Anger is not a bad thing, if directed the right way.

He is choking the life out of me. Literally. I can't kick him off, he is too heavy, but I will not die like this. I feel a surge of familiar power, and throw it out into this monster. He isn't a demon, but is mark with tattoos. He begins to choke and tremble. He shakes and loosens his grip, creating an opening for me to finish him off. I feel an immense anger and let my power build up inside him, until he can't take the pressure anymore and explodes, sending his body parts flying. Blood splatters all around me, on me, in my hair, my clothes. My hands are coated in blood. I scream, distantly hearing someone calling my name. Well more like screaming it.

I wake up with a start. My breath racing and hart beating fast in my chest. Yuna sits on the edge of my bed, hair still messy from sleep, but her eyes is what catches my attention. Or more what is inside them. Fear and panic overshadow all her other emotions.

"Snow! By the angels," She exclaimed, pulling me into a hug. I can feel myself trembling with terror. I pull away looking at my hands, turning them over to make sure the blood is gone. When there is none, only then did I breath a sigh of relieve. She took my face in her hands, forcing me to look at her.

"What the hell was that? Why were you screaming bloody murder?" She exclaims again. I wince at the volume of her voice. Then the door burst open, my friends tumbling in. On que stuff falls from the ceiling. They all shriek and jump back, tripping over each other to avoid being squashed. I frown. Where the hell did that stuff come from?

"Snow! You better start explaining on what's going on here!" Cinthea yelled, pointing an umbrella at me. My frown only deepens. That's when I realise all of them are holding makeshift weapons.

"What are you doing?" I ask them. That seems to be the best question to ask that would give me all the answers I'm looking for.

"What are we doing?" Cinthea exclaims again, then tries to untangle herself from the massive human pile in front of my door. She stands up and marches over to me, still clutching her umbrella in a bone white grip.

"What are you doing?" She continues on yelling. "You are the one who wakes everyone up in the middle of the night, screaming and bellowing, we thought something happened to Yuna!"

"And you thought a princess umbrella would solve the problem?" I eye the "weapon" in her hand. Fairytale princess' decorated the top, each displaying their power or weapon. I try to hide a smile.

"At least you get points for showing girl power," I joke. She narrows her eyes at me.

"Explain. Now," She says in a low voice. I sigh and wipe my face with my hands.

"I had a dream. Or more like a vision, really. It's not the first time I've dreamt about this, but it is the first time its so vivid," I take a deep breath, then tell them about my vision.

"It starts with a guy. Blond, muscular. Strong jaw and crazy handsome-"

"Well that doesn't sound so bad," Thea interrupted, coming to sit next to me on the bed, I notice she's holding a pan in her hand. I wonder where she got it. I'll have to ask her about that later.

"Well, what are you doing in the vision?" I can hear the underlining tone, and know what she really means. I shake my head.

"Nothing like that. Its just a flash with him smirking at me. I can't even see the background, but that's not what made me scream. After that another flash appears. This one containing more detail. I'm at a party, or some sort of dance, but I don't know with whom, but I'm definitely there with somebody. Then this guy with tattoos, or maybe marks, attacks me. I try to fight him off, but he's too strong and manages to pin me too the ground. Then he starts to choke me, and instincts kick in. I force my power inside him," I choke on my words. I clutch the sheets to anchor me.

"What happened then?" Thea asks softly.

"You don't have to tell us," Yuna says, but I shake my head. I need to tell them, otherwise this might just eat me up from the inside.

"My power chokes him, slowly killing him from inside. When he finally loosens his grip I send a full force attack, making him explode into pieces, resulting in his blood splattering everywhere," I hug myself, hating how vulnerable I felt.

"Mother above," Cinthea whispered, "I'm so sorry I pushed you," She tells me.

"No, its okay. I woke you, by screaming. You deserve to know what's going on," I tell them. I didn't have to look up to see the sympathy in their eyes. For some reason that angers me. I don't need their sympathy. What I need is a shower to try and scrub my mind clean from that horror I just went through. I abruptly stood and told them I need a shower, before disappearing into the bathroom. I turn on the shower and climb in.

I don't need their pity. Yes they mean well, but what I need right now, is to try and stop this vision thing, because I cannot dream that dream every night, and each time it gets more real than the last. Who knows how far into the future this is. It could happen in years time. Nobody will get any sleep if I wake them everytime with my nightmares, and worse to know what I might do to that monster-person-guy thing, is terrible.

I get out, and get dressed, but just before I walk into the room I hear my name. I don't know why I stopped to listen, I'm sure they would've told me anyway what they were discussing. Yeah, like they told you how dark you've become, a little voice in the back of my mind whispered. Buzz off, I shot back.

"Maybe we should tell Mrs, Hathaway. She knows more about this than we do," Thea says.

