his mouth. "Yuck"

Kira chuckled, "That looks like something really tasty"

"Try some, then" Shu deadpanned.

Kira bowed slightly, "I'd rather not"

Shu sighed, closing his eyes for when he felt his mind clouding leaving him a moment of confusion. Did Mitsuba add too many flowers in her hurry? Shu quietly wondered trying to press down the nauseating feeling.

Kira stared at the albino sitting on the chair, sweating profusely. Shu groaned slightly, pressing his fingers against his temples obviously in pain. The ravenette crouched in front of him and leaned against Shu, "You okay?"

Shu shook his head, "I feel like I might throw up"

Kira pressed a hand against Shu's forehead, "Your temperature is high" He stated slipping his hand to Shu's shoulders. Shu opened one of his eyes and looked at Kira.

"It's so hot in here"

Kira blinked, "I can assure you it's not." He said, frosting his fingertips with frost. "Want me to help you?"

Shu gave him a quizzical look as the other moved his robe off his shoulder pressing his icy hand on his exposed skin. Shu inhaled sharply, "Don't do that" He uttered, trying to slap away his arms.

Kira didn't seem to hear, or he intentionally refused to listen to him. Shu felt his head spinning. Kira's figure in front of got foggy but he could feel Kira's lingering touch on his body. He squinted, opening his eyes when he heard a voice from the door. Kira stood up, looking momentarily shocked.

"What the hell are you doing?" Lui asked, his hands and voice shaking with anger.

"I was just trying to help him! Look at him. His temperature is high," Kira shouted back.

Lui growled, "You liar. You haven't changed, have you?"

Kira smirked, "What do you mean, my dear cousin?"

Lui stepped forward and punched Kira's gut making the other scramble to the floor. Shu stood up, still wobbly, "Don't- Don't fight"

Lui threw him a look, "Shut up. Do you even realize the situation you were in?"

Shu frowned, tilting his head. Lui's voice felt as if it was ringing inside his ears. "Don't shout Lui, please"

"Shut up! What are you? An exhibitionist?"

"Stop right there," Kira warned, standing in front of Shu. "There are some limits even you can't cross Lui"

Lui's violet eyes were glowing with anger as he grabbed Kira by the collars of his black robe. "Oh yeah? And you are one who's going to fucking teach me that? I saw what you were doing"

Kira slapped his arms and leaned against Lui's ear, and whispered something which made him go out of control. Ice shot against his arms as Lui strike Kira again. He punched the ravenette straight on the nose. Kira made a pained sound as he held his face, a thin strip of blood leaking down his fair skin. Amidst this Shu had sunken to the floor, with his palms thrusted against his ears, trying to get rid of the shouting. "Stop stop" He chanted, looking helplessly at them both.

Lui gave him an apathetic glance when one servant rushed in after hearing the commotion. She looked genuinely concerned. "Please stop," She said in a pleading tone when Lui turned around on his step.

"Shut up and get the hell out of here, or I'll kill you"

The poor women squeaked, terrified. "Prince Lui, please calm down"

"I said out," He shouted.

"Stop it" Shu stood up again and stumbled to Lui when he was about to strike at Kira again. He stood in between the two males, "Stop"

"Get out of my way" Lui said, his voice dangerously narrowed and quiet.

"Or what?" Shu yelled, "hit me then. I hate you," The albino whimpered, "Why are you behaving like this?"

"You don't know what's even going on," Lui said, "You're not even on your right mind"

"Are you calling me crazy? A monster? Like everyone else had been telling me I am?"

Lui hesitated, Shu was clearly out of it. The white-haired boy looked like he was about to collapse at any moment. Kira stood behind him and walked toward Shu with a shit-eating grin on his face. Lui's anger flared at the sight of him, Kira's words echoing against his ear.

If he's going to be an exhibitionist, it's going to be only for me.

Shu sighed, closing his eyes for a moment absentmindedly adjusting his robes when Valt followed by Free walked in. The two friends froze by the door realizing the tense atmosphere inside the room. Valt's eyes instantly rested on Shu who looked disoriented and worried. Then he turned to Kira who had a dark bruise on the side of his face with a thin strip of blood running down from his nose to his lips. "What happened?" Free asked, turning to Lui.

