“ —if I get to see it again with you,”

He doesn't dare look back, he doesn't have to.

He can feel the fire no matter how far he goes.

Jodeus huffed and rested his hands on his knees, trying to regain his breathing. His cheeks were reddened and sweat trickled down his neck. Leaning against the sage-colored trunks for a quick break. He closed his eyes and let the glittering azure leaves tickle his skin as they fell softly from above. The pounding of his ears gradually calmed down and he felt like himself again. He loved this.

But time was ticking so he gulped the remainder of his water, desperately clinging to every last drop, he groaned in relief and placed the waterskin back on his belt. The incessant running continued when he heard a voice and familiar oncoming heat on his skin, the light from behind him touched every sage green trunk and its glittering fallen azure leaves.

"Need a rest?"

He grumbled under his breath, yes, in fact, but wasn't willing to say it aloud. The water he drank finally started to set in and the fatigue dissipated quite quickly. He grinned as he felt he could run forever but just then he heard the voice making fun of him once again.

"Just give up."

A rush of adrenaline set in; his legs felt lighter and his awareness had gone up. The way he moved became as fluid as water while avoiding the overly large tree roots and the poking branches that might slow him down. As someone who has spent most of his life running through the woods, the upper hand should belong to him. But he didn't have anyone chasing him under such pressure, but nevertheless, it filled his adrenaline even more.

The brightness lingered in his peripheral vision, just trailing behind him without an effort. He cried in frustration. If only he had water left, then he might just outrun him.

As if on cue, he heard a mocking laugh followed by a flap of sizzling wings. The voice echoed atop the forest but he neither glanced up nor behind him.

"Run like the wind they say, not run like a snail."

Jodeus jumped over a ledge, skirting behind a large tree, and continued running, "Big words for someone who hasn't caught me yet!"

Then finally, through the opening of the trees, the clear sparkling lake emerges into sight, along with the sun high up in the sky to guide his way. He laughed in relief and pushed himself up to climb on a large boulder. Without wasting half a second, he leaped off.

"Don't be so full of yourself."

The flame engulfed Jodeus in a warm embrace before he even felt the water underneath him, the surface was quite harsh and they both had landed headfirst causing the water to sizzle out the fire in only a second. Jodeus saw the smoke vapor escape into the sky before being submerged completely.

He held his breath as they went down, but a hand forcefully grabbed his cheeks causing him to blow out the air.

-

Brytos bent over and coughed lakewater out of his throat before grinning sheepishly at Jodeus, who was also coughing but wasn't grinning. "Are you alright?" he asked.

Jodeus snapped his head to look at him. "You.massive.idiot...". He stomped over towards him and grabbed his collar, "What were you thinking?!"

If he wasn't such a good swimmer they would've drowned; Brytos had blindly wailed around looking for something to grab on and being heavier than Jodeus had caused them both to go deeper. After that, he both pulled them to the shore and saved them.

He let go when Brytos cackled at him before sitting down on the grass, letting his whole body stretch out in leisure as the sun touched his bare skin. "That was fun, wasn't it? You're getting faster and someday you might just beat me."

"That's not the point!" Jodeus said but paused for a moment. "And I did, in fact, beat you."

Brytos snorted and looked up at the sky, he could tell that Jodeus was crossing his arms with his head raised high. "No, you didn't. In fact."

"I did," he stated. "I made it to the lake, which was the rule."

"Yeah, but I caught you before you jumped in or did water fill your brain and you forgot?"

"We didn't specify whether we'd go in the lake or not. I made it to the lake and I won!"

Brytos rolled his eyes and shook his head at the pompous proud man in front of him, who was acting like a child, which happens almost every time at the end of their games. "Whatever helps you sleep at night." He kicked the sand at his feet before spreading his arms and plopping down on the soft grass.

Letting his hand fall to his sides, he sat right next to him and rolled his eyes, brushing off his wet cerulean hair out of his face, "Don't be mad, I'll let you win next time," He said even though this win has been his first in any of their games.

"Uh-huh." he hummed in response and felt his stomach grumble; all this flying has gotten him tired and hungry. As he was about to suggest they go hunting, he noticed a red liquid gushing out the side of Jodeus's head. "There's something wrong with your head."