"You know she would never allow that," Yuna argues. Damn Straight, I thought.

"It doesn't matter what she would allow and what not. She would rather let herself suffer than ask for help, not realising that that she's making the rest of us suffer too," Cinthea's voice rises and Yuna shush's her. She glances back toward the door, but I move so I could stay hidden. This could be my chance to hear exactly what they're feeling, without them surger coating it.

"Keep your voice down," Yuna hisses. "Snow is going through a lot right now, and this is her way of dealing with it."

"By pushing us away, you mean?" Cinthea argues. "Her stubbornness is what's going to get one of us killed."

Ouch. So they agree with Cid.

"You know, for someone who supports her so openly in front of her, you sure got a lot to say behind her back," Fay observes and I can't help but agree with her. I thought we mended our relationship, but it seems there is still some issues we have to sort out. I can hear her spluttering on the other side of the door.

"That...I...I'm just saying. She has the potential to make a difference in the world, but she would rather cower in fear of hurting someone, but when she is offered help, she refuses," Cinthea argues. That's not true. Didn't I agree to train with the prince, or is that not enough for her?

"She agreed to the prince helping her," Thea pointed out. Like she read my mind, I thought.

"That's after she was threatened that she'd lose her positon in the Guardian Core, if she didn't get control of her powers," Cinthea says.

"I thought your issues with Snow was resolved," Yuna observed quietly. I started. Was she talking about the conflict with my parents? But why do I get the feeling that's not all she is talking about? There was silence for a moment, before Cinthea spoke:

"It was, I mean it is, but its still the truth. The big, ugly truth," Cinthea stated.

"But it's the not the truth! It's just your opinion," Yuna argued back. I rest my head against the wall. What is the truth then, if we each believe a different thing? Is that why the villain is never the villain in their own story, because they're only believing in their own truth. We each view the truth differently, but who is right in the end? What is the ultimate truth?

"It may be, but you are thinking it, or maybe you thought it once in the past two months, so don't turn on me just for saying it out loud," Cinthea pointed out.

"But that's just the thing isn't it. You all think I'm crazy for wanting to unite the five nations, even though it'll help us destroy these demons once and for all, but you won't tell me that to my face. So why would you do that to her?" I wince at her words and guilt flooded into my system. She knew all along what we thought. The discreet glances, the way we would watch her with worried eyes, she knew about it all. She stands with me through all of this, but I never returned the favour. I square my shoulders. Well not anymore. I'll stand with her, for real this time. Maybe I'll even help her accomplish her dreams.

"That's not the point. What I'm trying to say is, she's got amazing parents who gave her the power to end this war between human and demon and to end the bloodshed before anyone else gets hurt," There was something in Cinthea's voice that made me pause and something she said too. I recognise the tone. Its hurt. Then it hits me, like a full blown punch in the stomach and between the eyes.

Holy seven hells.

How could I have forgotten. Her brother Jonathan. six years older than her, died in a battle trying to save her and her other brother when she was only seven. They were playing outside the city, when a demon attacked. It was a small one, but one nonetheless. Jonathan held the demon off while Cinthea and her other brother escaped. They ran for help, but when they returned it was too late. Jonathan was mangled and shred to pieces. Their family never recovered. Cinthea always said he was the best big brother she could've asked for. Noël, her other brother, three years older than her, works in the kings guard at the palace. They both swore they would avenge their brother and live the life Jonathan was suppose to live. That's why Cinthea joined the Guardian Core. I never realised how important this is for her until now. I never realised that she might have wanted the ability to destroy the demons and avenge her brother. Just like I want with my mother and father. Even though its not the same. She was close with Jonathan. I didn't know who my parents was until a few months ago.

I'm such an idiot. We all lost someone, a sibling, a parent, an aunt. Someone we love. Its an unfair world we live in and yet we just have to survive.

No more hiding. No more being afraid. I was given these powers for a reason, its time a use them for good. I step in to the room and the conversation ceased. I look around innocently. They don't need to know I was eavesdropping.

"What're you guys talking about?" I ask.

"Just the... um..." Fay began. Her eyes darting all over the place. She always was a horrible liar.

"The way everything floated in the room when we first came in," Thea finished helpfully. I frown. So that's why things were falling to the floor when I got a grip on my emotions.

"Is that what woke you up?" I ask Yuna. She shakes her head.

"No, you were mumbling and thrashing in your sleep, so I knew you were having nightmares. Then when I tried to wake you, things started getting this red glow around them and started lifting off the floor hovering in the air, but you wouldn't wake up," She tells me. I look around and see pieces of glass lying on the floor, accompanied by pillows and teddy bears and a few drawers pulled out.

"I'm sorry. I replace the stuff that broke," I offer, but she waves it off.

"Don't worry about it. Its cheap stuff. I can easily replace the stuff," I nod and offer her a small smile. She smiles back and pat the seat next to her.

