The two had experience fighting with each other, Shu noted as the men split in a heartbeat and attacked him from either side. The albino jumped to the air expertly dodging making the two men's swords collide. Using the subtle distraction, male brought down his axe upon the two crossed swords. The men stumbled back. One of them grinned, wiping the sweat forming over his face from the back of his hand.

"He can do something alright"

The other ⸺ the quiet one, just nodded, attacking again. He's fast, Shu noticed when the sword caught the edge of his hand, nipping the skin.

The loud one was well built, strong with much force but not as fast as his companion. The two circled him again like two predators closing on a victim and as they attacked Shu tried to jump out of the danger when one of them grabbed onto his leg and threw him across the woods. Shu groaned as his body slammed against the bark of a sturdy tree.

"Don't use the same trick twice, kid" The strong one smiled.

Before he could recover from the earlier shock, the agile soldier dashed towards him, his sword drawn, Shu gingerly rolled out of the way and swept his foot on the mossy ground, tripping the other.

Picking up his axe, Shu brought it down on the male, the other brought his sword crossing it against the weapon.

"Got you" The bigger man attacked from the side, Shu barely had time to divert the attack using his fire but the albino wasn't able to stay completely out of the danger as the sword slashed against his hip, making a shallow cut across his skin.

Shu winced, staggering back. "An elemental user" The agile man stood. His eyes hardened. He raised his sword to Shu's chest level and spoke, his voice smooth like crystals but ebbed with evident astonishment. "Who are you?"

Shu could hear his own heart racing. The silence of the forest was eerie and had a haunting disturbance towards it.

"Who cares," The other man said, "Let's take him to our kingdom. We'd be paid in nice gold for a kid like that"

Shu tightened his grip on the axe. Before the others could attack, he took the chance and charged forward. The man bent and tried to drive his fist against Shu's stomach. Shu stopped him with his unoccupied bare hand and ignited his fire.

Screams of agony filled the air. The scent of burning flesh invaded their senses. Releasing his hand Shu let the man fall on his feet, writhing in pain as he clutched to his burned hand. The flesh melted showcasing the white bones underneath. Shu didn't spare a flinch as he turned to the other, staring at him with his eyes wide.

The man's smile didn't falter. He licked his lips as desire lit his eyes. "You're one of a kind aren't you"

The two of them engaged in crossing their weapons against each other for a while, both of them in full defence not daring to move into the grounds of offence.

But the other decided to break the monotony. He recoiled from another attack and sidestepped making a show of attacking from the left. When Shu readied himself for the attack, he spun on his heel and attacked with his right arm. His bare fist drove into Shu's side with such force it sent him staggering to the left.

Shu coughed trying to catch his breath when he attacked again. He weakly pushed back against a thick set of bushes to recompose himself.

"Now now, come out little one. Hiding is no use"

Shu breathed heavily, trying to formulate a plan. The man didn't give him much time.He cut through the vegetation revealing Shu, crouched beside one of them. "There you are!" He taunted, bringing down his fist again.

Shu blocked it with his axe. If he tried to use the technique he did earlier with the other person, he would easily be pushed back. This person had much strength unlike the other one.

Be fast, Shu thought. That's the only way.

He dashed back putting a considerable space in between him and the attacked. He pressed his foot on the ground and jumped. The man arrived closer, ready with his weapons. Shu brought down his axe upon him but as he guessed, was blocked.

Before the man could attack, he brought his left foot forward landing a solid kick on his left shoulder. The man didn't budge. "That tickled" He grinned, jumping back.

Shu clicked his tongue, "Who are you?"

"Oh finally talking, are we?"

Shu raised his brow, to which the man shrugged. "I can ask the same but now" He was dashing forward again. "We speak with our weapons"

Shu readied himself to his powerful blows. But when the man was close enough to launch a powerful assault upon him, he sidestepped. Appearing behind him was the other man. His hand was still bleeding. But his sword steady on his uninjured one, seeking revenge.

Shu didn't falter. It was almost as if his mind was clearer than it had ever been. Instinctively, Shu blocked with his axe and ignited a fire which blazed through, momentarily blinding the man.

Taking the delay for his advantage, Shu launched forwards and drove the axe across his leg.

The man screamed falling back. Blood splattered the air. A thin streak landed on Shu's face, colouring the edge of his vision and eyelashes in a haunting, bloody red. "Fuck" The big man exclaimed, kneeling beside his fallen companion.

Shu walked towards them and pressed his axe against the uninjured one's neck. "Any last words?"