"Can't take me winning? Oh," he said, but untimely frowned when Brytos had shown him the blood off his forehead after wiping it with his bare hands, he felt a slight sting but that was all. "Small injury, nothing serious," he said.

He gripped Jodeus' chin and tilted his head from side to side. "Don't move."

Brytos may be humorous and sarcastic most of the time, and Jodeus enjoyed that about him, but he liked him better when he had a serious expression on his face, like the one he has now. There's just something about stoic and serious people that he loved, he doesn't know why. This made him feel a little flustered and reminded him of the evening when they first met:

"Can I go now? I mean, I already read this part. It's dark outside already."

The Alumnus stopped writing on the board and squinted his wrinkly eyes at him. "I trust that you will read 'The History of the Tanzanites' tonight. A fourteen-year-old boy your age should always exercise his mental capacity every time he gets the chance."

Jodeus rolled his eyes. "I'm not stupid. And a boy my age should be out there and not holed up with boring old people," he said softly with a grin.

The Alumnus knew he didn't mean to insult old people, but he only sighed and gestured for him to go.

He felt triumphant at the early dismissal and immediately took off without grabbing his things, he carefully made his way down the carpeted marbled stairs, passing by the busy servants who greeted him politely. He nodded back with a smile.

As he turned to a corner, he felt himself bump into someone, a girl, about his age.

"Hello Natiya!" he said, apologetically.

"Good afternoon, Young King." they bowed their head politely. He noticed the wooden sword dangling from their side.

"Practice isn't until Monday…" he trailed, quite unsure.

They smiled. "It doesn't hurt to practice at night. Would you like to join me?"

He shook his head. "Uh…No, I have something to do. Good luck and don't strain yourself!" and he ran off, waving goodbye before they could drag him off to her practice. He got an early dismissal and he'd rather not use that for another class.

He set his foot out unto the garden, sneaking as he saw his parents tending to their plants, which was something they often do at night when there is a full moon.

Successfully going unnoticed, he set off to the forest for his routine evening stroll within the closer premise of the palace. But since the moon glowed enough to pave the way through the dense leaves of the forest, he dared himself to go deeper. The castle was huge enough for him to see into the forest so there was no way he could lose his way.

The azure leaves glittered from the moonshine, the night seemed a lot more beautiful than it usually did, and furthering his walk, what he saw left him in awe;

The giant lake glistened in the unusual light with the warped reflection of the moon on the surface. He stripped off all of his silk and dipped his toes to feel the chill before diving in. He was alone and there was no one to bother him, that's what he had thought at least.

As he swam far from the shore, he heard an insistent splashing sound and a cry. Oddly enough, he can see vapor. And as he went closer to rescue this poor creature, he didn't notice the warmth of the water until it came to the point where it was almost boiling. Despite the pain, he grabbed the creature's arm and swam to the nearest shore. The creature— wait no it's a human— didn't put up a fight, probably tired from all that wailing around and the refusal to give in to the waters.

"Don't worry," he said, slowly taking in the redness of this person's hair, he had never seen someone with this kind of hair before, then the moonlight shone even brighter, revealing the red carvings on his skin, it was scripted, but it wasn't familiar at all.

The person looked at him with a contemplating look, he looked sharp and guarded, then he opened his mouth, "Does everyone in this country go around at night naked?" Then he remembered his clothes and bashfully covered himself up.

After that, he learned that his name was Brytos and he had run away from the chasms of Carnelian and found himself here. Jodeus was ecstatic, never had meant anyone outside of their nation. He said he fell off the sky and almost drowned. That's when Brytos had shown his wings, the flames had taken the shape of feathers, to his surprise, they didn't burn anything around them.

"I can burn things on command and not when I don't want them to," he stated, amused at the way too excited look on his new friend's face, "And what about you? I'm guessing you can control the water."

Jodeus looked down at his feet, he had nothing to show off. "I am not of age yet so I haven't gotten my own blessings. But I don't think it would be as impressive as yours."

"Oh. Don't you get them here when you reach the age of four?"