"Did the shower help?" She asks me and I nod.

"Yeah, it helped me clear my head a little, but it also made me realise that I don't need to be afraid of using my powers. I got it for a reason and I'm getting help to get it under control. So I'm going to do everything in my power to stop the demons and stop them from hurting or killing anyone else," When I said this, I looked at Cinthea. "I have the ability to make a difference, so that's exactly what I'm going to do." I say, using her words. Her eyes widen when realising I heard what she said and tears well up in her eyes. Maybe its tears of gratitude or shame, I'm not quite sure, but I know she got the message: I will avenge your brother. And my parents, and anyone else that might've died at the hands of those monsters. Yuna yawns.

"Alright, its late, we should all try to get some sleep," Yuna says and gets up to emphasize her point. Her message is recieved loud and clear: I am tired and your are in my room, so get out. I hide a smile and also get up, even though I am already sitting in my bed.

Fay and Thea each gives me tight hug, before leaving to go to their shared room. Cinthea also gives me a hug and whispers in my ear.

"Thank you, and I'm sorry," She pulls back with tears in her eyes, before walking away to her room. I don't know why, but for some reason that's a heavy loaded apology. Like their might be more to the story than I suspect. No, I banish the thought. I'm just paranoid. No reason to distrust her, when she has done nothing for me to think I can't trust her, but even as I think that, I can't shake the feeling that she is hiding something.

-----

"We will begin by practising your control over your powers. Telekinesis is a strong ability, but if you lose control, it can be mighty dangerous," Prince Noctis lectures. He arrived on time today after our morning training and I was just too glad it was finally over. I kept being stared at or people would whisper behind their hands, like the past wasn't enough already and if I moved too fast for their liking, they would shrink back. Or flinch. Yuna reassured me that they would get use to it and then get over their fear. Its not like we are close or have a special bond, but there have to be some level of trust and respect between Guardians.

"Its fear of the unknown," Yuna told me. "And knowing that you're Arthur and Rose Kingston's daughter, makes it extra scary. You are a legend."

I huff in response. I didn't want to be a legend. I just wanted to be the greatest Guardian alive. Now I've got all this extra power, unwanted power, might I add and on top of that everyone is afraid of me.

Great. Just great.

The boys weren't there, since the others returned from their missions. Well most did. Two were lost in an encounter with a poisonous demon. We lit the candles before we began training, like we always do for our fallen. Its a symbolic gesture. We honour those who have fallen with a candle. The fire represents their spirit when they were alive, and then after a moment we blow the fire out, and bow our heads in thanks for their service.

After training Noctis and his friends showed up. I haven't yet spoken to them, but they each gave a descent enough greeting. Promto though, kept his distance, which definitely hurt more than it should've. Its not like I have feelings for the guy, but still, I thought maybe I could make some friends outside the Guardian Core, but it seems everybody still likes to keep their distance. Three steps forward, five steps back.

"Snow?" Noctis waved a hand in front of my face.

"Hmm?" I blinked.

"Did you hear what I said?" He asked me.

"Yes, I heard you and I gathered as much," I told him. "But I did try to figure it out on my own, it worked, if I really concentrated hard enough." It wasn't as bad as it was in the beginning when the slight shift of my mood would make things float, but I still couldn't get it to work whenever I wanted. Noctis nods. Its so weird actually to see him this serious. Usually he would comment on my lack of knowledge or grin at least, but he is completely focused.

"I saw, but I think its because something is blocking you," He studies me like he can see what's blocking me, or whatever.

"Blocking me? I don't think so. I would know if it did," I fold my arms and lift my head defiantly. A smirk pulls at his lips, but fortunately he knows better than to follow through with it.

"Physically, no. Mentally, perhaps," He takes a step closer and I narrow my eyes at him.

"Why don't you try to lift a few things so I can try and see what the problem is," He directed to the weapons rack against the far side of the wall. My brows lift.

"You sure? I wouldn't want to accidently stab you," I tell him, making him snort.

"Just lift it up and let me worry about dodging your flying swords," He waves his hand in the air, very dramatically. Probably emphasizing his point about flying swords. Wait a minute. Does he mean I won't control the swords? Does he really think I've got that little control over my powers? I'll show him. I turn toward the weapons rack and lift my hand. I concentrate on the red glow appearing around my hands and extend it towards the rack. The glow appeared around one of the swords and a minute later it lifts in the air. I concentrate even harder to bring the sword to my outstretched hand. When I finally have the sword in my grip, I let out a breath I didn't realise I've been holding. Then someone let out a very loud yawn.

"Man, and here I thought this would be fun, but this is just boring," A familiar voice says. I turn and see Promto sitting on the floor, stretching like a cat. I have my free hand on my him and glare at him.