The man growled and then screamed. "You little shit-" He spun on his feet driving his sword against Shu in pure fury and madness.

But it was a fact that a clouded mind can never take a solid aim. Shu easily dodged and brought down his axe on his shoulder.

Shu felt the flesh piercing under the force of the sharp edges of the axe. The man was on his knees in front of him, blood pooling under him making the mossy ground a lamenting red.

"Back off" His voice was cold, ruthless. His crimson eyes, dull and detached.

"Shu"

Valt's voice. The albino snapped back from his trance and blinked. He stared at the two men, who had fallen in front of him. Each one trembling in agony. The smaller man is on the brink of death, barely breathing. The strong one, still very much alive, clutching to his hand only held onto his body by a thin strip of flesh.

"What the-" He heard someone's sharp inhale behind him. Shu didn't dare to turn. He stared, thinking he was dreaming.

Did he do all this?

"Shu" Valt touched his elbow, his fingertips carefully grazing his milky white skin. Paler than most.

Shu finally turned, not wanting to stare into this inhumanity in front of him, caused by his own self. "Y-yes?"

Free and Sasha just watched as Valt tried to speak. "What happened here?"

Shu shook his head, "They came attacking." He bluntly pointed at the two men. "Said we're trespassing or something"

"You did this all on your own?" Valt asked, and Shu didn't blame him. He could hardly believe he was capable of such violence.

"I wasn't thinking and Lui" Shu stopped, turning towards the White Tyrant who was still unconscious, leaning against the bark of a tree where he had left him.

Free finally moved. He walked past the two fallen men towards the White Tyrant and took his pulse. Shu hesitantly followed him. "We need to get him to a healer"

"What happened?" Shu questioned, "Did the Scorpion kingdom fall?"

Free nodded, his eyes on the ground. "Yes. When we went there, everything was in chaos but our group had the upper hand. So, we came here searching for you two wandering if you guys have run into trouble"

Shu glanced at the bodies. Sasha was checking the headband trying to determine where they're from. Valt was scanning Shu's face with his hazel eyes lit with worry. A moment after, the girl walked back to them, her face painted with a grim expression. "I think we're at the borders of the Scorpion kingdom. They're from the neighbouring land"

Free hummed, "Okay then. We should leave now. His situation is bad." The blonde stood and hauled one of Lui's hand around his shoulder bringing him to an upright position.

"What about them?" Valt asked, gesturing at the two fallen soldiers.

Sasha's gaze flicked across Shu's as she answered, "One of them is dead, the other barely alive, won't be long"

Beside him, Shu inhaled sharply. The blonde stared at the albino long and hard, quizzically. His dark eyes held a myriad of unresolved questions. "Okay" Free said, "Let's go"

Sasha nodded, falling a step behind Free when Valt called out. "You guys go ahead. I'll come with Shu"

Sasha raised her brow, "How are you guys going to find the path?"

"The wolf" Valt trailed off, turning to Shu. The latter nodded, gesturing at the forest where earlier she had run off.

"Okay then" Free said, turning to leave. "Don't be late"

The two friends watched their companions disappear through the maze of trees. Shu was still sitting by the tree where Lui was resting moments ago. He now turned to look down at his hands, sticky with blood ⸺ now dried to a reddish brown drawing patterns across his palms.

"Shu" A hand on his shoulder. Shu turned. Valt was crouched beside him, his hand still upon the albino's shoulder. "Let's go and wash your hands"

Shu nodded and stood with him. They walked to the brook and Shu dipped his hands into the water, threads of red colouring the once clear brook. "Are you okay?"

Shu nodded though he was far from being okay. He was not okay with the way he felt. How he didn't feel an ounce of sympathy towards those people, horrifyingly butchered by his own two hands. He turned his hands and inspected them. His nails caked with blood. Red streaks etched to his skin that water seemed pointless against them.

Valt dipped his hands in the water and caught Shu's on his. He brushed his thumb across the clear, smooth skin of the albino wiping away the remnants of the battle⸺ the blood, the dirt. If only water could wash away the memories, Shu silently thought. If only he could erase the incident.

"Look this way," Valt instructed. Shu obediently turned when the hazel-eyed male brushed his fingers dripping with water over his face, wiping off the blood on his pale white skin. Shu closed his eyes trying to relax under his best friend's comforting touch, under the gentle hold of the cold water against his skin.