He shook his head, but Brytos tried to smile politely, which they both found odd, it looked as though he wasn't used to smiling at all. Jodeus smiled back. They spent their time together; him begging for more early dismissals (which The Alumnus didn't question) and sneaking off from the castle to see him every day, and Brytos waiting for him in the forest, much to Jodeus's incessant begging, Brytos just doesn't want to go the castle, he never said why.

But he got comfortable enough to sneak into the castle when the night had gone down, there weren't many guards at all, in fact, they were mostly out at night for a drink. Brytos found it odd but Jodeus didn't think it was necessary.

"The people are nice, I think they would love to know you," he simply said. For some reason, Brytos found it hard to believe him. He wished he could tell everyone about him but if wanted to stay a secret then a secret he was, they were happier either way.

And as years passed by, they became closer. Brytos had given him a silver band of garnet.

"This is called a Promise," he explained to him. The ring had perfectly, they kissed when Jodeus confessed how he felt, and now.

Jodeus tried to convince Brytos that he was fine and that there was nothing to worry about.

"I'm not that fragile," he insisted, removing Brytos's hand from his forehead, it wasn't sanitary to touch a wound either way. "Besides, The Alumnus had taught me loads of stuff about healing. I'll be fine."

A bump was beginning to form from where the scar was, he felt it now. Wincing, he glared at the man in front of him when he touched the growing bump on his forehead,

But then Brytos gave a sly grin, "Do you want me to kiss it so the pain would go away?"

They both chuckled and blushed at what he had said, feeling butterflies in their stomach. Only blushing deeper when his warm lips touched his forehead.

"I think I'm fine now…" he choked out.

Then a yelp unintentionally escaped his lips when Brytos pulled him up into his arms, carrying his whole body up to his chest. He held onto Brytos' neck, hands clasping against his nape as he wriggled in his embrace to a more comfortable position.

The leaves crunched under his heavy feet as Jodeus clung to him. The light shining through the canopy kissed Brytos's face in a heart-fluttering way, he couldn't help but stare, thinking how lucky he was to have met someone like him.

Jodeus leaned his head against his chest, taking in the comfortable beats of his heart, despite the running and almost drowning earlier, they were calm. He then looked at the garnet on his silver band with a smile. He let the gentle sway of his walking lull him to sleep, feeling drained after the hours of running around in the forest, chasing and running away from each other. He yawned, his eyes drooping before glancing at the man carrying him.

His aquamarine eyes met his garnet ones as they stared at each other's eyes, soaking in every detail, as they always do. Even when they closed their eyes, they knew every curve and chisel by heart, how could one forget?

They snapped out of their trance when Brytos tripped on a visible log out in the open, scaring both of them. Jodeus chuckled lightly, hearing the beat of his heart change, Brytos muttered a quiet, "Sorry."

"It wasn't your fault. Just…" He looked down at him again, a small smile playing on his lips, "Just don't look at me like that while I'm carrying you, or I swear I'll drop you."

"Yeah right," Jodeus chuckled under his breath, he nuzzled his nose against his, "As you could ever."

Brytos playfully rolled his eyes, chuckling as well before he planted a light kiss on the tip of his nose and continued his way. The rest of the walk was comfortably silent, occasionally broken by Brytos humming a tune Jodeus had only heard from him. Then the leisure was back, the sway and the heartbeat lulled him to sleep again and after a while, he finally closed his eyes.

Jodeus moaned awake, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and moving to sit upright when he felt arms pulling him back to an embrace once again.

"Stay," Brytos whispered softly, opening an eye to look at Jodeus, who smiled back up at him with adoring eyes. He laid his head on Brytos' chest and sighed contentiously as he felt a pleasant warmth embracing his whole body. The night was cold and to be embraced in the perfect warmth was just the best feeling in the world.

Playing with his love's hair, Jodeus hummed the tune of a lullaby Brytos had always hummed— my mother used to sing that to me, back when she was fine, he mentioned once.

He stopped short when he felt the even rising of his partner's breathing and quiet snores, he looked up to see Brytos; his eyes were calmly rested, the ever-present faint blush on his cheeks and nose flushed deeper, and a small smile was present on his somewhat chapped but still adoring lips. He raised himself to match his height and shuffled closer till their faces were mere millimeters apart, the sight was enough to make his heart melt. Leaning in, he wondered how someone could be this perfect.