"It's fine," Kira said, sighing. "I thought you knew how to control your temper Lui. Calling Shu an exhibitionist, not cool, man"

"What!?" Valt practically shouted, "You called Shu what?"

Shu turned to Valt in a momentary daze. "Valt?"

"Lui," Free said, his voice taking a serious touch. "Is he saying the truth?"

Lui didn't answer any of them. He shifted his gaze to Shu and back to Kira who was looking purely innocent and stormed off of the room shoving Free roughly to the side. "Valt" Shu uttered again, breaking the silence.

"Let's get you back to the dorm," Valt said softly, helping Shu out of the door. "Thanks Kira, for taking care of him"

Kira just nodded, "It's no big deal, and he said something about Mitsuba adding too much flowers or something, whatever that means"

Valt nodded, "Explains why he looks so tired. He's going to sleep till the next morning"

Free watched as the two friends left the medical room. He turned to Kira who was gingerly touching his face barely even trying to cover his winces. "You might need to mend that wound"

Kira nodded with a grimace, "Lui haven't still lost the touch of hitting where it hurts the most"

Free hummed, looking at him for a long second before finally leaving the room. The word about the fight spread like a wildfire. Everyone whispered about the enmity of the two cousin brothers but most of them were already holding Lui in the wrong side knowing his short temper and sadistic nature. It was quite clear that Kira's personality was rather opposite to the white tyrant. He was friendly with everyone while Lui kept all of them at hand's length. The dorm room was unusually quiet that night. Lui and Kira didn't even spare a look at each other. Valt and Xander shared uneasy glances while Zac tried to tune down the tension telling jokes and Free was not even inside the room. The only person who was looking peaceful was Shu, who was curled into his pillows, sleeping soundly. He had missed both lunch and dinner because of his deep sleep. Even if Valt tried to wake him up, it was a futile effort so the boy let him be.

Soon, the candles were blown as darkness engrossed the room. Everyone curled underneath their covers sleeping, ready to take on another new day. Shu turned to his side, opening one of his eyes absent mindedly, wondering what woke him up. He eyed Lui as he walked into his bed just beside Kira's. Shu frowned, what time was it? What was Lui doing up late? He wondered when something dropped to the ground. Shu saw a flash of red settling inside his mind before his eyes slipped close again.

---

When Shu woke up the next day, he blinked several times appearing to be disoriented. He wasn't sure about the time. He stared at the roof for a few moments as his mind registered his whereabouts. Finally, he sat up massaging his sore muscles to see Kira, sitting on the edge of his bed looking at him. "Good morning, sleeping beauty"

Shu frowned, the memories of yesterday were a blur inside his mind. He distinctly remembered the fight of Kira and Lui but seeing Kira watching him sleep somehow felt unsettling. That's when he registered the silence inside the room. "Where's everyone?" He questioned, looking around.

"I waited here to tell you that. Something bad happened"

Shu frowned, "What?"

"One of the servants had been killed last night and-"

"And?" Shu pressed, already swinging his legs off the bed.

"It seems like Lui has to do something with it," Kira admitted, looking down at his feet. Shu froze, Lui? The memories of a servant trying to stop their fights passed through his mind and he remembered the threats of the white tyrant, but then again Lui threatened everyone.

"Why?"

"They found something belonging to him dropped near the dead body. And apparently, I don't know you remember, he threatened to kill her yesterday when she was trying to stop him from hitting me"

Shu blinked, registering Kira's bruised face. "I- Are you okay?"

He smiled, "I'm fine, this is nothing new. Lui always had a short temper."

Shu nodded, already walking to the door. "Let's go. I want to see what's going on"

Kira nodded and led him to the servant quarters where the murder had took place. Shu elbowed through the crowd of students and reached the body. Valt, Free and Zac were standing beside the headmaster who had knelt beside the corpse. Shu's eyes slightly widened at the sight. The knife was still stabbed to her heart where blood poured down colouring the floor in a deep red colour. Her face was deathly pale and her lips chapped and slightly parted. Shu winced at the foul metallic smell of the blood that hung in the air.

"Shu" Honcho said, noticing him first. Shu moved his eyes to Lui who was standing beside the body, his arms crossed, his eyes narrowed down at the corpse.

"Prince Lui" The headmaster said, finally speaking. All the other teachers were there. Practically, the entire school was there. "Do you have anything to say about this situation?"