"Thank you" Shu murmured, still unable to look him in the eye. Right at the cue, Luna dashed from the forest towards the two males sitting by the brook. She panted, her tongue lolling out of her mouth revealing the pinkish gum and deadly white canines gleaming in the afternoon sun. Lunar sniffed the air. Catching the smell of the blood, she enthusiastically turned to the way the men lied, in their own pools of blood.

"Don't" Shu said, catching her. He wrapped his arms around Luna's neck and buried his face into her soft fur. "Don't go there"

The wolf was impatient. It was another predator ⸺ an animal, easily excited from the mere scent of blood. But upon the desperation of her master's voice, Luna stopped and sat down, burying her own nose in Shu's milky white locks ⸺an immature but caring attempt to console him.

"Let's go" Valt stood up and extended his hand. Shu took it and let the former pull him up from the ground. They followed Luna as she guided them through the maze of trees and bushes. Shu followed them half-heartedly. His crimson eyes, still on the ground. His heart yearning for something, anything that would make him feel less like a monster.

---

Lui opened his eyes, trying to make out where he was. His brain was muddled, memories a mess of all the former incidents. He blinked, trying to make out the room past the blur edges of his sight. Around him, everything looked a deformed shape. Lui closed his eyes yet again before opening. This time, it was a bit better.

There was no one in the room, Lui noticed, violet eyes scanning the empty hut. It was certainly odd. Any other time Shu would've refused to leave him alone in such a disvelshed state. He massaged his temples, trying to recall the memories of the day when the door opened and Free accompanied by Gou stepped in.

Lui raised his brow as Gou rushed to his side⸺ eager and clearly relieved to see him okay. "How are you feeling?"

Lui nodded, "I'm fine" His eyes were on Free. The blonde's face had taken a rare expression of seriousness.

What the hell happened while he was unconscious anyway?

"What happened?" He asked, taking in the gloomy expressions.

Gou shared a glance with Free to which the latter nodded. "The Scorpion kingdom fell. Sasha went back to the kingdom to fortify it's early rulers and pass the throne to the rightful king"

Lui nodded, this was not the information he yearned to hear. Free kept staring, his dark eyes igniting a smouldering confusion, an intensity. "Can I have a moment?" The blonde finally asked. "There's something I need to discuss with Lui in private"

Gou rightfully stood up. "Of course." He smiled at the White Tyrant. "Take care, Lui"

The male rolled his eyes, "Fine" He grumbled watching his best friend leaving the hut and the blonde haired male walking up to the chair in front of the bed. "It's about Shu, isn't it?" Lui questioned.

"Yes" The blonde answered, "Actually something weird has been going on with Shu. I noticed since the arrival of the Dark Continent, his strength has grown rapidly." Free stopped, "I'm not criticising it, but I'm surprised how his sickness seems to have reduced on a massive scale, do you understand what I'm saying?"

Lui nodded, he was not blind. He noticed it too. "I noticed"

Free leaned back on his chair, "The fight you two had back in the Scorpion dens, I know you're an impulsive person by nature" Free slipped a smile at him, "But not Shu. Something is clearly bothering him"

Lui let his mind wander the past few days with the albino. His impulsive reactions, his sudden favouration for solitary walks. It's almost as if he was trying to tear himself apart from the rest of the group. "And today" Free said, "He defended you against two men"

Lui looked up alarmed, "Is he okay?"

Free nodded grimly. "He is. But the two men were killed"

Lui's heart stilled. What? His heart asked. "What?" His mouth spoke.

"Yes," Free confirmed, "After we came back here, he checked on you and walked straight into the forest saying he needed space. Cuza went to check on him a few hours ago and told us he was sitting near a cliff, just staring at the sun"

Lui was already on his feet. Free stood and placed a palm on his shoulder. "Wait, Lui"

The male looked at the other, "What?"

Free shook his head, "Just" He shrugged, "Talk him some sense"

"Will do'' Lui walked out of the door and started making his way through the forest. The sky was a dim scarlet, the darkness making patterns across the kaleidoscopic colours of the twilight. He walked through the trees, leaves closely woven together making the forest appear even darker than it was. After a while, the sound of footsteps caught his ears. Not a human, an animal. Paws thudding against the dirt and Luna's figure appeared between the cluster of trees. She circled his feet, pushing her nose against his legs. "Where's Shu?" He asked, clearly knowing she would lead him to Shu and proving true to his thoughts led him through the trees.