Brytos slowly peeked an eye open with a smile and tackled Jodeus into an even warmer embrace, they both snickered. Both of them were awake but remained there as they held each other in consoling silence. This was a sweet routine they had that Jodeus always cherished, looking up at the stars and dreaming wide awake.

"Tell me again," whispered Jodeus, Brytos hummed in response, "About the outside world. The floating islands. The enormous mountains and hills."

Brytos smiled, but there was something hidden there, something Jodeus had always noticed but never spoken out loud. "They were beautiful. Even though I wasn't there for long…" he whispered.

The Uvites ruled the earth. The Azurites soared to the heavens. The Carnelians dominated the suns. The Tanzanites commanded the seas. Every nation had a sole power, the Stones, they each gave their blessings to the worthy.

Jodeus listened intently and hung onto every word that came out of Brytos's mouth. He talked about them in such a way that could never bore either of them, it felt magical and Jodeus imagined the places with such lavish enthusiasm.

Having never left his homeland, which was constantly beautiful in every way—if he said so himself, this could be the only way he could ever see the outside world. The Tanzanites had cut themselves off from the other Stones.

There were no literary records or scripts from the other lands in their libraries, the only other time he had heard about what life was like in the other homelands was from The Great Alumnus, the wise scholar, and everyone's teacher—also his tutor and friend. Just like Brytos, The Great Alumnus had traveled around the world. But that was a long time ago and who knows how old the old man is.

They don't even notice the time passing by as Brytos goes on.

"The origin of the floating islands was a legend that has been passed down so many times, it changed throughout history. My personal favorite was the Azurite Stone being stolen by some crazy maniac and they lost control of it because it was so strong. Then the floating islands happened," They both chuckle. "The place was a wonder, I wanted to take one island, a small inhabited one but that was impossible. And the sunset! Oh, the sunset looked stunning. You'd enjoy it, everything…

—and it would be lovely if I get to see it again with you," he said.

-

They awoke to find themselves in one other's arms with the blue moon peering down at them, high in the sky. Jodeus jolted up and broke free of Brytos' hold. He shook him frantically before Brytos could inquire as to what was wrong.

"The time!"

Brytos panicked as well and stood almost immediately, he pulled Jodeus up on his chest, earning himself a frightful gasp. Jodeus shook his head.

"No," he squeaked. 'I don't want to fly!"

"It's extremely late and if we wait any longer, they will send every soldier in search of you," Brytos insisted. "And besides I shouldn't have kept you for so long."

With all his strength, Brytos kicked off the ground and reached for the sky with Jodeus clinging for dear life and refusing to open his eyes. He ignited his flames and stretched the fiery feathers to their fullest form, vaporizing the clouds surrounding them. If anyone were to look up, they would wonder about the odd phenomenon of the orange-tinted clouds in the middle of a blue moon.

Jodeus loved his wings but it also scared the dear life out of him, he once thought it would be fun to fly and they did, it was too much for him to handle.

The Tanzanite Castle wasn't far— with the forest being their backyard and everything. Brytos lowered the heat of his wings as soon as they got closer, hoping that no one awake could have seen them.

He launched them to the open window of Jodeus' room without much thought for landing, causing them to roll over the carpet floor rougher than he had anticipated. His grip loosened, letting go of Jodeus just in time to slam on the wall by himself.

"Did you hear that?" said a voice that was muffled through the walls followed by marching steps that increasingly got closer.

Jodeus quickly got up on his feet, wobbling as he does, and fixed his hair. Before the guards even had the opportunity to knock, he opened the door and immediately slammed it shut on his back. He smiled apologetically at the two who wore surprised faces.

"The noise, Young King, is something the matter?"

"No! None at all, I was… uh…I fell." he mentally slapped himself. "In fact, you can go back and do your thing, there is absolutely nothing to worry about, so please," he whispered the last part which went unheard.

The two guards looked at each other. Jodeus tries to not fidget so much.