"This is a training session. Why on earth would you think it would be fun?" I ask him. Promto stands making his way over. My friends are leaning back-to-back against each other, looking tired and bored, except for Cinthea. She and Gladiolus are standing next to each other, talking animatedly. Ignis is bent over, working on something.

"I don't know, but when I think of training, it seems a lot more fun," Promto shrugs. My brows raise.

"Don't you train?"

"Why yes, yes I do, but at least my training sessions are more eventful," He stuffs his hands into his pockets, watching us. "Have you figured out what's blocking her yet?"

"Yes, I think so," He looks thoughtful then turns to me. "I noticed the way you're concentrating on your powers. Like its an individual thing, but its not. Its an extension of you. You are in control of your power. Think of it as a switch being clicked. Its either on or off, no inbetween, otherwise things might get out of control," Noctis explains. It makes sense, to a degree. Though its hard not to think of my power as something different.

"Look," He spreads his fingers and and electricity dances at his fingertips, then suddenly it switches to blue fire.

"Whoah," I take a step back. I've heard about his electricity turning into a blue flame. The two abilities aren't seperate, I've heard that he can only access his blue flame, if he channels enough energy into his electricity to become a flame. What? Just because I didn't like him, doesn't mean I didn't hear things.

"This power is a part of me, so if I want to make the flame grow bigger-" The flames engulfed his entire hand, then it grew even bigger, "I only think it and channel my energy into my power. Like fuel. So you'll need to find your fuel, if you want to learn to control your ability," The flame dies, and he crosses his arms. I stare at him.

"Aren't you supposed to be helping me with that?" I exclaim. I thought the whole purpose of these training sessions is to help me understand and control this power. The prince grins.

"Not everything can be taught, and besides, I don't know how telekinesis works. I've heard about the power, but its a little tricker than most, to understand. The power needs complete focus, since it can move stuff without a thought. So if you think too much, everything will spin into the air. Some of the most powerful warriors with your ability didn't even need to lift a finger, they just thought it, and they could kill armies without even being in the battle itself," What he says is actually scary. I mean to lift stuff without moving my hands must be incredible, and here I'm struggling to lift a single thing with my hands.

"Try again," Noctis takes the sword from my hand and puts it back on the weapons rack. I blow out a breath and try to focus again, but its kind of hard when everyone is staring at you waiting for something to happen. I breath in through my nose. Its a part of you. It should be easy. But nothing happens. I try to summon my telekinesis, but its completely gone. No, not gone, just absent. Why is it absent?

"Uhh, Snow. Incase you weren't sure, this is the part where you kinda have to use your powers to move the swords," Promto says, breaking the little concentration I had. I huff and glare at him.

"Don't you think I'm trying? Or do you think I'm staring at swords for fun, because its such a regular thing for me to do," I deadpan and he throws up his hands.

"I'm just saying. Don't bite my head off," He tells me. I sigh, but I can see him trying to fight a smile.

"Its not funny. I don't know what's going on. My powers worked a few minutes ago, and now... its not," I finish lamely. Promto nods.

"Maybe you need a little push in the right direction," He says walking toward the rack. I frown. What is he talking about?

"Promto, what are you doing?" Noctis asks him, stepping forward when Promto picks up a few daggers, twirling one between his fingers. My thoughts exactly. What in the seven hells is he doing. Promto doesn't answer, instead he takes a dagger, takes aim... wait. He is taking aim right at me. Don't tell me h-

He throws.

The dagger flies lightning fast toward me. I scream and dive out of the way. Thank the cauldron for my Guardian skills, otherwise I could not have dodged that. The dagger lodges itself in the door, so deep I wonder if we'll be able to get it out. I whirl on Promto.

"What the hell, Promto. Are you crazy?" I yell, but he doesn't seem affected at all. "Are you even listening? That is not normal. No ordinary human being can throw like that," I point towards the dagger, but do a double take when I find my friends trying to pull it out, making it a game to see who can.

Wow, way to rain on my angry parade. I can't fight of my smile. They must be really bored. Thea plants her feet firmly against the door, and tug at the dagger. At that moment Cid decided to open the door.

"Everything alright? I heard a scream," She eyes the daggers in Promto's hands, before turning her attention to us. I shake my head, trying to hide a smile at Thea, for making faces behind Cid's head. She really looks funny hanging onto the dagger like that.

"Yep, everything is fine. Just training," I try to refrain from looking at Thea, because Cid is giving me an odd look.

"Alright," Cid starts to close the door, but at the last second, peers around it. "And Thea, if you're going to pull faces behind my back, try not to get caught," Cid gives me a pointed look. Thea blushes and laughs sheepishly.

"Sorry, Captain."

Cid nods and points at the boys.