He heard the male before he saw him. Not a loud scream, not even the clinking sound of his axe but something solid⸺ a thud no louder than the call of the birds. Lui stepped through a set of bushes when he saw the albino. His face beaded with sweat, his hair ⸺ which is almost always in a high ponytail, was in disarray, locks tangled together in a delirium. And the reason Lui stopped dead on his feet was the state of his knuckles; bloody and bruised. The male was punching the bark of the tree with resolute focus, the hard exterior, the splinters ebbed on the wilderness of the tree dug into his pale white knuckles, peeling off the skin.

Lui snapped out of his stance. Shu didn't seem to notice his presence at all and when he reached the red-eyed male and captured his hand stopping the assault, Shu flinched in surprise. "Lui" His voice was levelled, but his eyes were wild.

"Yes, it is me" Lui took his wrists and held them in front of him, staring at his ruined hands. "What is this, Shu?"

Shu tried to snatch them back but Lui's grip was steady and hard. The albino gave up and averted his gaze to the ground like he always did when he was thrusted upon questions he never had the answers for. "Shu" Lui said again, his voice calm. "Look at me"

Shu flexed his fingers feeling the stinging pain as the skin over his knuckles moved, hesitating before looking into those violet eyes. "Tell me, what's it?"

"It's just" The albino started, trying to build up the sentences and the words to describe it all. But most of the time, we stumble through words, the very sounds and syllables which makes us able to share our thoughts becomes a curse. Often, words fail us when we need them the most.

Lui didn't speak. He kept silent, waiting for him to speak. Knowing Shu would speak but he would need time to gather his thoughts. "Something weird is happening" Shu first said, "It's like-It's like I have no humanity left in me anymore" In his haste to reveal Shu was exaggerating the situation, but he didn't care. He wanted to tell, and Lui was listening. That was more than enough.

"I've killed three men, Lui. I don't know what to feel anymore"

Lui hummed, "You were just trying to save me, weren't you? All these times when you came into contact with one of them, you were just trying to protect me" He leaned forward that they were just a breath apart. "If you were in danger, I wouldn't give a fuck who it is, I would end them. It's the impulse, Shu. Instinct to protect the ones you love"

Shu was already shaking his head, discarding those words. "It's not just the kills. It's how I feel about them. I have no regret, no sympathy left to give them. It's like I almost, I almost" He stopped, searching for a word. "...enjoyed? Yes, something like that. Even when I'm thinking back about it, I don't feel a thing. I'm just... empty. And my mind keeps telling me how I can do that any time I want. It's all messed up"

Lui listened to him ramble and after his rant Shu choked on his words uttering the sentence he wanted to get out from his heart the most. "I think I'm finally turning into a monster."

"No" Lui simply said, "Shu listen" But he wasn't. Shu was staring at the ground, his eyes wide as he tried to breathe through the voices in his head. The word monster repeating and echoing through the depths of his mind. Lui grabbed his shoulder, "Hey, calm down" He tried, but the albino wasn't listening.

Lui stared for a minute, helpless, unable to figure out a way to help the albino. He has to calm down. Lui thought. Without another thought, the White Tyrant pulled him in, connecting their lips together taking the other by complete surprise.

Lui tilted his head. Cupping Shu's cheek, he wrapped the other around his waist, keeping him balanced. His thumb rubbed comforting circles on his hip.

Shu whimpered quietly into the kiss, feeling Lui's finger brush over the cut he received from the earlier battle. Lui softened his grip, feeling Shu's hands on his back, clutching to his robe. They kiss and kiss, shutting off the rest of the thoughts from their minds. The White Tyrant deepened the kiss, tasting the sweet, delightful flavour of his lover.

Shu clutched to him tighter, blinking away the tears in his eyes and holding onto Lui as if he was his lifeline, the thread of sanity he was hanging onto.

Lui broke the kiss gasping for breath. Shu was no better, he was breathless and his cheeks flushed red. His eyes, still dull but not frenzied as before. "Are you calm now?"

Shu pressed his lips together and nodded, refusing to meet his eyes but also refusing to let go of his hold. "Thank you"

Lui pulled him into a hug and rested his face on his disarrayed white locks, knowing Shu didn't want to talk anymore. "Anytime, Snowflake." He murmured.

Shu rested his head on his chest, "Are you feeling okay?"

"I'm starving"

Shu chuckled, "Right"

The pair made their way through the forest towards the village. Shu nursed his bruised knuckles gingerly throughout the way. From the small windows of the huts, yellow lights illuminated as if the stars had tumbled to the village itself. The road was basking in the same golden lights, the flame of the oil lamp dancing to the soft breeze. Shu felt relaxed in this tranquillity. Most of the villagers resting under their thatched roofs, succumbing to dreams and the rest after a long day.