"King Nerune and Queen Caera were wondering where you were earlier at dinner," Jodeus froze at that, both of his parents had some 'trivial' matters concerning the borders and he thought they'd be gone for almost a week. Why would they be home this early? The guard continued, "The Alumnus said you were studying late again,"

"I was studying, I must've been focused so much that I didn't hear anyone," he lied through his teeth, slightly feeling guilty.

The guards didn't find anything suspicious with that, for as long as they had known him, Prince Jodeus had always enjoyed the company of books and had spent hours and hours with his nose between the pages when he wasn't outside.

"I think King Nerune and Queen Caera would like to see you now, they're at the gardens, Young King," he said.

Jodeus looked back at the door but the guards insisted to accompany him, they had worried looks on their faces, which was a rarity, they were always so jolly.

"I thought to inform you, Young King, about what they're going to say, it's very worrying." Jodeus nodded at him to continue but the other guard hushed him.

"I think it would be best if he heard it from his parents," said the guard.

Jodeus furrowed his brow, "Hear what? Why not just tell me?" He was getting worried now. Did something happen to his parents?

"I guess it would be best if he does."

That didn't sit well with him, but he didn't ask anymore as they accompanied him. One of them gestures at his forehead. He looked up at the pointed finger,

"Oh, this…this was just an accident." He had forgotten about it, honestly. "I fell," he said, once again.

"How difficult is it to read books all day that the Young King has to fall so many times?" said the guard, trying to lighten up the mood.

"It's because Young King has a lot on his head that it becomes difficult to carry," the other one joked back.

Jodeus flushed red, smiling. As they were reaching the gardens now, he saw the two familiar figures talking in the gazebo. Panic swelled within him as they both had serious looks on their faces. How long have they been in the garden? Did they spot them flying? Is this why he was called? Hundreds of thoughts crossed his mind, he stepped closer. The guards saluted and then left.

"Where have you been? You didn't even greet us when we arrived," his mother spoke in a very concerned voice, then she raised a brow, her sharp eyes peering through him. He felt himself shrink, trying to come up with an excuse. She grabbed both his hands and pulled him on the steps of the gazebo. He noticed that her hands were cold, colder than usual, "I think you should take a break. I never studied that much at my age. I wonder you got it from, and I do know it wasn't from Neru,"

"Caera, my love, I did love books as well, but I preferred the outdoors," his father said, but his tone didn't match what he said, like his mother, he seemed out of it. "But in all seriousness, sit down with us, Jodeus. I know you haven't eaten."

He pulled a chair and fancied himself some sweets that his parents loved, taking a bite slowly, his parents stared at him as though there was something on his face. He sipped his tea trying not to look too suspicious. They would do this often in the evening, having a cup of tea when everyone was asleep, it was calming. But this time it felt different,

The usual glow of the flowers and the flowing water of the pond didn't help ease the mood at all,

"The village at the edge of the kingdom was burnt to the ground, there were no survivors nor any trace of what—or who had done it… but it was no accident," his father stated, slowly.

Jodeus felt his heart drop, spilling his tea. "That's…"

His father made the tea float back to his cup and continued, "We believe this is a foreign attack to overtake us, assigning a personal knight must be done as soon as possible for your own safety… I think Natiya would fit the role just fine, right love?"

His mother nodded, "Of course, I trust no one else. They are good friends after all." she then leaned back on her chair, letting out a sigh. "We already ordered the court to have their villages be placed under security. We've dispatched our best soldiers from the academy throughout the country. I hope that whatever this is isn't as serious as we think it is, better to use early precautions."

Everything has always been peaceful in the last few decades among the Tanzanites, with no foreign conflicts and only minor accidents that are usually resolved within the day. The soldiers were disciplined and trained under tradition, but they were never dispatched to a location where they may risk their lives and never return, if this attack was a part of a bigger plot to overtake the Tanzanites then that may not be the case anymore—more so, Jodeus would be the one who'd be leading them if something were to happen with his parents.

"Natiya is busy with her swordsmanship, I can't possibly bother them," he said, trying to reason. If they were there to accompany him then Brytos would be found out.

"Jodeus, this is for your own safety. Think of it as part of their training. That's what the academy is for, after all." said his father.