"No wrecking my training room. Prince or no, I want it in tact by tomorrow," Not waiting for a reply, she slams the door shut, with Thea still hanging on. The dagger comes loose, and she hits the floor with a thump. She groans and I can't help the laugh that escapes my mouth. I shake my head and turn back to Promto, with my hands on my hips.

"Any other dangerous blades you wanna throw at me? Because by all means, go on ahead. I just love the idea of being impaled by daggers."

He glances at Noctis, then shrugs. "Okay." He lifts the daggers again and pulls back to throw.

"Wait-" I try to protest but the dagger already left his hand. I dodge, the first, but then the second one is already in front of me. I dodge that one, and manage to dodge the third, but the fourth was suddenly there. I panic and throw my hands up. Not the best move, I know, but I didn't have time to think it through. Then something strange, yet amazing happened.

With my eyes squeezed shut, I suddenly feel my power connect with me. Something warm in my chest comes alive. Like a switch being clicked. And its like... its hard to explain, but suddenly I could feel my power flow through my veins and my blood and into the air around me. I don't know how, but suddenly I could feel the presence of every object in that room, but my thoughts snagged on the dagger nearest to me, and I willed it to stop. Then I hear a big dung and open my eyes just in time to see Noctis flying, hitting the floor with a grunt and sliding a few feet, before coming to a stop. He groans lifting his head. His eyes widened as big as saucers.

"Woah," A voice draws my attention. I look up to see the dagger inches from my face, but that wasn't the only thing that drew my attention. A simmering red bubble encircled me and the dagger. I reached out and my hand touched a solid form. With my attention away from the blade drifting a few millimeters from my face, the dagger clattered to the ground.

"What the hell? What is this?" I eye the dagger one more second, just incase it tries to impale me, and press my other hand against the bubble, or whatever this thing was. I push against it, but this thing held firm. When my racing heart finally calmed down a bit, the bubble disappeared.

"That's incredible," Promto breaths. "How did you do that?"

"I don't know. I just did it," I looked at my hands, the faint glow disappearing too.

"Promto," Noctis rasps. "I'm going to kill you," He sits up, wincing. I frown.

"What happened to him?" I nod in his direction.

"Prince Noctis thought it would be a fantastic idea to run into your shield," Fay pointed out. My brows rise.

"He did? Why would you do that?" I ask him and he scoffs.

"He thought he could rescue you," Thea sings. A faint blush appears on prince Noctis cheeks, making me blink.

"There is no need to protect me. I can take care of myself," I tell him firmly. He needs to understand I will not be a damsel in distress. I can take care of myself.

"Yeah, I know," He murmured. "But that won't stop me from trying to protect you. Promto threw a dagger at your face, and you made no move to stop it, and I panicked," The prince stood rolling his shoulders. I throw my hands up.

"I'm a Guardian. I'm supposed to protect you," I pointed out and he threw me a dark look. He opens his mouth-

"Can you conjure that shield again?" Thea asks excited. I look at her, surprised.

"What? No one wants to hear you two argue about who protects whom."

I grin.

"I don't know. I can try," I concentrated on the fire inside me. I don't know what else to call it, except the core of my power. My own inner fire. Now that I know how it feels like when I'm not being blocked by whatever, I try to focus on that feeling. I connect with my core and let it spread through my veins, ravishing on the feeling of my power flowing through my blood and limbs. I can almost bath in this warm feeling. I try to imagine the bubble that surrounded me before, and push my power outwards. With my eyes still closed, I can feel the silent thrum of my power. It's like a distant light in the darkness, throbbing and pulsing. You can't quite see it, but you know its there, somehow.

I open my eyes and the first I see is the shield, surrounding me, again. I smile in triumph. Beyond that I can see my friends staring at me, everyone wearing similar expressions of shock and awe, except Noctis. I do a double take. He is standing arms crossed, with a smirk on his lips and some unreadable emotion on his eyes. Pride? Something deeper? I quickly avert my eyes. I do not want to know what that deeper emotion is, though I definitely have an idea.

"That's amazing," Thea gushed.

I smile.

"Yeah, it is," Yuna agreed, she stepped forward and pressed her hands against the solid bubble. Amazement shines in her eyes.

"Alright!" Promto whooped. "Well, your shield held when Noc ran into it, so need to test that, but-"

"You make it sound like I run into shields for a living," The prince deadpanned. I can't help but grin. An image of the prince running into shields to test is stability is quite funny. Upon seeing my grin, the prince glares, making me laugh. The line between his brows makes for a cute look when his mad.

"With Snow laughing, I can only assume she heard you, and we can hear her clearly. So that solves my next question. Now, now the fun begins. Let's test the shield even more," Promto bounces over to the weapons rack. He picks up an Cimmerian axe and gives it a few swings. Then he walks back with an excited and mischievous smile. My eyebrows lift.

"Are you serious? Did you not learn from what happened last time with your crazy ideas?" I asked him.