Shu didn't think there would be a crowd waiting for them by the hut. But there was. A concerned Valt. A stern Free was waiting for them accompanied by Sasha who was staring at Shu as if she was trying to look inside him ⸺trying to determine who he was, Shu wished he knew too. He wanted to know what he was.

Lui raised his brow at the squad, "What?"

Free shrugged, "So you two are back, all good?"

Shu averted his gaze to the ground. "Sorry, about earlier"

Free hummed. He looked in between Shu and Lui, his dark eyes not showing a hint of leniency. "I would not want to see any of that again. Especially when we're in a battle"

Shu nodded, "Yes, I understand"

"Whatever," Lui grumbled. Sasha was shifting from foot to foot. Her brows pinches, her eyes storming with an unknown knowledge.

"I need to show you all something" She suddenly said, her words aiming at the albino. "Come with me"

The four males shared a glance wondering the reasons behind her sudden declaration. They followed her towards the main building, past the wooden doors⸺ the paper covered slits glowering under the strong light of the oil lamps inside. The servants were rushing about. Shu could hear the distant cluttering and the sounds of his friends talking, triumph seeping through their tones after the successful attack.

They passed through the triumph, the chatter. Shu nervously pressed his knuckles against his thighs, the cloth growing damp under the stain of blood ⸺ the trickle had reduces but the flesh screamed in agony, keeping the albino alert of the danger, and surprises that might be waiting for him.

Sasha led them towards the farthest room. It was vacant except for the thick, woollen rug on the floor ⸺ a faded brown after years of using. The room was in semi-darkness. Sasha reached towards the metal slot carrying the torch. Dry palm leaves twisted into a cone-shaped structure. The flames hissing and popping in her hand. The girl tugged at one of the ends of the rag, and surely underneath it was a door with a metal seal on it ⸺ two fishes, their twisting bodies encircling the other making a circle. She pressed her palm against it as the latch came off automatically.

The four boys were watching in wonder as the girl opened the door, her torch lighting up the start of the staircase underneath it. She gestured at them to go in. In front of Shu, Free and Lui shared a glance and with silent agreement finally stepped in. Valt and Shu followed their lead and started making their way down the stairwell.

Shu subconsciously lit a flame on his finger, aiding the light of Sasha's torch. She had yet again taken the lead. She guided them through a series of narrows paths which strangely reminded Shu of the twisting maze inside the Scorpion kingdom. His insides clenched at the thought of that hideous place.

Sasha stopped in front of a massive opening. A natural door created by pure stone, stern but smooth to the touch of the fingertips. Free stepped into the natural cave, carved by stone ⸺ the wall dipping and curving. Sasha entered the torch to the metal slot by the door. It was only then the Blonde noticed the light inside the place. Unlike the stairwell or the outside which was engulfed by darkness, the cave was bright. He couldn't make out the source of light but it was there making the cave look as if it's been engulfed in eternal spring.

His eyes traced the waterfall in front of him. Colourful stone ⸺ mostly red, blue and green, stacked into a pillar. From the roof of the cave leaked a steady stream of crystal clear water, the small brook made its way through the stone pillar and fell into the pond in front of it.

That was it.

The light was coming from the pond. The water⸺ the surface wrinkled with waves were glowing in bright gold. The light was moving, beams of gold dancing across the dark stone walls. It was almost as if they were standing in the midst of a festival, the festival glory and the spirit high around them. He made his way towards the water, curious to see the cause when his dark eyes captured the sight of two glowing fish ⸺ chasing each other in the pond in seamless wonder and mischief. It was a sight to savour, and Free found himself spellbound to the exotic beauty of it.

"What is this?" A transfixed voice asked. Free didn't turn, his eyes wouldn't allow him.

Sasha turned to Valt, "The holy fishes that protect our land"

"Like the Scorpion in that kingdom?" Lui questioned.

"Yes" Sasha answered, her eyes were still fixed on Shu. The albino was standing away from the group.

"Why did you take us here?" Free finally tore his gaze from the pond.

Sasha inhaled sharply, "I wanted to make sure of something" She said, now fully turning to Shu. The rest followed her example, and with united confusion turned to the albino. Then, almost as if to prove her point, screams replaced the silence inside the cave. 

Heya! hope everyone is having a good day :DD

So, it's been quite a while since I wrote a small chapter for this book wefoewfo Sorry for being inactive for the past few weeks! Hope you guys enjoy the update!

Vote and comment!

See ya! <3333