"Yes but, I'm in the academy, same as theirs. I can protect myself, father, I'm not as helpless as you think…"

Before his father could respond, his mother grabbed his hand and gave him a look. She then turned at Jodeus, sympathetically. "We don't think you're helpless, son. It's just reassuring to know that you are protected by a good friend."

Jodeus bit his lower lip and looked down at his cup. He knew that they meant well, but... "Then at least, let me decide on who my personal knight will be… after all, I'll be nineteen soon and I'm going to be making my own decisions for myself, might as well start now. You'll be too busy tending to the people who need help."

They both looked at each other, silently communicating before sighing, his mother was the first one to speak, "If you say so, my dear, just please, make sure you pick someone who you can trust your life with."

Jodeus nodded. His father spoke second, and with a heavy sigh, he nodded. "With that being said. Out of respect for the dead, I think we should delay your blessing ceremony. I know you've been waiting for so long, son." said King Nerune as he placed his hand on his own.

He had been waiting for it, a few days from now, he'd finally bow to the Stone. The thought made him nervous and excited. But, "It's fine, honestly, we could just do it in private. The people are our priority."

"Our son is as kind as he is smart," his father said. They beamed at him as if he was the best thing in the world. Jodeus feels a blush creeping, an embarrassed one, somewhat easing the dread inside him. "Our baby clearly got it from me."

His mother scoffed. "You?"

He had his father's hair and eyes, with the rest of his features from his mother, and if he said so himself, he got his brains from her, but he didn't dare mention it. Enjoying watching them playfully bicker and laugh at each other, something they clearly needed after the horrible plight.

"We'd be holding a public funeral soon. For your first task as Young King, I would like you to organize it, would that be alright?" his mother asked,

"I'm up to the task, you don't have to worry about it," he said, but in all honesty, he was unsure, despite the fact that he was finally given a responsibility, something he knew would be given to him. His mother held his other hand, squeezing it with care. Jodeus cherished their proud looks, they both smiled at him and it felt good, but then they frowned.

"What happened to your forehead?" she asked, pushing his hair away to reveal the nasty cut he had forgotten about. She conjured up a ball of ice and wrapped the table napkin around it. Jodeus accepted it, putting it on his bruise. His father squinted, trying to get a good look.

"I didn't know it was possible to get paper cut on your head," his father said. His mother rolled her eyes but raised a brow when Jodeus nodded.

He tried to explain, hoping to convince them, and they let it go but he had a feeling his mother didn't believe a word he said.

-

He leaned against the door and felt the familiar warmth emanating through it, he pushed it open and locked it closed. Brytos laid on his bed, in the leisure of the blankets, with the pillows thrown lazily on the floor. He went over to pick them up and placed them back where they belong. He sat at the edge, patting away the dirt crumbs that clearly came from the only other individual in the room, who didn't seem to care about the mess he was currently making.

Brytos rolled over to him. "You know, I used to imagine that you slept in a pool of water."

"We aren't fishes, Bry," he raised an eyebrow and laid down. "And I can't transform myself as you do or any superb ability for that matter. If I did, I would be spending my time with my people instead of my books," he said solemnly.

"You'll get something amazing, I'm sure," Brytos reassured him, knowing these are one of the things that upset him. It's not the first time they've talked about it.

"But every King of Tanzanites was blessed with abilities greater than anyone in the kingdom! My father can command the water and my mother has a rare blessing of ice. I can run fast but that's it. If only I could do so much more than run… then maybe the people would have someone to put their trust into." he covered his face with a pillow and sulked.

"Jo," Brytos sat up in a crossed-leg position. "Those guards from earlier, seem to sincerely care about you. Back in Carnelia, they feared their ruler— But I wasn't scared. The people were constantly at each other's throats because of him. That's why I had to run away. If that's not enough of an indication that you'd be a great king someday then I don't know what. Once your people get to know you more than you get to know your books, they would love you very much. Just like I did."

Jodeus smiled under the pillow but still, the dread doesn't just fade away. He thought about the village and the innocent people who suffered, who could've done such a thing, and why?