Lui looked up at him, not looking scared or offended. "All I have to say is, I don't know what's going on and I can swear by my kingdom I didn't do such crime"

"But this" Their material art teacher spoke, "It belongs to you"

Shu looked up at the teacher to see something familiar. Specifically, something he had given Lui, a glassed fire. Lui tilted his head, looking at him in the eye. "Yes it does, and I'm not denying it. But I wasn't even here last night"

"Several of the students have seen you outside last night and some students in your own dorm room saw you come in after almost midnight"

"I was going out to breathe in some fresh air for god's sake! I do that most of the days" Lui countered.

Zac let out an agitated sigh, looking in between the tension faces of the teachers. He clearly didn't like everything being aimed against Lui. "There's no other way" The headmaster said, "If anyone here can stand up for him and help him to prove his innocence, I'll give them a chance, but if you can't be assured the punishment will be shared among everyone who takes his side"

His statement was met with silence. Many of the students averted their gazes from the prince trying to blend themselves into the crowd. Lui snorted, this was something he expected. Lui raised his head, about to declare that he doesn't need anyone to prove his innocence, Shu's gaze met his own. Lui stared into those deep crimson orbs for a moment until he realized Shu was raising his hand. "I trust Lui" He simply said, breaking the spellbound silence.

Lui raised his brow watching the albino cross the room to stand by his side. "I'll work with him"

Murmurs evoked from the crowd as Gou walked to his other side without a word. A loyal friend whom he had from the start. Lui's eyes wandered to Kira who looked surprised after Shu's declaration. It was almost as if he didn't expect Shu to stand by his side. Valt and Free shared a look and nodded as Free said, "I'm with Lui too, both Valt and me"

Soon enough, the room was divided into two groups. The ones who supported Lui which is significantly small only involving the closest friends of his and rest of the school. Zac tapped his heel against the floor, "Man, we are really up against an entire school at this point."

Lui threw him an indifferent look, "I didn't tell you to come here or support me"

Zac grinned, "But I know you are innocent"

"Innocent is something that doesn't go with Lui" Shu grumbled under his breath watching the headmaster talk.

"You all have till sunrise the next day" He said, "If not, Lui will be expelled and the rest of you will fail this year. Am I clear?"

Valt grinned, "Yes sir!"

With that, he left the room without further investigation. The group watched as they all leave the room one by one that only Kira was there, staring at Shu specifically, his arms crossed. Shu frowned, feeling uneasy underneath his hard glance. He didn't remember what happened yesterday. He rarely remembered anything after he drank his medicine anyway, but yesterday he did remember the portion been stronger than it was supposed to. He instinctively took a step back, frowning when Lui moved to stand in front of him, shielding him from the watchful eyes of the other. "What do you want?"

Kira clicked his tongue, a smug look covering his eyes, "You seem to be doing well here, aren't you? The ever loving little cousin of mine. The one who preferred to be alone, look where are you now"

Shu peered from Lui's back, "We're not friends" He confirmed, "Just acquaintances who knows Lui better enough to know he's no murderer"

"And a softie in heart" Honcho added, earning a glare from Lui.

"Cut out that bullshit" He snapped. Kira just shook his head walking out of the room, throwing out a hand with a nonchalant goodbye.

Everyone fell into a silence after he let, reminiscing their situation when suddenly Zac grumbled, "Damn this stench." He muttered looking at the dead body through squinted eyes, "This is horrifying"

"So, what are we going to do now?" Free asked, turning to Lui.

"Let's start with the simplest question" Orochi said, "Where were you last night?"

Lui crossed his arms, "In the training grounds"

"At that time?" Sisco asked, clearly surprised, "And they say we're workaholic"

"I wasn't training" Lui muttered under his breath, "I was just thinking"

"Thinking? About what?" Zac asked, wiggling his brows. It was clearly not the time for joking around but someone had to light up the mood.

"Stuff" Lui deadpanned, shutting him down.

"Anyone saw you there?" Orochi asked, already knowing the answer. It was highly unlikely that anyone else saw him that dead night. Most of them should've been on bed, but someone had seen Lui out of the bed but not thinking in the training ground.