"Well, you'll have to be specific. I have a lot of crazy ideas that does not end well."

"It's true. This one time he thought it would be a great idea to play with water guns inside the castle," Ignis spoke up from where he still sat on the floor. He didn't even seem remotely interested in what was happening over here. I lift a brow.

"That doesn't seem so bad," I say. And it didn't. I mean how many kids of our age gets to play with water guns in the castle. Most of the children don't even get within a 100m of the palace walls.

"It wasn't, until important, potential allies from the neighboring kingdoms came to visit for a potential alliance and after a half an hour found themselves half sprawled on the ground unable to stand and walk for a second before slipping again. The king was livid and forbade us to see each other for four months," Ignis explained, glaring at Promto. My eyes felt like it would fall out of my skull any moment. The story Ignis told me, did not associate with the picture I have of Promto. He seemed so innocent. Not reckless or up to no good. That always seemed to be Noctis' MO.

"In my defence, I was young and dumb and none of you objected to that idea anyway, plus I'm sure King Manuele would've laughed if it wasn't such a dire situation," Promto flushed when I met his eyes, laughing nervously. Dire situation? What does he mean by that?

"Not much has changed, and you weren't that young. Only a year younger than you are now," Ignis pointed out. Promto opened his mouth to argue-

"What do you mean? Why was it a dire situation?" I interrupt.

Promto blinked. He took a moment to answer. I'm not sure if its because he had to think about it, or if he was thrown by the question.

"I don't know. King Manuele just went on about how we could've messed up years of planning and so forth. But at least everything worked out in the end," Promto shrugged. I frown. Last year? I don't remember hearing about an alliance with one of the neighboring kingdoms, and believe me, everyone would've heard about it. This city would've celebrated yet another alliance and at the thought of a prospering future for the kingdom. But there was none. And wasn't it during the time when King Manuele tried to end the five-decade-old war and offer a truce to the Empire. I thought the king didn't work on new alliances during that time.

"Do you know which neighboring kingdom it was?" I ask him.

"No, sorry. The king didn't really give any details," Promto answered. I glanced at Yuna, a question in my gaze:

Do you know anything about that?

Yuna shook her. She too looked weary.

"Heads up!" That was the only warning I got to ready my shield, before something slammed into my shield. The shield rippled like water, when you stick your finger into it. I felt the vibrations extend deep into my bones, my blood and into my veins, perhaps even deeper. But my shield held firm. I glared at Promto. He stumbled back a few steps when the axe bounced of my shield.

"Damn," He stretched out the word. His grin grew bigger with each syllable.

"Everyone, quick, grab a weapon and attack Snow's shield. Let's see how much she can withstand," Promto urged everyone on. He had this boyish grin, and twinkle in his eye, makes me wonder how on earth I could've thought he's the innocent one, and Noctis the wild one. Given, Noctis still isn't the saint, but I wonder how many times he got into trouble because of the guy in front of me.

"Focus, Snow," Yuna's soft voice came from a little farther in the room. I realised I'd been staring and quickly averted my gaze. It landed on Yuna, standing with a bow in her hand, with three arrows nocked. She always had excellent aim. Like me having my sword, she has her bow. It may not be a weapon with special powers, but its still a legendary weapon. Its been in their family for generations, like the sword in my father's family. The bow too had golden designs. Ancient markings.

She didn't even blink then let loose. The arrows whistled and struck my shield. I grit my teeth. When Yuna shoots an arrow its like being being rammed with a battering ram. The dummies we sometimes practised on didn't last long after she's through with 'em. Targets would sometimes be blown to bits too. I am so glad I have her on my side on the battle fields.

Cinthea then took Yuna's spot. She shot one arrow with her crossbow and threw two daggers at lightning speed, though not nearly as fast as Promto. With every hit, the faint red glow surrounding my hands flared.

"Our turn," Thea sang. She held a double bladed dagger, and next to her Fay stood with a triple-bladed scythe. I wince. I think I know what's coming. The TheaFay duo.They haven't perfected it yet, but for some reason those two work perfectly in sync. If they work hard, they'll probably be a very powerful duo. Individually they are good, but together they are exceptionally strong. Thea let out a battle cry and charged my shield. I widened my stance. I'll have to stay alert if I want to keep standing. Thea usually attacks first, causing the distraction, then Fay would attack either from behind me or follow up behind Thea. Thea let out a cry and smashed her double bladed dagger against my shield. I almost stumbled back a step. I threw out my hands, now burning red, to strengthen my shield. Suddenly I felt another impact behind me, just as deadly as the previous one.

"I see you've been practising," I bit out. Sweat beads on my forehead. To be quite frank, I'm not sure how long I can keep this up. My strength is waning and my muscles is beginning to ache.