He told Brytos what his parents had told him earlier, he froze and there was something in his expression that Jodeus couldn't place. Anger? Fear? Suspicion? But he didn't ask what.

"The village…I know you love your people, my condolences."

"Thank you," he frowned. "My parents suspect that this won't be the last. I need to stop playing around and do something."

Brytos scooted closer to him, making the pillows fall. "When the time comes, I'll fight alongside you, that's another promise from me."

"I love you."

Then an idea popped into Jodeus's head, he rolled over his back, hopped off, and rummaged around his room; Brytos looks confused but doesn't say anything. He looked around, thinking. He almost gave up but lit up when he saw his table, he grabbed something on it and hid behind his back as he approached the bed once more.

He cleared his throat. "Kneel," he said. Brytos raised a brow. "Do it for me, please."

"Oookay," Brytos rested his knee on the carpet floor with his other foot forward, "Now what?"

"I," Jodeus paused and stepped closer with the fountain pen at hand, "Future King Jodeus Argyran Sirvellas S. Matellius I of the Tanzanites, therefore title you Grand Knight Brytos of the Tanzanites and entirely my man. I pray that your valor and commitment serve as an inspiration to the people of the Kingdom." he tapped the pen on both shoulders.

"I am honored, King Jodeus," Brytos smiled sheepishly. "And grateful for such a grand ceremony, it must've cost you a lot."

"Indeed it has, and as a gift, I shall give you this,"

The prized Tanzanite crystal, which was only granted to the royal family, was mounted on the end of the cap of the azure marble pen; it was given to him on his 12th birthday and he had been using it daily for his studies and personal journals. It's also used for engagement rings or necklaces for someone you are courting,

Though Brytos had never shown any interest in writing, he took it with glee. Had it been anything else, he would've still accepted it wholeheartedly.

He placed it deep in his pocket. "I'll cherish this forever," he whispered under his breath, looking down at the carpet floor, then he turned towards the window. It seemed that something had caught his eye, "I should go back to the forest," he said suddenly, jumping on the ledge of the window.

Jodeus frowned at this and fiddled with his sleeve, "Don't you want to stay?"

"I would love to but…" he stopped short and looked out the window. "I'll see you tomorrow, goodnight."

"Of course, goodnight." he smiled.

Jodeus watched as Brytos glided down and landed softly, his eyes not leaving him as he ran through the now empty gardens and off in the direction of the forest. He would've preferred if he'd just stayed instead, but Brytos must've been used to sleeping outside or maybe he just wasn't comfortable in a castle full of guards. He did once tell him that he escaped prison, although Jodeus didn't hear the rest of the story (he'd rather not pry and make him uncomfortable). What matters is that Brytos is here and is safe and sound.

He returned to his bed and wiped the dirt away once again before slipping beneath the covers and dozing off, anticipating the next sunrise.

-

"Return to us!" exclaimed the small hooded figure.

"I won't go back," Brytos growled and slammed him against the tree, his grip tight on his neck, "And how dare you show your face to me after what you did to those people?"

"I- I had to see what I was up against…" he breathed out but then grinned. "They were weak, none of them could even fight back, not even the so-called soldiers."

He tightened his grip even further. "I'd rip out your neck right here," Brytos glared right at his soul, his eyes turning into a burning amber. "But I don't want blood in my hands, so I'll say this once again.

Leave. Forever. Or You'll Regret It."

Brytos watched him get up on his feet. The boy glared at him but the sad look was evident.

"Is this it? You're just going to abandon your subjects?"

"Yes,"

"Why?"

His eyes softened, thinking back at the castle and a certain someone. "Go find somewhere else and spend your life in peace." Brytos smiled and fiddled with the pen in his pocket. "I traveled the countries to look for something and I finally found it. It would be a waste to go back now."

But his words fell on deaf ears. The small figure clenched his fists, feeling the anger boiling up inside him. "So you really won't return to us?"

"How many times do I have to say it?"

"Fine. If you've made your decision... then I'll have no choice but to make mine. I'll leave."

"Thanks, Baco."

He murmured, "No. I'll have to thank you. You've always been the answer to everything." He then flickered away, leaving Brytos alone in the forest with only himself.