Lui shook his head. Free sighed, "That's a dead end, then"

Ruway bit his bottom lip, looking around at the squad. They were an unlikely team, consisting at least one person from each kingdom. If someone told him that he would be working with a team like this at first when he came to this school, he would've laughed it off, but now, looking at them Ruway felt like this maybe just the beginning of their strong friendship. His thoughts were cut off by Wakiya.

"Oi Shu, what are you doing?"

Shu was squatted down beside the body with Valt. While the rest of the group was focused on questioning Lui and trying to find any hint, the duo had been looking at the wound at the dagger coming out from her chest. Valt grimaced as the stench of blood hit his nose. Shu scrunched his nose but leaned closer studying the dagger. "I want to pull this out" He admitted looking at them.

"You will be covered with blood from head to toe if you just pulled it out" Xander reasoned shrugging when Valt nodded along.

"I know, that's why I didn't"

"Why the dagger?" Ruway asked sliding down beside him and he didn't want Shu's answer to see the importance, because he saw it at first. "It's made-"

"Yes" Shu nodded, "The finest iron" He threw a glance at Lui. "Made in Hyoketsu"

"That clue would frame Lui as the murderer" Honcho rolled his eyes, "man"

Ruway carefully slid his arms around the dagger and signalled the other two to get back. He had experience with muder cases and blood because his father is the head commander of the Chikara kingdom. He skillfully pulled out the knife and instinctively get back as a small sprinkle of blood shot upwards. Zac grimaced, "I can't watch this"

"I thought you knew about these things, Kurogane" Sisco raised his brow.

"Well yes, I am a prince after all, but the tragedy is that she's a woman and so delicate that my heart can't take it" Zac planted a hand on his forehead dramatically sighing.

Shu walked to Ruway, "May I?"

The brunette nodded, handing the blood soaked dagger to the younger standing in front of him. Shu could clearly see the letterings and the official sign of Hyoketsu. It was no doubt, the knife is from that kingdom. "This is a starting point"

"To make me the murderer?" Lui asked, raising his brow.

"Did you have a dagger like this?" Shu questioned, giving him an indifferent look.

"Almost everyone from Hyoketsu have a dagger like this, sometimes two or more. It's almost as if a custom" Gou answered, seeing the distress of the prince. Shu hummed.

"That widens our suspect list"

"It's someone from the Hyoketsu kingdom, or someone who have a good relationship with the kingdom" Free answered. "It's either you" He said pointing at Lui, "or you" He turned to Gou, "or-"

"Kira" Shu finished his sentence gripping the dagger tighter not caring about the blood staining his hand. "Or anyone else who came from Hyoketsu kingdom"

"Kira and Gou has alibis. Many have witnessed them sleeping on their beds and one person had given evidence that they saw Lui outside and he has no alibi" Wakiya listed down.

"I have a feeling we're finding clues to corner Lui even more"

Shu shook his head, looking back at the corpse. "We need a female, someone whom we can trust to check on her body"

"For any other injuries?" Ruway asked.

Shu nodded, "Yes. If she was killed by someone there's no way she would go down without defending herself, that should definitely leave a mark. Defending ones self is one of the primary human instincts"

Lui frowned, "What are you now? A hired assassin?"

Shu clicked his tongue, "I wish"

"What Shu said makes sense" Free admitted, "I know someone, I can tell her to check on the body and tell us if there's any other injury"

"Who is that!? Christina?" Valt piped up, taking their attention.

"Christina? Like the one from Black Panthers?" Sisco asked, awed. It was commong knowledge that Christina Kuroda barely made any friendships. She only had official bonds with the rest of the black panther members and that was it.

"She's my half sister" Free said, without going into further information he talked again. "I'll go and tell her to check the body and be back with the information. Sounds good?"

"I'll help you!" Valt cheered jumping to his side.

No one questioned more into his family life. Obviously, they got worst matters in their hands. "Yes" Shu said, automatically taking the leadership. "And we need a group questioning the servants from Hyoketsu and another group checking on the records to see how many weapons servants own."

"Wakiya, Honcho, Gou and Me" Sisco said, "We'll take care about the questioning part"

"Zac and me will take care of the records" Orochi added.

Shu nodded, "We also need to investigate the nobles and the commander families' sons who are from Hyoketsu. They need to have an alibi to get out from the suspect list"

"We'll interview them" Xander said. Ruway nodded, he had experience and this would be fairly easy with Xander's intimidating nature.