"How ya doin', Snow?" Promto asks. At that point I crouched on one knee. I am too tired to keep standing. My legs do not want to hold my weight anymore.

"Just. Peachy," I say between breaths.

"Up for another round?" He grins down and at me. I give him a scathing look.

"No, I think we need to stop for today. Snow is worn out, and I doubt her powers is going to hold any longer. We'll continue tomorrow," Noctis' deep voice cut of anything I wanted to say, and even though I hate to admit it, I am very relieved that we're done for today. Promto pouts but relents and I let my shield drop. I groan in pleasure, because of the absence of pressure in my head and muscles. I sit on my knees and try to work out the kinks in my neck and shoulders. I am used to exerting myself, but this is a whole other level.

"I think we made good progress today. The odds are definitely in our favour," Fay commented. My gaze swung to her.

"What odds is that?"

"Well, whether or not you are going to kill us," She answered simply, making my brows rise.

"Gee, thanks for abundance of faith you have in me," I deadpanned. Out of my peripheral vision I could see my friends glare at her. I shake my head. I shouldn't be surprised about their lack of faith in me, but it still hurts like shit to know they're still afraid I'd lose control again.

"Hey, do you guys wanna join us? We're going to this place not far from here to hang out a bit," Promto asked.

"What kind of place?" I ask. I really didn't want to end up in a place that'd make me uncomfortable. Though I don't think they are that kind of people, and I doubt they'd invite us along if they're going to shady places.

"Maybe you've heard of it? Crown's drink and dance?"

I nodded. It's a hangout place for young people. Very popular, but we rarely ever go there, even though its like a block from us. I looked at my friends and none of them objected. It was like an answer to an unspoken question. Then I turned toward Promto.

"Sure sounds nice, thanks," I nodded and got a full mega watt smile in return, "Just give me a moment to shower and change."

"Sure no worries. We'll meet you there," Promto moved in to hug me, but when I put a hand out to stop him, he realised that I'm too sweaty to be hugged. So he settled on a laugh and ruffled my hair. I swat his hand away and roll my eyes. My gaze snagged on Prince Noctis. His eyes flashed at the open affection Promto showed me. His jaw ticked, making his face look hard and cold. Is he angry? No, the emotion that he is trying so hard to hide, is a lot stronger than anger. Jealousy? Seriously? I glared right back. He has no right to glare at Promto that way, like he is staking his claim on me. I turned to Promto.

"Sure, we'll meet you there,'' I agreed and nodded for my friends to follow me. I walked out the training hall and turned right to take the stairs to my room. I heard my friends following me and waited on the landing for them to catch up.

"Thea?" A very familiar, very annoying, stuck-up, prick that is a son of a bitch called out my friend's name. I turned toward Logan Rhude. I can't look at his face without wanting to punch him. Or maybe kill him. Depends on my mood.

"Logan? What are you doing here?" Thea asked. She moved toward him, but I grabbed her arm, holding her in place. Logan threw me a glare, but I don't give two flying pigs about what he wants. He and I both know Thea is a goner when it comes to him. He is like her achilles heel. She just needs to see him, then her ability to think rationally flies out the door. I can understand why she falls for him every time, he is real arm candy, though not as handsome as prince Noctis, he knows how to charm his way out of trouble. Or sometimes into it. Depends on the situation. He left the Guardian Core building's door open, as usual, making the sun stream in through the opening. His red, golden hair gaining even more character and shine. Usually it hangs lose on his shoulders but today he has it up in a man bun.

"I wanted to see you," He said simply, stuffing his hands into his pockets. Once upon a time I might've thought he was as crazy about her, as she was about him, but after a few year of fooling around, it was evident he was only after her body. Unlike me, Thea lost her virginity at the age of fifteen. Through him. Though I haven't lost mine at all. I probably would have, but I don't have the best track record when it comes to guys, and after a while I just didn't fancy sleeping with any boy anymore. He didn't rape her or anything, she was just that smitten and taken with him. I gripped her arm harder.

"Yeah? Well, we were just getting ready to leave. So come another time, or, you know, maybe never," I said in a cold voice. Over my dead body will he come near my friend, again. When she found out she wasn't the only one he has been sleeping with, she'd had been heartbroken. Shattered and I'd vowed that he will never charm his way into her life again. Especially when I saw the way she still looked at him.

"I wasn't talking to you. I was talking to her," He nodded his head her way, peeking at her from hooded eyebrows. I heard her sharp intake from breath. I glanced so quickly between him and her, it felt like my eyes were gonna pop out any moment.

"Well since I won't allow you to talk to her, you will talk to me. And I'm saying you won't be having your way with her today," I pushed her toward the others signaling them to go to their rooms. When they disappeared around the corner I stalked down the steps toward him.

"Snow, everything alright?" I heard Noctis ask.