"You and me" Shu said, looking at Lui realizing he had yet again grouped himself with the white tyrant. But since they knew about each other's chemistry it was fairly easy to work with each other. "We're going to see her past records and find her family. They might know something"

"We get the heartless part" Lui pointed out. It took some guts to go to a house and ask about a dead person when their funeral is not even talked into.

Shu rolled his eyes, "It's in your blood, we'll be fine. Meet you all in the park behind the school after four hours. Deal?"

The rest agreed and parted their ways. Lui and Shu walked out of the room. "You handled everything pretty well" Lui said, clearly impressed.

Shu didn't say anything. He just walked along the path quietly and reached the washing basin to wash his hands. "Oi" Lui called again, "Are you ignoring me?"

"Why?" Shu snapped, turning around. "Doesn't it hurt your pride to talk with an exhibitionist now?"

Shu didn't remember all the details about the yesterday incident but one thing he remembered was Lui calling him that, and for reasons he didn't know it hurt like hell. Lui crossed his arms, "You don't even remember what happened yesterday! Stop blaming me without knowing the full story"

"Enlighten me then" Shu said washing the dagger, "I'd like to know what happened too"

"Kira, he-" Lui stopped. Should he say what he did to Shu? Wouldn't he be more insecure after that? "Never mind" He grumbled. "Let's get this over with"

Shu turned around and just hummed. He eyed the glistening dagger in his hands. "We need to find her whereabouts. Zac told me she's possibly from this kingdom"

Lui nodded and followed Shu out of the washing room. Their was an agitating silence in between the two of them. It was like the old time. When they were nothing but bitter enemies. The reached the record room to see Zac and Orochi already going through the folders, checking for the information. "Oh hello!" Zac sang, seeing the pair.

"We're looking for information on the servant" Shu said.

Orochi nodded, passing him a stack of papers, "Thought you'd need it."

Shu thanked him and placed it on the table on the corner of the room. The whole room was filled with shelves with records and stacks of papers lined neatly. It was dimly lighted and the only place with a proper amount of light was the table just beside the window. Lui walked to him and stood beside the albino, looking over his shoulder at the papers. "Ishikari" He said out aloud, "That's the village name"

Orochi and Zac shared glances, "It's in the Shimamaki district, south to the main city"

"We'll get a map" Shu muttered, looking at the information listed under her name. "Ito Haruki" Shu read, "Ishikari village. Husband and two children. Husband works as a fisherman"

There was a moment of silence until finally Orochi asked, "Do you guys think they know about this?"

"I'm pretty sure they don't" Zac said, "It takes at least two days to settle things down and inform the family"

Shu sighed when Lui took out a map from a nearby shelf. "Guess we're going to drop the message then" Lui said half heartedly. "Let's go"

Shu nodded following him with a solemn face. He didn't want to bring this dreadful message to the family and certainly did not want to see the heartbroken faces of the two children when he reveals the truth. The duo took their cloaks and wrapped them around their bodies to protect themselves from the coldness. It was almost autumn and the temperature had been dropping rapidly in the past few days. Shu almost shrugged off the idea of wearing his cloak because he could easily use his fire to warm himself up but today something felt strange in his body, almost as if the cold had been increasing in a lightning phase. Besides, since he had to secure his strength he went off with the idea of wearing a cloak. Both of them got on their horses and started their way toward the small coast village lying in the far corner of the kingdom, just beside the sea.

As they reached the edge of the Akarui, the cold started to increase and Lui didn't seem to be much affected. He was used to cold and winters in Hyoketsu was the worst just as summers in Moeru was boiling. Shu shivered, "It's so cold"

"Activate your fire a bit. It won't hurt" Lui said.

Shu huffed, turning to look at the path ahead of them. "I can manage"

"If you say so" Lui shrugged. Their journey continued for several hours until they finally reached the small village. It was like any other coast villages, bordering the sea. There were small boats lined up against the beach. Small kids ran around without tops as if the cold wasn't affecting them at all. Both of them left the horses outside of the village not wanting to draw much attention but as soon as they entered it seemed like all the attention was at them. For far away villages like this, hardly any noble came and the people in here wasn't use to any visits like that. Shu tightened the cloak around himself with a shivering breathe.

"Use your fire" Lui muttered as they stepped into a quiet ally. There was not much people in the path except for few vendors selling toys.

Shu huffed but knew that the cold was slowly getting unbearable. "Okay, okay" He muttered trying to activate his fire when he realized he couldn't Shu blinked, realizing the strange feeling. The tingle on his veins when his fire bloomed out of his fingertips was missing. Instead, he was met with a still power flow inside his body, not the rhythmic hum he felt when blood rushed against his ears when he activated his fire. "I-I can't" Shu breathed.

"Hah?"

"My fire" Shu panicked, "My fire is gone"

Lui spun on his heel, his light blue cloak swirling to his movements. "Let me see" He said, quickly taking his hands. After they started to match their power flows together, it was easier to sense the flow of the other for the two of them. Lui sensed the difference. The current of his power flow had slowed down, almost non existence. As if someone had robbed him out of his fire.

"It's gone-" Shu muttered, looking down at their hands. "Isn't it?"

"I'm pretty sure we cna fix it" Lui said reassuringly, trying to look hopeful.

"I'm totally useless now"

"Your fire is not your only strength, you know that right?" Lui said, flicking his forehead, "Up there you got some good brains. Don't sweat it, after we go back to school let's meet Mitsuba. She'll find a way to cure that"

Shu took his hands from Lui's hold and rubbed them together, "I hope so..." He said, "Let's go and find the house"

After looking for couple of minutes, they finally found the house. It was a small hut situated near the sea with another line of identical houses backing each other. The duo walked into the house which was eerily quiet, "Hello?" He asked, shivering. It was so cold. There was no answers for few minutes. "Hello!?"

"Wait a second" A woman said, walking out of the house beside theirs. Shu turned to her.

"Do you know where they are?"

The woman eyed both of the suspiciously and went in. Lui just kept his mouth shut because he knew that when it comes to talking, Shu was a pro. After a few seconds a man came out of the house with a half eaten plate on his hands. Shu flushed, "Oh sorry we bothered you" He said, looking at Lui then back at the man.

"It's okay" The man said, eyeing them both. "Give me a minute" He said, walking in again and walking back out. The plate left behind. "Yes?"

"Mr. Ito?" Shu wondered, looking at him. He was a well build man with tanned skin and black hair matching with dark brown eyes. He looked like a person who knew the hardships of a life.

"Yes, that's me. And you are?"

"I'm Prince Kurenai Shu from Moeru Kingdom and this is Prince Shirosagi Lui from Hyoketsu"

The man's eyes widen, "Your highness" He suddenly said, "I'm really sorry for my lack of respect"

Lui snorted. Shu elbowed his harshly with an angry look before turning to the man. "That's fine! We didn't introduce ourselves properly anyway"

The man rushed them toward them house and have them seated. He shouted at the woman at next house to bring them something to drink. "That's my sister" Ito said, "Since my wife is away, she takes care of the kids and cooking."

"That's nice, where are the kids?" Shu asked, looking around.

"They must be playing"

Shu just nodded, getting ready to reveal the truth for this poor innocent man. "Actually" He started, looking at Lui then back at the man. "We came here to tell some important news"

"Yes?" He asked, suddenly curious but before he could continue the woman appeared again with two steaming cups of tea. She was a short woman with tan skin. His sister bowed at them and went back to the house, clearly not wanting anything else to know.

"It's" Shu sighed, gripping to the cup. "It's about your wife"

The man blinked, "Haruki?"

"Yes" Shu said, hesitating when finally Lui opened his mouth.

"I'm sorry to break it to you like this but she had been murdered"

Shu whipped his head to his side, "Lui-"

"Someone had to say it"

The man looked as if he was about to stumble, a look of horror passed his face as he whispered. "W-What?"

"I'm so sorry" Shu said, setting his cup aside. "I really am"

"Who murdered her?" He asked, his eyes narrowing. The innocent man's demeanor changing into a more furious one.

"We're still looking into that" Shu offered, "That's why we came here, to gather some information"

"Haruki was a good woman" The man cried, "Everyone admired her and she didn't even have any enemies. Who would want to kill her!?" He screamed.