"Fine, just taking care of some long overdue problems," I gritted out, not looking away from Logan. I saw him glare when he saw who came out of the training room, but then it turned into a smirk.

"Alright," He said reluctantly, then exited the foyer, his friends in tow.

"So. You and the prince fucking yet? It was bound to happen," He chuckled.

Slap! My palm connected with his cheek.

"Want to try that again, Logan?" I ask timidly. He glared.

"You have no right to keep Fay from me," He hissed and I couldn't help but laugh.

"You're a fool, or maybe an idiot. I'm still deciding, but I'm not the one keeping her away. You are. You never should have cheated on her," I sneered. Outside I'm sure I looked calm, but inside I was raging in fury. He laughed. He actually laughed.

"You mean I never should have cheated on her with you," He smirked. I remained calm, but inside I flinched and recoiled. I glared darkly at him.

"Stop throwing that in my face," I hissed. "I told her about it, then she dumped you, but I'm sure I wasn't the first one, nor your last," I stated. What I said was true. What we both said was true. Logan did kiss me, but I did not return his kiss, and I did tell Thea about it afterward. She is my best friend, and I will not withhold that kind of information from her.

"No, you were the first and the last," He said. I snickered.

"Does stupid stand in my forehead?" I asked him, earnestly. He shook his head in confusion.

"Exactly. I'm not dumb enough to fall for that, but even if what you said was true, why me then? Did you want to hurt her on purpose?" I seethed.

"No, but like every guy with a cock, I wanted to taste you. Even if it was just a kiss. Though now I've come to regret it. I underestimated how loyal you are to your friends," He shook his head. I almost wanted to slap him again. My hand actually itched to do it.

"BS! You just couldn't control yourself," I snapped. How dare he blame his manly parts for this. He had a choice, and he chose the wrong one.

"Its the truth, but it doesn't matter what you believe. I want her back. I miss her," He stares at me intently, almost willing me to understand.

"You know. You should want her, because you miss her, not the other way around. You don't know anything about love!"

"And you do?" He argued. Glaring right back at me.

"More than you do, to know that what you are feeling aren't love. Its lust!" I hissed. Then something changed in his eyes. It replaced any warmth there might've been in his eyes.

"Fine. But she wants me just as bad as I want her. I can see how she looks at me, and that's more than enough to keep her until I'm bored again," His lip curled up, and dreaded filled my stomach.

"You bastard!" I lunged for his throat, seeing red, but he grabbed both my wrists and twisted me so my back is against his chest. He pushed his hips flush against me and I could his erection. I froze, too shocked and repulsed to move, because that would give him the satisfaction of watching me squirm. He is the same age as me, yet towers over me.

"Now, now. No need for violence. You might not admit that now, but one day you will admit that you enjoyed that kiss just as much as I did," He whispered in my hear, while I struggled. I felt his mouth move to my neck, making my hairs rise. I reared my head back, before his lips could make contact. My head smashed against his nose, and he reeled back, loosening his grip on me.

"Don't ever touch me again, you sick bastard! And if you ever came near Thea again I won't hesitate to cut your throat!" I yelled.

"So violent," He chuckled. I scrunched up my nose in disgust. "I don't remember you being like this, but then I heard what happened, Miss Snow Kingston," He laughed. I shivered at the sound of it, and it wasn't because it turned me on. It did the complete opposite.

"I meant every word," I bit out, and I did. "Now leave!" I shouted. He grinned like a sociopath, but did as I said. When he slammed the door behind him, I ran and kicked it. Real mature, I know. There is no way in hell he is getting near her. I spun on my heels and bounded the stairs, stomping to my room. I threw open the door and Yuna yelped, jumping almost six feet high.

"What happened?" She took in my face.

"Logan fucking Rhude happened," I snapped. I paced the floor. I rarely cursed, but when I did, I usually had a good reason.

"Are you okay. He didn't do anything, right?" She searched my face.

I remembered his hips pushing into mine. Shame crept up like a thief, stealing my peace. I shook my head.

"No, but he did try to kiss me again, but luckily I slapped him before he even came close," I told her. Her eyes widened. I refused to tell her about the other part. I know there was nothing to be ashamed of, but I couldn't bring myself to tell her.

"I sure hope so. Did he say anything?"

"Yeah, he is going to use her again, until he gets bored," I told her. Just by saying that I wanted to kill something. She tck.

"We'll have to warn her," She said, and I almost snapped and said: No shit, sherlock- but that would've been unnecessary, so I took a deep breath, then nodded.

"I'm going to go shower quickly, then we can leave," I said instead and entered the bathroom. Under the hot water I realised my temper is getting worse. I have to rein it in, before I do permanent damage, but I don't realise what I'm thinking until later. I sigh. Somehow, someway I'll figure it out.

Like they say, anger is not a bad thing, if it is directed in the right way.