Shu and Lui shared looks, "It didn't seem to them he would be in any position to tell anything and they didn't expect him to be"

Lui stood up, "We have to go. You'll have an official announcement in two days"

The man was completely out of it as they left the home and walked to his sister's house. The woman looked at the indifferently and muttered something under her breath, shutting the door to their faces. "What was that about?" Lui asked, frowning.

"I don't blame them. We brought bad news"

Lui rolled his eyes as they both walked out of the line of houses. The screams of the man had attracted a good deal of people around the area. The duo made their way out of the area when a small kid around five or six bumped on Shu. "Whoa" Shu said, stumbling a step back. "You okay?"

The kid was thin and small. He nodded, "Is mommy okay?" He asked, looking at them and back at the house where Mr.Ito was still screaming and cursing.

Shu knelt in front of him, cupping his tiny face in his hands, "Your mommy went to see God sweetheart" Shu talked, "She will always be with you"

The kid looked at them helplessly, "But mommy said-" He started when Ito's voice rang out.

"Keito, come here" He said. The child pushed away from them and ran along them path to his house. Shu turned back to Lui when his eyes caught another child, older than the other preferably the other kid of her. He just watched them solemnly before skipping the path to reach his home.

"It's another dead end" Lui sighed. They had gone around the village asking for any information but what all of them said was that she was a nice woman.

Shu petted Shiro's neck, nodding along. "Don't worry, let's hope others have found something"

"Hardly" Lui said, "You're still cold?"

"Kind of" Shu muttered. The truth was, cold was seeping to his bones.

"C'mon" Lui said, getting on to Kuro. He extended his hand for Shu to take. "If the two of us go on the same horse, there will at least be the body heat between the two of us. I don't want you dying before you save me"

Shu hesitated for a minute, turning back to Shiro. "He will follow us" Lui assured. Shu nodded, taking his hand as Lui helped him up. Shu relaxed almost instinctively. It was amazing how you can grow close to a person to the extension of relaxing at the mere hold of them. "Ready?"

Shu nodded, leaning back against Lui's chest. They journeyed in silence for couple of minutes until Shu finally found the strength to ask the question he was dreading to ask. "What happened yesterday? Or...should I ask, what did Kira do?"

"Huh?" Lui tensed, "Did you remember anything?"

Shu shook his head, "No, I just guessed. After you saw that in my mind, I can hardly believe you call me that, that's why"

"Yes" Lui admitted, "It's something he did that pissed me off and the groggy you wasn't helping"

Shu scowled, "Well I'm sorry for being on the verge of death"

Lui rolled his eyes, "You ain't forgiven"

"What did he do, Lui?"

Lui hesitated, "It's something I don't want to tell you like this. But I can assure you I stopped him before he could go too far"

Shu tensed against him, "What do you mean?"

"Calm down snowflake. He didn't do anything I swear. I was right there before anything happened"

Shu shivered, "Thank you? I guess?"

Lui snorted, "And now you remember to thank me? Ignoring me for a whole day?"

Shu clicked his tongue, "You could've just said that you missed my sweet little voice. If so, I would've made up with you earlier"

"I wish I could've shut that trap for another full hour or something"

"Well mister, you're too late for that" Shu said, with a small smile. "Thank you though. Really"

Lui shrugged pulling the reins as they passed a small stream. "I told you I'd be there to protect you. I'm just working to my word"

"What a gentleman" Shu mocked with a laugh. Shu leaned closer to Lui, yawning to the back of his hand. "Man, I am sure getting tired so easily these days. I used to hold off a lot more than this"

Even though Shu used a light hearted tone to state that Lui frowned. There was something indeed wrong with the albino. He had lost his fire, and now getting tired with just a couple of walks. "We need to see Mitsuba after we go to school" But his statement was met with silence. Lui looked down to see Shu, cuddling against his chest, his cheek mushed against his robes. Lui let out a concerned sigh. 

"We sure need to see what's wrong with you, snowflake" 

Finally! I finished another chapter! Sorry for the long wait my exams are killing me. This painfully slow updates will drag on till August and after that I'll shower ya'll with weekly updates. (If I don't get lazy lmao, but that's beside the point)

Anyways, tell me what ya'll think about Kira! My newest evil OC (Cue Kazuki's evil memories) (^-^)

So! Comment your ideas down below and honestly even though I don't get the chance to reply to them I always read them and find motivation to right which is very hard at the moment. Love you guys! Stay safe and sound.